Daily Current Affairs Quiz
08&09 March, 2026
National Affairs
1. SHINE App Launched by Indian Railways
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Indian Railways launched a new mobile application called SHINE (Sexual Harassment Incident Notification for Empowerment) on International Women’s Day (March 8) to help women employees report workplace harassment.
Key Features of the SHINE App
Purpose
- Provides a digital platform for women railway employees to report sexual harassment at the workplace.
- Aims to ensure safety, quick reporting, and better grievance redressal.
Integration with HR System
- The app is integrated with the Human Resources Management System (HRMS) of Indian Railways.
- Employees can access it through the Employee Self Service (ESS) portal.
Confidential Reporting
- Maintains confidentiality of complainants.
- Ensures complaints reach the relevant authorities for timely action.
Wider Reporting Scope
- Complaints can also be filed on behalf of outsiders, such as:
- Visitors
- Contractual staff
- Students or trainees
- Other individuals who may not have direct access to the app.
Legal & Institutional Framework
Vishakha Guidelines (1997)
- Issued by the Supreme Court of India to prevent sexual harassment at workplaces.
- Mandated the creation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in organisations.
POSH Act, 2013
- The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act provides a legal framework to address such complaints.
2. Standards for Green Ammonia and Green Methanol
Source: TH
Why in News?
The Government of India has announced standards for green ammonia and green methanol to promote trade and production of green hydrogen derivatives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Objective of the Standards
- Define emission thresholds and eligibility criteria for classifying ammonia and methanol as “green”.
- Ensure transparency and credibility in the production and trade of green hydrogen derivatives.
- Facilitate domestic use and global export.
About the National Green Hydrogen Mission
- Launched: January 2023
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- Initial Outlay: ₹19,744 crore
- Objective: To make India a global hub for the production, use, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
What is Green Hydrogen?
- Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources (such as solar or wind) through electrolysis of water.
- Unlike grey hydrogen, it does not produce carbon emissions.
Green Hydrogen Derivatives
- Green Ammonia: Produced using green hydrogen and nitrogen; used in fertilisers, shipping fuel, and energy storage.
- Green Methanol: Produced using green hydrogen and captured carbon; used in shipping, chemicals, and clean fuels.
3. PM Modi on “Nari Shakti” on International Women’s Day
Source: TOI
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on International Women’s Day (March 8), highlighting the role of “Nari Shakti” (women power) in driving India’s development and nation-building.
Key Highlights:
1. Recognition of Women’s Contribution
- The Prime Minister said women are shaping India’s progress across sectors with determination and creativity.
- Their achievements strengthen India’s goal of building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
2. Focus on Women Empowerment
- The government emphasised that women’s empowerment is central to many flagship schemes and initiatives.
- The aim is to create opportunities for women to realise their full potential and contribute to national development.
3. Role of Women in Nation Building
- Women’s aspirations, leadership, and participation are crucial for India’s social and economic progress.
- Their contributions are seen as transformative for the country’s future growth.
4. Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) Satellite Systems
Source: The Times of India
Why in News?
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bellatrix Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite systems, aiming to strengthen India’s indigenous space technology and defense capabilities.
What is Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO)?
- VLEO refers to satellite orbits at an altitude of 150 km – 450 km above the Earth’s surface.
- This is lower than traditional Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which typically ranges from 500 km – 2,000 km.
Organizations Involved
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL): A state-run defense electronics company under the Ministry of Defence.
- Bellatrix Aerospace: An Indian space-tech startup known for developing advanced satellite propulsion systems.
Aim of the Collaboration
- Develop indigenous VLEO satellite platforms.
- Build integrated satellite solutions for:
- Strategic/defense applications
- Civilian uses such as communication and Earth observation.
- Combine PSU manufacturing capability with startup innovation to accelerate India’s space technology ecosystem.
5. Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG)
Source: News in Air
Why in News?
The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) will be held in Chhattisgarh from 25 March to 6 April 2026, as announced by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
What is Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG)?
- KITG is a national-level multi-sport event exclusively for tribal athletes from across India.
- It is organised under the Khelo India Scheme, a flagship programme aimed at promoting sports culture, grassroots talent identification, and sporting excellence.
Host and Venue
- Host State: Chhattisgarh
- Host Cities:
- Raipur
- Jagdalpur
- Sarguja
About Khelo India Programme
- Launched to strengthen the sports ecosystem in India by identifying talent at the grassroots level.
- Declared an Event of National Importance in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Act, 2007.
6. Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Aircraft
Source: ET
Why in News?
An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed at Inglong Ekopi Hill in Assam on March 5, 2026, during a routine training mission.
What is the Sukhoi Su-30MKI?
- The Sukhoi Su-30MKI (NATO reporting name: Flanker-H) is a heavy, twin-engine, multirole air superiority fighter aircraft.
- It is the primary combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force, capable of performing:
- Air superiority missions
- Ground attack operations
- Maritime strike missions
- Long-range patrols
Development and Manufacturing
- Designer: Sukhoi Corporation (Russia)
- Manufactured in India by: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at Nashik
- The aircraft integrates technologies from multiple countries:
- Russian airframe
- Indian avionics
- Subsystems from France and Israel
7. Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (ECA)
Why in News?
The Central Government invoked the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955 in response to an energy crisis triggered by geopolitical tensions involving Iran, to regulate supply and prevent hoarding of essential resources.
What is the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955?
- The ECA, 1955 is a central law that allows the government to regulate the production, supply, and distribution of essential commodities.
- It aims to ensure availability of essential goods at fair prices and prevent hoarding and black marketing.
Objectives
- Ensure steady supply of essential goods to consumers.
- Prevent artificial scarcity and price manipulation.
- Enable the government to secure commodities for national defence and emergency situations.
Key Features
1. Declaration of Essential Commodities
- Commodities listed in the Schedule of the Act are considered essential.
2. Power to Amend the Schedule
- The Central Government can add or remove commodities from the list in consultation with State Governments.
3. Stock Limits
- The government can impose limits on the quantity of commodities traders can hold to prevent hoarding.
4. Price Regulation
- The Act allows the government to control prices of items such as:
- Food grains
- Edible oils
- Sugar
- Other essential items
5. Penalties
- Violations under Section 3 may lead to:
- Imprisonment from 3 months to 7 years
- Fines
6. Confiscation Powers
- Authorities can seize commodities and transport vehicles used in illegal storage or transportation.
8. SWAYATT Initiative
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated the 7th anniversary of the SWAYATT initiative on 6 March 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting its role in promoting inclusive public procurement for startups, women entrepreneurs, and youth.
About SWAYATT Initiative
Full Form: Startups, Women and Youth Advantage through e-Transactions
- Launched on: 19 February 2019
- Implemented by: Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Objective: To integrate startups, women entrepreneurs, and youth-led enterprises into the government procurement ecosystem.
Key Objectives
- Promote inclusive participation in government procurement.
- Support women-led enterprises, startups, and youth entrepreneurs.
- Encourage digital transactions through the GeM portal.
- Improve market access for small and emerging businesses.
Highlights of the 7th Anniversary Event
- Held at GeM headquarters in New Delhi.
- Ajit B. Chavan, Additional CEO of GeM, presented the progress and future roadmap of SWAYATT.
- A documentary showcasing the seven-year journey and impact of the initiative was screened.
About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
- An online procurement portal for government departments and public sector organisations.
- Enables transparent, efficient, and paperless procurement of goods and services.
Banking/Finance
1. RBI Waives NOFHC Condition for AU Small Finance Bank
Source: Financial Express
Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relaxed the requirement of creating a Non-Operative Financial Holding Company (NOFHC) for AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) as it transitions to a universal bank.
Key Developments
1. Relaxation by RBI
- Earlier, AU SFB was required to create a NOFHC to hold promoter shareholding before becoming a universal bank.
- RBI has removed this mandatory requirement.
2. New Condition
- The NOFHC structure will be required only if:
- The bank or promoter group plans to set up additional financial services entities in the future (e.g., insurance, mutual funds).
3. Timeline for Universal Banking Licence
- In-principle approval: August 7, 2025
- Validity: 18 months
- The bank must apply for the final universal banking licence within this period.
What is a Universal Bank?
A universal bank provides multiple financial services under one roof, including:
- Commercial banking
- Investment banking
- Insurance services
- Asset management
- Retail and corporate banking
Examples in India include SBI, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank.
What is a Small Finance Bank (SFB)?
Small Finance Banks were introduced by RBI to promote financial inclusion by providing:
- Basic banking services to small businesses, farmers, MSMEs, and low-income households.
- They have restricted operations compared to universal banks.
What is NOFHC?
Non-Operative Financial Holding Company (NOFHC)
- A holding company structure used by RBI to separate banking operations from other financial services of a promoter group.
- It helps reduce conflicts of interest and improve regulatory oversight.
2. NBFCs Seek Risk-Weight Rejig Amid Rising RBI Scrutiny
Source: Business Line
Why in News?
Large Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) classified under the Upper Layer have requested the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to revise (reduce) risk weights on certain loan categories, particularly retail loans, citing stricter regulatory scrutiny and higher capital requirements.
Key Issue
- Retail loans account for about 90% of NBFC industry Assets Under Management (AUM).
- NBFCs currently face higher risk weights than banks on similar loans, which increases their capital requirements.
Difference in Risk Weights: Banks vs NBFCs
Retail Loans (Vehicle loans, MSME loans, loans against property, gold loans)
| Institution | Risk Weight |
|---|---|
| Banks | 75% |
| NBFCs | 100% |
Corporate Loans
| Rating | Banks Risk Weight | NBFCs Risk Weight |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | 20% | 100% |
| AA | 30% | 100% |
| A | 50% | 100% |
This difference raises the capital cost for NBFCs, making lending less competitive.
Reasons for NBFC Demands
- Increased Regulatory Scrutiny
- RBI supervision of large NBFCs is now almost at par with universal banks.
- Higher Capital Requirements
- NBFCs must maintain higher capital adequacy ratios.
- Expected Credit Loss (ECL) Model
- NBFCs follow stricter provisioning norms, increasing financial pressure.
- Need for Harmonisation
- NBFCs want risk weights aligned more closely with those for banks.
Additional Demands by NBFCs
1. Dedicated Refinance Window
- Similar to the National Housing Bank (NHB) facility for Housing Finance Companies.
2. Permission to Accept Public Deposits
- RBI has not allowed large NBFCs to accept deposits for decades.
Funding Challenges
- Institutional investors like EPFO and PFRDA mainly invest in government securities.
- Investments in NBFC bonds (NCDs) are largely limited to AAA or AA rated NBFCs.
- Mutual funds also avoid lower-rated NBFC debt, making fundraising difficult for A or BBB rated NBFCs.
Key Concept: Upper Layer NBFCs
Under RBI’s Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) Framework, NBFCs are classified into:
- Base Layer (NBFC-BL)
- Middle Layer (NBFC-ML)
- Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) – large and systemically important NBFCs
- Top Layer (NBFC-TL) – if risks increase significantly
Agriculture
1. National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge
Source: ET
Why in News?
In March 2026, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched the National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge to develop a National Climate Stack that provides decision-ready climate intelligence for agriculture, rural finance, and public planning.
About the Initiative
- Launched by: NABARD
- Partners: Gates Foundation and Dalberg Advisors
- Objective: Build a National Climate Stack to support climate-resilient agriculture and rural development.
Key Features
1. Digital Infrastructure
- The initiative is anchored in DiCRA (Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture).
- DiCRA will be upgraded from a digital public good to a digital public infrastructure for climate data.
2. Target Participants
The challenge is open to India’s:
- Tech startups
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Other innovators in the scientific ecosystem.
3. Awards
- 1st Prize: ₹15 lakh
- 2nd Prize: ₹10 lakh
- 3rd Prize: ₹5 lakh
Winners may also receive pilot project opportunities and adoption support through NABARD’s partner network.
What is the National Climate Stack?
- A digital platform integrating climate data, analytics, and decision tools.
- Designed to support:
- Climate-resilient agriculture
- Rural financial planning
- Public policy and development programmes
About NABARD
- Full Form: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
- Established: 12 July 1982
- Legal Basis: NABARD Act, 1981
- Role: Apex development bank for agriculture and rural development in India.
- Supervises Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and cooperative banks.
Facts To Remember
1. Cheetahs Moving from Kuno to Rajasthan
Two cheetahs from Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh) have moved into Baran district of Rajasthan, travelling about 60–70 km. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) clarified that this movement represents natural territorial behaviour of cheetahs.
2. SBI Launches USD 500 Million Social Loan for Women’s Empowerment
State Bank of India launched a USD 500 million syndicated social loan facility to promote women’s economic empowerment. The funding will support MSMEs, Self-Help Groups and women-focused livelihood initiatives. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group acts as the mandated lead arranger and loan coordinator. The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.
3. BEL and SASMOS Sign MoU to Strengthen Defence Manufacturing
Bharat Electronics Limited signed an MoU with SASMOS HET Technologies Limited to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing and exports. The agreement was exchanged in the presence of Rajnath Singh at the SASMOS Aerospace SEZ in Bengaluru. A naval radar communication subsystem developed within six months was showcased. The partnership aims to accelerate defence electronics innovation and production.
4. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff
Dhiraj Seth was appointed as the next Vice Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army. He will assume office on 1 April 2026 succeeding P. P. Singh. An Armoured Corps officer commissioned in 1986, he currently serves as the GOC-in-C of Southern Command. The VCOAS is responsible for operational readiness, modernization and coordination across Army commands.
5. Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2026 – March 7
Jan Aushadhi Diwas is observed annually on 7 March in India to promote affordable generic medicines. The initiative highlights the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana. The day was declared by Narendra Modi in 2019. It is organised by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India under the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
6. Karnataka Presents ₹4.48 Lakh Crore Budget for FY27
Siddaramaiah presented the ₹4.48 lakh crore budget for FY2026–27 in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The budget focuses on technology-driven growth, infrastructure and sustainability. Total revenue receipts are estimated at ₹3.15 lakh crore with a fiscal deficit of ₹97,449 crore. Major allocations include sectors such as agriculture, health, women and child development, and energy.
7. Maharashtra Presents ₹7.69 Lakh Crore Budget for FY27
Devendra Fadnavis presented the Maharashtra Budget for FY2026–27 with a total outlay of ₹7.69 lakh crore. The budget focuses on welfare programmes, infrastructure and economic growth. It proposes a capital outlay of ₹1.12 lakh crore and a fiscal deficit of 2.7% of GSDP. The budget also includes the Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Farmers’ Loan Waiver Scheme for crop loans up to ₹2 lakh.
8. India crowned T20 World Champions after thumping New Zealand in final
India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to clinch the T20 World Cup 2026 title in a thrilling final. India posted a formidable 255 for 5 in 20 overs, while New Zealand was restricted to 159 all out in 19 overs.
9. Second Phase of Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme to Launch in Delhi Today
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will launch the second phase of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme in Delhi today.
10. Indian Army Organises ‘Veterans Samman Sampark Rally’ in Nagpur
The Indian Army organised a “Veterans Samman Sampark Rally” today at the Kavi Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Nagpur, under the guidance of Headquarters Uttar Maharashtra and Gujarat Sub-Area.
11. Kerala Police to launch ‘Nirbhaya Nisha’ initiative for women’s night safety
In Kerala, various programmes were organised across the state to mark International Women’s Day.
12. Sports competitions held at 250 locations across India under ASMITA project on Women’s Day
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, sports competitions were organised simultaneously at 250 locations across the country under the ASMITA project of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
13. Ministry of Home Affairs Holds Seminar on Integration with State Emergency Operation Centres in New Delhi
The Ministry of Home Affairs has conducted the third seminar on integration with State Emergency Operation Centres today in New Delhi.
14. India–Finland Business Meeting Held in Mumbai to Boost Economic Cooperation
India-Finland business meeting held in Mumbai today, bringing together industry leaders and policymakers from both countries to explore avenues for deeper economic cooperation.
15. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to Organise Nationwide ASMITA Athletics League on International Women’s Day
The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is organising a nationwide athletics league – ASMITA across the nation, including Punjab, to celebrate women in sports on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
