Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 15 & 16 March, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
15 & 16 March, 2026

National Affairs

1. Purple Fest

Source: PIB

Context:

The Rashtrapati Bhavan recently hosted the Purple Fest, celebrating the achievements and talents of Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and promoting inclusivity in society.

About Purple Fest

Purple Fest is an inclusive event organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to recognize the talent, achievements, and aspirations of persons with disabilities (Divyangjan).

Aim

• Promote awareness and dignity of persons with disabilities.
• Encourage equal participation and inclusion of Divyangjan in society.
• Highlight their abilities, creativity, and contributions.

2. Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP)

Context:

The Government of India has launched the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) to speed up the removal of legacy waste dumpsites in urban areas and reclaim land for productive use.

About DRAP

DRAP is a targeted one-year programme designed to accelerate the remediation of old garbage dumpsites (legacy waste) in cities across India.

• Launched: November 2025
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
• Implemented under: Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0

The programme adopts a fast-tracked and structured approach to clear large garbage dumps and convert the reclaimed land into parks, public infrastructure, or waste-management facilities.

Objectives

• Achieve 100% clearance of dumpsites within one year of adoption.
• Accelerate processing of legacy waste accumulated over decades.
• Prevent the creation of new dumpsites.
• Reclaim valuable urban land.
• Improve public health and environmental conditions.

3. Project Great Indian Bustard Captive Breeding Programme

Source: News on Air

Context:

The Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Captive Breeding Programme has entered its fourth year, with the hatching of two new chicks at the conservation breeding centre in Rajasthan. The initiative aims to prevent the extinction of one of India’s most endangered bird species.

About the Captive Breeding Programme

The programme is a conservation initiative to protect and increase the population of the Great Indian Bustard through scientific breeding.

• Implemented by:
  • Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  • Rajasthan Forest Department
  • Wildlife Institute of India
• Launch:
  • Project Great Indian Bustard: 2013 (Rajasthan Government)
  • Dedicated breeding facilities operational around 2019–2022.

Aim

• Create a self-sustaining captive population of Great Indian Bustards.
• Reintroduce birds into the wild to increase the declining population.

About the Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

The Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and a flagship species of India’s grassland ecosystems.

It is also considered an umbrella species, meaning that protecting it helps conserve many other grassland species.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
• CITES: Appendix I

These classifications give the species maximum international and national protection.

4. Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Initiative

Source: ET

Context:

The Union Minister of Communications is launching the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project at Umri Village, Madhya Pradesh, aimed at improving digital service delivery in rural areas.

About the Samriddh Gram Initiative

The Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Initiative is a pilot programme for integrated “phygital” service delivery—a combination of physical and digital services—in rural India.

• Implemented by: Department of Telecommunications
• Built on: BharatNet rural broadband network

The initiative establishes village-level service hubs called “Samriddhi Kendras” to provide multiple citizen services through digital connectivity.

Pilot Locations

The project is being implemented in three villages representing diverse socio-economic conditions:

• Umri Village, Madhya Pradesh
• Narakoduru Village, Andhra Pradesh
• Chaurawala Village, Uttar Pradesh

Each Samriddhi Kendra is designed to serve multiple villages within a 5 km radius.

Objectives

• Demonstrate how BharatNet connectivity can deliver integrated public services at the village level.
• Create a replicable model for rural digital transformation.
• Promote convergence of digital infrastructure, governance services, and community participation.

5. Centre Amends Electricity Rules to Strengthen Captive Power Generation

Context:

The Union government has amended the Electricity Rules, 2005 to strengthen the framework for captive power generation, particularly as industries increasingly invest in renewable and non-fossil fuel energy sources.

The Union government has introduced the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2026 to clarify provisions related to captive power plants and reduce regulatory ambiguity. The reforms aim to improve ease of doing business and support industries generating electricity for their own consumption.

What is Captive Power Generation?

Captive power generation refers to electricity produced by industries for their own consumption instead of relying entirely on the public power grid.

Industries often use captive plants to:

• Ensure reliable power supply
• Reduce energy costs
• Meet sustainability targets through renewable energy.

What is a Captive Power Plant?

A captive power plant (CPP) is a facility where industries generate electricity for their own use instead of relying entirely on the public power grid.

Benefits include:

• Reliable electricity supply
• Lower power costs
• Reduced transmission losses.

The concept was earlier recognised under the National Electricity Policy, 2005.

Banking/Finance

1. RBI Launches “Awareness Program on Digital Payments”

Source: BL

Context:

In March 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a pilot initiative titled “Awareness Program on Digital Payments” to promote safe and widespread adoption of digital payment systems across India.

The programme was launched by Sanjay Malhotra, Governor of the RBI.

Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) 2026

• The initiative is part of the 6th edition of Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW).
• Observed from: 9–13 March 2026
• Objective: Promote secure digital transactions and financial literacy among citizens.

Key Features of the Programme

1. Awareness Program on Digital Payments

• A pilot initiative designed to educate people about:
  • Safe digital payment practices
  • Fraud prevention
  • Responsible use of digital financial services.

2. Multi-Media Awareness Campaign

The RBI also launched a campaign titled:

“Thoda Dhyan Se” (Be Alert / Be Careful)

The campaign encourages users to:

• Verify details before making payments
• Avoid sharing sensitive information
• Stay cautious while transacting online.

2. Mis-selling in Bancassurance and the Goal of “Insurance for All by 2047”

Source: BS

Context:

Recent steps by the Ministry of Finance, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) aim to curb mis-selling of insurance through banks (bancassurance) and strengthen consumer protection. These reforms are important for achieving India’s goal of “Insurance for All by 2047.”

What is Bancassurance?

Bancassurance is a partnership where banks sell insurance products of insurance companies to their customers through bank branches.

Advantages:

• Wider distribution of insurance products
• Easy access for customers
• Additional revenue for banks.

However, the model has faced serious concerns about mis-selling.

Rising Complaints of Mis-selling

According to recent data:

• Over 26,000 complaints of unfair insurance practices were recorded in FY25.
• Mis-selling accounts for about one-fifth of life insurance grievances.

Mis-selling occurs when customers are pressured or misled into buying insurance policies unsuitable for their financial situation.

Examples include:

• Converting fixed deposits of senior citizens into insurance policies without proper explanation.
• Selling policies with high premiums to customers who cannot afford them.

Regulatory Gaps in Bancassurance

Historically, regulation of bancassurance has been weak due to overlapping jurisdiction:

• Insurance products are regulated by IRDAI.
• Banks are supervised by the RBI.

This created a regulatory grey area, allowing banks to sell insurance products with limited monitoring.

The Finance Minister has clarified that mis-selling is an offence, and customers should not have to approach two regulators for grievance redressal.

Recent Regulatory Measures

1. RBI Draft Conduct and Sales Norms

The RBI has proposed conduct and sales-practice rules covering third-party products sold by banks, including insurance.

2. Risk-Based Internal Audit (RBIA)

Banks will strengthen their Risk-Based Internal Audit system to examine:

• Suitability of insurance products
• Financial capacity of customers to pay premiums
• Compliance with regulatory guidelines.

3. Suitability Checks

Banks must ensure that insurance products match the customer’s:

• Financial capacity
• Investment goals
• Risk tolerance.

Importance for Financial Inclusion

If properly regulated, bancassurance can:

• Expand insurance coverage
• Improve financial security
• Support the national objective of “Insurance for All by 2047.”

However, customer trust and strong governance are essential for the model to succeed.

3. RBI Likely to Increase Liquidity to Control Short-Term Interest Rates

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to increase liquidity in the banking system before the end of the financial year to prevent short-term interest rates from rising sharply. This move comes amid currency market interventions to stabilize the Indian rupee, which has weakened due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Why RBI May Inject Liquidity

The RBI has been selling dollars in the foreign exchange market to prevent a sharp fall in the rupee. Since the beginning of the Iran–West Asia conflict, the RBI has reportedly sold about $12 billion.

Such interventions reduce rupee liquidity in the banking system.
To offset this tightening effect, the central bank may inject liquidity through monetary operations.

Tools Used by RBI to Increase Liquidity

The RBI can use several instruments:

1. Open Market Operations (OMOs)

• RBI purchases government bonds from the market.
• This injects money into the banking system.

2. Dollar–Rupee Buy–Sell Swaps

• RBI buys dollars now and sells them later.
• This temporarily injects rupee liquidity into the banking system.

Objective: Control Short-Term Interest Rates

• RBI aims to keep short-term interest rates stable, particularly the call money rate.
• The call money rate should remain near the policy repo rate, which is currently 5.25%.
• These rates are within the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) corridor, indicating comfortable liquidity.

Why Controlling Short-Term Rates Matters

Maintaining stable short-term rates helps:

• Reduce borrowing costs for banks
• Prevent sudden increases in bond yields
• Maintain financial market stability.

If liquidity becomes tight, banks may face higher overnight borrowing costs, affecting lending rates across the economy.

Agriculture

1. Farmer Earnings May Decline if West Asia Crisis Affects Exports

Source: BS

Context:

India’s agricultural sector may face economic pressure if the ongoing West Asia geopolitical tensions continue for a prolonged period. A report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) warns that disruptions in trade routes and demand from Gulf markets could reduce farmer earnings and impact agricultural exports.

Importance of Agriculture in India’s Economy

• Agriculture contributed about 18% of India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) in FY26.
• The sector supports millions of farmers and agro-based industries.
• Export markets play a crucial role in stabilizing farm incomes.

Dependence on West Asia for Agricultural Exports

According to the GTRI report:

• India exported $11.8 billion worth of agricultural products to West Asia in 2025.
• This accounted for over one-fifth of India’s total agricultural exports.

Because of this dependence, prolonged geopolitical conflict in the region could disrupt trade and reduce demand for Indian farm products.

Agricultural Products Likely to be Impacted

Exports that could face major disruptions include:

• Cereals (especially rice)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Spices
• Meat and dairy products
• Beverages.

Among these, rice exports are most vulnerable.

Products Highly Dependent on Gulf Markets

Some agricultural products have over 70% of exports going to West Asia, making them particularly vulnerable:

Product	Share of Exports to West Asia
Sheep and goat meat	98.9%
Copra (dried coconut kernel)	83.9%
Beer	81%
Bananas and plantains	79.6%
Nutmeg, mace and cardamom	70.5%

These sectors could face significant export losses if trade routes are disrupted.

2. Powerful Challengers to Crops: Rise of Allied Sectors in Indian Agriculture

Source: BS

Context:

Indian agriculture, which has evolved significantly since the Green Revolution in India, is gradually shifting from traditional crop cultivation to high-value allied sectors such as horticulture, livestock, fisheries, poultry, beekeeping, and agro-forestry. These sectors are emerging as major drivers of agricultural growth and farmer income.

Faster Growth of Allied Sectors

According to the Economic Survey of India 2025, allied agricultural activities have grown faster than crop farming.

Sector	Average Annual Growth (Decade ending 2024-25)
Crop sector	3.5%
Livestock	7.1%
Fisheries	8.8%

Historically, crop farming has grown only 2–3.5% annually since the 1960s, whereas allied sectors have expanded at more than double that rate.

Boom in Horticulture

Within the crop sector, horticulture has shown remarkable progress.

• Total horticulture production (2024-25): over 360 million tonnes
• Food grain production: around 330 million tonnes

Breakdown of horticulture output:

• Fruits: 114.51 million tonnes
• Vegetables: 219.67 million tonnes

India is now the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, accounting for about 13% of world production.

India is also the largest producer of several horticultural crops:

• Bananas
• Papayas
• Mangoes
• Ginger
• Okra

Horticulture now contributes around 33% of agriculture’s Gross Value Added (GVA).

Remarkable Growth in Livestock and Fisheries

Livestock

• GVA increased by 195% between 2014-15 and 2023-24.
• Growth rate: 12.77% CAGR.

Milk has become India’s largest food commodity:

• Milk production (2024-25): about 248 million tonnes.

This exceeds production of major cereals:

• Rice: ~150 million tonnes
• Wheat: ~118 million tonnes.

Fisheries

The fisheries sector’s GVA increased by around 140% during the same period, showing strong expansion.

Why Allied Sectors Are Important for Farmers

Allied sectors provide several advantages compared to crop farming:

1. Regular income – livestock and dairy generate daily earnings.
2. Less climate dependence compared to crops.
3. Risk diversification – livestock income supports farmers when crops fail.
4. Support for small farmers – over 85% of Indian farmers are small or marginal.

Crop farming and animal husbandry also have a symbiotic relationship:

• Crop residues serve as animal feed.
• Animal waste acts as organic manure.

Facts To Remember

1. Sonam Wangchuk Released After 170 Days of Detention under NSA

Ladakhi environmentalist and activist Sonam Wangchuk has been released from Jodhpur Central Jail after spending 170 days in detention under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980. The Union Home Ministry revoked his detention order with immediate effect.

2. 41 of 166 Tiger Deaths in India Reported in Maharashtra (2025)

According to data from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), 166 tiger deaths were recorded in India in 2025, out of which 41 occurred in Maharashtra. The information was shared by Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik during the State Legislative Council’s Budget session.

3. Mayank becomes India’s 94th GM and the first from Assam

Mayank Chakraborty has become India’s 94th Grandmaster and the first from Assam. The 16-year-old achieved the title at the Hotel Stockholm North by First Hotels Chess Talents tournament, which he won (with seven points from nine rounds).

4. NDSA New Office Inaugurated and Digital Dam Safety Platforms Launched

C. R. Patil inaugurated the new office of the National Dam Safety Authority in New Delhi. Key digital initiatives including a GIS-based website, AI-enabled platform NETRA, and Rashtriya Bandh Suraksha Darpan were launched. NETRA was developed with support from the Indian Navy and WESEE. The platforms aim to strengthen monitoring, regulation and risk assessment of dams across India.

5. H. D. Kumaraswamy Launches Projects at BHEL Haridwar

H. D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated key infrastructure projects at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. He dedicated a 5 MW ground-mounted solar power plant and inaugurated a 30-ton Electric Arc Furnace. The event also included flagging off an upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount for the Indian Navy. A turbo generator manufactured at the facility was also dispatched.

6. Government Adds Seven Districts in Phase VI of Gold Hallmarking

The Government of India implemented the sixth phase of mandatory gold hallmarking under the Bureau of Indian Standards regime. Seven districts including Katihar (Bihar) and Banda (Uttar Pradesh) were added from 2 March 2026. Hallmarking ensures the purity and authenticity of gold jewellery sold in India. With Phase VI, the system now covers 380 districts nationwide.

7. India Post Releases Special Cover for Annapurna Devi Birth Centenary

India Post released a special cover to mark the birth centenary of legendary musician Annapurna Devi in Kolkata. She was a renowned Hindustani classical music exponent and a respected teacher. Despite her reclusive life, she received major honours including the Padma Bhushan. The initiative commemorates her contribution to Indian classical music.

8. MSDE Signs MoU with GATI Foundation for Global Skill Mobility

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship signed an MoU with the GATI Foundation to enhance overseas employment opportunities for skilled Indians. The agreement aims to position India as a global skills capital by 2047. It includes foreign language training, documentation support and cultural orientation. The initiative will also strengthen Skill India International Centres.

9. DEPwD Launches Life-Cycle Support Model for Hearing Impaired

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities partnered with the Coalition of the Willing to launch India’s first integrated support model for persons with hearing impairment. The collaboration includes organisations such as Yunikee and the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre. It focuses on awareness, assistive technology, education and employment opportunities. The initiative supports inclusive development for Divyangjan.

10. OIL and NSTFDC Partner to Improve Healthcare in Tribal Areas

Oil India Limited signed an MoU with the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh. The initiative will upgrade health facilities in Rajgarh district with ambulances and advanced medical equipment. The project includes ventilators, CPAP and ultrasonography machines. It aims to improve healthcare access for tribal communities.

11. IIT-Guwahati and Japan’s Gifu University Form Academic Consortium

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and Gifu University signed a Letter of Intent to establish the North East Region–Japan International Academic and Research Consortium. The partnership includes 22 institutions from Northeast India. It aims to promote research collaboration, academic exchange and technology development. The agreement was signed during the Japan-North East Academic Industry Cooperation Symposium 2026.

12. NCB and TraceXero Collaborate on Carbon Capture Technologies

The National Council for Cement and Building Materials partnered with TraceXero Technologies to develop carbon capture and utilisation technologies. The initiative focuses on reducing emissions in the cement sector. TraceXero has developed a process that converts captured CO₂ into graphitic carbon and graphene. The collaboration supports sustainable and low-carbon industrial development.

13. T-Hub and JETRO Partner for India–Japan Startup Collaboration

T‑Hub partnered with the Japan External Trade Organisation to strengthen collaboration between Indian and Japanese startups. The partnership focuses on deep-tech sectors such as AI, aerospace, defence and smart infrastructure. It will facilitate startup exchange programmes and market access opportunities. The initiative supports technology cooperation between India and Japan.

14. Jose Antonio Kast Sworn in as President of Chile

Jose Antonio Kast was sworn in as the 38th President of Chile after winning the 2025 presidential election. The ceremony took place at the National Congress in Valparaíso. He received the traditional presidential symbol, the Piocha de O’Higgins, from outgoing president Gabriel Boric. Kirti Vardhan Singh represented India at the inauguration ceremony.

15. KV Ramana Murty Appointed Whole-Time Member of SEBI

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of K. V. Ramana Murty as Whole-Time Member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India. He will serve for a three-year term from the date of assuming charge. Murty is a 1991-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service. His appointment increases the number of whole-time members on the SEBI board to four.

16. ISRO Conducts Sea-Level Hot Test of CE20 Cryogenic Engine

Indian Space Research Organisation conducted a successful sea-level hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine at 22-tonne thrust at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri. The test lasted 165 seconds and used a nozzle protection system. It supports the development of the C32 cryogenic stage for the Launch Vehicle Mark‑3. The upgrade will enhance payload capability for future missions.

17. World Rotaract Day 2026 – March 13

Rotary International observes World Rotaract Day annually on 13 March. The day recognises the contribution of Rotaractors in community service and leadership development. In 2026, it marks the 58th anniversary of the first Rotaract Club established in North Carolina in 1968. World Rotaract Week 2026 is observed from 9–15 March.

18. Supreme Court Urges Government to Promote Pulse Cultivation

The Supreme Court of India has asked the Union government to revisit its agricultural policy framework and encourage farmers to diversify from wheat and paddy to pulses. The Court emphasised that better incentives and pricing policies are needed to make pulse cultivation viable for farmers.