Weekly Current Affairs (March 2026 – Week 4) – Exam Revision Notes
1) International Current Affairs
Russia’s ‘Max’ Messenger App – The Surveillance Concern
Russia is actively promoting Max, a messaging platform developed by VK (formerly VKontakte), as an alternative to Western apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, which Russia has been progressively restricting.
The critical concern: Max is not end-to-end encrypted, meaning messages can potentially be accessed by authorities. This raises serious questions about digital privacy and government surveillance of citizens’ communications.
Max is being designed as a one-stop super-app combining messaging and social media, digital identity services, banking and payment systems, and access to government services — all under one roof. This makes it a powerful tool for the state to monitor daily digital activity.
Exam Angle: This topic connects to digital sovereignty, surveillance capitalism, and the global trend of governments building state-controlled digital infrastructure.
U.S. Fuel Blockade on Cuba – Humanitarian Crisis
Cuba is experiencing a severe energy and humanitarian crisis as a result of the United States imposing a fuel blockade, which has sharply reduced oil supplies to the island nation. The U.S. has restricted oil shipments — including those from Venezuela — as part of its strategy to pressure Cuba into political change.
Cuba is heavily dependent on imported oil, particularly for electricity generation. The blockade has caused widespread power outages and shortages of basic essentials, pushing millions into hardship. The situation has drawn criticism from international humanitarian organisations who argue that civilians bear the heaviest burden of such sanctions.
2) National Current Affairs
Government Tightens Oversight on GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs (Ozempic)
India’s Drugs Controller General has significantly strengthened regulatory oversight over GLP-1 based weight loss drugs — popularly known internationally as Ozempic and Wegovy — to prevent unauthorised use and misuse.
These drugs had been increasingly sold through pharmacies, online platforms, and wellness clinics without proper medical supervision, which prompted the regulatory crackdown. GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists work by mimicking a gut hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels.
These drugs are approved only under strict medical prescription, primarily by Endocrinologists (specialists in hormones, metabolism, and reproduction), Internal Medicine specialists, and Cardiologists in specific high-risk cardiac cases. Self-medication or purchase without prescription is now a regulatory offence.
Gruh Sugam Portal – Simplifying Home Loans for Defence Personnel
The National Housing Bank (NHB) has launched the Gruh Sugam Portal, a dedicated digital platform designed to simplify and streamline the home loan process specifically for defence personnel, paramilitary forces, and government employees.
The portal addresses a longstanding problem: personnel posted in remote or border areas often cannot visit bank branches physically to apply for loans. Through Gruh Sugam, eligible applicants can now apply online through their respective administrative units, completely eliminating the need for physical visits.
The platform acts as a unified digital marketplace where applicants can receive and compare loan offers from multiple financial institutions simultaneously, increasing transparency and enabling users to choose the best deal. This is a significant step toward financial inclusion for India’s armed forces.
3) Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs
Historical Milestones – INS Kalvari & Visakhapatnam Port
Two important historical facts about Visakhapatnam surfaced in current affairs this week.
India’s first submarine, commissioned on 8 December 1967 at Riga, USSR. It was based at INS Virbahu in Visakhapatnam and served for nearly three decades before being decommissioned in 1996. INS Kalvari marked the beginning of India’s submarine warfare capabilities.
Visakhapatnam Port:
Inaugurated on 19 December 1933 by Lord Willingdon. The first ship to enter the port was S.S. Jaladurga, marking the beginning of organised ocean trade from the eastern coast of India.
Exam Angle: These are frequently asked static GK facts connected to AP’s maritime heritage and naval history.
Andhra University Centenary Celebrations (1926–2026)
Andhra University — one of India’s iconic pre-independence legacy universities — will celebrate its 100-year centenary from April 15 to 26, 2026. Established in 1926, the university was founded under the leadership of C.R. Reddy and was later shaped by the intellectual legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who served as its Vice Chancellor before becoming India’s second President.
The celebrations will feature the release of a commemorative coin, a special stamp, and an envelope — marking a century of academic excellence from Visakhapatnam.
AMNS India Mega Steel Plant – ₹1.36 Lakh Crore Investment in AP
The foundation stone for a transformative mega steel plant by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) India was laid at Rajayyapeta in Andhra Pradesh. With a total investment of ₹1.36 lakh crore, this is one of the single-largest industrial investments in the history of Andhra Pradesh.
The plant will be built in two phases with a combined capacity of 17.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Phase 1 production is expected to begin by 2028. The project includes a dedicated captive port worth ₹11,198 crore, road infrastructure, and over 5,000 acres of allocated land. The plant is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment and significantly boost AP’s industrial economy.
AP City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy – Expanding Clean Energy Access
The Andhra Pradesh government has introduced a new City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy aimed at expanding piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure across the state for households, industries, and commercial establishments. The policy is a key step in AP’s transition toward cleaner cooking and industrial fuel.
A single-window clearance system has been introduced for faster project approvals. Oversight will be managed by a State Level Utilities Coordination Committee (SLUCC), with District-level committees headed by District Collectors.
Deemed Approval Rule: Right of Way (RoW) permission must be granted within 21 days. If it is delayed beyond that, approval is automatically granted after 30 days — ensuring that bureaucratic delays cannot stall clean energy infrastructure.
4) Polity & Governance
Debate on Compulsory Voting in India
The question of making voting compulsory in India resurfaced after the Supreme Court made observations during election-related hearings. This topic is a recurring theme in Indian constitutional discussions and is frequently tested in APPSC and UPSC examinations.
The right to vote is provided under Article 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act. It is a statutory right, not a fundamental right. Voting is neither a fundamental duty nor a legal obligation under Indian law.
Why Committees Opposed Compulsory Voting:
The Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990) and the Law Commission’s 255th Report (2015) both opposed making voting compulsory, citing practical challenges and constitutional concerns. Compulsory voting may violate Article 19(1)(a) — Freedom of Expression, as the right to abstain from voting is considered part of the freedom not to express.
Countries With Compulsory Voting: Australia, Brazil, and Argentina enforce compulsory voting with penalties for non-voters.
Alternatives Suggested: Increasing voter turnout through awareness campaigns, better transport facilities on election day, support for migrant voters, and exploring remote/online voting technologies.
Supreme Court: SC Status Available Only to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists
The Supreme Court of India ruled that Scheduled Caste (SC) status is available exclusively to persons professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, as defined under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.
Only persons who follow Hinduism (original), Sikhism (added in 1956), or Buddhism (added in 1990) are eligible for SC status. Conversion to Christianity or Islam leads to immediate loss of SC status, including loss of reservation benefits and protection under the SC/ST Act.
Case Background:
A petitioner born into the Madiga SC community had converted to Christianity and later filed a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The Court held that Christianity does not recognise the caste system, so SC benefits cannot be claimed after conversion.
Key Interpretation — What Does “Profess” Mean?
The Court clarified that “profess” means publicly practising a religion — not merely holding a personal internal belief. SC status and conversion to Christianity or Islam are mutually exclusive.
Re-conversion Rule: To regain SC status, a person must be accepted back by the community, prove their original caste identity, and demonstrate genuine re-conversion.
Supreme Court on ‘Vande Mataram’ – Not Mandatory
The Supreme Court held that the Union Government’s advisory on playing the National Song “Vande Mataram” at public and ceremonial events is not mandatory and does not violate constitutional freedoms. The advisory issued by the Union Home Ministry prescribes a protocol but is not legally binding.
Article 51A of the Constitution makes it a fundamental duty of citizens to respect the National Flag and National Anthem — but there is no such explicit constitutional duty for the National Song. The Court noted that concerns of discrimination were “premature and vague” and that individuals can approach courts if actual discrimination occurs.
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 13 March 2026 to amend the parent Act of 2019. The Bill brings significant definitional and categorical changes.
The 2019 Act had a broad definition based on gender identity mismatch at birth. The 2026 Amendment replaces this with a specific list of included categories:
Added (Socio-cultural identities): Kinner, Hijra, Aravani, Jogta
Added (Biological variations): Persons with variations in genitalia, chromosomes, or hormones
Newly included: Eunuchs and persons forced into transgender identity through physical or medical procedures
Removed from coverage: Trans-man, trans-woman, and genderqueer persons — their exclusion has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and legal experts.
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026
The Government introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha to promote Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living by decriminalising minor offences across Central laws. This is the second edition of the Jan Vishwas initiative (the first was passed in 2023).
The Bill proposes amendments to 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts administered by 23 Ministries. Of these, 717 provisions will be decriminalised, replacing imprisonment penalties with monetary fines or administrative actions. The remaining 67 provisions are amended to improve citizen convenience — especially under laws like the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Governance Philosophy:
The Bill reflects a shift from punitive governance to trust-based governance by removing outdated legal provisions, introducing graded penalties (warnings for first-time offences), rationalising fines by offence severity, and setting up Adjudicating Officers and Appellate Authorities for faster dispute resolution.
5) Economy
RBI Framework on Unauthorised Digital Transactions & Fraud Detection
The Reserve Bank of India has revised its guidelines on unauthorised electronic banking transactions (2026) and introduced a new compensation mechanism specifically for small-value fraud cases — an important consumer protection measure in India’s rapidly growing digital payments ecosystem.
RBI is mandating the use of AI, machine learning, and Big Data analytics for real-time fraud detection across banks. The Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC) was set up in 2025 to monitor digital payment fraud systematically.
MuleHunter.AI: RBI’s dedicated AI tool to detect mule accounts (accounts used by fraudsters to receive and transfer stolen money). Currently operational across 26 banks.
Financial Literacy Initiatives: Centre for Financial Literacy (CFL) — 2,421 active centres; Financial Literacy Week (FLW); awareness campaigns like “RBI Kehta Hai” and “SEBI vs SCAM”.
DPIIT Signs MoU with Razorpay to Strengthen Startup Ecosystem
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding with fintech company Razorpay to provide India’s growing startup community with better financial tools, mentorship, and structured ecosystem support.
Access to digital payment solutions and financial tools, mentorship programmes for founders, and structured guidance through the ecosystem. A dedicated Startup Sahayak Platform has also been launched under this initiative to provide company incorporation support and easy access to both central and state government schemes.
Government Retains 4% Inflation Target for RBI till 2031
The Government of India has retained the retail inflation target at 4% with a tolerance band of ±2% (lower limit: 2%, upper limit: 6%) for the period April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031. This decision was taken in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India.
This is the third iteration of the same framework — first introduced in 2016, continued in 2021, and now extended till 2031. The framework formally enshrines price stability as RBI’s primary mandate and helps anchor inflation expectations for businesses and investors.
Japan Extends ODA Loan of ~₹16,420 Crore to India
Japan has committed Official Development Assistance (ODA) worth JPY 275.858 billion (approximately ₹16,420 crore) to India for four major development projects. The loan agreements were signed between the Government of India and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), further strengthening the India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership.
1. Sustainable Horticulture Development in Punjab
2. Bengaluru Metro Rail Project Phase 3
3. Mumbai Metro Line 11
4. Strengthening Tertiary Healthcare System in Maharashtra
6) Science & Technology
15 New Moons Discovered Around Jupiter and Saturn
The Minor Planet Center (MPC) — based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and operating under the International Astronomical Union — officially announced the discovery of 15 new moons in our solar system. Jupiter gained 4 new moons (discovered by Scott Sheppard and David Tholen), while Saturn gained 11 new moons (discovered by a team led by Edward Ashton).
Co-formation: Moons form from the same gas and dust cloud as the parent planet — common in Jupiter and Saturn’s larger moons.
Capture Theory: A planet’s gravity captures a passing asteroid or object and turns it into a moon. Many of Jupiter and Saturn’s newly discovered small moons are believed to be captured objects.
Giant Impact Theory: A massive collision throws debris into orbit, which eventually coalesces into a moon — this explains how Earth’s Moon was formed.
Fragmentation: A larger moon or body breaks apart under tidal forces, forming multiple smaller moons.
The MPC is also responsible for tracking asteroids and comets and monitoring Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) for planetary defence.
7) Environment
Cabinet Approves Updated NDC Targets (2031–2035)
The Union Cabinet has approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period 2031–2035 under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. These are India’s formal commitments to the global community on climate action and represent a significant escalation of ambition compared to earlier targets.
Emissions Intensity: 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2035 compared to 2005 levels
Clean Power: 60% of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035
Carbon Sink: Creation of a carbon sink of 3.5–4.0 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through forests and tree cover by 2035
Long-term Goal: Achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070
8) Schemes
Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME) – Modified
The Government has modified the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME) to improve credit access and reduce the compliance burden on small businesses. The scheme is implemented through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC).
The scheme provides 60% guarantee coverage on loans up to ₹100 crore for plant and machinery. Service sector MSMEs have now been included (earlier limited to manufacturing). The machinery cost requirement has been reduced from 75% to 60%, making it easier for more MSMEs to qualify. The upfront contribution is now refundable, and guarantee tenure is fixed at 10 years.
Special Incentives for MSME Exporters:
Exporters get enhanced 75% guarantee coverage on loans up to ₹20 crore, along with lower guarantee fees and contributions. This is significant because MSMEs contribute approximately 30% to India’s GDP and 45% to its total exports.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions 2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0)
The Government has launched CGSMFI-2.0 to revive and strengthen credit flow to Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), which serve India’s most economically vulnerable borrowers. The scheme facilitates credit flow of up to ₹20,000 crore to NBFC-MFIs and MFIs, benefiting around 36 lakh small borrowers.
Small MFIs: 80% coverage | Medium MFIs: 75% coverage | Large MFIs: 70% coverage
Interest cap: EBLR/MCLR + 2% | Guarantee fee: 0.5% per annum
Implemented through NCGTC.
Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) – Farming and Solar Power on the Same Land
Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) is an innovative dual-use system that installs solar panels on elevated structures above farmland, allowing crop cultivation to continue beneath while simultaneously generating solar electricity. This solves a critical problem in India’s renewable energy push — the competition for land between solar parks and agriculture.
Under schemes like PM-KUSUM, the government is promoting solarisation of agriculture. The 2026-27 budget allocated nearly ₹5,000 crore to PM-KUSUM. A proposed National Agri-Photovoltaics Mission (10 GW target) may accelerate large-scale adoption. AgriPV allows farmers to earn dual income — from crops and from selling electricity — making it financially attractive for rural communities and helping India achieve its 300 GW solar target by 2030.
National AI Skilling Initiative – Training 15,000 Youth in AI
The Government of India launched the National AI Skilling Initiative in partnership with Google and YouTube to strengthen India’s creative (orange) economy. Around 15,000 youth will be trained free of cost in AI-related skills. The programme will be implemented through the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in two phases from March to December 2026.
Basics of AI and Generative AI, prompting and AI tools, advanced storytelling, and YouTube content creation.
Other Initiatives Launched Alongside:
MyWAVES platform for citizen content creators, and in-built satellite tuners in TVs for easier access to DD Free Dish — expanding digital access to Doordarshan content without external equipment.
Modified UDAN Scheme – ₹28,840 Crore for 10 Years
The Union Cabinet has approved the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN for a period of 10 years (FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36) with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore. The scheme aims to make air travel affordable for common citizens and connect Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with the national aviation network.
Airport Development (CAPEX): Development of 100 airports — ₹12,159 crore
Operations & Maintenance: Financial support for 441 aerodromes — ₹2,577 crore
Helipad Development: 200 modern helipads to be built — ₹3,661 crore
Viability Gap Funding (VGF): Support to airline operators — ₹10,043 crore
Aircraft Acquisition: HAL Dhruv helicopters (for Pawan Hans) and HAL Dornier aircraft (for Alliance Air) to be procured under the initiative.
Bio-RIDE Scheme – Boosting Biotech Research and Entrepreneurship
The Government’s Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) Scheme, launched on 18 September 2024, is designed to strengthen India’s biotechnology research, innovation pipeline, and entrepreneurship ecosystem. It has an estimated outlay of ₹9,197 crore for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26 under the 15th Finance Commission cycle.
Major Drone Initiatives in India – SwaYaan & Beyond
India is building a robust national drone ecosystem through multiple government-backed initiatives. The flagship capacity-building programme is SwaYaan, which has trained over 32,000 beneficiaries through 900+ activities, implemented using a hub-and-spoke model involving 30 premier institutions including IITs, NITs, and IIITs.
Drone electronics, Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC), aeromechanics, drone applications, and allied UAS technologies.
Other Key Drone Initiatives:
RPTOs (Remote Pilot Training Organizations): 251 authorised institutions, over 42,000 trained pilots
Namo Drone Didi Scheme: Training women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in drone operations — 500+ trained women drone pilots
PMKVY 4.0: Over 25,000 candidates trained in drone-related skills
PUSHPAK Mission: Focus on indigenous drone technology development
9) Ranks & Reports
NICRA Climate Risk Report – 310 of 651 Districts Vulnerable
The Government, through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is implementing the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) programme. A comprehensive climate risk assessment was conducted across 651 agricultural districts using IPCC protocols.
Of the 651 districts assessed, 310 districts are climate-vulnerable: 109 districts have Very High Vulnerability, and 201 districts have High Vulnerability. District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACPs) have been prepared for all districts to guide farmers and administrators in responding to climate-linked agricultural risks.
PLFS Annual Report 2025 – Employment Trends in India
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2025, offering a comprehensive picture of employment and workforce conditions in India.
Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): 59.3% (for persons aged 15 years and above) — stable, indicating steady workforce engagement
Worker Population Ratio (WPR): 57.4% — proportion of employed persons in the population
Overall Unemployment Rate (UR): 3.1% — a slight decline from the previous year
Youth Unemployment (15–29 years): Decreased to 9.9%
Structural Shift: Declining share of agriculture employment; growing share in manufacturing and services
Wage Employment: Share of regular wage/salaried workers increased to 23.6%
Gender Wages: Female earnings showed stronger growth than male earnings across employment categories — a positive sign for gender equity.
10) Defence
INS Taragiri – India’s New Stealth Frigate to Be Commissioned
The Indian Navy will commission the stealth frigate INS Taragiri (F41) on 3 April 2026 at Visakhapatnam. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Taragiri is the 4th ship built under Project 17A, India’s advanced stealth frigate programme, constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
The vessel is designed for multi-role combat operations at sea as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, reflecting the modern Indian Navy’s dual-use doctrine.
Tunguska Air Defence Missile System – India’s ₹445 Crore Deal
The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹858 crore to strengthen India’s air defence and maritime surveillance capabilities. The most significant component is the procurement of the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System for the Indian Army from JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia — valued at ₹445 crore.
The Tunguska is a highly mobile, combined gun-missile system designed to engage low-flying aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles at close range. It provides battlefield air defence for ground troops, operating effectively against threats that traditional longer-range missile systems are not optimised for. This strengthens India’s multi-layered air defence architecture and deepens the Indo-Russian defence partnership.
11) Committees & Conferences
Expert Committee Formed to Review NCERT Legal Studies Curriculum
The Supreme Court of India directed the formation of an expert panel to review the NCERT legal studies curriculum for schools, following concerns over a Class 8 textbook topic titled “Corruption in the Judiciary” — which the Court termed misleading and inappropriate for students. The expert panel includes Justice Indu Malhotra and K.K. Venugopal, in collaboration with Justice Aniruddha Bose. The Court ordered that revised content must be approved by experts before publication.
Prakriti 2026 – Carbon Markets Conference & Indian Carbon Market Portal
The Union Power Minister inaugurated Prakriti 2026, India’s carbon markets conference, in New Delhi. A key highlight was the launch of the Indian Carbon Market Portal, which will serve as the central digital platform for implementing and administering India’s emerging carbon market. The initiative is aligned with India’s climate commitments and supports the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
World Water Day Conclave 2026 – India Hosts in New Delhi
The Ministry of Jal Shakti hosted the World Water Day Conclave 2026 on 23 March 2026 in New Delhi, themed “Industry for Water” — focusing on sustainable water management and industrial responsibility. World Water Day is observed globally on 22 March every year to promote SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
7th Minor Irrigation Census, 2nd Census of Water Bodies, 1st Census of Springs, and the National Water Data Policy — all significant data governance documents for India’s water sector.
14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) – Yaoundé, Cameroon
The 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization will be held from 26–29 March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, under the chairmanship of Cameroon. This is the WTO’s highest decision-making body and convenes every two years to set the direction for global trade negotiations.
International Conference on ‘Ekatma Manav Darshan’
The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, virtually inaugurated an international conference on “Ekatma Manav Darshan – Bharat’s Worldview” at Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysuru. Ekatma Manav Darshan (Integral Humanism) is the philosophical framework developed by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, which emphasises a holistic approach to human development rooted in Indian cultural values.
12) Person in News
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia – Birth Anniversary (23 March 1910)
The Union Government commemorated the birth anniversary of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, born on 23 March 1910. Lohia was one of India’s most dynamic freedom fighters and a visionary socialist thinker who played a prominent role in the Quit India Movement (1942).
Lohia was a fearless advocate for social justice, equality, and anti-caste reforms long before these became mainstream political demands. His most celebrated intellectual contribution is the concept of “Sapta Kranti” (Seven Revolutions) — a transformative framework calling for revolutions against inequality based on gender, caste, colour, race, colonialism, economic exploitation, and political suppression. His ideas continue to influence Indian politics, especially socialist and backward-class movements.
13) Important Days
Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs’ Day) – 23 March
Shaheed Diwas is observed every year on 23 March to honour the supreme sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who were executed by the British colonial government on 23 March 1931. Their execution at a young age — Bhagat Singh was only 23 — made them enduring symbols of fearless resistance against oppression. The day is marked with tributes, programmes, and awareness activities across the country.
World Tuberculosis Day – 24 March
World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on 24 March — the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the TB-causing bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is one of the official global health campaigns of the World Health Organization.
Theme 2026: “Yes! We can end TB.” The day emphasises early detection, complete treatment, and global cooperation to eliminate TB, which remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, especially in low- and middle-income countries including India.
World Water Day – 22 March
World Water Day is observed globally on 22 March every year to promote awareness about the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable water management. The day supports SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The 2026 theme for India’s World Water Day Conclave was “Industry for Water”, emphasising industrial responsibility in water conservation and reuse.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Russia’s Max App | Developed by VK (Russia) • Not end-to-end encrypted — surveillance concerns • Integrates messaging, digital ID, banking, payments, and government services • Promoted as alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram, which Russia is restricting |
| Cuba Fuel Blockade | U.S. imposed fuel blockade restricting oil shipments including from Venezuela • Cuba heavily dependent on imported oil for electricity generation • Severe humanitarian and energy crisis • Aim: pressure Cuba for political change |
| GLP-1 Drug Oversight | India’s Drugs Controller tightened regulation on Ozempic-type GLP-1 weight loss drugs • Unauthorised sale via pharmacies and online platforms was the concern • Only Endocrinologists, Internal Medicine specialists, and Cardiologists (specific cases) can prescribe • Strict prescription requirement now enforced |
| Gruh Sugam Portal | Launched by National Housing Bank (NHB) • For defence personnel, paramilitary forces, and government employees • Online home loan applications without visiting banks • Unified marketplace to compare loan offers from multiple lenders • Specially beneficial for personnel in remote postings |
| INS Kalvari & Vizag Port | INS Kalvari (S23) — India’s first submarine, commissioned 8 Dec 1967 at Riga, USSR • Based at INS Virbahu, Visakhapatnam • Decommissioned 1996 • Vizag Port inaugurated 19 Dec 1933 by Lord Willingdon • First ship: S.S. Jaladurga |
| Andhra University Centenary | 100-year centenary: April 15–26, 2026 • Established 1926 — pre-independence legacy university • Founded by C.R. Reddy, shaped by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan • Commemorative coin, stamp, and envelope to be released |
| AMNS India Steel Plant | ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India • Location: Rajayyapeta, Andhra Pradesh • Investment: ₹1.36 lakh crore • Capacity: 17.8 MTPA in two phases • Phase 1 production by 2028 • Captive port: ₹11,198 crore • Land: 5,000+ acres |
| AP CGD Policy | Andhra Pradesh City Gas Distribution Policy • Expands piped natural gas for households, industries, and commercial users • Single-window clearance system • SLUCC for oversight, District Collectors head district committees • Deemed approval: RoW within 21 days, automatic grant after 30 days if delayed |
| Compulsory Voting Debate | Voting is a statutory right under Article 326, not a fundamental right • Neither fundamental duty nor legal obligation • Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990) and Law Commission 255th Report (2015) opposed it • Compulsory voting may violate Article 19(1)(a) — Freedom of Expression • Australia, Brazil, Argentina enforce compulsory voting |
| SC Status – SC Judgment | SC status available only to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists under Constitution (SC) Order 1950 • Sikhism added 1956, Buddhism added 1990 • Conversion to Christianity or Islam leads to immediate loss of SC status and all benefits • “Profess” = publicly practising, not just personal belief • Re-conversion requires community acceptance and proof of caste |
| Vande Mataram – SC Ruling | SC held Home Ministry advisory on National Song is not mandatory, not legally binding • No penal action for not singing • Article 51A — constitutional duty to respect National Flag and National Anthem, but no explicit duty for National Song |
| Transgender Amendment Bill 2026 | Introduced in Lok Sabha on 13 March 2026 • Replaces broad 2019 definition with specific categories • Added: Kinner, Hijra, Aravani, Jogta, biological variations, eunuchs, persons forced into transgender identity • Removed: Trans-man, trans-woman, genderqueer persons |
| Jan Vishwas Bill 2026 | Amendments to 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts under 23 Ministries • 717 provisions decriminalised — imprisonment replaced by fines or administrative actions • 67 provisions simplified for citizen convenience • Graded penalties for first-time offenders • Adjudicating Officers and Appellate Authorities for faster resolution • Trust-based governance approach |
| RBI Digital Fraud Framework | Revised 2026 guidelines on unauthorised electronic banking transactions • New compensation mechanism for small-value fraud • IDPIC (Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation) set up 2025 • MuleHunter.AI — detects mule accounts, active in 26 banks • CFL — 2,421 centres for financial literacy |
| DPIIT–Razorpay MoU | DPIIT (Ministry of Commerce) signed MoU with Razorpay • Provides digital payments tools, mentorship, and founder support to startups • Startup Sahayak Platform launched: company incorporation support and access to government schemes |
| RBI Inflation Target 2031 | 4% retail inflation target retained with ±2% band (2%–6%) • Period: April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031 • Third iteration of the framework: First 2016, continued 2021, extended till 2031 • Decided in consultation with RBI |
| Japan ODA Loan to India | JPY 275.858 billion (~₹16,420 crore) • JICA loan • Four projects: Sustainable Horticulture Punjab, Bengaluru Metro Phase 3, Mumbai Metro Line 11, Tertiary Healthcare Maharashtra |
| 15 New Moons – Jupiter & Saturn | Announced by Minor Planet Center (MPC), Cambridge, under International Astronomical Union • Jupiter: +4 moons (Scott Sheppard & David Tholen) • Saturn: +11 moons (Edward Ashton team) • Most are captured objects or fragments • MPC also tracks asteroids, comets, and NEOs |
| India’s Updated NDC (2031–35) | Cabinet approved under UNFCCC and Paris Agreement • 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2035 (from 2005 levels) • 60% installed power capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2035 • Carbon sink: 3.5–4.0 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent through forests • Net Zero by 2070 |
| MCGS-MSME (Modified) | 60% guarantee on loans up to ₹100 crore for plant and machinery (via NCGTC) • Service sector MSMEs now included • Machinery cost requirement reduced 75%→60% • Refundable contribution, 10-year tenure • Exporters: 75% guarantee on loans up to ₹20 crore • MSMEs: ~30% GDP, 45% exports |
| CGSMFI-2.0 | Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions 2.0 • ₹20,000 crore credit flow to NBFC-MFIs and MFIs • Benefits ~36 lakh borrowers • Coverage: 80% small, 75% medium, 70% large MFIs • Interest cap: EBLR/MCLR + 2% • Fee: 0.5% per annum |
| AgriPV (Agri-Photovoltaics) | Dual-use system: solar power generation above farmland while crops grow below • Promoted under PM-KUSUM (₹5,000 crore budget 2026-27) • Proposed National AgriPV Mission: 10 GW target • Helps achieve 300 GW solar by 2030 without sacrificing agricultural land • Farmers earn from both crops and electricity |
| National AI Skilling Initiative | Launched by Government with Google and YouTube • 15,000 youth trained free of cost • Implemented through Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) • March–December 2026 in two phases • Covers Generative AI, prompting, storytelling, YouTube creation • Also launched: MyWAVES platform, in-built satellite tuners in TVs for DD Free Dish |
| Modified UDAN Scheme | Regional Connectivity Scheme – 10 years (FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36) • Total outlay: ₹28,840 crore • 100 airports developed (₹12,159 cr) • 441 aerodromes supported (₹2,577 cr) • 200 helipads (₹3,661 cr) • VGF for airlines (₹10,043 cr) • HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans, HAL Dornier for Alliance Air |
| Bio-RIDE Scheme | Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development • Launched: 18 September 2024 • Outlay: ₹9,197 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26 (15th Finance Commission period) • Goal: Strengthen biotech research, innovation, and entrepreneurship |
| SwaYaan Drone Initiative | 32,000+ beneficiaries trained • 900+ activities across India • Hub-and-spoke model — 30 premier institutions (IITs, NITs, IIITs) • Focus: drone electronics, GNC, aeromechanics, UAS applications • RPTOs: 251 institutions, 42,000+ pilots trained • Namo Drone Didi: 500+ women pilots trained • PMKVY 4.0: 25,000+ trained in drones |
| NICRA Climate Risk Report | Implemented by ICAR • Climate risk assessed in 651 agricultural districts using IPCC protocols • 310 districts vulnerable: 109 Very High, 201 High vulnerability • District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACPs) prepared for all districts |
| PLFS Annual Report 2025 | LFPR: 59.3% (age 15+) • WPR: 57.4% • Unemployment Rate: 3.1% (declined) • Youth UR (15-29): 9.9% • Agriculture share declining, manufacturing and services growing • Regular wage workers: 23.6% • Female earnings growing faster than male — positive gender wage trend |
| INS Taragiri | Stealth frigate (F41) to be commissioned on 3 April 2026 at Visakhapatnam • Ceremony by Rajnath Singh • 4th ship under Project 17A • Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited • Dual role: combat and HADR missions |
| Tunguska Air Defence System | MoD signed ₹858 crore contracts for air defence and maritime surveillance • Tunguska: ₹445 crore from JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia • Mobile combined gun-missile system for Indian Army • Effective against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles at close range • Deepens Indo-Russian defence partnership |
| NCERT Legal Studies Panel | SC directed expert committee to review NCERT legal studies curriculum • Concern: Class 8 textbook topic “Corruption in the Judiciary” termed misleading • Panel: Justice Indu Malhotra, K.K. Venugopal, in collaboration with Justice Aniruddha Bose • Revised content must get expert approval before publication |
| Prakriti 2026 & Carbon Market | Carbon Markets Conference inaugurated by Union Power Minister • Indian Carbon Market Portal launched — central platform for India’s carbon market • Aligned with Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) and India’s climate commitments |
| World Water Day Conclave 2026 | Hosted by Ministry of Jal Shakti on 23 March 2026, New Delhi • Theme: “Industry for Water” • World Water Day: 22 March annually — promotes SDG-6 • Key releases: 7th Minor Irrigation Census, 2nd Census of Water Bodies, 1st Census of Springs, National Water Data Policy |
| WTO MC14 | 14th Ministerial Conference of WTO • Dates: 26–29 March 2026 • Venue: Yaoundé, Cameroon • Chaired by Cameroon • WTO’s highest decision-making body, meets every two years |
| Ram Manohar Lohia | Born 23 March 1910 • Freedom fighter and socialist thinker • Key role in Quit India Movement 1942 • Advocated social justice, equality, anti-caste reforms • Concept of “Sapta Kranti” (Seven Revolutions): against gender, caste, colour, race, colonialism, economic exploitation, and political suppression |
| Shaheed Diwas – 23 March | Observed on 23 March every year • Commemorates execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev by British on 23 March 1931 • Symbols of fearless resistance against colonial rule • Bhagat Singh was only 23 years old at execution |
| World TB Day – 24 March | Observed 24 March every year — marks Dr. Robert Koch’s 1882 TB bacteria discovery announcement • WHO global health campaign • Theme 2026: “Yes! We can end TB” • Focus: early detection, complete treatment, global cooperation • TB remains deadly especially in low- and middle-income countries |
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