Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates

Cabinet Approves Rs.2584.60 crore ‘SHP Development Scheme’ To Boost Clean Energy InitiativesIn March 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the ‘Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme’ for a period of 5 years (i.e. from Financial Year 2026-27(FY27) to FY31), with total outlay of Rs.2584.60 crore.This newly approved scheme is designed to install SHP projects of an approximate capacity of 1500 MegaWatt (MW) across the country.About Small Hydro Power Development Scheme:Implementing Agency: The scheme will be implemented by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).Maximum Energy Capacity: The new scheme will support small hydro projects ranging from 1 to 25 MW capacity to come up in different states.Financial Support: Under SHP Development scheme, central financial assistance of Rs 3.6 crore per MW or 30% of the project cost, whichever is lower with an upper limit of Rs.30 crore per project will be provided to the NE states and in districts with international borders.For other states, the government will provide financial support of Rs.2.4 crore per MW or 20% of project cost (whichever is lower), capped at Rs.20 crore per project.

20 Mar, 2026

Cabinet Approves Rs.2584.60 crore ‘SHP Development Scheme’ To Boost Clean Energy InitiativesIn March 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the ‘Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme’ for a period of 5 years (i.e. from Financial Year 2026-27(FY27) to FY31), with total outlay of Rs.2584.60 crore.This newly approved scheme is designed to install SHP projects of an approximate capacity of 1500 MegaWatt (MW) across the country.About Small Hydro Power Development Scheme:Implementing Agency: The scheme will be implemented by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).Maximum Energy Capacity: The new scheme will support small hydro projects ranging from 1 to 25 MW capacity to come up in different states.Financial Support: Under SHP Development scheme, central financial assistance of Rs 3.6 crore per MW or 30% of the project cost, whichever is lower with an upper limit of Rs.30 crore per project will be provided to the NE states and in districts with international borders.For other states, the government will provide financial support of Rs.2.4 crore per MW or 20% of project cost (whichever is lower), capped at Rs.20 crore per project.

2067 197 40

Read

Cabinet Approves Rs 33,660 crore ‘BHAVYA scheme’ to Develop 100 Plug-and-Play Industrial ParksOn March 18, 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved Rs 33,660 crore Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) scheme for developing 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across the country.This newly approved scheme aims to develop world-class industrial infrastructure, unlocking manufacturing potential and driving India’s growth story.About BHAVYA Scheme:Implementation: BHAVYA scheme, structured on the success of Industrial Smart Cities developed under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) framework, will be implemented in partnership with states and private sector players.Project Selection Process: Under the new scheme, projects will be selected through a challenge mode to ensure only high-quality, reform-oriented and investment-readiness proposals.Further, industrial parks ranging from 100 to 1000 acres will be undertaken for development.Financial Assistance: The Government of India (GoI) will provide up to Rs1 crore per acre for:Core infrastructure (internal roads, underground utilities, drainage, common treatment facilities, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and administrative systems)Value-added infrastructure (ready-built factory sheds, built-to-suit units, testing labs, warehousing)Social infrastructure (worker housing and support amenities)Allocation for External Infrastructure: The GoI has decided to allocate a maximum 25% of the project cost for external infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity and integration with existing networks.

20 Mar, 2026

Cabinet Approves Rs 33,660 crore ‘BHAVYA scheme’ to Develop 100 Plug-and-Play Industrial ParksOn March 18, 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved Rs 33,660 crore Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) scheme for developing 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across the country.This newly approved scheme aims to develop world-class industrial infrastructure, unlocking manufacturing potential and driving India’s growth story.About BHAVYA Scheme:Implementation: BHAVYA scheme, structured on the success of Industrial Smart Cities developed under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) framework, will be implemented in partnership with states and private sector players.Project Selection Process: Under the new scheme, projects will be selected through a challenge mode to ensure only high-quality, reform-oriented and investment-readiness proposals.Further, industrial parks ranging from 100 to 1000 acres will be undertaken for development.Financial Assistance: The Government of India (GoI) will provide up to Rs1 crore per acre for:Core infrastructure (internal roads, underground utilities, drainage, common treatment facilities, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and administrative systems)Value-added infrastructure (ready-built factory sheds, built-to-suit units, testing labs, warehousing)Social infrastructure (worker housing and support amenities)Allocation for External Infrastructure: The GoI has decided to allocate a maximum 25% of the project cost for external infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity and integration with existing networks.

1331 199 20

Read

Sponsored Advertisement

National Vaccination Day 2026 – March 16National Vaccination Day, also known as National Immunisation Day (NID), is observed annually across India on 16 March to commemorate the first dose of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) administered in 1995 and to raise awareness about the importance of timely vaccinations.Background:Global Initiative: In 1988, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted a resolution to eradicate polio (poliomyelitis) globally, leading to the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) led by national governments and the World Health Organization (WHO).India’s First OPV Dose : On 16 March 1995, India administered the first dose of the OPV under the Pulse Polio Programme, marking the beginning of National Vaccination Day celebrations in India.India’s Immunisation Achievements:Polio-Free Certification: India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 27 March 2014.Immunisation Coverage: Full immunisation coverage increased significantly from 62% in 2015 to 98.4% in January 2026.Zero-Dose Children: The proportion of zero-dose children declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024.

19 Mar, 2026

National Vaccination Day 2026 – March 16National Vaccination Day, also known as National Immunisation Day (NID), is observed annually across India on 16 March to commemorate the first dose of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) administered in 1995 and to raise awareness about the importance of timely vaccinations.Background:Global Initiative: In 1988, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted a resolution to eradicate polio (poliomyelitis) globally, leading to the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) led by national governments and the World Health Organization (WHO).India’s First OPV Dose : On 16 March 1995, India administered the first dose of the OPV under the Pulse Polio Programme, marking the beginning of National Vaccination Day celebrations in India.India’s Immunisation Achievements:Polio-Free Certification: India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 27 March 2014.Immunisation Coverage: Full immunisation coverage increased significantly from 62% in 2015 to 98.4% in January 2026.Zero-Dose Children: The proportion of zero-dose children declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024.

944 121 26

Read

International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2026 – March 15 The United Nations (UN’s) International Day to Combat Islamophobia is observed annually across the globe on March 15 to fight anti-Muslim hate worldwide and promote human rights, religious tolerance, and social harmony.Theme 2026: “Respect Every Person’s Dignity”.Background:Proposal: In 2020, during the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Imran Khan, former Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan, proposed an International Day to Combat Islamophobia.Adoption: On March 15, 2022, UNGA adopted Resolution 76/254, introduced by Pakistan’s envoy Munir Akram on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), proclaiming March 15 as the day.Observance: The first observance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia was held on March 15, 2023.Significance: The date commemorates the Christchurch mosque attacks (2019) in New Zealand, where 51 people were killed and 40 injured at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre (Linwood Masjid).

19 Mar, 2026

International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2026 – March 15 The United Nations (UN’s) International Day to Combat Islamophobia is observed annually across the globe on March 15 to fight anti-Muslim hate worldwide and promote human rights, religious tolerance, and social harmony.Theme 2026: “Respect Every Person’s Dignity”.Background:Proposal: In 2020, during the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Imran Khan, former Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan, proposed an International Day to Combat Islamophobia.Adoption: On March 15, 2022, UNGA adopted Resolution 76/254, introduced by Pakistan’s envoy Munir Akram on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), proclaiming March 15 as the day.Observance: The first observance of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia was held on March 15, 2023.Significance: The date commemorates the Christchurch mosque attacks (2019) in New Zealand, where 51 people were killed and 40 injured at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre (Linwood Masjid).

887 88 34

Read

Sponsored Advertisement

World Consumer Rights Day 2026 – March 15World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) is observed annually across the world on 15 March to promote awareness of consumer rights, protection, and empowerment, ensuring ethical practices and informed choices.2026 Theme: “Safe products, confident consumers”Background:Origin: WCRD was inspired by a message from John F. Kennedy, former President of the United States of America(USA), to the US Congress on 15 March 1962.First Observance: The first WCRD was observed on 15 March 1983.Global Recognition: WCRD is globally recognized and supported by organizations like the United Nations(UN) and other international bodies, promoting consumer rights worldwide.

19 Mar, 2026

World Consumer Rights Day 2026 – March 15World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) is observed annually across the world on 15 March to promote awareness of consumer rights, protection, and empowerment, ensuring ethical practices and informed choices.2026 Theme: “Safe products, confident consumers”Background:Origin: WCRD was inspired by a message from John F. Kennedy, former President of the United States of America(USA), to the US Congress on 15 March 1962.First Observance: The first WCRD was observed on 15 March 1983.Global Recognition: WCRD is globally recognized and supported by organizations like the United Nations(UN) and other international bodies, promoting consumer rights worldwide.

1559 154 39

Read

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passed AwayIn March 2026, Kushal Das, former General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), passed away in New Delhi, Delhi, at the age of 66. He was born in 1959.About Kushal Das:Profile: A Chartered Accountant(CA) by profession, Kushal Das brought extensive experience in sports management and administration to Indian football.Career: He began his career as a CA and worked with global firms such as PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Shell.In 1996, he joined International Management Group (IMG) as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and later served as CFO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).Leadership at AIFF: He served as AIFF General Secretary from 2010 to 2022, making him one of the longest-serving officials.During his tenure, he played a key role in hosting the 2017 International Federation of Association Football(FIFA) U-17 World Cup, India’s first FIFA tournament, which recorded the highest attendance in youth World Cup history.Key Contributions: He also contributed to the launch of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) in 2017 and facilitated the development of the Indian Super League (ISL) through partnership with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).

19 Mar, 2026

Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passed AwayIn March 2026, Kushal Das, former General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), passed away in New Delhi, Delhi, at the age of 66. He was born in 1959.About Kushal Das:Profile: A Chartered Accountant(CA) by profession, Kushal Das brought extensive experience in sports management and administration to Indian football.Career: He began his career as a CA and worked with global firms such as PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Shell.In 1996, he joined International Management Group (IMG) as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and later served as CFO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).Leadership at AIFF: He served as AIFF General Secretary from 2010 to 2022, making him one of the longest-serving officials.During his tenure, he played a key role in hosting the 2017 International Federation of Association Football(FIFA) U-17 World Cup, India’s first FIFA tournament, which recorded the highest attendance in youth World Cup history.Key Contributions: He also contributed to the launch of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) in 2017 and facilitated the development of the Indian Super League (ISL) through partnership with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).

680 86 38

Read

Sponsored Advertisement

New Earthworm Species ‘Drawida vazhania’ Discovered in KeralaIn March 2026, researchers from Christ College(Kerala) and Mahatma Gandhi University(Kerala) discovered a new earthworm species named ‘Drawida vazhania’ in the Vazhani Dam area of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrissur district, Kerala.With this discovery, the total number of Drawida species in India has increased to 83, including 55 species in the Western Ghats. Kerala leads with 31 species, of which 16 are endemic.About Drawida vazhania:Publication: The discovery was published in the international journal Zootaxa, adding to the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a global hotspot.Taxonomic Classification: The species belongs to the genus Drawida under the family Moniligastridae and is part of the Barwelli group.The genus is widely distributed across South, Southeast, and East Asia in tropical regions.Biological Features: The species is identified by unique anatomical traits such as a grooved male genital field, bean-shaped prostate gland, and specialised reproductive structures.Significance: India is one of the most diverse countries for earthworms, with about 71% of genera and 89% of species endemic. The Western Ghats and west coast plains together account for nearly 58.4% of India’s earthworm diversity.

19 Mar, 2026

New Earthworm Species ‘Drawida vazhania’ Discovered in KeralaIn March 2026, researchers from Christ College(Kerala) and Mahatma Gandhi University(Kerala) discovered a new earthworm species named ‘Drawida vazhania’ in the Vazhani Dam area of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrissur district, Kerala.With this discovery, the total number of Drawida species in India has increased to 83, including 55 species in the Western Ghats. Kerala leads with 31 species, of which 16 are endemic.About Drawida vazhania:Publication: The discovery was published in the international journal Zootaxa, adding to the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a global hotspot.Taxonomic Classification: The species belongs to the genus Drawida under the family Moniligastridae and is part of the Barwelli group.The genus is widely distributed across South, Southeast, and East Asia in tropical regions.Biological Features: The species is identified by unique anatomical traits such as a grooved male genital field, bean-shaped prostate gland, and specialised reproductive structures.Significance: India is one of the most diverse countries for earthworms, with about 71% of genera and 89% of species endemic. The Western Ghats and west coast plains together account for nearly 58.4% of India’s earthworm diversity.

899 106 39

Read

NBSL Appoints Mahendra Singh Dhoni as Brand Ambassador for BHIM Payments AppIn March 2026, NPCI BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) Services Limited (NBSL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), appointed Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh (M.S.) Dhoni as the brand ambassador for the BHIM Payments Application (App).About Digital Payments Partnership:Objective: The partnership aims to enhance trust, inclusion, and scale in India’s digital payments ecosystem, supporting BHIM app’s next growth phase by building user preference and confidence.Key Role: As the face of the campaign, MS Dhoni will feature in multi-channel promotional initiatives, highlighting BHIM’s ease of use, security features, and accessibility.Platform: Launched in 2016 on NPCI’s UPI platform, the BHIM app is positioned as “Bharat Ka Apna Payments App,” with wide reach across Tier 1–3 cities, support for 15+ regional languages, optimisation for low-connectivity areas, and engagement driven through rewards and merchant partnerships.

19 Mar, 2026

NBSL Appoints Mahendra Singh Dhoni as Brand Ambassador for BHIM Payments AppIn March 2026, NPCI BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) Services Limited (NBSL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), appointed Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh (M.S.) Dhoni as the brand ambassador for the BHIM Payments Application (App).About Digital Payments Partnership:Objective: The partnership aims to enhance trust, inclusion, and scale in India’s digital payments ecosystem, supporting BHIM app’s next growth phase by building user preference and confidence.Key Role: As the face of the campaign, MS Dhoni will feature in multi-channel promotional initiatives, highlighting BHIM’s ease of use, security features, and accessibility.Platform: Launched in 2016 on NPCI’s UPI platform, the BHIM app is positioned as “Bharat Ka Apna Payments App,” with wide reach across Tier 1–3 cities, support for 15+ regional languages, optimisation for low-connectivity areas, and engagement driven through rewards and merchant partnerships.

2436 168 23

Read

Sponsored Advertisement

RBI Wins ‘Initiative of the Year’ Award for ‘.bank.in’ Domain RolloutIn March 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) won the ‘Initiative of the Year’ award by the London(the United Kingdom, UK)-based Central Banking at the 13th annual Central Banking Awards for its innovative ‘.bank.in’ domain rollout initiative designed to combat rising cyber frauds in the digital financial ecosystem.The Central Bank of Colombia was recognised for Bre-B, its federated retail payments system, while the National Bank of Ethiopia won for wholesale payment services development and the Bank of Namibia for its artificial intelligence initiative.About ‘.bank.in’ Domain:Domain Framework: The domain, launched in February 2025, is designed around exclusivity and stringent control, with only RBI-licensed banks allowed to use it.Significance: With the launch of this domain, India becomes the world’s 1st country to mandate a secure and exclusive internet domain for the banking system.Sole Registrar: RBI had appointed the Institute for Development and Research on Banking Technology (IDRBT) as the sole registrar for the rollout of the domain.Phase-wise Rollout: Banks were mandated to transition their net banking websites to the domain by October 31, 2025.Other Award Winners

19 Mar, 2026

RBI Wins ‘Initiative of the Year’ Award for ‘.bank.in’ Domain RolloutIn March 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) won the ‘Initiative of the Year’ award by the London(the United Kingdom, UK)-based Central Banking at the 13th annual Central Banking Awards for its innovative ‘.bank.in’ domain rollout initiative designed to combat rising cyber frauds in the digital financial ecosystem.The Central Bank of Colombia was recognised for Bre-B, its federated retail payments system, while the National Bank of Ethiopia won for wholesale payment services development and the Bank of Namibia for its artificial intelligence initiative.About ‘.bank.in’ Domain:Domain Framework: The domain, launched in February 2025, is designed around exclusivity and stringent control, with only RBI-licensed banks allowed to use it.Significance: With the launch of this domain, India becomes the world’s 1st country to mandate a secure and exclusive internet domain for the banking system.Sole Registrar: RBI had appointed the Institute for Development and Research on Banking Technology (IDRBT) as the sole registrar for the rollout of the domain.Phase-wise Rollout: Banks were mandated to transition their net banking websites to the domain by October 31, 2025.Other Award Winners

1406 110 28

Read

Tata Steel Signs MoU with USTB to Develop Low-Carbon Steelmaking TechnologiesIn March 2026, Tata Steel Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China’s University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), Beijing, China to develop low-carbon steelmaking technologies and promote sustainable steel production.USTB-Tata Steel Research Collaboration:Key Areas of Collaboration: As part of the MoU, Tata Steel’s research arm, Tata Steel Research and Innovation Limited, and USTB will jointly undertake work across four major themes of low-carbon steelmaking: scrap-based steelmaking, steel waste valorisation, end-product performance, and Carbon Capture and Utilisation(CCU) technologies.Development & Scaling: The collaboration will leverage USTB’s academic expertise along with its experimental and pilot-scale facilities to test, validate, and scale promising technologies for potential industrial application.Sustainability: Promotes environmentally responsible steel production, strengthens research-driven innovation, and addresses the steel industry’s role in achieving carbon neutrality.

19 Mar, 2026

Tata Steel Signs MoU with USTB to Develop Low-Carbon Steelmaking TechnologiesIn March 2026, Tata Steel Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China’s University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), Beijing, China to develop low-carbon steelmaking technologies and promote sustainable steel production.USTB-Tata Steel Research Collaboration:Key Areas of Collaboration: As part of the MoU, Tata Steel’s research arm, Tata Steel Research and Innovation Limited, and USTB will jointly undertake work across four major themes of low-carbon steelmaking: scrap-based steelmaking, steel waste valorisation, end-product performance, and Carbon Capture and Utilisation(CCU) technologies.Development & Scaling: The collaboration will leverage USTB’s academic expertise along with its experimental and pilot-scale facilities to test, validate, and scale promising technologies for potential industrial application.Sustainability: Promotes environmentally responsible steel production, strengthens research-driven innovation, and addresses the steel industry’s role in achieving carbon neutrality.

1146 139 41

Read

Sponsored Advertisement

Daily Current Affairs & GK

Online Test Series