NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Three Major Inland Waterways Projects Opened on Brahmaputra
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) inaugurated three major inland waterways infrastructure projects at Dibrugarh, Assam, on National Waterway-2 (NW-2)- the Brahmaputra River.
The initiative reflects a balanced approach of “Vikas and Virasat” (Development and Heritage), strengthening logistics, trade, tourism, and river-based connectivity in the Northeast.
The three projects include:
- Customs and Immigration Complex at Bogibeel
- Customs and Immigration Complex at Dhubri
- Renovated Heritage Building of IWAI at Dibrugarh
National Governance Conference
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), in collaboration with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, recently organised a day-long National Governance Conference at Jammu.
- Theme of the conference was: “Holistic Development of Districts: Transforming Governance for Viksit Bharat.”
- Objective: To showcase and disseminate innovative governance practices adopted by districts across India and to highlight district-level interventions that have:
BANKING | ECONOMY CURRENT AFFAIRS
CBIC Introduces Deferred Customs Duty Payment Facility
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced a new facilitation measure allowing deferred payment of Customs duty for a new category of importers termed Eligible Manufacturer Importers (EMIs). This decision has been taken in pursuance of the Union Budget 2026–27. The scheme is designed as a trust-based compliance facilitation measure.
Key Features of EMI Scheme
- EMIs can clear imported goods without paying Customs duty at the time of clearance.
- The applicable duty can be paid on a monthly basis under the Deferred Payment of Import Duty Rules, 2016.
- This will help manufacturers manage: Cash flows, working capital requirements and production cycles more efficiently
- Timeline of Implementation: From 1st April, 2026 to 31st March, 2028
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES CURRENT AFFAIRS
UIDAI–Google Partnership: Aadhaar Centres to be Listed on Maps
In a move aimed at improving citizen convenience, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with Google to display authorised Aadhaar centres on Google Maps. This initiative will enhance ease of access, transparency, and reliability for Aadhaar-related services across India.
Nationwide Coverage
- Over 60,000 Aadhaar centres will be listed.
- Includes:
- Aadhaar Enrolment Centres
- Dedicated Aadhaar Seva Kendras
- Helps residents identify genuine service points and avoid misinformation.
Government Temporarily Discontinues Rice Fortification
Government has decided to temporarily discontinue rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes. This decision was taken after a study by IIT Kharagpur showed that prolonged rice storage for distribution under the scheme is rendering the effective shelf life shorter and, in turn, limiting the intended nutritional outcomes.
What is Food fortification?
- It is the practice of deliberately increasing the micronutrient content i.e., vitamins and minerals, in a food to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply.
- Regulation and Initiatives: FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018, Supply of fortified food under Food Safety Net programs, PM-POSHAN Scheme etc.
INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
UAE Launches World’s First Sovereign Financial Cloud with AI
Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has launched the world’s first Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure (SFCSI)- a secure, AI-powered cloud platform built exclusively for the UAE’s financial sector. The initiative has been developed in partnership with Core42, a subsidiary of G42, positioning the UAE at the forefront of sovereign, secure digital finance.
The Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure (SFCSI, is a national, AI-integrated financial cloud platform designed to:
- Ensure data sovereignty
- Provide integrated cybersecurity
- Enable unified multi-cloud management
- Embed advanced AI and real-time analytics
- Strengthen regulatory oversight and compliance
DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026
The Indian Air Force conducted a grand rehearsal of Exercise Vayu Shakti–2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan—close to the India–Pakistan border. The large-scale firepower demonstration highlighted modern combat capability, precision strike power, and integrated multi-domain operations in a near-realistic desert battlefield.
Aim of Exercise
- Demonstrate capability for swift and precise strikes in simulated wartime conditions.
- Showcase operational preparedness, calibrated escalation, and multi-platform integration.
- Validate day and night combat readiness under near-battlefield scenarios.
ENVIRONMENT CURRENT AFFAIRS
Tamil Nadu Launches First Dark Sky Park in Kolli Hills
Government of Tamil Nadu has announced the State’s first Dark Sky Park at the Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest in Kolli Hills, Namakkal district. This marks Tamil Nadu’s first dark sky initiative, following India’s first such initiative at Hanle. India’s first dark sky initiative was established at Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, centred around the Indian Astronomical Observatory.
A Dark Sky Park is a protected landscape with minimal artificial light pollution, allowing clear observation of celestial bodies such as:
- Moon
- Stars
- Planets
- Deep-sky objects
SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS
Jammu & Kashmir Win Maiden Ranji Trophy Title
In a historic moment for Indian domestic cricket, Jammu and Kashmir cricket team clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title after drawing the final against Karnataka cricket team and winning on the basis of a first-innings lead. This triumph marks the first Ranji Trophy title in 67 years for Jammu & Kashmir- a breakthrough achievement for a region long striving for recognition in India’s cricketing mainstream.
How They Won
- The final ended in a draw.
- As per Ranji Trophy rules, the team with a first-innings lead in the final is declared champion.
- Jammu & Kashmir secured that lead against eight-time champions Karnataka, sealing their maiden title.
REPORTS AND INDICES CURRENT AFFAIRS
India’s Youth Rank 60th in Global Mental Health Report (2025)
Indian young adults (18–34 years) ranked 60th out of 84 countries in the Global Mind Health 2025 study conducted by Sapien Labs. The findings highlight a sharp intergenerational gap in mental well-being within India.
Global Mind Health 2025 – Overview
- Covers 1 million+ internet-enabled respondents
- Conducted across 84 nations (2024–2025)
- Uses the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) to assess mental functioning
- Young Indians fall under the “Distressed or Struggling” category.
- Older Indians (55+) fall under “Managing or Succeeding.”
- The gap indicates a structural generational shift, not a temporary trend.
AWARDS & EVENTS CURRENT AFFAIRS
Rare Disease Day 2026: 28 February
Rare Disease Day is observed every year on the last day of February (28 February or 29 February in leap years). It was first held on 29 February 2008 and is now marked in more than 100 countries worldwide.
The day raises awareness for over 300 million people globally living with rare diseases and promotes equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, research, and social care.
- The symbol of the campaign is the zebra stripes, reflecting the medical saying: “When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras” — reminding doctors to consider rare conditions too.
- Rare Disease Day 2026 Theme: “More Than You Can Imagine”
Bureau of Energy Efficiency: 25th Foundation Day
The 25th Foundation Day of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, was celebrated recently on 1st March 2026. On the occasion, the BEE@25 logo was formally released to mark BEE’s entry into its 25th year. Initiatives launched on this occasion are
BEE Star Label Mobile Application
- Objective: To enhance transparency, strengthen consumer awareness, and promote informed purchasing decisions by making energy efficiency information easily accessible at the point of sale.
RCO (Renewable Consumption Obligation Portal) Portal
- It is a digital monitoring tool launched by BEE to streamline compliance for India’s renewable energy targets.