NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
India–Austria Business Forum & Fast-Track Mechanism Launched
- India–Austria Business Forum was held in New Delhi during visit of Christian Stocker, the first such visit in over 40 years.
- Key Outcome: Fast-Track Mechanism (FTM), a bilateral FTM was operationalised to support investors and businesses in both countries. It provides a platform for issue resolution, investment facilitation, and Ease of Doing Business improvements.
- Significance: It strengthens India–Austria economic ties within the broader India–EU framework, promoting cooperation in technology, innovation, and industrial sectors.
Read More:
NLDSL–Maharashtra MoU for ULIP-Based Logistics Digitisation
- NICDC Logistics Data Services Limited (NLDSL) signed an MoU with Maharashtra to digitise logistics using Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP). National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) drives industrial growth via smart cities and schemes like BHAVYA. NLDSL is a JV under NICDC with NEC Japan which supports digital logistics transformation.
- Objectives: To enhance visibility, streamline operations, improve inter-department coordination, and enable real-time data-driven decisions, benefiting MSMEs and exporters.
- Demonstrations of Initiatives Like: Logistics Data Bank (LDB), Koyla Shakti (Smart Coal Analytics Dashboard), Track Your Transport, and Transport Management System (TMS) platforms. National Industrial Corridor Development Programme
- ULIP: Integrates 45 systems across 11 ministries via 137 APIs, covering 2,000+ data fields and enabling 300+ crore API transactions.
Read More:
Draft Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE)-3 Norms
- Government proposed a flexible framework under Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) Norms allowing carbon credit trading and easing penalties to help automakers meet emission targets.
- Timeline: Implemented from April 2027 (FY 2027–28 to 2031–32).
- Phases: CAFE-1, Introduced in 2017; CAFE-2 strengthened in 2022; now evolving to CAFE-3.
- Key Focus: Shifts from small vs large vehicle debate to overall fleet emission reduction, promoting EVs, hybrids, and biofuels in line with net-zero 2070.
- CAFE Norms:
- Mandate fleet-wide fuel efficiency and CO₂ limits (g/km)
- Aim to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and crude oil imports
- Use testing cycles like MIDC
Read More:
Integrated Performance Monitoring Dashboard for Infrastructure Sector
- Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched a revamped Integrated Performance Monitoring Dashboard to track real-time progress across 11 infrastructure sectors.
- Integrated Performance Monitoring Dashboard is a centralised digital platform replacing OCMS-2006. It is built on the PAIMANA framework (Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring & Analytics for Nation-building) with 116 indicators.
- Aim: To enable data-driven governance and evidence-based policymaking. Shift from output-based to multi-dimensional performance assessment.
- Key Features:
- Monitors five dimensions: Access, Quality, Utilisation, Affordability, Fiscal Cost & Revenue
- Provides a comprehensive, real-time view of infrastructure performance across sectors.
Read More:
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES CURRENT AFFAIRS
RELIEF Scheme Expanded- Egypt & Jordan added as Eligible Destinations
- Government expanded the RELIEF Scheme to include Egypt and Jordan, extending coverage to the West Asia–North Africa (WANA) corridor amid maritime disruptions.
- RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) is a time-bound scheme under the Export Promotion Mission, launched in March 2026.
- It supports exporters facing freight escalation, high insurance premia, and war-related risks in West Asia routes.
- Nodal agency: Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC).
- Key features: Support for insured shipments, facilitation of insurance for new exports, and reimbursement aid for MSMEs facing elevated freight and insurance costs.
Read More:
DGFT Reforms: Strengthening Norms Committees for Advance Authorisation Scheme
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry reformed Norms Committees (NCs) under Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to improve efficiency under Advance Authorisation (AA) Scheme.
- Background: DGFT administers AA and Duty-Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) schemes allowing duty-free import of inputs used in exports while NCs assess cases where Standard Input Output Norms (SION) norms are unavailable.
- Issue: Limited capacity. Only 12 technical members (5 government officers) led to pendency.
- Key Reforms:
- Governance & Processes: Fixed fortnightly meetings, pendency tracking, conversion of recurring cases into SION.
- Capacity boost: 10 additional technical experts added (total 22).
- Special Disposal Drive: Chronological disposal of pending applications for transparency.
Read More:
Record Startup Recognition in FY 2025–26
- Under Startup India (launched on 16 Jan 2016), Government recognised the highest ever (over 55,200 startups) in FY 2025–26, marking 51.6% YoY growth.
- Employment: Direct jobs rose 36.1%, from 3.66 lakh to 4.99 lakh.
- Cumulative Achievements (as of 31 March 2026): Over 23 lakh recognised startups; Over 36 lakh jobs created. Over 7 lakh startups have at least one woman director (~48%). Presence across all States & UTs
- Top States/UTs: Maharashtra (38,660+) leads, followed by Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Gujarat.
- Supporting Schemes: Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) and Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
Read More:
National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC)
- National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC) achieved Record Performance (2025–26), highest-ever disbursement of ₹613 crore, benefiting 61,621 individuals, marking 16% growth over 2024–25.
- Efficient Utilisation: Achieved 100% geographical coverage and 99% fund utilisation, reflecting strong implementation capacity.
- Scheme Performance:
- Fully utilised ₹35 crore under VISVAS Interest Subvention Scheme
- Achieved full utilisation under National Fellowship for OBCs
- Nearly full utilisation of ₹45 crore under PM-DAKSH Yojana
- NBCFDC: A not-for-profit company under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, established in 1992. It promotes economic development,self-employment and skill training for backward classes.
Read More:
ENVIRONMENT CURRENT AFFAIRS
National Biodiversity Authority’s 77th Meeting: Key Decisions on ABS Framework
- National Biodiversity Authority held its 77th meeting in Chennai, approving reforms to strengthen the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 implementation, especially Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) and repository guidelines.
- ABS Framework: Under Section 27, ABS funds must reach beneficiaries or support local development. Identifiable source: 25–40% to institutions; 60–75% to communities via SBBs/UTBCs; Inadequate data: 30% to institutions; 70% routed via NBA for conservation (Section 32); Trader-based access: Funds allocated based on origin clarity.
- Revised Guidelines for Designated Repositories: Focus on safe custody, documentation, provenance records, SOPs, and digitisation of specimens, ensuring traceability, scientific integrity, and regulatory compliance.
Read More:
POLITY CURRENT AFFAIRS
Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026introduced in Lok Sabha is a supplementary bill extending provisions of 131st Constitutional Amendment and Delimitation Bill, 2026 to UTs with legislatures i.e. Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Puducherry.
- Aim:-
- Enable 33% reservation for women in UT’s Legislative Assemblies.
- Facilitate delimitation based on 2011 Census.
- Ensure implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam without waiting for 2027 Census.
- Key Features:
- Applies to NCT Delhi, Puducherry, and J&K.
- Delinks reservation from 2027 Census (using latest published data).
- Aligns with increased Lok Sabha UT seats (20 to 35).
- Empowers Delimitation Commission for redrawing constituencies.
Read More:
STATES CURRENT AFFAIRS
Seaplane makes historic landing at Tehri Lake, Uttarakhand
- A 19-seater seaplane successfully completed trial landings at Tehri Lake (Uttarakhand). This is a Historic milestone marking a major boost to regional connectivity and adventure tourism.
- Impact: Deep-water stability enables safe seaplane operations. This will enhances tourism, connectivity, and economic development in Uttarakhand.
- Trial conducted by: Sky Hop Private Limited, signalling the beginning of seaplane-based transport services.
- Tehri Lake: One of Asia’s largest man-made lakes, formed by Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River in Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand.
- Geography: Located at 1,700 m altitude in Himalayan foothills. It is fed by Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers and has 42 sq km area with large catchment.
Read More:
REPORTS AND INDICES CURRENT AFFAIRS
Marine heatwaves can supercharge cyclones: Study
- A recent study shows marine heatwaves (MHWs) can intensify tropical cyclones, causing over 60% more billion-dollar disasters due to rapid strengthening.
- Marine Heatwaves: They are Prolonged periods of abnormally high sea surface temperatures, typically 1–3°C above normal, lasting days to months.
- Impact: Warmer oceans fuel stronger cyclones, increasing intensity and damage potential.
- Key Drivers:- Climate change (oceans absorb over 90% excess heat); Ocean current shifts and atmospheric pressure systems; Climate events like El Nino
- Formation Mechanism:-
- Weak winds reduce evaporation and ocean mixing
- Surface water becomes stratified and traps heat
- Increased solar heating creates ocean “heat domes”
Read More: