Daily current affairs: 12 March 2026

Long Description : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially charted an ambitious lunar path, focusing on the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 missions. Chandrayaan-4 is designed as a sample-return mission to bring lunar soil back to Earth, while Chandrayaan-5 will feature a significantly heavier lander and an extended mission life of approximately 100 days. This roadmap serves as a precursor to India’s long-term goal of landing an astronaut on the Moon by 2040 and establishing the "Bharatiya Antariksh Station" by 2035.

Long Description : To achieve universal water security, the Union Cabinet has extended the Jal Jeevan Mission through the launch of JJM 2.0. With a massive financial commitment of ₹8.69 lakh crore, the government aims to bridge the gap in last-mile connectivity and focus on water quality monitoring. The central assistance portion has been increased to ₹3.59 lakh crore. This phase emphasizes the sustainability of water sources and the deployment of digital sensors for real-time monitoring of water supply and quality in every Indian village.

Long Description : In a strategic move to balance economic growth with national security, the Indian government has eased FDI norms for Land Border Countries (LBCs) including China and Pakistan. Under the new framework, investments resulting in a non-controlling stake of up to 10% can proceed via the automatic route, bypassing the previously mandatory government approval. To maintain vigilance, a 60-day expedited decision timeline has been introduced for proposals requiring security clearance.

Long Description : The RBI has overhauled the dividend distribution policy for commercial banks, replacing the 2005 framework. Starting from 2026-27, a bank's ability to pay dividends will be strictly tied to its Common Equity Tier 1 (CET-1) capital ratio. Banks with a CET-1 ratio below 8% are prohibited from declaring dividends. For eligible banks, the dividend payout ratio is capped at a maximum of 75% of the Net Profit for the year, ensuring banks maintain robust capital buffers.

Long Description : On March 12, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conducted a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. The primary agenda was the volatile security situation in West Asia and its impact on global energy markets and trade routes. India emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic dialogue. The discussion also touched upon the Strait of Hormuz situation and LPG supply chains.

Long Description : To decongest the busy eastern rail corridor, the CCEA has cleared the expansion of the railway network in West Bengal and Jharkhand. These multi-tracking projects, valued at over ₹4,400 crore, will add approximately 192 kilometers of new tracks. The focus is on increasing the throughput of coal, iron ore, and steel products, which are critical for the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. These rail lines will improve logistical efficiency and provide faster passenger travel.

Long Description : The Central Government has sanctioned an updated financial outlay of ₹3,630.77 crore for the construction of a dedicated greenfield highway connecting the Noida International Airport at Jewar with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. This project is pivotal for ensuring high-speed road access for passengers and cargo from the NCR. The development is part of a broader plan to integrate the airport with the regional rapid transit and metro networks, enhancing the overall Ease of Doing Business in UP.

Long Description : In a major move targeting the women’s retail segment, Bank of Baroda launched the ‘Sapphire’ Savings Account. This specialized product offers a complimentary ₹10 lakh cancer care insurance policy for account holders aged 18-60. Additionally, the account provides discounts on pharmacy and pathology tests, alongside free online doctor consultations for family members. By bundling insurance and health perks, BoB aims to attract more female depositors and foster long-term financial planning.

Long Description : The Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform under Mission Karmayogi has collaborated with global ed-tech giant Coursera. This partnership will provide over 3 million Indian government officials access to world-class courses in emerging technologies, public policy, and leadership. The move is designed to shift the bureaucratic culture from "rule-based" to "role-based" competency. Officials can earn certifications from premier global universities, ensuring an agile administrative machinery.

Long Description : Citing a severe mismatch in liquidity and inadequate capital, the RBI has invoked Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act to place The Gujarat Rajya Karmachari Co-operative Bank under Directions. Effective from March 11, 2026, the bank is barred from granting new loans or making any investments without prior RBI approval. Depositors are currently restricted from withdrawing their balances, though they are eligible for DICGC insurance cover up to ₹5 lakh.

Long Description : Established on March 12, 1954, the Sahitya Akademi observed its 72nd anniversary with literary forums and award ceremonies. The central event in New Delhi highlighted the Akademi’s role in promoting the "unity of Indian literature" through translations. In 2026, special focus was given to the "Gramalok" initiative and "Yuva Sahiti," targeting young authors. The day serves as a platform to reaffirm India’s commitment to linguistic diversity and preservation of literary heritage.

Long Description : India has officially transitioned to the 2022-23 base year for calculating its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This revision is essential to reflect structural changes, such as the rise of the digital economy and renewable energy, which were underrepresented in the 2011-12 series. While growth rates remain robust, the absolute size of the estimated economy saw a minor technical adjustment. This move aligns Indian statistical standards with global benchmarks.

Long Description : In a historic cross-border investment, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries is set to develop a state-of-the-art refinery in Texas. The $300 billion project is designed to process 1.2 billion barrels of American shale oil. The refinery will utilize advanced green hydrogen technologies to minimize carbon emissions. This strategic move positions Reliance as a global energy giant and strengthens economic ties with the US through large-scale industrial cooperation.

Long Description : On Mauritius National Day, India and Mauritius reinforced their "Special Relationship." Key announcements included the completion of the Agalega Island infrastructure and the Indo-Mauritius Joint Satellite project. These initiatives reflect India's "SAGAR" vision. The partnership continues to expand from cultural ties to high-tech domains like satellite tracking, fintech (UPI integration), and blue economy cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

Long Description : The Gujarat Titans (GT) have officially announced the inclusion of veteran coach Vijay Dahiya to their support staff for IPL 2026. Dahiya, known for his successful stints with KKR and LSG, brings over a decade of T20 tactical experience. His appointment is seen as a move to strengthen domestic talent scouting and middle-order strategy. The Titans are looking to regain their championship form, and Dahiya's expertise is expected to be a key asset.

Long Description : Following the landmark deal to supply BrahMos missiles, Indian and Indonesian defense officials met to finalize the training and infrastructure roadmap. The deployment is aimed at securing Indonesia’s sea lanes and critical chokepoints in the South China Sea. This marks a transition in India’s role to a key regional security provider. The two nations also discussed joint production of small arms and maritime patrol vessels as part of India’s ‘Act East’ policy.