Daily current affairs: 31 March 2026

Long Description : The 33rd edition of "Energy Statistics India 2026," published by the NSO (MoSPI), reveals that India’s Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) grew by 2.95% to 9,32,816 KTOE. While coal remains the backbone of the energy mix for security reasons, the renewable sector shows a 10.93% CAGR in installed capacity. Notably, solar energy now constitutes 71% of India's renewable potential. The 2026 report is pioneering for including data on international marine bunker fuels and linking financial credit flows to energy transition. This serves as the official evidence base for monitoring India’s progress toward its Net Zero 2070 commitments and Sustainable Development Goals.

Long Description : Under the "Buy (Indian-IDDM)" category, the MoD finalized a ₹1,950 crore deal with BEL for two advanced mountain radars designed by DRDO’s LRDE. These radars are specifically engineered to eliminate "radar shadow zones" created by mountainous ridgelines, which are often exploited by low-flying drones and cruise missiles. Integrated into the Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), these mobile sensors provide a real-time air picture of difficult terrains. This procurement marks a significant step in the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, reducing reliance on foreign sensors while strengthening the surveillance grid along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Long Description : The inauguration of Phase I of the Noida International Airport (NIA) marks a milestone in India's aviation history. Developed at a cost of ₹11,200 crore, the airport is designed to handle 12 million passengers annually in its initial stage. As India’s first net-zero emissions airport, it integrates digital technologies for seamless passenger processing. The project, executed via Public-Private Partnership (PPP), aims to decongest Delhi's IGI Airport and boost the logistics hub in Western UP. The facility features a single runway and terminal, with future expansions planned to make it one of the largest aerotropolises in Asia by 2040.

Long Description : Starting April 1, 2026, the new Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 mandate the segregation of waste into dry, wet, and hazardous categories at the source. Local bodies are empowered to impose "spot fines" on violators. The rules emphasize "Extended Producer Responsibility" (EPR) for packaging and electronic waste, aiming to reduce the burden on landfills. This policy shift is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, targeting 100% processing of municipal solid waste. The government aims to transition toward a circular economy where waste is treated as a resource, incentivizing waste-to-energy plants and organic composting units across urban centers.

Long Description : To bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern accessibility, the Ministry of Ayush introduced an AI-driven platform that translates complex Ayurveda research papers into 13 regional languages. This initiative uses advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) to maintain scientific accuracy while making data available to practitioners and students nationwide. The portal serves as a centralized repository for clinical trials and pharmaceutical data related to Ayurvedic formulations. By digitizing and translating these records, India aims to strengthen the global evidence base for traditional medicine, facilitating its integration into mainstream public healthcare systems and promoting "Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi" (Progress with Heritage).

Long Description : The Indian Army has achieved a milestone in procurement transparency by signing a ₹25.90 crore contract for 93 telescopic handlers through the GeM portal. This is the first time a capital acquisition—usually handled through complex tender processes—has been executed via the digital marketplace. These machines are vital for logistics and engineering operations in rugged border terrains. Using GeM for capital items reflects the government's push for "Ease of Doing Business" in the defense sector. It ensures faster delivery timelines, competitive pricing, and a transparent audit trail, setting a precedent for other wings of the armed forces to modernize their acquisition strategies.

Long Description : After a 16-year hiatus, India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) for the 2026–2028 cycle. To mark this, the Indian Navy hosted the 3rd edition of the IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX) Tabletop Exercise (TTX) at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. The exercise focused on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and maritime security cooperation among member nations. As Chair, India aims to lead initiatives in Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) and protection of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs). This leadership role reinforces India’s "SAGAR" (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision in the strategically vital Indian Ocean.

Long Description : According to the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), India’s fiscal deficit narrowed to ₹12.5 trillion for the first eleven months of the 2025–26 financial year. This improvement is attributed to robust GST collections and higher-than-expected non-tax revenues, which offset increased capital expenditure on infrastructure. The government is on track to meet its revised fiscal target, demonstrating a commitment to the "glide path" of reducing the deficit to below 4.5% of GDP. Strong domestic demand and disciplined expenditure management have remained the primary drivers. This fiscal stability is expected to maintain India's position as a resilient economy amidst global financial volatility and shifting commodity prices.

Long Description : The 20th Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards were held in New Delhi, with Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan serving as the Chief Guest. The awards recognized 28 journalists across print, digital, and broadcast media for their courageous and impactful reporting in 2025. The Vice President emphasized the role of a free press in a vibrant democracy, particularly in the era of AI-generated misinformation. Established by the Indian Express Group, these awards are among India's most prestigious honors for journalists. The ceremony highlighted reporting on social justice, environmental issues, and investigative pieces that held the powerful accountable, reinforcing the ethical standards of the "fourth pillar" of democracy.

Long Description : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed multiple initiatives to strengthen the digital payments ecosystem, headlined by a "switch on/off" facility. This feature will allow customers to instantly enable or disable various payment channels (like UPI, IMPS, or Card-not-present transactions) through their banking apps to prevent fraud. Additionally, the RBI introduced a "Shared Responsibility Framework" to define the liability of banks and customers in cyber-fraud cases. These measures are part of a broader vision document focusing on user empowerment and efficient cross-border payment frameworks. The central bank aims to make India a global leader in secure, high-volume digital financial transactions by 2028.

Long Description : In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India clarified that Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration (CANH) is a "medical treatment" and not basic nursing care. This distinction is crucial for passive euthanasia, as it allows doctors to exercise clinical judgment to withhold CANH for patients in a permanent vegetative state with no hope of recovery. The ruling came during a plea involving an irreversible medical condition, where the court prioritized the "best interest" and dignity of the patient. This decision refines the "Living Will" guidelines issued in 2018 and 2023, providing legal and ethical clarity to medical practitioners and families facing end-of-life decisions.

Long Description : The World Buddhist Peace Conference 2026 was organized in Telangana, attracting delegates and monks from over 30 countries. The summit focused on using Buddhist principles of "Dhamma" and non-violence to address contemporary global tensions and climate change. Telangana’s rich Buddhist heritage, including sites like Buddhavanam, served as the backdrop for the event. The conference highlighted India’s "Buddhist Circuit" as a tool for cultural diplomacy and soft power. A declaration was adopted to promote interfaith dialogue and sustainable living. This event underscores India's role as the "Vishwaguru," leveraging its ancient spiritual heritage to foster global peace and cooperation in the 21st century.

Long Description : To ensure the timely recording of all government receipts and payments for the 2025–26 financial year, the RBI directed all agency banks to remain open for public transactions on March 31, despite it being a Tuesday. This annual practice allows the Central and State governments to finalize their accounts before the new fiscal year begins on April 1. Banks were instructed to give wide publicity to this availability. Special clearing houses were also kept operational to process government cheques. This administrative measure is critical for fiscal transparency and ensuring that budgetary allocations and tax collections are accurately reflected in the government’s year-end financial statements.