Daily Current Affairs – 21.03.2026

RBI Monetary Policy Outlook & Banking Updates
- The Reserve Bank of India signaled a cautious stance on inflation amid global volatility.
- Repo rate maintained at 6.50% to balance inflation control and growth.
- Inflation projection for FY 2026 revised to 5.2%, citing food price volatility.
- Digital payments in India crossed ₹20,000 crore daily transaction value, reflecting strong fintech adoption.
India’s GDP Growth Projection
- Government retained GDP growth estimate at 6.8% for FY 2025–26.
- Manufacturing and services sectors contributing over 70% to GDP expansion.
New Digital Banking Initiative
- Public sector banks launched AI-driven customer grievance redressal systems.
- Expected to reduce complaint resolution time by 40%.
Green Energy Push
- India approved new solar projects totaling 10 GW capacity under National Solar Mission.
- Target: Achieve 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Defence Developments
- DRDO successfully tested a new medium-range surface-to-air missile with a strike range of 150 km.
- Enhances India’s indigenous defence capability.

Global Economic Developments
- The International Monetary Fund projected global growth at 3.1% for 2026.
- Advanced economies slowing, while emerging markets including India and Brazil driving growth.
India–EU Trade Negotiations
- India and the European Union resumed talks on Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- Bilateral trade currently valued at $135 billion annually.
China Economic Update
- China announced stimulus package worth $250 billion to revive slowing real estate sector.
Climate Change Commitments
- Global summit concluded with commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 (baseline 2010 levels).

Priority Sector Lending Update
- RBI revised PSL targets:
  - Agriculture: 18%
  - MSME: 7.5%
  - Weaker Sections: 12%
- New inclusion: Renewable energy projects up to ₹50 crore loans.
Financial Inclusion Drive
- Jan Dhan accounts crossed 52 crore mark.
- Total deposits reached ₹2.4 lakh crore.
UPI Expansion
- Unified Payments Interface (UPI) expanded to 20+ countries for cross-border payments.
- Monthly transactions crossed 15 billion.

Civilian Awards
- Renowned scientist Dr. Raghav Sharma awarded prestigious national science award for work in quantum computing.
International Recognition
- Indian-origin economist Anita Desai received global policy excellence award for contributions to sustainable finance.

Cricket
- India defeated Australia in ODI series:
  - Final Score: India won series 3–2
  - Player of the Series: Virat Kohli (312 runs, avg 78.0)
Football
- UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals lineup confirmed.
- Top scorer so far: Erling Haaland – 10 goals
Badminton
- Indian shuttler PV Sindhu reached finals of All England Open.
- Defeated world no. 3 in semifinals.
Chess
- D Gukesh climbed to World No. 3 ranking after recent tournament win.

रेल एवं परिवहन (Railways & Transport)
- India inaugurated 200 km high-speed rail corridor phase-1.
- Expected travel time reduction by 40%.
Smart City Projects
- 15 new smart city projects launched with investment of ₹12,000 crore.
Airport Expansion
- New terminal inaugurated at Lucknow Airport with capacity of 8 million passengers annually.

ISRO Update
- Indian Space Research Organisation launched new earth observation satellite.
- Satellite improves weather prediction accuracy by 30%.
AI in Governance
- Government introduced AI-based fraud detection system in banking.
- Expected to reduce NPAs by 15%.

Related News