Current Affairs – 22.03.2026

🟢 National Affairs (India)

RBI Monetary Policy Outlook Update
- The Reserve Bank of India maintained a cautious stance amid persistent inflation concerns.
- CPI inflation projected at 5.2% for FY 2026.
- Repo rate remains unchanged at 6.50% to balance growth and inflation.
- Emphasis on liquidity management and digital payment expansion.
Digital India Expansion Initiative
- Government approved a ₹12,000 crore Digital Infrastructure Boost Plan.
- Focus areas:
  - Rural broadband connectivity (target: 100% gram panchayat coverage).
  - Expansion of 5G services in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
- Led by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
New Green Energy Corridor Phase-II
- Cabinet approved ₹19,500 crore for renewable energy transmission.
- Target: Integration of 20 GW renewable capacity by 2027.
- Supports India’s target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
रेलवे आधुनिकीकरण (Railway Modernization)
- Indian Railways launched AI-based predictive maintenance system.
- Expected to reduce accidents by 30% and improve operational efficiency.

Global Climate Summit 2026
- Hosted in Berlin.
- Over 120 countries participated.
- Key outcomes:
  - Commitment to reduce global emissions by 45% by 2035.
  - Launch of $100 billion Global Climate Adaptation Fund.
US Federal Reserve Policy Signal
- Federal Reserve hinted at possible rate cuts in late 2026.
- Inflation in the US eased to 3.1% (Feb 2026).
India–Japan Strategic Partnership
- Bilateral trade target revised to $75 billion by 2030.
- Focus sectors:
  - Semiconductor manufacturing
  - Electric mobility
- Agreement signed between India and Japan.

UPI Transactions Record High
- Monthly transactions crossed ₹21 lakh crore in February 2026.
- Managed by National Payments Corporation of India.
- Growth rate: +38% YoY.
Public Sector Bank Performance
- Combined net profit of PSBs expected to exceed ₹1.5 lakh crore in FY 2026.
- GNPA ratio reduced to 4.2%, lowest in a decade.
New Financial Inclusion Scheme
- Government launched Jan Suraksha 2.0:
  - Insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh.
  - Target: 10 crore new beneficiaries.

International Gandhi Peace Prize 2025
- Awarded to Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
- Recognized for contributions to microfinance and poverty alleviation.
राष्ट्रीय फिल्म पुरस्कार (National Film Awards 2026)
- Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor (Film: “Animal – Extended Cut”)
- Best Actress: Alia Bhatt

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Preparation
- International Cricket Council confirmed tournament schedule.
- Host nations: India & Sri Lanka.
- Final to be held at Narendra Modi Stadium.
India vs Australia ODI Series
- India won series 3-2.
- Player of the Series: Shubman Gill.
- Total runs: 412 runs in 5 matches.
All England Badminton Championship 2026
- Winner (Men’s Singles): Viktor Axelsen.
- Women’s Singles winner: An Se-young.

New SEBI Chairman Appointed
- Tuhin Kanta Pandey appointed as Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India.
- Tenure: 3 years.
World Bank Leadership Update
- Ajay Banga announced new global development financing roadmap.

ISRO Satellite Launch
- Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched RISAT-2B Mk-II.
- Purpose: Advanced surveillance and disaster monitoring.
- Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C60.
AI Regulation Framework in India
- Government introduced draft policy for ethical AI usage.
- Focus:
  - Data privacy
  - Bias reduction
  - Accountability in AI systems

New Expressway Inauguration
- Narendra Modi inaugurated Delhi–Dehradun Expressway Phase-II.
- Length: 210 km
- Travel time reduced from 6 hours to 2.5 hours.
Smart Cities Mission Update
- 90% of projects completed across 100 cities.
- Total investment: ₹2 lakh crore.

Record Wheat Production
- India projected wheat output: 115 million tonnes (2025-26).
- Driven by improved MSP and irrigation schemes.
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
- Target: 40% reduction in PM2.5 levels by 2026.
- Coverage: 131 cities.