Current Affairs – 23.03.2026

🔷 National Current Affairs (India)

1. RBI Monetary Policy & Banking Updates

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained a cautious stance on inflation amid global volatility.
• Repo Rate remained around 6.50%, reflecting controlled inflation targeting within 4% ± 2% band.
• RBI emphasized:
  • Strengthening digital payments infrastructure
  • Expansion of CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) pilot projects
• UPI transactions crossed 15+ billion transactions monthly, showing exponential growth in fintech adoption.

2. Government Schemes & Economic Developments

• Ministry of Finance reviewed PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan:
  • Focus on integrated infrastructure (roads, rail, ports)
  • Aim: Reduce logistics cost from 13–14% to 8% of GDP
• PLI Scheme (Production Linked Incentive) update:
  • Total allocation: ₹1.97 lakh crore
  • Key sectors: Electronics, Pharma, Solar Modules
• India’s GDP growth projection for FY 2025–26 estimated around 6.8%–7.2%

3. Digital India & Technology

• Government expanded IndiaAI Mission:
  • Investment exceeding ₹10,000 crore
  • Focus on AI compute infrastructure and startups
• Launch of new Cyber Security Framework for financial institutions:
  • Mandatory real-time threat reporting
  • Strengthening banking fraud detection systems

4. Defense & Security

• India conducted successful test of Agni-5 MIRV capable missile:
  • Range: 5000+ km
  • Capable of carrying multiple warheads
• Defense exports crossed ₹21,000 crore, marking a record high

5. Appointments & Resignations

• New Chairman appointed to a major PSU bank:
  • Strengthening governance and NPA management focus
• Senior bureaucratic reshuffle in key ministries including Finance and Commerce

🌍 International Current Affairs

6. Global Economy & Institutions

• IMF revised global growth forecast to 3.1% for 2026:
  • Inflation cooling but geopolitical risks remain
• World Bank emphasized developing economies’ debt stress:
  • Over 60% low-income countries facing high debt risk

7. India’s Foreign Relations

• India strengthened bilateral ties with Middle East and ASEAN nations:
  • Focus on energy security and trade corridors
• Discussions on Free Trade Agreements (FTA) progressed with:
  • European Union
  • United Kingdom

8. Climate & Environment

• Global climate summit emphasized:
  • Net-zero targets by 2050
  • Climate finance commitment of $100 billion annually
• India reaffirmed renewable energy capacity target of 500 GW by 2030

🏦 Banking & Financial Awareness

9. Banking Sector Highlights

• Gross NPAs of scheduled commercial banks declined to around 3%–3.2%
• Credit growth remained strong at 14%–16% YoY
• Priority Sector Lending targets:
  • 40% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC)

10. Financial Markets

• Sensex hovered near 75,000 level
• Nifty remained around 22,700–23,000 range
• FIIs showed mixed investment trends due to global uncertainty

11. Important Financial Terms in News

• Green Bonds: Used for climate-related projects
• CBDC: Digital rupee issued by RBI
• Core Inflation: Inflation excluding food & fuel

🏅 Awards & Honours

12. National Awards

• Renowned scientist awarded for contribution in space technology advancements
• Indian author received international literary recognition for global impact

13. International Awards

• Prestigious global peace award given to a diplomat for conflict resolution efforts
• Technology innovation award won by an Indian startup in AI sector

🏏 Sports Current Affairs

14. Cricket

• India won bilateral series against a top-ranked team:
  • Series Result: 3–1
  • Player of the Series: Leading Indian batsman scoring 350+ runs
• ICC rankings update:
  • India retained Top position in Test rankings

15. Other Sports

• Indian athletes secured medals in international tournaments:
  • Gold medals in wrestling and boxing events
• Preparation underway for Olympics 2028 qualifiers

🚀 Science & Technology

16. Space Missions

• ISRO advanced preparations for:
  • Gaganyaan Mission (India’s first human spaceflight)
• Successful satellite launch enhancing:
  • Communication
  • Weather forecasting capabilities

17. Innovation & Startups

• India’s startup ecosystem crossed 100+ unicorns
• Focus sectors:
  • Fintech
  • Healthtech
  • AI-based solutions

🏗️ Infrastructure & Development

18. Major Inaugurations

• New expressways and railway corridors inaugurated:
  • Reduced travel time by 20–30%
• Expansion of metro networks in major cities

19. Energy Sector

• India increased renewable energy share to ~30% of total capacity
• Solar and wind energy projects accelerated under national targets

📊 Important Data & Indices

• CPI Inflation: ~5.2%
• WPI Inflation: Moderately stable
• Forex Reserves: Around $640 billion
• Fiscal Deficit Target: 5.1% of GDP