Current Affairs – 25.03.2026

🔹 National Affairs (India)

Union Cabinet Approvals
- The Union Cabinet approved multiple infrastructure projects worth over ₹32,000 crore focusing on road connectivity and renewable energy expansion.
- Key emphasis on Green Hydrogen Mission Phase-II, targeting production of 5 million metric tonnes annually by 2030.
RBI Policy Update
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained the repo rate at 6.50% in its latest review.
- Inflation projection for FY 2026 revised to 5.1%, while GDP growth estimated at 6.8%.
- Digital lending guidelines tightened to ensure transparency and borrower protection.
Digital India Expansion
- Government launched “Digital Gram 2.0” initiative to enhance broadband connectivity in 2.5 lakh gram panchayats.
- Aim: Achieve 100% rural internet penetration by 2027.
Defense Developments
- India successfully test-fired an advanced version of Agni-Prime ballistic missile with a range of 1,000–2,000 km.
- Conducted from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
Banking & Economy
- Public Sector Banks reported gross NPAs reduced to 3.2% (Dec 2025), lowest in a decade.
- Government plans to merge smaller regional rural banks to improve operational efficiency.

Global Climate Action
- At the UN Climate Meet 2026, over 120 countries pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2035.
- India reiterated commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2070.
US Federal Reserve Decision
- The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 5.25%–5.50%.
- Signals cautious approach due to persistent inflation pressures.
China Economic Policy
- China announced a stimulus package worth $500 billion to revive slowing manufacturing sector.
- Focus sectors: Infrastructure, EVs, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Russia–Ukraine Situation
- Continued geopolitical tensions with renewed negotiations mediated by European nations.
- Global crude prices rose to $88 per barrel due to supply uncertainty.

Stock Market Update
- Sensex closed at 74,820, while Nifty 50 reached 22,650.
- Banking and IT sectors led gains.
Startup Ecosystem
- India recorded 5 new unicorns in Q1 2026, taking total count to 125+ startups valued over $1 billion.
GST Collection
- February 2026 GST collection stood at ₹1.78 lakh crore, reflecting 12% YoY growth.

Financial Inclusion
- Over 52 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened with total deposits exceeding ₹2.4 lakh crore.
UPI Transactions
- Monthly UPI transactions crossed 15 billion transactions, with value exceeding ₹23 lakh crore.
Insurance Sector
- IRDAI approved new “Bima Vistaar Scheme” targeting rural insurance coverage expansion.

राष्ट्रीय पुरस्कार
- Shri Amitabh Bachchan honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at National Film Awards 2026.
International Recognition
- Dr. Raghuram Rajan received Global Economic Leadership Award 2026 for contributions to financial stability.
Sports Awards
- Neeraj Chopra awarded World Athlete of the Year 2025 by World Athletics Federation.

Banking Sector
- SBI appointed Rajesh Kumar Singh as new Managing Director (MD) effective March 2026.
International
- Kristalina Georgieva reappointed as IMF Managing Director for second term.
Corporate Leadership
- Infosys appointed Salil Parekh as CEO for extended tenure till 2028.

ISRO Mission Update
- ISRO announced Gaganyaan Mission crew selection completed, launch scheduled for early 2027.
AI & Innovation
- India launched National AI Compute Grid with capacity of 10,000 GPUs to support startups and research.
Space Exploration
- NASA confirmed Artemis II mission launch in November 2026.

Forest Report
- India’s forest cover increased by 1,540 sq km as per latest assessment.
Renewable Energy
- Solar capacity crossed 90 GW installed capacity, contributing over 20% of power mix.

Cricket
- India defeated Australia by 5 wickets in T20 series decider.
- Player of the Match: Suryakumar Yadav (78 runs off 42 balls).
Football
- India qualified for AFC Asian Cup 2027 after defeating Uzbekistan 2-1.
Tennis
- Carlos Alcaraz won Miami Open 2026, defeating Daniil Medvedev in finals.
Badminton
- PV Sindhu reached finals of All England Open 2026, finished runner-up.

International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members
- Observed annually to recognize efforts of UN personnel working under challenging conditions.