National Current Affairs

Government Extends Jal Jeevan Mission and Focuses on Rural Drinking Water

• The Government of India approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) until December 2028.

• The programme aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural household.

• The extension is part of JJM 2.0, which emphasizes structural reforms in the rural drinking water sector.

• The mission was originally launched on 15 August 2019.

• The scheme focuses on sustainable water sources, water quality monitoring, and community participation.

• Under the mission, villages are encouraged to implement water conservation and rainwater harvesting measures.

EASE 8.0 Reform Agenda for Public Sector Banks

• The Government launched the EASE 8.0 reform agenda to further modernize Public Sector Banks (PSBs).

• EASE stands for Enhanced Access and Service Excellence.

• The reform programme focuses on:

  • Digital banking transformation

  • Improved risk management

  • Customer-centric banking services

  • Strengthening governance and compliance

• Previous phases of EASE reforms helped improve PSB profitability and credit growth.

Government Measures to Increase Enrollment in PMJJBY

• The Government has taken steps to improve enrollment under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY).

• PMJJBY is a life insurance scheme launched in May 2015.

• Key features:

  • Annual premium: ₹436

  • Life insurance cover: ₹2 lakh

  • Eligibility: Individuals aged 18–50 years with a bank account.

• The government has directed banks to ensure timely claim settlement and wider enrollment.

National Conference of Women Elected Representatives

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj organized a National Conference of Women Elected Representatives on 11 March 2026.

• The event was conducted under the Sashakt Panchayat–Netri Abhiyan.

• The initiative aims to:

  • Strengthen leadership skills of women in local governance.

  • Promote gender-inclusive decision making in Panchayati Raj institutions.

• Women currently represent over 46% of elected representatives in rural local bodies in India.

Defence and Technology

Indigenous Air Droppable Container (ADC-150) Successfully Tested

• DRDO and the Indian Navy conducted successful in-flight release trials of the Air Droppable Container (ADC-150).

• The trials were conducted from a P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft.

• Key features of ADC-150:

  • Designed for logistics supply operations at sea.

  • Capable of carrying up to 150 kg payload.

  • Supports naval ships deployed in remote ocean regions.

• The system strengthens India’s indigenous defence logistics capability.

PM-STIAC Meeting on Advanced Manufacturing

• The 29th meeting of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) was held.

• Focus areas discussed:

  • Advanced manufacturing systems

  • Semiconductor ecosystem development

  • Artificial intelligence integration in industry

  • Strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem.

International Current Affairs

Mumbai Selected to Host Earthshot Prize 2026

• Mumbai has been selected to host the Earthshot Prize Awards in November 2026.

• The initiative was launched by Prince William in 2020.

• The award supports innovative solutions in five environmental categories:

  • Protect and Restore Nature

  • Clean Our Air

  • Revive Our Oceans

  • Build a Waste-Free World

  • Fix Our Climate

• Each winning project receives $1 million (approx. ₹8 crore) in funding support.

• India has produced a large number of finalists since the launch of the prize.

Sports Current Affairs

India Wins ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

• India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final.

• The final was played at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on 8 March 2026.

• India posted a record total in the final and restricted New Zealand to 246 all out.

• Key player performances:

  • Sanju Samson delivered a crucial batting performance.

  • Ishan Kishan contributed aggressively in the middle order.

  • Abhishek Sharma provided a strong start as an opener.

• Tournament statistics:

  • Sanju Samson scored 321 runs in the tournament.

• Major records:

  • India became the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups (2024 and 2026).

  • India now holds three ICC Men’s T20 World Cup titles (2007, 2024, 2026).

New Delhi Hosts World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026

• The 2nd edition of the World Para Athletics Grand Prix is being held in New Delhi from 11–13 March 2026.

• The event is organized by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).

• Participation details:

  • 257 athletes

  • 8 participating countries

• The event provides international exposure for Indian para athletes and promotes inclusive sports development.

• Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India, highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening the para-sports ecosystem.

National Divyangjan Cricket Sports Festival 2026

• The first National Divyangjan Cricket Sports Festival was inaugurated in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

• The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

• Key details:

  • Theme: “Not Out @100”

  • Around 350 differently-abled players participated.

  • Players from 25 Indian states took part.

• The event aims to promote inclusive sports participation for persons with disabilities.

Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 Ceremony

• The 8th edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) will be held in Lucknow on 21 March 2026.

• The awards recognize achievements of Indian athletes across multiple sports disciplines.

• The ceremony will feature both emerging athletes and established sporting icons.

Culture and Events

First International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD)

• The first International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) will be organized from 25–31 March 2026.

• Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

• The festival aims to promote:

  • Global cinematic collaboration

  • Cultural exchange

  • Indian film industry visibility.

Important Government Initiatives and Policy Updates

Fertilizer Supply Stabilization for Rabi Season

• The Government secured 86 lakh tonnes of fertilizers through global agreements.

• Domestic production of Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers increased to 211 lakh metric tonnes.

• The price of DAP fertilizer has been capped at ₹1,350 per bag despite global price volatility.

• The move aims to support farmers during the Rabi crop season 2025–26.

Balanced Nutrient Use in Agriculture

• The Government highlighted nutrient use efficiency levels in Indian agriculture:

  • Nitrogen (N): 30–45%

  • Phosphorus (P): 15–25%

  • Potassium (K): 50–60%

• Efforts are underway to promote balanced fertilizer usage for better farm productivity.

Important Events and Initiatives

ASMITA Women’s Sports League

• The ASMITA League (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action) was organized nationwide.

• The initiative is led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

• Participation details:

  • Events held at 250 locations across India.

  • Expected participation: 2.5 lakh women athletes.

• Categories include Under-13, 13–18, and 18+ age groups.

• The programme promotes women participation in sports and talent identification.

Important Facts for Exams

• ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Winner – India

• Runner-up – New Zealand

• Winning margin – 96 runs

• Venue of final – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

• Earthshot Prize 2026 Host City – Mumbai

• World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 – New Delhi (11–13 March 2026)

• International Film Festival Delhi – 25–31 March 2026

• Jal Jeevan Mission extended till – December 2028

• PMJJBY Insurance Cover – ₹2 lakh