National Current Affairs

1. Bharat Innovates 2026 Pre-Summit to be Hosted at IIT Bombay

• The “Bharat Innovates 2026” Pre-Summit will be hosted at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay from 21–22 March 2026.

• The summit will bring together 137 deep-tech startups, investors, policymakers, and academic experts.

• The initiative is linked with the India–France Year of Innovation programme.

• The main innovation showcase will take place in Nice, France from 14–16 June 2026.

• More than 4,000 innovation proposals were submitted nationwide, from which 100 top innovations were selected across 13 sectors including healthcare, robotics, energy and AI.

• The event will include:

  • Startup exhibitions

  • Investor pitch sessions

  • Reverse pitch sessions where industry leaders present technological challenges.

2. Make in India SME Regional Summit to be Held in Dehradun

• The ET Make in India SME Regional Summit 2026 will be organised in Dehradun, Uttarakhand on 20 March 2026.

• The summit will focus on strengthening the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

• Participants include:

  • Entrepreneurs

  • Industry leaders

  • Policymakers

  • Financial institutions.

• Key objectives:

  • Promote regional manufacturing growth

  • Encourage digital transformation in SMEs

  • Improve credit access and export capability.

3. RBI Cancels Registration of Several NBFCs

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) of 36 Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) due to non-compliance with regulatory norms.

• Additionally, 9 NBFCs voluntarily surrendered their licenses.

• The move aims to strengthen financial sector regulation and ensure protection of depositors.

4. India’s Export Outlook for FY2026

• According to projections by Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank):

  • India’s merchandise exports are expected to reach USD 125.3 billion in Q4 FY2026.

  • This represents a year-on-year growth of 8.7%.

  • Non-oil exports are expected to reach USD 113.4 billion, growing 12.1% year-on-year.

  • Non-oil and non-gems & jewellery exports may reach USD 98 billion.

5. India Remains Second Largest Arms Importer Globally

• According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Report 2025:

  • India remained the world’s second-largest arms importer during 2021–2025.

  • India accounted for 8.2% of global arms imports.

  • Ukraine ranked first globally due to increased defence procurement.

International Current Affairs

6. Global Air Travel Disruptions Affect Cricket Teams

• Several international cricket teams including South Africa and West Indies faced travel disruptions due to airspace closures related to Middle East geopolitical tensions.

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) coordinated the safe return of teams from India.

• The evacuation process was completed in multiple batches within 36 hours.

7. India-France Innovation Partnership Expands

• Under the India-France Innovation Collaboration Programme, multiple joint technology initiatives are being promoted in sectors including:

  • Deep-tech

  • Climate technology

  • Healthcare innovation.

• The programme forms part of a broader strategic roadmap between the two nations for technological collaboration.

Banking and Economy

8. Global Banks Strengthen Investment in India

• Several international banks, including Standard Chartered, have announced increased investment support for India’s growth sectors.

• Focus areas include:

  • Sustainable finance

  • Green energy projects

  • Digital financial infrastructure

  • Financial inclusion initiatives.

9. Inflation Risk Linked to Global Oil Prices

• Financial analysts have warned that every 10% increase in crude oil prices could raise inflation by approximately 50 basis points in emerging economies including India.

• Rising oil prices remain a major concern for monetary policy decisions and economic stability.

Sports Current Affairs

10. India Wins ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

• India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

• The final was played at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (Gujarat).

• India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final.

• This marked India’s third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title.

• The tournament was the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup.

11. Indian Wells Tennis Tournament 2026 Finals

• The Indian Wells Masters 2026 concluded on 15 March 2026.

• Final matchups included:

  • Men’s Final: Daniil Medvedev vs Jannik Sinner

  • Women’s Final: Aryna Sabalenka vs Elena Rybakina.

• The tournament is often referred to as “Tennis’ unofficial fifth Grand Slam.”

12. TOISA 2025 Sports Awards Ceremony

• The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 will be held on 21 March 2026 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

• The event includes more than 45 award categories recognizing Indian athletes’ performances during January–December 2025.

• Categories include:

  • Sportsperson of the Year

  • Coach of the Year

  • Emerging Player of the Year.

Important Personalities & Events

13. Indian Cricketer Kuldeep Yadav Marries Vanshika Chadha

• Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav married Vanshika Chadha on 14 March 2026.

• The wedding ceremony was held in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.

• The event followed India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Important Exam-Oriented One-Liners

• India ranked 2nd globally in arms imports during 2021–2025 according to SIPRI.

• Bharat Innovates 2026 Pre-Summit will be hosted at IIT Bombay (21–22 March 2026).

• TOISA 2025 Awards Ceremony will take place in Lucknow on 21 March 2026.

• India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

• India Exim Bank projects USD 125.3 billion merchandise exports in Q4 FY2026.

• RBI cancelled registration of 36 NBFCs due to regulatory violations.