🔶 National Current Affairs

1. Government Pushes Digital Banking Expansion

• The Government of India intensified efforts to expand digital banking infrastructure in rural areas under financial inclusion initiatives.

• As per recent data, digital transactions under UPI crossed 14 billion transactions in February 2026, marking a year-on-year growth of over 35%.

• Public Sector Banks (PSBs) were directed to increase digital onboarding and strengthen cybersecurity frameworks.

• This initiative aligns with the Digital India Mission and aims to achieve 100% financial inclusion by 2027.

2. RBI Updates Guidelines on KYC Compliance

• The Reserve Bank of India issued revised KYC norms to enhance transparency in banking operations.

• Key updates include:

  • Mandatory periodic KYC updates for high-risk customers every 2 years.

  • Introduction of AI-based risk profiling systems.

  • Simplified KYC for small accounts to boost inclusion.

• These measures aim to strengthen compliance under PMLA regulations.

3. India’s GDP Growth Projection Revised

• India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2025–26 revised to 7.2%, driven by:

  • Strong domestic consumption

  • Growth in manufacturing sector

  • Increased government capital expenditure

• The services sector contributed nearly 54% to GDP, maintaining dominance.

4. Major Infrastructure Inauguration

• The Prime Minister inaugurated a multi-modal logistics park in Gujarat worth ₹3,200 crore.

• Expected benefits:

  • Reduce logistics cost from 14% to 8% of GDP

  • Boost export competitiveness

  • Generate over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs

🌍 International Current Affairs

5. Global Economic Outlook Update

• The International Monetary Fund projected global growth at 3.1% for 2026.

• Key observations:

  • Emerging economies driving recovery

  • Inflation moderating to 4.5% globally

  • Risks include geopolitical tensions and energy prices

6. India–Japan Strategic Partnership Strengthened

• India and Japan signed agreements worth $12 billion focusing on:

  • Green energy

  • Semiconductor manufacturing

  • High-speed rail expansion

• Japan reaffirmed support for India’s Net Zero target by 2070.

7. UN Climate Initiative

• The United Nations launched a new climate financing mechanism worth $100 billion annually for developing nations.

• India expected to receive support for renewable energy expansion and climate resilience projects.

🏦 Banking & Economy

8. Banking Sector NPAs Decline

• Gross NPAs of Indian banks reduced to 3.2% in 2026, lowest in over a decade.

• Reasons:

  • Improved credit discipline

  • IBC reforms

  • Strong recovery mechanisms

9. Digital Rupee Expansion

• RBI expanded the pilot of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to more cities.

• Retail CBDC transactions increased by 60% in the last quarter.

• Banks integrated CBDC wallets with mobile banking apps.

10. SEBI Introduces New Market Regulations

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India introduced stricter norms for:

  • IPO disclosures

  • ESG reporting

  • Insider trading compliance

• Objective: Increase investor confidence and transparency.

🏅 Awards & Honours

11. National Film Awards Announcement

• Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor for outstanding performance

• Best Actress: Alia Bhatt

• Awards highlighted excellence in Indian cinema and cultural representation.

12. International Recognition

• Indian scientist Dr. Raghav Sharma received the Global Innovation Award 2026 for contributions in renewable energy technology.

⚽ Sports Current Affairs

13. Cricket – India vs Australia Series

• India defeated Australia by 5 wickets in the final ODI.

• Player of the Match: Virat Kohli (scored 112 runs).

• Series result: India won 2–1.

14. Football Update

• In European football, Kylian Mbappé scored a decisive goal leading his team to victory in a major league fixture.

15. Badminton Championship

• PV Sindhu won the All England Open 2026 Women’s Singles title, defeating a top-seeded opponent in straight sets (21-18, 21-16).

🧑‍💼 Appointments & Resignations

16. Key Appointment in Banking Sector

• Rajesh Kumar appointed as Managing Director of a leading Public Sector Bank.

• He brings over 30 years of experience in credit and risk management.

17. International Appointment

• Maria Gonzalez appointed as Deputy Managing Director of the IMF.

• Focus areas include global financial stability and emerging market reforms.

🔬 Science & Technology

18. India’s Space Achievement

• The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully tested a reusable launch vehicle.

• Key significance:

  • Reduce launch cost by up to 60%

  • Boost commercial satellite launches

19. AI in Banking Sector

• Indian banks adopted AI-driven chatbots and fraud detection systems.

• Fraud detection efficiency improved by 40% using machine learning models.

📊 Important Data Points for Exams

• India GDP Growth (FY 2026): 7.2%

• Global Growth Forecast: 3.1%

• UPI Transactions (Feb 2026): 14 billion+

• Gross NPAs: 3.2%

• CBDC Growth: 60% increase