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Current Affairs Pulse

30 March 2026

38 articles24 high importance38 with quiz
EconomyHighquizQuiz

India's Fiscal Deficit Nears FY26 Target Amidst Nominal GDP Revision

  • India's fiscal deficit for April-February has reached approximately 80% of the revised FY26 target.
  • The FY26 fiscal deficit is now projected at around 4.5% of GDP, a slight increase from the earlier revised estimate of 4.3%.
  • This upward revision in the deficit percentage is primarily due to a downward adjustment in nominal GDP estimates.
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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

West Asia Conflict Poses Supply Chain Risks for India's Electronics Manufacturing

  • Indian electronics manufacturers are monitoring rising global commodity prices.
  • Geopolitical tensions in West Asia are identified as a key trigger for these price increases and potential supply chain disruptions.
  • Current profit margins are largely protected by existing long-term contracts and pass-through clauses.
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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

New Brain Network 'SCAN' Linked to Parkinson's Disease, Promising TMS Therapy

  • A new brain network, the Somato-Cognitive Action Network (SCAN), has been identified, integrating sensory, cognitive, and motor functions.
  • Dysfunction within the SCAN network is now implicated as a potential target for improving Parkinson's disease therapies.
  • A small clinical trial demonstrated that targeting SCAN regions with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) significantly reduced tremors and instability in Parkinson's patients.
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EnvironmentMediumquizQuiz

Jungle Cats Utilize Agricultural Lands, Face Threats Outside Protected Areas: Study

  • A recent study indicates that jungle cats are increasingly using agricultural landscapes as habitats.
  • These cats play a vital ecological role by controlling rodent populations, thereby protecting crops.
  • However, these non-protected areas expose jungle cats to significant threats like habitat fragmentation and vehicular accidents.
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InternationalMediumquizQuiz

BRICS Scientific Collaboration: Advancing Multipolarity and Socially Relevant Areas

  • BRICS nations are actively collaborating in science, technology, and innovation (STI).
  • This cooperation is a key strategy for BRICS to foster a multipolar global system.
  • Focus areas for scientific collaboration include critical socially relevant sectors like energy, water, health, and environment.
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DefenceHighquizQuiz

Houthi Attacks Escalate Oil Prices, Threatening India's Energy Security

  • Global crude oil prices surged over 3% following missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Israel.
  • The attacks have intensified concerns regarding the security of global oil supply routes, particularly at critical maritime choke points.
  • This escalation poses significant risks for India, a major oil-importing nation, potentially leading to higher import bills and inflationary pressures.
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EconomyHighquizQuiz

India's Industrial Production Grows 5.2% in February, IIP Shows Uneven Recovery

  • India's industrial output, measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), registered a growth of 5.2% in February 2024.
  • The manufacturing, mining, and electricity sectors were the primary contributors to this overall industrial expansion.
  • Despite the growth, the consumer durables segment experienced a contraction of 1.2%, indicating subdued domestic demand.
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EconomyHighquizQuiz

India diversifies fertilizer imports to bridge kharif season gap

  • India faces a significant fertilizer shortfall of 21 million tonnes for the upcoming Kharif season.
  • Current fertilizer stock stands at 18 million tonnes against a requirement of 39 million tonnes.
  • The government aims to bridge this deficit by May through proactive measures and diversified imports.
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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Lok Sabha Passes IBC Amendments to Enhance Value Maximisation and Governance

  • Lok Sabha has approved amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
  • The Finance Minister stated that 12 amendments are being introduced to maximize value for stakeholders.
  • The changes aim to improve the overall governance process of insolvency resolution in India.
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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Indian Stock Markets Decline Amid Geopolitical Tensions, Ending FY26 with Losses

  • Indian stock markets, including the BSE Sensex, experienced a significant decline for the second consecutive day.
  • The primary reason cited for the market slump was the escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
  • This market downturn contributed to overall losses for the financial year ending FY26.
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EconomyHighquizQuiz

India's IIP Growth Rises to 5.2% in Feb 2026 Driven by Manufacturing, Capital Goods

  • India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a 5.2% growth in February 2026.
  • The growth was primarily driven by robust performance in the manufacturing and capital goods sectors.
  • However, the data also highlighted a concerning weakness in consumer demand, with both durables and non-durables sectors experiencing contractions.
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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Finance Minister Defends IBC, Emphasizes Business Rescue Over Mere Debt Recovery

  • The Finance Minister defended the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in Lok Sabha during a debate on an amendment bill.
  • She clarified that the primary objective of IBC is to rescue viable businesses facing financial stress, not solely debt recovery.
  • The Minister highlighted improved recovery rates and better post-resolution performance of firms under the IBC framework.
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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

IRDAI Mandates India AS for Insurers from April 1 for Enhanced Financial Reporting

  • The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has approved the implementation of Indian Accounting Standards (India AS) for all insurance companies.
  • This new accounting framework will be effective from April 1, 2024.
  • It applies comprehensively to all categories of insurers, including life, general, standalone health insurers, and reinsurers operating in India.
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EconomyHighquizQuiz

Nifty 50 Records Worst Monthly Performance in Six Years Amidst Continuous Decline

  • The Nifty 50 index experienced its most significant monthly decline in six years during March 2026, falling by 11.4%.
  • This downturn marked a period of six consecutive weeks of market depreciation for major Indian indices.
  • On March 30, 2026, Nifty 50 closed at 22,331.4 points, while Sensex ended at 71,947.5 points, both recording over 2% drops.
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EconomyHighquizQuiz

NHAI Nears ₹30,000 Crore Road Monetisation Target via InvIT and TOT Models

  • The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has mobilised ₹28,307 crore through its road asset monetisation program.
  • This achievement puts NHAI on track to meet its ambitious ₹30,000 crore target for the current fiscal year.
  • The funds were raised using a combination of Public and Private Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) and the Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) model.
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EconomyMediumquizQuiz

Indian Housing Market Sees Significant Decline in Sales and Launches in Q1 2026

  • Indian housing sales dropped by 13% year-on-year and 6% quarter-on-quarter to 98,761 units in Q1 2026.
  • New project launches also declined significantly by 19% year-on-year and 8% quarter-on-quarter, totaling 92,411 units.
  • The data, provided by PropEquity, indicates a slowdown in the real estate sector during the January-March 2026 period.
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InternationalMediumquizQuiz

Over 70 killed in South Sudan gold mine clashes amid resource disputes

  • Over 70 people were killed in violent clashes at the Jebel Iraq gold mining site in South Sudan.
  • The conflict reportedly stemmed from a dispute between illegal miners and established mining companies.
  • This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of resource governance and internal instability in South Sudan.
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InternationalHighquizQuiz

Spain Denies US Airspace for Iran Operations, Citing Illegality of War

  • Spain denied the United States permission to use its airspace for potential military operations against Iran.
  • The Spanish government also barred the US from utilizing jointly-operated military bases on Spanish soil for this purpose.
  • Spain's Defence Minister publicly stated that such a war would be 'profoundly illegal and unjust' under international law.
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InternationalMediumquizQuiz

Deadly Rain and Storms Claim 45 Lives in Afghanistan and Pakistan

  • Heavy rain and storms caused 45 fatalities across Afghanistan and Pakistan.
  • The severe weather led to the closure of major highways, particularly in central and eastern Afghanistan.
  • Further adverse weather conditions were anticipated in the affected region.
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InternationalHighquizQuiz

Iran Parliament Considers Exiting Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

  • The Iranian Parliament is debating a potential withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
  • Iran consistently asserts that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes, such as energy generation.
  • As a signatory, Iran claims its inherent right to peaceful nuclear enrichment under the NPT framework.
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InternationalHighquizQuiz

Nepal's Political Shift: A Strategic Opportunity for India-Nepal Ties

  • Nepal's new government, led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', presents a fresh opportunity for India to strengthen bilateral relations.
  • India aims to deepen engagement amidst increasing geopolitical competition and China's growing influence in Nepal.
  • Key unresolved issues include border disputes (Kalapani, Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura) and the unaddressed report of the Eminent Persons' Group (EPG).
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MiscellaneousMediumquizQuiz

Uttar Pradesh: India's Most Populous State with 75 Districts and 18 Divisions

  • Uttar Pradesh is recognized as the most populous state in India.
  • The state is administratively structured into 75 districts.
  • These 75 districts are further organized into 18 administrative divisions.
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EnvironmentHighquizQuiz

India's Ramsar Sites Projected to Reach 98 by February 2026 with Two New Additions

  • India's total Ramsar Sites are projected to reach 98 by February 2026, as per the article.
  • Two new sites, Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat), have been added to the list.
  • The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
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Science & TechHighquizQuiz

CALM-Brain: India's First Open-Source Digital Repository for Psychiatric Disorders by NIMHANS

  • CALM-Brain is announced as India's first open-source digital repository dedicated to psychiatric disorders.
  • Developed by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS).
  • Its primary objective is to advance research, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions.
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MiscellaneousMediumquizQuiz

Zojila Pass: Strategic Himalayan Gateway and Avalanche Concerns

  • Zojila Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
  • It serves as a critical link on the Srinagar–Leh Highway, connecting the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh.
  • Known as the 'Mountain Pass of Blizzards' due to its severe weather conditions and heavy snowfall.
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InternationalHighquizQuiz

Nepal's New Leadership: Geopolitical Implications for India-China Relations

  • Balendra Shah, a rapper-engineer, has risen as Nepal's Prime Minister-designate, leading the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) with a mandate for change.
  • His victory signifies a departure from traditional ideological politics, appealing to a younger generation seeking better governance.
  • Shah's foreign policy approach emphasizes Nepali nationalism and sovereignty, aiming to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape between India and China.
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EnvironmentHighquizQuiz

Warfare's Environmental Toll: Conflicts Eject Millions of Tonnes of Greenhouse Gases

  • Military conflicts are a major source of environmental degradation, releasing significant greenhouse gases and toxins.
  • The initial 14 days of the US-Israel conflict on Iran reportedly emitted over 5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases.
  • This emission level surpassed the combined annual output of more than 84 countries, highlighting the scale of military pollution.
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EconomyHighquizQuiz

India's Supply Chain Resilience: A Strategic Imperative for Economic Growth

  • India needs an integrated, forward-looking strategy to build robust supply chains, moving beyond isolated interventions.
  • Key pillars for resilience include diversification of sourcing, advanced digitalization, and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.
  • Global disruptions like pandemics and geopolitical tensions highlight the urgent need for India to secure its supply networks.
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DefenceHighquizQuiz

Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Cross-Border Shelling in Kunar Province, Civilians Affected

  • Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of conducting cross-border shelling using 'mortars and other heavy weaponry' in its eastern Kunar Province.
  • The alleged shelling targeted rural areas and civilian homes on the outskirts of Asadabad city, reportedly causing civilian casualties.
  • This incident highlights ongoing tensions and border disputes between the two neighbouring nations.
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DefenceMediumquizQuiz

Ukrainian Drone Attack Hits Taganrog in Russia's Rostov Region

  • Ukrainian drones targeted the city of Taganrog in Russia's Rostov region, near the Ukrainian border.
  • The attack resulted in one fatality and caused damage to residential buildings and industrial facilities.
  • Emergency services were deployed to the affected areas, and local residents were evacuated.
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InternationalHighquizQuiz

India Seeks 25-Year Transition for WTO Fisheries Pact at MC14

  • India advocated for a 25-year transition period for developing nations under the WTO's Fisheries Subsidies Agreement at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14).
  • India also pushed for stricter regulations on distant-water industrial fishing, primarily conducted by developed countries.
  • The discussions at MC14 in Yaounde, Cameroon, focused on curbing harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
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Polity & GovernanceMediumquizQuiz

PM Modi Addresses West Asia Crisis and National Initiatives in Mann ki Baat

  • Prime Minister Modi discussed the challenging situation in West Asia during his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address.
  • He also highlighted India's recent achievements in the field of cricket.
  • The address touched upon various ongoing initiatives across the country aimed at nation-building.
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MiscellaneousHighquizQuiz

MGNREGS Work Denial: Rural Workers Affected Despite Central Assurances

  • Thousands of rural workers in states like Bihar and Rajasthan are reportedly being denied work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
  • Some district officials are allegedly citing informal directives to halt new works, claiming the scheme has been discontinued, despite no formal orders from the Centre.
  • This situation contradicts explicit assurances from the Union government regarding the continuity and importance of the MGNREGS.
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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

Union Government Sets March 2026 Deadline to Eradicate Left Wing Extremism

  • A former MHA official noted the continuous nature of the Maoist campaign across different government tenures.
  • The period between 2006 and 2009 was identified as the most challenging phase in combating Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a definitive deadline of March 31, 2026, for the complete eradication of LWE from India.
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Polity & GovernanceMediumquizQuiz

Mamata Banerjee Declares Herself Candidate for All 294 Bengal Assembly Seats

  • Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee announced she is the candidate for all 294 assembly seats in West Bengal.
  • She urged the electorate to place their trust in her, irrespective of the local candidate.
  • This statement highlights a political strategy to centralize the campaign around her personal appeal and leadership.
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Polity & GovernanceMediumquizQuiz

Railway Board Directs Officials to Curb Unauthorized Project Expenditure

  • The Indian Railway Board has issued a directive to its officials to prevent unauthorized expenditure on projects.
  • This action follows audit reports highlighting significant unsanctioned spending over the past five years.
  • The directive emphasizes strict adherence to financial rules and proper sanctioning procedures for all projects.
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Polity & GovernanceMediumquizQuiz

31 Arrested, Prohibitory Orders Imposed After Ram Navami Clashes in Bengal

  • 31 individuals have been arrested following clashes that erupted during Ram Navami celebrations in a West Bengal district.
  • The incidents resulted in injuries to 21 people, prompting immediate law enforcement action.
  • Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in the affected areas.
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Polity & GovernanceHighquizQuiz

Assam Grants Legal Land Rights to 3.5 Lakh Tea Plantation Worker Families

  • The Assam government has amended a law to provide legal land rights to tea plantation workers.
  • This policy change benefits approximately 3.5 lakh families residing in the 'labour lines' of over 800 tea estates.
  • The move comes two months prior to state elections, indicating potential political implications.
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