Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Monday, June 8, 2026
Daily Current Affairs June 08, 2026
Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates: 08 June 2026 for UPSC, SSC, Bank & Railways
National
- Gyan Bharatam National Survey of Manuscripts has successfully mapped over 1 crore manuscripts from across the country-The Gyan Bharatam National Manuscript Survey is a major nationwide initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, on March 16, 2026. Falling under the broader Gyan Bharatam Mission (announced in the Union Budget 2025–26), the survey aims to establish a comprehensive, geo-tagged "Manuscript Presence Map" of India.On June 8, 2026, Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced that the survey achieved a historic milestone by successfully mapping over 1 crore (10 million) manuscripts across the country.
- President Murmu presents Gallantry Awards to Armed Forces, Police Personnel -President Droupadi Murmu conferred Gallantry Awards to the personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State and Union Territory Police during the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan this evening. Read comlete list here.
- BHAVYA Scheme:Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal today launched the BHAVYA Portal to accelerate the development of 100 Industrial Parks across the country.The BHAVYA (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna) scheme is a landmark flagship initiative launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.Approved by the Union Cabinet on March 18, 2026, and officially rolled out via its dedicated portal on June 8, 2026 by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, BHAVYA is designed to revolutionize India's manufacturing landscape by creating 100 world-class, plug-and-play industrial parks across the country over a six-year period (2026–27 to 2031–32).
- PM Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan -Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry will launch nationwide celebrations to commemorate ten years of successful implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan from tomorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the scheme on 9th June, 2016, to provide assured, comprehensive, and quality antenatal care services free of cost to all pregnant women.
Economy and banking
- India reports current account surplus of $7.1 billion in January-March quarter of 2025-26-India reported a current account surplus of 7.1 billion dollars or 0.7 percent of GDP in the January-March quarter of 2025-26. As per the report released by the Reserve Bank of India earlier today, the current account deficit stood at 25.2 billion dollars, or 0.6 per cent of GDP for 2025-26 as compared to 22.9 billion dollars during 2024-25.
Sports and culture
- In cricket, India registered their biggest-ever victory in Test cricket, crushing Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs on the third day of the one-off Test at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh today.
- French Open: Zverev clinches his maiden Grand Slam title-In tennis, Germany’s Alexander Zverev clinched his maiden Grand Slam title, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a thrilling five-set final to win the French Open crown at Roland Garros. The world number three prevailed 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1 in a four-hour-and-20-minute contest on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Days Observed
- Akashvani is celebrating its 90 years today. On this day in 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service was renamed All India Radio (AIR). This red letter day marks a special moment in the cultural, information and broadcasting history of the country, where a voice was born that would echo through generations. Post-independence, All India Radio expanded rapidly, adopting the name Akashvani in 1956.
- World Brain Tumor Day: Initiated by the German Brain Tumor Association (Deutsche Hirntumorhilfe) to raise awareness and express solidarity with patients and their families.
- World Ocean Day is observed globally every year on June 8 to celebrate our interconnected ocean, highlight its critical role in sustaining life on Earth, and inspire collective action for marine conservation.
Static GK for exam preparations
- A current account surplus occurs when a nation's total exports of goods and services, alongside incoming foreign investments and remittances, exceed its total imports and outgoing payments. It signals that the country is a net lender to the rest of the world, building its net foreign assets.
- India’s Gallantry Awards are prestigious honors presented by the President of India to recognize acts of bravery and supreme self-sacrifice. Instituted in independent India to honor military personnel and civilians, they are categorized into wartime bravery, peacetime bravery, and distinguished service medals.
Friday, March 27, 2026
Daily Current Affairs and GK updates 27 March 2026
Current Affairs and General Knowledge for commpetitive exams 27/03/2026
National & Polity
- As of March 27, 2026, India has reimposed a windfall tax on the export of diesel (₹21.5/litre) and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) (₹29.5/litre). This move aims to curb excessive profits by private refiners amid soaring global oil prices while simultaneously lowering domestic excise duties on petrol and diesel to stabilize consumer prices and control inflation.
- Zojila Pass Tragedy: A massive avalanche at the Zojila Pass in Ladakh resulted in the tragic death of seven individuals. Rescue operations were hampered by inclement weather and an Orange Alert issued by the IMD for heavy rain and snow in the region.
- Transgender Rights Bill: The Lok Sabha passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. Key changes include the recognition of intersex conditions and the inclusion of traditional transgender communities under a designated medical authority.
- Maternity Leave Ruling: The Supreme Court struck down age limits on maternity leave for adoptive mothers, ruling that they are entitled to 12 weeks of leave regardless of the child's age at the time of adoption.
- Defence Ministry today signed contracts worth 858 crore rupees for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile System and Inspection (Depot Level) of the P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The Ministry said that the contract for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems, for the Indian Army was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. It said these cutting-edge missiles will enhance the country’s multilayered air defence capabilities against aerial threats, including aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. The agreement will further strengthen the Indo-Russian strategic defence partnership.
- Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026:MoS for Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada introduces Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026, in Lok Sabha.The legislation amends certain enactments for decriminalising and rationalising offences to further enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business.
- India Supplies 30% of Global Generic Medicines: MoS Health Anupriya Patel:Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, has said that India currently supplies nearly 30 percent of the generic medicines globally, which reflects the country’s growing role in affordable healthcare worldwide.
International & Geopolitics
- Balendra Shah Sworn in as Nepal’s Youngest Democratically Elected Prime Minister:Balendra Shah, the parliamentary party leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), took the oath as Nepal’s democratically elected Prime Minister today. The 35-year-old RSP leader who became the country’s youngest Prime Minister was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Ramchandra Paudel at the President’s Office in Sheetal Niwas.Israeli Strikes on Iran: Tensions reached a boiling point as Israeli air strikes hit Iranian nuclear facilities. International monitors expressed grave concern over the potential for radioactive contamination, though no immediate leaks were reported.
- US President Donald Trump’s Signature to Appear on Dollar Bills for First Time in History:US President Donald Trump’s signature is set to feature on US paper currency soon, a first for a sitting President since the introduction of dollar bills in 1861. The decision, taken by the US Treasury, coincides with the 250th anniversary celebrations of American Independence this year.
- 𝐏 𝐊𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐊:Indian Foreign Service Officer Periasamy Kumaran has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom
Economy & Business
- Stock Market Crash: The Indian stock market witnessed a "Black Friday" as the Sensex crashed 1,690 points (2.25%) to close at 73,583, while the Nifty 50 plummeted 487 points to end at 22,819. Approximately ₹9 lakh crore of investor wealth was eroded in a single day.
- Rupee at All-Time Low: The Indian Rupee hit a record low, sliding past the ₹94.80 mark against the US Dollar. Sustained FII selling and high crude oil prices (surging past $156 per barrel for the Indian basket) put immense pressure on the currency.
- Goldman Sachs Growth Cut: Citing the ongoing US-Iran conflict, Goldman Sachs lowered India’s GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 5.9% from the earlier 7.0%.
- RBI announces its ‘Payments Vision 2028’, outlining roadmap to strengthen & expand India’s rapidly growing digital payments ecosystem:Anchored in the theme, ‘Shaping India’s Payment Frontier’, the Vision document focuses on user empowerment, safeguards against fraud, improving the efficiency of cross-border payment frameworks, and promoting ease of doing business. Through its various initiatives, the Vision Document charts a course of action up to December 2028.Among key initiatives, the RBI has proposed developing an interoperability framework for Trade Receivables Discounting Systems (TReDS) to create a more integrated and efficient receivables financing ecosystem. It also plans to explore a “switch on/off” facility across all digital payment modes, similar to card controls, to help users manage transactions and reduce fraud risks.
- OECD Report: India Remains World’s Fastest-Growing Major Economy:The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has pegged India’s GDP growth rate at 7.6 per cent for 2025-26, 6.1 per cent for 2026-27 and 6.4 per cent for 2027-28, with the country remaining the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
Sports
- 8th Hockey India Annual Awards:Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, today felicitated athletes at the 8th Hockey India Annual Awards in New Delhi.Navneet Kaur and Hardik Singh named Players of the Year; Zafar Iqbal recognised with the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award.
Important days observed
- March 27 is primarily celebrated as World Theatre Day, an international observance initiated in 1962 to promote the art form globally.
Static GK & Exam Snippets
- Strait of Hormuz: A vital chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman; currently at the center of global energy security debates.
- A windfall tax is a higher, usually one-time tax levied by governments on specific industries or companies that experience suddenly high, unexpected profits due to external events, such as geopolitical crises, supply shortages, or sudden price spikes. These profits are not earned through normal business improvements, but rather by beneficial market circumstances.
- Article 14 & 21: Cited by the Supreme Court in the landmark ruling on equal maternity rights for adoptive mothers.
- Zojila Pass: Located in the Zanskar Range, it connects Srinagar with Leh and is crucial for strategic movement in Ladakh.
Monday, March 16, 2026
Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates March 16, 2026
Daily Current Affairs March 16, 2026: FASTag Rate Hike, Project GANGA, and 98th Oscar Winners
India- National Affairs
New FASTag Annual Pass Rates: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced a price hike for the FASTag Annual Pass effective from April 1, 2026.
New Rate: ₹3,075 (increased by ₹75 from the previous ₹3,000).
Validity: Valid for 1 year or 200 toll crossings, whichever comes first.
Applicability: Exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles (Cars/Jeeps/Vans).
PM Modi's "Project GANGA": Aimed at providing high-speed digital connectivity to 20 lakh rural households in Uttar Pradesh.In this regard, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the State Transformation Commission (STC) and One OTT Entertainment Limited (OIL), a subsidiary of the Hinduja Group.
- Submarine Testing Facility at Karwar: India commissioned its first-ever Pneumatic RAM Test Facility at the Naval Group India workshop in Karwar, Karnataka.
- Significance: This facility is dedicated to the maintenance and testing of the "Pneumatic Mast Raising System" for Kalvari-class (Scorpène) submarines.With this, India joins France and Brazil as the only nations with this specific capability, furthering the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by reducing dependence on overseas testing in France. Commissioned by Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, Chief of Materiel(COM).
- AIIMS Delhi & Passive Euthanasia: AIIMS Delhi has initiated the medical protocol for passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, following a landmark Supreme Court verdict. A specialized team led by Dr. Seema Mishra will gradually withdraw life-sustaining treatment (nutrition and hydration) over 2-3 weeks, shifting focus to palliative care to ensure "death with dignity."
Mule Account Racket Busted: Karnataka Police (Gadag CEN) arrested five individuals for running a cybercrime racket
- Modus Operandi: The gang lured students with fake "scholarships" to open bank accounts (mule accounts), then used these accounts for illegal gaming and cyber fraud transactions.
- SATHEE App:The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, launched the SATHEE (Self-Assessment, Test and Help for Entrance Exams) app, a free, AI-enabled digital platform providing, high-quality, multilingual, and self-paced learning for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, CUET, SSC, and banking. The platform offers IIT and AIIMS-curated study material, live and recorded lectures, doubt-clearing sessions, and 60,000+ quiz questions.
Economy & Trade
India-US Trade Deal on Hold: Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal announced that the signing of the bilateral trade agreement with the US is paused.
Reason: India is seeking clarity on the new "tariff architecture" being developed by the US.
Context: This follows Malaysia’s recent exit from its trade deal with the US, signaling a period of global trade uncertainty.
Trade Deficit: India’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed (on a month-on-month basis) to $27.1 billion in February 2026.
However, concerns remain due to rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions in West Asia. WPI Inflation: Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to an 11-month high of 2.13% in February 2026 (data released March 16). Driven by Increased prices in manufactured products and primary articles. Fuel and power segments continue to show deflation but are narrowing as global crude prices cross the $100/barrel mark.
NTT DATA has officially announced the launch of its GCC Innovation Acceleration Program (launched in October 2025 and announced on March 16, 2026), designed to support global companies in rapidly establishing and scaling their Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and offshore innovation hubs in India
Sports
Indian Wells Open 2026 (BNP Paribas Open):- Men’s Singles Winner: Jannik Sinner (defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final).
- Women’s Singles Winner: Aryna Sabalenka (defeated Elena Rybakina).
Important Days (March 16)
- National Vaccination Day, observed annually in India on March 16, highlights the crucial role of vaccines in preventing life-threatening diseases, particularly through the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). Originally marking the 1995 oral polio vaccine initiative, it emphasizes immunization importance for all, targeting the protection of millions of children and pregnant women annually.
International Affairs
98th Academy Awards (Oscars)
The 2026 Oscars concluded with significant wins for both veterans and first-timers:
Best Picture: One Battle After Another (Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson)
Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)
— This is his first career Oscar. Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn (One Battle After Another) — His 3rd Oscar win.
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan (Weapons)
— Won at the age of 75. Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters
Static GK & Exam Snippets
Polly Umrigar: The award is named after the legendary Indian cricketer who was the first to score a double century in Tests for India.
FASTag: Uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from the linked account.
OSCAR Venue:The Academy Awards (Oscars) are held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. Located within the Ovation Hollywood complex (formerly Hollywood & Highland Center), it has been the permanent home of the ceremony since 2002. The venue is famous for its grand stage and hosting major entertainment events.
Mule account:A mule account is a bank account used by criminals to receive, transfer, or launder illicit funds, often by exploiting unsuspecting individuals (money mules) via job scams or phishing. These accounts mask the origin of stolen money, allowing fraudsters to bypass detection. Account holders risk having their accounts frozen and facing criminal investigation