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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Government of India Floating Rate Bond 2028 interest rate fixed at 6.17% for next six months

• The Government of India Floating Rate Bond 2028 (FRB 2028) interest rate for the period April 4, 2026 to October 3, 2026 has been set at 6.17% per annum.
• FRB 2028 is a floating rate bond, meaning its interest rate is periodically reset based on market conditions.
• The bond carries a coupon rate based on the average Weighted Average Yield (WAY) of the last three auctions of 182-day T-Bills, plus a fixed spread of 0.64%.
• The interest rate is also linked to the National Savings Certificate (NSC) rate, with an additional 0.35% spread above NSC.
• Interest on FRB 2028 is paid semi-annually (January 1 and July 1) and there is no cumulative interest option.
• These bonds are non-tradable, taxable, and issued by the Government of India with a maturity period of 7 years.
• Investment in FRB 2028 is restricted to resident individuals only, and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible.
• The minimum investment is ₹1,000 (in multiples thereof), with no maximum investment limit.
• Subscription can be made through cash (up to ₹20,000), cheque, draft, or electronic modes.
• The rate for the period was announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), confirming the 6.17% annual interest rate for FRB 2028.

Unified Payments Interface records 22.64 billion transactions in March 2026: Department of Financial Services

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded 22.64 billion transactions in March 2026, reflecting strong growth in digital payments in India.
• This marks an increase from 20.39 billion transactions in February 2026, indicating rising adoption of UPI across the country.
• The total transaction value reached ₹29.53 lakh crore in March 2026, up from ₹26.84 lakh crore in February 2026, showing strong growth in digital payment volume and value.
• UPI is operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and continues to drive India’s real-time digital payment ecosystem.
• The average daily transactions stood at 730 million in March 2026, compared to 728 million in February 2026, showing steady daily usage growth.
• The average daily transaction value was ₹95,243 crore in March 2026, highlighting the scale of daily digital financial activity in India.
• The Department of Financial Services (DFS) acknowledged the growth and thanked citizens for embracing digital payments, encouraging continued participation in the digital economy.
• NPCI highlighted a 24% year-on-year growth in transaction count and 19% growth in transaction value, showing strong annual expansion of UPI usage.
• UPI, developed by NPCI, has become one of the most widely used real-time payment systems in India, enabling instant money transfers through mobile apps and banking platforms.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India designates Life Insurance Corporation of India, General Insurance Corporation of India Re and New India Assurance as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers for FY 2025–26

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has designated Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), The New India Assurance Company Limited, and General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for FY 2025–26.
• The list of D-SIIs remains unchanged from the previous financial year, indicating continued regulatory recognition of these insurers’ systemic importance.
• D-SIIs are insurers whose failure could disrupt the financial system, due to their size, market importance, and interconnectedness, requiring enhanced regulatory supervision.
• These insurers are required to strengthen corporate governance, improve risk identification, and build a robust risk management framework due to their systemic importance.
• IRDAI has directed insurers and e-platforms to conduct a self-assessment of compliance with CCPA guidelines on “dark patterns”, which refer to misleading or manipulative digital interface designs.
• A compliance report on dark patterns must be submitted to IRDAI within 15 days, ensuring transparency in digital insurance practices.
• In case of non-compliance, regulated entities must submit an action plan within one month to remove such deceptive digital practices.
• The regulatory move aligns with broader efforts by IRDAI and RBI to curb deceptive digital practices across the financial sector.

Recent News :

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated adoption of Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) for insurers from 1 April 2026.

About IRDAI:

• Headquarters (HQ): Hyderabad, Telangana, India
• Chairperson:Ajay Seth
• Founded: 1999 

Goods and Services Tax collections rise 8.8% to over ₹2 lakh crore in March 2026

• India’s Gross goods and Services Tax (GST) collection surged to ₹2.1 lakh crore in March 2026, marking an 11-month high, driven by strong economic activity and higher imports.
• This is the first time GST collections have crossed the ₹2 lakh crore mark after the GST rate rationalisation in September, indicating strong consumption sentiment and a year-end transaction boost.
• For FY26, the gross GST revenue stood at ₹22.27 lakh crore, reflecting an 8.3% year-on-year growth.
• The net GST revenue (after refunds) reached ₹19.34 lakh crore, showing a 7.1% increase over the previous year.
• Net GST revenue for the year also grew 8.2% to ₹1.77 lakh crore in March, while refunds rose 13.8% to ₹22,074 crore.
• The gross GST collections for March included CGST ₹40,549 crore, SGST ₹53,268 crore, and IGST ₹1.06 lakh crore.
• Sequentially, GST collections increased by 6.3% from ₹1.88 lakh crore in February 2026, reflecting continued momentum in tax collections.
• The state of Maharashtra contributed the highest GST revenue, followed by Karnataka and Gujarat.
• The increase in collections was supported by strong consumption demand, including GST rate cuts on 375 items such as essentials, electronics, and automobiles, effective from September 22 (Navratri).
• The cessation of the GST compensation cess from February 1 and introduction of new levies also impacted the tax structure during the period.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Ministry of Education Granted Deemed to be University Status to National Council of Educational Research and Training

• The Ministry of Education (MoE) granted ‘Deemed to be University’ status to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) based on the recommendation of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• The recognition places the National Council of Educational Research and Training under a distinct category of higher education institutions, enhancing its academic autonomy and enabling it to launch advanced research and doctoral programmes in school education.
• The ‘Deemed to be University’ status is granted to institutions that demonstrate high standards in teaching and research and provides greater academic flexibility compared to regular universities.
• With this status, the National Council of Educational Research and Training will gain:
• Authority to design and offer Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and advanced research programmes
• Flexibility to introduce innovative academic courses
• Strengthened role in education policy formulation and curriculum development
• The decision aims to transform the National Council of Educational Research and Training into a leading research-driven institution in school education.
• The move is aligned with India’s broader education reform goals, promoting evidence-based policymaking in school education, improving teacher training quality, and strengthening curriculum design mechanisms.
• The recognition is expected to encourage innovation in teaching methods and learning materials and enable the National Council of Educational Research and Training to address key challenges in India’s schooling system more effectively.
• The proposal for granting the status was processed through the University Grants Commission portal and evaluated by an expert committee, after which the University Grants Commission approved the recommendation, ensuring academic standards and regulatory compliance.

About NCERT

• The National Council of Educational Research and Training, established in 1961, is an autonomous organisation that plays a central role in improving school education in India.
• The major functions of the National Council of Educational Research and Training include:
• Development of school textbooks and learning materials
• Conducting educational research and teacher training programmes
• Advising Central and State Governments on education policies and reforms
• The National Council of Educational Research and Training textbooks are widely used across India and form the foundation of school-level academic learning.

Department of Telecommunications Extended Deadline for Over-The-Top Platforms to Implement Subscriber Identity Module Binding till 31 December 2026

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications extended the deadline for Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms to implement Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) binding till 31st December 2026.
• The decision revised the earlier 90-day compliance timeline issued on 28 November 2025, which had come into effect from 1st March 2026.
• Under the revised approach, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) replaced the earlier six-hour automatic logout rule with a risk-based mechanism, where sessions will be terminated only in suspected fraud cases, addressing concerns related to user inconvenience.
• The directive was issued under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, within the framework of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
• Subscriber Identity Module binding requires Over-The-Top applications to remain continuously linked to a mobile number, preventing usage without an active Subscriber Identity Module.
• The policy aims to curb cybercrimes such as digital arrest scams and financial frauds and to enhance user verification and security in digital communication platforms.

RECENT NEWS

• India and Germany have taken a significant step to deepen their strategic partnership in the digital domain. During high-level engagements in January 2026, both countries signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation, signalling their shared commitment to innovation, digital governance, and sustainable technology-led growth.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launched Central Board of Secondary Education Curriculum on Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence for Classes III to VIII

• Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Vigyan Bhawan.
• The curriculum has been introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for students of Classes III to VIII to equip young learners with essential digital skills from an early age.
• The initiative marks a major step towards integrating structured Artificial Intelligence education into the school ecosystem at scale and reflects India’s growing focus on technology-driven learning and innovation.
• The curriculum is supported by structured learning modules, comprehensive teacher handbooks and robust student assessment frameworks, ensuring early and systematic exposure to emerging technologies.
• The initiative is aligned with the vision of Artificial Intelligence for Education and Artificial Intelligence in Education, as highlighted by the Union Minister.
• The curriculum will be implemented from the academic year 2026–27 for Classes III to VIII.
• The programme focuses on developing Artificial Intelligence-ready learners through Computational Thinking skills, including:
• Logical thinking
• Problem solving
• Pattern recognition
• Step-by-step solution design
• The curriculum aims to build strong foundations in Computational Thinking, digital literacy and responsible use of technology among school students.
• The initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, supporting the goal of making India a global leader in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning through early integration in school education.
• As suggested in the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, the learning standards are structured around Goals, Competencies and Learning Outcomes.
• The curriculum follows an activity-based and experiential learning approach using:
• Fun mathematics games
• Puzzles
• Hands-on exercises
• Specialized worksheets
• Teachers will guide students to break complex problems into smaller parts and interpret visual representations such as charts and diagrams.
• The curriculum also promotes collaborative learning through peer discussions and group-based problem-solving activities.
• Computational Thinking (CT) is a problem-solving approach involving breaking complex problems into smaller parts, recognizing patterns and designing step-by-step solutions, and it serves as a foundational skill for Coding, Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis.
• Early exposure to Computational Thinking helps students develop logical reasoning and analytical thinking skills at the foundational stage of education.

About MoE

• Cabinet Minister: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan. He represents the Sambalpurconstituency in Odisha in the 18th Lok Sabha. 
• Ministers of State (MoS): Sukanta Majumdar and Jayant Chaudhary.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Developed India Sustainable Development Goal Dashboard in Partnership with United Nations Resident Coordinator Office

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), developed the India Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Dashboard.
• The dashboard acts as a centralized data platform designed to monitor the progress of Sustainable Development Goal indicators in India.
• The dashboard is aligned with India’s Sustainable Development Goals–National Indicator Framework (SDGs–NIF) to ensure a unified monitoring system for tracking national progress on Sustainable Development Goals.
• Over the last 5 years, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released several publications on social and environmental indicators, which provide comprehensive information on social and environmental statistics in a single platform.
• The dashboard also serves as an evidence-based source for strategic planning and policymaking.
• The e-Sankhyiki portal provides time-series data on key macroeconomic indicators.
• The Advance Release Calendar (ARC) ensures timely and transparent dissemination of statistical data through the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation website.

About MOSPI:

• Minister: Rao Inderjit Singh (Gurugram Constituency).
• The Ministry administers the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), allowing MPs to recommend developmental works worth ₹5 crore annually in their respective constituencies.
• MoSPI is the nodal agency for national statistics (CPI, NSS) and monitors central sector infrastructure projects.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Conference of the Parties15 concludes in Brazil with 40 new species granted protection

• The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held under the Brazil Presidency from 23 to 29 March 2026 in Campo Grande, Brazil.
• During COP15, a total of 40 species, subspecies, and populations were newly included or reclassified under CMS Appendices I and II, of which 16 species are found in Brazil.
• CMS COP15 is a major global wildlife conservation conference, bringing together representatives from 132 countries and the European Union (EU) under the theme “Connecting Nature to Sustain Life.”
• As per the State of the World’s Migratory Species Report 2026, nearly 49% of migratory species populations are declining, while around 24% are at risk of extinction globally.
• The Brazil Presidency will continue for the next three years to oversee the implementation of COP15 decisions.
• Germany has been announced as the host of CMS COP16 in 2029, which will also mark the 50th anniversary of CMS.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Steel Authority of India Limited Director (Personnel) Krishna Kumar Singh Takes Additional Charge as Chairman & Managing Director

• Shri Krishna Kumar Singh, who is currently serving as Director (Personnel), has assumed additional charge as Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
• He brings nearly four decades of experience in steel plant operations, maintenance, human resource development (HRD), vigilance, and personnel & administration.
• He began his career in 1987 as a Management Trainee at Bhilai Steel Plant, one of SAIL’s key production units.
• He worked for over a decade in the Blooming & Billet Mill, gaining strong experience in core steel manufacturing operations.
• He later transitioned to Human Resource Development (HRD), contributing significantly to workforce management and organisational development.
• He has held several senior leadership positions including Executive Director (In-Charge), Personnel & Administration.
• He was appointed as Director (Personnel) in 2022, reflecting his strong leadership and domain expertise in HR and administration.

About Steel Authority of India Limited :

• Founded : 19 January 1954
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• Chairman & Managing Director : Amarendu Prakash

Anurag Kapil Assumes Role as Director (Finance) at NMDC

• Shri Anurag Kapil, a 1998 batch IRAS officer, has assumed charge as Director (Finance) at NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer.

About Shri Anurag Kapil :

• He has over 26 years of experience across Indian Railways and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSUs), with expertise in financial management and public sector governance.
• He has held key positions in Indian Railways including Senior Divisional Finance Manager, FA&CAO (Traffic), FA&CAO (Finance & General), and Deputy Chief Vigilance Officer.
• He also served as Director in the Ministry of Coal, handling policy formulation and sectoral assignments.
• Prior to NMDC, he was Executive Director, Finance (Expenditure) at Railway Board, responsible for financial policy, expenditure management, planning, project monitoring, and productivity analysis.
• He contributed to PSU governance reforms, including capital restructuring, MoUs, disinvestment proposals, and financial approvals across Railway CPSEs.
• His expertise includes government accounting, project evaluation, PPP frameworks, contract management, arbitration, budgetary control, cost-benefit analysis, and programme evaluation.
• He also held additional charge as Director (Finance), CONCOR, contributing to financial performance, diversification, multimodal logistics, and sustainable growth.
• He has represented India internationally in areas such as mining, clean coal technology, disinvestment, and energy collaborations aligned with net-zero goals.
• He served as Government Nominee Director on boards of CPSEs like Singareni Collieries Company Limited, Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited, Railway Energy Management Company Limited, and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited.

About Ministry of Steel :

• Cabinet Minister : H.D. Kumaraswamy

Chanchal Kumar Assumes Charge as Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

• Shri Chanchal Kumar, a 1992-batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 1st April 2026.
• Upon assuming charge, he was welcomed by outgoing Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju along with officials of the Ministry and various media units.
• Shri Sanjay Jaju has been assigned charge as Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
• Prior to this appointment, Shri Chanchal Kumar served as Secretary in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and also in the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• He has held several senior positions in the Government of India, with extensive experience in administration and policy implementation.
• He also served as Managing Director of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), contributing to strategic highway and infrastructure development projects.
• In the Government of Bihar, he held key positions including Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Secretary to the Chief Minister.
• He also served as District Magistrate in multiple districts, gaining strong experience in district administration and grassroots governance.

About Ministry of Information & Broadcasting :

• Cabinet Minister : Ashwini Vaishnaw
• Minister of State : L. Murugan

Uchral Nyam-Osor elected as Prime Minister of Mongolia

• Uchral Nyam-Osor, former Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia and leader of the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), was elected as the new Prime Minister of Mongolia.
• He became the country’s third Prime Minister in nine months, reflecting ongoing political instability and economic challenges.
• The State Great Khural (parliament) voted on March 30, 2026, with 107 of 126 lawmakers participating in the election.
• Uchral Nyam-Osor secured 88 votes (82.2%), winning the election to become Mongolia’s Prime Minister.
• He succeeded Zandanshatar Gombojav, who resigned on 27 March 2026 to address the political crisis.
• At 39 years old, Uchral Nyam-Osor is among the younger leaders in Mongolia’s political landscape.

About Mongolia :

• President : Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh
• Capital : Ulaanbaatar
• Currency : Tögrög

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Department of Science & Technology’s Technology Development Board Backs Indigenous Firm to Commercialize Bio-Waste Based Hard Carbon for Sodium-Ion Batteries

• Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has extended financial assistance to Indigenous Energy Storage Technologies Private Limited, based in Roorkee, Uttarakhand.
• The project is titled “Commercialization of Bio-waste / Agricultural Waste Derived Hard Carbon for Sodium-Ion Batteries” and aims to develop indigenous advanced anode materials.
• The initiative focuses on commercial-scale production of hard carbon derived from bio-waste and agricultural residues for use in Sodium-Ion Batteries (SIBs).
• Sodium-ion battery technology is emerging as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, especially for grid-scale energy storage, UPS/inverters, solar street lighting, and low-speed electric mobility such as e-rickshaws, e-scooters, and e-cycles.
• Hard carbon offers advantages like high initial coulombic efficiency, stable cycling performance, and enhanced energy storage capacity.
• Unlike graphite, hard carbon retains disordered microstructure and porosity at high temperatures, making it suitable for sodium-ion chemistry.
• The use of biomass-derived precursors promotes sustainability by utilizing locally available resources and reducing import dependence.
• The project adopts a circular and resource-efficient approach by leveraging agricultural and bio-waste streams.
• It addresses supply chain challenges, as sodium and carbon are more abundant and widely available compared to lithium.
• With TDB support, the company will scale up production and commercialize indigenous hard carbon materials for next-generation battery technologies.
• The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s position in advanced energy storage, while promoting sustainable manufacturing practices.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Reserve Bank of India approves Emirates NBD to acquire up to 74% stake in RBL Bank

• Emirates NBD (P.J.S.C) has received the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval to acquire an aggregate of up to 74% of the paid-up share capital of RBL Bank.
• The approval is valid for 1 year from April 1, 2026, and mandates ENBD to hold at least 51% controlling stake, making RBL Bank a foreign bank in subsidiary mode.
• ENBD will be classified as the promoter of RBL Bank under Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulations, while certain RBI dilution norms will not be applicable.
• Despite majority ownership, ENBD’s voting rights are capped at 26% under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

About RBL Bank (formerly Ratnakar Bank Limited) :

• Founded : 1943
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• MD & CEO L: R. Subramaniakumar

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Signed Memorandum of Understanding with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to Enhance Skill Development in Aviation Sector

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) under the Ministry of Railways (MoR) to enhance skill development in the aviation sector, including Aviation Engineering and Aviation Management.
• The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Professor Manoj Choudhury, Vice Chancellor of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, in the presence of Union Ministers Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu (Ministry of Civil Aviation) and Ashwini Vaishnaw (Ministry of Railways).
• The objective of the Memorandum of Understanding is to develop skilled manpower for the aviation and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) sector, strengthen industry–academia collaboration, and bridge key skill gaps in the aviation ecosystem.
• Under the agreement, a 3-year Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Aviation Maintenance Engineering (AME) will be launched from August 2026 (academic year 2026–27) by Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, integrating academic knowledge, Directorate General of Civil Aviation standards and industry requirements.
• The curriculum will be aligned with Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR)-66 and CAR-147 frameworks, while promoting research in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), aircraft maintenance, aircraft parts manufacturing and capacity building of Directorate General of Civil Aviation officials.
• The initiative supports the national visions of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, amid the rapid expansion of India’s aviation sector, which includes:
• More than 240 Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul units
• Around 1,700 aircraft orders
• Projected aircraft fleet of 3,000 by 2036
• Expected demand for 10,000–12,000 pilots in the coming years.

Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited Signed Land Lease Agreement for India’s First Indigenous Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project in Odisha

• Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), signed a land lease agreement for setting up India’s first indigenous coal-to-ammonium nitrate project at Lakhanpur, Odisha.
• The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy (Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Mines) and Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, in New Delhi.
• The project is designed as a 2,000 tonnes per day ammonium nitrate production facility, marking a major milestone for India’s energy and chemical sectors.
• The project will use indigenously developed coal gasification technology by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
• The project involves an estimated investment of Rs 25,000 crore, including financial support of Rs 1,350 crore from the Ministry of Coal.
• The Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) work is being implemented through Lump Sum Turnkey (LSTK) packages, where:
• LSTK-1 and LSTK-2 were awarded to Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
• LSTK-3 and LSTK-4 were awarded to Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
• Coal gasification is a process that converts coal into synthesis gas (syngas), which is used for producing chemicals, fuels and fertilizers.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

India Became Third-Largest Renewable Energy Market Globally in 2025: International Renewable Energy Agency Report

• In 2025, India emerged as the third-largest renewable energy market in the world, marking a major milestone in its clean energy transition, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
• India added around 45 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity in 2025, mainly driven by solar energy and wind energy expansion.
• India’s total installed renewable energy capacity reached around 250.5 gigawatts in 2025, compared to 175.9 gigawatts in 2023, reflecting significant growth in clean energy infrastructure.
• The addition of 45 gigawatts capacity in a single year highlights India’s strong progress towards achieving clean energy targets and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• Solar energy remained the largest contributor to renewable energy expansion in India, with 37 gigawatts capacity addition in 2025.
• India ranked second globally after China in solar energy capacity expansion during 2025.
• Wind energy capacity increased by 6.3 gigawatts in 2025, contributing significantly to India’s renewable energy growth.
• Hydropower capacity increased from 52 gigawatts in 2024 to 56 gigawatts in 2025.
• Pumped hydro storage capacity increased from 4.7 gigawatts to 7.2 gigawatts in 2025, strengthening energy storage infrastructure.
• Globally, the total renewable energy capacity reached 5,149 gigawatts in 2025, with an addition of 692 gigawatts during the year, representing 15.5% growth.
• Renewable energy accounted for 49.4% of total global installed power capacity, highlighting the increasing global shift towards sustainable energy sources.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS AND AUTHOR

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan Released Sudha Murty’s Book ‘Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament’

• Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book ‘Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament’ authored by Sudha Murty, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, at Samvidhan Sadan, New Delhi.
• The book was published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat and documents the visual archives of the Parliament of India, showcasing India’s civilizational journey through parliamentary murals in an accessible format.
• The book covers 124 mural panels, including 58 mural panels commissioned in 1954, tracing India’s history from Indus Valley Civilization (Mohenjo-daro) to Independence in 1947.
• The murals highlight India’s traditions of dialogue, diversity and continuity, portraying Bharat as the ‘Mother of Democracy’, rooted in ancient democratic systems such as Vaishali and the Kudavolai system.
• The book also explains the significance of heritage symbols such as the Sengol, reflecting the concept of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi”, linking India’s cultural traditions with modern governance practices.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action Observed on 4 April 2026

• The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action every year on 4th April across the world.
• The theme for 2026 is “Invest in Peace; Invest in Mine Action.”
• The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 4 April as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 8 December 2005.
• The day was first observed on 4 April 2006.
• The observance highlights the importance of continued efforts by countries, the United Nations and relevant organisations to support mine action activities globally.
• The day focuses on assisting countries affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war, which pose serious threats to human safety, public health and livelihoods.
• It also promotes the development of national mine-action capacities in affected countries to reduce risks and support social and economic development at national and local levels.

Daily CA One- Liner: April 4^th

• The Ministry of Education (MoE) granted ‘Deemed to be University’ status to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) based on the recommendation of the University Grants Commission
• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications extended the deadline for Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms to implement Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) binding till 31st December 2026
• Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Vigyan Bhawan
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), developed the India Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Dashboard
• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) under the Ministry of Railways (MoR) to enhance skill development in the aviation sector, including Aviation Engineering and Aviation Management
• Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), signed a land lease agreement for setting up India’s first indigenous coal-to-ammonium nitrate project at Lakhanpur, Odisha
• In 2025, India emerged as the third-largest renewable energy market in the world, marking a major milestone in its clean energy transition, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency
• Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha P. Radhakrishnan released the book ‘Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament’ authored by Sudha Murty, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, at Samvidhan Sadan, New Delhi
• The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action every year on 4th April across the world.
• The Government of India Floating Rate Bond 2028 (FRB 2028) interest rate for the period April 4, 2026 to October 3, 2026 has been set at 17% per annum.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded 64 billion transactions in March 2026, reflecting strong growth in digital payments in India.
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has designated Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), The New India Assurance Company Limited, and General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for FY 2025–26.
• India’s Gross goods and Services Tax (GST) collection surged to ₹2.1 lakh crore in March 2026, marking an 11-month high, driven by strong economic activity and higher imports.
• The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held under the Brazil Presidency from 23 to 29 March 2026 in Campo Grande, Brazil.
• Shri Krishna Kumar Singh, who is currently serving as Director (Personnel), has assumed additional charge as Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
• Shri Anurag Kapil, a 1998 batch IRAS officer, has assumed charge as Director (Finance) at NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer.
• Shri Chanchal Kumar, a 1992-batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 1st April 2026.
• Uchral Nyam-Osor, former Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia and leader of the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), was elected as the new Prime Minister of Mongolia.
• Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has extended financial assistance to Indigenous Energy Storage Technologies Private Limited, based in Roorkee, Uttarakhand.
• Emirates NBD (P.J.S.C) has received the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval to acquire an aggregate of up to 74% of the paid-up share capital of RBL Bank.