Daily Current Affairs and GK | 28 March 2026

Topic: Reports and Indices

1. World Economic Forum report states that India is emerging as a major global hub for electro-technology manufacturing.

• The country is leveraging affordable solar energy and advancements in battery technology to drive this transformation.
• India is pursuing a development path designed to avoid excessive reliance on fossil fuels.
• This approach differs from the traditional development models adopted by Western nations and China.
• India's strategy places a strong emphasis on energy independence and sustainability.
• The report suggests that this model could also serve as a guide for other emerging economies.
• Currently, solar energy contributes approximately 9% to India's total electricity generation.
• India's per capita coal consumption is significantly lower than that of China, a nation at a comparable stage of development.
• Oil demand in India remains relatively low and is not expected to rise rapidly.
• This shift is also clearly evident within the transportation sector.
• Electric passenger vehicles currently account for approximately 5% of total car sales.
• Electric three-wheelers are at the forefront of their segment, commanding a market share of nearly 60%.
• India is recognized as a global leader in the adoption of electric three-wheelers.
• The country's per capita electricity consumption is now approaching 1,500 kWh per year.
• The cost of solar energy—inclusive of storage capabilities—is now roughly half the cost of constructing new coal-fired power plants.
• India's electronics sector has expanded sixfold, reaching a total value of $130 billion.
• Solar module manufacturing capacity has reached approximately 120 GW, while solar cell production capacity stands at around 18 GW.
• India is actively developing integrated supply chains across various electro-technology sectors.
• The country aims to position itself as a major global exporter of electro-tech products.

Topic: International News

2. US President Donald Trump’s signature on dollar bills approved for the first time.

• The inclusion of US President Donald Trump’s signature on US dollar bills has been approved for the first time in history.
• The decision has been taken by the US Treasury as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence.
• The signature will appear alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on US paper currency.
• This move marks the first instance since 1861 that a sitting president's signature will feature on dollar bills.
• The announcement has been confirmed by US Treasurer Brandon Beach through a social media statement.
• The development reflects a symbolic step linked to the historic milestone of American independence celebrations.
• Earlier, a federal arts commission approved a commemorative 24-karat gold coin featuring Donald Trump’s image.
• The commemorative coin is also intended to mark the 250th anniversary celebrations.

Topic: Indian Economy

3. Central Excise Duty on Petrol and Diesel reduced by ₹10 per litre to protect consumers.

• The central excise duty on petrol and diesel has been reduced by ₹10 per litre each for domestic consumption by the Government.
• The decision has been taken in view of the ongoing West Asia crisis to mitigate its economic impact.
• It has been stated that the move is intended to protect consumers from a potential rise in fuel prices.
• The reduction is expected to provide relief by stabilising the cost of essential fuels in the domestic market.
• Export duties have been imposed on diesel at ₹21.5 per litre to regulate its availability within the country.
• Similarly, aviation turbine fuel has been subjected to an export duty of ₹29.5 per litre.
• These measures are aimed at ensuring adequate domestic supply of petroleum products.
• The government has emphasised its commitment to shielding citizens from fluctuations in global supply conditions.

Topic: Defence

4. INS Sudarshini’s arrival at Sète under Lokayan-26 expedition marked as a maritime milestone.  

• On 26 March, the arrival of INS Sudarshini at Sète, France, has been marked as a significant milestone under the Lokayan-26 expedition.
• The visit has been undertaken as part of India’s ongoing transoceanic voyage promoting maritime cooperation.
• The participation of the ship in international engagements has been aimed at strengthening cultural diplomacy.
• It has been highlighted that the voyage showcases India’s rich maritime heritage on the global stage.
• The ship will participate in the ‘Escale à Sète’ festival, a renowned gathering of traditional tall ships in Europe.
• The festival provides a platform to foster international camaraderie and naval partnerships.
• Prior to reaching France, multiple port calls were completed at Salalah, Safaga, Alexandria, and Valletta.
• Approximately 5,500 nautical miles have been covered during the journey across different regions.
• The vessel has been serving as a ‘Floating Ambassador’ representing India’s maritime legacy.
• The expedition continues to enhance India’s global outreach through naval engagement and cultural exchange.

Topic: Defence

5. Defence Ministry signed contracts worth ₹858 crore for missile systems and aircraft maintenance.

• On 27 March, Contracts worth ₹858 crore were signed by the Defence Ministry for the procurement of the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System.
• The inspection (Depot Level) of the P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft was also included in these contracts.
• It has been stated that these advanced missile systems will strengthen India’s multilayered air defence capabilities.
• The systems are intended to counter aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
• The missile procurement contract valued at ₹445 crore has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia.
• This agreement is expected to further strengthen the Indo-Russian strategic defence partnership.
• Another contract worth ₹413 crore has been signed for the inspection of P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
• The aircraft maintenance contract has been awarded to Boeing India Defense Private Ltd. under the Buy Indian category.
• Depot-level maintenance will be carried out within India through an in-country MRO facility.
• The initiative aligns with the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in defence manufacturing.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

6. Lifetime Achievement Award conferred upon Nandamuri Balakrishna at IFFD 2026.

• The Lifetime Achievement Award has been conferred upon Nandamuri Balakrishna at the International Film Festival of Delhi 2026.
• The honour has been presented in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema over five decades.
• The awards ceremony has been held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
• It has been acknowledged that his work reflects versatility, dedication, and a lasting influence on the film industry.
• The award was presented by Rekha Gupta in the presence of dignitaries.
• His film ‘Bhagavanth Kesari’ had earlier received the Best Film in Telugu award at the 71st National Film Awards.
• The film was specially screened during the festival with participation from its cast and crew.
• He had previously been honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2025 for his contribution to arts and cinema.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

7. Jupally Krishna Rao has been honored with the prestigious 'Grand Prize' for his contributions to world peace.

• He serves as the Minister for Tourism and Culture of Telangana. This honor was conferred during an international Buddhist conference held in Hyderabad.
• Approximately 150 delegates and monks from 22 countries participated in this event.
• He spoke about Telangana's rich Buddhist heritage, making specific mention of historical sites such as Phanigiri, Nelakondapalli, and Nagarjuna Sagar.
• These locations are associated with the great philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna.
• He announced plans for the development of 'Buddhavanam.' This site spans an area of ​​approximately 274 acres.
• It is set to be developed as a global 'World Peace Center.' There are also plans to establish a 'Digital Experience Center' at this location. Additionally, a 'Global Buddhist Center' will be established.

Topic: Banking/Finance

8. The Reserve Bank of India has unveiled its ‘Payments Vision 2028’ to provide direction to India’s burgeoning digital payments sector.

• This roadmap is themed around ‘Shaping India’s Payment Frontier’.
• It emphasizes strengthening user control and security in digital transactions.
• Enhancing the efficiency of cross-border payments is one of its primary objectives.
• The vision aims to streamline business operations further and promote the ‘Ease of Doing Business’.
• This strategy outlines the goals and actions to be achieved by December 2028.
• The RBI has proposed establishing interoperability among ‘Trade Receivables Discounting Systems’ (TReDS) to enhance financing efficiency.
• It plans to introduce a ‘Switch On/Off’ option for digital payments, similar to existing Card Control Features.
• This feature aims to assist users in managing their transactions and mitigating the risks of fraud.
• It also seeks to simplify regulatory approvals under the ‘Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007’ and the ‘Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999’.
• In cases of unauthorized digital transactions, an approach of ‘Shared Liability’ between the payment-issuing and receiving banks is being considered.

Topic: Defence

9. Rajnath Singh has approved a major defence procurement plan to bolster India's military capabilities.

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved proposals worth approximately ₹2.38 lakh crore.
• Approval, in the form of 'Acceptance of Necessity' (AoN), was granted for several defence projects across the Armed Forces.
• In the financial year 2025–26, the DAC has approved 55 proposals totaling approximately ₹6.73 lakh crore.
• This marks the highest level of approvals and contract values ​​recorded in any single financial year to date.
• For the Indian Army, several systems were approved to enhance combat and communication capabilities.
• These include advanced tracked air defence systems and armour-piercing tank ammunition.
• High-capacity radio relay systems were approved to ensure robust and uninterrupted communication.
• The Dhanush gun system was approved to improve the accuracy and firepower of long-range artillery.
• Runway-independent aerial surveillance systems were also included to enhance surveillance capabilities.
• For the Indian Air Force, approval was granted for the acquisition of medium transport aircraft.
• The S-400 missile system was approved to bolster defences against long-range aerial threats.
• Approval was granted for the upgrade and overhaul of Su-30 aircraft engines to extend their operational lifespan and enhance their readiness.

Topic: Defence

10. INS Trikand has arrived in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, as part of its deployment in the South-Western Indian Ocean region.

• This mission is linked to India's naval operations in the region. The objective of this visit is to enhance maritime cooperation.
• It also focuses on strengthening bilateral relations between India and Mozambique.
• The ship will deliver humanitarian aid supplies. It will also provide disaster relief supplies.
• The ship's crew members will participate in professional interactions. They will also engage in social outreach activities.
• Community services, such as medical camps, have been planned. These efforts demonstrate India's support for its regional partners.