National Affairs

Cabinet Approves Extension of Jal Jeevan Mission till 2028

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028 with an enhanced total outlay of ₹8.69 lakh crore.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti will restructure the mission to shift focus from infrastructure creation to sustainable service delivery and drinking water governance.

About Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0:

Financial Outlay:
The Cabinet enhanced the total JJM outlay to ₹8.69 lakh crore.

Central Assistance:
Central assistance has been increased to ₹3.59 lakh crore.

Additional Allocation:
An additional allocation of ₹1.51 lakh crore has been approved over the earlier ₹2.08 lakh crore approved in 2019–20.

Key Focus Areas:

• Sustainable drinking water delivery
• Strengthening rural water governance
• Long-term functionality of water infrastructure
• Community ownership
• Improved monitoring and service quality

Cabinet Approves Amendments to FDI Rules for Land Border Countries

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved amendments to India’s Foreign Direct Investment framework for investments from Land Border Countries.

The rules apply to investments from:

• China
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Nepal
• Bhutan
• Myanmar
• Afghanistan

Objective:
The decision aims to streamline the FDI approval process while ensuring national security and economic safeguards.

Key Changes in FDI Rules:

Beneficial Ownership Framework:
Investments where the beneficial owner from land border countries holds a non-controlling stake of up to 10% will now be permitted through the automatic route, subject to sectoral caps and regulatory conditions.

Expedited Approval Mechanism:
The amended policy introduces a 60-day decision timeline for investment proposals from land border countries in specific sectors.

Significance:
The reform aims to balance investment facilitation with national security considerations.

Cabinet Approves Major Infrastructure and Transport Projects Across India

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved several major infrastructure and transport projects on March 10, 2026.

The projects were approved under the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan to improve regional connectivity, logistics efficiency, and economic development.

Major Approvals:

Madurai Airport:
The Cabinet approved the declaration of Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an International Airport.

Railway Multitracking Projects:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved two railway multitracking projects worth ₹4,474 crore.

Coverage:
The railway projects span five districts across West Bengal and Jharkhand.

Network Expansion:
The projects will expand the Indian Railways network by around 192 km.

Noida International Airport Connectivity:
The CCEA approved the revised capital cost of ₹3,630.77 crore for constructing greenfield road connectivity to Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar International Airport, in Uttar Pradesh.

NH-752D Project:
The CCEA approved a ₹3,839.42 crore project for four-laning the Badnawar–Petlawad–Thandla–Timarwani section of National Highway-752D in Madhya Pradesh.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh Releases Report on Textile Waste Value Chain in India

Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Ministry of Textiles, released the report titled “Mapping of Textile Waste Value Chain in India” at Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi.

The report assesses textile waste generation, recycling practices, recovery pathways, and emerging technologies to promote circularity and sustainability in India’s textile sector.

Key Findings of the Report:

Textile Waste Generation:
India generates around 70.73 lakh tonnes of textile waste annually.

Waste Sources:

Spinning Sector:
The spinning sector operates a near closed-loop system, reintegrating almost 100% of soft waste directly into production.

Major Recycling Hub:
Panipat, Haryana has emerged as a major hub for mechanical textile recycling.

Market Projection:
India’s textile recycling market is projected to reach USD 3.5 billion by 2030.

Employment Potential:
The sector has the potential to create around 1 lakh green jobs.

Rajnath Singh Releases ‘Defence Forces Vision 2047’ Roadmap

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the vision document titled “Defence Forces Vision 2047: A Roadmap for a Future-Ready Indian Military” at South Block, New Delhi.

Prepared By:
The document was prepared by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.

Objective:
The roadmap outlines a long-term strategy to transform the Indian Armed Forces into a modern, integrated, technologically advanced, and multi-domain military by 2047.

Key Focus Areas:

Jointness:
The document emphasises stronger coordination among:

• Indian Army
• Indian Navy
• Indian Air Force

Capability Development:
It focuses on integrated planning, operations, and capability development.

Technology Adoption:
The roadmap promotes the adoption of advanced technologies such as:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber defence systems
• Modern training systems
• Multi-domain warfare technologies

Strategic Aim:
The vision aims to enable the Indian military to deter adversaries and respond effectively to the full spectrum of conflicts.

Coursera Collaborates with Mission Karmayogi to Upskill Civil Servants

Global edtech platform Coursera partnered with the Government of India’s Mission Karmayogi to provide advanced upskilling for civil servants and government officials.

Under the collaboration, Coursera will provide curated courses through the Integrated Government Online Training platform, using the iGOT Marketplace gateway.

Announced By:
Chhavi Bhardwaj, Chief Executive Officer of Karmayogi Bharat

Objective:
The partnership aims to shift public administration from a rule-based model to a role-based competency model.

Course Focus Areas:

• Emerging Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Infrastructure and Sustainability
• Leadership and Governance
• Public Welfare

About Mission Karmayogi:
Mission Karmayogi, also known as the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building, was launched in September 2020.

Purpose:
It aims to build a future-ready, citizen-centric, and technology-enabled civil service.

About iGOT Karmayogi:
The iGOT Karmayogi portal provides online courses, learning resources, and competency-building modules for government officials.

MoPSW Approves ₹117.54 Crore Renovation of Historic Bascule Bridge in Kolkata

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, approved a project worth ₹117.54 crore for the renovation of the historic Bascule Bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, West Bengal.

The project aims to improve safety and operational efficiency at the Kolkata Dock System.

About Renovation Project:

Bridge Modernisation:
The bridge was originally constructed by Wagner-Biro Bridge Systems AG.

Renovation Works Include:

• Structural strengthening
• Electro-mechanical upgrades
• Safety improvements
• Operational efficiency enhancement

Implemented By:
The project will be implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited.

Construction Agency:
The construction work has been awarded to M/s H & H Fressinet, Mumbai.

Financial Support:
The project will receive around ₹41 crore assistance under the Sagarmala Programme.

About Sagarmala:
Sagarmala is the Government of India’s flagship programme launched in 2015 to promote port-led development.

International Affairs

USA Announces First New Oil Refinery in 50 Years with Reliance Investment

In March 2026, United States President Donald Trump announced that the USA would build its first new oil refinery in nearly 50 years with investment from Reliance Industries Limited, led by Mukesh Ambani.

The refinery will be developed at the Port of Brownsville, Texas, USA.

Overview of the Refinery Project:

Objective:
The project aims to expand domestic refining capacity, improve energy security, and reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

Location:
Port of Brownsville, Texas, USA

Key Highlight:
This will be the first major refinery built in the USA since Marathon Petroleum Corporation established its refinery at Garyville, Louisiana, in 1977.

Developer:
The project will be developed by America First Refining with investment linked to Reliance Industries Limited.

Investment:
The refinery involves an estimated investment of around USD 300 billion.

Processing Capacity:
The facility is designed to process 1.2 billion barrels of United States shale oil valued at USD 125 billion.

Output:
It is expected to produce around 50 billion gallons of refined petroleum products worth about USD 175 billion.

Banking & Finance

RBI Revises Bank Dividend Framework; New Norms from FY27

The Reserve Bank of India issued the RBI Commercial Banks – Prudential Norms on Declaration of Dividend and Remittance of Profits Directions, 2026.

The revised framework will govern how commercial banks declare dividends.

Effective From:
Financial Year 2026–27

Previous Framework:
RBI repealed its 2025 dividend framework and introduced revised prudential norms.

Key Highlights:

Dividend Payout Limit:
The maximum dividend payout for banks incorporated in India has been capped at 75% of Profit After Tax for the year.

Capital-Based Payout:
Dividend declaration will now be linked to the bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 ratio.

Earlier, dividend declaration was primarily linked to the overall Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio and net Non-Performing Assets.

Restriction:
Banks with a CET-1 ratio at or below 8% will not be allowed to pay any dividend.

Bank of Baroda Launches ‘Sapphire’ Savings Account for Women

Bank of Baroda launched a special savings account for women named ‘bob Women Sapphire Savings Account’.

The account offers healthcare coverage, lifestyle benefits, and banking privileges for women customers in India.

Eligibility:
The account is exclusively available for women customers.

Monthly Average Balance:
₹1 lakh

Health and Wellness Benefits:

• ₹10 lakh cancer care coverage for women aged 18 to 60 years
• Complimentary online doctor consultations for up to six family members
• Up to 15% concession on medicines
• Up to 20% concession on pathology tests

Debit Card Benefits:
Account holders receive the bob Bhoomi RuPay Select Debit Card.

Lifestyle Privileges:

• Domestic airport lounge access
• Complimentary gym membership
• Health check-up
• Spa or salon services
• OTT subscriptions

Significance:
The account combines financial inclusion, preventive healthcare, and lifestyle support for women customers.

Axis Max Life Partners with Saarathi Finance to Support MSMEs

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited entered into a strategic Corporate Agent partnership with Saarathi Finance and Credit Private Limited.

The partnership aims to strengthen financial protection for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in India.

Key Details:

Insurance Integration:
Under the partnership, Group Credit Life Secure insurance will be integrated with loans provided to MSMEs.

Financial Protection:
The insurance will protect loan obligations in case of unexpected events.

Benefits for MSME Borrowers:

• Financial safety net
• Reduced stress on families
• Risk protection for entrepreneurs
• Support for business continuity

Alignment:
The partnership aligns with India’s objective of achieving universal insurance coverage by 2047.

PayU Partners with GoKwik to Launch India’s First Integrated C2C Stack

PayU, a digital payments and financial services provider, partnered with GoKwik, a checkout optimisation platform for Direct-to-Consumer brands, to launch India’s first Integrated Conversion-to-Completion stack.

Objective:
The partnership aims to improve digital commerce efficiency by enabling seamless checkout and payment completion.

Integrated Commerce Platform:
The collaboration combines:

• GoKwik’s conversion intelligence
• GoKwik’s checkout tools
• PayU’s digital payment infrastructure

Benefits for D2C Brands:

• Better checkout conversions
• Reduced transaction failures
• Higher payment success rates
• Simplified commerce technology stack
• Improved digital commerce experience

About PayU:
PayU is a fintech platform offering digital payment and financial services under Prosus.

About GoKwik:
GoKwik supports more than 15,000 D2C brands, helping improve conversion rates and reduce Return-to-Origin orders.

Economy & Business

ASSOCHAM and ICCC Sign MoU to Strengthen India-Canada Business Collaboration

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India and the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce signed an MoU during the India–Canada Business Roundtable in New Delhi.

The MoU aims to enhance trade, investment, and institutional cooperation between business communities of India and Canada.

Key Areas of Cooperation:

Policy Cooperation:
Both chambers will exchange information on:

• Trade policies
• Economic regulations
• Investment opportunities
• Market prospects

Business Collaboration:
The MoU will support:

• Joint ventures
• Production collaboration
• Business partnerships
• Industrial cooperation
• Commercial engagement

Capacity Building:
The organisations will facilitate:

• Trade missions
• Business delegations
• Participation in exhibitions
• Seminars
• Conferences
• Workshops

Significance:
The agreement will strengthen India-Canada business networking and investment cooperation.

Science & Technology

DRDO and Indian Navy Conduct Trials of Indigenous Air Droppable Container ADC-150

The Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Indian Navy successfully conducted four in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container ADC-150.

The trials were conducted from a P-8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between 21 February and 1 March 2026 under extreme release conditions.

Induction:
After successful completion of developmental flight trials, the system is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon.

About ADC-150:

Objective:
The ADC-150 has been developed to deliver payloads of up to 150 kg.

Purpose:
It enables rapid delivery of critical materials to naval vessels operating in deep-sea areas far from the coast.

Supplies It Can Deliver:

• Critical spare parts
• Equipment
• Operational supplies
• Medical aid

Operational Benefit:
The system helps the Navy assist ships in distress or vessels operating in remote maritime zones.

Development Support:
The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory served as the nodal laboratory for the project.

Obituary

Veteran Congress Leader and Former Union Minister Biren Singh Engti Passes Away

Veteran Indian National Congress leader and former Union Minister of State Biren Singh Engti passed away in Guwahati, Assam, at the age of 81.

He was born on March 2, 1945, in Karbi Anglong, Assam.

About Biren Singh Engti:

Parliamentary Career:
He began his parliamentary career in the 1970s and was elected to the Lok Sabha five times from the Diphu constituency in Assam.

Lok Sabha Terms:

• 1977
• 1984
• 2009
• Twice in 2014

Union Minister of State:
During the government led by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he served as Minister of State between 1986 and 1989.

Ministries Served:

• Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
• Ministry of Planning and Programme Implementation

Autonomous Council Role:
He also served as the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.

Legacy:
He is remembered for his contribution to Assam’s public life, tribal representation, and parliamentary politics.

Important Days

CISF Raising Day 2026 – March 10

Central Industrial Security Force Raising Day is observed every year across India on 10 March.

The day commemorates the establishment of the CISF in 1969 and honours the service, dedication, and sacrifices of its personnel.

2026 Observance:
March 10, 2026 marked the 57th CISF Raising Day.

Role of CISF:
CISF safeguards India’s critical infrastructure and industrial assets.

CISF Background:

Establishment:
CISF was established in 1969 under the Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968.

Ministry:
It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Legislative Process:

• CISF Bill passed by Parliament: 13 August 1968
• Presidential assent: 2 December 1968
• Act came into force: 10 March 1969

2026 Celebrations:
In 2019, the Government of India decided to celebrate CISF Raising Day across different parts of India instead of only in New Delhi.

Important Days at a Glance

State News

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Presents ₹1.11 Lakh Crore Budget for FY27

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presented a ₹1,11,703.21 crore budget for FY 2026–27 at the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly in Bhararisain, Gairsain.

The budget focuses on development through the GYAN model.

GYAN Model:

• Garib
• Yuva
• Annadata
• Nari Shakti

Budget Growth:
The FY27 budget is 10.41% higher than the previous financial year.

Key Focus Areas:

• Inclusive growth
• Infrastructure development
• Social welfare
• Employment generation
• Skill development
• Farmer welfare
• Women empowerment

Key Financial Indicators:

Major Allocations:

Significance:
The budget aims to accelerate development while prioritising the poor, youth, farmers, and women under the GYAN framework.