NATIONAL AFFAIRS
NSO's Periodic Labour Force Survey: India's Unemployment Rate Declines to 4.9% in February 2026
In March 2026, the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Monthly Bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for February 2026, showing India's overall Unemployment Rate (UR) slightly dropped to 4.9% from 5% in January 2026.
Survey Base: The February 2026 Monthly Bulletin is the 11th in the series, with estimates based on 3,74,879 individuals — including 2,13,679 from rural areas and 1,61,200 from urban areas.
Key Findings of PLFS – February 2026:
| Indicator | Rural | Urban | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate (UR) | 4.2% (Stable) | 6.6% (Down from 7.0%) | 4.9% (Down from 5.0%) |
| Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) | 58.7% | 50.4% (Marginal rise) | 55.9% (Stable) |
| Worker Population Ratio (WPR) | 56.3% | 47% | 53.2% (Stable) |
GoI Approves 23 Institutions to Establish 'Quantum Labs' under National Quantum Mission
On 16 March 2026, the Government of India (GoI) approved the establishment of quantum teaching laboratories in 23 institutions under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) to strengthen education, research, and workforce development in emerging quantum technologies.
Reviewed By: A high-level coordination meeting chaired by Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge, IC) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T).
Other Key Highlights:
- IISF 2026: India International Science Festival (IISF) 2026 will be held in Pune (Maharashtra) with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), MoS&T, managing logistics and theme planning.
- NTD 2026: National Technology Day (NTD) (11 May 2026) will feature 500+ innovations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (Delhi) with participation from 3,000 stakeholders.
MoA&FW Releases Final Estimates (2024-25) & First Advance Estimates (2025-26) of Horticulture Area & Production
In March 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), released the Final Estimates (FE) of 2024-25 and First Advance Estimate (FAE) of 2025-26 of area and production of horticulture crops (fruits & vegetables).
Key Highlights:
| Parameter | 2023-24 (FE) | 2024-25 (FE) | 2025-26 (FAE) | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Horticulture Production | 3547.44 LT | 3707.38 LT | 3708.46 LT | 4.51% (FE YoY) |
| Total Area Covered | 290.86 lakh ha | 301.36 lakh ha | 301.31 lakh ha | 3.61% (FE YoY) |
| Fruit Production | 1129.78 LT | 1176.49 LT | — | 4.13% |
The Takeaway: FAE for 2025-26 projects 3708.46 Lakh Tonnes (LT) production, exceeding 2024-25 by 1.09 LT.
MNRE Expands ALMM Framework to Include Solar Ingots & Wafers — Effective from June 2028
In March 2026, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) extended the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework by introducing ALMM List-III for solar ingots and wafers, effective from 1 June 2028, to strengthen India's solar manufacturing ecosystem and reduce import dependence.
Key Provisions:
- Eligibility (COD Provision): Bids submitted more than 7 days after notification under Section 63 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (EA 2003) must use ALMM List-III wafers, and mandates Upstream Manufacturing Integration (UMI) through equivalent ingot capacity for enlistment.
- Capacity (GW Condition): ALMM List-III issuance only upon availability of at least 3 independent manufacturers with a combined capacity of 15 GW.
Ministry of Culture Launches 'Gyan Bharatam National Manuscript Survey' to Map India's Manuscript Heritage
On March 16, 2026, the Ministry of Culture launched the 'Gyan Bharatam National Manuscript Survey (GBNMS)', a first-of-its-kind three-month-long nationwide exercise under the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM), to map India's manuscript heritage.
About GBNMS:
- Process: The survey is voluntary and non-intrusive, ensuring ownership remains unchanged.
- Administration: Carried out by state-level committees led by the Chief Secretary (CS) and district-level committees headed by the District Magistrate.
- Four-Stage Framework: Identification → Physical Verification → Cataloguing with Metadata → Conservation with Digitisation.
- Tech Integration: The Ministry introduced the Gyan Bharatam Application (App), allowing citizens/institutions to upload basic details (ownership type, location). Leverages the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) for standardised global digital access.
British Council Signs MoU to Support 'SPARK – The 100K Collective' for Women's Entrepreneurship in India
In March 2026, the British Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Women's Collective Forum and the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality in New Delhi (Delhi) to support 'SPARK – The 100K Collective', focused on enhancing skills and opportunities for women entrepreneurs across India.
Key Details:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Strengthen skills, leadership & networks for women entrepreneurs |
| Coverage | 1 lakh women entrepreneurs across ~300 locations in India |
| Training | English language & digital communication training by British Council |
Key SPARK Components:
- SPARK Kaushal — Digital & vocational skills training
- SPARK MBA — Business accelerator aligned with govt skilling initiatives
- SPARK X — Leadership development
- SPARK Mitra — Mentorship
- SPARK Nidhi — Micro-credit & growth capital
- SPARK Bazaar — Domestic & global market access
BANKING & FINANCE
NIPL Expands UPI Merchant Acceptance in Sri Lanka
In March 2026, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the global arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), expanded the acceptance of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) across merchant establishments in Sri Lanka.
Objective: Improve cross-border payment experiences for Indian tourists and strengthen India-Sri Lanka economic & cultural ties.
How It Works: Indian tourists can make real-time account-to-account payments by scanning Lanka Quick Response (QR) codes through their preferred UPI-enabled mobile apps.
Merchant-Specific Benefits: Expands reach to digitally savvy Indian customers; enhances cash management; reduces reliance on physical cash; improves operational efficiency.
UPI Dominance in Numbers:
- Processes 20+ billion monthly financial transactions
- 700+ million UPI QR touch points across India
- Global Reach: Now operational in 8+ countries — UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, and Qatar
Scapia Launches 'Scapia Pay' App to Earn Rewards via RuPay Credit Cards
In March 2026, Scapia, a travel fintech platform, launched 'Scapia Pay', an in-app Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment service enabling users to earn rewards on transactions via RuPay credit cards.
Aim: Integrate daily payments, credit, and travel rewards within a unified platform.
How to Earn Benefits: Users link their Scapia Federal RuPay and Scapia BOBCARD RuPay credit cards for quick UPI payments and earn benefits on qualifying transactions.
Key Features: Seamless interface, real-time payments, custom UPI Identification (ID) for privacy, first-time payment notifications, high-value transaction alerts, and consolidated spend tracking.
Services Expansion: Expanded from travel-first credit offerings to a multi-category platform — flights, buses, visas, and financial services.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Tata Steel Signs MoU with USTB (China) to Develop Low-Carbon Steelmaking Technologies
In March 2026, Tata Steel Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China's University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), Beijing, to develop low-carbon steelmaking technologies and promote sustainable steel production.
4 Key Themes of Collaboration:
- Scrap-based steelmaking
- Steel waste valorisation
- End-product performance
- Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies
Research Arm: Tata Steel Research and Innovation Limited will jointly work with USTB.
Development & Scaling: Leverages USTB's academic expertise along with experimental and pilot-scale facilities to test, validate, and scale technologies for industrial application.
The Big Picture: Promotes environmentally responsible steel production, strengthens research-driven innovation, and addresses the steel industry's role in achieving carbon neutrality.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
RBI Wins 'Initiative of the Year' Award for '.bank.in' Domain Rollout
In March 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) won the 'Initiative of the Year' award by London (UK)-based Central Banking at the 13th Annual Central Banking Awards for its innovative '.bank.in' domain rollout designed to combat rising cyber frauds in the digital financial ecosystem.
Other Winners at the Awards:
- Central Bank of Colombia — Recognised for Bre-B (federated retail payments system)
- National Bank of Ethiopia — Wholesale payment services development
- Bank of Namibia — Artificial Intelligence initiative
About '.bank.in' Domain:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch | February 2025 |
| Exclusivity | Only RBI-licensed banks allowed to use it |
| Global First | India becomes the world's 1st country to mandate a secure & exclusive internet domain for banking |
| Sole Registrar | Institute for Development and Research on Banking Technology (IDRBT) |
| Transition Deadline | Banks mandated to shift net banking websites to the domain by October 31, 2025 |
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
NBSL Appoints MS Dhoni as Brand Ambassador for BHIM Payments App
In March 2026, NPCI BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) Services Limited (NBSL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), appointed Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh (M.S.) Dhoni as the brand ambassador for the BHIM Payments Application (App).
Objective: Enhance trust, inclusion, and scale in India's digital payments ecosystem, supporting BHIM app's next growth phase.
Key Role: MS Dhoni will feature in multi-channel promotional initiatives highlighting BHIM's ease of use, security features, and accessibility.
About BHIM App:
- Launched in 2016 on NPCI's UPI platform
- Positioned as "Bharat Ka Apna Payments App"
- Wide reach across Tier 1–3 cities
- Supports 15+ regional languages
- Optimised for low-connectivity areas
ENVIRONMENT
New Earthworm Species 'Drawida vazhania' Discovered in Kerala
In March 2026, researchers from Christ College (Kerala) and Mahatma Gandhi University (Kerala) discovered a new earthworm species named 'Drawida vazhania' in the Vazhani Dam area of the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrissur district, Kerala.
The Significance: With this discovery, the total number of Drawida species in India has increased to 83, including 55 species in the Western Ghats. Kerala leads with 31 species, of which 16 are endemic.
About Drawida vazhania:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication | International journal Zootaxa |
| Genus | Drawida (Family: Moniligastridae, Barwelli group) |
| Distribution | South, Southeast & East Asia (tropical regions) |
| Biological Features | Grooved male genital field, bean-shaped prostate gland, specialised reproductive structures |
India's Earthworm Diversity: ~71% of genera and 89% of species are endemic. The Western Ghats and west coast plains together account for nearly 58.4% of India's earthworm diversity.
OBITUARY
Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das Passed Away
In March 2026, Kushal Das, former General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), passed away in New Delhi, Delhi, at the age of 66. He was born in 1959.
Profile: A Chartered Accountant (CA) by profession with extensive experience in sports management and administration.
Career Journey:
- Worked with global firms: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Shell
- 1996: Joined International Management Group (IMG) as Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Served as CFO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai, UAE
Leadership at AIFF (2010–2022):
- One of the longest-serving AIFF officials
- Key role in hosting the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup — India's first FIFA tournament, which recorded the highest attendance in youth World Cup history
- Contributed to the launch of the Indian Women's League (IWL) in 2017
- Facilitated development of the Indian Super League (ISL) through partnership with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL)
IMPORTANT DAYS AT A GLANCE
World Consumer Rights Day – March 15
World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) is observed annually on 15 March to promote awareness of consumer rights, protection, and empowerment.
2026 Theme: "Safe products, confident consumers"
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Inspired by a message from John F. Kennedy (former US President) to US Congress on 15 March 1962 |
| First Observance | 15 March 1983 |
| Global Recognition | Supported by the United Nations (UN) and other international bodies |
International Day to Combat Islamophobia – March 15
The United Nations (UN's) International Day to Combat Islamophobia is observed annually on March 15 to fight anti-Muslim hate worldwide and promote human rights, religious tolerance, and social harmony.
2026 Theme: "Respect Every Person's Dignity"
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposal | 2020, by Imran Khan (former PM of Pakistan) at the 75th UNGA session |
| Adoption | March 15, 2022 — UNGA adopted Resolution 76/254, introduced by Munir Akram (Pakistan's envoy) on behalf of OIC |
| First Observance | March 15, 2023 |
| Significance | Commemorates the Christchurch mosque attacks (2019), New Zealand — 51 killed, 40 injured at Al Noor Mosque & Linwood Islamic Centre |
National Vaccination Day – March 16
National Vaccination Day, also known as National Immunisation Day (NID), is observed annually on 16 March to commemorate the first dose of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) administered in 1995.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Initiative | 1988 — World Health Assembly (WHA) resolved to eradicate polio, launching GPEI led by WHO |
| India's First OPV Dose | 16 March 1995 under the Pulse Polio Programme |
| Polio-Free India | Certified by WHO on 27 March 2014 |
| Immunisation Coverage | Increased from 62% (2015) to 98.4% (January 2026) |
| Zero-Dose Children | Declined from 0.11% (2023) to 0.06% (2024) |
STATE NEWS
Tripura FM Pranajit Singha Roy Presents Rs 34,212 Crore Budget for FY27
In March 2026, Pranajit Singha Roy, Finance Minister (FM) of Tripura, presented the state Budget worth Rs 34,212.31 crore for FY 2026-27 (FY27) in the Tripura Legislative Assembly, Agartala — marking a 5.52% increase over the previous fiscal year with focus on infrastructure, digital services, rural employment, and connectivity.
Financial Indicators:
| Parameter | FY27 Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | Rs 34,212.31 crore |
| Fiscal Deficit | Rs 240.72 crore |
| Capital Expenditure (CapEx) | Rs 8,945.92 crore (Up 13.19% YoY) |
| Capital Deficit | Rs 1,856.32 crore |
Key Sectoral Allocations:
| Sector | Allocation | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Health | Rs 2,441.50 crore | Up 25.29% |
| Agriculture | Rs 1,985.61 crore | Up 5.31% |
| Education | Rs 6,439.56 crore | Up 4.43% |
Key Announcements:
- 5% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) & Dearness Relief (DR)
- Establishment of Tripura Government Technical University, Tripura Government Women's University, and Tripura University of Health Sciences
- Launch of NAVCHETNA Initiative
- Establishment of a Drone School in the state
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