Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (31st March, 2026)

National News

Waste Segregation Made Mandatory: India’s New Rules from April 1, 2026

• India has introduced the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, effective April 1, 2026, replacing the 2016 framework to ensure sustainable and accountable waste practices.
• The rules mandate four-stream segregation at source: wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste, improving recycling efficiency.
• They emphasize the circular economy and introduce Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR) for large institutions and industries.
• A centralized digital portal will monitor waste handling in real time, while industries must increase Refuse Derived Fuel use from 5% to 15%.
• Local bodies and governments are given stronger roles for infrastructure development and compliance enforcement.

PM Modi Inaugurates Samrat Samprati Museum on Mahavir Jayanti

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum on March 31, 2026, at Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, coinciding with Mahavir Jayanti, highlighting Jain heritage.
• The museum, named after Samprati, showcases around 2,000 artefacts, including manuscripts, idols, and paintings, reflecting Jain philosophy and history.
• Divided into seven galleries, it presents the evolution of Jainism through art, culture, and modern audio-visual displays.
• The initiative emphasizes values of non-violence, truth, and compassion, reinforcing their relevance in today’s world.

International News

Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi Passes Away at 67

• Former Chandrikapersad Santokhi passed away on March 30, 2026, at 67, marking the end of a significant political career.
• He served as President from 2020 to 2025, known for economic reforms backed by International Monetary Fund and efforts to stabilize Suriname’s economy.
• Santokhi also strengthened ties with India, with Narendra Modi praising his role in enhancing bilateral relations.
• Of Indian origin, he remained influential in politics even after his presidency, leaving a lasting legacy in governance and diplomacy.

Economy News

India’s Fiscal Deficit Narrows to ₹12.5 Trillion in April-February FY26

• India’s fiscal deficit for April–February FY26 narrowed to ₹12.5 trillion, 80.4% of the revised estimate, down 7% from ₹13.4 trillion last year, supported by higher revenues and steady capital expenditure.
• Capex rose 15% Y-o-Y, with ₹9.3 trillion utilised by February, while net tax and non-tax revenues grew 6% and 18% respectively.
• Despite strong fiscal management, global risks such as the West Asia conflict and the excise duty cut on fuels could pressure FY27 outlook.
• The ₹1-trillion Economic Stabilisation Fund provides flexibility to cushion the economy against external shocks.

India’s GDP Growth May Slow to 6.5% in FY27, Warns ICRA

• According to ICRA, India’s GDP growth is expected to slow to around 6.5% in FY2026–27 from 7.6% in the current fiscal year.
• The slowdown is driven by rising energy prices, global supply disruptions, and geopolitical tensions in West Asia affecting imports like crude oil and gas.
• These factors may increase inflation, raise production and transport costs, and weaken consumer spending and overall economic activity.

India’s Industrial Output Grows 5.2% in February 2026: IIP Data Explained

• India’s industrial output grew 5.2% in February 2026, slightly higher than January’s revised 5.1%, reflecting moderate recovery in economic activity despite a drop in the overall IIP index.
• Growth was driven mainly by the manufacturing sector, which expanded 6% year-on-year, supported by strong performance in metals, machinery, and transport equipment.
• However, electricity and mining showed mixed trends, with slower growth indicating uneven sectoral performance.
• Rising crude oil prices and global geopolitical tensions remain key challenges, even as strong capital goods growth signals improving investment confidence.

India Approves IBC Amendment Bill 2026 to Speed Up Insolvency Resolution

• India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Amendment Bill 2026 was passed by Lok Sabha on March 30 to speed up insolvency resolutions and improve creditor confidence.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman noted that the IBC has already resolved 1,376 cases, recovering ₹4.11 lakh crore.
• The amendment mandates admission of insolvency cases within 14 days and introduces a creditor-driven model with faster, less litigation-heavy processes.
• It also adds group and cross-border insolvency provisions, aligning India’s framework with global standards while boosting transparency and efficiency.

Agreements News

India Launches AI-Driven Initiative to Make Ayurveda Research Accessible in 13 Languages

• India has launched an AI-driven initiative to make Ayurveda research more accessible by translating CCRAS publications into 13 regional languages through a collaboration with Anuvadini AI.
• This effort aims to bridge language barriers, promote evidence-based Ayurveda, and reduce misinformation. CCRAS, operating via 30 institutes across 25 states, will ensure authentic scientific knowledge reaches grassroots communities.
• The MoU, guided by the Ministry of Ayush, reflects India’s push to combine technology with traditional healthcare, making complex research easily understandable and inclusive for people across the country.

Appointments News

Dr. Thomas Pucadyil Appointed Director of BRIC-NCCS Pune

• Dr. Thomas Pucadyil has been appointed as the new Director of BRIC-NCCS Pune, bringing extensive expertise in cell biology and research innovation.
• He previously served as Professor at IISER Pune, building a career focused on membrane integrity and cellular processes.
• Dr. Pucadyil’s achievements include the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (2018) and fellowships at top science academies.
• He will succeed Manisha Inamdar and lead the institute to strengthen India’s biomedical research and innovation ecosystem.
• NCCS Pune, a premier center for advanced biology research, focuses on areas such as cancer, neurobiology, immunology, stem cell research, and bioinformatics.

Summits & Conferences News

India Pharma 2026 Conference: Advancing Life Sciences and Research in India

• The 9th edition of India Pharma 2026 will be held on April 13-14, 2026, in New Delhi, organized by the Department of Pharmaceuticals with FICCI and Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance.
• The conference aims to strengthen India’s position as a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing.
• With the theme “Discover in India: Leapfrogging Life-Sciences Innovation,” it focuses on drug discovery, advanced research, complex generics, biosimilars, and global supply chain strengthening.
• India Pharma 2026 promotes collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders, highlighting India’s shift from a volume-based producer to a value-driven innovator while advancing healthcare access and global partnerships.

Science & Technology News

AP Science City Signs 5-Year MoU with CSIR-NIScPR to Boost Science Outreach

• The Andhra Pradesh Science City signed an MoU with CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research on March 30, 2026, to promote science awareness and STEM education.
• The collaboration focuses on science communication, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking to strengthen governance and development strategies.
• This five-year non-financial agreement aims to enhance scientific literacy, encourage public engagement, and simplify complex scientific concepts for wider understanding.
• Together, both institutions will bridge the gap between research and policy, fostering scientific thinking and supporting India’s growing innovation ecosystem.

NASA Artemis II Launch 2026: Crew, Mission Goals, and Key Details

• NASA is set to launch the historic Artemis II on April 1, 2026, marking the first human mission around the Moon in over 50 years.
• Using the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft, the mission will orbit the Moon and test critical systems without landing.
• The crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, showcasing international collaboration in space exploration.
• Artemis II will validate life-support, navigation, and safety systems, paving the way for future lunar landings and long-term human presence on the Moon and beyond.

Important Days News

Mahavir Jayanti 2026: History, Five Great Vows, and Spiritual Significance

• Mahavir Jayanti 2026 will be celebrated on 31st March, marking the birth of Lord Mahavir, a spiritual leader who taught non-violence, truth, compassion, and self-discipline.
• Born in 599 BCE in Bihar, he renounced worldly life at 30 and attained Kevala Jnana after 12 years of meditation.
• The festival emphasizes inner peace, charity, and ethical living, with rituals like Abhisheka, Rath Yatra, fasting, and scripture recitations across India.
• Lord Mahavir’s teachings, summarized in the Five Great Vows—Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha remain timeless guidance for moral and compassionate living.

Current Affairs Today | 31 March 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam