Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (27th March 2026)

National News

Now Get Home Loan From Anywhere: NHB Launches Gruh Sugam Portal

• The National Housing Bank launched the Gruh Sugam Portal on March 26, 2026, to simplify home loan access for defense, paramilitary, and government personnel through a fully digital platform.
• It acts as a centralized marketplace where applicants can apply online, receive multiple loan offers from lenders, compare them, and choose the best option without visiting banks.
• The portal reduces paperwork, speeds up approvals, ensures transparency, and includes grievance redressal for better user experience.
• It promotes financial inclusion for personnel in remote areas and supports affordable housing and the “Housing for All” mission.

Supreme Court Panel Urges Union Government to Withdraw Transgender Rights Amendment Bill 2026

• The Supreme Court–appointed panel has urged the Union government to withdraw the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026, citing serious concerns over its impact on transgender rights.
• The Bill proposes removing the right to self-identify gender, requiring medical certification and assessment by district-level medical boards, narrowing the definition of transgender persons.
• The recommendation comes as Parliament passed the Bill amid protests from LGBTQIA+ activists and MPs, who argue it undermines gender autonomy and imposes invasive procedures.
• Critics say the amendments contradict earlier judicial principles like NALSA v. Union of India (2014) and weaken protections for transgender individuals.

PM Modi to Inaugurate Noida International Airport – Key Features, Capacity and Investment Details

• India’s aviation landscape is set to expand as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Noida International Airport on March 28, 2026, in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
• Phase I of the greenfield airport, part of a dual-airport system with IGI Delhi, will handle 12 million passengers annually, easing congestion in the Delhi-NCR region.
• Developed under a ₹11,200 crore PPP model by Zurich Airport subsidiary, it features a 3,900-meter runway, advanced navigation systems, and round-the-clock operations.
• The airport emphasizes sustainability with net-zero emissions, energy-efficient technology, and a design inspired by Indian heritage, blending modern infrastructure with cultural aesthetics.

IIM Ahmedabad Launches Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI with ₹100 Crore Endowment

• The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad launched the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of Artificial Intelligence on March 27, 2026, backed by a ₹100 crore endowment from Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon and Ranjan Tandon.
• The school aims to bridge AI research with practical applications, enhancing productivity, decision-making, and addressing complex challenges across sectors.
• Focus areas include responsible AI adoption, ethical governance, workforce skill development, and integration with business strategy.
• Leadership emphasized aligning technological advancements with real-world outcomes, making the initiative a transformative step for India’s AI and management ecosystem while fostering translational research and industry collaboration.

International News

WTO MC14 2026 Explained: Agenda, Issues, and Global Trade Impact

• The 14th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference (MC14) began on 26 March 2026 in Yaounde, Cameroon, bringing together ministers from over 160 countries to discuss global trade reforms and future strategies.
• Key discussions focus on WTO reforms, dispute settlement, digital trade, investment facilitation, agriculture, fisheries subsidies, and development concerns of least developed countries.
• The conference comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, slowing growth, and global supply chain disruptions, highlighting the need for a stronger and more responsive multilateral trade system.
• MC14 emphasizes inclusive growth, fair market access, and integration of developing nations into global trade and value chains.

Balendra Shah Swron In As Nepal’s Youngest PM After Historic ELection Mandate

• Balendra Shah, popularly known as “Balen,” was sworn in as Nepal’s 47th Prime Minister on March 27, 2026, at age 35, becoming the youngest leader in the country’s history.
• Formerly a rapper, engineer, and Kathmandu mayor, he rose to prominence as a reformist and youth icon.
• His Rastriya Swatantra Party won a historic majority in the March 2026 elections, defeating traditional parties and signaling a major political shift.
• Balen’s appointment follows Gen-Z-led protests against corruption and lack of accountability, and his swearing-in blended Hindu and Buddhist traditions, reflecting Nepal’s cultural diversity.

Economy News

OECD Projects 7.6% Growth for India in FY26, Warns of Slowdown Ahead

• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development projects India’s GDP growth at 7.6% in FY 2025–26 and 6.1% in FY 2026–27, highlighting resilience despite global uncertainties.
• Strong domestic demand, infrastructure investment, and improved trade conditions are key growth drivers.
• However, growth may slow due to rising global energy prices and geopolitical tensions, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, which could disrupt supply chains and raise costs.
• Inflation is expected to rise from ~2% in FY26 to 5.1% in FY27, possibly prompting policy rate hikes. Globally, growth is projected at 2.9% in 2026, reflecting broader economic challenges.

India GDP Growth FY27: Assocham Forecast, Exports, Risks Explained

• Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India projects India’s GDP to grow above 7% in FY27, driven by strong domestic demand, rising investments, and consistent economic resilience despite global slowdown risks.
• Robust consumption, infrastructure development, and reforms supporting ease of doing business continue to boost investor confidence, while strong PMI indicators reflect expansion across manufacturing and services sectors.
• Exports also remain a key pillar, with sectors like engineering, electronics, and agriculture pushing total exports toward $870 billion in FY26, strengthening India’s global trade position.
• However, geopolitical tensions in West Asia and risks around the Strait of Hormuz may impact supply chains, raising costs and posing challenges to sustained growth.

PM Modi to Attend G7 Summit 2026 in France: Key Global Issues on Agenda

• Narendra Modi will attend the G7 Summit 2026 scheduled from June 15–17 in France, with confirmation from French authorities after talks with S. Jaishankar.
• The G7 includes major economies like the US, UK, Japan, and others, focusing on global economic stability, security, climate change, and trade.
• Key 2026 agenda items include global economic challenges, energy security, and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz impacting fuel prices.
• Though not a member, India’s participation highlights its rising global influence and role in bridging developed and developing economies.

Appointments News

Nokia India Leadership Change 2026: Focus on AI, Cloud and 5G Expansion

• Nokia has appointed Samar Mittal as India Country Business Leader and Vibha Mehra as India Country Manager, effective April 1, 2026, strengthening its India-focused strategy.
• Mittal will lead business growth and partnerships, while Mehra will oversee operations, policy, and corporate strategy, reflecting a balanced and agile leadership approach.
• The company aims to expand in high-growth areas like AI, cloud services, 5G telecom networks, and enterprise digital solutions amid India’s rapid digital transformation.
• With extensive experience from global firms, both leaders are expected to drive innovation and strengthen Nokia’s position in India’s competitive tech ecosystem.

Awards News

Nandamuri Balakrishna Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFD 2026 in Delhi

• Nandamuri Balakrishna was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Film Festival of Delhi 2026 on March 26 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, recognizing his five-decade contribution to Indian cinema.
• Known for his versatility, Balakrishna has delivered powerful performances across commercial and character-driven roles, becoming an iconic figure in Telugu cinema.
• A highlight of the event was the screening of his film Bhagavanth Kesari, directed by Anil Ravipudi, which also won Best Telugu Film at the 71st National Film Awards.
• He credited his father N. T. Rama Rao as a major inspiration and continues his legacy in cinema and public life.

Reports News

UV Index Explained: The Hidden Health Risk Rising in India

• In India, rising temperatures are accompanied by increasing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a serious yet often overlooked health risk measured by the UV Index (UVI).
• The UVI indicates skin damage risk from UVA and UVB rays, tracked by the India Meteorological Department, with levels above 8 considered very high to extreme, regardless of temperature or cloud cover.
• UV exposure is highest between 10 AM and 4 PM, especially from March to June, with cities like Bengaluru and Chennai already recording extreme levels.
• Prolonged exposure can cause skin damage, ageing, and eye issues, making daily protection like sunscreen, clothing, and avoiding peak sunlight essential.

Sports News

Olympics Transgender Ban 2028: IOC Rules, SRY Gene Test Explained

• The International Olympic Committee has banned transgender women and some DSD athletes from female categories starting at the 2028 Olympics, introducing mandatory SRY gene screening for eligibility.
• This test detects the SRY gene linked to male biological development, which the IOC says may provide performance advantages in elite sports competitions.
• The decision follows controversies from past Olympics and aims to ensure fairness, safety, and consistency in women’s events across all sports.
• While supporters see it as protecting competitive integrity, critics argue it raises concerns about inclusion, equality, and athletes’ rights worldwide.

Obituaries News

Birute Galdikas Dies at 79: Legendary Orangutan Researcher Passes Away

• Birutė Galdikas, a renowned primatologist, passed away on March 25, 2026, in Los Angeles at age 79, leaving behind a lasting legacy in wildlife conservation.
• She spent over five decades studying orangutans in Borneo, establishing a major research center at Tanjung Puting National Park and transforming global understanding of great apes.
• As part of the legendary “Trimates” with Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, she helped revolutionize primatology and conservation awareness worldwide.
• Through the Orangutan Foundation International, she rehabilitated hundreds of orangutans and championed habitat protection, highlighting the urgent need to save this endangered species.

E A Rajendran Passed Away at 71: Remembering the Malayalam Cinema and Theatre Veteran

• E A Rajendran passed away at 71 on March 26, 2026, leaving behind a rich legacy in Malayalam theatre, cinema, and television.
• He began his career on stage in Thrissur, trained at the National School of Drama, and later enhanced his skills at the Film and Television Institute of India.
• Rajendran acted in around 60 films, including Kaliyattam, Pranayavarnangal and Pattabhishekam and adapted award-winning plays for theatre.
• Known for his versatility, he was respected as both performer and director.
• He was married to Sandhya, daughter of actor O Madhavan, and served as Chairman of the State Horticulture Corporation, contributing beyond the arts.

Current Affairs Today | 27 March 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam