Current Affairs One - Liner : 27th & 28th March 2026

National:

• On March 25, 2026, the National Commission for Women (NCW) partnered with Truecaller to launch a nationwide initiative called TrueCyberSakhi: Digital Safety Toolkit, aimed at strengthening women’s digital safety and awareness of online risks. The collaboration also enhances access to NCW’s 24×7 helpline for faster redressal of cyber complaints.

• Indian Railways approved projects worth ₹1,236 crore on March 26, 2026. Focus: communication upgrades and expansion of Kavach 4.0 safety system. Aim: safer, faster, and more reliable train operations. Supports Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat modernization drive.

International:

• For the first time in U.S. history, President Donald Trump’s signature will appear on American paper currency, beginning with redesigned $100 bills in June 2026. This marks the end of a 165-year tradition where only the Treasury Secretary and Treasurer signed notes.

Banking:

• On March 25, 2026, SEBI launched the “Verified App Label” initiative in partnership with Google to protect investors from fraudulent trading apps. Genuine apps of SEBI‑registered brokers will now carry a verified badge on the Google Play Store, helping users distinguish authentic platforms from fake ones.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Japan’s MUFG Bank proposal to acquire a 20% stake in SFL. The deal is valued at ₹39,618 crore, marking one of the largest foreign investments in India’s financial services sector. It aims to strengthen MUFG’s presence in leasing and financing while boosting cross‑border capital flows.

Economy:

• The OECD’s latest Economic Outlook projects India to remain the world’s fastest‑growing major economy through 2027–28, even as global growth stays near 3 percent. India’s GDP is expected to grow 7.6% in 2025–26, followed by 6.1% in 2026–27 and 6.4% in 2027–28. Strong domestic demand, infrastructure expansion, and services growth are seen as key drivers.

MoUs:

• On March 26, 2026, in Kochi, Kerala, the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MoU with the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The aim was to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Latvia. The agreement focuses on trade expansion, investment promotion, and business networking through B2B meetings and joint ventures.
• On March 26, 2026, in New Delhi, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with KRAFTON India to strengthen India’s startup and innovation ecosystem, focusing on digital entertainment, online gaming, esports, interactive media, and AI.
• On 25 March 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed MoUs with Razorpay to boost India’s startup ecosystem. The initiative included the launch of ‘Startup Sahayak’, a single-window digital platform to support entrepreneurs. It aims to simplify financial processes, compliance, and digital payments integration for startups.

Sports:

• India’s two-time Olympic medallist Gurjant Singh officially retired from international hockey on 27 March 2026 at the Hockey India Awards in New Delhi, ending a career spanning 130 matches, 33 goals, and historic medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.

Defence:

• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on March 27, 2026, where he granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement proposals totaling a staggering ₹2.38 lakh crore.
• The Defence Ministry signed two contracts worth ₹858 crore on March 27, 2026 — ₹445 crore for Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems from Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport and the remainder for depot-level inspection of the Navy’s P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft. These deals aim to boost India’s air defence and maritime surveillance capabilities.

Apps & Portals:

• On March 26, 2026, the National Housing Bank (NHB) launched the Gruh Sugam portal, a fully digital platform designed to simplify home loan access for defence, paramilitary, and government personnel. It acts as a centralized marketplace where applicants can apply online, compare multiple loan offers, and choose the best option without visiting banks.

Govt.Schemes:

• The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1,800 crore extension of the IVFRT scheme till March 31, 2031. The plan will modernize 117 Immigration Check Posts, 15 FRROs, and 850+ FROs with AI, biometrics, and data analytics. Faster e‑visa clearances and automated e‑gates under the Trusted Traveller Programme will ensure “contactless and faceless” processing.

Important Days:

• International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members 2026 was observed on 25 March 2026. It is organized by the United Nations to honor staff who are detained, missing, or lost in service. The day raises awareness about the risks faced by UN personnel in conflict zones.

Awards & Honours:

• Bengali writer Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay won the Saraswati Samman 2025 for his novel Hara Parbati Katha (2020), announced on March 25–26, 2026. The novel blends mythology, culture, and society around the Shiva‑Parvati lore, making him the first Bengali winner since 2003. The award, instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation in 1991, carries a prize of ₹15 lakh, citation, and plaque.
• Telangana’s Tourism, Culture, and Archaeology Minister Jupally Krishna Rao was honored with the prestigious Grand Prize for Contribution to World Peace on March 27, 2026, at the International Buddhist Conference on World Peace held in Hyderabad. The award was presented by the International Interchange Development Association in recognition of his efforts to promote Buddhist heritage, cultural exchange, and peace initiatives.
• Veteran Telugu actor and politician Nandamuri Balakrishna was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) 2026 on March 26, 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The honor recognized his five‑decade contribution to Indian cinema, with his film Bhagavanth Kesari also screened at the festival.

Questions:

Q.1 According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), India’s projected GDP growth for 2025–26 is:
a) 6.4%
b) 7.6%
c) 6.1%
d) 5.9%

Answer: b) India’s GDP is expected to grow 7.6% in 2025–26, followed by 6.1% in 2026–27 and 6.4% in 2027–28.

Q.2 The Gruh Sugam portal was launched by the National Housing Bank (NHB), which operates under:
a) Ministry of Finance
b) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
c) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
d) NITI Aayog

Answer: b) National Housing Bank is regulated by RBI.