24 March 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

 

MeitY Blocks 300 More Illegal Betting & Gambling Platforms

Why in News

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has blocked around 300 additional illegal betting platforms, taking the total to ~8,400 blocked websites/apps.

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Legal Basis for Blocking

1. Section 69A of IT Act:

• Under Information Technology Act, 2000 empowers government to Block online content on grounds of Sovereignty, Security of state and Public order

2. PROG Act, 2025:

• Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025

Key Provision: Blanket ban on Online money gaming (betting/gambling)

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Institutional Framework

1. Online Gaming Authority:

• Created under PROG Act

Role: Classify and regulate permissible gaming platforms

2. Tax Enforcement:

• Conducted by: Directorate General of GST Intelligence
• Functions: Investigate GST evasion and ensure compliance with 28% GST on online gaming can recommend blocking of non-compliant platforms

3. Criminal Provisions:

• Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

• Section 111: Organised economic cybercrime
• Section 112: Unauthorised betting (petty organised crime)

4. Advertising Regulation:

• Enforced by: Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
• Actions: Ban on surrogate advertising penalties on Influencers promoting illegal platforms

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Key Concerns Addressed

1. Consumer Protection:

• Prevents Financial fraud and Addiction risks

2. Revenue Leakage:

• Tackles GST evasion

3. National Security:

• Some platforms linked to Foreign entities and Money laundering

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Broader Significance

1. Strengthening Digital Governance:

• Expands Regulatory control over online space

2. Formalisation of Gaming Sector:

• Distinguishes Legal gaming vs illegal betting

3. Multi-Agency Coordination:

• Involves MeitY, Tax authorities and Consumer protection bodies

 

MHA Directives to WhatsApp to Combat “Digital Arrest” Scams

Why in News

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued directives to WhatsApp to curb the rising cases of digital arrest scams in India.

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Scale of the Problem

• Reported cases (2024): 1.23 lakh+ incidents
• Financial loss: ₹1,935 crore
• Growth: From ₹91 crore (2022) → 21-fold increase
• Indicates: Rapid rise of cyber-enabled fraud

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What are “Digital Arrest” Scams?

• Fraudsters impersonate: Police / CBI / ED officials
• Victim is Threatened with “arrest” via video calls forced to Transfer money and share sensitive information

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Key Directives to WhatsApp

1. Hardware Blocking:

• Block: IMEI numbers of devices used by scammers
• Prevents: Reuse of same device with new SIM cards

2. APK Filtering:

• Detect & block Malicious APK files
• Prevents Malware installation and Remote access scams

3. Forensic Data Retention:

• Preserve Metadata of accounts
• Duration: 180 days
• As mandated under Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

4. AI-Based Guardrails:

• Use AI tools to Detect fake profiles especially those using police uniforms and displaying official emblems

5. Caller Safety Features:

• Display: Caller identity on video calls
• Provide: Real-time alerts for suspicious accounts

6. Tackling Synthetic Content:

• Detect & remove Deepfakes, Voice clones and Fake documents
• Prevents: Advanced impersonation fraud

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Broader Significance

1. Strengthening Cybersecurity:

• Moves towards Proactive fraud detection

2. Platform Accountability:

• Reinforces Responsibility of intermediaries

3. Consumer Protection:

• Reduces Financial fraud and Psychological intimidation

4. Tech-Law Convergence:

• Combines AI tools, Legal framework and Platform regulation

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Challenges

1. Privacy Concerns:

• Data retention & monitoring may Raise surveillance concerns

2. Encryption Constraints:

• End-to-end encryption limits Content monitoring

3. Evolving Fraud Techniques:

• Scammers constantly adapt use new technologies

 

SC Rejects Arbitrary Disability Ceiling in Public Employment

Why in News

The Supreme Court of India ruled that the State cannot impose an upper disability limit to exclude Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from public employment.

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Key Observations of the Court

1. Disability Threshold is a Floor, Not a Ceiling:

• Under Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
• 40% disability is the minimum (benchmark)
• Not a maximum cap

2. No Power to Fix Upper Limit:

• The Act does not authorise the State to set upper disability ceilings
• Any such exclusion is arbitrary and unconstitutional

3. Suitability Over Medical Percentage:

• Recruitment must assess Functional ability and not just disability percentage
• Focus: Job-specific capability

4. Principle of Reasonable Accommodation:

• State must provide necessary adjustments ensures Equal opportunity in employment

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Institutional Framework for Disability Rights in India

1. Legal Framework:

• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

Key Features:

• Expanded disabilities: From 7 → 21
• Reservation: 5% in education and 4% in government jobs

2. Nodal Ministry:

• Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD)
• Under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

3. Oversight Body:

• Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD)
• Role: Monitor implementation and Address grievances

4. Financial Support:

• National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC)
• Provides: Concessional loans and support for self-employment

5. Digital Identity System:

• Unique Disability ID: Centralised disability certification and Easier access to benefits

6. Rehabilitation Network:

• Composite Regional Centres (CRCs): Provide Rehabilitation, Training and Awareness

7. Accessibility Initiative:

• Accessible India Campaign: Universal accessibility in Infrastructure, Transport and ICT

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Significance of the Judgment

1. Strengthening Equality:

• Upholds Article 14 (Equality) and Article 16 (Equal opportunity in public employment)

2. Shift to Functional Approach:

• Moves from Medical model → Social/rights-based model

3. Expanding Employment Opportunities:

• Prevents Exclusion of severely disabled persons

4. Reinforcing Inclusive Governance:

• Promotes Dignity, Participation, Empowerment

 

Compulsory Voting in India

Why in News

With the announcement of 2026 Assembly polls, the Election Commission of India and observations by the Supreme Court of India have revived the debate on mandatory voting in India.

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Constitutional & Legal Framework

1. Universal Adult Suffrage:

• Under Article 326 of the Constitution of India
• Grants: Voting rights to all citizens aged 18+

2. Legal Framework:

• Governed by Representation of the People Act, 1950 and Representation of the People Act, 1951
• Covers Voter registration and Electoral process

3. Nature of Right to Vote:

• As per Supreme Court, Voting is a statutory right, Not a fundamental right

4. Freedom of Expression:

• Under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India
• Includes Right to vote and Right to abstain

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Arguments in Favour of Compulsory Voting

1. Higher Voter Turnout:

• Ensures Greater participation

Example: Australia (~90% turnout)

2. Inclusive Representation:

• Encourages: Participation of marginalised groups

Reduces: Elite-dominated outcomes

3. Stronger Democratic Mandate:

• Limits: Low vote-share victories

Leads to More representative governments

4. Civic Responsibility:

• Promotes Democratic culture and Political awareness

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Arguments Against Compulsory Voting

1. Violation of Freedom:

• Conflicts with Article 19(1)(a) since Abstaining is also a form of expression

2. Uninformed Voting:

• Forced participation may lead to Random or superficial choices weakens Quality of democracy

3. Implementation Challenges:

• India’s Large population and Migration patterns makes enforcement Difficult

4. Disproportionate Burden:

• Penalties may affect Migrants, Poor and Daily wage workers

 

India’s Forex Reserves Decline

Why in News

India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $7.052 billion to $709.759 billion, marking the second consecutive weekly decline.

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What are Forex Reserves?

• Held by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Purpose:

• Stabilise the rupee
• Finance imports
• Cushion external shocks
• Enhance economic credibility

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Components of Forex Reserves

1. Foreign Currency Assets (FCA):

• Largest component
• Held in Major currencies (USD, Euro, Yen, Pound)

2. Gold Reserves:

• Physical gold held by RBI

3. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs):

• International reserve asset of International Monetary Fund

4. Reserve Tranche Position (RTP):

• India’s quota-based reserve with IMF

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Legal Framework

• Governed by: Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 and Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999

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Key Reasons for the Decline

1. Valuation Effect:

• Strengthening of US dollar led to decline in value of Euro, Yen and Pound

Result: Reduced FCA value in dollar terms

2. RBI Intervention:

• RBI sold dollars to Stabilise rupee and Control volatility

Leads to Reduction in reserves

3. Rising Crude Oil Prices:

• Due to West Asia geopolitical tensions

Impact: Higher import bill and Increased demand for dollars

4. Capital Outflows:

• Foreign investors (FIIs) selling assets

Result Reduced forex inflows

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Significance of Forex Reserves

1. External Stability:

• Protects against Currency volatility

2. Import Cover:

• Indicates Ability to finance imports

3. Investor Confidence:

• Higher reserves Improve creditworthiness

4. Crisis Buffer:

• Acts as Shield during global shocks

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Concerns

• Persistent decline may Pressure rupee, Affect investor sentiment and Increase external vulnerability

 

India’s Dependence on West Asia for Urea

Why in News

The ongoing tensions in West Asia have disrupted LNG and fertiliser supply chains, raising concerns over India’s urea availability ahead of the Kharif season.

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What is Urea?

• Chemical formula: CO(NH₂)₂
• Contains: 46% nitrogen (highest among nitrogenous fertilisers)
• Produced via Haber-Bosch process (ammonia production)
• Urea synthesis from ammonia + CO₂
• Key Input: Natural gas (LNG) → provides hydrogen

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India’s Structural Dependence

1. LNG Dependence:

• India imports 50%+ of LNG needs, Critical because Gas is the main feedstock for urea production

2. Fertiliser Imports:

• Around 71% of urea imports come from West Asia, also imports DAP and Potash

3. Strategic Vulnerability:

• Over 60% of LNG imports pass through Strait of Hormuz makes supply highly sensitive to Geopolitical conflicts

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Economic & Agricultural Impact

1. Reduced Domestic Production:

• LNG disruption → lower fertiliser plant output

2. Price Rise:

• Import dependence → higher global price transmission. Affects Farmers during Kharif season

3. Higher Subsidy Burden:

• Government must Increase fertiliser subsidies

4. Food Security Risks:

• Lower fertiliser use → reduced crop yields

5. Impacts:

• Farmer income and National food security

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Government Response

1. Priority Allocation of Gas:

• Under Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026

Ensures: ≥70% gas supply to fertiliser sector

2. Buffer Stock Creation:

• Total fertiliser reserves: ~177 LMT

Includes Urea (~59–61 LMT) and DAP (~25 LMT)

3. Subsidy Support:

• Continued fertiliser subsidies to Shield farmers from global price shocks

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Key Fertiliser Sector Reforms

1. Neem-Coated Urea:

• Reduces Diversion and Overuse

2. Nutrient-Based Subsidy:

• Subsidy based on Nutrient content (N, P, K, S); Urea excluded

3. New Urea Policy (2015):

• Focus Domestic production and Energy efficiency

4. Direct Benefit Transfer:

• Subsidy to companies based on actual sales via PoS

5. Nano Urea:

• Developed by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited aimed at Reduce conventional urea usage

6. Soil Health Card Scheme:

• Provides Soil nutrient status and Usage recommendations

7. One Nation One Fertiliser:

• Branding “Bharat Urea”, “Bharat DAP” ensures Uniform availability & pricing

 

Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS) for MSMEs

Why in News

The Government has modified the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS) to boost credit access for MSME manufacturers and exporters in line with Budget 2025–26.

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About the Scheme

• Launched in 2025
• Objective: Provide collateral-free credit to MSMEs and support investment in Plant, Machinery and Equipment

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Key Features

1. Loan Coverage:

• Credit up to ₹100 crore

2. Credit Guarantee:

• Provided by: National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC)
• Coverage 60% of loan amount

3. Risk Mitigation:

• Reduces Default risk for lenders encourages Banks & NBFCs to lend more

4. Tenure:

• Guarantee available for Up to 10 years

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Key Modifications

1. Refundable Contribution:

• Earlier: 5% upfront contribution
• Now Refundable and 1% returned annually from 4th year

2. Expanded Eligibility:

• Now includes Service sector MSMEs
• Earlier: Focused on manufacturing

3. Relaxed Project Norms:

• Minimum machinery cost: Reduced from 75% → 60% of project cost

4. Fixed Guarantee Tenure:

• Standardised at 10 years

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Special Provisions for Exporter MSMEs

• Higher guarantee: 75% coverage
• Loan limit: Up to ₹20 crore
• Cost benefits: Zero guarantee fee (1st year), Lower upfront contribution (2%), Reduced annual fee (0.5%)

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About NCGTC

1. Established:

• 2014

2. Nodal Ministry:

• Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance

3. Role:

• Provide credit guarantees to Banks and NBFCs

4. Purpose:

• Improve credit access for MSMEs and Other priority sector

 

Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement

Why in News

India has opposed incorporating the IFD Agreement into the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework despite growing global support.

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What is the IFD Agreement?

• A plurilateral agreement (binding only on signatories)
• Launched under Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) at the Buenos Aires Ministerial Conference 2017
• Finalised: 2023
• Based on Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) principle
• Objective: Make investment procedures Transparent, Efficient and Predictable
• Focus: Facilitate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), especially for Developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

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Scope & Exclusions

1. Covers:

• Investment facilitation (procedures, approvals, transparency)

2. Excludes:

• Market access, Investment protection, Government procurement, Investor-State Dispute Settlement

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Key Pillars of the Agreement

1. Transparency:

• Publish investment rules preferably via Single digital portal

2. Streamlined Procedures:

• Simplify approvals promote One-stop clearance systems

3. Sustainability:

• Encourages Responsible Business Conduct and Anti-corruption practices

4. Cooperation:

• Strengthens Government–investor dialogue and Cross-border coordination

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Key Features

1. Wide Participation:

• Supported by: 128+ WTO members (~75%).India: Not a participant.

2. Firewall Clause:

• Prevents IFD rules from overriding Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs)

3. Appeal Mechanism:

• Requires Independent tribunals for dispute review

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What is JSI (Joint Statement Initiative)?

• Introduced at Buenos Aires Ministerial Conference 2017
• Features: Flexible negotiations and No need for full consensus initially

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India’s Concerns

1. WTO Mandate Issue:

• Investment is Not strictly a “trade” subject, Hence, Outside WTO’s core mandate

2. Violation of Consensus Principle:

• WTO traditionally works on Consensus of all members. JSIs seen as bypassing this rule.

3. Policy Space Concerns:

• Binding rules may Limit India’s ability to regulate FDI especially for National security and Public interest

4. Geopolitical Concerns:

• Majority supporters linked to Belt and Road Initiative raises Strategic concerns for India

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Significance of the Debate

1. Reforming WTO:

• Reflects Shift towards plurilateralism

2. Developing Country Concerns:

• Balancing Investment facilitation vs sovereignty

3. Global Investment Governance:

• Moves towards Standardised investment rules

 

Lipulekh Pass

Why in News

India is set to resume border trade with China through Lipulekh Pass after a six-year suspension since the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Location & Geography

• Situated in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand
• Altitude: ~5,334 metres
• Strategic Position: Tri-junction of India, Nepal and China (Tibet region)

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Importance of Lipulekh Pass

1. Trade Significance:

• Opened in 1992
• Importance: First Indian border post for trade with China facilitates Local cross-border trade

2. Religious Importance:

• Key route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
• Alternate route: Nathu La Pass

3. Strategic Importance:

• Located in a sensitive Himalayan border region enhances Connectivity and Surveillance capability

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India–Nepal Border Dispute

1. Origin of Dispute:

• Rooted in Treaty of Sugauli (1816)
• Provision: Kali River as boundary
• Issue: Source of Kali River not clearly defined

2. Nepal’s Claim:

• Source at Limpiyadhura
• Claims: Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura

3. India’s Position:

• Source near Kalapani
• Maintains control over Disputed region

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Strategic Implications

1. India–China Trade:

• Resumption signals Gradual normalisation of border trade

2. India–Nepal Relations:

• Sensitive diplomatic issue requires Careful negotiation

3. Geopolitical Significance:

• Located at India–China–Nepal junction
• Important for Security and Regional influence

 

Shaheed Diwas (23 March)

Why in News

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Hari Rajguru on Shaheed Diwas (23 March 2026).

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What is Shaheed Diwas?

• Observed on 23 March every year
• Marks Execution of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru in 1931
• Linked Case: Lahore Conspiracy Case

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Another Martyrs’ Day in India

• Observed on 30 January
• Marks: Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948

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Bhagat Singh

1. Born:

• 1907, Punjab

2. Title:

• Shaheed-e-Azam

3. Key Contributions:

• Founded: Naujawan Bharat Sabha (1926)
• Reorganised: Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) into Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928

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Major Events

1. Saunders Assassination (1928):

• Intended target: James A. Scott
• Actual victim: John Saunders

2. Central Assembly Bombing (1929):

• With Batukeshwar Dutt
• Purpose: Protest against Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill

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Sukhdev Thapar

1. Born:

• 1907, Ludhiana

2. Role:

• Key member of Naujawan Bharat Sabha and HSRA

3. Contributions:

• Organised revolutionary activities involved in Saunders assassination

4. Protest:

• Participated in Lahore Jail Hunger Strike (1929) along with Bhagat Singh and Jatin Das

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Shivaram Hari Rajguru

1. Born:

• 1908, Khed (now Rajgurunagar, Maharashtra)

2. Background:

• Studied Sanskrit in Varanasi

3. Influences:

• Inspired by Bal Gangadhar Tilak

4. Role:

• Member of HSRA fired the first shot in Saunders assassination

 

INS Taragiri

Why in News

The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Taragiri at Visakhapatnam.

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About INS Taragiri

• Type: Stealth guided-missile frigate
• Class: Nilgiri-class (Project 17A)
• Legacy: Modern reincarnation of earlier INS Taragiri (Leander-class, 1980–2013)
• Built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai
• Indigenous Content: Over 75%

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Key Features

1. Stealth Capability:

• Specialised hull design and Radar-absorbent materials
• Result: Reduced Radar Cross Section and Harder to detect by enemy radar

2. Propulsion System:

• Uses: CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas)
• Advantage: Balance of Fuel efficiency (diesel) and High speed (gas turbine)
• Speed: 28+ knots

3. Advanced Armament:

• BrahMos missile (surface-to-surface)
• Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM)
• Anti-submarine: Torpedoes and Rocket systems

4. Automation & Control:

• Equipped with Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
• Enables Centralised control and Real-time monitoring of Machinery and Onboard systems

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Project 17A – Overview

• Follow-on to Shivalik-class (Project 17)
• Focus: Stealth, Advanced weapons and Network-centric warfare

 

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