Current Affairs - March 25, 2026 Current Affairs

The collaborative clinical study launched by the Ministry of Ayush and the Department of Biotechnology focuses on Tuberculosis, aiming to integrate Ayurveda with standard Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment. This approach seeks to enhance recovery outcomes, improve nutrition, and elevate the quality of life for patients. A major focus is on managing TB-related cachexia, a condition involving severe weight and muscle loss. Conducted over a 24-month period across leading medical institutions such as AIIMS and JIPMER, the study reflects a scientific effort to validate traditional medicine through evidence-based research and promote holistic healthcare solutions.

The Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 will be hosted by Chhattisgarh from 25 March to 03 April 2026. This event is a landmark initiative as it is the first national-level competition dedicated entirely to tribal athletes, promoting grassroots participation and inclusion. The games will be organised across Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Surguja, with over 6,000 participants, including 2,300 athletes. It is jointly managed by key sports bodies like the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India, highlighting its national importance.

In February 2026, China became India’s third-largest export destination, overtaking the Netherlands due to a strong increase in trade volumes. Exports to China surged by 32.4% year-on-year, reaching $1.67 billion, largely driven by demand for electronics and marine products. Despite this growth, imports from China also rose significantly, contributing to a widening trade deficit exceeding $100 billion during the April–February period. Meanwhile, exports to the United States declined due to tariff pressures, further influencing China’s rise in ranking among India’s export markets.

Razorpay has collaborated with Sarvam AI to launch innovative voice-first conversational commerce solutions in India. This initiative enables users to search for products, place orders, and complete payments using natural voice interactions in multiple Indian languages, improving accessibility and user experience. The system leverages Sarvam AI’s advanced “agentic stack” to interpret user intent and execute transactions seamlessly without traditional navigation. Early adopters such as Swiggy and The Derma Co have begun integrating this technology, highlighting its scalability and potential to transform digital commerce across diverse linguistic demographics in India.

Karnataka Grameena Bank was honoured with the ‘National Award for Outstanding Performance in SHG Bank Linkage 2024-25’ by the Union Ministry of Rural Development for its exceptional contribution to rural empowerment and financial inclusion. The bank has played a crucial role in supporting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by extending ₹2,835 crore in credit to over 80,000 groups, primarily benefiting rural women. Its efforts are aligned with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission, and its strengthened institutional structure has further enhanced its outreach and effectiveness.

L&T Finance Ltd became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), marking a significant step toward embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its business strategy. By joining this global initiative, the company aligns itself with internationally recognized standards focused on human rights, labour practices, environmental protection, and anti-corruption. It also commits to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of this engagement, the company must submit an annual Communication on Progress report, ensuring transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in its sustainability efforts.

The “Capabilities Discovery Session” organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was held in New Delhi. The event aimed to strengthen South–South Cooperation by showcasing India’s advancements in Science, Technology, and Innovation to diplomats from various regions, including Oceania, West Asia, and the Caribbean. It highlighted India’s scientific capabilities through multiple thematic sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing collaborative research, technology transfer, and solutions to global challenges like climate change and food security.

India has significantly enhanced its indigenous urea production capacity to 283.74 Lakh Metric Tonnes per annum under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. This growth is driven by policy measures such as the New Investment Policy (NIP)–2012, which led to the establishment of six new urea units, adding substantial capacity. The increase reflects the government’s focus on reducing dependency on imports and strengthening domestic fertiliser production. Additionally, reforms like the New Urea Policy (2015) and expansion of raw material supply agreements have further contributed to ensuring long-term sustainability and self-reliance in fertiliser production.

P.V. Narayana Rao, a highly experienced Chartered Accountant, has been appointed as a Co-opted Member of the Sustainability Reporting Standards Board (SRSB) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India for the 2026–27 term. With a professional career spanning over 37 years, he has contributed significantly to advancing corporate governance and sustainability practices. The SRSB plays a key role in aligning Indian corporate reporting with global standards, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, and works closely with regulatory bodies like SEBI and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Blue Star Limited entered into a strategic partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to strengthen the manufacturing startup ecosystem, particularly in the HVAC sector. This collaboration focuses on promoting innovation in areas such as advanced manufacturing, digital solutions, and supply chain improvements. Startups will benefit from access to R&D facilities, expert mentorship, and opportunities for product testing and validation. The initiative also includes organising innovation challenges and hackathons, enabling startups to develop scalable solutions and integrate into global value chains, thereby boosting India’s industrial growth.