12 March 2026 Current Affairs

🔶 Agriculture & Rural Credit Policy

Ground Level Credit Targets for Agriculture
The Government of India annually fixes Ground Level Credit (GLC) targets for banks to ensure adequate financing for the agriculture and allied sectors .
Significance: Enhances farm productivity, strengthens rural credit access, and supports agricultural growth.

🔶 Insurance Sector Expansion

IRDAI Grants Licences to New Insurers
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) granted Certificates of Registration to:
• Allianz Jio Reinsurance Limited (AJRL)
• Kiwi General Insurance Limited

Relevance: Encourages competition and expands the insurance ecosystem in India.

🔶 Municipal Finance & Sustainable Urban Development

Nashik Green Municipal Bonds Listed on NSE
The Nashik Municipal Corporation listed Maharashtra’s first Urban Local Body Green Municipal Bonds on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) .
Importance: Promotes sustainable urban infrastructure financing through capital markets.

🔶 Digital Payments & Smart Mobility

PhonePe RuPay ‘On-The-Go’ Card
PhonePe launched a RuPay-based National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) enabling contactless payments across public transport systems in India.
Exam Focus: Digital payments | Integrated mobility solutions | FinTech innovation.

🔶 International Trade & Healthcare Cooperation

India–Uzbekistan Pharmaceutical Corridor
India and Uzbekistan jointly launched a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical corridor to expand access to the CIS and Eurasian healthcare markets , estimated at USD 7–10 billion .

🔶 Global Defence Trends

SIPRI Arms Transfers Report 2025
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its report analysing global arms transfers and defence trade patterns .

🔶 Defence Technology & Military Testing

ADC-150 Air Droppable Container Trials
The DRDO and Indian Navy successfully conducted four in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container (ADC-150) designed for aerial logistics operations.

🔶 International Military Exercises

Cold Response 2026 – NATO Exercise
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) began the Cold Response 2026 military exercise across Northern Norway and Finland , focusing on Arctic defence preparedness.

Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 Concludes
The India–Japan joint military exercise concluded at Chaubattia, Uttarakhand , after two weeks of tactical training.

🔶 Aviation Leadership

IndiGo Interim CEO Appointment
Rahul Bhatia , co-founder of IndiGo, assumed charge as interim Chief Executive Officer following the resignation of Pieter Elbers .

🔶 Defence Innovation & Emerging Technologies

AVATAAR Amphibious Drone Developed
Bengaluru-based startup AquaAirX Autonomous Systems introduced AVATAAR , India’s first amphibious reconnaissance drone capable of operating both in air and underwater environments .

🔶 Environmental Monitoring

FSI Stops Fortnightly Deforestation Alerts
The Forest Survey of India discontinued issuing bi-weekly deforestation alerts through its AI-based ‘Anavaran’ portal .

🔶 Workplace Safety & Digital Governance

SHINE App for Women Employees – Indian Railways
Indian Railways launched the SHINE mobile application to strengthen workplace safety and grievance support for women employees .

🔶 Internal Security

NCB Operation ‘Team Kalki’
The Narcotics Control Bureau dismantled a nationwide drug trafficking network operating through darknet platforms and encrypted messaging services .

🔶 Legislative Developments

Maharashtra Land & Stamp Amendment Bills 2026
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed amendments aimed at improving land management, administrative efficiency, and revenue systems .

🔶 Language & Cultural Recognition

Mizo Language Demand in Eighth Schedule
The Mizoram Legislative Assembly passed a resolution seeking inclusion of the Mizo language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution .

🔶 Humanitarian Assistance

India Sends Rice to Malawi
India delivered 1,000 metric tons of rice to Malawi as humanitarian assistance to help mitigate food shortages caused by severe drought.

🔶 Wildlife Conservation

Cheetah Population Rises in India
India’s cheetah population reached 53 individuals after Namibian cheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh .

🔶 Global Wealth & Entertainment

Shah Rukh Khan in Hurun Global Rich List 2026
The Bollywood actor entered the list with an estimated net worth of USD 1.3 billion , highlighting the growing global influence of India’s entertainment industry.

🔶 Sports Achievements

BCCI Cash Reward for T20 World Cup Victory
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a ₹131 crore reward for the Indian team after winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 .

India–New Zealand Sports Cooperation Talks
Both nations initiated discussions to expand bilateral sports cooperation , marking 100 years of sporting relations .

🔶 Public Health Awareness

National No Smoking Day 2026
Observed on 11 March 2026 , the day is marked annually on the second Wednesday of March to raise awareness about the health risks of tobacco use.