Latest Current Affairs 2026: Daily National, International, Economy, Environment & Security Updates for Competitive Exams

21,22&23 March 2026

Explore the latest current affairs of 2026 with daily updates covering important developments from India and across the world. This section provides concise and reliable news on national events, international relations, economy, environment, science and technology, security, and government schemes. Carefully curated for UPSC, SSC, Banking, State PCS, and other competitive exam aspirants, these updates highlight key facts, policy changes, reports, and global developments that are frequently asked in exams. Each topic is explained in a clear and easy-to-understand format, helping readers quickly grasp the significance and exam relevance. From major government initiatives and economic reforms to environmental issues and international agreements, our current affairs coverage ensures you stay informed and exam-ready with accurate, timely, and structured information every day.

National Affairs

1. Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala: Objectives, Features, Targets and Significance

Context:

The Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala, organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare through the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), is a focused initiative aimed at strengthening district-level HIV/AIDS response in India. It emphasizes data-driven planning, coordinated governance, and targeted interventions, particularly in regions such as Haryana and Delhi.

What is Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala?

The Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala is a national-level workshop initiative designed to improve the management of HIV/AIDS prevention, diagnosis, and treatment at the district level.

Core Approach:

• Data-driven planning
• Stakeholder coordination
• Localised interventions based on district-specific needs

Focus:

Strengthening the HIV care continuum and improving treatment outcomes across priority districts.

Objectives of Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala

1. Strengthening HIV Care Continuum

• Improve early diagnosis of HIV cases
• Ensure linkage to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) services
• Achieve higher levels of viral suppression

2. Accelerating Epidemic Control

• Work towards global 95:95:95 (extended to 95:95:99) targets:
  • 95% of people living with HIV know their status
  • 95% of diagnosed individuals receive treatment
  • 95–99% achieve viral suppression
• Aligns with India’s goal to end HIV/AIDS by 2027–2030

Key Features of Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala

1. District-Focused Strategy

• Covers 219 priority districts
• Emphasis on granular, localised interventions
• Planning based on district-level data

Importance:

Helps address regional disparities in HIV prevalence and healthcare access

2. Whole-of-System Coordination

• Integrates efforts of:
  • National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)
  • State health departments
  • District-level health officials

Outcome:

• Promotes coordinated governance
• Enhances accountability across administrative levels

3. Evidence-Based Planning

• Use of real-time data and surveillance systems
• Focus on:
  • Monitoring outcomes
  • Identifying gaps
  • Improving programme efficiency

Impact:

Encourages data-backed decision-making for better health outcomes

Significance of the Initiative

1. Strengthening Public Health Systems

• Improves district-level healthcare delivery
• Enhances disease monitoring and response mechanisms

2. Progress Towards Ending HIV/AIDS

• Supports national efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat
• Aligns with global targets

3. Focus on High-Burden Areas

• Targets districts with higher prevalence
• Ensures efficient allocation of resources

4. Improved Treatment Outcomes

• Better linkage to ART services
• Increased viral suppression rates
• Reduced transmission

5. Governance and Accountability

• Encourages coordination across multiple levels of government
• Strengthens implementation capacity

2. PRARAMBH 2026: Complete Analysis, Objectives, Features and Significance

Source: PIB

Context:

The Government of India has launched PRARAMBH 2026, a nationwide awareness campaign to support the implementation of the Income Tax Act, 2025, effective from 1 April 2026. The initiative marks a transition towards a simplified, technology-driven, and citizen-centric tax administration system.

What is PRARAMBH 2026?

PRARAMBH 2026 (Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat) is a comprehensive outreach and facilitation campaign designed to:

• Educate taxpayers about the new tax regime
• Ensure smooth adoption of updated provisions
• Improve compliance through awareness and technology

Core Focus:

Bridging the gap between tax reforms and taxpayer understanding.

Organisations Involved

Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue)

• Responsible for policy formulation
• Oversees implementation of the new tax framework

Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)

• Handles administration and execution of direct taxes
• Leads outreach, awareness, and compliance initiatives

Objectives of PRARAMBH 2026

1. Smooth Transition to New Tax Regime

• Help taxpayers adapt to the Income Tax Act, 2025
• Reduce confusion and compliance burden
• Facilitate seamless implementation

2. Promote Trust-Based Taxation

• Encourage voluntary compliance
• Build trust between taxpayers and administration
• Reduce tax evasion through awareness

3. Simplification and Dispute Reduction

• Improve clarity in tax provisions
• Minimise litigation and disputes
• Promote transparent tax practices

Key Features of PRARAMBH 2026

1. Multimedia Outreach Strategy

• Use of:
  • Television
  • Digital platforms
  • Social media

Impact:

Ensures wide outreach across urban and rural populations

2. Simplified Taxpayer Guidance

• Availability of:
  • FAQs
  • Tutorials
  • Easy-to-understand materials

Outcome:

Makes complex tax provisions accessible and user-friendly

3. AI-Based Assistance

• Introduction of AI chatbot “Kar Saathi”
• Provides:
  • Real-time query resolution
  • Instant guidance

Significance:

Reduces dependency on officials and improves efficiency

4. Enhanced Digital Infrastructure

Income Tax Website 2.0

• Improved navigation
• Faster processing
• Better user interface

Result:

Enhances user experience and compliance efficiency

5. Multilingual Communication

• Information available in multiple regional languages

Importance:

• Promotes inclusivity
• Expands reach to non-English speakers

6. Capacity Building and Training

• Nationwide workshops for tax officials
• Focus on:
  • Uniform implementation
  • Understanding new provisions

Outcome:

Ensures efficient and consistent execution of reforms

4. Export Credit Interest Subvention Scheme 2026: Updated Norms, Features, Impact and Analysis

Source: Economic Times

Context:

The Government of India has refined the Export Credit Interest Subvention Scheme to make it more targeted, transparent, and performance-linked. These amendments form part of the broader ₹25,060 crore export promotion mission, aimed at strengthening India’s position in global trade and improving export competitiveness.

What is Export Credit Interest Subvention?

The Export Credit Interest Subvention Scheme provides an interest subsidy on export loans, helping exporters access credit at reduced cost.

Coverage:

• Pre-shipment credit: Financing for procurement, manufacturing, and processing before export
• Post-shipment credit: Financing after goods are shipped until payment is received

Core Purpose:

• Reduce cost of capital
• Improve liquidity
• Support price competitiveness in global markets

Why is the Scheme Important?

Exporters—especially MSMEs—often face:

• High borrowing costs
• Delayed payments in international trade
• Currency and market risks

The scheme helps offset these challenges by making export financing more affordable and accessible.

Key Amendments in 2026

1. Withdrawal of Benefit After NPA Classification

• Interest subvention ceases from the date a loan becomes a Non-Performing Asset (NPA)
• No subsidy support will be provided beyond that point

Implications:

• Promotes credit discipline and responsible borrowing
• Prevents misuse of government subsidies
• Aligns export incentives with banking prudential norms

2. Applicability Limited to New Credit

• Scheme applicable only to export credit disbursed on or after January 2, 2026

Implications:

• Ensures clarity and prospective implementation
• Avoids ambiguity related to older loans
• Encourages fresh credit flow to exporters

Institutional and Policy Framework

1. Integration with Foreign Trade Policy

• The scheme is embedded within India’s export promotion strategy
• Supports sectors contributing to foreign exchange earnings

2. Alignment with RBI Norms

• Export credit classification and NPA rules governed by Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Ensures consistency between fiscal incentives and financial regulations