🔶 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
Month: Current Affairs - March 12, 2026
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