Current affairs of 31st March 2026

 Most Important Current affairs of 31st March 2026

National Affairs & Policies

Presidential Assent to Transgender Amendment Bill

President Droupadi Murmu officially granted her assent to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026.

 Notified by the Union Law Ministry, this legislation marks a critical update in strengthening legal protections, welfare frameworks, and anti-discrimination measures for the transgender community across India.

Inauguration of Noida International Airport (Phase I)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the first phase of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.

 Constructed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with an investment of ₹11,200 crore, the facility is a cornerstone of the 'Viksit Bharat' vision, aimed at drastically improving regional aviation logistics and connectivity.

Amaravati Recognized as Sole Capital of Andhra Pradesh

The Union Government formalized plans to introduce the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 during the ongoing Lok Sabha session.

 Following a recent state assembly resolution, this legislative move will officially codify Amaravati as the exclusive and singular capital of the state.

Emergency PDS Distribution of Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO)

To mitigate the impact of global energy supply chain disruptions, the Centre authorized the temporary distribution of SKO through the Public Distribution System (PDS) across 21 States and Union Territories.

 This 60-day relief measure targets rural households needing immediate support for cooking and lighting amid Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) shortages.

Rollout of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change introduced a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's waste management framework.

 The new SWM Rules, 2026 pivot aggressively toward a circular economy, mandating strict resource recovery, recycling accountability, and the scientific remediation of legacy landfill sites to curb methane emissions.

Nationwide Observance of Mahavir Jayanti

On March 31, the nation commemorated the 2624th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.

 The gazetted holiday highlighted extensive community outreach and charitable initiatives, reinforcing his foundational teachings of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha (non-attachment).

20th Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards.   Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan presided as the Chief Guest at the 20th edition of these prestigious awards in New Delhi. The ceremony recognized exceptional investigative reporting and broadcasting, honoring journalists who upheld the highest standards of the press over the past year

Defense & Economy

Indian Army's Historic GeM Capital Procurement

In a milestone for defense acquisition transparency, the Indian Army executed its first-ever capital procurement contract via the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

 The ₹25.90 crore agreement under the "Buy (Indian)" category secures 93 telescopic handlers from JCB India Limited to bolster logistics in rugged, high-altitude terrains.

Conclusion of Tri-Service Exercise 'Dweep Shakti'

The Indian Armed Forces successfully completed Exercise Dweep Shakti, a high-intensity, joint military drill.

 The operation rigorously tested the seamless synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force in deploying rapid-response forces to secure India's strategic island territories and maritime borders.

YES BANK Tops Global ESG Sustainability Index

YES BANK emerged as the highest-rated Indian financial institution in the 2026 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). Achieving a score of 79 out of 100, it became the only domestic bank included in the top 15% of global banking leaders, recognized for its stringent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks.

March 31 Financial Compliance Deadline Closure

The close of the financial year saw a massive nationwide push for regulatory adherence as the March 31 deadline arrived for critical Income Tax and GST compliances.

 Businesses finalized Input Tax Credit (ITC) optimizations, filed updated Income Tax Returns (ITR-U), and prepared for the mandatory transition to e-invoicing for newly eligible turnover brackets starting April 1.

International & Geopolitical Affairs

World Buddhist Peace Conference 2026 Concludes

Hosted in Telangana, the global summit culminated in the adoption of the Telangana Peace Declaration, a manifesto advocating for ethical global harmony.

 Concurrently, the state government announced an ambitious initiative to develop the 274-acre Buddhavanam site into an international World Peace Center