postUpdated Mar 8, 2026

Weekly Current Affairs (1–7 March 2026) for UPSC, SSC & Banking Exams

The first week of March 2026 witnessed significant developments across financial sector reforms, digital governance, infrastructure expansion, semiconductor manufacturing, global diplomacy, environmental conservation, and public health initiatives. Major highlights include SEBI’s capital market reforms, revision of India’s GDP base year to 2022–23, India’s first semiconductor ATMP facility, digital tools for Census-2027, the HPV vaccination programme launch, India–EU trade developments, and the Brahmaputra riverine lighthouse project. These developments are highly relevant for UPSC Prelims & Mains, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, Insurance and State PSC examinations, as they integrate themes of Economy, Polity, International Relations, Science & Technology, Governance, Social Justice and Environmental policy. This weekly consolidation helps aspirants revise the entire week’s news in a structured and exam-oriented format.

Weekly Current Affairs (1–7 March 2026) for UPSC, SSC & Banking Exams

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Introduction

The first week of March 2026 reflects India’s evolving policy landscape in areas such as economic reforms, digital governance, global trade relations, technological innovation and infrastructure development. Reforms like SEBI’s capital market restructuring and GDP base year revision demonstrate the government’s efforts to improve financial transparency and macroeconomic accuracy.

Simultaneously, initiatives such as Census-2027 digitalisation, Rajmarg Pravesh 2.0 portal, SWIFT 2.0 customs platform and semiconductor manufacturing expansion highlight India’s transition toward data-driven governance and technological self-reliance.

Internationally, developments like the India–EU trade negotiations, India–Japan Bilateral Swap Arrangement renewal and Hurun Global Rich List 2026 indicate India’s growing role in global economic and diplomatic networks.

For exam aspirants, this week’s news provides strong coverage across UPSC GS-II (Governance), GS-III (Economy, Technology & Environment) and GS-IV (Ethics & Social Justice).


Day-Wise Current Affairs


📅 1–2 March 2026

🔗 Read Full Article:
Daily Current Affairs – 01–02 March 2026 (Analytical Coverage)
https://jobsme.in/posts/daily-current-affairs/daily-current-affairs-01st-02nd-march-2026-analytical-coverage-for-upsc-ssc-banking-exams/

Explanation

The beginning of the week highlighted financial sector reforms and macroeconomic recalibration. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced Life Cycle Funds, a new type of target-date mutual fund that gradually shifts investment allocation from equities to debt as the investor approaches retirement. This mechanism helps align risk management with investor life stages, similar to pension investment models used globally.

Another important development was the revision of the GDP base year from 2011-12 to 2022-23 by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The updated methodology integrates modern datasets such as Goods and Services Tax (GST), e-Vahan vehicle registration data, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE).

India also advanced its technological capability with the establishment of its first semiconductor ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging) facility in Gujarat, strengthening the country’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Key Points

SEBI introduced Life Cycle Funds for long-term investing
GDP base year revised to 2022–23
Double Deflation Method adopted for GDP measurement
India’s first semiconductor ATMP facility established in Gujarat
Exam relevance: Economy, Industrial Policy, Financial Markets


📅 3–4 March 2026

🔗 Read Full Article:
Daily Current Affairs – 03–04 March 2026 (Analytical Coverage)
https://jobsme.in/posts/daily-current-affairs/daily-current-affairs-03-04-march-2026-analytical-coverage-for-upsc-ssc-banking-exams/

Explanation

During these days, developments focused on public health policy, international trade and digital governance reforms. The government launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme aimed at preventing cervical cancer among adolescent girls. This initiative reflects India’s shift toward preventive healthcare strategies under the National Health Policy framework.

In international trade, India and the European Union (EU) agreed to grant Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status under the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The agreement is expected to reduce tariffs and improve market access for goods and services.

Digital governance reforms were also introduced through the Rajmarg Pravesh 2.0 portal, designed to simplify approvals for facilities along national highways. Additionally, SWIFT 2.0 (Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade) was launched to streamline customs clearance procedures.

Key Points

HPV Vaccination Programme launched for cervical cancer prevention
India–EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations revived
Rajmarg Pravesh 2.0 portal launched for highway infrastructure approvals
SWIFT 2.0 introduced for customs digitalisation
Exam relevance: Public Health, Trade Policy, Digital Governance


📅 5 March 2026

🔗 Read Full Article:
Daily Current Affairs – 05 March 2026 (Analytical Coverage)
https://jobsme.in/posts/daily-current-affairs/daily-current-affairs-05-march-2026-analytical-coverage-for-upsc-ssc-banking-exams/

Explanation

The key highlight of the day was the renewal of the India–Japan Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) worth USD 75 billion, providing India with access to foreign currency liquidity during economic stress. Currency swap agreements strengthen external sector stability and financial cooperation between countries.

Another major development was the decision by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to retain the 8.25% interest rate on EPF deposits for FY 2025–26. This ensures stability for millions of salaried employees and contributes to long-term retirement security.

Environmental conservation efforts were also strengthened through the launch of Project HANUMAN in Andhra Pradesh, aimed at addressing human–wildlife conflict through monitoring systems and rapid response teams.

Key Points

India–Japan Bilateral Swap Arrangement renewed
Swap facility value: USD 75 billion
EPFO interest rate retained at 8.25%
Project HANUMAN launched to reduce human–wildlife conflict
Exam relevance: Economy, Social Security, Environment


📅 6 March 2026

🔗 Read Full Article:
Daily Current Affairs – 6 March 2026 (Analytical Coverage)
https://jobsme.in/posts/daily-current-affairs/daily-current-affairs-6-march-2026-analytical-coverage-for-upsc-ssc-banking-exams/

Explanation

Governance reforms were the major highlight. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) introduced digital tools for Census-2027, which will become India’s first fully digital census. The system will allow self-enumeration through mobile applications and real-time monitoring of census data collection.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched an Artificial Intelligence-based monitoring platform called “Sudarshan”, designed to track misleading financial advice shared by social media influencers. The system has already led to the removal of over 1.2 lakh misleading financial posts.

Environmental conservation initiatives also progressed through collaboration between the Indian Army and the Ladakh Administration to protect high-altitude wildlife species including Snow Leopard and Black-necked Crane.

Key Points

Census-2027 will be India’s first digital census
SEBI launched AI surveillance system “Sudarshan”
Over 1.2 lakh misleading financial posts removed
Indian Army–Ladakh wildlife conservation initiative launched
Exam relevance: Governance, Investor Protection, Environment


📅 7 March 2026

🔗 Read Full Article:
Daily Current Affairs – 7 March 2026 (Analytical Coverage)
https://jobsme.in/posts/daily-current-affairs/daily-current-affairs-7-march-2026-analytical-coverage-for-upsc-ssc-banking-exams/

Explanation

India achieved a milestone in inland waterway infrastructure with the launch of riverine lighthouse infrastructure along the Brahmaputra River, which is designated as National Waterway-2 (NW-2). The project aims to improve navigation safety, river transport and tourism development in Northeast India.

Another important global development was the Hurun Global Rich List 2026, which reported that India ranks third globally with 308 billionaires, while Mukesh Ambani remains Asia’s richest individual.

In the technology sector, IBM launched the Sangam Infrastructure Innovation Center in Bengaluru, designed to support Artificial Intelligence (AI) and hybrid cloud innovation.

Meanwhile, Chile became the first country in the Americas to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Key Points

India launched first inland riverine lighthouse project
Brahmaputra River designated as National Waterway-2
India ranks third in Hurun Global Rich List 2026
IBM Sangam AI Innovation Center launched in Bengaluru
Chile eliminated leprosy as public health problem


Weekly Revision Table

TopicKey FactsExam Relevance
GDP Base YearRevised to 2022–23Economy
Currency SwapIndia–Japan USD 75 billionExternal Sector
Semiconductor FacilityATMP plant in GujaratTechnology
Census-2027First digital censusGovernance
Hurun Rich ListIndia 3rd with 308 billionairesEconomy

Weekly Key Highlights

  1. SEBI introduced Life Cycle Funds.
  2. GDP base year revised to 2022–23.
  3. India launched HPV Vaccination Programme.
  4. India–EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations progressed.
  5. India–Japan USD 75 billion currency swap renewed.
  6. EPFO retained 8.25% interest rate.
  7. Census-2027 digital tools launched.
  8. SEBI introduced AI surveillance system Sudarshan.
  9. India launched Brahmaputra river lighthouse project.
  10. IBM Sangam AI center launched in Bengaluru.
  11. India ranked third in Hurun Global Rich List 2026.

One-Liner Revision

• GDP base year revised to 2022–23.
• SEBI introduced Life Cycle Funds.
• India–Japan currency swap arrangement worth USD 75 billion.
• EPFO interest rate retained at 8.25%.
• Census-2027 will be India’s first digital census.
• SEBI AI surveillance system Sudarshan launched.
• India’s first semiconductor ATMP facility established.
• IBM Sangam AI center launched in Bengaluru.
• India ranked third in Hurun Global Rich List 2026.
• Chile eliminated leprosy as a public health problem.


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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the new GDP base year announced by MoSPI?
The base year was revised to 2022–23.
2. What financial reform did SEBI introduce this week?
SEBI introduced Life Cycle Funds, a target-date mutual fund category.
3. What is the value of the India–Japan currency swap agreement?
The agreement provides USD 75 billion liquidity support.
4. Why is Census-2027 significant?
It will be India’s first fully digital census.
5. Which report ranked India third globally in billionaire count?
The Hurun Global Rich List 2026.
6. Which country eliminated leprosy as a public health problem in 2026?
Chile, according to the World Health Organization.