Daily Current Affairs Digest | 31st March 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest | 31st March 2026

1. National Security & Strategic Affairs

Ban on Non-Certified CCTV Cameras

From April 1, 2026, India has imposed a ban on non-certified smart CCTV cameras, particularly targeting Chinese companies like Hikvision and Dahua.

  • The policy mandates strict country-of-origin certification for components.
  • It is a major step toward cybersecurity and data sovereignty, reducing foreign surveillance risks.

Vayu Baan Kamikaze Drone Initiative

The Indian Air Force has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for “Vayu Baan”, India’s first helicopter-launched loitering munition.

  • Range: ~80 km
  • Capability: Precision strikes with autonomous targeting
  • Alignment: Aatmanirbhar Bharat

This marks a critical leap in indigenous defense technology and asymmetric warfare capability.

2. Governance & Legal Developments

Census Reform: Recognising Live-in Unions

Under the Census Act, 1948, India’s 16th Census introduces a significant shift:

  • Stable live-in relationships will now be recorded as “married.”
  • Conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Includes a 45-day houselisting phase

This aligns Indian data frameworks with UN demographic standards, indicating evolving social recognition.

Allahabad High Court Ruling on Maintenance

The Allahabad High Court ruled that:

  • Daughters-in-law are not legally obligated to maintain parents-in-law.
  • Interpretation under Section 144 BNSS (earlier Section 125 CrPC)

This clarifies the limits of statutory maintenance obligations, narrowing them to defined legal relationships.

3. Science, Environment & Innovation

Discovery of a New Frog Species

A new species — Nyctibatrachus kali — has been discovered in:

  • Kali Tiger Reserve
  • Region: Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot

This highlights India’s rich endemic biodiversity and the importance of conservation zones.

Great Indian Bustard Conservation Success

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced:

  • Birth of a Great Indian Bustard chick in Kutch after nearly a decade
  • Executed under the “Jumpstart Approach” with support from Wildlife Institute of India

A major milestone for one of India’s most endangered species.

Bio-Bitumen Technology for Green Roads

The CSIR has transferred bio-bitumen technology:

  • Converts crop residue into road material
  • Reduces stubble burning and petroleum dependence

This is a dual-benefit innovation addressing pollution + infrastructure sustainability.

NASA-ISRO NISAR Satellite Breakthrough

NASA released new imagery from the NISAR mission:

  • Uses dual-frequency radar (L-band & S-band)
  • Enables all-weather monitoring of natural hazards and climate change

This represents a landmark in international space collaboration.

4. Sports & Cultural Recognition

Karnataka Dominates Khelo India Tribal Games

At the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games in Chhattisgarh:

  • Karnataka secured 15 gold medals
  • Over 3,000 athletes participated

This highlights the rise of tribal sports talent and grassroots inclusion.

Morung System Highlighted in Mann Ki Baat

In the 132nd episode of Mann Ki Baat,
Narendra Modi praised Nagaland’s Morung system:

  • Traditional tribal institutions
  • Education via storytelling, songs, and community learning

This underscores the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into modern discourse.

5. Energy & Infrastructure

Temporary Reintroduction of Kerosene Supply

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas authorized:

  • Distribution of Superior Kerosene Oil in 21 states/UTs
  • Valid for 60 days

This partially reverses the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana phase-out to manage energy supply disruptions.

Char Dham Yatra Safety Measures

Uttarakhand introduced a Green Card system:

  • Mandatory for vehicles
  • Ensures safety and regulation on mountainous routes

This strengthens pilgrimage management and disaster preparedness.

6. International Relations

US-India Strategic Engagement Deepens

US Congressman Tom Suozzi:

  • Visited the Kartarpur Corridor
  • Appointed Vice-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India

This reflects strengthening diaspora diplomacy and bilateral cooperation.