Daily filter — 30 March 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
♻️ Environment · UPSC track
New Solid Waste Management Rules Focus on Circular Economy
The **Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026**, supersede the 2016 rules and emphasize efficient waste segregation and management.
- The rules come into effect from April 1, 2026.
- They mandate four-stream segregation at source: wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste.
- An online portal will track all stages of solid waste management.
- Fuel substitution rate for industrial units using Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) will increase from 5% to 15%.
- The rules include a 'Polluter Pays' principle and a time-bound plan for legacy waste remediation.
💡 Remember SWM 2026 for 4-stream segregation, online tracking, increased RDF use, and the 'Polluter Pays' principle.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2246814
⚕️ Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Budget 2026-27 Boosts Healthcare, AYUSH Integration, and Workforce Training
Union Budget 2026-27 prioritises healthcare with increased allocations and new initiatives for universal health coverage.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare allocation increased 10% to Rs. 1,06,530.42 crore.
- 100% customs duty exemption granted for 17 new cancer drugs.
- Budget targets training 100,000 allied health professionals and 1.5 lakh caregivers in five years.
- Three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to be established.
- WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar will be upgraded.
💡 For the exam: Remember the 10% budget increase, 17 cancer drugs, and training for 100k allied health professionals/1.5 lakh caregivers, plus new AYUSH institutes and WHO Centre upgrade.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2246870
🌾 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Rabi 2026 MSP Procurement Approved for Pulses and Oilseeds
The Union Agriculture Minister approved over 18 lakh metric tonnes of Rabi crops for MSP procurement under the **Price Support Scheme** (PSS).
- Over 18 lakh metric tonnes of Rabi crops worth Rs 11,698 crore were approved.
- Procurement targets gram, masoor, mustard, and kusum (safflower) crops.
- States covered include Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka for Rabi 2025-26 season.
- In Karnataka, 6,923 metric tonnes of kusum will be procured for Rs 45.27 crore.
💡 For the exam: PSS ensures MSP for Rabi 2026 pulses/oilseeds (gram, masoor, mustard, kusum) in Haryana, UP, and Karnataka.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare · PIB PRID 2247112
🤝 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
National Conclave advances National Cooperation Policy 2025 implementation
A conclave in New Delhi discussed accelerating the National Cooperation Policy 2025 to make cooperatives a national growth engine by 2047.
- A National Conclave was held on March 30, 2026, to implement the National Cooperation Policy 2025.
- The policy aims to establish cooperatives as the 'second engine of national growth' by 2047.
- It seeks to energize the rural economy and accelerate inclusive development through cooperatives.
- Over 80,000 PACS are being computerized to become multi-functional economic units.
- The policy was formulated via 17 meetings and 4 regional workshops, involving a 48-member national committee.
💡 Remember: The National Cooperation Policy 2025 aims for cooperatives to be the 'second engine of national growth' by 2047, with PACS computerization.
Source: Ministry of Cooperation · PIB PRID 2246928
🚢 Defence & Security · UPSC track
Fourth ASW Shallow Water Craft 'Agray' Delivered to Indian Navy
The fourth Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (**ASW SWC**), **'Agray'**, built by **GRSE**, Kolkata, has been delivered to the Indian Navy.
- 'Agray' is the fourth of eight ASW SWC designed and built by GRSE, Kolkata.
- Delivered on March 30, 2026, it is approximately 77 metres long.
- Equipped with Lightweight Torpedoes, Indigenous Rocket Launchers, and shallow water SONAR.
- Has over 80% indigenous content, aligning with 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
💡 Remember 'Agray' is the fourth ASW SWC, indigenously built by GRSE for the Indian Navy, promoting 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
Source: Ministry of Defence · PIB PRID 2247087
🔌 Economy · UPSC track
Government Approves 29 More Proposals Under ECMS
The Ministry of Electronics & IT approved 29 new proposals under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).
- The 29 proposals entail a projected investment of Rs 7,104 crore.
- These approvals are expected to generate 14,246 direct employment opportunities.
- Total 75 applications have been approved under ECMS with a total investment of Rs 61,671 crore.
- Includes 1st SMD passive plant, 1st Flexible PCB plant, and 1st Rare Earth Permanent Magnet facility.
- Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized developing strong in-house design capabilities and robust domestic supply chain.
💡 Remember ECMS targets electronics manufacturing growth through strategic investments, job creation, and fostering domestic capabilities, including pioneering plants for key components.
Source: Ministry of Electronics & IT · PIB PRID 2247040
💳 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Government Measures Boost Kisan Credit Card for Farmers
The government is strengthening the **Kisan Credit Card (KCC)** ecosystem to enhance credit access and digital inclusion for farmers, especially small and marginal.
- KCC scheme extended to cover animal husbandry, dairying, and fisheries since 2019.
- Collateral-free short-term agricultural loan limit increased from ₹1.60 lakh to ₹2.00 lakh per borrower by RBI from 01 January 2025.
- Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) offers KCC loans at 7%; prompt repayers get 3% incentive, reducing rate to 4%.
- Jan Samarth portal and e-KCC portal by NABARD for RRBs and RCBs digitize loan applications.
💡 Remember KCC's expansion since 2019, increased collateral-free limit to ₹2 lakh from 2025, 4% effective interest rate, and digital platforms like Jan Samarth.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2246855
💰 Economy · UPSC track
Measures Ensure Seamless Rural Credit Flow by Government & RBI
Government and RBI initiatives are supporting agriculture and SHGs through various financial mechanisms and policy guidelines.
- RBI raised collateral-free short-term agricultural loan limit from ₹ 1.60 lakh to ₹ 2.00 lakh per borrower from 01 January 2025.
- Commercial Banks must allocate 18% of ANBC or CEOBSE to agriculture under PSL guidelines.
- A sub-target of 10% is prescribed for Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) within the agriculture allocation.
- NABARD supports SHGs through schemes like “m-Suwidha” and the Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF).
💡 Remember: RBI raised collateral-free agri-loans to ₹ 2 lakh from Jan 2025; 18% of bank credit is for agriculture, with 10% for SMFs.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2246856
🛡️ Defence & Security · UPSC track
India’s Fight Against Left-Wing Extremism: A 12-Year Overview
Union Home Minister **Shri Amit Shah** addressed the Lok Sabha on efforts to achieve a Naxal-free India.
- Naxalism's root cause is Left-wing ideology, not lack of development.
- Development in Bastar was hindered by Red Terror, now removed.
- Credit for progress goes to CAPF, CoBRA, CRPF, and state police.
- A Red Corridor across 12 states previously existed.
- Prime Minister Modi's government has resolved many long-standing issues since 2014.
💡 For the exam: Remember LWE is attributed to ideology, Bastar's development post-Red Terror, and CAPF's role in the 12-year push since 2014.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2247134
🗓️ Reports & Indices · UPSC track
Census 2027 to Begin April 2026: Digital and Self-Enumeration
India's 16th Census will be conducted digitally for the first time, starting April 2026, with a new self-enumeration option.
- Census 2027 will be the 16th census, and 8th since independence.
- The census will be conducted digitally, with a new self-enumeration option.
- First phase, House Listing, begins 1st April 2026, in two phases nationwide.
- An outlay of ₹11,718.24 crore has been approved for Census 2027.
- Over 3 million enumerators and supervisors will be involved.
💡 Census 2027 (16th, 8th post-independence) starts April 2026, is digital, offers self-enumeration, and has a ₹11,718.24 Cr outlay.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2246847
💧 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Jal Jeevan Mission progress: 81.71% rural households with tap water
The **Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)**, launched in August 2019, aims to provide assured potable tap water to all rural households.
- As of 03.03.2026, 15.82 Crore rural households (81.71%) have tap water supply.
- This is an increase from 3.23 Crore (16.7%) rural households at JJM's start.
- Functionality Assessment 2024 found 76% of connections functional by quantity, quality, and regularity.
- 80% households received the minimum 55 LPCD water, and 76% were free from bacteriological contamination.
💡 For the exam: Remember the 81.71% JJM coverage as of March 2026, and the 76% functionality as per 2024 assessment.
Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti · PIB PRID 2246883
🌱 Economy · UPSC track
Green Ammonia Agreements Signed for Fertiliser Sector
India has operationalised green ammonia in the fertiliser sector through agreements under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- Agreements with 10-year tenure exchanged between industry, SECI, and fertiliser companies on March 30, 2026.
- Total of approximately 7,24,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of green ammonia allocated to 13 fertiliser units.
- Expected to save approximately $2.5 billion in foreign exchange over 10 years by replacing imported grey ammonia.
- Lowest discovered price for green ammonia was approximately ₹49.75 per kg.
💡 Remember the 10-year Green Ammonia agreements for 7.24 lakh TPA, saving $2.5 billion over 10 years at a low of ₹49.75/kg.
Source: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy · PIB PRID 2247064