Latest Current Affairs 14 March 2026-Daily GK with FAQs
1. India’s First Autonomous Marine Vessel Manufacturing Centre
India established its first Autonomous Marine Vessel Manufacturing Centre in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh in March 2026.
Key Highlights
- Developed with Indian Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation and private defence companies.
- Focus on AI-enabled unmanned marine vessels.
- Development of sea drones and autonomous cargo vessels.
- Supports maritime surveillance and deep-sea exploration.
Significance
- Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing.
- Enhances maritime border security.
- Enables AI-driven naval surveillance systems.
2. NASA Artemis II Mission (April 2026)
NASA announced 1 April 2026 as the new launch target for Artemis II.
Mission Details
- First crewed lunar mission in over 50 years (after 1972).
- Duration: 10 days.
- Astronauts will orbit the Moon but not land.
Technology Used
- Space Launch System (SLS) rocket
- Orion spacecraft
Crew Members
- Reid Wiseman – Commander
- Victor Glover – Pilot
- Christina Koch – Mission Specialist
- Jeremy Hansen – Mission Specialist (CSA)
3. RBI New Dividend Norms for Banks
Reserve Bank of India introduced new prudential norms for dividend declaration, effective FY 2026-27.
Major Changes
Category | Dividend Limit |
|---|---|
Commercial Banks | 75% of PAT |
RRBs & LABs | 80% of PAT |
Key Conditions
- Banks with CET1 ≤ 8% → No dividend allowed.
- Banks with CET1 > 20% → Up to 100% adjusted profit, within overall 75% PAT limit.
- 50% of Net NPAs must be deducted while calculating eligible profit.
4. FATF Grey List Update
Financial Action Task Force added Kuwait and Papua New Guinea to its Grey List.
Reasons
- Weak anti-money laundering systems.
- Deficiencies in counter-terror financing mechanisms.
Current Status
- Total 22 jurisdictions on FATF Grey List.
Impact
- Increased scrutiny on international financial transactions.
- Requirement of enhanced due diligence by global financial institutions.
5. Notice to Remove Chief Election Commissioner
For the first time in Indian parliamentary history, opposition parties submitted a motion to remove Gyanesh Kumar, the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Key Facts
- Notice signed by 193 MPs
- 130 Lok Sabha + 63 Rajya Sabha
Removal Process
Same as removal of a Supreme Court judge.
Steps:
- Notice submitted to Speaker/Chairperson.
- If accepted → 3-member inquiry committee formed.
- Motion must pass with special majority in both Houses.
6. AVATAAR Hybrid Drone (India)
AVATAAR (Autonomous Versatile Amphibious Transitioning Aerial-underwater Robot) is India’s first aerial-underwater hybrid drone.
Developed by **IIT Jodhpur researchers and startups.
Features
- Functions like a quadcopter in air.
- Can land on water and dive underwater.
- Hybrid aerial + underwater surveillance.
Applications
- Coastal security
- Flood rescue operations
- Coral reef ecosystem monitoring
7. CRISIL GDP Forecast
CRISIL predicted India’s GDP growth at 7.1% for FY27.
Growth Drivers
- Strong domestic demand
- Infrastructure spending
- Recovery in private investment
About CRISIL
- Established: 1987
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Parent company: S&P Global
8. SHINE Module by Indian Railways
On International Women’s Day, Indian Railways launched SHINE digital module.
Full Form
Sexual Harassment Incident Notification for Empowerment
Key Features
- Complaint filing via HRMS ESS portal.
- Direct submission to Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
- Ensures confidential reporting.
Based on Vishakha Guidelines (1997).
Practice Quiz
Q1. India’s first Autonomous Marine Vessel Manufacturing Centre is located in?
A. Kochi
B. Chennai
C. Visakhapatnam
D. Mumbai
Answer: C
Q2. Artemis II mission is scheduled for?
A. March 2026
B. April 1, 2026
C. May 2026
D. July 2026
Answer: B
Q3. RBI dividend cap for commercial banks is?
A. 50%
B. 60%
C. 75%
D. 90%
Answer: C
Q4. FATF recently added which countries to Grey List?
A. Iran and Syria
B. Kuwait and Papua New Guinea
C. Sri Lanka and Nepal
D. Bangladesh and Laos
Answer: B
FAQs
What is India’s first Autonomous Marine Vessel Manufacturing Centre?
It is a defence manufacturing facility established in Visakhapatnam in March 2026 to develop AI-powered unmanned marine vessels for maritime security and deep-sea exploration.
What is the Artemis II mission?
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed lunar flyby mission in over 50 years. Scheduled for April 2026, it will send four astronauts around the Moon using the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.
What is AVATAAR drone?
AVATAAR is India’s first aerial-underwater hybrid drone developed by IIT Jodhpur that can fly in the air and dive underwater for defence surveillance and rescue missions.