info@padhaimarg.com
+91-7766861592

Padhai Marg

Turning Aspirants Into Officer's

Student Login

Current Affairs – 15 March 2026

Section 301 Investigation by the United States

INTERNATIONAL

Why in News:
The United States has launched a Section 301 investigation under the Trade Act, 1974 against 16 major trading partners, including India, over allegations of structural excess capacity in manufacturing sectors.

Key Highlights
• India is among the 16 countries being examined for trade practices that could impact US industries.
• The probe will assess whether such practices create unfair competition or burden American commerce.

Background

   Section 301 of the US Trade Act, 1974

  1. • Section 301 is a provision under the US Trade Act of 1974.
  2. • It allows the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate foreign trade practices.
  3. • These investigations target practices considered unfair, discriminatory, or harmful to US trade interests.

    Powers under Section 301

  1. • The USTR can investigate foreign government policies affecting US trade.
  2. • If unfair practices are confirmed, the US government may impose retaliatory trade measures, including:
  3. • Tariffs on imports
  4. • Trade restrictions
  5. • Negotiated trade agreements to resolve disputes.
Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

RBI Introduces Digital Payments Awareness Program

NATIONAL

Why in News:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a pilot initiative called “Awareness Program on Digital Payments” to promote the safe and confident use of digital payment systems among citizens.

Key Highlights

  1. • It focuses on educating people about safe digital transaction practices.
  2. • The initiative will help users understand digital payment platforms and avoid fraud or cyber risks.
  3. • The first phase of the programme will be implemented in Maharashtra as a pilot project.
Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav 2026

NATIONAL

Why in News:
The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) hosted the AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, celebrating the contribution of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) known as AMRUT Mitras in improving urban water services under AMRUT 2.0.

Background

    AMRUT Scheme

  1. • Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was launched on 25 June 2015.
  2. • It covered 500 selected cities, representing around 60% of India’s urban population.
  3. • The mission focuses on improving basic urban infrastructure, including:
  4. • Water supply
  5. • Sewerage systems
  6. • Urban drainage
  7. • Green spaces
  8. • Non-motorised transport
  9. • Capacity building in urban governance.

  AMRUT 2.0 Scheme

  1. • AMRUT 2.0 was launched on 1 October 2021, replacing AMRUT 1.0.
  2. • It is implemented for five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26).

  Objectives

  1. • Provide universal water supply coverage by expanding the mission from 500 cities to about 4,900 statutory towns.
  2. • Improve sewerage and septage management in the original 500 AMRUT cities.
  3. • Promote a circular economy of water, focusing on water reuse, recycling, and sustainable water management.
Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Quick Links
Stay Connected

 Main Branch : Patna, Bihar 800001

 info@padhaimarg.com

  +91-7766861592

Download App

We Are Here

Copyright © 2025 Padhai Marg. All Rights Reserved

Designed by : Brightcode Software Services