Current Affairs 29 March 2026

Lancet study: India had 24,700 maternal deaths in 2023.

• India reported 24,700 maternal deaths in 2023, among the highest globally.
• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 116 per 100,000 live births (IHME/Lancet study).
• Major progress: 86% reduction in MMR since 1990.
• Maternal deaths remain a global concern, with countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Pakistan contributing significantly.
• Key areas to track: trends, causes, SDG targets, and ongoing challenges in maternal health.

India to Set Up Its 1st Port of Refuge to Enhance Maritime Safety.

• Adani Ports establishes India’s first Port of Refuge (PoR) at Dighi and Gopalpur.
• Purpose: Enhance maritime safety, emergency response, and environmental protection.
• Significance: Provides a structured system to assist ships in distress, filling a long-standing gap in India’s maritime infrastructure.
• Context: India has 11,000+ km of coastline and some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes but previously lacked such emergency mechanisms.

India’s Unemployment Drops to 6.5% in 2025, Indicating a Strengthening Job Market.

• India’s unemployment rate (UR) fell to 6.5% in 2025, down from 7.0% in 2024.
• Source: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025.
• The decline indicates gradual improvement in the country’s labour market.
• Notable decrease among educated individuals aged 15+, suggesting better job opportunities for skilled workers.

NCB Partners with UltraTech to Enhance Construction Skill Development.

• NCB and UltraTech Cement sign an MoU to strengthen construction skills.
• Training target: Civil engineers, RMC professionals, contractors, and masons.
• Duration: Next 3–5 years.
• Focus areas: Technical skills, sustainable construction, and hands-on practical learning.

India Hosts Inaugural BRICS Youth Coordination Meeting 2026.

• First BRICS Youth Coordination Meeting held virtually on March 25, 2026.
• Theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
• Focus: Youth engagement under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026.
• Key initiatives: Youth forums, volunteering program, and priority areas like education, skills, innovation, sustainability, and youth exchange.