Current Affairs 31 March 2026

Indonesia Begins Enforcing New Law Banning Social Media Access for Children Under 16.

• Indonesia has started enforcing a new law banning children under 16 from using major social media platforms.
• The regulation was approved in March 2026.
• Platforms affected include YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
• The move impacts around 70 million young users.
• Aim: to protect children from cyberbullying, online scams, harmful content, and digital addiction.
• The decision reflects growing global concerns about child safety and mental health online.

UK Imposes Strict Screen Time Limits for Kids.

• The UK has introduced strict screen-time guidelines for young children.
• No screen use is recommended for children under 2 years.
• Children aged 2–5 years should have no more than 1 hour of screen time per day.
• The move aims to protect children’s mental health and early development.
• It is part of a broader effort by the UK government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
• Reflects growing global concern over excessive digital exposure in early childhood.

RBI Imposes Stricter Forex Rules, Limits Daily Net Open Positions to $100 Million.

• Reserve Bank of India caps banks’ NOP-INR at $100 million per day.
• Deadline for compliance: April 10, 2026.
• Replaces earlier limit of up to 25% of bank capital.
• Aims to curb speculation and rupee volatility.
• Triggered by sharp INR depreciation amid rising crude prices and geopolitical tensions.
• Likely impact: more stable rupee, but reduced forex market liquidity.

Students in Jaipur Introduce "Veer Sahara" to Ease Access to Government Schemes for Defence Families.

• Students from Jayshree Periwal International School created Veer Sahara for defence families.
• Helps identify and apply for government schemes easily.
• Features AI assistance, voice guidance, and bilingual support.
• Provides direct links to official applications.
• Aim: reduce complexity, improve access, and empower beneficiaries.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Transfers Bio-Bitumen Tech to Turn Farm Waste into Roads.

• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research launched Bio-Bitumen technology.
• Converts farm waste into road construction material.
• Developed with CSIR-Central Road Research Institute and CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum.
• Helps reduce stubble burning and pollution.
• Promotes farmer income and import reduction.