Saturday, Mar 21

Daily Current Affairs: 21 March 2026

Daily current affairs for 21 March 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.

Editorial note for exam revision Last updated: 21 March 2026. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days.

Today at a glance

Top current affairs to revise

  1. Rituparna Sengupta receives Women Empowerment Award for Art and Culture at UK House of Commons.
  2. Bhupatiraju Anmish Varma Sets Guinness World Record (GWR) for Seven Volcanic Summits Challenge
  3. Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi Releases New Book Karuna: The Power of Compassion
  4. 6.7 magnitude earthquake strikes South Shetland Islands; no tsunami threat reported.
  5. Kaveh Madani won 2026 Stockholm Water Prize.
  6. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approves Rs 1,718.56 crore MSP funding to Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).

Rituparna Sengupta receives Women Empowerment Award for Art and Culture at UK House of Commons.

[United Kingdom]

Key Updates:

  • Rituparna Sengupta was honoured with the Women Empowerment Award for Art and Culture at the House of Commons, Westminster Parliament, UK.
  • The award was presented by Seema Malhotra and Virendra Sharma at an event organised by GloWomen CiC to mark International Women's Day.
  • Her husband, Sanjay Chakrabarty, attended the ceremony.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Krishnan Raghavan posthumously conferred Padma Shri. (Mid of March)

Krishnan Raghavan, pen-name 'Kitna', was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri for 2023. He belonged to the Alu Kurumba tribal community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.

Anke Gowda And 44 Others Named As Padma Awardees 2026 (End of January)

A total of 45 distinguished individuals have been selected for the Padma Awards 2026, comprising the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, announced one day ahead of Republic Day. The President of India will…

Bhupatiraju Anmish Varma Sets Guinness World Record (GWR) for Seven Volcanic Summits Challenge

Key Updates:

  • Bhupatiraju Anmish Varma from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, established a new Guinness World Record (GWR) by completing the Seven Volcanic Summits challenge.
  • Varma achieved the mountaineering feat in a record time of 92 days, 4 hours, and 45 minutes.
  • GWR officially announced the achievement in March 2026, marking a new global benchmark in adventure sports.
  • The Seven Volcanic Summits challenge is recognised as one of the most demanding pursuits in mountaineering, requiring immense endurance and skill.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Kabak Yano summits Mount Aconcagua in Argentina (Start of February)

Indian mountaineer Kabak Yano from Arunachal Pradesh successfully summited Mount Aconcagua in Argentina. Mount Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America and the Western Hemisphere at 22,831 feet above sea level.

Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi Releases New Book Karuna: The Power of Compassion

Key Updates:

  • Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi has released his latest book titled Karuna: The Power of Compassion.
  • The book has been published by HarperCollins in association with The Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion.
  • The official unveiling was attended by Justice Surya Kant, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) of the Supreme Court of India (SCI), and Dr. Kiran Bedi, the former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
  • Kailash Satyarthi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for his five decades of work in defending the rights and dignity of marginalised children.
  • The book explores the concept of compassion as a transformative force for addressing global conflicts, inequality, and indifference.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

6.7 magnitude earthquake strikes South Shetland Islands; no tsunami threat reported.

[Antarctica]

Key Updates:

  • A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica on Thursday.
  • The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported the quake occurred at a depth of 10 km.
  • No immediate reports of damage or casualties were received.
  • The US Tsunami Warning System stated no tsunami is expected for US Atlantic, Gulf or Pacific coasts.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Kaveh Madani won 2026 Stockholm Water Prize.

[Stockholm]

Key Updates:

  • Kaveh Madani received the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize from the Stockholm Water Foundation and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
  • Madani is the 44-year-old Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health in Ontario.
  • The award citation recognised his groundbreaking research on water resources management with policy, diplomacy and global outreach under personal risk and political complexity.
  • He will be presented the prize by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in August 2026.
  • Madani coined the concept of ‘water bankruptcy’ and co-authored the 2026 UN Report declaring a ‘Global Water Bankruptcy’ era.
  • Earlier Indian recipients include Rajendra Singh of Tarun Bharat Sangh in 2015 and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in 2005.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Tamil poet Vairamuthu named 2025 Jnanpith Award winner (Mid of March)

Vairamuthu has been conferred the 60th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest literary honour, announced by Bharatiya Jnanpith on Saturday. He becomes the third Tamil writer to receive the Jnanpith Award after Akilan and…

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approves Rs 1,718.56 crore MSP funding to Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).

[Uttar Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved Rs 1,718.56 crore to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for cotton procurement operations during the cotton season 2023-24.
  • CCI is designated as the central nodal agency for undertaking Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations in cotton.
  • The funding enables direct price support to cotton farmers across India whenever market prices fall below MSP levels.
  • Cotton sustains the livelihoods of approximately 60 lakh farmers and supports 400-500 lakh people engaged in allied activities including processing, trade, and textiles.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Jawed Ashraf received Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur

[France]

Key Updates:

  • France conferred the Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur on former Indian ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf for strengthening bilateral relations.
  • Ashraf served as Indian envoy to France during 2020-2024 and joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1991.
  • He was presented the award by French ambassador Thierry Mathou at the French embassy on a Wednesday.
  • After retirement in 2024 Ashraf was appointed chairman of the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation.
  • During his tenure India purchased 36 Rafale combat jets and advanced joint defence manufacturing with France.
  • Ashraf is the first Indian diplomat and the eighth Indian overall to receive the Commander rank of the Legion of Honour.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Maharashtra Goseva Commission to organise Gau-Tech 2026 exhibition in Pune

Key Updates:

  • The Maharashtra Goseva Commission, in collaboration with the Global Confederation of Cow-Based Industries (GCCBI), will organise the Gau-Tech 2026 exhibition from March 20 to 23.
  • The event will be hosted at the Agriculture College in Pune, Maharashtra.
  • The primary objectives of the exhibition include promoting cow-based agriculture, strengthening the rural economy, and boosting village industries.
  • The initiative aligns with the Developed India 2047 vision by enhancing market opportunities and showcasing technologies for cow conservation.
  • The exhibition will showcase new technologies and business opportunities aimed at empowering the rural economy through cow conservation.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) launches anti-dumping probe into ethyl chloroformate imports from China

Key Updates:

  • The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) initiated the investigation following an application by Paushak, India’s sole domestic producer of ethyl chloroformate.
  • The probe covers ethyl chloroformate imports from China during the period October 2024 to September 2025.
  • Paushak alleged that rising Chinese imports caused material injury, price suppression, and weakened profitability for domestic producers.
  • DGTR’s preliminary assessment indicated a dumping margin above the de minimis level, signalling significant price undercutting by Chinese exporters.
  • The investigation will examine evidence from exporters, importers, and other interested parties before recommending anti-dumping duties to the government.
  • In a separate case, DGTR also opened an anti-dumping investigation into hexamine imports from China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Edelweiss Asset Management Company launches India’s first hybrid passive index fund combining equities and government securities in a 70:30 allocation.

[Edelweiss Asset Management Company]

Key Updates:

  • Edelweiss Asset Management Company launched the Edelweiss Nifty LargeMidcap250 Plus 8–13 yr G-Sec 70:30 Index Fund, India’s first hybrid passive index fund.
  • The fund replicates the Nifty LargeMidcap250 Plus 8–13 yr G-Sec 70:30 Index with 70% allocation to equities and 30% to government securities.
  • Subscription opened on March 18 and closes on April 1, 2026.
  • Equity portion invests in 250 large- and mid-cap companies via the Nifty LargeMidcap250 Index.
  • Debt portion invests in central government securities with residual maturities of 8–13 years via the Nifty 8–13 yr G-Sec Index.
  • The fund automatically rebalances to the 70:30 equity-debt ratio every month.
  • Equity managers are Bhavesh Jain and Bharat Lahoti; debt managers are Dhawal Dalal and Hetul Raval.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 Notified to Impose Double Toll for Defaults

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, to strengthen toll compliance.
  • Under the new regulations, the unpaid toll fee for missed FASTag payments shall be twice the original amount.
  • Users who settle their dues within 72 hours of receiving an e-notice are required to pay only the original toll amount without any additional penalty.
  • A grievance redressal mechanism has been introduced requiring authorities to resolve cases within five days, failing which the claim for unpaid fees will lapse.
  • If dues remain unpaid beyond 15 days and no dispute is pending, the outstanding amount will be recorded in the VAHAN system.
  • The amendment aims to support the transition towards a seamless, barrier-free tolling ecosystem on India’s national highways.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

NHAI discontinues cash toll payments from 1 April 2026 (End of February)

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will stop accepting cash at all national toll plazas from 1 April 2026. All toll payments will be processed only through digital modes using FASTag or Unified Payments…

Meghalaya extends Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) tenure by six months

[Meghalaya]

Key Updates:

  • The Meghalaya Cabinet extended the tenure of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) from 18 April 2026 to 18 October 2026.
  • Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong announced the decision after a virtual Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
  • The extension follows violence in Tura and adjoining areas over a notification barring non-tribals from contesting GHADC elections.
  • Albinush R Marak resigned as chief executive member (CEM) hours before the Cabinet decision, and Dhormonath Ch Sangma was elected the new CEM.
  • The state government will consult stakeholders during the six-month extension to resolve eligibility issues for tribal and non-tribal candidates.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Malaysian PM announces 10-year term limit for Prime Minister (Start of January)

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would introduce legislation to limit the term of Prime Minister to 10 years or two full terms. Anwar stated, 'We will table a bill to limit the term of the prime minister…

Fare Se Fursat – One Route One Fare scheme launches fixed-fare flights on six routes

Key Updates:

  • Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu flagged off the inaugural Rewa–Raipur flight on 17 March 2026, launching the Fare Se Fursat – One Route One Fare scheme.
  • The scheme offers fixed airfares on six Alliance Air routes: Delhi–Rewa, Rewa–Raipur, Delhi–Jaipur, Kolkata–Guwahati, Tirupati–Rajahmundry and Chennai–Hyderabad.
  • Passengers can book any seat on these routes at the same fare regardless of booking or travel date.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 launched with Rs 3,500 Crore outlay

[Punjab, World Bank]

Key Updates:

  • The Punjab Government launched Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 in collaboration with the World Bank.
  • The six-year reform programme has a total investment of Rs 3,500 Crore.
  • World Bank loan assistance provides Rs 2,500 Crore and the Punjab Government contributes Rs 1,000 Crore.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Bharat Parv 2026 closing ceremony on 31 January at Red Fort (Start of February)

Bharat Parv 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and runs from 26 to 31 January at the Lawns and Gyan Path in front of the Red Fort. The closing ceremony on 31 January at 5:30 p.m. will have Vice-President…

Indian Army Southern Command concludes 13-day mechanised warfare exercise Amogh Jwala in Uttar Pradesh

Key Updates:

  • The Southern Command of the Indian Army conducted a 13-day exercise named Amogh Jwala at the Babina Field Firing Ranges in Uttar Pradesh.
  • The exercise commenced on 6 March and aimed to validate technology-driven mechanised warfare capabilities in a multi-domain operational environment.
  • Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, witnessed the culmination of the drills.
  • The exercise integrated mechanised forces with Attack Helicopters, Fighter Aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and counter-drone systems.
  • It focused on the seamless integration of land, air, cyber, space, Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR), and Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities.
  • The drills featured real-time drone-enabled surveillance, target acquisition, precision engagement, and advanced battlefield technologies.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Indian Army conducts Exercise Agni Varsha in Pokhran (End of February)

Exercise Agni Varsha was conducted by the Southern Command of the Indian Army in Pokhran deserts, Rajasthan. The exercise featured unmanned aerial vehicles, counter-drone systems, precision strike rockets, modern…

India and Vietnam elevate tribal cooperation to ministerial level, push for institutional partnership

[Vietnam]

Key Updates:

  • India and Vietnam elevated collaboration on tribal and ethnic development to the ministerial level through a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on 18 March 2026.
  • The meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, and Vietnam’s Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, H.E. Dao Ngoc Dung.
  • This is the first ministerial engagement exclusively focused on tribal and ethnic development between the two nations.
  • The dialogue built on prior discussions led by Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and H.E. Y Thong, Deputy Minister of Vietnam, on 17 March 2026.
  • Key areas explored included rights-based approaches to tribal welfare, community-led development models, institutional mechanisms for cultural preservation, and use of digital platforms for tribal outreach.
  • Shri Jual Oram emphasized Vietnam’s pivotal role in India’s Act East Policy and broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
  • India’s tribal population exceeds 104 million people (over 8.6% of the population), while Vietnam is home to 54 officially recognized ethnic groups.
  • A draft Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at institutionalizing bilateral engagement in tribal and ethnic affairs was reviewed; Vietnam confirmed approval on its side.
  • Vietnam invited Shri Jual Oram for an official visit to formally sign the MoC.
  • The year 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Argentina formally withdraws from World Health Organization (WHO)

[Argentina, World Health Organization]

Key Updates:

  • Argentina’s Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno confirmed the country’s withdrawal from WHO on 17 Mar 2026.
  • The decision was first announced in February 2025 and formal notice was sent to WHO a month later by President Javier Milei’s government.
  • Argentina becomes the second country after the United States to exit WHO under a right-wing administration.
  • WHO lists 194 members on its website, still including Argentina as of the withdrawal day.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

NASA-backed study reveals why long-lived solar active regions unleash stronger flares

Key Updates:

  • Regions on the Sun whose strong magnetic fields persist for at least a month produce more solar flares than short-lived regions.
  • These long-duration active regions are three to six times more likely to generate the most powerful solar flares.
  • The investigation used data from NASA’s citizen science Solar Active Region Spotter project that analysed image pairs taken by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory.
  • Lead researchers Emily Mason of Predictive Science Inc. and Kara Knieszewski of the Air Force Institute of Technology reviewed volunteer classifications to reach the findings.
  • The results enhance space-weather forecasting by highlighting the key role of long-lived active regions.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Structural changes in blood plasma proteins may reflect earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease: Study

Key Updates:

  • Analysis of blood plasma samples from over 500 individuals showed structural differences in three proteins are strongly linked to Alzheimer's status.
  • The three proteins identified are C1QA involved in immune signalling, clusterin involved in protein folding and amyloid removal, and apolipoprotein B which transports fats in the bloodstream.
  • The study was published in the Nature Aging journal and involved researchers including those at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), US.
  • Structural changes of plasma proteins helped accurately distinguish cognitively normal individuals from those with Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment.
  • Machine learning was used to identify patterns connected to disease stage based on how exposed or buried specific areas were in the three-dimensional amino acid chain.
  • As Alzheimer's disease advanced, specific blood proteins became less structurally open, with structural changes proving more informative than measuring protein concentrations.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

World Oral Health Day 2026: Impact of Oral Hygiene on Systemic Diseases

Key Updates:

  • World Oral Health Day was observed on 20 March 2026 to highlight the connection between oral care and overall systemic health.
  • Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and affect other organs.
  • Research indicates that individuals with gum disease may face a higher risk of developing cardiovascular conditions due to inflammation and the impact of oral bacteria on blood vessels.
  • Diabetes and oral health share a bidirectional relationship where diabetics are more prone to gum infections, and severe gum disease can make blood sugar control more difficult.
  • Bacteria present in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory infections in older adults or individuals with weakened immunity.
  • Severe gum disease during pregnancy is associated with potential complications such as early delivery or low birth weight.
  • Preventative measures for maintaining oral health include brushing twice daily, regular flossing, staying hydrated, and attending routine dental check-ups.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Birds Use Cigarette Butts as Chemical Shield Against Parasites in Urban Areas

Key Updates:

  • Studies from Latin America and Europe reveal that birds such as house sparrows and finches are gathering fibres from discarded cigarette butts to incorporate into their nests.
  • Researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) found that smoked cigarette filters serve as a parasite repellent in urban bird nests.
  • Nicotine, a natural insecticide found in tobacco plants, acts as a deterrent against parasitic mites and ticks when used in nesting materials.
  • This behaviour is considered an urbanised adaptation of an ancient survival mechanism where birds used aromatic plants to protect their young.
  • Despite the benefits of parasite reduction, cigarette filters contain toxic heavy metals and chemical residues that pose health risks to both adult birds and developing chicks.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

National Bird Day observed on January 5 (Start of January)

National Bird Day was first established in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition to promote the welfare of birds both in the wild and in captivity. National Bird Day is celebrated annually on January 5 to raise awareness…

Tamil Nadu initiates action against 42 illegal resorts in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

[Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

  • The Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court (HC) that 42 resorts were found operating without licences within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR).
  • The illegal establishments are located in the eco-sensitive zone of the STR in the Erode district.
  • A joint inspection of 53 resorts, lodges, and farmhouses revealed that only 11 buildings possessed valid permissions and licences.
  • The Madras HC bench, led by Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan, has granted the state three weeks to file a status report by 7 April.
  • The enforcement action follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by R Karpagam regarding unauthorised constructions in the tiger reserve.
  • The Erode District Collector reported that proper licences are mandatory for any construction within the eco-sensitive zone of the reserve.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Rising CO₂ drives hypercapnic hypoxia in mangrove estuaries, endangering global fish nurseries

Key Updates:

  • Hypercapnic hypoxia—high CO₂ and low oxygen—now occurs mildly 34–43% of the time and severely 6–32% of the time across 23 assessed mangrove sites.
  • Climate change will lower oxygen by 5–35% and raise CO₂ by 8–60% in mangrove waters by 2100, making events 15 times more frequent under extreme scenarios.
  • By 2100, 78% of sites will face mild hypoxia lasting 12–24 consecutive hours during heatwaves, while Amazon mangroves may experience hypercapnia 100% of the time.
  • A 10°C temperature rise (20°C to 30°C) cuts dissolved oxygen by 30% and boosts CO₂ by 50%, shrinking safe nursery windows for fish.
  • Commercially valuable species—common silver-biddy (Gerres oyena), silver grunt (Pomadasys argenteus), pink ear emperor (Lethrinus lentjan), and Indian goatfish (Parupeneus indicus)—are among the low-tolerance fish at risk.
  • Mangroves support ~20,000 extra fish per hectare per year worth $10 million and provide livelihoods for ~4 million fishers, mainly in Brazil, Indonesia, and Tanzania.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Goa hosts 4th edition of World Ocean Science Congress 2026 (End of February)

The 4th edition of World Ocean Science Congress 2026 is being held in Goa from February 23 to February 26 at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). The event is co-organised by NIO, National Centre for Polar and…

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur develops flexible sensors for early cancer detection

[Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur]

Key Updates:

  • Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur are developing next-generation flexible semiconductor devices for continuous health monitoring and early disease detection.
  • The work is carried out at the HESTECH (Hybrid Electronic Sensor Technologies) Lab led by Dr Akshay Moudgil, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering.
  • The Organic Electrochemical Transistor (OECT) technology enables flexible, biocompatible sensors for interfacing with biological signals and fluids.
  • The low-power wearable sensors use biocompatible hybrid semiconductor materials fabricated on thin, flexible substrates for skin-conformal devices.
  • The biochemical sensors aim to detect clinically relevant biomarkers in biofluids such as saliva, serum and blood for point-of-care diagnostics.
  • The lab is developing soft ECG patches for cardiac assessment, EMG sensors for muscle activity tracking, and pressure and temperature sensors to detect early signs of pressure ulcers.
  • The flexible semiconductor sensors can monitor physiological stress indicators such as cardiac load, dehydration, fatigue, heat stress and muscle strain for defence personnel.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Indian Scientists Trace Ladakh Magmatic Arc Formation to Neo-Tethys Subduction

[Ladakh]

Key Updates:

  • Indian scientists traced the Ladakh magmatic arc formation to subduction of the Neo-Tethys Oceanic Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.
  • The magmatic arc developed prior to the Indian-Eurasian plate collision and produced extensive igneous rocks now dominating the Ladakh region.
  • Study indicates the arc’s evolution contributed crucially to early Himalayan orogeny, crustal growth and mountain uplift.
  • Variations in magma composition and timing revealed by the research provide clues on tectonic processes and geodynamic evolution of the northwestern Himalaya.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Geological Survey of India (GSI) declares Kalinjar Fort area National Geo-Heritage Site

[Uttar Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • The Geological Survey of India (GSI) declared the hill region surrounding Kalinjar Fort in Banda district a National Geo-Heritage Site on 16 March 2026.
  • The site exhibits the Eparchaean Unconformity where 2.5-billion-year-old Bundelkhand granite is overlain by 1.2-billion-year-old Kaimur sandstone.
  • The region lies within the Vindhya Mountain range and contains temples from the Gupta dynasty including the Neelkanth Mahadev temple.
  • GSI installed an information board at the site to highlight its geological importance and historical relevance.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Kanger Valley National Park Status 1982 (End of December)

Kanger Valley got the status of a national park in the year 1982. The state bird, Bastar Maina, is a type of Hill maina (gruncula Dhariosoa), which is capable of emulating the human voices.

Reliance MET City’s Metropolis earns India’s first LEED Platinum pre-certification under LEED for Cities: Plan and Design.

[Reliance]

Key Updates:

  • Metropolis by Reliance MET City, Haryana, received India’s first LEED Platinum Pre-Certification under the LEED for Cities: Plan and Design rating system, as confirmed by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).
  • LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
  • The LEED for Cities and Communities: Plan and Design program evaluates large-scale developments at the planning stage across infrastructure, energy, water, mobility, ecology, and livability.
  • Metropolis is part of a 140-acre master plan within the 8,250-acre Reliance MET City in Jhajjar district, Haryana.
  • Reliance MET City hosts over 650 companies from 11 countries and supports more than 40,000 jobs.
  • Metropolis is located in Village Daryapur on MDR 123, 0 km from Delhi and 5 minutes from the KMP Expressway.
  • Nearby assets include AIIMS Badsa, the upcoming Haryana Orbital Corridor, and the proposed BCCI international cricket stadium.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd secures $39 million SCI contract for India’s first methanol-powered platform supply vessel

[Shipping Corporation of India, Mazagon Dock]

Key Updates:

  • Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) signed a $39 million shipbuilding contract with Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI) on 18 March for a 3,000 Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) methanol dual-fuel platform supply vessel.
  • SCI reduced the order to one vessel from the original plan of two firm and two optional platform supply vessels due to high costs quoted by Indian yards.
  • The methanol-powered dual-fuel platform supply vessel is funded under India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
  • SCI selected high-pressure injection technology for the dual-fuel engine to lower pilot fuel percentage despite higher capital expenditure.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Masi Magam observed by Irular community on Mamallapuram seashores

Key Updates:

  • Masi Magam is celebrated on the full moon day (Pournami) in the Tamil month of Masi.
  • The Irular community gathers in thousands on the Mamallapuram seashore to perform marriages, naming ceremonies, ear piercing and tonsuring.
  • They worship their patron deity Kanniammal, believed to have left the community in anger during the Tamil month of Margazhi.
  • Seven sand steps representing the seven Kannis (virgins) are created and offerings of flowers, betel leaves, lemons, puffed rice, neem leaves, broken coconuts and bananas are placed at dawn.
  • Edgar Thurston documented in Castes and Tribes of Southern India that Irulas periodically worship Kanniammal and Mari, the goddess of epidemic diseases.
  • Romulus Whitaker, a noted herpetologist, worked closely with the Irulars while studying snakes and venoms.
  • K.V. Kanniappan from Villupuram served as district coordinator for the International Justice Mission (IJM) in rehabilitating rescued bonded Irula labourers.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Gudi Padwa 2026 celebrated on March 19 (Mid of March)

Gudi Padwa 2026 is celebrated on March 19, 2026. Pratipada Tithi begins at 06:52 AM on March 19, 2026 and ends at 04:52 AM on March 20, 2026.

Pongal 2026 observed on January 14, 2026 (Mid of January)

Pongal is a four-day Hindu harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God that marks the beginning of Uttarayan, the sun’s journey northward. Thai Pongal and Makar Sankranti both fall on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with the…

Global Recycling Day 2026 marked by SOMANY Ceramics waste tile reuse initiative

Key Updates:

  • Global Recycling Day 2026 was marked by SOMANY Ceramics expanding its waste tile reuse initiative.
  • The initiative repurposed 8,100 sq. ft. of waste tile, diverting 12 tons from landfills and cutting an estimated 4.8 tons of CO₂ emissions.
  • Over 3,000 students across 40 institutes—including Manipal University Rajasthan, Amity University Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, KIIT School of Architecture and Planning Odisha, Sushant University Haryana, Indian Institute of Art and Design Delhi, and the Institute of Indian Interior Designers Hyderabad—participated in the campaign.

Related Current Affairs Coverage