Daily Current Affairs March 14 & 15

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs March 14 & 15. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly current affairs pdf.

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March 14 & 15 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs March 14 & 15

1. Which UNGA resolution declared 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia?
A) A/RES/75/201
B) A/RES/76/254
C) A/RES/74/188
D) A/RES/77/210
E) A/RES/73/154
Answer: B) A/RES/76/254

Event and Location:

• Event: International Day to Combat Islamophobia is observed annually to raise awareness about anti-Muslim discrimination, prejudice, and hatred.
• Location: Global
• Date: 15 March every year

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The United Nations General Assembly established this observance through Resolution A/RES/76/254 to recognise the growing concern over Islamophobia and encourage action against hate speech, violence, and discrimination targeting Muslims.
• Objectives: The observance aims to promote religious tolerance, mutual respect, interfaith dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and protection of human rights and religious freedom worldwide.

Important Terms Explained:

• Islamophobia: Islamophobia means fear, prejudice, discrimination, or hostility directed against Islam or Muslims.
• United Nations General Assembly: The United Nations General Assembly is the main deliberative body of the United Nations where all member states participate and resolutions are adopted.
• A/RES/76/254: A/RES/76/254 is the UNGA resolution adopted in 2022 that declared 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
• Organization of Islamic Cooperation: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation is an intergovernmental organisation that represents Muslim-majority countries and introduced the resolution through Pakistan.
• Christchurch mosque attacks: The Christchurch mosque attacks took place in New Zealand on 15 March 2019, killing 51 people during Friday prayers.

Tabular Summary:

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2. Why is Pi Day celebrated on 14 March?
A) It marks Einstein’s birth year
B) It matches the first digits of pi
C) It is UNESCO Science Day
D) It is the longest day of the year
E) It marks a major space discovery
Answer: B) It matches the first digits of pi

Event and Location:

• Event: Pi Day is celebrated every year to honor the mathematical constant π (pi) and promote interest in mathematics and STEM learning.
• Location: Global
• Date: 14 March every year

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Pi Day is observed through mathematics-based activities such as pi recitation contests, quizzes, lectures, workshops, and educational events in schools, universities, and science institutions.
• Objectives: The day aims to celebrate the importance of π, make mathematics engaging for students, and encourage interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Important Terms Explained:

• Pi: Pi is a mathematical constant that represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter and is approximately equal to 3.14159.
• Irrational number: An irrational number is a number whose decimal expansion continues infinitely without repeating in a fixed pattern.
• STEM: STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, a group of disciplines promoted for innovation and education.
• International Day of Mathematics: The International Day of Mathematics was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2019 and is observed on 14 March.
• Pi Approximation Day: Pi Approximation Day is observed on 22 July because the fraction 22/7 is a common approximation of pi.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs March 14 & 15

3. Which institution launched the Awareness Program on Digital Payments to promote safe online transactions in India?
A) SEBI
B) NABARD
C) RBI
D) SIDBI
E) IRDAI
Answer: C) RBI

Event and Location:

• Event: Reserve Bank of India launched the Awareness Program on Digital Payments to promote safe digital transactions and educate users about fraud prevention.
• Location: India; pilot phase in Maharashtra
• Date: March 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Reserve Bank of India has started a pilot awareness initiative on digital payments in partnership with CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd and plans to conduct in-person sessions through Village Level Entrepreneurs for around 10 lakh participants, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Objectives: The program aims to promote safe and confident use of digital payments, improve awareness about secure online transactions, prevent fraud, and strengthen public trust in the digital payments ecosystem.

Important Terms Explained:

• Reserve Bank of India: The Reserve Bank of India is the central bank of India responsible for monetary policy, banking regulation, and oversight of payment and settlement systems.
• Awareness Program on Digital Payments: The Awareness Program on Digital Payments is an RBI pilot initiative designed to educate users on secure digital transactions, fraud risks, and payment safety.
• Digital Payments Awareness Week: Digital Payments Awareness Week is a campaign period dedicated to spreading knowledge about safe and responsible use of digital payment systems.
• CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd: CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd is an organisation that helps deliver digital and e-governance services to citizens, particularly in rural areas through the Common Service Centre network.
• Village Level Entrepreneurs: Village Level Entrepreneurs are local operators in the Common Service Centre network who provide digital services and awareness support at the grassroots level.
• Thoda Dhyan Se: Thoda Dhyan Se is a multimedia awareness campaign launched by the RBI to remind users to stay alert against online payment scams and protect personal information.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs March 14 & 15

4. Which agency raised India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast to 7.5% on the basis of strong domestic demand?
A) IMF
B) World Bank
C) Fitch Ratings
D) RBI
E) OECD
Answer: C) Fitch Ratings

Event and Location:

• Event: Fitch Ratings raised India’s FY26 GDP growth forecast to 7.5% citing strong domestic demand and rising investment.
• Location: India
• Date: March 14, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Fitch Ratings revised India’s growth outlook upward from 7.4% to 7.5% for FY26 and also increased the FY27 forecast to 6.7%.
• Objectives: The revision reflects confidence in India’s economic resilience, supported by stronger consumer spending, rising investment activity, and continued domestic demand momentum.

Important Terms Explained:

• Fitch Ratings: Fitch Ratings is a global credit rating agency that assesses the creditworthiness of countries and companies and publishes economic growth outlooks.
• GDP growth forecast: GDP growth forecast is an estimate of how much a country’s economy is expected to expand over a specific period.
• Domestic demand: Domestic demand refers to total demand for goods and services within a country, mainly driven by consumption and investment.
• Consumer spending: Consumer spending means household expenditure on goods and services and is a major component of economic growth.
• Investment activity: Investment activity refers to spending on capital formation such as infrastructure, business expansion, and productive assets.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs March 14 & 15

5. Who has been appointed as the new Managing Director and CEO of HDFC ERGO General Insurance?
A) Anuj Tyagi
B) Keki M Mistry
C) Parthanil Ghosh
D) Sanjay Agarwal
E) Ritesh Kumar
Answer: C) Parthanil Ghosh

Event and Location:

• Event: HDFC ERGO General Insurance has appointed Parthanil Ghosh as its new Managing Director and CEO, succeeding Anuj Tyagi.
• Location: India
• Date: Appointment announced in March 2026; effective from April 16, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Board of HDFC ERGO General Insurance approved the appointment of Parthanil Ghosh as the new MD and CEO, subject to approvals from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India and other authorities.
• Objectives: The leadership transition is aimed at strengthening the company’s future growth, improving innovation, enhancing customer-centric services, and expanding its presence in India’s competitive insurance sector.

Important Terms Explained:

• HDFC ERGO General Insurance: HDFC ERGO General Insurance is a private sector general insurance company in India that offers retail, health, motor, crop, and commercial insurance products.
• Managing Director and CEO: The Managing Director and CEO is the top executive responsible for overall leadership, strategy, operations, and business growth of the company.
• Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India is the statutory regulator that oversees and regulates the insurance sector in India.
• General insurance: General insurance refers to non-life insurance products such as motor, health, travel, property, and crop insurance that provide financial protection against various risks.
• Underwriting: Underwriting is the process by which an insurer evaluates risk and decides the terms, pricing, and extent of insurance coverage.

Tabular Summary:

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6. Who took oath as the new President of Chile?
A) Gabriel Boric
B) Donald Trump
C) José Antonio Kast Rist
D) Xi Jinping
E) Sebastián Piñera
Answer: C) José Antonio Kast Rist

Event and Location:

• Event: José Antonio Kast Rist took oath as the President of Chile, beginning a new administration focused on security, economic reform, and stronger governance.
• Location: Santiago, Chile
• Date: March 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The new President announced priority action on crime control, border security, illegal migration, corruption, healthcare, education, employment, and financial transparency, including a planned tax reform bill.
• Objectives: The administration aims to restore public confidence, strengthen national security, improve economic stability, encourage investment, create jobs, and provide decisive leadership during a period of domestic and global challenges.

Important Terms Explained:

• President of Chile: The President of Chile is the head of state and government of Chile and leads the country’s executive administration.
• La Moneda Palace: La Moneda Palace is the presidential palace in Santiago and the official seat of the Chilean government.
• Tax reform bill: A tax reform bill is a legislative proposal to change the tax structure, in this case to reduce business taxes and encourage investment and job creation.
• Organized crime: Organized crime refers to structured criminal groups involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and smuggling.
• Shield of the Americas: Shield of the Americas is described in the article as a regional anti-drug cartel initiative linked to international cooperation.

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs March 14 & 15

7. Which Indian film was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026?
A) RRR
B) Homebound
C) Lagaan
D) The Elephant Whisperers
E) Salaam Bombay
Answer: B) Homebound

Event and Location:

• Event: Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, became the only Indian film shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.
• Location: India and Los Angeles, United States
• Date: Shortlist announced on 16 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released the shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category, in which Homebound was selected among 15 films from different countries.
• Objectives: The shortlist recognises outstanding international films and highlights global cinematic excellence, while Homebound’s selection reflects the rising international recognition of Indian cinema.

Important Terms Explained:

• Homebound: Homebound is an Indian film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan that was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026.
• Best International Feature Film: Best International Feature Film is an Academy Award category that honours feature films produced outside the United States with predominantly non-English dialogue.
• Academy Awards: The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, are annual awards presented to recognise excellence in global filmmaking across multiple categories.
• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the organisation that conducts the Academy Awards and oversees the nomination and awards process.
• Shortlist: A shortlist is the initial selected list of entries chosen before the final nomination stage in an award process.

Tabular Summary:

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8. Where was Purple Fest organised to celebrate the talent and achievements of Divyangjan?
A) Vigyan Bhawan
B) Rashtrapati Bhavan
C) India Gate
D) Parliament House
E) Raj Bhavan
Answer: B) Rashtrapati Bhavan

Event and Location:

• Event: Purple Fest was organised at Rashtrapati Bhavan to celebrate the talent, achievements, and aspirations of Divyangjan.
• Location: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, India
• Date: March 13, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The event brought together more than 8,000 Divyangjan at Amrit Udyan for games, exhibitions, awareness stalls, social interaction, and cultural performances, with the participation of organisations working for persons with disabilities.
• Objectives: The festival aimed to promote inclusion, dignity, equal opportunity, awareness about disabilities, and empowerment of Divyangjan as equal partners in the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Important Terms Explained:

• Purple Fest: Purple Fest is an inclusive event organised to recognise the talents, achievements, and rights of persons with disabilities and to promote awareness and acceptance in society.
• Divyangjan: Divyangjan is the term used in India for persons with disabilities, emphasising dignity, ability, and inclusion.
• Amrit Udyan: Amrit Udyan is the ceremonial garden located within Rashtrapati Bhavan, opened on special occasions for visitors and themed events.
• Viksit Bharat 2047: Viksit Bharat 2047 is India’s long-term vision to become a fully developed nation by the year 2047.
• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the central ministry responsible for welfare, empowerment, and social justice initiatives for disadvantaged and vulnerable sections, including persons with disabilities.

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs March 14 & 15

9. The CE20 cryogenic engine tested by ISRO is used in which launch vehicle?
A) PSLV
B) GSLV Mk II
C) LVM3
D) SSLV
E) ASLV
Answer: C) LVM3

Event and Location:

• Event: ISRO successfully carried out a sea-level hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine at 22-tonne thrust to enhance the payload capability of LVM3.
• Location: ISRO Propulsion Complex, India
• Date: March 10, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: ISRO conducted a 165-second sea-level hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine using a Nozzle Protection System and a multi-element igniter to validate engine performance at a higher thrust level of 22 tonnes.
• Objectives: The test aims to increase the payload capacity of Launch Vehicle Mark-3, support future satellite launches, improve reliability for advanced missions, and strengthen preparations for missions such as Gaganyaan.

Important Terms Explained:

• CE20 cryogenic engine: The CE20 cryogenic engine is an indigenous upper-stage engine developed by ISRO for the LVM3 rocket and is used in its cryogenic stage.
• Cryogenic engine: A cryogenic engine is a rocket engine that uses super-cooled liquid propellants, usually liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, to generate high efficiency thrust.
• LVM3: Launch Vehicle Mark-3 or LVM3 is India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle used for launching heavy satellites and major space missions.
• Nozzle Protection System: The Nozzle Protection System is a safety mechanism used during sea-level testing to maintain stable engine operation and prevent damage caused by flow separation and thermal stress.
• Gaganyaan: Gaganyaan is India’s human spaceflight mission programme aimed at sending Indian astronauts into space.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs March 14 & 15

10. What is the name of the annual joint military exercise conducted by the United States and South Korea?
A) Red Flag
B) Freedom Shield
C) Cobra Gold
D) Malabar
E) Yudh Abhyas
Answer: B) Freedom Shield

Event and Location:

• Event: The United States and South Korea have begun the large-scale Freedom Shield joint military exercise to strengthen combined defense preparedness.
• Location: South Korea and East Asia region
• Date: March 2026; current exercise continues until March 19, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Freedom Shield exercise includes command-post simulations, field training drills, and joint coordination activities between the armed forces of the United States and South Korea to improve military readiness.
• Objectives: The exercise aims to strengthen allied defense coordination, enhance response capacity against regional threats, maintain deterrence, and ensure preparedness amid tensions involving North Korea and wider regional security concerns.

Important Terms Explained:

• Freedom Shield: Freedom Shield is the annual joint military exercise conducted by the United States and South Korea to improve defense coordination and readiness against possible threats.
• Command-post simulations: Command-post simulations are military exercises that train commanders and units through scenario-based operational planning and decision-making without full battlefield deployment.
• MIM-104 Patriot Missile System: The MIM-104 Patriot Missile System is an advanced air defense system used to detect, track, and intercept incoming missiles, drones, and aircraft.
• Osan Air Base: Osan Air Base is a major military air base in South Korea near Seoul that supports operations of United States Forces Korea.
• United States Forces Korea: United States Forces Korea is the U.S. military command responsible for supporting the defense of South Korea and maintaining regional security coordination.

Tabular Summary:

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs March 14 & 15

11. Under which scheme was the Common Incubation Centre inaugurated at Tezpur University in Assam?
A) PM-KISAN
B) PMFME
C) PMGSY
D) PMAY
E) PMEGP
Answer: B) PMFME

Event and Location:

• Event: Union Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurated a PMFME Common Incubation Centre at Tezpur University to support food processing startups, farmers, SHGs, FPOs, and entrepreneurs.
• Location: Tezpur University, Sonitpur district, Assam, India
• Date: 13 March 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Ministry of Food Processing Industries established the Common Incubation Centre with financial support under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme to provide training, technical assistance, infrastructure, and modern food processing facilities.
• Objectives: The centre aims to promote food processing innovation, entrepreneurship, skill development, value addition to agricultural products, and market competitiveness in the North-Eastern region.

Important Terms Explained:

• PMFME: Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme is a government scheme that supports micro food processing units through financial assistance, capacity building, and market linkages.
• Common Incubation Centre: A Common Incubation Centre is a shared facility that provides entrepreneurs with infrastructure, product testing support, training, and technical guidance for developing food processing businesses.
• SHGs: Self-Help Groups are small community-based groups, often engaged in savings, credit, and income-generating activities, including micro-enterprises.
• FPOs: Farmer Producer Organizations are collective bodies formed by farmers to improve production, marketing, bargaining power, and access to resources.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is a national initiative aimed at promoting self-reliance, domestic production, and local enterprise development in India.
• Farm to Fork: Farm to Fork is an approach that strengthens the value chain from agricultural production to final consumption while reducing wastage and improving quality.

Tabular Summary:

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12. What is the purpose of the Sujal Gaon ID launched under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0?
A) To provide crop insurance
B) To map rural water supply schemes digitally
C) To issue land ownership records
D) To monitor school attendance
E) To register health centres
Answer: B) To map rural water supply schemes digitally

Event and Location:

• Event: Union Minister C.R. Paatil launched the Sujal Gaon ID, a unique digital identifier for every rural piped water supply scheme under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
• Location: India
• Date: March 14, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Ministry of Jal Shakti introduced the Sujal Gaon ID to digitally map rural drinking water schemes on a unified platform, improve monitoring, link scheme infrastructure with service areas, and strengthen governance under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
• Objectives: The initiative aims to improve transparency, enable real-time monitoring, support evidence-based decision-making, strengthen operations and maintenance, ensure quality infrastructure, and achieve universal rural tap water coverage by 2028.

Important Terms Explained:

• Sujal Gaon ID: Sujal Gaon ID is a unique digital identifier assigned to every rural drinking water supply scheme to enable complete digital mapping, monitoring, and management.
• Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0: Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 is the extended phase of India’s rural drinking water programme focused on universal tap water supply, digital reforms, sustainability, and community participation.
• Sujalam Bharat ID: Sujalam Bharat ID is a linked digital identity framework used for source-to-tap mapping and integration of rural water infrastructure data.
• Jal Seva Aankalan: Jal Seva Aankalan is a village-level assessment system used to evaluate the quality and status of water services.
• Meri Panchayat app: The Meri Panchayat app is a digital platform that supports citizen oversight and monitoring of local governance and rural services.
• Jan Bhagidari: Jan Bhagidari means people’s participation in governance and public service delivery.

Tabular Summary:

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13. When was the national initiative Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat launched by the Government of India?
A) 22 January 2015
B) 27 November 2024
C) 4 December 2025
D) 15 August 2024
E) 26 January 2026
Answer: B) 27 November 2024

Event and Location:

• Event: The Government of India launched the national initiative Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat to eliminate child marriage through awareness, reporting, enforcement, and empowerment of at-risk girls.
• Location: India
• Date: 27 November 2024

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The initiative focuses on awareness generation, community mobilisation, strengthening Child Marriage Prohibition Officers, timely reporting of child marriage cases, digital monitoring through the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal, and identification of girls at risk for education and skill support.
• Objectives: The campaign aims to make India free from child marriage, protect children’s rights, improve girls’ education and safety, strengthen legal enforcement, and encourage community participation in prevention efforts.

Important Terms Explained:

• Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat: Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat is a national initiative of the Government of India to end child marriage through legal enforcement, public awareness, reporting systems, and empowerment measures.
• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 is the main law that prohibits child marriage in India and provides punishment for those who conduct, promote, or participate in it.
• Child Marriage Prohibition Officers: Child Marriage Prohibition Officers are officials appointed under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act to prevent child marriages, collect evidence, counsel communities, and raise awareness.
• Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal: The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal is an online platform used for reporting child marriage cases, spreading awareness, registering pledges, and maintaining a database of CMPOs.
• 100 Days Special Campaign: The 100 Days Special Campaign was launched on 4 December 2025 under Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat to intensify outreach, upload CMPO details, and encourage local bodies to declare areas child-marriage-free.
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is a government initiative launched in 2015 to promote the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 14 & 15

14. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled and laid the foundation for projects worth over how much in Assam?
A) ₹12,000 crore
B) ₹18,500 crore
C) ₹24,000 crore
D) ₹30,000 crore
E) ₹36,000 crore
Answer: C) ₹24,000 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth over ₹24,000 crore in Assam, covering infrastructure, energy, railways, waterways, and welfare measures.
• Location: Assam, India
• Date: March 14, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The projects include distribution of land ownership certificates to tea garden workers, release of the 22nd installment of PM-KISAN, launch of energy and pipeline projects, railway electrification works, waterways infrastructure, and inauguration of PM Ekta Mall in Guwahati.
• Objectives: The initiatives aim to improve connectivity, strengthen energy infrastructure, support farmers, promote local artisans, expand tourism, boost industrial growth, and provide legal land rights and social security to tea garden communities.

Important Terms Explained:

• PM-KISAN: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi is a central sector scheme under which eligible farmers receive direct income support in installments through Direct Benefit Transfer.
• Direct Benefit Transfer: Direct Benefit Transfer is a system through which government benefits are transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts to improve transparency and reduce leakages.
• North East Gas Grid: The North East Gas Grid is a regional gas pipeline network aimed at improving gas connectivity and supporting economic development in northeastern India.
• ODOP: One District One Product is an initiative that promotes a district’s unique product to support local manufacturing, branding, and market access.
• GI-tagged products: Geographical Indication-tagged products are goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or reputation linked to that region.
• Bodo Peace Accord: The Bodo Peace Accord is an agreement aimed at bringing peace, stability, and development to the Bodoland region of Assam.

Tabular Summary:

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15. Yoga Mahotsav 2026 marked the 100-day countdown to which edition of the International Day of Yoga?
A) 10th
B) 11th
C) 12th
D) 13th
E) 14th
Answer: C) 12th

Event and Location:

• Event: Yoga Mahotsav 2026 was inaugurated to begin the 100-day countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga and promote yoga for holistic health and well-being.
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date: March 14, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Ministry of Ayush inaugurated Yoga Mahotsav 2026, launched 10 Yoga Protocols for Non-Communicable Diseases, introduced Yoga for Air Travel, and promoted the Yoga 365 campaign with digital and community-based initiatives.
• Objectives: The event aims to popularise yoga as a global practice for physical fitness, mental well-being, preventive healthcare, balanced living, and daily wellness across different age groups and conditions.

Important Terms Explained:

• Yoga Mahotsav 2026: Yoga Mahotsav 2026 is the flagship event launched to start the 100-day countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga.
• International Day of Yoga: The International Day of Yoga is observed every year on 21 June to spread awareness about the benefits of yoga for health and well-being.
• Non-Communicable Diseases: Non-Communicable Diseases are long-term medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease that are not spread from person to person.
• Yoga for Air Travel: Yoga for Air Travel is a special protocol featuring simple seated yogasanas, pranayama, and meditation practices for passengers during flights.
• Yoga 365: Yoga 365 is a campaign designed to encourage people to practise yoga every day through online sessions, outreach, and public participation.
• Ayush Grid: Ayush Grid is a digital platform under the Ministry of Ayush that supports technology-driven initiatives, including AI-based posture correction tools for yoga practice.

Tabular Summary:

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16. Which ministry hosted the AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav 2026 to honour women SHGs contributing to urban water management?
A) Ministry of Jal Shakti
B) Ministry of Rural Development
C) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
D) Ministry of Women and Child Development
E) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Answer: C) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Event and Location:

• Event: MoHUA hosted AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav 2026 to celebrate the contribution of women Self-Help Groups in strengthening urban water management under AMRUT 2.0.
• Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India
• Date: March 14, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The event recognised the work of women SHGs, known as AMRUT Mitras, in water quality testing, billing and collection, community mobilisation, Operations and Maintenance, and Faecal Sludge Management under AMRUT 2.0.
• Objectives: The programme aims to strengthen women-led urban water governance, improve sustainable water services, promote community participation, support water conservation, and expand livelihood opportunities for women in city-level service delivery.

Important Terms Explained:

• AMRUT 2.0: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 is a flagship urban mission focused on universal water supply, sewerage, water body rejuvenation, and sustainable urban water management.
• AMRUT Mitras: AMRUT Mitras are women Self-Help Group members engaged in urban water and sanitation services under AMRUT 2.0.
• Self-Help Groups: Self-Help Groups are community-based groups, often led by women, that work for livelihood generation, local participation, and service delivery.
• Operations and Maintenance: Operations and Maintenance refers to the regular management, upkeep, and functioning of public utility systems and infrastructure.
• Faecal Sludge Management: Faecal Sludge Management is the process of safe collection, transport, treatment, and disposal or reuse of sludge from on-site sanitation systems.
• Jan Bhagidari: Jan Bhagidari means people’s participation in governance and public service delivery.

Tabular Summary:

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17. Which river is being developed as a major transport and economic corridor through the new waterways projects launched in Assam?
A) Ganga
B) Godavari
C) Brahmaputra
D) Narmada
E) Mahanadi
Answer: C) Brahmaputra

Event and Location:

• Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ₹526 crore inland waterways projects in Assam and dedicated the elevated Pandu Port–NH-27 corridor to improve connectivity, tourism, trade, and skill development.
• Location: Assam, India
• Date: March 14, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The projects include the dedication of the elevated road corridor from Pandu Port to NH-27, foundation laying for cruise terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Neamati, and Bhoomi Pujan for the Regional Centre of Excellence at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh under the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
• Objectives: The initiatives aim to strengthen inland water transport on the Brahmaputra, improve port connectivity, promote cruise tourism, reduce logistics costs, create employment, and develop skilled manpower for the waterways sector in the Northeast.

Important Terms Explained:

• Inland Waterways Authority of India: The Inland Waterways Authority of India is the statutory body responsible for the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation in India.
• NW-2: National Waterway-2 refers to the Brahmaputra River waterway in Assam, an important inland transport corridor in Northeast India.
• Pandu Port: Pandu Port is a major river port in Guwahati that plays an important role in cargo and passenger movement through inland waterways.
• Regional Centre of Excellence: The Regional Centre of Excellence at Bogibeel is a maritime skill development and training hub for inland navigation, vessel operations, and logistics.
• Act East Policy: Act East Policy is India’s strategic policy aimed at strengthening economic and connectivity ties with Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
• Cruise tourism: Cruise tourism refers to travel and recreational activities through river or sea cruise services that support tourism, local business, and hospitality sectors.

Tabular Summary:

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18. Which authority issues the food business licences that were granted lifetime validity under the new reform?
A) NABARD
B) FSSAI
C) SEBI
D) IRDAI
E) TRAI
Answer: B) FSSAI

Event and Location:

• Event: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare approved perpetual validity for FSSAI registrations and licences and removed dual licensing for street food vendors.
• Location: India
• Date: March 14, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The reform grants lifetime validity to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India licences and registrations, revises turnover thresholds for food business categories from April 1, 2026, removes dual registration for eligible street vendors, and introduces a technology-enabled risk-based inspection system.
• Objectives: The reform aims to reduce compliance burden, cut paperwork, lower costs, improve ease of doing business, simplify regulation for food business operators, and allow regulators to focus more on food safety monitoring and enforcement.

Important Terms Explained:

• FSSAI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is the national food regulator responsible for food safety standards, licensing, and regulation of food businesses in India.
• Perpetual validity: Perpetual validity means a licence or registration remains valid indefinitely unless it is suspended or cancelled for violations.
• Food Business Operators: Food Business Operators are individuals or entities involved in the manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, distribution, or sale of food products.
• Risk-based inspection: Risk-based inspection is a system in which businesses are inspected based on the nature of food handled, compliance history, audit results, and enforcement data.
• Street Vendors Act, 2014: The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 regulates street vending and protects the livelihood rights of street vendors.
• Dual licensing: Dual licensing refers to the requirement of obtaining separate registrations from more than one authority for the same business activity.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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