Daily Current Affairs March 26
Table of Contents
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March 26 | Daily Current Affairs 2026
Sports – Daily Current Affairs March 26
1. Which Indian team won a bronze medal by defeating Malaysia 5-1 at the Asia Cup Archery Stage 1?
A) Men’s Recurve Team
B) Women’s Recurve Team
C) Men’s Compound Team
D) Women’s Compound Team
E) Mixed Compound Team
Answer: B) Women’s Recurve Team.
Event and Location:
- Event: India won two bronze medals at Asia Cup Archery Stage 1 and also entered multiple finals in recurve and compound events.
- Location: Asia Cup Archery Stage 1 tournament venue as mentioned in the article.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: India participated in team and individual events at Asia Cup Archery Stage 1, where the women’s recurve team and men’s compound team secured bronze medals, while several Indian archers also advanced to finals in both team and individual categories.
- Objectives: The performance aims to strengthen India’s medal prospects in continental archery, improve competitive results in recurve and compound events, and build momentum for future international tournaments.
Important Terms Explained:
- Asia Cup Archery Stage 1: A continental archery tournament featuring team and individual events in recurve and compound categories.
- Recurve Archery: A form of archery in which the bow tips curve outward and which is also the format used in the Olympics.
- Compound Archery: A form of archery that uses a pulley system to improve accuracy and scoring consistency.
- Team event: An archery event in which a group of archers competes together against another team.
- Final: The medal-deciding match in which the winner competes for gold and the loser secures silver if it is a title clash.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | India’s performance at Asia Cup Archery Stage 1. |
| Date | March 26, 2026. |
| Location | Tournament venue not specifically mentioned in the article. |
| Bronze medals won | India won two bronze medals in the Women’s Recurve Team and Men’s Compound Team events. |
| Key figures | Ruma Biswas, Kirti, Ridhi Phor, Rajat Chauhan, Rishabh Yadav, and Uday Kamboj contributed to the bronze medals. |
| Feature details | India also reached finals in the men’s recurve team, women’s compound team, men’s compound individual, and women’s recurve individual events. |
| Purpose / reason | The tournament performance highlights India’s strong medal prospects, especially in compound archery. |
| Strategic / significant value | The results reflect India’s growing strength in continental archery despite a weaker showing in men’s recurve. |
2. Which organization is conducting India’s first National Indoor Athletics Championships 2026 at Kalinga Indoor Stadium?
A) Sports Authority of India
B) Athletics Federation of India
C) International Olympic Committee
D) Ministry of Youth Affairs
E) Indian Olympic Association
Answer: B) Athletics Federation of India.
Event and Location:
- Event: India’s first National Indoor Athletics Championships 2026 has commenced at Kalinga Indoor Stadium.
- Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Athletics Federation of India has organized the two-day National Indoor Athletics Championships 2026 featuring more than 278 athletes competing across indoor track and field events on a world-class 200m synthetic track.
- Objectives: The championship aims to promote indoor athletics in India, provide athletes with high-quality competitive exposure, and strengthen India’s preparation for hosting the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 in Bhubaneswar.
Important Terms Explained:
- National Indoor Athletics Championships 2026: India’s first national-level indoor athletics competition featuring track and field events in a controlled indoor environment.
- Kalinga Indoor Stadium: A state-of-the-art sports venue in Bhubaneswar inaugurated in 2024 and selected to host the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028.
- Indoor athletics: A format of athletics conducted inside a covered stadium, generally on a 200m track, with conditions unaffected by weather or wind.
- 200m banked synthetic track: A specially designed indoor track with curved raised turns that helps athletes maintain speed during races.
- World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028: A major international indoor track and field event that Bhubaneswar is scheduled to host.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | National Indoor Athletics Championships 2026. |
| Date | March 26, 2026. |
| Location | Kalinga Indoor Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. |
| Issuing authority / organiser | Athletics Federation of India. |
| Participation | More than 278 athletes are competing in the championship. |
| Venue features | The stadium includes a 200m banked synthetic track, 100m straight sprint track, and field event zones. |
| Feature details | The event includes 11 events each for men and women, with some competitions also held for the Under-20 category. |
| Strategic / significant value | The championship serves as a preparation step for the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 and boosts India’s indoor athletics ecosystem. |
Ranking – Daily Current Affairs March 26
3. According to the 2025 World Air Quality Report, which city became the world’s most polluted city by overtaking Delhi?
A) Noida
B) Faridabad
C) Ghaziabad
D) Loni
E) Gurugram
Answer: D) Loni.
Event and Location:
- Event: Loni near Ghaziabad has overtaken Delhi to become the world’s most polluted city according to the 2025 World Air Quality Report.
- Location: Loni, near Ghaziabad, in the National Capital Region of India.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The 2025 World Air Quality Report has highlighted extremely high PM2.5 concentration levels in Loni, showing that severe air pollution is no longer limited to Delhi and has expanded across the NCR.
- Objectives: The report aims to draw attention to rising air pollution, underline the health risks of prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter, and emphasize the need for stronger policy action, regional coordination, and long-term pollution control measures.
Important Terms Explained:
- World Air Quality Report: A global report that assesses air pollution levels across cities based on indicators such as PM2.5 concentration.
- PM2.5: Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less that can enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing major health risks.
- National Capital Region: A regional planning area centered around Delhi that includes nearby cities such as Ghaziabad, Noida, and Faridabad.
- Industrial emissions: Pollutants released from factories and industrial units that significantly contribute to poor air quality.
- Stubble burning: The practice of burning crop residue in agricultural fields, which adds to seasonal air pollution in northern India.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Loni becoming the world’s most polluted city. |
| Date | March 26, 2026. |
| Location | Loni near Ghaziabad in the NCR. |
| Issuing authority / organiser | IQAir through the 2025 World Air Quality Report. |
| Key figures | Loni recorded an annual average PM2.5 level of 112.5 µg/m³. |
| Purpose / reason | The report highlights the worsening air pollution crisis across the NCR and India. |
| Feature details | Major causes include industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, construction dust, open waste burning, and stubble burning. |
| Strategic / significant value | The finding shows that air pollution in the NCR is a regional crisis requiring coordinated policy action. |
4. Which institution achieved the highest rank among the Indian institutions mentioned in the QS World University Rankings 2026 article?
A) IIT Delhi
B) IIT Bombay
C) IIT Madras
D) IIM Ahmedabad
E) IIM Calcutta
Answer: D) IIM Ahmedabad.
Event and Location:
- Event: India recorded a major improvement in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by increasing its top 50 subject entries from 12 in 2024 to 27 in 2026.
- Location: India, in the context of a global higher education ranking.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The QS World University Rankings 2026 assessed universities and academic subjects across multiple indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, research output, and international collaboration, highlighting the global standing of Indian institutions.
- Objectives: The rankings aim to evaluate academic quality and competitiveness across institutions, while India’s improved performance reflects stronger research, better institutional visibility, and growing global competitiveness in higher education.
Important Terms Explained:
- QS World University Rankings: A global ranking system released by QS Quacquarelli Symonds that evaluates universities and subjects on parameters such as reputation, research, and international collaboration.
- Academic reputation: An indicator that reflects how universities are perceived by academics worldwide in terms of teaching and research quality.
- Employer reputation: A ranking parameter that measures how employers view graduates from a university in terms of employability and skills.
- International collaboration: Academic and research partnerships between institutions across countries that improve visibility, innovation, and global engagement.
- Research output: The quantity and impact of scholarly work produced by an institution, including publications and citations.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | India’s improved performance in the QS World University Rankings 2026. |
| Date | March 26, 2026. |
| Location | India in a global university ranking context. |
| Issuing authority / organiser | QS Quacquarelli Symonds. |
| Key figures | India increased its top 50 entries from 12 in 2024 to 27 in 2026. |
| Top performer | IIM Ahmedabad ranked 21st in Business and Management Studies among the institutions mentioned. |
| Feature details | Strong performances were recorded by IITs and IIMs in engineering, petroleum engineering, and management disciplines. |
| Strategic / significant value | The rankings reflect improvement in India’s academic quality, research strength, and global competitiveness. |
5. Which of the following is a key target in India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031–2035?
A) 30% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP
B) 40% installed power capacity from non-fossil sources
C) 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP
D) Net Zero target by 2050
E) Complete phase-out of coal by 2035
Answer: C) 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP.
Event and Location:
- Event: The Union Cabinet has approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution targets for 2031–2035.
- Location: India, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change framework.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031–2035 sets new climate targets including a 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP, 60% installed power capacity from non-fossil sources, and creation of a 3.5–4 billion tonne carbon sink through forests and tree cover.
- Objectives: The updated targets aim to strengthen India’s climate action under the Paris Agreement, accelerate clean energy transition, enhance carbon sequestration, and support the country’s long-term Net Zero 2070 commitment while balancing development needs.
Important Terms Explained:
- Nationally Determined Contribution: A climate action plan submitted by a country under the Paris Agreement that outlines targets for emission reduction and climate-related action.
- Emissions intensity of GDP: The amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced per unit of economic output, used to measure how carbon-efficient an economy is.
- Non-fossil power capacity: Installed electricity generation capacity from sources other than coal, oil, and gas, such as solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear energy.
- Carbon sink: A natural or artificial system that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits, such as forests and tree cover.
- CBDR-RC: Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities is a principle under international climate negotiations that recognizes differing responsibilities and capacities among countries.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Approval of India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution targets for 2031–2035. |
| Date | March 26, 2026. |
| Location | India under the UNFCCC framework. |
| Issuing authority / organiser | Union Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. |
| Key figures | 47% emissions intensity reduction, 60% non-fossil power capacity, and 3.5–4 billion tonne carbon sink. |
| Purpose / reason | To raise India’s climate ambition and advance its clean energy and emissions reduction agenda. |
| Feature details | The updated targets will be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. |
| Strategic / significant value | The move strengthens India’s pathway toward Net Zero 2070 and enhances its role in global climate action. |
Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs March 26
6. What inflation target has the Government of India asked the Reserve Bank of India to maintain under the extended Flexible Inflation Targeting framework until March 2031?
A) 2% ±1%
B) 3% ±1%
C) 4% ±2%
D) 5% ±2%
E) 6% ±2%
Answer: C) 4% ±2%.
Event and Location:
- Event: The Government of India has extended the inflation-targeting framework for the Reserve Bank of India till March 2031.
- Location: India.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The government has directed the Reserve Bank of India to continue maintaining the retail inflation target at 4% with a tolerance band of ±2% till March 2031 under the Flexible Inflation Targeting framework.
- Objectives: The framework aims to ensure price stability, support transparent and accountable monetary policy, and balance inflation control with economic growth amid global uncertainty.
Important Terms Explained:
- Flexible Inflation Targeting: A monetary policy framework under which the central bank aims to keep inflation close to a fixed target while allowing limited short-term deviations.
- Monetary Policy Committee: A six-member committee headed by the RBI Governor that decides policy rates to maintain inflation within the target band.
- Consumer Price Index: The main measure of retail inflation that tracks changes in the prices of goods and services consumed by households.
- Repo rate: The policy interest rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends short-term funds to commercial banks to influence liquidity and inflation.
- Headline inflation: The overall inflation rate measured using the full Consumer Price Index, including food and fuel prices.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Extension of India’s inflation-targeting framework till March 2031. |
| Date | March 26, 2026. |
| Location | India. |
| Issuing authority / organiser | Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India. |
| Key figures | Inflation target retained at 4% with a tolerance band of 2% to 6%. |
| Purpose / reason | To maintain price stability and provide continuity in monetary policy. |
| Feature details | The framework, introduced in 2016, has now been extended again till March 2031. |
| Strategic / significant value | It strengthens policy credibility, supports inflation management, and promotes stable economic planning. |
Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs March 26
7. Who will succeed Sunil Bharti Mittal as the Non-Executive Chair of Airtel Africa from July 2026?
A) Shravin Bharti Mittal
B) Gopal Vittal
C) Sunil Mittal
D) Jeremy Hansen
E) Victor Glover
Answer: B) Gopal Vittal.
Event and Location:
- Event: Sunil Bharti Mittal has announced that he will step down as Chair of Airtel Africa, with Gopal Vittal set to take over as Non-Executive Chair and Shravin Bharti Mittal becoming Deputy Chair.
- Location: Airtel Africa’s operations across 14 African countries.
- Date: July 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The announcement marks a planned leadership transition in Airtel Africa, under which Sunil Bharti Mittal will step down from the chair role, Gopal Vittal will assume the position of Non-Executive Chair, and Shravin Bharti Mittal will take on the role of Deputy Chair.
- Objectives: The transition aims to ensure continuity in leadership, maintain strategic alignment between Bharti Group’s Indian and African telecom operations, and support the company’s future growth across its African markets.
Important Terms Explained:
- Airtel Africa: A telecommunications company operating across multiple African countries and providing mobile voice, data, and mobile money services.
- Non-Executive Chair: A leadership role focused on strategic guidance and board oversight rather than day-to-day operational management.
- Deputy Chair: A senior board-level position that supports the chairperson and helps ensure continuity in governance and strategic decision-making.
- GSMA: A global industry body representing mobile network operators and the broader mobile ecosystem worldwide.
- Airtel Money: The digital payments and mobile money platform associated with Airtel Africa’s financial services operations.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Leadership transition at Airtel Africa. |
| Date | July 2026. |
| Location | Airtel Africa’s operations in 14 African countries. |
| Issuing authority / organiser | Bharti Group / Airtel Africa. |
| Key figures | Sunil Bharti Mittal, Gopal Vittal, and Shravin Bharti Mittal. |
| Purpose / reason | To implement a planned leadership transition and ensure continuity in strategic direction. |
| Feature details | Gopal Vittal will become Non-Executive Chair and Shravin Bharti Mittal will serve as Deputy Chair. |
| Strategic / significant value | The transition is important for the long-term governance and growth of Airtel Africa’s telecom and digital services business. |
Appointments – Daily Current Affairs March 26
8. Who has been appointed as the new Director-General of the BBC with effect from May 18, 2026?
A) Tim Davie
B) Donald Trump
C) Matt Brittin
D) Sundar Pichai
E) Jeremy Hansen
Answer: C) Matt Brittin.
Event and Location:
- Event: The BBC has appointed Matt Brittin as its new Director-General.
- Location: United Kingdom.
- Date: May 18, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Matt Brittin will take charge as Director-General of the BBC following the resignation of Tim Davie in November 2025, at a time when the broadcaster is facing legal, editorial, and funding-related challenges.
- Objectives: The leadership change aims to guide the BBC through digital transformation, address questions related to credibility and governance, and manage ongoing debates over its funding model and public broadcasting role.
Important Terms Explained:
- BBC: The British Broadcasting Corporation is the United Kingdom’s public service broadcaster that provides news, information, and media content across television, radio, and digital platforms.
- Director-General: The chief executive head of the BBC who is responsible for the organisation’s overall leadership, operations, and strategic direction.
- EMEA: Europe, Middle East and Africa is a regional business term used to describe a major international operational area.
- Public broadcasting: A media model in which broadcasting services are meant to serve public interest through information, education, and cultural programming.
- Charter renewal: A formal process related to the legal and institutional framework that defines the powers, structure, and functioning of a public broadcaster such as the BBC.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Appointment of Matt Brittin as new Director-General of the BBC. |
| Date | May 18, 2026. |
| Location | United Kingdom. |
| Issuing authority / organiser | BBC. |
| Key figures | Matt Brittin and Tim Davie. |
| Purpose / reason | To provide new leadership as the BBC faces digital, legal, editorial, and funding-related challenges. |
| Feature details | Matt Brittin is a former Google executive who served as President for EMEA. |
| Strategic / significant value | The appointment signals a leadership shift toward digital and global media transformation at the BBC. |
Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs March 26
9. Which of the following best describes the significance of Artemis 2?
A) First human mission to Mars
B) First crewed Moon landing after Apollo 17
C) First crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17
D) First private deep-space mission
E) First space station mission beyond Earth orbit
Answer: C) First crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17.
Event and Location:
- Event: NASA is set to launch Artemis 2, the first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17.
- Location: United States, with mission operations linked to deep-space travel around the Moon.
- Date: April 1, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Artemis 2 is the first crewed flight under NASA’s Artemis program and is designed to take astronauts beyond low Earth orbit on a lunar flyby mission using the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft.
- Objectives: The mission aims to test human deep-space travel capabilities, validate spacecraft systems for future lunar missions, and prepare for upcoming missions intended to return humans to the lunar surface.
Important Terms Explained:
- Artemis 2: The first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis program, planned to send four astronauts around the Moon and back to Earth.
- Low Earth Orbit: The region of space relatively close to Earth where missions such as those to the International Space Station usually operate.
- Lunar flyby: A mission profile in which a spacecraft travels around the Moon without landing on its surface.
- Space Launch System: NASA’s heavy-lift rocket designed for deep-space exploration missions.
- Orion spacecraft: NASA’s crew capsule developed to carry astronauts on missions beyond Earth orbit.
- Wet Dress Rehearsal: A full launch simulation that tests countdown and fueling procedures before the actual launch.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Artemis 2 crewed deep-space mission. |
| Date | April 1, 2026. |
| Location | Mission from the United States with a journey around the Moon. |
| Issuing authority / organiser | NASA. |
| Key figures | Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. |
| Purpose / reason | To mark the return of human missions beyond low Earth orbit after more than 50 years. |
| Feature details | The mission will conduct a 10-day lunar flyby using the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft. |
| Strategic / significant value | It is a major step toward future human lunar landing missions under the Artemis program. |
Defence – Daily Current Affairs March 26
10. What is the main purpose of Operation Urja Suraksha launched by India?
A) To conduct submarine surveys in the Arabian Sea
B) To escort cargo vessels carrying energy supplies near the Strait of Hormuz
C) To build new naval bases in West Asia
D) To stop all shipping traffic in the Gulf of Oman
E) To replace commercial oil imports with domestic production
Answer: B) To escort cargo vessels carrying energy supplies near the Strait of Hormuz.
Event and Location:
- Event: India has launched Operation Urja Suraksha to escort cargo vessels carrying critical energy supplies amid rising tensions in West Asia.
- Location: Near the Strait of Hormuz and in the Gulf of Oman.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Operation Urja Suraksha is a naval mission under which the Indian Navy has deployed multiple frontline warships, including destroyers and frigates, to escort India-bound cargo vessels carrying crude oil, LNG, and LPG after they exit the high-risk zone near the Strait of Hormuz.
- Objectives: The mission aims to ensure the safe movement of vital energy shipments, reduce risks from conflict-related threats such as mines or hostile actions, and protect India’s energy security during instability in the Gulf region.
Important Terms Explained:
- Operation Urja Suraksha: A naval escort mission launched by India to protect cargo vessels carrying critical energy supplies through high-risk maritime zones.
- Strait of Hormuz: A strategically important maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with global sea routes and carrying a large share of global oil and gas trade.
- LNG: Liquefied Natural Gas is natural gas cooled into liquid form for easier storage and transportation over long distances.
- LPG: Liquefied Petroleum Gas is a fuel used for cooking, heating, and industrial purposes.
- Maritime chokepoint: A narrow sea route through which a large volume of global trade passes, making it highly sensitive to disruption.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Launch of Operation Urja Suraksha. |
| Date | March 26, 2026. |
| Location | Near the Strait of Hormuz and in the Gulf of Oman. |
| Issuing authority / organiser | Indian Navy. |
| Key figures | More than five frontline warships have reportedly been deployed. |
| Purpose / reason | To protect India-bound ships carrying crude oil, LNG, and LPG. |
| Feature details | Naval warships escort cargo vessels after they exit the Iranian-controlled high-risk zone. |
| Strategic / significant value | The mission is important for safeguarding India’s energy security amid rising tensions in West Asia. |
International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 26
11. Which of the following best explains why only select countries reportedly managed to move vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during the 2026 West Asia conflict?
A) They were members of a regional military alliance
B) They were classified by Iran as non-hostile nations
C) They were given direct control of shipping lanes
D) They stopped importing crude oil from the Gulf
E) They received a mandate from OPEC
Answer: B) They were classified by Iran as non-hostile nations.
Event and Location:
- Event: Sharp disruption in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz during the 2026 Iran-related West Asia conflict.
- Location: Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf with international waters in West Asia.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Iran reportedly adopted a selective passage approach in the Strait of Hormuz, allowing only certain countries to move vessels through the route during the conflict period.
- Objectives: The reported objective was to regulate maritime access during hostilities, maintain limited transit for selected countries, and use a strategically important sea route as a geopolitical pressure point.
Important Terms Explained:
- Strait of Hormuz: A narrow and strategically important waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to global sea routes and carries a major share of the world’s oil trade.
- Energy chokepoint: A narrow route through which a significant volume of oil or gas passes, making it highly sensitive to conflict or disruption.
- Strategic neutrality: A diplomatic posture in which a country maintains relatively balanced relations during conflict, helping avoid being treated as hostile.
- Transit fee: A payment reportedly made by a vessel or country to secure movement through a controlled or restricted route.
- Marine insurance costs: The insurance expenses borne by shipping companies, which rise sharply when vessels operate in conflict-prone waters.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Disruption of vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz during the 2026 West Asia conflict. |
| Date | Hostilities reportedly began on March 1, 2026, and the article was dated March 26, 2026. |
| Location | The disruption occurred in the Strait of Hormuz in West Asia. |
| Traffic impact | Ship movement reportedly dropped by nearly 95%, with only 138 ships recorded since March 1. |
| Countries allowed | Countries such as India, China, Pakistan, Thailand, and a Turkish vessel were reported to have secured or attempted passage. |
| Reason for selective passage | Iran reportedly allowed movement mainly for countries it considered non-hostile. |
| Economic significance | Nearly 20% of global oil supply passes through the strait, making the disruption globally significant. |
| Strategic value | The strait is a major global energy chokepoint due to its narrow width and role in oil and LNG trade. |
12. Which of the following is the main reason behind the repeated nationwide blackouts in Cuba in March 2026?
A) Expansion of hydropower generation
B) Ageing power infrastructure and fuel shortages
C) Sudden rise in electricity exports
D) Closure of internet services
E) Increase in private sector electricity supply
Answer: B) Ageing power infrastructure and fuel shortages.
Event and Location:
- Event: Nationwide power grid collapse in Cuba leading to repeated blackouts in March 2026.
- Location: Cuba.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The state-run electricity authority is engaged in restoring power supply after the collapse of the national grid. The crisis reflects repeated failure of the electricity system due to ageing infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and irregular fuel availability.
- Objectives: The immediate objective is to restore electricity across the country. The broader objective is to stabilize power generation, improve infrastructure reliability, reduce fuel vulnerability, and strengthen long-term energy security.
Important Terms Explained:
- Power grid collapse: Large-scale failure of the electricity transmission and distribution system that leads to widespread or nationwide blackouts.
- Ageing infrastructure: Old and deteriorating power plants, lines, and equipment that are more vulnerable to technical faults and breakdowns.
- Fuel shortage: Insufficient availability of fuel required to run thermal power plants and maintain regular electricity generation.
- Imported fuel dependence: Heavy reliance on foreign energy supplies, which makes a country vulnerable to external disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
- Renewable energy adoption: Use of energy sources such as solar and wind power to reduce dependence on conventional fuel-based electricity generation.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Nationwide power grid collapse in Cuba. |
| Date | March 26, 2026. |
| Location | Cuba. |
| Main cause | Ageing electricity infrastructure and severe fuel shortages. |
| Fuel situation | Cuba reportedly produces only about 40% of its fuel needs and depends heavily on imports. |
| Public impact | Blackouts disrupted cooking, refrigeration, communication, healthcare, and transportation. |
| Economic impact | Businesses faced reduced productivity and income losses during extended outages. |
| Long-term significance | The crisis highlighted structural weakness in Cuba’s energy system and low renewable energy adoption. |
13. Which of the following best explains the purpose of the 22-nation coalition formed during the Strait of Hormuz crisis in March 2026?
A) To impose new oil export taxes
B) To secure maritime routes and protect global oil supply
C) To block all Gulf shipping operations
D) To create a new regional currency system
E) To replace the International Energy Agency
Answer: B) To secure maritime routes and protect global oil supply.
Event and Location:
- Event: A 22-nation coalition was formed to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions and Iranian navigation restrictions.
- Location: Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf region in West Asia.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The coalition has come together to secure maritime routes, protect civilian shipping, and respond to the disruption caused by Iranian restrictions on vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz after March 2, 2026.
- Objectives: The move aims to ensure uninterrupted oil trade, maintain freedom of navigation under international law, stabilize global energy markets, and prevent wider economic disruption caused by supply uncertainty.
Important Terms Explained:
- Strait of Hormuz: A strategically important sea passage connecting the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes and carrying a major share of the world’s oil trade.
- Freedom of navigation: A principle of international law that allows ships to move through international waters without unlawful interference.
- Energy chokepoint: A narrow route through which a significant volume of global oil or gas supply passes, making it highly sensitive to geopolitical tensions.
- Strategic oil reserves: Emergency stockpiles of oil maintained by countries to manage supply disruptions and stabilize markets during crises.
- International Energy Agency: An international organization that works on energy security and can coordinate oil reserve releases during major supply disruptions.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Formation of a 22-nation coalition to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. |
| Date | March 26, 2026. |
| Location | Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf region of West Asia. |
| Trigger | Iranian restrictions on ship navigation after March 2, 2026 raised fears of supply disruption. |
| Key participants | The coalition includes countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, South Korea, and Australia. |
| Purpose / reason | To protect maritime trade routes and ensure uninterrupted global oil supply. |
| Feature details | The coalition condemned attacks on civilian vessels and supported freedom of navigation under international law. |
| Strategic / significant value | The move is important because the strait carries nearly 20 million barrels of oil daily and is critical to global energy security. |
14. Who has been selected to represent India at the World Youth Parliament 2026?
A) Christina Koch
B) Stuti Pradhan
C) Jeremy Hansen
D) Victor Glover
E) Reid Wiseman
Answer: B) Stuti Pradhan.
Event and Location:
- Event: Stuti Pradhan from Sikkim has been selected to represent India at the World Youth Parliament 2026.
- Location: Sikkim, India, with representation at an international youth forum.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The World Youth Parliament 2026 is an international forum that brings together young leaders from different countries to discuss global challenges and share policy ideas.
- Objectives: The platform aims to promote youth leadership, encourage cross-cultural dialogue, strengthen participation in policy-making, and prepare future leaders for global governance and diplomacy.
Important Terms Explained:
- World Youth Parliament: An international platform where young delegates from different countries discuss major global issues and propose youth-driven policy solutions.
- Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025: An initiative that encourages young Indians to participate in democratic processes, policy discussions, and parliamentary-style debates.
- Youth leadership: The ability of young individuals to influence decision-making, represent public concerns, and contribute to national and global development.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Selection of Stuti Pradhan to represent India at the World Youth Parliament 2026. |
| Date | March 26, 2026. |
| Location | Sikkim, India. |
| Issuing authority / organiser | World Youth Parliament 2026 as an international youth forum. |
| Key figures | Stuti Pradhan, winner of Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025. |
| Purpose / reason | To represent India in global youth discussions on policy and leadership. |
| Feature details | She was earlier recognized for debate skills, leadership, and parliamentary performance. |
| Strategic / significant value | Her selection reflects India’s growing emphasis on youth participation in global governance. |
Schemes – Daily Current Affairs March 26
15. Which of the following is a key feature of Rajasthan’s Industrial Park Promotion Policy 2026?
A) Minimum 5 acres for private parks
B) Only government-owned industrial parks
C) Development through private, hybrid, and PPP models
D) Removal of all industrial approvals
E) Mandatory focus only on export industries
Answer: C) Development through private, hybrid, and PPP models.
Event and Location:
- Event: Rajasthan has launched the Industrial Park Promotion Policy 2026 to attract investment, create jobs, and develop world-class industrial parks.
- Location: Rajasthan, India.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Industrial Park Promotion Policy 2026 provides a structured framework for the development of industrial parks in Rajasthan through multiple models including private ownership, hybrid land-sharing systems, and Public-Private Partnership arrangements.
- Objectives: The policy aims to attract domestic and foreign investment, generate employment, improve industrial infrastructure, promote sustainable industrial development, and strengthen Rajasthan’s position as a future-ready industrial hub.
Important Terms Explained:
- Industrial Park Promotion Policy 2026: A policy launched by the Rajasthan government to promote the planned development of industrial parks, attract businesses, and support economic growth.
- Public-Private Partnership: A development model in which the government and private sector jointly participate in funding, building, or managing infrastructure and public projects.
- Common Effluent Treatment Plant: A shared facility used to treat industrial wastewater from multiple units before its discharge, helping reduce environmental pollution.
- Raj Nivesh Portal: A digital platform aimed at enabling faster approvals and improving ease of doing business for investors in Rajasthan.
- Ease of doing business: A policy approach focused on simplifying procedures, reducing compliance burden, and improving the investment climate for businesses.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Launch of the Industrial Park Promotion Policy 2026. |
| Date | March 26, 2026. |
| Location | Rajasthan, India. |
| Issuing authority / organiser | Rajasthan state government led by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. |
| Purpose / reason | To attract investment, create jobs, and develop world-class industrial parks in the state. |
| Feature details | The policy allows development through private, hybrid, and PPP models. |
| Infrastructure norms | Private industrial parks must have a minimum area of 50 acres and at least 10 industrial units. |
| Strategic / significant value | The policy supports industrial growth, green development, and better ease of doing business in Rajasthan. |
16. What is a major feature of the modified UDAN 2.0 scheme approved by the Union Cabinet?
A) Development of 50 new airports only
B) Focus only on metro city air routes
C) Development of 100 new airports and 200 helipads
D) End of viability gap funding for airlines
E) Restriction of flights to international sectors
Answer: C) Development of 100 new airports and 200 helipads.
Event and Location:
- Event: The Union Cabinet has approved the modified UDAN 2.0 scheme with a financial outlay of ₹28,840 crore to strengthen regional air connectivity.
- Location: India, especially Tier-2, Tier-3, remote, hilly, island, and underrepresented regions.
- Date: March 26, 2026.
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The modified UDAN 2.0 scheme provides for the development of 100 new airports and 200 helipads, along with support for regional aircraft, helicopters, and seaplane operations through infrastructure creation, viability gap funding, and operations and maintenance support.
- Objectives: The scheme aims to improve affordable regional air connectivity, expand access to remote areas, boost tourism and trade, support sustainable aviation growth, and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Important Terms Explained:
- UDAN 2.0: The modified version of the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik scheme aimed at expanding affordable regional air connectivity with improved aviation infrastructure and long-term route viability.
- Viability Gap Funding: Financial support provided by the government to make commercially weak but socially important air routes viable for airlines.
- Helipad: A designated landing and take-off area for helicopters, especially useful in remote, hilly, and difficult-to-access regions.
- Seaplane operations: Aviation services using aircraft that can take off from and land on water bodies, helping connect areas with limited runway infrastructure.
- Operations and Maintenance support: Financial assistance provided for the upkeep and functioning of airports and helipads after their development.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Approval of modified UDAN 2.0 scheme. |
| Date | March 26, 2026. |
| Location | India. |
| Issuing authority / organiser | Union Cabinet. |
| Key figures | Total outlay of ₹28,840 crore, including 100 new airports and 200 helipads. |
| Purpose / reason | To improve affordable regional connectivity and expand aviation access in underserved areas. |
| Feature details | The scheme includes infrastructure development, Viability Gap Funding, and support for helicopters and seaplanes. |
| Strategic / significant value | It is expected to boost tourism, trade, accessibility, and balanced regional development. |
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