Daily Current Affairs March 17
Table of Contents
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March 17 | Daily Current Affairs 2026
Important Days – Daily Current Affairs March 17
1. On which date will World Social Work Day 2026 be observed?
A) 8 March 2026
B) 15 March 2026
C) 17 March 2026
D) 21 March 2026
E) 31 March 2026
Answer: C) 17 March 2026
Event and Location:
- Event: World Social Work Day 2026 will be observed to recognize the contribution of social workers in promoting justice, inclusion, and community cooperation
- Location: Worldwide
- Date: 17 March 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: World Social Work Day will be observed globally on the third Tuesday of March with the 2026 theme focused on unity, cooperation, and collective responsibility in divided societies
- Objectives: The day aims to recognize the work of social workers, promote human rights, encourage social justice, strengthen community participation, and support inclusive and sustainable societies
Important Terms Explained:
- World Social Work Day: It is an annual global observance held on the third Tuesday of March to recognize the work and contribution of social workers worldwide
- Social Justice: It refers to fairness, equality, and the protection of rights and opportunities for all members of society
- Harambee: It is an African philosophy originating from Kenya that means pulling together or all for one and reflects collective responsibility and community cooperation
- Human Rights: These are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person and are central to the work of social workers
- International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW): It is the global body associated with the recognition and promotion of the social work profession internationally
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | World Social Work Day 2026 |
| Announcement date | 17 March 2026 |
| Location | Worldwide |
| Issuing authority | International social work community led by IFSW |
| Policy/series name | Annual World Social Work Day observance |
| Key figures | Theme is “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society” |
| Purpose/reason | To recognize social workers and promote justice, inclusion, unity, and cooperation |
| Strategic/significant value | It highlights the role of social workers in building inclusive and harmonious societies |
Ranking – Daily Current Affairs March 17
2. Which state topped the Fiscal Health Index 2026 released by NITI Aayog?
A) Goa
B) Gujarat
C) Jharkhand
D) Maharashtra
E) Odisha
Answer: E) Odisha
Event and Location:
- Event: NITI Aayog released the Fiscal Health Index 2026, in which Odisha emerged as the top-performing state
- Location: India
- Date: March 17, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Fiscal Health Index 2026 evaluates the fiscal performance of Indian states for FY 2023-24 on the basis of expenditure quality, revenue mobilization, fiscal prudence, debt index, and debt sustainability
- Objectives: The index aims to assess how efficiently states manage public finances, maintain fiscal discipline, and ensure long-term financial stability
Important Terms Explained:
- Fiscal Health Index (FHI): It is an index released by NITI Aayog to measure the financial health and fiscal management of Indian states
- Revenue Mobilization: It refers to the ability of a state to generate income through taxes and other sources
- Fiscal Prudence: It means careful and disciplined management of public finances to avoid excessive deficits and wasteful expenditure
- Debt Sustainability: It refers to a state’s ability to manage and repay its debt without harming its long-term financial stability
- Debt Index: It is an indicator used to assess the debt position and borrowing-related strength of a state
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Fiscal Health Index 2026 released by NITI Aayog |
| Announcement date | March 17, 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | NITI Aayog |
| Top state | Odisha ranked first with a score of 73.1 |
| Top 3 states | Odisha, Goa, and Jharkhand |
| Purpose/reason | To assess state-level fiscal strength through revenue, expenditure, and debt indicators |
| Strategic/significant value | The index highlights fiscal discipline as states account for nearly one-third of India’s total public debt |
Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs March 17
3. India’s Wholesale Price Index inflation rose to what level in February 2026?
A) 1.55%
B) 1.81%
C) 2.13%
D) 2.92%
E) 4.73%
Answer: C) 2.13%
Event and Location:
- Event: India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to 2.13% in February 2026 due to higher food prices, manufacturing costs, and non-food articles
- Location: India
- Date: March 17, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The government released the latest WPI inflation data showing an increase in wholesale prices for February 2026, with higher inflation in food articles, manufactured products, and non-food items, while fuel and power remained in deflation
- Objectives: The purpose is to track changes in wholesale-level prices, assess producer-side inflation trends, and monitor cost pressures across sectors of the economy
Important Terms Explained:
- Wholesale Price Index (WPI): It measures the average change in prices of goods traded in bulk at the wholesale level before they reach retail consumers
- Inflation: It refers to the rise in the general price level of goods and services over a period of time
- Deflation: It refers to a decline in prices, as seen in the fuel and power category in this report
- Manufactured Products: These are industrially produced goods, and inflation in this category reflects rising production costs in sectors such as textiles and basic metals
- Food Inflation: It refers to the increase in prices of food-related items such as pulses, potatoes, eggs, meat, and fish
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Rise in India’s Wholesale Price Index inflation |
| Announcement date | March 17, 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Government of India |
| Policy/series name | Wholesale Price Index data for February 2026 |
| Key figures | WPI inflation at 2.13%, food inflation at 2.19%, manufactured products inflation at 2.92% |
| Purpose/reason | To measure wholesale price trends and production-side inflation in the economy |
| Feature details | Inflation rose due to food articles, non-food articles, and manufactured products, while fuel and power remained in deflation |
| Validity or status | Latest official inflation reading for February 2026 |
| Strategic/significant value | It indicates rising cost pressures in the production chain and helps assess inflationary trends in the economy |
| Previous month figure | WPI inflation was 1.81% in January 2026 |
| Food category trend | Food inflation increased from 1.55% in January to 2.19% in February |
| Vegetable inflation | Vegetable inflation eased from 6.78% to 4.73% |
| Fuel and power status | Fuel and power remained in deflation at –3.78% |
| Manufacturing trend | Manufactured products inflation rose from 2.86% to 2.92% |
4. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), what was India’s unemployment rate in February 2026?
A) 4.2%
B) 4.9%
C) 5.0%
D) 5.1%
E) 6.6%
Answer: B) 4.9%
Event and Location:
- Event: India’s unemployment rate declined to 4.9% in February 2026 as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
- Location: India
- Date: March 17, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the latest PLFS data for February 2026, showing a marginal decline in overall unemployment, an improvement in urban unemployment, a notable fall in female unemployment, and a stable labour force participation rate
- Objectives: The purpose is to measure employment and unemployment trends, assess labour market conditions in rural and urban areas, and provide statistical inputs for policy planning and labour market analysis
Important Terms Explained:
- Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): It is a national survey that provides data on employment, unemployment, and labour force indicators in India
- National Statistics Office (NSO): It is the government statistical agency responsible for collecting, compiling, and publishing official socio-economic data in India
- Unemployment Rate: It is the percentage of people in the labour force who are willing to work and are actively seeking work but are not employed
- Urban Unemployment Rate: It refers to the unemployment level among people living in urban areas and indicates job market conditions in cities
- Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): It is the percentage of the population that is either employed or actively seeking employment
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | India’s unemployment rate fell to 4.9% in February 2026 |
| Announcement date | March 17, 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | National Statistics Office |
| Policy/series name | Periodic Labour Force Survey |
| Key figures | Overall unemployment 4.9%, urban unemployment 6.6%, rural unemployment 4.2% |
| Feature details | Female unemployment declined, and labour force participation remained stable at 55.9% |
| Strategic/significant value | The data indicates a marginal improvement in labour market conditions |
5. India’s trade deficit widened to what level in February 2026 as imports surged sharply?
A) $14 billion
B) $24 billion
C) $27.1 billion
D) $36.61 billion
E) $63.71 billion
Answer: C) $27.1 billion
Event and Location:
- Event: India’s trade deficit widened to $27.1 billion in February 2026 due to a sharp rise in imports and a slight contraction in exports
- Location: India
- Date: March 17, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Commerce Department released India’s February 2026 trade data showing higher imports, lower exports, and a widening trade deficit, with gold and silver purchases being a major reason for the import surge
- Objectives: The data aims to monitor the country’s external trade performance, assess the balance between imports and exports, and understand the impact of global geopolitical and logistics conditions on trade
Important Terms Explained:
- Trade Deficit: It is the situation in which the value of a country’s imports is higher than the value of its exports
- Imports: These are goods and services purchased by a country from other countries
- Exports: These are goods and services sold by a country to other countries
- Balance of Trade: It refers to the difference between the value of exports and imports of a country over a period
- Strait of Hormuz: It is a strategically important maritime route through which a large share of global trade and energy shipments passes
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | India’s trade deficit widens in February 2026 |
| Announcement date | March 17, 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Commerce Department of India |
| Key figures | Trade deficit $27.1 billion, exports $36.61 billion, imports $63.71 billion |
| Purpose/reason | Imports surged mainly due to higher purchases of gold and silver |
| Feature details | Exports contracted by 0.81% while imports rose by 24% in February 2026 |
| Strategic/significant value | Global geopolitical tensions and logistics bottlenecks, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, affected trade flows |
Appointments – Daily Current Affairs March 17
6. Who has been re-elected as the Chairman of ATMA?
A) Rajarshi Moitra
B) Sanjay Chatterjee
C) Arun Mammen
D) Rajiv Budhraja
E) Ajay Banga
Answer: C) Arun Mammen
Event and Location:
- Event: Arun Mammen has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA)
- Location: India
- Date: 16 March 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: ATMA announced the re-election of Arun Mammen as Chairman, appointed Rajarshi Moitra as Vice Chairman, and elevated Sanjay Chatterjee as Director General
- Objectives: The leadership changes aim to strengthen industry representation, guide the tyre sector on policy and competitiveness issues, and support coordination within India’s automotive tyre industry
Important Terms Explained:
- ATMA: Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association is the apex industry body representing tyre manufacturers in India
- Tyre Industry: It refers to the manufacturing sector engaged in the production of tyres for vehicles and related automotive use
- Director General: It is the senior executive position responsible for managing the operational and administrative functions of an organization
- Vice Chairman: It is a leadership position that supports the Chairman in organizational decision-making and policy direction
- MRF Ltd: It is one of India’s leading tyre manufacturing companies and is associated with Arun Mammen through his role as Vice Chairman and Managing Director
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Arun Mammen re-elected as ATMA Chairman |
| Announcement date | 16 March 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association |
| Key figures | Arun Mammen re-elected Chairman, Rajarshi Moitra appointed Vice Chairman, Sanjay Chatterjee elevated as Director General |
| Purpose/reason | To strengthen leadership in India’s tyre industry body |
| Feature details | ATMA represents India’s USD 12 billion tyre industry and over 80% of tyre production |
| Strategic/significant value | The leadership changes are important for policy advocacy, industry coordination, and competitiveness in the tyre sector |
7. Who has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Uniqlo in India?
A) Virat Kohli
B) Rohit Sharma
C) Jasprit Bumrah
D) Hardik Pandya
E) Shubman Gill
Answer: C) Jasprit Bumrah
Event and Location:
- Event: Uniqlo appointed Jasprit Bumrah as its brand ambassador for India
- Location: India
- Date: 16 March 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Uniqlo announced its partnership with Jasprit Bumrah and launched a new campaign in India centred on the brand’s LifeWear philosophy across digital, social media, and retail platforms
- Objectives: The partnership aims to strengthen Uniqlo’s brand visibility in India, connect with sports and youth audiences, and promote comfortable, simple, and functional everyday clothing
Important Terms Explained:
- Uniqlo: It is a global apparel brand known for everyday clothing focused on comfort, simplicity, and functionality
- Brand Ambassador: It is a person chosen by a company to represent and promote its brand, products, and values
- LifeWear: It is Uniqlo’s clothing philosophy that focuses on practical, durable, comfortable, and timeless everyday wear
- Campaign: It refers to the organized promotional activity launched by a brand across various platforms to reach consumers
- Retail Platforms: These are physical store channels through which a brand displays and sells its products to customers
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Uniqlo appoints Jasprit Bumrah as brand ambassador for India |
| Announcement date | 16 March 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Uniqlo |
| Policy/series name | Uniqlo India brand campaign |
| Key figures | Jasprit Bumrah appointed as brand ambassador |
| Purpose/reason | To promote Uniqlo’s LifeWear philosophy and strengthen brand presence in India |
| Strategic/significant value | The partnership connects fashion branding with Indian cricket and youth-focused consumer outreach |
Awards – Daily Current Affairs March 17
8. The Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 was announced for literary works in how many Indian languages?
A) 18
B) 20
C) 22
D) 24
E) 28
Answer: D) 24
Event and Location:
- Event: The Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 was announced to honour outstanding literary works across 24 Indian languages
- Location: India
- Date: March 16, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Sahitya Akademi announced the winners of its annual literary awards for 2025 across 24 Indian languages, covering categories such as poetry, novels, short stories, essays, literary criticism, autobiography, and memoirs, and scheduled the award ceremony in New Delhi on March 31, 2026
- Objectives: The award aims to recognize excellence in Indian literature, encourage literary creativity in multiple languages, and celebrate original contributions across diverse literary traditions in India
Important Terms Explained:
- Sahitya Akademi: It is India’s National Academy of Letters and the apex literary institution that promotes literature, publishing, translation, and cultural exchange in multiple Indian languages
- Sahitya Akademi Award: It is an annual literary honour given by Sahitya Akademi to recognize outstanding books in the languages officially recognized by the Akademi
- National Academy of Letters: It refers to the national institution dedicated to the promotion and development of literature and literary culture in the country
- Literary Criticism: It is the study, interpretation, and evaluation of literary works based on style, theme, structure, and cultural significance
- Memoir: It is a literary form in which an author writes about personal experiences, memories, and reflections from life
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 announcement |
| Announcement date | March 16, 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Sahitya Akademi |
| Policy/series name | Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 |
| Key figures | Awards announced in 24 languages with winners across poetry, novels, essays, memoirs, autobiography, criticism, and short stories |
| Purpose/reason | To recognize outstanding literary works and promote excellence in Indian literature |
| Feature details | The awards cover 8 poetry books, 4 novels, 6 short story collections, 2 essay books, 1 literary criticism work, 1 autobiography, and 2 memoirs |
| Validity or status | Winners announced and award ceremony scheduled for March 31, 2026 |
| Strategic/significant value | The award strengthens literary recognition across Indian languages and supports the preservation of diverse literary traditions |
| Award ceremony date | March 31, 2026 |
| Ceremony venue | New Delhi |
| Award components | ₹1 lakh cash prize, a shawl, and a copper plaque |
| Selection process | Open call for nominations began in January 2025, followed by jury evaluation and approval by the competent authority |
| Institution background | Sahitya Akademi was established in 1954 as India’s national academy for literature |
9. The animated short film CHYIMI won which award at the New York Short Animation Festival 2026?
A) Best Film
B) Best Screenplay
C) Best Director
D) Best Animation Design
E) Jury Special Award
Answer: C) Best Director
Event and Location:
- Event: The Indian animated short film CHYIMI, directed by Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, won the Best Director award at the New York Short Animation Festival 2026
- Location: New York, United States
- Date: March 17, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The New York Short Animation Festival 2026 recognized CHYIMI with the Best Director award for excellence in animated storytelling, creativity, and artistic direction
- Objectives: The recognition aims to honour outstanding achievement in animation direction and highlights the growing international presence of Indian and Assamese storytelling on global creative platforms
Important Terms Explained:
- CHYIMI: It is an Indian animated short film directed by Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta that received international recognition at NYSAF 2026
- New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF): It is an international festival that showcases animated short films from different countries and recognizes excellence in animation and storytelling
- Best Director Award: It is an award given to honour outstanding direction, artistic vision, and storytelling execution in a film
- Animated Short Film: It is a short-duration film created through animation techniques to tell a story or convey an idea
- Assamese Storytelling: It refers to storytelling rooted in the culture, experiences, and creative traditions of Assam
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | CHYIMI wins Best Director at NYSAF 2026 |
| Announcement date | March 17, 2026 |
| Location | New York, United States |
| Issuing authority | New York Short Animation Festival |
| Policy/series name | NYSAF 2026 |
| Key figures | CHYIMI directed by Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta won Best Director |
| Purpose/reason | To honour excellence in animation direction and storytelling |
| Strategic/significant value | The award highlights the rising global recognition of Indian and Assamese animation |
International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 17
10. India submitted its first National Report on the Nagoya Protocol to which international convention?
A) Ramsar Convention
B) Convention on Biological Diversity
C) UN Convention to Combat Desertification
D) Paris Agreement
E) Basel Convention
Answer: B) Convention on Biological Diversity
Event and Location:
- Event: India submitted its first National Report on the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing to the Convention on Biological Diversity
- Location: India
- Date: 27 February 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority submitted India’s first national report under Article 29 of the Nagoya Protocol, covering progress made between 1 November 2017 and 31 December 2025 in access and benefit sharing, biodiversity governance, and community participation
- Objectives: The report aims to show India’s progress in implementing Access and Benefit Sharing rules, ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge, and strengthen biodiversity conservation through national, state, and local institutions
Important Terms Explained:
- Nagoya Protocol: It is an international agreement adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2010 to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources
- Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS): It is the system through which benefits from the use of biological resources and traditional knowledge are shared with the countries and communities providing them
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): It is an international treaty focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of biological resources, and fair sharing of benefits
- National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP): It is a national framework that guides biodiversity conservation and implementation of global biodiversity targets
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002: It is India’s main law for the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits from biological resources
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | India submits first National Report on the Nagoya Protocol |
| Announcement date | 27 February 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | MoEFCC in collaboration with NBA |
| Policy/series name | Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing |
| Key figures | ₹216.31 crore mobilized through NBA approvals, ₹139.69 crore distributed to benefit claimers, ₹51.96 crore generated through SBB approvals |
| Purpose/reason | To report India’s progress in access and benefit sharing and biodiversity governance from 2017 to 2025 |
| Strategic/significant value | It reflects India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, community participation, and fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources |
11. India submitted its Seventh National Report (NR-7) to which international convention?
A) Ramsar Convention
B) Convention on Biological Diversity
C) Paris Agreement
D) Basel Convention
E) CITES
Answer: B) Convention on Biological Diversity
Event and Location:
- Event: India submitted its Seventh National Report (NR-7) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) highlighting progress in biodiversity conservation, forest cover, wildlife protection, and community participation
- Location: India
- Date: 26 February 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change submitted India’s Seventh National Report under Article 26 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, presenting progress across biodiversity indicators, forest and tree cover, wetlands, wildlife conservation, and national biodiversity targets
- Objectives: The report aims to show India’s progress in biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, and alignment with global biodiversity commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Important Terms Explained:
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): It is an international environmental treaty adopted in 1992 to conserve biodiversity, ensure sustainable use of biological resources, and promote fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources
- Seventh National Report (NR-7): It is India’s latest national submission to the CBD presenting progress in biodiversity conservation and implementation of national and global biodiversity commitments
- National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs): These are country-level biodiversity goals used to measure progress in conservation, sustainable use, and ecosystem management
- Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF): It is a global agreement aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030
- Ramsar Wetlands: These are wetlands recognized under the Ramsar Convention for their international ecological importance
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | India submits Seventh National Report to Convention on Biological Diversity |
| Announcement date | 26 February 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
| Policy/series name | Seventh National Report under Convention on Biological Diversity |
| Key figures | All 23 National Biodiversity Targets are on track and the report uses 142 national indicators |
| Purpose/reason | To present India’s progress in biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and benefit sharing |
| Strategic/significant value | It reflects India’s alignment with global biodiversity goals and highlights progress in forests, wetlands, and wildlife conservation |
12. India has started negotiations for a PTA with which country under the newly signed Terms of Reference?
A) Maldives
B) Sri Lanka
C) Philippines
D) Thailand
E) Indonesia
Answer: C) Philippines
Event and Location:
- Event: India signed Terms of Reference (ToR) with the Philippines and Maldives to begin negotiations for new trade agreements
- Location: India, Philippines and Maldives
- Date: March 17, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: India will negotiate a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with the Philippines and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Maldives after signing the Terms of Reference for the proposed trade talks
- Objectives: The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral economic ties, promote trade, improve market access, reduce tariff barriers, and expand cooperation in goods, services, and investments
Important Terms Explained:
- Terms of Reference (ToR): It is a formal framework that defines the scope, structure, and agenda for negotiations between countries
- Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA): It is a trade arrangement under which partner countries reduce or remove import duties on selected goods
- Free Trade Agreement (FTA): It is a broader trade agreement that reduces or eliminates tariffs on a wide range of goods and often includes services and investment provisions
- Tariff: It is a tax imposed on imported goods, and trade agreements often aim to reduce or remove such duties
- Bilateral Trade: It refers to trade in goods and services between two countries
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | India begins trade pact talks with Philippines and Maldives |
| Announcement date | March 17, 2026 |
| Location | India, Philippines and Maldives |
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Policy/series name | PTA talks with Philippines and FTA talks with Maldives |
| Key figures | India exports to Philippines rose to $2.16 billion, while exports to Maldives fell to $56.88 million in 2024–25 |
| Purpose/reason | To strengthen trade relations and improve bilateral economic cooperation |
| Strategic/significant value | The move expands India’s regional trade engagement through targeted tariff reduction and broader market access |
National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 17
13. The 24 Speed Post service launched by India Post guarantees delivery within what time frame in its first phase?
A) Same day
B) Next day
C) Two days
D) Three days
E) One week
Answer: B) Next day
Event and Location:
- Event: India Post launched the 24 Speed Post service to provide next-day guaranteed delivery for urgent consignments in selected metro cities
- Location: India
- Date: 17 March 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Department of Posts launched 24 Speed Post from 17 March 2026 with next-day guaranteed delivery in six major cities, supported by dedicated processing, priority air transport, OTP-based delivery confirmation, tracking alerts, BNPL facility, and money-back guarantee
- Objectives: The service aims to improve the speed, reliability, security, and transparency of postal deliveries for urgent documents and parcels, especially for business and high-demand urban users
Important Terms Explained:
- 24 Speed Post: It is a new premium postal delivery service launched by India Post for guaranteed next-day delivery of urgent consignments in selected cities
- Department of Posts: It is the government department responsible for postal services in India and operates under the Ministry of Communications
- OTP-based Delivery: It is a secure delivery method in which a one-time password is used to confirm that the item has been delivered to the correct recipient
- BNPL: Buy Now Pay Later is a payment facility that allows business customers to use services first and make payments later as per approved billing arrangements
- Money-back Guarantee: It means customers are eligible for compensation or refund if the guaranteed delivery timeline is not met
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Launch of 24 Speed Post service |
| Announcement date | 17 March 2026 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Department of Posts |
| Policy/series name | 24 Speed Post |
| Key figures | Service launched in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad |
| Purpose/reason | To provide guaranteed next-day delivery for urgent parcels and documents |
| Feature details | OTP-based delivery, tracking alerts, BNPL facility, free pickup for bulk consignments, API integration, centralized billing, and money-back guarantee |
14. The Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program launched with support from the World Bank involves an agreement worth how much?
A) $150 million
B) $200 million
C) $250 million
D) $299.66 million
E) $350 million
Answer: D) $299.66 million
Event and Location:
- Event: The World Bank, the Government of India, and the Government of Uttar Pradesh launched the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program to improve air quality across the state
- Location: Uttar Pradesh, India
- Date: March 17, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The program will improve air quality through expanded air monitoring, promotion of clean transport, cleaner industrial practices, cleaner agriculture-related interventions, and transition of brick kilns to resource-efficient technologies
- Objectives: The program aims to reduce emissions from transport, industry, and agriculture, strengthen real-time air quality monitoring, attract private investment in clean mobility and emission control, and support cleaner development in one of the most polluted regions of India
Important Terms Explained:
- Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program: It is a state-level air quality improvement program supported by the World Bank to reduce emissions and strengthen pollution monitoring across Uttar Pradesh
- Air Quality Monitoring Stations: These are stations that measure pollutants in the air and provide real-time data to help authorities monitor and manage air pollution
- Electric Buses: These are public transport vehicles powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels and help reduce urban transport emissions
- Brick Kilns: These are industrial units used for making bricks and are a major source of particulate pollution in northern India when older technologies are used
- Regional Air Quality Management Program in the Indo Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF): It is a broader regional initiative supported by the World Bank to address severe air pollution across the Indo-Gangetic region
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Launch of Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program |
| Announcement date | March 17, 2026 |
| Location | Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Issuing authority | World Bank, Government of India, and Government of Uttar Pradesh |
| Policy/series name | Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program |
| Key figures | $299.66 million agreement with nearly 200 new air quality monitoring stations |
| Purpose/reason | To improve air quality by reducing emissions from transport, industry, agriculture, and brick kilns |
| Strategic/significant value | It supports long-term clean air action in Uttar Pradesh and contributes to regional air quality improvement in the Indo-Gangetic Plains |
15. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is known as which of the following?
A) India’s largest rose garden
B) Asia’s largest tulip garden
C) World’s highest botanical park
D) India’s first floral reserve
E) South Asia’s largest orchid park
Answer: B) Asia’s largest tulip garden
Event and Location:
- Event: Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar was inaugurated by Omar Abdullah, marking the beginning of Kashmir’s spring tourism season
- Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
- Date: 16 March 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The tulip garden was opened for visitors for the 2026 spring season with 1.8 million tulips spread across 74 acres and multiple seasonal flower varieties on display
- Objectives: The inauguration aims to promote spring tourism in Kashmir, attract domestic and international visitors, and showcase the region’s floral and natural beauty
Important Terms Explained:
- Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden: It is a famous tulip garden in Srinagar known as Asia’s largest tulip garden and a major spring tourism attraction in Jammu and Kashmir
- Spring Tourism Season: It refers to the period during spring when blooming flowers and pleasant weather attract large numbers of tourists to Kashmir
- Zabarwan Range: It is a mountain range near Srinagar at whose foothills the tulip garden is located
- Dal Lake: It is a major lake in Srinagar overlooking the tulip garden area and one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Kashmir
- Netherlands: It is the country from where many tulip varieties planted in the garden have been imported
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Inauguration of Asia’s largest tulip garden |
| Announcement date | 16 March 2026 |
| Location | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Issuing authority | Jammu and Kashmir government |
| Policy/series name | Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden spring opening |
| Key figures | 1.8 million tulips across 74 acres with 70 to 75 varieties |
| Purpose/reason | To mark the start of Kashmir’s spring tourism season |
| Strategic/significant value | The garden is a major seasonal tourism attraction in the region |
16. Under which programme has Gujarat launched its statewide Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination drive?
A) Rashtriya Gokul Mission
B) National Livestock Mission
C) National Animal Disease Control Programme
D) Dairy Development Programme
E) Animal Health Security Mission
Answer: C) National Animal Disease Control Programme
Event and Location:
- Event: Gujarat launched a statewide Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination drive to protect livestock and prevent disease outbreaks
- Location: Gujarat
- Date: March 1, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Gujarat government is conducting a statewide FMD vaccination campaign from March 1 to April 15 under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), covering cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats, with veterinary teams visiting villages and dairy farms
- Objectives: The campaign aims to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease, protect livestock health, reduce production losses, and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and dairy owners
Important Terms Explained:
- Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD): It is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats
- National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP): It is a central government programme aimed at controlling and eliminating major livestock diseases such as FMD and brucellosis
- INAPH: Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health is a digital platform used to track livestock identification, vaccination, and health records
- Ear Tagging: It is the process of attaching an identification tag to an animal’s ear for monitoring and record-keeping
- Livestock: It refers to domesticated farm animals raised for milk, meat, wool, and other agricultural purposes
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Gujarat launches Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination drive |
| Announcement date | March 1, 2026 |
| Location | Gujarat |
| Issuing authority | Government of Gujarat |
| Policy/series name | National Animal Disease Control Programme |
| Key figures | Campaign runs from March 1 to April 15 and covers cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats |
| Purpose/reason | To prevent Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks and protect farmers’ livelihoods |
| Strategic/significant value | It strengthens livestock health management and supports dairy and rural economy |
17. The Himachal Pradesh government signed an MoU with which organization to strengthen the dairy sector?
A) NABARD
B) NDDB
C) NCDC
D) FCI
E) APEDA
Answer: B) NDDB
Event and Location:
- Event: The Himachal Pradesh government signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to strengthen the dairy sector in the state
- Location: Himachal Pradesh, India
- Date: 16 March 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Himachal Pradesh government and NDDB signed an MoU to improve dairy infrastructure, enhance milk processing capacity, operate the Dagwar dairy project, introduce modern processing technology, and promote dairy products under the HIM brand
- Objectives: The agreement aims to strengthen the dairy sector, reduce wastage, improve supply chains, generate employment for farmers, and support dairy-based industry in the state
Important Terms Explained:
- MoU: A Memorandum of Understanding is a formal agreement between two parties that outlines their shared intentions and areas of cooperation
- National Dairy Development Board (NDDB): It is a national institution that works for the development of the dairy sector in India through infrastructure, technology, and cooperative support
- Dagwar Dairy Project: It is a major dairy processing project in Himachal Pradesh intended to expand milk processing capacity and act as a key dairy hub in the state
- HIM Brand: It is the proposed state brand under which dairy products from Himachal Pradesh will be marketed
- Milk Processing Capacity: It refers to the volume of milk that can be collected, processed, and converted into dairy products through modern facilities
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Himachal Pradesh signs MoU with NDDB to boost dairy sector |
| Announcement date | 16 March 2026 |
| Location | Himachal Pradesh |
| Issuing authority | Government of Himachal Pradesh and NDDB |
| Policy/series name | MoU for dairy sector development |
| Key figures | Focus on milk processing capacity, dairy infrastructure, employment generation, and HIM brand promotion |
| Purpose/reason | To modernize dairy processing, improve supply chain, and support farmers |
| Strategic/significant value | The agreement will strengthen the dairy economy in Himachal Pradesh through infrastructure and branding |
18. Kusunpur village, which is set to become Odisha’s first smart village, is located in which district?
A) Puri
B) Cuttack
C) Kendrapada
D) Balasore
E) Ganjam
Answer: C) Kendrapada
Event and Location:
- Event: Kusunpur is set to become Odisha’s first smart village under a CSIR initiative
- Location: Kusunpur village, Kendrapada district, Odisha
- Date: March 17, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has launched a smart village initiative in Kusunpur to introduce modern technologies in agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy, sanitation, safe drinking water, and skill development through collaboration among multiple research institutions
- Objectives: The project aims to create a self-reliant, climate-resilient, and sustainable rural model that can serve as a blueprint for smart village development in other parts of India
Important Terms Explained:
- Smart Village: It is a village development model that uses technology, sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, and improved services to enhance rural living standards
- CSIR: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research is a premier scientific research organization in India working under the Ministry of Science and Technology
- Climate-resilient Infrastructure: It refers to buildings and facilities designed to withstand environmental and climate-related challenges such as cyclones and extreme weather
- Renewable Energy: It refers to energy generated from natural replenishable sources such as solar power
- Anganwadi: It is a rural child care and mother-care centre that provides basic health, nutrition, and early childhood services under government welfare programmes
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Kusunpur to become Odisha’s first smart village |
| Announcement date | March 17, 2026 |
| Location | Kusunpur village, Kendrapada district, Odisha |
| Issuing authority | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research |
| Policy/series name | CSIR Smart Village initiative |
| Key figures | Village has around 130 families and a population of about 700 |
| Purpose/reason | To promote sustainable rural development through technology, renewable energy, and better infrastructure |
| Feature details | The project includes climate-resilient infrastructure, solar energy, safe drinking water, clean cooking fuel, and community facilities |
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