Daily Current Affairs March 19

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March 19 | Daily Current Affairs 2026

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs March 19

1. Gudi Padwa is primarily celebrated as the beginning of which new year?
A) Tamil New Year
B) Marathi New Year
C) Gujarati New Year
D) Punjabi New Year
E) Bengali New Year
Answer: B) Marathi New Year

Event and Location:

• Event: Gudi Padwa 2026 will be celebrated as the Marathi New Year and as a festival of new beginnings, prosperity, and victory of good over evil.
• Location: Mainly celebrated in Maharashtra and Goa by Marathi and Konkani communities.
• Date: March 19, 2026 (Thursday)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The festival is observed through traditional rituals such as an auspicious oil bath, home decoration with rangoli, hoisting of the Gudi, worship of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, listening to Panchang Shravan, distribution of prasadam, and acts of charity.
• Objectives: The celebration aims to mark the beginning of the new year, welcome prosperity and positivity, symbolize the victory of righteousness, and reinforce cultural identity, family bonding, and spiritual renewal.

Important Terms Explained:

• Gudi Padwa: A traditional New Year festival celebrated mainly in Maharashtra and Goa on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.
• Pratipada Tithi: The first lunar day of a fortnight in the Hindu calendar.
• Shukla Paksha: The bright fortnight of the moon, beginning after the new moon.
• Chaitra: The first month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar in many traditions.
• Gudi: A decorated flag-like structure hoisted outside homes as a symbol of victory, prosperity, and protection from negativity.
• Panchang Shravan: The ritual of listening to the Hindu almanac and predictions for the new year.
• Prasadam: Sacred food offered during worship and later consumed by devotees.
• Kalash: A sacred pot placed atop the Gudi, symbolizing abundance and auspiciousness.

Tabular Summary:

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2. Ugadi is celebrated as the traditional New Year festival mainly for which communities?
A) Punjabi and Bengali
B) Marathi and Konkani
C) Telugu and Kannada
D) Tamil and Malayalam
E) Gujarati and Sindhi
Answer: C) Telugu and Kannada

Event and Location:

• Event: Ugadi 2026 will be celebrated as the Telugu New Year and as a festival symbolizing fresh beginnings, spiritual renewal, and the arrival of spring.
• Location: Celebrated mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
• Date: March 19, 2026 (Thursday)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The festival is observed through home cleaning, decoration with muggulu and mango leaf torans, temple visits, listening to Panchanga Sravanam, and preparation of Ugadi Pachadi. It is celebrated on Pratipada Tithi of Chaitra month and marks the beginning of Shaka Samvat.
• Objectives: The festival aims to welcome the new year with hope and prosperity, mark the beginning of a new era, celebrate the arrival of spring and harvest season, and promote spiritual reflection and cultural unity.

Important Terms Explained:

• Ugadi: A traditional New Year festival celebrated mainly by Telugu and Kannada communities, marking the beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar.
• Chaitra: The first month of the Hindu lunar calendar in many traditions.
• Pratipada Tithi: The first lunar day of the fortnight in the Hindu calendar.
• Shaka Samvat: An Indian historical calendar era that begins with the month of Chaitra.
• Panchanga Sravanam: The ritual of listening to the Hindu almanac and forecasts for the upcoming year.
• Ugadi Pachadi: A special festive dish prepared on Ugadi that represents the different emotions and experiences of life.
• Muggulu: Traditional decorative floor patterns similar to rangoli, made in front of homes during festivals.
• Yuga: A Sanskrit word meaning age or era.
• Adi: A Sanskrit word meaning beginning.

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs March 19

3. Which country ranked first in the World Happiness Report 2026 for the ninth consecutive year?
A) Denmark
B) Iceland
C) Sweden
D) Finland
E) Switzerland
Answer: D) Finland

Event and Location:

• Event: The World Happiness Report 2026 ranked Finland as the happiest country in the world for the ninth consecutive year and highlighted declining youth well-being linked to social media use.
• Location: Global, covering countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and other regions.
• Date: March 19, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The World Happiness Report 2026 presents global happiness rankings based on a three-year average of life evaluations and examines factors such as GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom to make life choices, generosity, trust, and perception of corruption.
• Objectives: The report aims to assess comparative well-being across countries, identify major trends in happiness levels, highlight the impact of social media on youth well-being, and explain why some countries perform better on life satisfaction indicators.

Important Terms Explained:

• World Happiness Report: An international report that ranks countries based on self-reported life evaluations and well-being indicators.
• Wellbeing Research Centre: The publishing institution of the World Happiness Report 2026.
• Life Evaluation Score: A numerical score reflecting how people assess the quality of their lives on average.
• Social Support: A measure of whether people have someone to rely on during times of need.
• Healthy Life Expectancy: The average number of years a person is expected to live in good health.
• Perception of Corruption: An indicator showing how people view corruption in government and institutions.
• GDP per Capita: The average economic output per person in a country, used as one factor in assessing well-being.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs March 19

4. The Supreme People’s Assembly in North Korea is primarily known as the country’s:
A) Judicial body
B) Election commission
C) Highest legislative body
D) Military headquarters
E) Foreign ministry
Answer: C) Highest legislative body

Event and Location:

• Event: Kim Jong Un secured 99.93% of the votes in North Korea’s 2026 election, while the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea and its allies won all seats in the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly according to state media reports.
• Location: North Korea, with the inaugural session of the new assembly to be held in Pyongyang.
• Date: March 15, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The election was held to choose representatives for the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly, the country’s highest legislative body, which is responsible for electing key state leadership, approving laws and constitutional amendments, and setting national policy.
• Objectives: The process is intended to constitute the new assembly, enable the election of the President of the State Affairs Commission, consider possible revisions to the Socialist Constitution, and discuss domestic and foreign policy matters.

Important Terms Explained:

• Supreme People’s Assembly: The highest legislative body in North Korea, formally responsible for lawmaking, constitutional changes, and election of top state positions.
• Workers’ Party of Korea: The ruling political party in North Korea that dominates the country’s political system.
• State Affairs Commission: The top state leadership body in North Korea, headed by the country’s supreme leader.
• Socialist Constitution: The constitution of North Korea, which defines the structure of the state and governance system.
• Single-party system: A political system in which one dominant party controls the political process, with limited or no effective opposition participation.
• Pre-approved candidates: Candidates whose participation in elections is decided in advance rather than through open multi-party competition.

Tabular Summary:

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5. Who is the new interim Chairman of HDFC Bank after the resignation of Atanu Chakraborty?
A) Sashidhar Jagdishan
B) Deepak Parekh
C) Aditya Puri
D) Keki Mistry
E) Shyamala Gopinath
Answer: D) Keki Mistry

Event and Location:

• Event: HDFC Bank Chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned citing differences over values and ethics, raising concerns about internal governance during the post-merger phase.
• Location: India
• Date: March 19, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Atanu Chakraborty stepped down as Chairman of HDFC Bank, stating that certain practices within the bank over the past two years did not align with his personal values, and the Reserve Bank of India approved Keki Mistry as interim part-time Chairman for three months.
• Objectives: The interim arrangement aims to ensure leadership continuity at HDFC Bank while the bank manages governance concerns and continues integration following its merger with HDFC Ltd.

Important Terms Explained:

• HDFC Bank: One of India’s largest private sector banks, formed into a larger financial entity after its merger with HDFC Ltd.
• HDFC Ltd: The housing finance company that merged with HDFC Bank in a major deal valued at about $40 billion.
• Values and ethics: A reference to personal and institutional principles guiding conduct, governance, and decision-making within an organization.
• Interim part-time Chairman: A temporary chairperson appointed for a limited period to maintain continuity in leadership until a long-term replacement is chosen.
• Reserve Bank of India: India’s central bank, which regulates the banking system and approves key leadership appointments in banks.

Tabular Summary:

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6. Bhumika Shrestha made history in 2026 by becoming Nepal’s first:
A) Woman President
B) Openly gay minister
C) Transgender mayor
D) Transgender woman MP
E) Chief Justice
Answer: D) Transgender woman MP

Event and Location:

• Event: Bhumika Shrestha became Nepal’s first transgender woman MP, marking a major milestone for political inclusion and LGBTQ representation in South Asia.
• Location: Nepal
• Date: March 16, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Bhumika Shrestha, a longtime LGBTQ rights activist, entered Parliament representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) after the 2026 political change in Nepal.
• Objectives: Her entry into Parliament symbolizes inclusive representation, advances visibility for sexual minorities, and draws attention to the need for effective laws and policies for LGBTQ rights despite constitutional recognition.

Important Terms Explained:

• Bhumika Shrestha: A Nepal-based LGBTQ rights activist who became the country’s first transgender woman Member of Parliament in 2026.
• Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP): A political party in Nepal that emerged as a reform-oriented force and under whose banner Bhumika Shrestha entered Parliament.
• LGBTQ Rights: Legal and social protections related to equality, dignity, identity, and freedom from discrimination for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer persons.
• Third-gender identity: An officially recognized gender category used in legal identity documents for people who do not identify strictly as male or female.
• Inclusivity: The practice of ensuring equal representation and participation of diverse social groups in institutions and decision-making.

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs March 19

7. Nita Ambani was conferred which award for her contributions to education, healthcare and social development?
A) Padma Bhushan
B) Bharat Ratna
C) Gandhi Peace Prize
D) KISS Humanitarian Award 2025
E) Indira Gandhi Prize
Answer: D) KISS Humanitarian Award 2025

Event and Location:

• Event: Nita Ambani was conferred the KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 for her contributions to education, healthcare, women empowerment, rural development, and sports through the Reliance Foundation.
• Location: The award ceremony was held at the campus of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• Date: March 19, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 was presented to recognize outstanding contributions to social development and humanitarian causes, with Nita Ambani being honoured for initiatives carried out through the Reliance Foundation across multiple sectors.
• Objectives: The award aims to acknowledge meaningful work in nation-building, encourage philanthropy and corporate social responsibility, and highlight efforts in inclusive development, education, healthcare, women empowerment, rural transformation, and sports promotion.

Important Terms Explained:

• KISS Humanitarian Award: A recognition given to individuals for outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes and social development.
• Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS): An institution known for providing free education, food, and accommodation to tribal students and promoting inclusive development.
• Reliance Foundation: The philanthropic arm associated with social development initiatives in areas such as education, healthcare, rural transformation, and sports.
• Women Empowerment: Measures and programmes aimed at improving women’s access to skills, livelihoods, opportunities, and social participation.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): The responsibility of companies to contribute to social welfare and sustainable development through structured initiatives.

Tabular Summary:

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8. The Reserve Bank of India received the Initiative of the Year Award for launching which secure banking domain?
A) .fin.in
B) .rbi.in
C) .secure.in
D) .bank.in
E) .money.in
Answer: D) .bank.in

Event and Location:

• Event: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) won the Initiative of the Year Award for launching the .bank.in domain to strengthen cybersecurity and trust in digital banking.
• Location: India
• Date: March 19, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The RBI launched the .bank.in domain as a secure and exclusive internet domain for licensed banks in India and mandated banks to migrate their websites to this domain by October 31, 2025.
• Objectives: The initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity in the banking sector, reduce phishing and online fraud, ensure authenticity of banking websites, and improve customer trust in digital transactions.

Important Terms Explained:

• .bank.in: A secure and exclusive internet domain introduced for licensed banks in India to create a verified digital identity and reduce fraudulent websites.
• Initiative of the Year Award: A global recognition conferred by Central Banking for outstanding innovation and reform in central banking and the financial system.
• Cybersecurity: The protection of digital systems, networks, and data from cyber threats such as hacking, phishing, and fraud.
• Phishing: A type of online fraud in which fake websites or messages are used to deceive users into revealing sensitive financial information.
• NIXI: The National Internet Exchange of India, which supports internet infrastructure and domain-related services in India.
• IDRBT: The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology, an institution focused on banking technology and digital security solutions.

Tabular Summary:

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9. William Dalrymple won the Mark Lynton History Prize 2026 for which book?
A) The Anarchy
B) The Last Mughal
C) Nine Lives
D) Return of a King
E) The Golden Road
Answer: E) The Golden Road

Event and Location:

• Event: Historian William Dalrymple won the Mark Lynton History Prize 2026 for his book The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World.
• Location: International literary and historical recognition.
• Date: March 19, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Mark Lynton History Prize recognizes outstanding historical writing that combines deep research, scholarly excellence, literary quality, and public readability.
• Objectives: The award aims to honour historical works that improve public understanding of the past, encourage high-quality historical writing, and highlight books with intellectual depth and social relevance.

Important Terms Explained:

• Mark Lynton History Prize: A prestigious annual award given to outstanding works of history that combine academic research with engaging storytelling.
• The Golden Road: A book by William Dalrymple that highlights ancient India’s central role in global trade, cultural exchange, and the spread of knowledge systems.
• Silk Road: The traditional historical network of trade routes linking Asia and Europe, often emphasized in global history narratives.
• Golden Road: A concept used by Dalrymple to show that ancient India was also a major center of exchange in religion, mathematics, language, culture, and commerce.
• J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize Project: The larger prize framework under which the Mark Lynton History Prize is awarded.
• Nieman Foundation: One of the institutions associated with organizing and administering the prize.
• Columbia University: A co-organizing institution linked with the administration of the prize.

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs March 19

10. The Floating LiDAR Buoy System developed in India is mainly used for measuring what over the sea?
A) Sea salinity
B) Marine biodiversity
C) Wind speed and direction
D) Underwater earthquakes
E) Ocean temperature only
Answer: C) Wind speed and direction

Event and Location:

• Event: India successfully tested the Floating LiDAR Buoy System, an advanced ocean-based device for high-precision wind measurement over the sea.
• Location: Tested near the Muttom coast, Tamil Nadu, and developed by NIOT, Chennai for offshore and ocean-based applications in India.
• Date: March 19, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The system is designed to measure wind speed and direction over the sea using LiDAR technology, collect continuous real-time data at multiple heights above sea level, and support offshore scientific and energy-related activities.
• Objectives: The objective is to improve weather forecasting, strengthen cyclone prediction, support offshore wind energy planning, promote climate and ocean research, reduce dependence on foreign technology, and advance the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous development.

Important Terms Explained:

• LiDAR: Light Detection and Ranging is a laser-based remote sensing technology used to measure atmospheric conditions such as wind speed and direction with high precision.
• Floating LiDAR Buoy System: A floating ocean-based wind measurement system that uses laser signals to collect accurate wind data in deep-sea areas where fixed towers are difficult to install.
• NIOT: The National Institute of Ocean Technology is an Indian research institution involved in marine technology development and ocean engineering.
• Offshore Wind Energy: Renewable energy generated by wind farms installed in sea areas where wind conditions are stronger and more consistent.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: A national vision aimed at promoting self-reliance and indigenous development across strategic sectors in India.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs March 19

11. IOS SAGAR 2026 was launched by the Indian Navy to strengthen cooperation among countries of which region?
A) Arctic Region
B) Atlantic Region
C) Mediterranean Region
D) Indian Ocean Region
E) Pacific Region
Answer: D) Indian Ocean Region

Event and Location:

• Event: The Indian Navy launched the second edition of IOS SAGAR 2026 to strengthen maritime security cooperation, interoperability, and joint training among partner navies.
• Location: Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with participation from 16 IONS nations.
• Date: March 16, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: IOS SAGAR 2026 is an operational engagement programme under which naval personnel from friendly foreign countries train and sail together onboard Indian Naval Ships to improve coordination, interoperability, and shared maritime understanding.
• Objectives: The initiative aims to enhance regional maritime security cooperation, build trust among navies, promote defence diplomacy, support free and secure seas, and strengthen India’s leadership role in the Indian Ocean Region.

Important Terms Explained:

• IOS SAGAR: Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR is an Indian Navy initiative that enables naval personnel from partner countries to train and operate together onboard Indian naval platforms.
• SAGAR: Security and Growth for All in the Region is India’s maritime vision for ensuring a safe, stable, and cooperative environment in the Indian Ocean.
• MAHASAGAR: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions is a broader framework aimed at expanding regional cooperation for collective growth and security.
• IONS: The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium is a cooperative platform for navies of the Indian Ocean Region to promote dialogue, collaboration, and maritime security.
• Interoperability: It refers to the ability of different navies and forces to work together effectively through common procedures, coordination, and operational understanding.

Tabular Summary:

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12. The keel laying ceremony on March 17, 2026 was held for how many Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard?
A) 2
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6
E) 8
Answer: A) 2

Event and Location:

• Event: The keel laying of two Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) was carried out for the Indian Coast Guard as part of a larger project to strengthen maritime security and coastal surveillance.
• Location: M/s YMPL, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India
• Date: March 17, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The project covers the construction of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, with the present keel laying ceremony marking progress for Yard 16402 and 16403. These vessels are being developed with indigenous design and construction features, long-range patrol capability, advanced onboard systems, and AI-based predictive maintenance.
• Objectives: The project aims to enhance coastal surveillance, improve maritime response capability, support search and rescue and anti-smuggling operations, protect offshore assets, strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing, and advance the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Important Terms Explained:

• Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs): Advanced long-range patrol ships designed for maritime surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue, and protection of offshore assets.
• Indian Coast Guard (ICG): India’s maritime law enforcement and coastal security force responsible for safeguarding territorial waters, assisting in rescue missions, and protecting maritime interests.
• Buy (Indian-IDDM): A defence procurement category that gives priority to Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured equipment in India.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: India’s policy vision focused on self-reliance, especially through domestic production and reduced dependence on imports.
• AI-based Predictive Maintenance: Use of artificial intelligence to detect technical issues early and improve the reliability and maintenance of equipment and vessels.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 19

13. The Jones Act is officially known as which of the following?
A) Shipping Security Act 1920
B) Coastal Trade Act 1918
C) Merchant Marine Act of 1920
D) Maritime Commerce Act 1930
E) Domestic Ports Act 1925
Answer: C) Merchant Marine Act of 1920

Event and Location:

• Event: The United States temporarily waived the Jones Act for 60 days to ease fuel supply disruptions and control rising energy costs.
• Location: United States of America
• Date: March 19, 2026 as stated in the provided article

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The temporary waiver allows foreign vessels to transport fuel and essential goods between U.S. ports, relaxing the usual restrictions under the Jones Act, which normally permits only qualifying American ships to carry goods domestically.
• Objectives: The move aims to reduce supply bottlenecks, improve domestic fuel logistics, stabilize rising fuel prices, and provide short-term relief during an energy supply disruption linked in the article to the Iran war.

Important Terms Explained:

• Jones Act: A U.S. maritime law that regulates domestic shipping between American ports and generally requires such transport to be done by qualifying American vessels.
• Merchant Marine Act of 1920: The formal name of the Jones Act, enacted to support the domestic shipping industry and strengthen national security readiness.
• Waiver: A temporary relaxation or suspension of a legal requirement by the government under special circumstances.
• Domestic shipping: Transport of goods between ports located within the same country.
• Strait of Hormuz: A major global energy transit route in the Middle East through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.
• Merchant marine: The commercial shipping fleet of a country used for transporting goods and supporting maritime trade.

Tabular Summary:

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs March 19

14. Which ministry launched the RISA: Timeless Tribal brand to promote tribal weaves, crafts, and embroidery?
A) Ministry of Textiles
B) Ministry of Culture
C) Ministry of Rural Development
D) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
E) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Answer: D) Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Event and Location:

• Event: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched RISA: Timeless Tribal, a premium brand to promote tribal weaves, crafts, and embroidery in domestic and global markets.
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date: March 18, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The RISA: Timeless Tribal initiative seeks to create a premium identity for tribal products, support design intervention, build artisan capacity, develop production infrastructure, and introduce eco-friendly premium packaging for tribal crafts and textiles.
• Objectives: The initiative aims to improve artisan income, preserve traditional knowledge, create sustainable livelihoods, connect tribal craftsmanship with modern consumer demand, and position tribal products in global markets.

Important Terms Explained:

• RISA: Timeless Tribal: A premium brand launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to promote tribal weaves, crafts, and embroidery through stronger branding, design support, and market access.
• Design Intervention: The process of adapting traditional crafts into products with contemporary appeal while retaining original techniques and cultural identity.
• Capacity Building: Training and skill enhancement provided to artisans to improve production quality, value addition, and market readiness.
• Infrastructure Development: Creation of clusters, stitching units, and related facilities to support organized production and artisan livelihoods.
• NID Haryana: The National Institute of Design, Haryana, which contributed eco-friendly premium packaging support for the initiative.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs March 19

15. The approved Small Hydro Power Scheme aims to develop how much small hydro power capacity across India?
A) 500 MW
B) 1000 MW
C) 1500 MW
D) 2500 MW
E) 5000 MW
Answer: C) 1500 MW

Event and Location:

• Event: The Union Cabinet has approved the Small Hydro Power Scheme with an outlay of ₹2584.60 crore to develop 1500 MW of clean energy capacity in India.
• Location: The scheme will be implemented across India, with special focus on the North-East, border, hilly, rural, and remote areas.
• Date: March 19, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The scheme will be implemented from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 to promote decentralized small hydro power projects of 1 MW to 25 MW capacity, provide financial assistance for project development, and encourage the use of 100% indigenous equipment.
• Objectives: The scheme aims to expand renewable energy generation, tap untapped hydro potential, support sustainable development in difficult regions, attract investment, generate employment, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and advance Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Important Terms Explained:

• Small Hydro Power (SHP): Hydropower projects with a generation capacity ranging from 1 MW to 25 MW, generally used for decentralized and low-impact renewable energy production.
• Renewable Energy: Energy generated from naturally replenishing sources such as water, wind, and solar, with lower environmental impact than fossil fuels.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: A national initiative focused on promoting self-reliance, indigenous manufacturing, and reduced dependence on imports.
• Decentralized Hydropower: Small-scale electricity generation through local hydro projects, especially useful in remote and difficult regions where large power plants are not feasible.
• Financial Outlay: The total amount of money allocated by the government for implementing a scheme or programme.

Tabular Summary:

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16. The Joint Parliamentary Committee reviewing One Nation One Election is examining which major constitutional bill?
A) Constitution (101st Amendment) Bill 2024
B) Constitution (111th Amendment) Bill 2024
C) Constitution (119th Amendment) Bill 2024
D) Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill 2024
E) Constitution (139th Amendment) Bill 2024
Answer: D) Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill 2024

Event and Location:

• Event: The Lok Sabha has extended the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the One Nation One Election proposal till the first day of the last week of the Monsoon Session 2026.
• Location: India
• Date: March 19, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The JPC is reviewing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 to assess the constitutional, legal, and logistical issues involved in implementing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
• Objectives: The proposal aims to synchronize election cycles across the country, reduce election expenditure, minimize disruptions caused by the Model Code of Conduct, improve governance efficiency, and enable detailed consultations and stakeholder discussions before any legislative decision.

Important Terms Explained:

• One Nation One Election: A proposal to hold elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies at the same time across India.
• Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC): A parliamentary committee formed to examine important legislative or policy matters in detail and submit recommendations.
• Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024: A proposed constitutional amendment bill intended to enable simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
• Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024: A bill aimed at aligning election cycles in Union Territories with national and state election schedules.
• Model Code of Conduct: A set of guidelines issued during elections to regulate the conduct of political parties and governments so that elections are held fairly.

Tabular Summary:

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17. Which Indian institution is providing technical expertise for the restoration of Indonesia’s Prambanan Temple complex?
A) Indian Council for Cultural Relations
B) National Museum
C) Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
D) Archaeological Survey of India
E) National Archives of India
Answer: D) Archaeological Survey of India

Event and Location:

• Event: India and Indonesia are collaborating on the restoration of the Prambanan Temple complex using scientific conservation methods such as anastylosis and digital tools including artificial intelligence.
• Location: Prambanan Temple complex, Indonesia, with discussions held in Jakarta.
• Date: March 16, 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The restoration initiative covers the broader Prambanan cultural landscape, including nearby Sewu and Plaosan temples, with technical support from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The project will use anastylosis, original site stones, phased restoration, and possible AI-based digital identification and reassembly of temple stones.
• Objectives: The partnership aims to preserve a major UNESCO World Heritage Site, protect the wider temple ecosystem, maintain historical authenticity, strengthen international cultural cooperation, and apply advanced conservation methods to heritage restoration.

Important Terms Explained:

• Prambanan Temple: A 9th-century Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and a major UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its temple architecture and cultural significance.
• Anastylosis: A scientific restoration method in which damaged monuments are reconstructed primarily using original architectural elements found at the site, with limited new material added only when necessary.
• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): India’s premier government agency responsible for archaeological research, monument conservation, and heritage preservation.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Advanced digital technology that can assist in identifying, matching, and reassembling scattered temple stones during restoration.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: A place recognized internationally for its outstanding cultural or natural value and protected for future generations.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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