NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Yoga Mahotsav 2026 Begins: 100-Day Countdown to International Day of Yoga
The Government inaugurated Yoga Mahotsav–2026 in New Delhi, marking the 100-day countdown to the 12th edition of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026. The event aims to promote the global importance of yoga for health, well-being, and peace. On this occasion, Minister launched “10 Yoga Protocols for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Target Groups,” designed for individuals across various age groups and health conditions.
- The Ministry of Ayush, the nodal ministry responsible for organising the International Day of Yoga, has successfully conducted eleven editions of IDY, with growing global participation.
- Yoga Mahotsav-2026 begins the nationwide and international campaign leading up to the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations.
Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems 2026 (GCWAS–2026)
The Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems 2026 (GCWAS–2026) was held at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research Convention Centre in New Delhi. The three-day conference brought together over 700 delegates, including scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, women farmers, start-ups, development professionals and students from India and abroad.
Organiser:
- The conference was organised by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences, CGIAR, and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority.
Theme:
- Held under the theme “Driving Progress, Attaining New Heights”, the event focused on strengthening the role of women farmers and entrepreneurs in agri-food systems, promoting innovation, inclusive growth, and gender empowerment in agriculture.
BANKING | ECONOMY CURRENT AFFAIRS
RBI Launches Awareness Program on Digital Payments
The Reserve Bank of India has launched a pilot initiative titled “Awareness Program on Digital Payments” to promote safe and widespread use of digital payment systems across India. The programme was launched by Sanjay Malhotra during the 6th Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) observed from 9–13 March 2026.
- The pilot programme will initially be conducted in Maharashtra in partnership with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited.
- It aims to conduct in-person awareness sessions for around 10 lakh participants in rural and semi-urban areas through Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs).
- RBI also launched a multimedia campaign titled “Thoda Dhyan Se”, encouraging citizens to remain vigilant while using digital payment platforms.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES CURRENT AFFAIRS
FSSAI Licences, Registrations to Get Lifetime Validity
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has approved perpetual (lifetime) validity for licences and registrations issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to food businesses. The reform aims to improve ease of doing business and reduce the regulatory burden on food operators. The decision follows recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms constituted by NITI Aayog. Additionally, street food vendors registered with municipal corporations or Town Vending Committees under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 will be considered “deemed registered under FSSAI.” The reform is expected to benefit over 10 lakh street vendors across India.
Waterways Projects Worth ₹526 Crore Launched in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated inland waterways projects worth ₹526 crore in Assam to strengthen logistics, tourism, and connectivity along the Brahmaputra River. The projects are being implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to enhance infrastructure on National Waterway 2.
- A key component is a ₹180-crore elevated corridor connecting Pandu Port with National Highway 27, improving last-mile connectivity between river transport and road networks.
- The corridor will bypass urban congestion in Guwahati, facilitating smoother cargo movement and reducing logistics costs for businesses.
‘Purple Fest’ Hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted the Purple Fest, a special event celebrating the talent, achievements, and aspirations of Divyangjan (persons with disabilities). More than 8,000 Divyangjan visited Amrit Udyan, which was opened exclusively for them during the event. Participants engaged in fun games, cultural activities, and learning programmes organised through stalls set up by different organisations working for persons with disabilities.
- The festival was organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to raise awareness about various disabilities and their social impact.
- Aim: The initiative aims to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society while recognising their contributions and potential.
DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Exercise Freedom Shield: US–South Korea Joint Military Exercise
The Freedom Shield is an annual joint military exercise conducted by the United States and South Korea to enhance military readiness and strengthen their security alliance. The exercise involves thousands of troops and focuses on combined, joint, all-domain and interagency operations reflecting the Korea Theater of Operations.
Although described as defensive in nature, the drills often trigger tensions with North Korea, which views them as a potential rehearsal for invasion. The exercise also supports preparations for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States to South Korea. South Korea aims to complete this transition before the end of President Lee Jae Myung’s term in 2030.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CURRENT AFFAIRS
ISRO Conducts CE20 Cryogenic Engine Ground Test
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a sea-level hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri. During the 165-second ground test, the engine generated about 22 tonnes of thrust, demonstrating improved performance capabilities. The CE20 is an indigenously developed cryogenic rocket engine that powers the upper stage of the LVM3 heavy-lift launch vehicle.
The enhanced thrust capability is expected to improve payload capacity and mission performance for India’s heavy launch missions. The CE20 engine has also been human-rated for the Gaganyaan Mission, making it a critical component in India’s upcoming human spaceflight programme.
SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS
BCCI Honours Indian Cricket Achievers At Naman Awards 2026
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) celebrated the achievements of Indian cricket players and contributors at the Naman Awards 2026. The awards recognise outstanding performances during the 2024–25 cricket season along with lifetime contributions to Indian cricket.
Awardees:
- Former Indian cricketers Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid were honoured with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honour conferred by the BCCI for exceptional service to Indian cricket.
- Additionally, former India women’s captain Mithali Raj received the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, recognising her remarkable contribution to the growth and success of women’s cricket in India.
AWARDS & EVENTS CURRENT AFFAIRS
National Vaccination Day: 16 March
National Vaccination Day is observed annually on 16 March in India to commemorate the first administration of the oral polio vaccine in 1995, which marked a significant step in India’s fight against Polio.
- Aim: The day aims to raise awareness about the role of vaccines in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases, including Tuberculosis, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. It also highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to vaccines for people of all age groups.
- Theme 2026: “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” focuses on expanding immunisation coverage and strengthening public health systems.
Pi Day; International Mathematics Day : 14 March
Pi Day is celebrated every year on 14 March to honour the mathematical constant Pi (π), which represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. The date 3/14 corresponds to the first three digits of π (3.14). The celebration began in 1988 and is widely observed by mathematics enthusiasts across the world.
International Mathematics Day: The same date is also recognised as International Mathematics Day, which was officially proclaimed by UNESCO in 2019 to highlight the importance of mathematics in science, technology, and everyday life. Today, both Pi Day and International Mathematics Day are celebrated together to promote awareness and appreciation of mathematics globally.
International Day to Combat Islamophobia: 15 March
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia is observed every year on 15 March to raise global awareness about discrimination, prejudice, and hate speech against Muslim communities. The day was designated by the United Nations in 2022 to encourage international cooperation in addressing religious intolerance and promoting mutual respect.
What 15 March?
- The date 15 March was chosen to commemorate the Christchurch mosque shootings that occurred in Christchurch on 15 March 2019, when a gunman attacked two mosques during Friday prayers, killing 51 people.
- The observance highlights the need to combat extremism, protect religious freedoms, and promote peaceful coexistence and inclusion across societies.