Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs March 2026 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs 17th March 2026, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs 17th march 2026 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

Daily Current Affairs PDF of 17th March2026

Get More: Static GK Pdfs

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

National Stock Exchange of India Launches Gold 10 Grams Futures Contract in Commodity Derivatives Segment

• The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has launched a Gold 10 Grams Futures Contract in its Commodity Derivatives Segment, effective March 16, 2026, after receiving SEBI approval.
• The trading unit and delivery unit of the contract are fixed at 10 grams, and it will be traded under the symbol “GOLD10G.”
• The contract price will be quoted per 10 grams of gold, with a minimum tick size of ₹1 per 10 grams.
• NSE has set a daily base price limit of 6%, which can be extended to 9% after a 15-minute cooling-off period if the limit is breached.
• The contracts will be monthly futures, with the last trading day being the final calendar day of the expiry month, or the previous working day if it falls on a holiday.
• The delivery will be compulsory, with 10 grams of 999 purity gold, serially numbered and supplied by LBMA-approved suppliers or other NSE-approved suppliers, along with a quality certificate.
• Delivery will be facilitated through designated clearing house facilities in Ahmedabad.

Recent News :

• In March 2026, National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) moved forward with its long-awaited Initial Public Offering (IPO) by completing the selection of key intermediaries for the proposed listing.

About NSE :

• Established : 1992
• Location : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• MD & CEO : Ashish Kumar Chauhan
• NSE operates from Monday to Friday, trading between 9:00 am and 11:30/11:55 pm, based on the US daylight saving time period.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Chirag Paswan Inaugurates Common Incubation Centre at Tezpur University under Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme

• Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, inaugurated a modern Common Incubation Centre at Tezpur University in Sonitpur district, Assam.
• The centre has been established with full financial support from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME).
• The initiative aims to strengthen food processing innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development in the North-Eastern region of India.
• The Common Incubation Centre is a state-of-the-art facility designed to support micro food processing enterprises by providing technical assistance, training, and infrastructure for product development and testing.
• The facility will benefit Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organizations, cooperatives, start-ups, and aspiring entrepreneurs, enabling them to improve product quality and market competitiveness using modern food processing technologies.
• The inauguration ceremony was attended by Prithiraj Rabha and senior officials from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the Government of Assam.
• The Department of Food Engineering and Technology at Tezpur University will provide technical mentorship to entrepreneurs in areas such as food processing technology, packaging, branding, labelling, and food safety compliance.
• Praveen, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, stated that financial assistance of ₹2.35 crore has been provided for the establishment of the incubation centre under the PMFME Scheme.
• The incubation centre includes seven specialised processing and support lines for fruits, grains, spices, bakery products, and other food segments to help entrepreneurs develop, test, and commercialise new products.
• The facility is expected to benefit entrepreneurs from districts such as Darrang, Udalguri, Biswanath, Nagaon, and Golaghat in Assam.
• The PMFME Scheme, launched under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, aims to support micro food processing enterprises through financial assistance, capacity building, and market linkages.
• According to the minister, loans have been sanctioned to more than 1.87 lakh micro food processing units across India under the PMFME Scheme.

RECENT NEWS

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the 10th Battalion headquarters of the Assam Police in Kamrup. And asserted that strict action will continue against infiltration. Addressing a public gathering Amit Shah said Assam is set to become the industrial hub of eastern and North-Eastern India within the next five years. 

AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav 2026 Celebrates Women SHGs’ Role in Urban Water Services

• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) organised the AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi to recognise the contributions of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) working as AMRUT Mitras under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0).
• The national-level event witnessed participation of over 1,000 women and 300 officials from 30 States and Union Territories.
• AMRUT Mitras from states including Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka shared their experiences of improving urban water services and livelihoods through community participation.
• Women SHG members are actively involved in water quality testing, billing and collection for water supply services, community mobilisation and awareness campaigns, operation and maintenance of water infrastructure, and Faecal Sludge Management operations.
• These initiatives have strengthened transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in urban water governance.
• Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, stated that water management should be treated as a people’s movement driven by Jan Bhagidari (public participation).
• He emphasised that women play a crucial role in managing household and community water resources and their participation improves efficiency and sustainability of water services.
• The government is also expanding opportunities for SHG women in emerging urban water management sectors, including reuse and recycling of treated wastewater, digital water management systems, smart metering, and data-driven monitoring.
• Under AMRUT 2.0, reuse of treated wastewater is being promoted to support a circular and sustainable water economy, with AMRUT Mitras helping communities monitor water systems and promote responsible water usage.
• Currently, more than 45,000 SHG members are engaged as AMRUT Mitras across 1,910 cities in 34 States and Union Territories.
• The government plans to expand the AMRUT Mitra model to 5,000 cities, which will create additional livelihood opportunities for women, strengthen community participation in water security, and enhance women’s leadership in urban governance.
• Key activities during the event included a photo exhibition highlighting state-led SHG innovations, panel discussions on scaling women-led resilience in water and sanitation, testimonial sessions by AMRUT Mitras, and the launch of the AMRUT Mitra Best Practices Compendium by the Union Minister.

RECENT NEWS

• In a major push to urban infrastructure, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund (UCF). The scheme aims to shift India’s urban development model from grant-based funding to market-linked and reform-driven growth.

Government Launches Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 to Strengthen Rural Drinking Water Supply

• The Ministry of Jal Shakti is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 to ensure safe drinking water supply to every rural household in India.
• The Union Government has extended the mission till December 2028 with an increased financial outlay and structural reforms focusing on digital transformation, quality infrastructure, community participation, and sustainability.
• A key meeting on JJM 2.0 implementation was chaired by C. R. Paatil, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, with participation from State and Union Territory Ministers of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Rural Water Supply (RWS), and Panchayati Raj Departments.
• V. Somanna, Minister of State for Jal Shakti, also participated in the meeting to discuss the implementation roadmap after Cabinet approval for the extension of the mission.
• During the meeting, C. R. Paatil launched the “Sujal Gaon ID”, a unique digital identifier for every rural drinking water scheme in India.
• The Sujal Gaon ID system digitally maps rural water infrastructure and service areas on a unified national platform to ensure real-time monitoring and transparency.
• Under the initiative, 1.64 lakh Sujal Gaon IDs have been created across 31 States and Union Territories, and these are linked with about 67,000 Sujalam Bharat IDs.
• The digital platform integrates scheme infrastructure identification and service area mapping, enabling data-based decision-making and improved monitoring of water supply systems.
• The initiative supports the government’s vision of building a technologically empowered “Viksit Bharat @2047”.
• JJM 2.0 promotes Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) through programmes such as Jal Arpan and Jal Utsav.
• These initiatives aim to reduce the drudgery of women, improve public health, create rural employment, and ensure universal tap water coverage by 2028.
• The mission will use digital systems such as the Sujalam Bharat platform for source-to-tap mapping, Jal Seva Aankalan for village-level service assessment, and the Meri Panchayat mobile application for citizen oversight.
• Gram Panchayats will certify “Har Ghar Jal” status only after ensuring sustainable operation and maintenance arrangements.
• According to Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Jal Jeevan Mission, the total financial outlay of the mission has increased from ₹3.60 lakh crore to ₹8.69 lakh crore.
• Central funds will be released only after States fulfil four conditions, including signing a Memorandum of Understanding, creating Sujal Gaon IDs, completing financial reconciliation, and notifying State Operation and Maintenance policies.
• Three modes of fund release have been introduced:
  – Upfront Payment Mode for small and quality-affected water supply systems
  – Reimbursement Mode for ongoing medium and bulk water supply schemes
  – Viability Gap Funding Mode for Public Private Partnership-based bulk water schemes
• No central funding will be provided for retrofitting of schemes under the new framework.

Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi Launches Inland Waterway Projects Worth ₹526 Crore in Assam

• Prime Minister of India shri Narendra Modi, dedicated an elevated road corridor connecting Pandu Port to National Highway-27 and laid the foundation for key inland waterway projects in Assam.
• These projects aim to boost tourism, trade, and employment in Assam while strengthening the Brahmaputra River under National Waterway‑2 as a major transport and economic corridor.
• A total of four major projects worth ₹526 crore have been launched under the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
• The projects include:
  – Elevated Road Corridor from Pandu Port to NH-27 with an investment of ₹180 crore
  – Cruise Terminal at Biswanath Ghat (foundation stone laid)
  – Regional Centre of Excellence at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh with an investment of ₹188 crore
  – Cruise Terminal at Neamati (foundation stone laid)
• These projects aim to improve port connectivity, promote river cruise tourism, generate employment opportunities, and develop skilled manpower for inland waterway operations.
• The elevated road corridor between Pandu Port and NH-27 addresses the last-mile connectivity problem between the port and the national highway network.
• The project bypasses urban congestion in Guwahati and ensures smoother cargo and passenger movement, thereby reducing logistics costs.
• Modern cruise terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Neamati will strengthen passenger infrastructure and promote organised river cruise tourism along National Waterway-2.
• These terminals will encourage tourism along the Brahmaputra River and open new markets for local handicrafts, shops, and tourism-related businesses.
• The combined investment for the two cruise terminals is ₹158 crore.
• The Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel will become the first maritime skill development hub in Northeast India.
• The centre will train more than 5,000 students annually in vessel operations, inland navigation, and maritime logistics, while also supporting research and development in inland water transport.
• Strengthening inland water transport in Assam will also support India’s Act East Policy by improving connectivity with Southeast Asian regions.
• The projects are expected to create employment for youth, promote tourism and local businesses, and strengthen regional connectivity across Northeast India.

About Assam:

• Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya
• Capital: Dispur
• National Parks: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park, Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary

Government Initiatives to Prevent Child Marriage in India

• Child marriage remains a serious social issue in India, affecting the rights, health, education, and overall development of children, particularly girls.
• The Government of India has introduced laws, awareness campaigns, and digital platforms to prevent child marriage and promote the empowerment of young girls.
• The main legal framework to prevent child marriage is the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which prohibits child marriages and prescribes punishment for those who conduct, arrange, or participate in them.
• The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 also supports child protection by enabling authorities to act against violations involving children.
• Under these laws, District Magistrates supervise enforcement and appoint District Nodal Officers (DNOs) for monitoring implementation.
• Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) are appointed under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 to prevent child marriages, collect evidence for legal cases, counsel communities, and spread awareness about the harmful impacts of child marriage.
• To strengthen prevention efforts, the government launched the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign on November 27, 2024.
• The campaign focuses on awareness generation, community mobilization, strengthening the role of CMPOs, encouraging reporting of child marriage cases, and supporting the education and empowerment of girls at risk.
• On December 4, 2025, a 100-day special campaign under Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat was launched to accelerate the elimination of child marriage in India.
• The campaign includes outreach to schools, community leaders, and marriage-related service providers, and encourages Gram Panchayats and Municipal Wards to declare their areas child-marriage-free.
• The government has also launched the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal to monitor and report cases of child marriage.
• The portal enables reporting of child marriage incidents, dissemination of awareness information, registration of pledges against child marriage, and maintenance of a national database of more than 66,000 CMPOs.
• As of March 2026, the campaign has reached more than 11.81 crore citizens through awareness programmes, and over 40 lakh pledges have been registered against child marriage.
• The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, launched on January 22, 2015 under Mission Shakti, also supports the empowerment of the girl child and addresses gender discrimination.
• For legal and emergency assistance, the National Legal Services Authority provides free legal aid through helpline 15100, while Child Helpline (1098) offers 24×7 emergency support for children in distress.
• The Women Helpline (181) provides assistance and support services for women and girls.
• The Child Helpline (1098) is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (112) to ensure round-the-clock emergency response.
• Implementation of child marriage prevention measures is mainly the responsibility of State Governments and Union Territories, since ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Constitution.
• State governments work with CMPOs, District Nodal Officers, and community organisations to effectively prevent child marriages across the country.

Union Public Service Commission Clarifies Rules for Appointment of State Director General of Police

• The appointment process for State Director General of Police (DGP) has been clarified following new directions involving the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Supreme Court of India.
• The UPSC stated that state governments cannot delay sending the names of eligible DGP-rank officers for empanelment without prior approval from the Supreme Court.
• This clarification came after concerns that several states were violating earlier Supreme Court guidelines and delaying the DGP appointment process.
• The Supreme Court also emphasised that there is no legal concept of an “acting DGP” under the existing police reform framework.
• According to the guidelines issued in the Prakash Singh vs Union of India case, the state government must send a proposal to the UPSC at least three months before the retirement of the incumbent DGP.
• The proposal should include a list of eligible senior police officers of DGP rank, from which the UPSC prepares a panel of three officers.
• The state government must appoint one officer from this UPSC-recommended panel as the Head of the State Police Force.
• Due to repeated delays, the UPSC sought the legal opinion of the Attorney General of India on whether empanelment could proceed despite such violations.
• The Attorney General of India stated that delays by state governments in forwarding names were excessive and legally unjustified.
• The legal opinion clarified that there is no provision allowing the UPSC to condone delays and proceed with empanelment if states fail to follow the Supreme Court’s timeline.
• As a result, states must now obtain Supreme Court approval if they fail to send the list of eligible DGP officers within the prescribed deadline.
• This clarification aims to ensure transparency, prevent political interference, and strengthen the police leadership appointment framework in states.

Gujarat Successfully Launches First Sounding Rocket Near Dholera

• Gujarat created history after its first sounding rocket was successfully launched, marking the state’s entry into India’s private space technology ecosystem.
• The launch took place at Bavliyari village near Dholera in Gujarat.
• The rocket was developed by Ahmedabad-based startup Omspace Rocket and Exploration Private Limited.
• The launch was conducted at around 1 PM from a temporary launch facility in the presence of Arjun Modhwadia, Gujarat’s Minister for Science and Technology.
• The single-stage sub-orbital sounding rocket successfully reached an altitude of around 3 kilometres, completing its primary technical objectives.
• The mission aimed to test advanced rocket technologies and demonstrate the capability of private companies in India’s space sector.
• During the launch, several critical aerospace systems were tested, including advanced propulsion technology, avionics and onboard control systems, and an autonomous recovery mechanism.
• The rocket carried a mini-satellite payload designed to collect weather-related atmospheric data during the mission.
• The payload demonstrated how sounding rockets can support atmospheric research, weather monitoring, and environmental data collection at different altitudes.
• According to Ravindra Raj, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Omspace, the rocket’s airframe was built using carbon fibre and advanced composite materials developed at the company’s Ahmedabad laboratory under the Make in India initiative.
• The launch received regulatory approvals and coordination from Airports Authority of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and Indian Coast Guard.
• The mission was conducted under authorization from Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), which regulates private sector participation in India’s space activities.
• The launch aligns with the Gujarat Spacetech Policy 2025–2030, which aims to encourage startups and innovation in the space technology sector.
• The initiative supports the development of indigenous space technologies and strengthens India’s technological self-reliance.
• The launch near Dholera, an emerging industrial and technology hub, reflects Gujarat’s ambition to become a key centre for India’s private space industry.

RECENT NEWS

• The Gujarat state government has launched the ‘Lake and Air Watch’ initiative to monitor and improve air quality and lake health across urban areas in the state. This project will be implemented by the Gujarat Urban Development Mission (GUDM) under the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department

About Gujarat:

• Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Capital: Gandhinagar
• National Parks: Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Vansda National Park, Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

Indian-Origin Entrepreneur Surya Midha Becomes Youngest Self-Made Billionaire in 2026

• Indian-origin entrepreneur Surya Midha has gained global attention after matching the youngest self-made billionaire milestone, which was earlier associated with Mark Zuckerberg.
• Surya Midha achieved this milestone at the age of 22 and was featured in the Forbes 2026 World’s Billionaires List with a personal net worth of $2.2 billion.
• He is the co-founder of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) hiring startup Mercor, which was founded in 2023 along with Brendan Foody and Adarsh Hiremath.
• Surya Midha was born in Mountain View, California and raised in San Jose, United States. From a young age, he demonstrated exceptional academic ability and strong communication skills.
• He studied at Bellarmine College Preparatory from 2017 to 2021, where he gained recognition as a talented debater and competitive student.
• During his school years, Midha and his debate partner became the first team in history to win the three major national policy debate tournaments in the United States.
• After completing high school, he joined Georgetown University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service Studies, focusing on global policy, economics, and international affairs.
• In 2023, after spending two years at Georgetown University, Surya Midha took an academic leave to launch the AI-based hiring platform Mercor with his co-founders.
• Mercor aims to transform recruitment processes using Artificial Intelligence, addressing challenges such as lengthy hiring cycles, multiple interview rounds, and extensive candidate screening.
• The platform uses advanced algorithms to analyze job descriptions, candidate profiles, and performance indicators to match candidates with suitable job roles.
• After employers upload job requirements, the Mercor platform automatically identifies suitable candidates and conducts AI-based interviews.
• Key features of the Mercor AI platform include automated resume screening using machine learning, AI-driven interviews, intelligent candidate matching with job roles, and payroll and workforce management tools.
• The platform helps reduce recruitment time while improving efficiency and fairness in hiring decisions.
• Since its establishment in 2023, Mercor has experienced rapid growth in the global technology sector.
• In October 2025, Mercor raised $350 million in Series C funding, which increased the company’s valuation to $10 billion.
• The achievement places Surya Midha among the youngest entrepreneurs in the world to reach billionaire status, matching the early success milestone previously associated with Mark Zuckerberg, who became a billionaire at age 23 after the growth of Facebook.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Clears KV Ramana Murty’s Appointment as Whole-Time Member of Securities and Exchange Board of India

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the appointment of Kompella Venkata (K.V.) Ramana Murty as Whole-Time Member (WTM) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• K. V. Ramana Murty has been appointed for a term of three years from the date of assuming charge or until further orders.
• With this appointment, the total number of Whole-Time Members (WTMs) on the SEBI board has increased to four.
• V. Ramana Murty is a 1991-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS).
• Before joining SEBI, he served as Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) in the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• He had earlier served as a part-time member of the SEBI Board as a representative of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA).
• The SEBI Board consists of a Chairperson, 4 Whole-Time Members, and 4 Part-Time Members, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA), and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Other Whole-Time Members of SEBI include Kamlesh Chandra Varshney, Sandip Pradhan, and Amarjeet Singh.
• Whole-Time Members are responsible for day-to-day regulatory functions and policy implementation within SEBI.
• They oversee key areas such as Market Intermediaries, Corporate Finance, Market Regulation, Investigation, Enforcement, Surveillance, Information Technology, and Investor Protection.
• The position became vacant after the completion of tenure of WTM Ananth Narayan G on October 9, 2025.

Dr. Partha Biswas Takes Charge as Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes

• Dr. Partha Biswas holds a Ph.D. in Defence & Strategic Studies and has pursued higher education in Defence Studies, Human Resources, and Human Rights.
• He completed his studies at reputed institutions including the University of Calcutta, Jadavpur University, and Kanpur University.
• Dr. Biswas was awarded a Post-Doctoral Fellowship under the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
• He has made significant contributions to academic research through publications, journal articles, and books.
• His research areas include defence policy, strategic affairs, human rights, and international relations.
• His work reflects strong engagement with governance, public policy, and social inclusion.
• The Commission works towards protection of constitutional safeguards and the promotion of welfare and socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India.

About Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment :

• Cabinet Minister : Virendra Kumar Khatik
• Minister of State : Ramdas Athawale, B. L. Verma

Jose Antonio Kast Sworn in as 38th President of Chile Following 2025 Election Victory

• Jose Antonio Kast Rist, founder and leader of the Republican Party of Chile, was sworn in as the 38th President of Chile for a four-year term, following his victory in the 2025 Chilean presidential election.
• The inauguration ceremony took place at the National Congress in Valparaíso, Chile, in the Hall of Honor.
• Kast received the Piocha de O’Higgins, a traditional symbol of the Chilean presidency, from outgoing President Gabriel Boric Font, marking the formal transfer of power.
• Union Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh (MEA) represented the Government of India at the inauguration.
• Kast, 60 years old, defeated Jeannette Jara, a communist candidate from Boric’s coalition, in December 2025 run-off elections, winning on his third attempt.
• He succeeds left-wing President Gabriel Boric, signifying Chile’s most pronounced shift to the right since 1990.
• Born in Santiago, Kast has been in politics for 30 years and founded the Republican Party in 2019 after breaking from Chile’s mainstream conservative party in 2016.
• Kast resigned from his party before taking office, a symbolic gesture to show independence from party politics.

About Chile :

• Capital : Santiago
• Currency : Chilean peso

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy Joins United States-Led Multinational Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 in Guam

• The Indian Navy is participating in Exercise Sea Dragon 2026, a United States Navy-led multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise held in Guam throughout March 2026.
• The exercise is hosted at Andersen Air Force Base and aims to enhance maritime cooperation and ASW capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Participating forces include the United States Navy, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Japan Maritime Self‑Defence Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the Indian Navy.

Key Highlights :

• Exercise Sea Dragon is part of broader Indo-Pacific defence cooperation initiatives to strengthen maritime security and counter evolving submarine threats.
• The exercise involves complex training scenarios over two weeks to test crews’ ability to detect, track, and respond to simulated and live submarine targets.
• The training focuses on speed, precision, and coordinated mission execution, enhancing interoperability between allied navies and air forces.
• The exercise also provides an opportunity for the RAAF to improve operational readiness and build stronger partnerships with regional allies.
• The P-8A Poseidon fleet of the RAAF plays a key role, performing long-range strike, intelligence-gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
• Poseidon aircraft are equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems to detect and track submarines and surface vessels over vast maritime areas.
• The exercise strengthens coordination and operational compatibility among international counterparts during multinational maritime operations.
• Anti-submarine warfare training is increasingly significant as submarine operations play a crucial role in modern naval strategy.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

IRNSS-1F Satellite of India’s NavIC Stops PNT Services After Atomic Clock Failure Completing 10-Year Mission

• IRNSS-1F, a satellite of India’s NavIC navigation system, stopped providing Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services after its last operational atomic clock failed, completing its 10-year design life.
• The satellite had three onboard atomic clocks, of which two had already malfunctioned earlier; the final clock failure limits IRNSS-1F to one-way broadcast messaging services.

Key Highlights :

• Only three satellites—IRNSS‑1B, IRNSS‑1L, and IRNSS‑1J (NVS‑01)—are currently providing PNT services, whereas at least four fully operational satellites are required for reliable NavIC coverage.
• Since 2013, ISRO has launched 11 NavIC satellites costing nearly ₹2,250 crore, but six satellites experienced failures, mainly due to defective imported atomic clocks, while others faced orbital issues.
• ISRO plans to launch next-generation NavIC satellites—NVS-03, NVS-04, NVS-05—equipped with improved indigenous and foreign atomic clocks, ensuring continuity of services and strengthening regional navigation resilience.
• Atomic clocks measure time using natural oscillations of atoms like rubidium or caesium, providing extraordinary precision compared to mechanical or electronic clocks.
• Satellite navigation systems, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and NavIC, rely on atomic clocks to determine accurate positioning.
• Atomic clocks define Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and are critical for telecommunication networks, internet communication, financial transactions, and scientific research.
• Satellite navigation depends on measuring signal travel time from satellites to receivers, so even a 1-nanosecond error can cause positional errors of several centimetres, making atomic clocks essential.
• Each satellite carries multiple atomic clocks as backup systems to ensure uninterrupted functioning.
• The failure of IRNSS-1F’s clock reduces the number of operational satellites below the minimum four, weakening the reliability of India’s indigenous navigation system.
• ISRO is now deploying indigenous rubidium atomic clocks for future satellites, replacing imported Swiss clocks from SpectraTime, to enhance system reliability.
• NVS-01 (2023) carried an indigenous rubidium atomic clock, while NVS-02 (2025) failed to reach its intended orbit.
• ISRO plans to launch three replacement satellites by the end of 2026 to replace ageing and malfunctioning NavIC satellites, restoring full operational capability.

Indian Space Research Organisation Performs 22-Tonne Thrust Sea-Level Hot Test of CE20 Cryogenic Engine in Tamil Nadu

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a sea-level hot test of the Cryogenic Engine (CE20) at 22-tonne thrust at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
• The 165-second test used a Nozzle Protection System (NPS) and a multi-element igniter to safely conduct the engine test at sea level.
• The CE20 cryogenic engine powers the upper cryogenic stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle.
• The test supports the development of the uprated Cryogenic Stage (C32), which will operate the engine at 22-tonne thrust to increase the payload capacity of LVM3 for future missions.
• Earlier sea-level hot tests of the CE20 engine were conducted at 19-tonne thrust, making the 22-tonne thrust test an important upgrade.
• Sea-level testing of the engine is challenging due to the high area-ratio nozzle with an exit pressure of about 50 millibar (mbar).
• Flow separation inside the nozzle during sea-level tests can cause severe vibrations, thermal stress, and potential mechanical damage.
• The Nozzle Protection System (NPS) was used to control flow separation effects and ensure safe operation of the high area-ratio nozzle.
• The tested CE20 engine has completed a record 20 successful hot tests, enabling the qualification of several critical technologies.
• These technologies include multi-element igniter ignition, ignition margin demonstration for the Gaganyaan mission, engine qualification at 20-tonne thrust, 22-tonne thrust operation, boot-strap mode engine start for in-flight restart, indigenous turbopump bearings, indigenous sensors, and NPS qualification.
• The successful test marks an important step toward enhancing India’s launch capability and supporting future LVM3 and Gaganyaan missions.

About ISRO:

• Established: 15 August 1969
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Chairman: V. Narayanan

Technology Hub Partners with Japan External Trade Organisation to Strengthen India-Japan Deep-Tech Startup Collaboration

• Technology Hub (T-Hub), India’s largest startup incubator based in Hyderabad, Telangana, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) to enhance collaboration between Indian and Japanese deep-tech startups.
• The partnership aims to create high-impact innovation networks across deep-tech and manufacturing sectors.
• Market Access: Japanese startups, corporates, and investors will gain access to India’s innovation ecosystem, while Indian startups will receive structured pathways to expand into Japan.
• Focus Areas: The collaboration targets sectors like pharma and medical equipment, space and aerospace, defence, mobility, smart infrastructure, deep-tech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, Industry 4.0, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing.
• Key Initiatives: The partnership includes curated startup exchange programs, corporate open-innovation engagements, market access support, regulatory guidance, and investor connect platforms.
• Significance: This initiative aligns with the India-Japan bilateral agenda on technology cooperation, startup ecosystem integration, and innovation-driven economic growth.
• The collaboration builds on T-Hub’s previous engagements with Japanese corporations like NEC, Suzuki, and Toyota.

National Council for Cement and Building Materials, TraceXero Join Hands to Develop Carbon Capture and Utilisation Technologies for Cement Industry

• The National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), partnered with TraceXero Technologies Private Limited, an Indian technology startup, to support Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies in the cement sector.
• The collaboration agreement was signed by Dr. S.K. Chaturvedi, Joint Director and Secretary of NCB, and Reetam Chaudhary, Co-founder of TraceXero Technologies, at NCB Ballabgarh, Haryana.
• The partnership aims to promote sustainable and low-carbon technologies in the cement industry by developing and deploying advanced CCU solutions.
• NCB supports the cement and construction materials sector through research, technology development, laboratories, pilot facilities, and technical services, providing scientific assistance to industry, academia, and technology developers.
• TraceXero Technologies has developed a process that captures Carbon Dioxide (CO2) using a proprietary solvent and converts it into graphitic carbon and graphene, turning emissions into valuable material resources.
• The cement industry is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions, accounting for nearly 7%, highlighting the need for low-carbon and carbon-utilisation technologies.

North East Region Institutions and Japan’s Gifu University Sign LoI to Form International Academic & Research Consortium

• 22 institutions from NorthEast (NE) India, led by IIT-Guwahati, Assam, and Japan’s Gifu University signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish the North East Region (NER)-Japan International Academic and Research Consortium.
• The LoI was signed during the Japan-North East Academic Industry Cooperation Symposium (JNTCS 2026) held at IIT-Guwahati.
• Aim: The consortium aims to foster collaboration in research and innovation among institutions in the NER and contribute to the region’s development.
• Institutions Involved: Out of 22 NER institutions, key participants include 8 NITs, 2 IITs, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, AIIMS-Guwahati, NERIWALM, Tezpur University, Gauhati University, Cotton University, and Assam Engineering College.
• Key Areas of Cooperation: The partnership will focus on education, research, technology transfer, and social engagement, promoting academic exchanges and research partnerships across disciplines like science, technology, and medicine.
• Key Roles: IIT-Guwahati will act as the nodal institution in India, while Gifu University will lead the initiative on the Japanese side.

Netflix Launches Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad to Boost India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics Ecosystem

• Netflix has launched Eyeline Studios, its global production and innovation studio, in Hyderabad, strengthening India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem.
• The Hyderabad studio will function as part of Eyeline Studios’ global network, which includes centres in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seoul, and London.
• The initiative aims to strengthen India’s role in global production pipelines, promote technology adoption, and support talent development in the AVGC sector.
• The launch aligns with the government’s “Orange Economy” initiative, which focuses on creative and cultural industries, including plans for 15,000 content creator labs across India.
• The development is expected to generate nearly two million jobs in the creative sector through schools and colleges equipped with content creation labs.
• The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) will soon open a regional campus in Hyderabad, further strengthening the creative technologies and content creation ecosystem.
• Hyderabad’s Telugu film industry is expected to benefit from global platforms like Netflix and initiatives such as Eyeline Studios, leading to increased opportunities for high-quality content creation.

Indian Space Research Organisation Expands Student Involvement in Space Missions for Satellite and Payload Development

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is expanding student participation in space missions, allowing students to design satellites and develop payloads under mentorship programs.
• The Student Satellite Programme, led by U R Rao Satellite Centre, provides technical mentorship from ISRO scientists to universities for satellite development.

Key Highlights :

• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has authorised 17 student satellites and payloads, out of which 11 have already been successfully launched.
• Initiatives like the RESPOND Programme and Space Technology Minor Course, approved by AICTE, strengthen space education in India.
• The government allocates about ₹10 crore annually for space science outreach and student-focused programs.
• Space Technology Incubation Centres have been established to facilitate collaborative research between universities and ISRO scientists, enabling development of indigenous space technologies.
• Since 2024, IN-SPACe has organised student competitions in model rockets and CanSats, which simulate real satellite operations.
• ISRO’s policies aim to increase India’s private sector share in the $450 billion global space economy from 2% to nearly 8% by 2033.
• Over 300 active space startups operate in areas like rocket launches, satellites, Earth observation, satellite communications, propulsion, electronics, space monitoring, and data analytics.
• Expanding student involvement enhances innovation capacity, nurtures a scientific temperament, builds future-ready skills, and creates a talent pipeline for research and industry.
• India has made historic achievements in space:
• Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing in August 2023 near the south pole, making India the fourth country to land on the Moon.
• Aditya-L1 solar observation mission in 2023, second in the world after the US Parker Solar Probe.
• India performed space docking in January 2025, becoming the fourth country to do so.
• Shubhanshu Shukla flew to the International Space Station in June 2025, becoming the second Indian national in space.
• ISRO-NASA joint satellite launched for high-resolution radar imagery of Earth.
• BlueBird Block 2, launched in December, is the heaviest payload ever from India.
• These initiatives collectively aim to strengthen India’s space ecosystem, foster academic-industry collaboration, and position India as a global space technology leader.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

India Tops Medal Table at World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 with 208 Medals

• India delivered an outstanding performance at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
• The three-day international event featured 257 athletes from eight countries competing in various track and field events.
• India finished at the top of the medal table with a total of 208 medals, comprising 75 gold, 69 silver and 64 bronze medals.
• The host nation dominated the competition, recording the highest number of podium finishes among all participating countries.
• Russia finished second in the medal standings with 35 medals, while Bosnia and Herzegovina secured the third position with three medals.
• Several Indian para-athletes delivered remarkable performances, contributing significantly to the country’s dominance in the tournament.
• Preeti Pal, a double Paralympic bronze medallist, won her second gold medal of the event in the women’s 200m T35–37 race.
• India’s dominance was further highlighted by multiple podium sweeps, where Indian athletes secured all three medal positions in certain events.
• In the men’s shot put F57 category, Shubham Juyal won the gold medal with a throw of 14.45 metres.
• In the men’s 200 metres T37–T44 race, Rakeshbhai Bhatt won the gold medal with a timing of 25.20 seconds, leading an all-Indian podium finish.
• In the men’s 800 metres T53–T54 event, Manojkumar Sabapathi secured the gold medal, further strengthening India’s position at the top of the medal standings.

India Wins Five Medals at World Boxing Futures Cup 2026

• India finished with a total of five medals at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026, securing one gold, three silver and one bronze medal.
• The tournament was held in Bangkok, Thailand from March 8 to March 15, 2026, featuring top young boxing talents from around the world.
• Chandrika Pujari led India’s medal tally by winning the gold medal in the women’s 51kg category.
• In the final, Chandrika Pujari defeated Mardonova Nazokat of Uzbekistan by unanimous decision, demonstrating strong technical skills and control throughout the bout.
• Gunjan won the silver medal in the women’s 48kg category after losing the final bout to an opponent from United Kingdom by a 5–0 decision.
• Joyshree Devi secured the silver medal in the women’s 54kg category, losing the final 4–1 to Guadalupe Ruiz of United States.
• In the men’s 50kg category, Ambekar Meetei won the silver medal after finishing as runner-up, losing the final to Mykhailo Sydorenko of Ukraine.
• Radhamani Longjam won the bronze medal in the women’s 57kg category.
• She reached the semi-finals, where she faced Yevanhelina Petruk of Ukraine.
• India’s Medal Winners at World Boxing Futures Cup 2026:
  – Gold: Chandrika Pujari – Women’s 51kg
  – Silver: Gunjan – Women’s 48kg
  – Silver: Joyshree Devi – Women’s 54kg
  – Silver: Ambekar Meetei – Men’s 50kg
  – Bronze: Radhamani Longjam – Women’s 57kg

Daily CA One- Liner: March 17

• Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, inaugurated a modern Common Incubation Centre at Tezpur University in Sonitpur district, Assam
• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) organised the AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi to recognise the contributions of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) working as AMRUT Mitras under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0
• The Ministry of Jal Shakti is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 to ensure safe drinking water supply to every rural household in India
• Prime Minister of India shri Narendra Modi, dedicated an elevated road corridor connecting Pandu Port to National Highway-27 and laid the foundation for key inland waterway projects in Assam
• Child marriage remains a serious social issue in India, affecting the rights, health, education, and overall development of children, particularly girls
• The appointment process for State Director General of Police (DGP) has been clarified following new directions involving the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Supreme Court of India.
• Gujarat created history after its first sounding rocket was successfully launched, marking the state’s entry into India’s private space technology ecosystem
• Indian-origin entrepreneur Surya Midha has gained global attention after matching the youngest self-made billionaire milestone, which was earlier associated with Mark Zuckerberg
• The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are among the most prestigious awards in the global film industry
• India delivered an outstanding performance at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
• India finished with a total of five medals at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026, securing one gold, three silver and one bronze medal.
• The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has launched a Gold 10 Grams Futures Contract in its Commodity Derivatives Segment, effective March 16, 2026, after receiving SEBI approval.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the appointment of Kompella Venkata (K.V.) Ramana Murty as Whole-Time Member (WTM) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• Dr. Partha Biswas holds a Ph.D. in Defence & Strategic Studies and has pursued higher education in Defence Studies, Human Resources, and Human Rights.
• Jose Antonio Kast Rist, founder and leader of the Republican Party of Chile, was sworn in as the 38th President of Chile for a four-year term, following his victory in the 2025 Chilean presidential election.
• The Indian Navy is participating in Exercise Sea Dragon 2026, a United States Navy-led multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise held in Guam throughout March 2026.
• IRNSS-1F, a satellite of India’s NavIC navigation system, stopped providing Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services after its last operational atomic clock failed, completing its 10-year design life.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a sea-level hot test of the Cryogenic Engine (CE20) at 22-tonne thrust at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
• Technology Hub (T-Hub), India’s largest startup incubator based in Hyderabad, Telangana, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) to enhance collaboration between Indian and Japanese deep-tech startups.
• The National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), partnered with TraceXero Technologies Private Limited, an Indian technology startup, to support Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies in the cement sector.
• 22 institutions from NorthEast (NE) India, led by IIT-Guwahati, Assam, and Japan’s Gifu University signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish the North East Region (NER)-Japan International Academic and Research Consortium.
• Netflix has launched Eyeline Studios, its global production and innovation studio, in Hyderabad, strengthening India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is expanding student participation in space missions, allowing students to design satellites and develop payloads under mentorship programs.