Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 20th  March 2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) Which institution was appointed as the sole registrar for the ‘.bank.in’ domain rollout in India?

(a) National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)

(b) Institute for Development and Research on Banking Technology (IDRBT)

(c) National Informatics Centre (NIC)

(d) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

(e) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

2) Which of the following statements about SEBI’s proposed changes to nomination rules is incorrect?

(a) Nomination will be the default option for new accounts.

(b) Investors must explicitly opt out if they do not wish to nominate.

(c) The number of nominees has been increased to ten.

(d) Assets will be divided equally if no specific shares are assigned.

(e) Only name and relationship are mandatory details for nominees.

3) In 2026, The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations compounded by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in February 2026 were related to which company?

(a) Larsen & Toubro Limited

(b) Metrocorp Infrastructure Ltd

(c) Reliance Infrastructure Limited

(d) GMR Infrastructure Limited

(e) Adani Infrastructure Limited

4) As of 2026, ‘Scapia Pay’ allows users to earn rewards on transactions made using which type of credit cards?

(a) Visa

(b) Mastercard

(c) American Express

(d) RuPay

(e) Diners Club

5) Which of the following statements about India’s trade data for April–February FY26 is incorrect?

(a) Merchandise trade deficit was US$ 210.60 billion.

(b) Total imports stood at US$ 900.51 billion.

(c) Total exports stood at US$ 790.86 billion.

(d) Services exports were US$ 387.93 billion.

(e) Services trade surplus was US$ 200.96 billion.

 

6) Which of the following statements about India’s health insurance sector is incorrect?

(a) The government aims to provide insurance coverage for all by 2033.

(b) A rural outreach plan will cover 25,000 Gram Panchayats.

(c) India’s per capita insurance premium is higher than the global average.

(d) The health insurance sector reached ₹1,17,505 crore in 2024–25.

(e) Around 58 crore lives are covered under health insurance.

7) Which country has NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) expanded UPI acceptance to, allowing Indian tourists to make real-time payments?

(a) Sri Lanka

(b) Bangladesh

(c) Nepal

(d) Maldives

(e) Bhutan

8) In 2026, SBI Securities launched ‘Women’s Mode’ on its mobile app to promote women-centric investing. The Women’s Mode feature by SBI Securities was developed under which initiative?

(a) UPI Connect

(b) Infinity8 initiative

(c) Digital Wealth Plan

(d) SBI Empower

(e) Financial Freedom Program

9) Under which section of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 did the RBI amend the capital adequacy framework for Counterparty Credit Risk (CCR) exposures?

(a) Section 35A

(b) Section 42

(c) Section 45B

(d) Section 36

(e) Section 44

10) Which section of the Code on Social Security, 2020 was struck down by the Supreme Court regarding maternity leave for adoptive mothers?

(a) Section 58(2)

(b) Section 59(3)

(c) Section 60(4)

(d) Section 61(1)

(e) Section 62(5)

11) In news, Researchers at IIT Guwahati developed a MXene-based material capable of performing which of the following functions?

(a) Carbon capture and storage

(b) Wastewater treatment

(c) Solar panel efficiency enhancement

(d) Battery energy density improvement

(e) Hydrogen fuel production and seawater desalination

12) Which programme was launched by the India Tourism Development Corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to promote tribal homestays in 2026?

(a) Tribal Tourism Development Scheme

(b) Tribal Homestay Capacity Building Programme

(c) Community Tourism Empowerment Initiative

(d) Rural Hospitality Training Programme

(e) Tribal Hospitality Skill Enhancement

 

13) Which of the following statements about the BHAVYA Scheme is incorrect?

(a) The scheme aims to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across India.

(b) The budget for the scheme is ₹33,600 crore.

(c) Each industrial park will receive financial assistance up to ₹10 crore per acre.

(d) Parks will include essential infrastructure like roads, drainage, and digital connectivity.

(e) Support for external infrastructure up to 25% of project cost will be provided.

14) Which state passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, targeting conversions through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage?

(a) Gujarat

(b) Rajasthan

(c) Karnataka

(d) Uttar Pradesh

(e) Maharashtra

15) Which Act is proposed to be amended by the Transgender Rights Amendment Bill 2026?

(a) Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

(b) Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019

(c) National Commission for Women Act, 1990

(d) Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015

(e) Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities) Act, 1995

16) Which country officially withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO), effective one year after formal notification?

(a) Brazil

(b) Mexico

(c) Chile

(d) Argentina

(e) Peru

17) Who won the Mark Lynton History Prize 2026 for the book The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World?

(a) William Dalrymple

(b) Romila Thapar

(c) Ramachandra Guha

(d) Amartya Sen

(e) Sunil Khilnani

18) Which Indian cricketer was appointed as the brand ambassador of the BHIM Payments App by NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL)?

(a) Virat Kohli

(b) Rohit Sharma

(c) Mahendra Singh Dhoni

(d) MS Dhoni’s brother

(e) Shikhar Dhawan

19) Who resigned as part-time chairman and independent director of HDFC Bank citing ethical concerns?

(a) Uday Kotak

(b) Atanu Chakraborty

(c) Aditya Puri

(d) Shikha Sharma

(e) Rajnish Kumar

20) Which new earthworm species was discovered in the Vazhani Dam area of Kerala by researchers from Christ College and Mahatma Gandhi University?

(a) Drawida vazhania

(b) Drawida keralaensis

(c) Drawida nilgiriensis

(d) Drawida mangalorensis

(e) Drawida thiruvananthapuram

21) Under the FIFA–YouTube partnership for the FIFA World Cup 2026, how long will fans be able to watch matches live on YouTube before being redirected to official broadcasters?

(a) 5 minutes

(b) 20 minutes

(c) 15 minutes

(d) 10 minutes

(e) 30 minutes

22) In 2026, Hurun Global rich list, Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person with a net worth of $792 billion. Which Indian celebrity re-entered the Hurun Global Rich List 2026 with a net worth of $1.3 billion?

(a) Amitabh Bachchan

(b) Salman Khan

(c) Deepika Padukone

(d) Akshay Kumar

(e) Shah Rukh Khan

23) In 2026, who was the former General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that passed away in New Delhi at the age of 66?

(a) Praful Patel

(b) Kushal Das

(c) Shaji Prabhakaran

(d) Subrata Dutta

(e) Kalyan Chaubey

 

24) On which date are World Sparrow Day and International Day of Happiness observed annually?

(a) March 18

(b) March 19

(c) March 20

(d) March 21

(e) March 22

 

25) What is the theme for World Oral Health Day observed annually on 20 March 2026?

(a) A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life

(b) Healthy Teeth, Healthy You

(c) Smile for Life

(d) Oral Health for All

(e) Bright Smile, Bright Future


Answers:

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India won the ‘Initiative of the Year’ award from Central Banking at the 13th annual Central Banking Awards for its innovative ‘.bank.in’ domain rollout initiative.
• The Institute for Development and Research on Banking Technology (IDRBT) was appointed as the sole registrar for the .bank.in domain rollout.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India won the ‘Initiative of the Year’ award from Central Banking at the 13th annual Central Banking Awards for its innovative ‘.bank.in’ domain rollout initiative.
• The ‘.bank.in’ domain was launched in February 2025 to combat rising cyber frauds and enhance security in India’s digital financial ecosystem.
• Only RBI-licensed banks are allowed to use the exclusive and secure domain, making India the first country in the world to mandate a dedicated banking internet domain.
• The Institute for Development and Research on Banking Technology (IDRBT) was appointed as the sole registrar for the .bank.in domain rollout.
• Banks were required to transition their net banking websites to the .bank.in domain by October 31, 2025, following a phase-wise rollout plan
  
  

2) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed changes to nomination rules for demat accounts and mutual fund (MF) folios to simplify onboarding, reduce compliance burden, and align with banking norms.
• The number of nominees will be capped at four, replacing the earlier proposal to allow up to ten nominees, due to operational constraints and low usage of multiple nominees.

Detailed Explanation:

• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed changes to nomination rules for demat accounts and mutual fund (MF) folios to simplify onboarding, reduce compliance burden, and align with banking norms.
• Under the new proposal, nomination will be the default option for new accounts, and investors must explicitly opt out if they do not wish to appoint a nominee.
• The number of nominees will be capped at four, replacing the earlier proposal to allow up to ten nominees, due to operational constraints and low usage of multiple nominees.
• SEBI clarified that if multiple nominees are not assigned specific shares, the assets will be divided equally among them.
• The mandatory information required for a nominee will be limited to their name and the nature of the relationship with the investor; other details like contact info and percentage share will be optional.

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has compounded FEMA violations by Metrocorp Infrastructure Limited, resulting in the termination of adjudication proceedings initiated by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).
• The violations were related to non-compliance under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), specifically delays in reporting foreign inward remittances.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has compounded FEMA violations by Metrocorp Infrastructure Limited, resulting in the termination of adjudication proceedings initiated by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).
• The violations were related to non-compliance under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), specifically delays in reporting foreign inward remittances.
• The compounding order was issued on February 10, 2026, after RBI received a “No Objection” from ED, allowing the matter to be settled.
• RBI imposed a penalty of ₹1,03,320 under Section 15 of FEMA, which was paid by Metrocorp Infrastructure Ltd to close the case.
• The action demonstrates RBI’s authority to compound violations under FEMA and provides a mechanism for settlement without prolonged legal proceedings.
  
  

4) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

• Scapia launched ‘Scapia Pay’, an in-application UPI payment service that allows users to earn rewards on transactions made using RuPay credit cards.
• The initiative aims to integrate daily payments, credit, and travel rewards within a unified platform, enhancing financial convenience and user engagement.

Detailed Explanation:

• Scapia launched ‘Scapia Pay’, an in-application UPI payment service that allows users to earn rewards on transactions made using RuPay credit cards.
• The initiative aims to integrate daily payments, credit, and travel rewards within a unified platform, enhancing financial convenience and user engagement.
• Users can link their Scapia Federal RuPay and Scapia BOBCARD RuPay credit cards to the app for quick UPI payments and earn benefits on qualifying transactions.
• Key features of Scapia Pay include seamless interface, real-time payments, custom UPI ID for privacy, first-time payment notifications, high-value transaction alerts, and consolidated spend tracking.

5) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

• Total Exports (Merchandise + Services) for April–February FY26 reached US$ 790.86 Billion, up 79% from US$ 747.58 Billion in the previous year.
• Total Imports for April–February FY26 stood at US$ 900.51 Billion, registering a growth of 7.37% over the previous year.
• Merchandise Exports for April–February FY26 were US$ 402.93 Billion, compared to US$ 395.66 Billion last year, while Merchandise Imports were US$ 713.53 Billion, up from US$ 657.46 Billion.
• Merchandise Trade Deficit during April–February FY26 widened to US$ 310.60 Billion, compared to US$ 261.80 Billion in FY25.

Detailed Explanation:

• Total Exports (Merchandise + Services) for April–February FY26 reached US$ 790.86 Billion, up 79% from US$ 747.58 Billion in the previous year.
• Total Imports for April–February FY26 stood at US$ 900.51 Billion, registering a growth of 7.37% over the previous year.
• Merchandise Exports for April–February FY26 were US$ 402.93 Billion, compared to US$ 395.66 Billion last year, while Merchandise Imports were US$ 713.53 Billion, up from US$ 657.46 Billion.
• Merchandise Trade Deficit during April–February FY26 widened to US$ 310.60 Billion, compared to US$ 261.80 Billion in FY25.
• Services Exports during April–February FY26 were US$ 387.93 Billion, growing 23%, while Services Imports were US$ 186.98 Billion, leading to a Services Trade Surplus of US$ 200.96 Billion.
• February 2026 Exports were US$ 76.13 Billion (+11.05%) and Imports were US$ 80.09 Billion (+21.64%), reflecting stronger domestic demand and global trade activity.
  
  

6) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that health insurance is a priority of the government, aiming to provide insurance coverage for all by 2033.
• A major rural outreach plan will cover 25,000 Gram Panchayats, treating villages as the basic unit for insurance coverage under IRDAI norms (2024).
• India’s insurance penetration remains low, with per capita premium at $97, compared to the global average of $943.

Detailed Explanation:

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that health insurance is a priority of the government, aiming to provide insurance coverage for all by 2033.
• A major rural outreach plan will cover 25,000 Gram Panchayats, treating villages as the basic unit for insurance coverage under IRDAI norms (2024).
• India’s insurance penetration remains low, with per capita premium at $97, compared to the global average of $943.
• The health insurance sector is expanding rapidly, reaching ₹1,17,505 crore (2024–25) and covering around 58 crore lives.
• Both public and private insurers, along with government-backed insurance companies, are contributing to the expansion of coverage.
• The government has focused on keeping premium rates affordable, especially for poor and vulnerable sections.

7) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

• NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) expanded the acceptance of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) across merchant establishments in Sri Lanka.

Detailed Explanation:

• NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) expanded the acceptance of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) across merchant establishments in Sri Lanka.
• The initiative aims to improve cross-border payment experiences for Indian tourists and strengthen economic and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka.
• Indian tourists can now make real-time account-to-account payments by scanning Lanka Quick Response (QR) codes through their preferred UPI-enabled mobile applications.

8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• SBI Securities launched ‘Women’s Mode’ on its mobile app to promote women-centric investing.
• The feature was developed under the Infinity8 initiative and validated using feedback from 6,000+ women investors.
• Women’s Mode offers goal-based investment journeys, simplified investment tools, and a special brokerage plan tailored for women.

Detailed Explanation:

• SBI Securities launched ‘Women’s Mode’ on its mobile app to promote women-centric investing.
• The feature was developed under the Infinity8 initiative and validated using feedback from 6,000+ women investors.
• Women’s Mode offers goal-based investment journeys, simplified investment tools, and a special brokerage plan tailored for women.
• The launch aims to make investing more accessible, build financial confidence, and promote independence among women investors.
• The feature is based on direct feedback from women to enhance decision-making clarity.
• The initiative targets both first-time and experienced women investors, emphasizing practical support over symbolic recognition.
• Infinity8 initiative reflects SBI Securities’ commitment to innovation and consistent engagement with women investors.
  
  
  

9) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) amended its capital adequacy framework for commercial banks, providing clearer guidelines on calculating and maintaining capital against Counterparty Credit Risk (CCR) exposures.
• The amendment was issued under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and became effective immediately on March 10, 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) amended its capital adequacy framework for commercial banks, providing clearer guidelines on calculating and maintaining capital against Counterparty Credit Risk (CCR) exposures.
• The amendment was issued under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and became effective immediately on March 10, 2026.
• Banks must include CCR exposures of all consolidated entities while computing capital requirements.
• Under the updated framework, equity contracts carry add-on factors of 6% for up to one year, 8% for one to five years, and 10% for over five years.
• Precious metals (excluding gold) attract 7%, 7%, and 8% across the respective maturity bands, while other commodities are pegged at 10%, 12%, and 15%.
• Banks acting as clearing members of SEBI-recognised stock exchanges in equity and commodity derivatives must compute and maintain a capital charge for CCR.
  
  
  

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• The Supreme Court of India has struck down the age restriction on maternity leave for adoptive mothers, declaring the provision unconstitutional.
• The Court ruled that all adoptive mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of the age of the adopted child.
• The judgment was delivered in the case of Hamsaanandini Nanduri V.Union of India.
• The Court declared Section 60(4) of the Code on Social Security, 2020 unconstitutional, which earlier restricted maternity benefits to adoption of children below three months.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Supreme Court of India has struck down the age restriction on maternity leave for adoptive mothers, declaring the provision unconstitutional.
• The Court ruled that all adoptive mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of the age of the adopted child.
• The judgment was delivered in the case of Hamsaanandini Nanduri V.Union of India.
• The Court declared Section 60(4) of the Code on Social Security, 2020 unconstitutional, which earlier restricted maternity benefits to adoption of children below three months.
• The ruling held that such restriction violates Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution.

 

11) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati developed a MXene-based material capable of both hydrogen fuel production and seawater desalination.

Detailed Explanation:

• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati developed a MXene-based material capable of both hydrogen fuel production and seawater desalination.
• The innovation addresses two major challenges: clean energy generation and safe drinking water, using solar-powered technology.
• The material is based on MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials known for high electrical conductivity.
• Researchers enhanced performance by creating ultra-thin ribbon-like structures and adding ruthenium atoms, improving charge movement and catalytic efficiency.

12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• The India Tourism Development Corporation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, launched the Tribal Homestay Capacity Building Programme 2026 in New Delhi.
• The initiative aims to promote community-based tourism and empower tribal communities by improving hospitality skills and service quality.

Detailed Explanation:

• The India Tourism Development Corporation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, launched the Tribal Homestay Capacity Building Programme 2026 in New Delhi.
• The initiative aims to promote community-based tourism and empower tribal communities by improving hospitality skills and service quality.
• The programme focuses on skill development and capacity building of tribal homestay owners to:
• Enhance hospitality and service standards
• Improve tourist experience in tribal regions
• Promote sustainable and community-based tourism
• Generate employment and income opportunities
• The training is being implemented by Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Ashok, the hospitality education arm of the India Tourism Development Corporation.
  
  

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• The Union Cabinet approved the BHAVYA (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana) Scheme to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across India.
• The scheme will be implemented with a budget of ₹33,600 crore to strengthen industrial infrastructure and boost manufacturing growth.
• It aims to provide ready-to-use industrial facilities, reducing setup time and investment hurdles.
• Under the scheme, industrial parks will be developed over 100–1,000 acres, with financial assistance up to ₹1 crore per acre.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Union Cabinet approved the BHAVYA (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana) Scheme to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across India.
• The scheme will be implemented with a budget of ₹33,600 crore to strengthen industrial infrastructure and boost manufacturing growth.
• It aims to provide ready-to-use industrial facilities, reducing setup time and investment hurdles.
• Under the scheme, industrial parks will be developed over 100–1,000 acres, with financial assistance up to ₹1 crore per acre.
• Parks will include essential infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, underground utilities, and digital connectivity.
• Facilities like ready-built factory sheds, testing laboratories, and warehousing units will also be provided.
• Support for external infrastructure up to 25% of project cost will be given to improve connectivity.
  
  

14) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

• The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill was passed by voice vote and targets conversions through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage.
• The State Government stated that the law aims to ensure transparency and protect constitutional rights, and is not against any religion.
• The Bill focuses on ensuring that religious conversions are voluntary and free from illegal influence, while promoting legal accountability and freedom of choice.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill was passed by voice vote and targets conversions through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage.
• The State Government stated that the law aims to ensure transparency and protect constitutional rights, and is not against any religion.
• The Bill focuses on ensuring that religious conversions are voluntary and free from illegal influence, while promoting legal accountability and freedom of choice.
• Key punishments under the law:
  • Conversion through marriage, fraud, or coercion: Up to 7 years imprisonment + ₹1 lakh fine
  • Conversion involving minors, women, SC/ST, or persons of unsound mind: 7 years imprisonment + ₹5 lakh fine
  • Mass conversions: Up to 7 years imprisonment + ₹5 lakh fine
  • Repeat offenders: Up to 10 years imprisonment + ₹5 lakh fine
• The law provides special protection for vulnerable groups such as minors, women, and SC/ST, considering them more prone to exploitation, with stricter penalties to prevent misuse of influence.

 

15) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• The Transgender Rights Amendment Bill 2026 has been introduced in Parliament to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, proposing major changes in recognition of transgender identity in India.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Transgender Rights Amendment Bill 2026 has been introduced in Parliament to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, proposing major changes in recognition of transgender identity in India.
• The Bill has sparked widespread debate, especially due to the proposed removal of self-identification rights, a principle established in the 2014 Supreme Court judgment (NALSA v. Union of India).
• The existing framework (2019 Act), based on the NALSA (2014) judgment, provides:
• Recognition of transgender persons as the third gender
• Right to self-identify as male, female, or third gender
• Issuance of transgender identity cards
• Access to government welfare schemes
  
  

16) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

• Argentina has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), effective one year after formal notification.
• The withdrawal was initially announced in February 2025 under President Javier Milei.

Detailed Explanation:

• Argentina has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), effective one year after formal notification.
• The withdrawal was initially announced in February 2025 under President Javier Milei.
• Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno confirmed the formal exit.
• The decision was motivated by “profound differences” with the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Milei calling the agency "nefarious" and an "enforcement arm" of social control.
  
  
  

17) Answer: A

• Renowned historian William Dalrymple has been awarded the Mark Lynton History Prize 2026 for his book The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World.
• The prize recognises outstanding historical writing that combines rigorous research with engaging narrative style.
• The award carries a cash prize of 10,000 United States dollars and is presented annually to works that demonstrate both scholarly excellence and literary quality.
  
  

18) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

• NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India, appointed Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the brand ambassador for the BHIM Payments Application (App).
• The partnership aims to enhance trust, financial inclusion, and scale in India’s digital payments ecosystem, supporting the BHIM app’s next growth phase by building user preference and confidence.

Detailed Explanation:

• NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India, appointed Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the brand ambassador for the BHIM Payments Application (App).
• The partnership aims to enhance trust, financial inclusion, and scale in India’s digital payments ecosystem, supporting the BHIM app’s next growth phase by building user preference and confidence.
• MS Dhoni, as the face of the campaign, will feature in multi-channel promotional initiatives, highlighting BHIM’s ease of use, security features, and accessibility.
• The BHIM app, launched in 2016 on NPCI’s UPI platform, is positioned as “Bharat Ka Apna Payments App” and has a wide reach across Tier 1–3 cities.
  
  

19) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• Atanu Chakraborty resigned as part-time chairman and independent director of HDFC Bank with immediate effect, citing ethical concerns.

Detailed Explanation:

• Atanu Chakraborty resigned as part-time chairman and independent director of HDFC Bank with immediate effect, citing ethical concerns.
• In his resignation letter, Chakraborty stated that certain practices within the bank over the past two years were not aligned with his personal values.
• His resignation highlighted governance standards at one of India’s largest private sector banks.
• The reason for resignation was ethical differences, with no other material reasons
  
  

20) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

• Researchers from Christ College and Mahatma Gandhi University discovered a new earthworm species named “Drawida vazhania” in the Vazhani Dam area of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrissur district, Kerala.
• With this discovery, the total number of Drawida species in India increased to 83, including 55 species in the Western Ghats.
• Kerala leads with 31 Drawida species, of which 16 are endemic, highlighting its rich biodiversity.

Detailed Explanation:

• Researchers from Christ College and Mahatma Gandhi University discovered a new earthworm species named “Drawida vazhania” in the Vazhani Dam area of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrissur district, Kerala.
• With this discovery, the total number of Drawida species in India increased to 83, including 55 species in the Western Ghats.
• Kerala leads with 31 Drawida species, of which 16 are endemic, highlighting its rich biodiversity.
• The discovery was published in the international journal Zootaxa, contributing to the biodiversity records of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
• Drawida vazhania belongs to the genus Drawida under the family Moniligastridae and is part of the Barwelli group.
  
  
  

21) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

• The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) partnered with YouTube to introduce a new digital streaming format for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
• Fans can watch the first 10 minutes of matches live on YouTube, after which they will be redirected to official broadcasters.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) partnered with YouTube to introduce a new digital streaming format for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
• Fans can watch the first 10 minutes of matches live on YouTube, after which they will be redirected to official broadcasters.
• The initiative aims to expand digital reach and attract younger, mobile-first audiences.
• The partnership creates a hybrid viewing model, combining traditional broadcasting with online accessibility.

 

22) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

• The Hurun Global Rich List 2026 reported over 4,020 billionaires globally, with 578 new billionaires added in one year.
• Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person with a net worth of $792 billion, holding the top position for the fifth time in six years.
• Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, continues as the richest person in Asia with a net worth of $109 billion.
• Shah Rukh Khan re-entered the billionaire list with a net worth of $1.3 billion.

Detailed Explanation:

• The Hurun Global Rich List 2026 reported over 4,020 billionaires globally, with 578 new billionaires added in one year.
• Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person with a net worth of $792 billion, holding the top position for the fifth time in six years.
• Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, continues as the richest person in Asia with a net worth of $109 billion.
• Shah Rukh Khan re-entered the billionaire list with a net worth of $1.3 billion.
• Top 10 billionaires globally:
• Elon Musk – $792 billion
• Jeff Bezos – $300 billion
• Larry Page – $271 billion
• Larry Ellison – $267 billion
• Sergey Brin – $247 billion

 

23) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

• Kushal Das, former General Secretary of All India Football Federation (AIFF), passed away in New Delhi at the age of 66.
• He was born in 1959.
• Kushal Das was a Chartered Accountant (CA) by profession with extensive experience in sports management and administration.

Detailed Explanation:

• Kushal Das, former General Secretary of All India Football Federation (AIFF), passed away in New Delhi at the age of 66.
• He was born in 1959.
• Kushal Das was a Chartered Accountant (CA) by profession with extensive experience in sports management and administration.
• He worked with global firms such as PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Shell, gaining corporate and financial expertise.
• In 1996, he joined International Management Group (IMG) as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and later served as CFO of International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai,United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• He served as AIFF General Secretary from 2010 to 2022, making him one of the longest-serving officials in Indian football administration.

 

24) Answer: C

• World Sparrow Day is observed annually on 20 March to raise awareness about the House Sparrow and other common urban birds.

• International Day of Happiness 2026 is observed globally on 20 March 2026 to promote happiness, well-being, and positivity.

 

25) Answer: A

• World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is observed annually on 20 March to promote oral hygiene and awareness about oral diseases.
• The theme for World Oral Health Day 2026 is “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”.