March 2026 Current Affairs for Competitive Exams with 100 Practice MCQs

Table of Contents

Introduction

March 2026 current affairs are very important for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and State PCS. This month includes major updates in government schemes, policies, defence, economy, science & technology, sports, awards, appointments, and international events. Studying March 2026 current affairs regularly helps candidates stay updated with recent developments and improves their performance in the General Awareness section.

This article on March 2026 current affairs is designed in a simple and exam-oriented way, covering all important topics with clear explanations. It focuses on key facts, names, dates, and important highlights that are frequently asked in exams. By revising March 2026 current affairs along with practice questions, students can boost their confidence, accuracy, and overall exam preparation.

Note / Disclaimer:
This article on March 2026 current affairs is based on the latest available information as of now. Some details, especially appointments, rankings, policies, and ongoing events, may change over time due to new updates or government decisions. If you are reading this in the future, it is strongly recommended to recheck and verify the latest information from official sources.

For competitive exams, always make sure you are studying the most updated version of March 2026 current affairs, as even small changes in facts or names can affect your answers. Regular revision and cross-checking will help you stay accurate and exam-ready.

March 2026 Current Affairs

Government Schemes & Policies

1. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Name of the Scheme: PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
Purpose / Objective: To provide free electricity to households by promoting rooftop solar installations and reducing the carbon footprint.
Target Beneficiaries: 1 Crore households across India.
Launched by: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Year of Launch: 2024.
Key Features: Simplification of the application process; waiver of technical feasibility for systems up to 10kW.
Benefits Provided: Up to 300 units of free electricity per month; subsidy of ₹30,000 per kW (up to 2kW) and ₹18,000 for additional kW.
Eligibility Criteria: Must be an Indian resident with a suitable roof for solar panels.
Recent Updates: As of March 20, 2026, over 2.62 million systems are deployed. India’s rooftop capacity reached 9.56 GW, with Gujarat leading the states.

2. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

Name of the Scheme: Jal Jeevan Mission.
Purpose / Objective: To provide “Har Ghar Jal” (Functional Household Tap Connection) to every rural household.
Target Beneficiaries: All rural households.
Launched by: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Year of Launch: 2019.
Key Features: Community-based approach; focus on water quality and greywater management.
Important Components: “Nal Jal Mitra” programme (for local maintenance) and the JJM Digital Dashboard.
Funding Pattern: 50:50 (Center:State); 90:10 for Himalayan/NE states; 100% for UTs.
Recent Updates: On March 9, 2026, the ministry reported 81.71% coverage (15.82 crore households), a massive leap from 16.7% in 2019.

3. National Green Hydrogen Mission

Name of the Scheme: National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Purpose / Objective: To make India a global hub for the production, usage, and export of Green Hydrogen.
Launched by: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Year of Launch: 2023.
Key Features: Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme.
Benefits Provided: Incentives for domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers and hydrogen production.
Funding Pattern: Central Sector Scheme.
Recent Updates: By March 19, 2026, budget utilization hit ₹203.75 crore. Current production capacity reached 8,000 TPA, with a long-term goal of 5 MMT by 2030. Discovered costs are currently ₹387–₹397 per kg.

4. Lakhpati Didi Scheme

Name of the Scheme: Lakhpati Didi.
Purpose / Objective: To empower women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to earn a sustainable income of at least ₹1 lakh per annum.
Target Beneficiaries: Women members of SHGs.
Launched by: Ministry of Rural Development.
Key Features: Focus on diversified livelihoods like drone operation (Drone Didis), LED bulb making, and food processing.
Eligibility Criteria: Membership in a registered Self-Help Group.
Recent Updates: In March 2026, the government intensified the strategy to meet the revised target of 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029.

5. Ayushman Bharat: PM-JAY (Senior Citizen Expansion)

Name of the Scheme: Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Expansion).
Purpose / Objective: To provide universal health coverage to senior citizens.
Target Beneficiaries: All citizens aged 70 years and above.
Launched by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Key Features: “Ayushman Vay Vandana Card” specifically for seniors.
Benefits Provided: ₹5 Lakh annual health cover per family on a floater basis.
Eligibility Criteria: Income-agnostic; only age (70+) and Aadhaar-based e-KYC are mandatory.
Recent Updates: March 2026 saw a surge in enrollments, covering approximately 6 crore individuals in this new age bracket.

6. India AI Governance Framework (Seven Sutras)

Name of the Initiative: India AI Governance Guidelines.
Purpose / Objective: To ensure ethical, inclusive, and safe AI development under the “AI for All” vision.
Launched by: MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology).
Year of Launch: 2024 (Fully integrated in March 2026).
Key Features: Built on Seven Guiding Sutras; establishment of the IndiaAI Compute Portal.
Important Components: Onboarding of 38,000+ GPUs to provide subsidized compute access for startups.
Recent Updates: Integrated into the Digital India Programme in March 2026 to regulate AI governance across the public sector.

7. PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Name of the Scheme: PM Vishwakarma.
Purpose / Objective: To support traditional artisans and craftspeople (Vishwakarmas) in improving their skills and market reach.
Target Beneficiaries: Artisans involved in 18 traditional trades (e.g., carpenters, blacksmiths, potters).
Launched by: Ministry of MSME.
Year of Launch: 2023.
Benefits Provided: Toolkit incentive of ₹15,000; Collateral-free loans (Enterprise Development Loans) at 5% interest.
Recent Updates: March 2026 saw the expansion of “PM Vishwakarma Haat” for market linkage. Total applications have surpassed 2.72 crore.

8. PM-JANMAN Mission

Full Form: PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.
Purpose / Objective: To improve the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Target Beneficiaries: 75 PVTGs across 18 States and 1 UT.
Launched by: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (in collaboration with 9 other ministries).
Year of Launch: 2023.
Key Components: 11 critical interventions including permanent housing (PMAY), clean water, and mobile medical units.
Recent Updates: In March 2026, the government fast-tracked “Saturation” of facilities in 22,000+ PVTG villages.

9. Mission PoWaR

Full Form: Power, Water, and Roads.
Purpose / Objective: To ensure 100% saturation of basic infrastructure in every Indian village.
Target Beneficiaries: Rural residents in unconnected hamlets.
Key Features: Coordinated “Saturation Drive” for all-weather roads and 24/7 electricity.
Recent Updates: Implementation review in March 2026 confirmed a target of 100% connectivity by 2027.

10. PMAY – Gramin (2.0 Phase)

Full Form: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin.
Purpose / Objective: Housing for All in rural areas.
Launched by: Ministry of Rural Development.
Funding Pattern: 60:40 (Center:State) in plain areas; 90:10 in North Eastern and Himalayan states.
Key Features: Integration with Swachh Bharat Mission (for toilets) and Ujjwala (for gas).
Recent Updates: As of March 2026, nearly 3 crore houses have been completed. The 2.0 phase now emphasizes superior construction quality and climate-resilient materials.

Awards & Honours

1. The Abel Prize 2026

Field / Category: Mathematics (Arithmetic Geometry).
Given by: The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (Norway).
Purpose: To recognize pioneering scientific achievements in the field of mathematics.
Frequency: Annual.
Prize Details: 7.5 million NOK (approx. ₹6 crore) and a trophy.
Special Facts: Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Mathematics.”
Recent Winner (2026): Gerd Faltings (German mathematician).
Recent News: Awarded on March 19, 2026, for his proof of the Mordell Conjecture. Faltings is among the few to hold both the Fields Medal and the Abel Prize.

2. Pritzker Architecture Prize 2026

Field / Category: Architecture.
Given by: Hyatt Foundation (USA).
Purpose: To honor a living architect whose work demonstrates talent, vision, and commitment.
First Awarded: 1979.
Prize Details: $100,000 and a bronze medallion.
Special Facts: Known as the “Nobel Prize of Architecture.”
Recent Winner (2026): Smiljan Radić (Chilean architect).
Recent News: Honored in March 2026 for his “material experimentation” and unique structures in Santiago, Chile.

3. 98th Academy Awards (The Oscars 2026)

Field / Category: Cinema / Filmmaking.
Given by: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), USA.
Frequency: Annual.
Location: Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles.
Key 2026 Winners:
- Best Picture: One Battle After Another
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
- Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)
- Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
India Connection: Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, was the only Indian film shortlisted for Best International Feature.

4. Padma Awards 2026 (Ceremonial)

Field / Category: Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science, Sports, etc.
Given by: Government of India.
First Awarded: 1954.
Recent News: The President officially conferred 131 awards (5 Vibhushan, 13 Bhushan, 113 Shri) in March 2026.
Notable 2026 Winners:
- Padma Vibhushan: Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous – Art), K.T. Thomas (Public Affairs).
- Padma Bhushan: Alka Yagnik (Art), Mammootty (Art), Uday Kotak (Trade).
- Padma Shri: Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar (Sports).

5. Sahitya Akademi Awards 2026

Field / Category: Literature (24 Indian languages).
Given by: Sahitya Akademi, India.
Purpose: To recognize outstanding literary works published in Indian languages.
Key 2026 Winners:
- English: Navtej Sarna for Crimson Spring (Novel).
- Hindi: Mamta Kalia for Jeete Jee Allahabad (Memoir).
- Assamese: Devabrat Das (Korhi Khelar xadhu).
Recent News: Announced on March 16, 2026, highlighting diverse Indian narratives.

6. Sahitya Akademi Awards 2026 (General)

Field / Category: Journalism / Media.
Purpose: Honors outstanding women media professionals in India.
Recent Winner (2026): Anna M.M. Vetticad (Independent Journalist).
Recent News: Awarded on March 21, 2026, for her social and political reporting on the Indian entertainment industry.

7. Mark Lynton History Prize 2026

Field / Category: History (Literature).
Given by: Columbia University (J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize Project).
Purpose: For a book-length work of history that combines intellectual distinction with high literary quality.
Recent Winner (2026): William Dalrymple.
Recent News: Won for his book The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World, which details India’s historic global influence.

8. Sports Awards & Honors (March 2026)

Award Name: Para-Archer of the Year
Winner: Sheetal Devi.
Special Fact: She is the world’s first armless female archer to compete internationally.
Recent News: Honored in March 2026 for her stellar performance throughout the 2025 season.

9. National Geoscience Awards 2026

Field / Category: Earth Sciences / Mining.
Given by: Ministry of Mines, India.
Purpose: Recognition for excellence in mineral discovery, mining technology, and geosciences.
Important Categories: Mineral Discovery, Mining Tech, and Lifetime Achievement.
Recent News: Conferred in March 2026 to scientists advancing India’s mineral security.

10. India Maritime Innovation Award

Field / Category: Maritime Infrastructure & Safety.
Recent Winner: Adani Ports and SEZ.
Recent News: Received in March 2026 for the “Port of Refuge” protocol, a safety standard allowing distressed vessels to anchor securely in Indian waters.

Quick Comparison Table for Revision

Award	2026 Winner	Field
Abel Prize	Gerd Faltings	Mathematics
Pritzker Prize	Smiljan Radić	Architecture
Oscar (Best Picture)	One Battle After Another	Cinema
Sahitya Akademi (English)	Navtej Sarna	Literature
Chameli Devi Jain	Anna M.M. Vetticad	Journalism

Important Days & Events

1. Zero Discrimination Day

Date: March 1, 2026.
Theme of the Year: “We Stand Together.”
Purpose / Significance: To promote equality before the law and in practice; ensuring no one is excluded based on age, gender, or ethnicity.
Declared by: UNAIDS.
First Observed Year: 2014.
Type: International.
Key Facts: Symbolized by the Butterfly, representing transformation and the right to live with dignity.

2. World Wildlife Day

Date: March 3, 2026.
Theme of the Year: “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”
Purpose / Significance: To celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora.
Declared by: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
First Observed Year / History: 2014; commemorates the signing of CITES on March 3, 1973.
Related Organization: CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
Key Messages: Focuses on the financial gap in biodiversity protection and sustainable development.

3. National Safety Day (India)

Date: March 4, 2026.
Theme of the Year: “Safety & Well-being: Crucial for Viksit Bharat.”
Purpose / Significance: To promote safety awareness in all sectors to prevent accidents and occupational hazards.
Declared by: National Safety Council (NSC) of India.
First Observed Year: 1972.
Type: National.
Recent Updates: This marks the 55th edition; the observance is typically extended as “National Safety Week.”

4. International Women’s Day

Date: March 8, 2026.
Theme of the Year: “Accelerate Action.”
Purpose / Significance: To celebrate women’s achievements and lobby for accelerated gender parity.
Declared by: United Nations.
First Observed Year: 1911 (Officially recognized by the UN in 1977).
Type: International.
Key Messages: Emphasizes closing the gender gap in technology, finance, and leadership.

5. CISF Raising Day

Date: March 10, 2026.
Purpose / Significance: To celebrate the establishment of the Central Industrial Security Force.
Formed By: Government of India.
First Observed Year / History: Established in 1969 under an Act of Parliament.
Type: National (Paramilitary).
Key Facts: CISF guards vital national infrastructure, including space centers, airports, and heritage monuments.
Recent Updates: 2026 marks the 57th Raising Day.

6. World Consumer Rights Day

Date: March 15, 2026.
Purpose / Significance: To protect consumer rights and ensure consumers are not victims of market abuse or social injustice.
Declared by: Consumer International.
History: Inspired by President John F. Kennedy, who sent a special message to the US Congress on March 15, 1962, formally addressing the issue of consumer rights.
Type: International.

7. National Vaccination Day (India)

Date: March 16, 2026.
Purpose / Significance: To convey the importance of vaccination to the masses.
First Observed Year / History: 1995, the year the Pulse Polio Immunization programme was launched in India.
Type: National.
Key Messages: Commemorates the first dose of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) given in India.
Related Organization: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

8. World Water Day

Date: March 22, 2026.
Theme of the Year: “Glacier Preservation.”
Purpose / Significance: To advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
Declared by: United Nations (UN-Water).
First Observed Year: 1993.
Type: International.
Key Facts: 2026 focus is specifically on the cryosphere (ice reserves) as a critical freshwater source threatened by climate change.

9. Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs’ Day)

Date: March 23, 2026.
Purpose / Significance: To pay homage to the revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.
History: Commemorates the hanging of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev in Lahore Jail in 1931.
Type: National.
Key Messages: Do not confuse this with January 30 (the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi).

10. World Tuberculosis (TB) Day

Date: March 24, 2026.
Theme of the Year: “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”
Purpose / Significance: To raise public awareness about the health and economic consequences of TB.
Declared by: World Health Organization (WHO).
History: Commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Recent Updates: India maintains its strategic goal to eliminate TB, prioritizing localized healthcare “deliver” models in 2026.

11. National Science Day

Date: February 28 / March 1 (Observed Transitions)
Theme of the Year: “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat.”
Key Facts: Commemorates the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman.
Related Organization: Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Appointments & Resignations

1. Major Gubernatorial Reshuffle (India)

Name of the Persons: Taranjit Singh Sandhu, R.N. Ravi, Shiv Pratap Shukla, Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Kavinder Gupta.
Position / Designation: Governors and Lieutenant Governors (LGs).
Organization / Country: Various States and UTs, India.
Type: Presidential Appointment/Transfer.
Date: March 2026.
Key Matches:
- Delhi (LG): Taranjit Singh Sandhu (Former Indian Ambassador to the US).
- West Bengal (Governor): R.N. Ravi (Transferred from Tamil Nadu).
- Telangana (Governor): Shiv Pratap Shukla.
- Ladakh (LG): Vinai Kumar Saxena (Transferred from Delhi).
- Himachal Pradesh (Governor): Kavinder Gupta.
Notable Facts: Governed by Articles 153-161 of the Indian Constitution. Changes in Delhi and West Bengal are considered strategically significant.

2. Chairperson of NHRC

Name of the Person: Justice V. Ramasubramanian.
Position / Designation: Chairperson.
Organization: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Type: Appointment.
Predecessor: Justice Arun Mishra.
Notable Facts: Justice Ramasubramanian is a former Supreme Court judge. The NHRC is a statutory body under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

3. Chairperson of NCBC

Name of the Person: Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti.
Position / Designation: Chairperson.
Organization: National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
Type: Appointment.
Date: March 18, 2026.
Notable Facts: The NCBC holds constitutional status under Article 338B (via the 102nd Amendment Act). Along with her, Mrs. Kiran Umesh Mahalle joined as a member.

4. First Woman Chief Superintendent (Nuclear Power)

Name of the Person: RM Nachammai.
Position / Designation: Chief Superintendent (Units 3 and 4).
Organization: Kaiga Generating Station, Karnataka (NPCIL).
Type: Appointment.
Date: March 15, 2026.
Notable Facts: First woman to head the operations of a functional nuclear power plant in India.

5. Director-General of the BBC

Name of the Person: Matt Brittin.
Position / Designation: Director-General.
Organization: British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), UK.
Type: Appointment.
Date: March 2026 (Official takeover in May 2026).
Notable Facts: A former Google executive, his transition to public media leadership is a significant international shift.

6. SEBI Whole-Time Member (WTM)

Name of the Person: Kompella Venkata Ramana Murty.
Position / Designation: Whole-Time Member (WTM).
Organization: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Type: Appointment.
Date: March 25, 2026.
Tenure: Three years.
Recent Updates: Appointed by the Government of India to regulate capital markets.

7. MD (Asia-Pacific) for OpenAI

Name of the Person: Kiran Mani.
Position / Designation: Managing Director (APAC Region).
Organization: OpenAI.
Type: Appointment.
Date: March 25, 2026.
Notable Facts: Previously the CEO of Digital Business at Viacom18; his appointment signals OpenAI’s aggressive expansion into the Indian market.

8. Chairperson of DNPA

Name of the Person: Puneet Gupt.
Position / Designation: Chairperson.
Organization: Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA).
Type: Appointment.
Date: March 24, 2026.
Notable Facts: Gupt is currently the COO of Times Internet. The DNPA represents the digital arms of India’s legacy media houses.

9. Nepal’s Health and Population Minister

Name of the Person: Nisha Mehta.
Position / Designation: Minister for Health and Population.
Country: Nepal.
Type: Appointment.
Date: March 27, 2026.
Notable Facts: An alumna of AIIMS New Delhi, her appointment highlights the deep educational and professional ties between India and Nepal.

10. Brand Ambassador for Yamaha Music India

Name of the Person: A.R. Rahman.
Position / Designation: Brand Ambassador.
Organization: Yamaha Music India.
Type: Appointment.
Date: March 2026.
Notable Facts: The Academy Award-winning composer will promote music education and high-quality instrumentation in India.

11. CMD of GAIL (India) Limited

Name of the Person: Deepak Gupta.
Position / Designation: Chairman and Managing Director (CMD).
Organization: GAIL India Limited.
Type: Appointment.
Tenure: Until 2029.
Notable Facts: GAIL is a Maharatna PSU and India’s largest natural gas company.

12. Superintendent of Central Jail Srinagar

Name of the Person: Saba Shawl.
Position / Designation: Superintendent.
Organization: Central Jail Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
Type: Appointment.
Date: March 2026.
Notable Facts: First Kashmiri woman to hold this high-security administrative post (Order No. 145-Home of 2026).

Quick Revision: Landmark “First Women” of March 2026

Name	Role	Achievement
RM Nachammai	Chief Superintendent, Kaiga	First woman to head a functional Indian Nuclear Power Plant.
Saba Shawl	Superintendent, Srinagar Jail	First Kashmiri woman to head the Central Jail Srinagar.
Nisha Mehta	Minister, Nepal	AIIMS alumna leading Nepal’s health ministry.

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