March 2026 Monthly Current Affairs
Complete Notes & MCQ Quiz
All 31 days covered — ICC T20 World Cup win, RELIEF Scheme, Sonam Wangchuk release, World Happiness Report, NavIC crisis, India's updated NDC, INS Taragiri, WTO MC14, GTI 2026 and 50+ more events. Exam-ready for UPSC, SSC CGL, IBPS PO, RRB NTPC & all state PSCs.
⭐ Top 12 Must-Know Events of March 2026
Sonam Wangchuk Released — NSA 1980 Quashed After ~6 Months (March 14)
Sonam Wangchuk, climate activist and Ramon Magsaysay Award 2018 laureate (inspiration for 3 Idiots' Phunsukh Wangdu), was released on March 14, 2026 after the government quashed the National Security Act (NSA) 1980 order against him. He had been detained since approximately September 2025, having led protests demanding full statehood or Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court. Ladakh became a Union Territory on October 31, 2019, when J&K was bifurcated.
- NSA Section 14: Allows preventive detention for up to 12 months without trial; challengeable only through habeas corpus in High Court/SC
- Sonam Wangchuk: Founder of HIAL (Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh); creator of Ice Stupa artificial glaciers for water conservation
- Sixth Schedule: Provides autonomous district councils with legislative and judicial powers to tribal communities; applies in NE India — Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram
Supreme Court Allows Passive Euthanasia — First Judicial Approval for Harish Rana
The Supreme Court bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan permitted withdrawal of life support for Harish Rana, a 32-year-old in a persistent vegetative state for ~13 years following a fall in 2013. This marks India's first judicial approval of passive euthanasia in such a case. The bench reaffirmed that Article 21 (Right to Life) encompasses the right to die with dignity. The court also recommended replacing the term "passive euthanasia" with "withdrawing or withholding medical treatment".
- Common Cause vs UoI (2018): Landmark SC judgment that first recognised Advance Medical Directives (Living Wills) and allowed passive euthanasia
- Active vs Passive Euthanasia: Active = deliberate act to cause death (illegal in India); Passive = withdrawing life support (now judicially permitted with safeguards)
- Best interests test: Court assesses whether continuing treatment truly benefits the patient or merely prolongs suffering
Modified UDAN Scheme Approved — ₹28,840 Crore for Regional Aviation (2026–2036)
The Union Cabinet approved the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Modified UDAN on March 25, 2026 with an outlay of ₹28,840 crore for 2026–2036. The scheme aims to develop 100 new airports from existing unserved airstrips (CAPEX: ₹12,159 crore) and provide viability gap funding to airlines connecting underserved regions. UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) was originally launched in 2016 to make air travel affordable and accessible to common citizens.
- Original UDAN (2016): Under Ministry of Civil Aviation; provided viability gap funding; connected ~70 underserved airports
- Modified UDAN goals: Transform India into a globally competitive aviation hub; 300+ new routes; target to make India world's 3rd largest aviation market by 2030
- Viksit Bharat 2047 link: Regional connectivity as enabler of economic development in Tier 2/3 cities and tribal/border areas
IVFRT Scheme Extended — ₹1,800 Crore for Immigration & Visa Tracking (2026–2031)
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for five years (2026–2031) with an outlay of ₹1,800 crore. Originally approved in 2010 (CCEA), IVFRT is a mission-mode project under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) designed to create a secure, integrated framework managing the lifecycle of travellers — from visa application, entry, activities within India, to final exit. It strengthens national security while facilitating legitimate travel.
- IVFRT components: Online visa, immigration at ports of entry, Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), Bureau of Immigration (BOI)
- Mission-mode project: Projects treated with urgency and dedicated resources under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP)
National Quantum Mission — 23 Institutions Selected for India's ₹6,003 Crore Programme
The National Quantum Mission (NQM) selected 23 institutions — including IITs, IISc, TIFR, and national laboratories — to anchor India's quantum technology research ecosystem. NQM was approved in April 2023 with an outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore over 8 years. Targets include developing quantum computers with 50–1,000 qubits by 2031, quantum communication networks, and quantum sensing. India is one of only six countries with a dedicated national quantum mission alongside the US, China, UK, EU, and Australia.
- Quantum computing advantage: Can solve complex problems (drug discovery, cryptography, climate modelling) exponentially faster than classical computers
- Qubit target progression: 50–100 qubits (3 years) → 50–1,000 qubits (8 years); NVM operates through 4 Technology Hubs
Vikram Doraiswami Appointed India's Ambassador to China (March 19)
The MEA appointed Vikram K. Doraiswami (IFS: 1992) as India's new Ambassador to the People's Republic of China. He was previously India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and will succeed Pradeep Kumar Rawat. Doraiswami holds a Master's in History from Delhi University and a Chinese language diploma from Hong Kong's New Asia Yale-in-Asia Language School. The posting is strategically significant given the post-Galwan diplomatic thaw and disengagement at Depsang Plains and Demchok (October 2024).
- Galwan Valley clash (June 2020): Deadliest India-China confrontation since 1967 Nathu La; 20 Indian soldiers killed; triggered comprehensive diplomatic freeze
- India-China trade FY24-25: ~$120 billion bilateral trade; India's deficit with China ~$85 billion — largest single-country deficit
Global Terrorism Index 2026 — Pakistan No. 1 for First Time; 28% Drop in Deaths
The GTI 2026 by Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) reveals Pakistan tops the index for the first time, driven by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacks. Globally, terrorism deaths fell 28% and incidents dropped 22%. The Sahel region (sub-Saharan Africa) accounts for over half of all global terrorism deaths. Islamic State remains the deadliest group — responsible for ~17% of all attacks, operating in 22 countries. Over 76% of attacks occurred within 100 km of international borders.
- IEP also publishes: Global Peace Index (GPI) — annual report ranking nations by peacefulness; Afghanistan historically last
- GTI scoring: 0–10 scale; 163 countries; covers 99.7% of world population; includes 4 factors — incidents, fatalities, injuries, property damage
WTO MC14 in Yaoundé — No Deal on E-Commerce; India Blocks IFD Agreement
WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon (2nd ever in Africa) concluded without binding agreements on the e-commerce duty moratorium or agriculture. India and South Africa blocked the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement. WTO was established January 1, 1995; has 166 members; HQ Geneva; DG: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Fisheries subsidies negotiations to continue toward MC15.
India-Germany €20 Million IKI Climate Grant + PM Modi Addresses Israeli Knesset
India and Germany signed a €20 million IKI (International Climate Initiative) climate cooperation grant for clean energy and biodiversity projects. Separately, PM Modi became the first Indian PM to address the Israeli Knesset, receiving the Medal of the Knesset. He also visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem. The visit cemented India-Israel defence and technology ties amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
RELIEF Scheme — ₹497 Crore Package for Exporters Hit by West Asia Conflict (March 19)
Government launched RELIEF (Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) — a ₹497 crore three-component scheme to protect Indian exporters from West Asia conflict disruptions. ECGC Limited is the nodal implementing agency. Component I (₹56 cr): 100% top-up war-risk cover for existing ECGC-insured shipments (Feb 14–Mar 15, 2026). Component II (₹159 cr): 95% ECGC cover for new shipments to 10 West Asian nations (Mar 16–Jun 15, 2026). Component III (₹282 cr): 50% freight reimbursement for uninsured MSMEs.
New Income Tax Rules FY 2026-27 — Education Allowance Revised, "Tax Year" Introduced
From April 1, 2026: Education Allowance revised to ₹3,000/month/child (from ₹100); Hostel Allowance to ₹9,000/month/child (from ₹300). Terms "Financial Year" and "Assessment Year" replaced by unified "Tax Year". Under New Tax Regime, income up to ₹12 lakh effectively tax-free via ₹60,000 rebate under Section 87A. ITR-3/4 deadline extended to August 31.
CGSMFI 2.0 — Credit Guarantee for Microfinance Institutions; 80% Cover via NCGTC
Government introduced CGSMFI 2.0 — providing 80% guarantee for small NBFC-MFIs, 75% medium, 70% large — administered by NCGTC (National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd). Valid till June 30, 2026 or ₹20,000 crore loans guaranteed. Guarantee fee: 0.50% p.a. Supports ~6 crore microfinance borrowers nationwide.
Energy Statistics India 2026 — RE Potential 47 Lakh MW; T&D Losses Down to 17%
NSO released the 33rd edition of Energy Statistics India 2026. India's total RE potential: 47,04,043 MW (solar 71%); installed RE capacity CAGR: 10.93% (2016–2025); T&D losses fell from 22% to 17% in 9 years. Credit to energy sector rose sixfold — ₹1,688 crore to ₹10,325 crore (2021–2025). 6 states hold 70%+ of RE potential: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, AP, Karnataka, MP.
INS Taragiri (F41) — Project 17A Stealth Frigate to be Commissioned April 3, 2026
INS Taragiri (F41) — 4th ship of the Nilgiri Class (Project 17A) built by MDL Mumbai — will be commissioned on April 3, 2026 at Visakhapatnam. Features: Reduced Radar Cross Section stealth, supersonic SSMs, MR-SAM, ASW suite, CODOG propulsion. Indigenous content: 75%+; involves 200+ MSMEs. Designed by Warship Design Bureau (WDB). Part of India's 7-ship Project 17A programme — a step-up from Project 17 (Shivalik Class).
IMEX TTX 2026 — Indian Navy Hosts IONS Maritime Table-Top Exercise in Kochi
Indian Navy hosted IMEX TTX 2026 at Maritime Warfare Centre, Southern Naval Command, Kochi under the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) — established 2008; 24 IOR littoral states. Participants: Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Maldives, Mauritius, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania. India holds current IONS chairmanship. Exercises India's SAGAR doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region, 2015).
NDIC 2026 — India Must Become Global Drone Manufacturing Hub: Rajnath Singh
The National Defence Indigenisation Conclave (NDIC) 2026 was held in New Delhi with theme "Advanced Manufacturing Technologies". Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for India to become a global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing. Conclave launched DISC-14 (Defence India Start-up Challenge, 14th edition) and ADITI Challenges 4.0 — offering grants up to ₹25 crore via iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence).
India's Updated NDC (2031–2035) — 60% Non-Fossil, 47% Intensity Cut, 3.5–4 bn Tonne Sink
Union Cabinet approved India's updated NDC on March 25, 2026. Three targets for 2031–2035: 60% non-fossil installed electricity capacity by 2035 (up from 50% by 2030); 47% emissions intensity reduction from 2005 GDP levels (up from 45%); 3.5–4 billion tonne CO₂ equivalent carbon sink (up from 2.5–3 bn). India already at 52.57% non-fossil capacity as of Feb 2026. CO₂ emissions growth in 2025: just 0.7% — slowest since 2001. Net-zero target: 2070.
CSE State of India's Environment 2026 — Extreme Weather 99% of Days in 2025
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released State of India's Environment 2026. Key findings: India experienced extreme weather events on 99% of days in 2025; 4,419 deaths attributed to extreme weather; 17.41 million hectares crop damage; only ~15% of Indians live near air quality monitoring stations; global 1.5°C threshold warning for 2030s. CSE has published this report annually since 1982.
Euthalia zubeengargi — New Butterfly Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
A new butterfly species Euthalia zubeengargi was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh, adding to India's rich butterfly diversity of ~1,500 species. India ranks 6th globally in butterfly biodiversity. Arunachal Pradesh is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and India's northeastern states collectively host over 60% of India's butterfly species. The species was named in honour of noted musician and conservationist Zubeen Garg.
NavIC Crisis — IRNSS-1F Atomic Clock Fails; Positioning Satellites Below Minimum Threshold
ISRO confirmed the atomic clock on IRNSS-1F failed on March 13, 2026, reducing NavIC positioning-capable satellites to three — below the minimum four required for reliable coverage. NavIC (official name: IRNSS) covers India and 1,500 km beyond; planned 7-satellite constellation; ~10-metre accuracy. IRNSS-1F was launched March 2016 (completed 10-year life). New-generation NVS satellites carry India-developed Rubidium atomic clocks (12-year life) and transmit on the new L1 frequency for civilian device compatibility.
PM E-DRIVE Scheme Extended to March 2028 — EV Two-Wheeler Incentives Till July 2026
The government extended the PM E-DRIVE (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme till March 31, 2028. Incentives for electric two-wheelers are available only for vehicles registered till July 31, 2026. PM E-DRIVE supports adoption of e-buses, e-trucks, e-ambulances, e-two-wheelers, and charging infrastructure. India's EV sales crossed 20 lakh units in FY 2024-25; government targets 30% EV penetration by 2030.
National Science Day 2026 — Theme: "Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat" (Feb 28)
National Science Day is observed on February 28 every year to mark CV Raman's discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928 — which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. The theme for 2026 was "Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat" — highlighting the growing role of women scientists in India's research ecosystem. India ranks 3rd globally in scientific publications (Scopus data).
India Wins ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 — 3rd Title, Beat New Zealand by 96 Runs (March 8)
India beat New Zealand by 96 runs in the final on March 8, 2026 to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 — India's 3rd T20 World Cup title (previous wins: 2007, 2024). Captain: Suryakumar Yadav. Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Co-host: Sri Lanka. Prize pool: $13.5 million. Originally Bangladesh was a co-host but was replaced by Scotland after political unrest.
- ICC T20 WC history: First edition 2007 in South Africa (India won); India's wins — 2007, 2024, 2026
- Narendra Modi Stadium: World's largest cricket stadium by capacity (~1.32 lakh); located in Motera, Ahmedabad
India to Host 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
World Athletics awarded India the hosting rights for the 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships — India's first ever. Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This will be the 22nd edition of the biennial competition (started 1985, Paris). India becomes the 4th Asian nation to host — after Japan (1999), Qatar (2010), and China (2025). World Athletics was formerly known as IAAF (rebranded 2019); HQ Monaco.
| Report Name | Released By | India / Key Finding | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Happiness Report 2026 | Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre + Gallup + UNSDSN | India: 116th (up from 118th 2025); Finland 1st for 9th yr; Costa Rica 4th (highest Latin American); released March 20 (Int. Day of Happiness) | Wellbeing |
| Global Terrorism Index 2026 | Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Sydney | Pakistan tops for 1st time; Sahel = global epicentre; global deaths fell 28%; 163 countries on 0–10 scale | Security |
| Energy Statistics India 2026 (33rd edition) | National Statistics Office (NSO) | RE potential: 47,04,043 MW; T&D losses: 17%; Solar = 71% of potential; Coal still dominant | Energy |
| State of Working India 2026 | Azim Premji University | Theme: "Youth in Labour Market"; 5 mn graduates/yr but only 2.8 mn enter employment; tertiary enrolment 28% | Labour |
| State of India's Environment 2026 | Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) | Extreme weather on 99% of days in 2025; 4,419 deaths; 17.41 mn ha crop damage; published since 1982 | Environment |
| Food Security Index 2026 | Economist Impact | Iceland topped; India remains vulnerable — score 5.31 vs global average 6.74 | Food |
| Date | Observance | Theme 2026 / Key Fact | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1 | Zero Discrimination Day | UNAIDS initiative; promotes equality and dignity for all | UN |
| Mar 3 | World Wildlife Day | Theme: "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants"; CITES est. 1973; UNGA declaration 2013 | Environment |
| Mar 4 | World Hearing Day | WHO initiative; hearing loss = leading cause of disability globally | Health |
| Mar 6 | National Safety Day | National Safety Council of India; est. 1966 | National |
| Mar 8 | International Women's Day | Theme 2026: "Accelerate Action"; UN declaration 1977; first observed 1911 | UN |
| Mar 10 | CISF Raising Day | CISF established March 10, 1969; over 1.88 lakh personnel; paramilitary force under MHA | National |
| Mar 14 | Pi Day / Int. Day of Mathematics | Pi = 3.14159...; UNESCO declared Int. Day of Mathematics 2020 | Science |
| Mar 15 | World Consumer Rights Day | JFK 1962 consumer message; Consumers International since 1983 | Global |
| Mar 16 | National Vaccination Day | Observed since 1995 — first OPV dose under Pulse Polio Programme | Health |
| Mar 20 | International Day of Happiness | UNGA 2012; first observed 2013; World Happiness Report released annually on this day | UN |
| Mar 20 | World Sparrow Day | Initiated by Nature Forever Society, India; marks declining sparrow populations | Environment |
| Mar 21 | International Day of Forests | UNGA 2012; India has 24% forest and tree cover of total land area (ISFR 2023) | Environment |
| Mar 21 | World Poetry Day | UNESCO 1999; promotes linguistic diversity and endangered languages | Culture |
| Mar 22 | World Water Day | UN declaration 1993; India has 4% of world's freshwater for 18% of global population | Environment |
| Mar 23 | World Meteorological Day | WMO established March 23, 1950; Theme: "Closing the Early Warning Gap" | Science |
| Mar 23 | Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs' Day) | Execution of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru in Lahore, 1931 | National |
| Mar 24 | World TB Day | Robert Koch discovered TB bacteria March 24, 1882; India's TB-free target: 2030 | Health |
| Mar 27 | World Theatre Day | International Theatre Institute (ITI) since 1962 | Culture |
| Mar 31 | Mahavir Jayanti 2026 | Birth of Lord Mahavira — 24th Tirthankara of Jainism; born 599 BCE, Vaishali (Bihar) | Religious |
| Name | Appointment | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Vikram Doraiswami | India's Ambassador to China | 1992-batch IFS; was India's High Commissioner to UK; succeeds Pradeep Kumar Rawat |
| KV Ramana Murty | Whole-Time Member, SEBI | Approved by Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) chaired by PM Modi |
| Jose Antonio Kast | 38th President of Chile | Republican Party founder; assumed office in Valparaíso; India represented by MoS MEA Kirti Vardhan Singh |
| Balendra Shah | Prime Minister of Nepal | Appointed in March 2026; leader of CPN (Maoist Centre) |
| Nitish Kumar | Vacated Bihar CM post | Resigned to contest Rajya Sabha elections; JD(U) leader; Bihar assembly has 243 seats |
| Saba Shawl | First Kashmiri woman to head Central Jail Srinagar | Milestone appointment in J&K prison administration |
🎯 Monthly MCQ Quiz — March 2026 Current Affairs
15 high-value questions spanning all major themes of March 2026 — sports, environment, defence, economy, reports, and governance. Full explanations for every answer.
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