Current Affairs 14th March 2026 : Daily GK Update in English
1. What is the theme of International Women’s Day observed on March 8, 2026?
A) Equality for All
B) Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls
C) Empower Women Economically
D) End Violence Against Women
Answer: B
Explanation: The United Nations theme for International Women’s Day 2026 emphasizes comprehensive rights, justice, and action for all women and girls, addressing global barriers amid rising conflicts and inequalities.
2. Which day is globally celebrated on March 14 every year?
A) World Consumer Rights Day
B) Pi Day
C) World Wildlife Day
D) International Women’s Day
Answer: B
Explanation: March 14 (3/14) is Pi Day, honoring the mathematical constant π (approximately 3.14159), celebrated with educational events, math activities, and pie-themed promotions worldwide.
3. What MoU was signed to modernize Sassoon Dock in March 2026?
A) Fisheries modernization
B) Port infrastructure upgrade
C) Tourism development
D) Naval base expansion
Answer: A
Explanation: The MoU aimed at modernizing Mumbai's Sassoon Dock for better fisheries handling and hygiene.
4. Which commission's 70th session occurred around March 2026 at UN HQ?
A) Commission on Narcotic Drugs
B) Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70)
C) Human Rights Council
D) Economic and Social Council
Answer: B
Explanation: CSW70 focused on women's rights, with warnings about failing global protection systems.
5. On what date did the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final take place?
A) March 1, 2026
B) March 8, 2026
C) March 15, 2026
D) February 28, 2026
Answer: B
Explanation: The final was held on March 8, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day, marking a historic win for India as hosts (co-hosted with Sri Lanka).
6. What action did India take for priority gas supply amid LNG disruptions?
A) Increased Russian imports
B) Invoked Essential Commodities Act
C) Reduced export duties
D) Built new storage
Answer: B
Explanation: The Essential Commodities Act was invoked to divert natural gas to critical sectors during supply threats from the Iran conflict.
7. What key Iranian site was targeted by US forces on or around March 14, 2026, in the ongoing Iran War?
A) Tehran nuclear facilities
B) Kharg Island oil hub
C) Strait of Hormuz naval base
D) Isfahan missile sites
Answer: B
Explanation: US strikes hit Kharg Island, Iran's main crude export hub, amid warnings of further attacks on oil infrastructure if Iran disrupts the Strait of Hormuz.
8. What percentage reduction in Iran's missile and drone capabilities was reported by US officials in March 2026?
A) 50% missile, 60% drone
B) 90% missile, 95% drone
C) 70% missile, 80% drone
D) 40% missile, 50% drone
Answer: B
Explanation: US Defense officials stated joint strikes reduced Iran's missile volume by ~90% and drone volume by ~95%, significantly weakening its offensive capabilities.
9. Which Indian minister assured no fuel shortage despite West Asia disruptions in March 2026?
A) Nirmala Sitharaman
B) Hardeep Singh Puri
C) S. Jaishankar
D) Piyush Goyal
Answer: B
Explanation: Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri informed Parliament that India has diversified crude sourcing (up to 70% non-Hormuz), ensuring supply security amid the Iran conflict.
10. What caused potential LPG and fuel shortages in India in March 2026?
A) Domestic production halt
B) Strait of Hormuz disruptions from Iran War
C) Cyclone in Arabian Sea
D) Pipeline leaks
Answer: B
Explanation: Iran's partial closure/threats in the Strait of Hormuz disrupted LNG/crude supplies, leading to fears of shortages and price hikes for cooking gas and aviation fuel.
11. Which important day is observed on March 15?
A) World Sparrow Day
B) World Consumer Rights Day
C) Pi Day
D) International Happiness Day
Answer: B
Explanation: March 15 is World Consumer Rights Day, promoting consumer protection, fair trade, and rights globally.
12. What initiative did India submit in March 2026 related to biodiversity?
A) 7th National Report to CBD
B) Cheetah Conservation Phase 2
C) National Geospatial Policy update
D) Jal Jeevan Mission extension
Answer: A
Explanation: India submitted its 7th National Report (NR7) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, assessing progress toward 2030 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets.
13. What was India's industrial output growth in January 2026?
A) 2.5%
B) 4.8%
C) 6.2%
D) 3.1%
Answer: B
Explanation: India's industrial production grew 4.8% in January 2026, reflecting resilience despite global energy uncertainties.
14. Which conference focused on geodesy was held in New Delhi in March 2026?
A) Raisina Dialogue
B) GeodCon-26
C) AAHAR 2026
D) Asian Prosecutors Conference
Answer: B
Explanation: GeodCon-26, India's first national geodesy conference, discussed geospatial science advancements under the National Geospatial Policy 2022.
15. Which animal's population in India rose to 53 as per March 2026 reports?
A) Asiatic Lion
B) Cheetah
C) Snow Leopard
D) One-Horned Rhino
Answer: B
Explanation: India's cheetah population increased to 53 under the reintroduction project, marking conservation success.
16. What new act extensions or approvals were highlighted in March 2026?
A) Jal Jeevan Mission extension
B) New Seed Act 2026
C) Pesticide Act revision
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Union Cabinet approved Jal Jeevan Mission extension; new/revised Seed and Pesticide Acts were announced for agricultural reforms.
17. Which airline hiked fuel surcharges effective March 14, 2026, due to jet fuel price surge?
A) Air India
B) IndiGo
C) SpiceJet
D) Akasa Air
Answer: B
Explanation: IndiGo introduced surcharges (Rs 425–2,300) citing Middle East conflict-driven fuel cost rises.
18. What is the projected Indian cybersecurity spending for 2026?
A) $2.1 billion
B) $3.4 billion
C) $4.8 billion
D) $5.2 billion
Answer: B
Explanation: Spending is expected to reach $3.4 billion (11.7% growth), driven by AI-led threats and IndiaAI Mission compute expansion.
19. Which day (March 3) focuses on wildlife conservation?
A) World Civil Defence Day
B) World Wildlife Day
C) Zero Discrimination Day
D) National Safety Day
Answer: B
Explanation: World Wildlife Day (March 3) raises awareness about wildlife protection and biodiversity.
20. What major economic report was released by NITI Aayog in March 2026?
A) Fiscal Health Index 2026
B) Human Development Report
C) GDP Base Year Revision
D) Industrial Output Survey
Answer: A
Explanation: The second edition of the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2026 assessed state fiscal performance.
21. Which mission's second advance estimates for agricultural production were released in March 2026?
A) PM-KISAN
B) 2025–26 Agricultural Production
C) PM Matsya Sampada Yojana
D) Soil Health Card
Answer: B
Explanation: Second Advance Estimates provided updated agricultural output data for 2025–26.
22. What caused queueing for LPG cylinders in parts of India in March 2026?
A) Festival demand
B) Fears of shortage from West Asia crisis
C) Price deregulation
D) Distribution strike
Answer: B
Explanation: Public panic buying arose from Iran War-related supply fears through the Strait of Hormuz.
23. Which ISRO test was conducted successfully in March 2026?
A) CE20 Cryogenic Engine sea-level hot test
B) Gaganyaan crew module
C) Aditya-L1 solar mission
D) Chandrayaan-4 rover
Answer: A
Explanation: ISRO's sea-level hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine advanced India's launch capabilities.
24. What event started on March 26, 2026, post-T20 World Cup?
A) IPL 2026
B) Asian Games
C) Commonwealth Games
D) Hockey World Cup
Answer: A
Explanation: IPL 2026 began on March 26, following the T20 World Cup conclusion.
25. Which report highlighted inequality impacting India's Human Development Index?
A) UNDP IHDI
B) Fiscal Health Index
C) GII 2024
D) NH-GCI
Answer: A
Explanation: India's Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI) showed ~31% loss due to disparities in income, health, and education.