Current Affairs 16th March 2026 : Daily GK Update in English
1. Which microalgae-based initiative was inaugurated in New Delhi on March 12, 2026, to combat vehicle pollution?
A) GreenAir Tower
B) PureAir Tower
C) EcoBreath Tower
D) CleanSky Tower
Answer: B) PureAir Tower
Explanation: India's first microalgae "PureAir Tower" was installed at the Aerocity Highway Corridor in New Delhi on March 12, 2026, using microalgae to absorb CO2, NOx, and particulate matter from vehicle emissions.
2. Where is the second leg of the Asia Cup Archery scheduled to be hosted in 2027, as announced in March 2026?
A) Mumbai
B) New Delhi
C) Bengaluru
D) Kolkata
Answer: B) New Delhi
Explanation: New Delhi was selected to host the second leg of the Asia Cup Archery in 2027, marking India's first time hosting this event leg.
3. Which sport's Asia Cup leg was awarded to New Delhi for 2027?
A) Cricket
B) Archery
C) Football
D) Hockey
Answer: B) Archery
Explanation: Asia Cup Archery second leg in New Delhi.
4. What was a key economic concern for India from the West Asia crisis?
A) Export boom
B) Crude oil price pressures
C) Tourism increase
D) FDI rise
Answer: B) Crude oil price pressures
Explanation: Supply shocks led to inflation and energy concerns.
5. Which organization announced the release of 400 million barrels from emergency reserves in response to the Middle East conflict in March 2026?
A) OPEC
B) IEA (International Energy Agency)
C) UN Security Council
D) World Bank
Answer: B) IEA (International Energy Agency)
Explanation: On March 11, 2026, IEA member countries decided on the largest-ever oil stock release of 400 million barrels to stabilize markets amid disruptions from the West Asia crisis.
6. Which Indian city university was renamed in honor of former PM Manmohan Singh in March 2026?
A) Delhi University
B) Bangalore City University
C) Mumbai University
D) Kolkata University
Answer: B) Bangalore City University
Explanation: Bangalore City University was renamed to honor PM Manmohan Singh's contributions.
7. What was the venue for the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in March 2026?
A) Mumbai
B) New Delhi
C) Hyderabad
D) Chennai
Answer: B) New Delhi
Explanation: PM Modi inaugurated the 11th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, with Finland's President Alexander Stubb as a key participant.
8. Which naval exercise was ongoing off Guam in March 2026?
A) Malabar
B) Sea Dragon 2025
C) Varuna
D) Garuda Shield
Answer: B) Sea Dragon 2025
Explanation: The Sea Dragon 2025 naval exercise was being conducted off Guam in March 2026.
9. What caused significant price pressures and supply shocks for crude oil in March 2026?
A) Russia-Ukraine conflict escalation
B) West Asian crisis (Iran conflict)
C) OPEC production cuts
D) U.S. shale boom
Answer: B) West Asian crisis (Iran conflict)
Explanation: The U.S.-Israel war on Iran led to supply shocks, crude oil disruptions, and price pressures globally, including in India.
10. Which country test-fired the Minuteman III ICBM in March 2026?
A) Russia
B) China
C) United States
D) North Korea
Answer: C) United States
Explanation: The U.S. conducted a test-fire of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile amid escalating global tensions.
11. How many Iranians were reportedly displaced due to U.S.-Israeli attacks by mid-March 2026?
A) 1 million
B) 3.2 million
C) 5 million
D) 10 million
Answer: B) 3.2 million
Explanation: UN reports indicated 3.2 million Iranians fled their homes due to the attacks.
12. Which Indian squad was announced by BCCI for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in March?
A) 18-member
B) 15-member
C) 20-member
D) 12-member
Answer: B) 15-member
Explanation: BCCI announced a 15-member India squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
13. What was the focus of the IEA's collective action on March 11, 2026?
A) Gas release
B) Largest oil stock release
C) Coal sharing
D) Renewable targets
Answer: B) Largest oil stock release
Explanation: It was the largest-ever emergency oil release to counter Middle East disruptions.
14. Which ministry oversees India's CERT-In?
A) Ministry of Defence
B) Ministry of Electronics and IT
C) Ministry of Home Affairs
D) Ministry of Finance
Answer: B) Ministry of Electronics and IT
Explanation: CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) functions under MeitY.
15. Where was India's first Semiconductor facility highlighted in March 2026 current affairs?
A) Gujarat
B) Assam
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: B) Assam
Explanation: Recent updates highlighted progress in semiconductor initiatives.
16. Which global forum's 70th session occurred in March 2026 focusing on women's rights?
A) UN General Assembly
B) UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70)
C) WHO Assembly
D) G20 Summit
Answer: B) UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70)
Explanation: CSW70 took place from March 9–19, 2026, at UN HQ, coinciding with International Women's Day themes.
17. What caused India's LPG supply issues in March 2026?
A) Domestic shortage
B) Strait of Hormuz closure
C) Pipeline damage
D) Export ban
Answer: B) Strait of Hormuz closure
Explanation: Iran's closure disrupted global supplies, hitting India's imports.
18. Which major incident occurred at Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, on March 16, 2026?
A) Cyclone landfall
B) Massive fire causing at least 10 deaths
C) Earthquake tremor
D) Flooding due to heavy rains
Answer: B) Massive fire causing at least 10 deaths
Explanation: On March 16, 2026, a massive fire broke out at the Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, resulting in at least 10 deaths and 11 injuries, highlighting safety concerns in public healthcare facilities.
19. What environmental technology was emphasized in Delhi's new tower initiative?
A) Solar panels
B) Microalgae absorption
C) Wind turbines
D) Electric filters
Answer: B) Microalgae absorption
Explanation: The PureAir Tower uses microalgae to clean air pollutants.
20. What key development was reported regarding NASA's Artemis program in mid-March 2026 current affairs?
A) Artemis 3 lunar landing successful
B) Artemis 2 Moon Rocket cleared for April launch
C) Cancellation of Artemis missions
D) Partnership with ISRO for Mars mission
Answer: B) Artemis 2 Moon Rocket cleared for April launch
Explanation: NASA cleared its Artemis 2 Moon Rocket (SLS) for a planned April 2026 launch, marking a significant step in the Artemis program for crewed lunar missions and future Mars exploration.
21. What global oil market impact was described as historic in March 2026?
A) Price drop
B) Largest supply disruption
C) Oversupply
D) New reserves found
Answer: B) Largest supply disruption
Explanation: Due to Strait closure and conflict.
22. Which state hosted India's first State Innovation Mission (SIM) under Atal Innovation Mission 2.0, as highlighted in early March 2026?
A) Assam
B) Tripura
C) Gujarat
D) Kerala
Answer: B) Tripura
Explanation: NITI Aayog launched India's first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura in March 2026 under AIM 2.0, focusing on building state-specific innovation ecosystems in niche sectors like bamboo, rubber, and high-tech agriculture.
23. What was the death toll reported in Tehran from related strikes?
A) Under 100
B) Over 1,000
C) 500
D) 200
Answer: B) Over 1,000
Explanation: Iran's Red Crescent reported high casualties.
24. Which border activity by China was noted in March 2026 current affairs?
A) 628 border villages built
B) Trade agreement
C) Military withdrawal
D) River sharing
Answer:A) 628 border villages built
Explanation: China constructed 628 villages along borders.
25. What type of missile was test-fired by the U.S. in March 2026?
A) Agni
B) Minuteman III ICBM
C) S-400
D) BrahMos
Answer: B) Minuteman III ICBM
Explanation: U.S. tested its land-based nuclear-capable ICBM.