Current Affairs 13th October 2026 : Daily GK Update in Marathi
On 13 Oct 2026
Current Affairs 17th March 2026 : Daily GK Update in English
1. Which country is set to host the second leg of the Asia Cup Archery in 2027, as announced in March 2026?
A) Sri Lanka
B) India
C) Japan
D) South Korea
Answer: B) India
Explanation: New Delhi will host the second leg of the Asia Cup Archery in 2027, marking India's first time hosting this event in the series.
2. What is the projected information security spending for India in 2026?
A) $2.5 billion
B) $3.4 billion
C) $4.1 billion
D) $5.0 billion
Answer: B) $3.4 billion
Explanation: India's cybersecurity spending is expected to reach $3.4 billion in 2026, reflecting an 11.7% increase from 2025, driven by rising digital threats.
3. Which important day is observed on March 15 every year?
A) World Wildlife Day
B) World Consumer Rights Day
C) International Women's Day
D) Zero Discrimination Day
Answer: B) World Consumer Rights Day
Explanation: March 15 is globally observed as World Consumer Rights Day to promote fair trade, consumer protection, and rights awareness.
4. What was the focus of BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) in its 25-year milestone?
A) Renewable push
B) Star rating expansion
C) Nuclear energy
D) EV policy
Answer: B) Star rating expansion
Explanation: Celebrated for energy conservation achievements.
5. Which operation name was used by Israel in the Iran conflict?
A) Epic Fury
B) Lion's Roar
C) Desert Storm
D) Guardian
Answer: B) Lion's Roar
Explanation: Coordinated with U.S. Operation Epic Fury.
6. What was the theme-related focus of glacier melting threats discussed in Indian current affairs around March 16, 2026?
A) Himalayan security
B) Coastal erosion
C) Desertification
D) Urban flooding
Answer: A) Himalayan security
Explanation: Reports highlighted glacier melting as a national security threat due to water scarcity and border implications in the Himalayas.
7. Which city hosted discussions on India's first semiconductor facility advancements in early March 2026?
A) Bengaluru
B) Mentioned in weekly pointers (various locations)
C) Hyderabad
D) Mumbai
Answer: B) Mentioned in weekly pointers (various locations)
Explanation: UPSC pointers covered India's progress toward its first full semiconductor facility amid global supply chain shifts.
8. What global concern arose from the Iran war regarding NATO?
A) Article 5 invocation risk
B) Expansion freeze
C) Budget cuts
D) Leadership change
Answer: A) Article 5 invocation risk
Explanation: Iranian missiles targeting areas like Turkey raised NATO involvement fears.
9. Which scheme was highlighted for fisheries development in March 2026 current affairs?
A) PM-KISAN
B) PM Matsya Sampada Yojana
C) Ayushman Bharat
D) Make in India
Answer: B) PM Matsya Sampada Yojana
Explanation: Updates focused on progress under this scheme for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture growth.
10. National Vaccination Day (also known as National Immunisation Day) is observed annually in India on which date in March?
A) March 14
B) March 16
C) March 18
D) March 20
Answer: B) March 16
Explanation: National Vaccination Day is observed on March 16 every year in India. It commemorates the first dose of Oral Polio Vaccine administered on March 16, 1995, aiming to raise awareness about vaccination drives and polio eradication efforts.
11. World Social Work Day is observed annually on the third Tuesday of March. In 2026, which date does it fall on, and what is its primary global focus?
A) March 15 – Promoting mental health awareness
B) March 17 – Advocating for social justice and sustainable development
C) March 18 – Highlighting child protection rights
D) March 20 – Addressing climate action through community work
Answer: B) March 17 – Advocating for social justice and sustainable development
Explanation: World Social Work Day 2026 falls on March 17 (third Tuesday in March).
12. Which important international observance falls on March 17, 2026, celebrated globally with parades, green attire, and cultural events?
A) World Water Day
B) St. Patrick's Day
C) International Women's Day
D) World Wildlife Day
Answer: B) St. Patrick's Day
Explanation: St. Patrick's Day is observed on March 17 annually, honoring the patron saint of Ireland. It features widespread celebrations, especially in countries with Irish heritage, including parades, wearing green, and festivities—relevant in global current affairs as a cultural event with no major India-specific tie-in but noted in international calendars.
13. Which event was suspended or highlighted in Indian sports news around March 2026?
A) TRP suspension
B) IPL delay
C) Olympics prep
D) Asian Games
Answer: A) TRP suspension
Explanation: TRPs (Television Rating Points) faced suspension amid controversies, as noted in UPSC pointers.
14. What was India's stance or involvement in the Raisina Dialogue 2026 discussions?
A) AI in security
B) Biodiversity report
C) Both A and B
D) None
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: The dialogue covered AI in national security and India's biodiversity commitments under global conventions.
15. Which martial art was featured in cultural current affairs in March 2026?
A) Karate
B) Kalaripayattu
C) Taekwondo
D) Judo
Answer: B) Kalaripayattu
Explanation: Discussions highlighted Kalaripayattu as India's ancient martial art in heritage promotions.
16. What palace was mentioned in international heritage news?
A) Taj Mahal
B) Golestan Palace
C) Buckingham Palace
D) Louvre
Answer: B) Golestan Palace
Explanation: Iran's Golestan Palace faced impacts or discussions amid regional conflicts.
17. Which global report was released regarding obesity in March 2026?
A) World Happiness Report
B) World Obesity Atlas 2026
C) Global Gender Gap
D) Human Development Index
Answer: B) World Obesity Atlas 2026
Explanation: The atlas highlighted rising obesity trends and policy needs worldwide.
18. What ethical issue was discussed in war contexts in March 2026?
A) AI weapons
B) Ethics in research and war
C) Nuclear proliferation
D) Cyber ethics
Answer: B) Ethics in research and war
Explanation: Debates focused on ethical dilemmas in modern warfare and research applications.
19. Which riverine infrastructure was inaugurated in Assam in March 2026?
A) Bridges
B) India's first riverine lighthouses
C) Dams
D) Ports
Answer: B) India's first riverine lighthouses
Explanation: Union Minister laid the foundation for these lighthouses to aid inland waterways navigation.
20. What was the death toll reported from U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran by mid-March 2026?
A) Over 1,000 civilians
B) Under 500
C) Exactly 780
D) None reported
Answer: A) Over 1,000 civilians
Explanation: Iranian sources and global reports cited high civilian casualties, exceeding 1,000–1,348 in some estimates.
21. Which country confirmed no casualties in an Iranian drone strike on its base in March 2026?
A) USA
B) Australia
C) UK
D) France
Answer: B) Australia
Explanation: Al Minhad Air Base (Australian HQ) was hit, but no casualties occurred.
22. What initiative did India and Germany announce in March 2026?
A) EUR 20 million climate resilience
B) Trade pact
C) Defense deal
D) Space mission
Answer: A) EUR 20 million climate resilience
Explanation: Aimed at strengthening bilateral climate cooperation.
23. Which UN session was linked to women's rights discussions in March 2026?
A) CSW70
B) General Assembly
C) Security Council
D) Climate COP
Answer: A) CSW70
Explanation: The 70th Commission on the Status of Women addressed gender equality setbacks.
24. What Tulip Festival edition was organized in India in March 2026?
A) 1st
B) 4th
C) 5th
D) 10th
Answer: B) 4th
Explanation: The 4th edition drew attention to tourism and horticulture.
25. Which state in India was linked to Belagram in current affairs?
A) Maharashtra
B) Karnataka
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Rajasthan
Answer: A) Maharashtra
Explanation: Mentioned in regional development or event contexts.