Current Affairs 30th March 2026 : Daily GK Update in English
1. World Obesity Atlas 2026 was highlighted in UPSC current affairs pointers. What does it track?
A) Global obesity trends
B) Only child nutrition
C) Sports achievements
D) GDP per capita
Answer: A) Global obesity trends
Explanation: Important for health and development discussions.
2. India’s first semiconductor facility and other initiatives reflect focus on:
A) Atmanirbhar Bharat in electronics
B) Only agriculture
C) Traditional crafts
D) Tourism infrastructure
Answer: A) Atmanirbhar Bharat in electronics
Explanation: Key for self-reliance in critical sectors.
3. In response to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, India has increased imports of crude oil from which country?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Russia
C) Iraq
D) Venezuela
Answer: B) Russia
Explanation: India boosted Russian crude imports to ensure energy security amid disruptions in Middle East supplies.
4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz as:
A) Acceptable for strategic reasons
B) Unacceptable
C) A matter of bilateral concern only
D) Beneficial for alternative routes
Answer: B) Unacceptable
Explanation: PM Modi stated that attacks on commercial ships and disruptions in international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable.
5. India launched ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’ to:
A) Escort and safeguard India-bound energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz
B) Promote renewable energy domestically
C) Launch hydrogen trains
D) Conduct joint military exercises with the US
Answer: A) Escort and safeguard India-bound energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The Indian Navy launched this operation for maritime security amid the crisis.
6. India’s first hydrogen-powered train successfully completed oscillation trials on which route?
A) Delhi-Agra
B) Jind-Sonipat (Haryana)
C) Mumbai-Pune
D) Chennai-Coimbatore
Answer: B) Jind-Sonipat (Haryana)
Explanation: Developed by ICF Chennai, the train reached 70 kmph over 20 km during trials conducted by RDSO.
7. Who announced the successful trials of India’s first hydrogen train?
A) Piyush Goyal
B) Ashwini Vaishnaw
C) Nitin Gadkari
D) Hardeep Singh Puri
Answer: B) Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister of Railways)
Explanation: The announcement highlighted progress in green rail transport.
8. The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth Rs. 858 crore with Russia and the USA for:
A) Procurement of Tunguska Air Defence systems and P-8I aircraft maintenance
B) Purchase of Rafale jets
C) Indigenous submarine construction
D) Border road development
Answer: A) Procurement of Tunguska Air Defence systems and P-8I aircraft maintenance
Explanation: This strengthens Indian Army and Navy capabilities.
9. India extended its Inflation Targeting Framework until:
A) March 2029
B) March 2031
C) March 2028
D) March 2035
Answer: B) March 2031
Explanation: This provides continuity in monetary policy amid global uncertainties.
10. Bharat Innovates 2026 was hosted by which institution, showcasing deep-tech startups?
A) IIT Delhi
B) IIT Bombay
C) IISc Bangalore
D) NITI Aayog
Answer: B) IIT Bombay
Explanation: It featured 137 deep-tech startups focusing on healthcare, AI, etc.
11. India held high-level meetings and strengthened ties with Canada in March 2026 to:
A) Resolve past tensions and boost economic/trade ties
B) Join a military alliance
C) Boycott multilateral forums
D) Focus only on cricket diplomacy
Answer: A) Resolve past tensions and boost economic/trade ties
Explanation: This reflects broader efforts to expand global partnerships.
12. India’s GDP growth forecast for the year was revised downward to around:
A) 8.5%
B) 6.3%
C) 7.8%
D) 5.2%
Answer: B) 6.3%
Explanation: Due to pressures from the global energy crisis and geopolitical tensions.
13. PM Modi chaired a meeting to review which sectors amid the West Asia situation?
A) Petroleum, crude, gas, power, and fertiliser
B) Only IT and software
C) Agriculture exports exclusively
D) Tourism revival
Answer: A) Petroleum, crude, gas, power, and fertiliser
Explanation: Focus was on ensuring uninterrupted supply and stability.
14. Which festival or event in March 2026 boosted national pride alongside the T20 win?
A) Holi celebrations
B) All of the above major events
C) Ram Navami
D) None
Answer: B) All of the above major events (contextual with T20 win and innovation events)
Explanation: March saw cultural and sports highs amid challenges.
15. Adani Ports is setting up India’s first:
A) Ports of refuge
B) Hydrogen port
C) Fully automated container terminal
D) Inland waterway hub
Answer: A) Ports of refuge
Explanation: This enhances maritime resilience.
16. The IAF launched ‘Vayu Baan’, India’s first:
A) Helicopter-dropped drone project
B) Supersonic missile
C) Satellite constellation
D) Stealth fighter programme
Answer: A) Helicopter-dropped drone project
Explanation: It develops indigenous unmanned aerial systems.
17. India’s report under the Convention on Biological Diversity indicated how many of its targets are on track?
A) All 23
B) Only two
C) None
D) Ten
Answer: B) Only two
Explanation: Highlighting challenges in biodiversity conservation.
18. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb visited India in March 2026. What was a key focus?
A) Strengthening bilateral ties
B) Signing a defence pact only
C) Cricket series hosting
D) Space cooperation exclusively
Answer: A) Strengthening bilateral ties
Explanation: The visit covered multiple areas of cooperation.
19. Which award was conferred on actor Nandamuri Balakrishna at IFFD 2026?
A) Lifetime Achievement Award
B) Best Debut Actor
C) Best Director
D) Young Achiever Award
Answer: A) Lifetime Achievement Award
Explanation: Recognising his contributions to cinema.
20. DPIIT signed MoUs with KRAFTON and Repos Energy for:
A) Boosting startups in digital entertainment and deep-tech
B) Traditional handicrafts
C) Only agriculture tech
D) Film production
Answer: A) Boosting startups in digital entertainment and deep-tech
Explanation: This supports India’s innovation ecosystem.
21. The Defence Acquisition Council granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for proposals worth approximately:
A) Rs 2.38 lakh crore
B) Rs 50,000 crore
C) Rs 10 lakh crore
D) Rs 5,000 crore
Answer: A) Rs 2.38 lakh crore
Explanation: Aimed at enhancing capabilities of Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
22. India procures additional P-8I aircraft for the Navy from:
A) Russia
B) USA (Boeing)
C) France
D) Israel
Answer: B) USA (Boeing)
Explanation: For maritime reconnaissance.
23. India opposed attacks on:
A) Only military targets
B) Civilians and energy/transport infrastructure
C) Digital infrastructure only
D) Space assets
Answer: B) Civilians and energy/transport infrastructure
Explanation: Stance reiterated amid West Asia tensions.
24. SEBI mandated disclosure of registered name and number on:
A) Social media for influencers/advisors
B) Only stock exchange filings
C) Bank accounts
D) Aadhaar cards
Answer: A) Social media for influencers/advisors
Explanation: To enhance transparency.
25. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) reports are released by:
A) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
B) RBI
C) NITI Aayog
D) Ministry of Labour only
Answer: A) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Explanation: Key data on employment trends.