Current Affairs Quiz - March 2026

Notes:
The Gujarat SemiConnect Conference 2026 was held on March 1 and 2, 2026. It took place at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. The conference focused on strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem. It brought together policymakers, industry leaders and technology experts. The event highlighted progress under India’s semiconductor mission and future roadmap for electronics and chip manufacturing.

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Researchers detected a lightning-like “whistler” radio signal in the Martian ionosphere, first evidence of such electromagnetic activity on Mars. Detection was made using data from Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission. The MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission was launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is the first spacecraft dedicated to studying the Martian upper atmosphere to understand how the planet lost its atmosphere and water over time.

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Attukal Pongala is celebrated on 3 March at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. Attukal Pongala is celebrated in Kerala. It is one of the largest gatherings of women in the world and entered Guinness World Records in 2009 with over 2.5 million participants. The festival honours Goddess Attukal Bhagavathy, incarnation of Kannaki, symbolising women power and devotion. The 10 day festival begins with Kappukettu ritual and ends with priests blessing the offering and sprinkling holy water.

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Researchers have discovered a new species of Asian grass lizard named Takydromus ultapanensis. The species was found in the Ultapani Reserve Forest located in Kokrajhar district, within Assam’s Manas Biosphere landscape. Unlike many related lizard species found in montane or subtropical habitats, T. ultapanensis inhabits lowland, semi-evergreen forests mixed with waterlogged grasslands and fern patches. Researchers observed the lizards basking on fern bushes in small open patches crisscrossed by seasonal water channels. The discovery emphasizes the biodiversity significance of Assam’s Manas Biosphere landscape and the need for protection of its unique habitats.

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Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed India’s preparations for the Asian Games 2026. The games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026. More than 700 Indian athletes are expected to compete in more than 40 sports disciplines.

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A recent study has warned that more than one-third of Africa is at risk of the spread of Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), which is a highly destructive disease affecting cassava crops. CBSD is considered one of the most devastating diseases of cassava, as it severely reduces both the production and quality of cassava tubers (roots), which are an important staple food in many African countries. The disease was first identified in the mid-20th century in the coastal regions of East Africa, and since then it has spread significantly across the African continent.

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The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) was recently used by the United States for the first time in operations by United States Central Command during the conflict with Iran. It is a surface-to-surface guided ballistic missile designed to strike long-distance targets with very high precision. The missile is developed mainly for the United States Army by Lockheed Martin, a major US aerospace and defence company. It has an open system architecture and modular design, allowing upgrades and integration with new technologies.

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SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) reported on March 9, 2026, that global arms transfers increased to the highest level since 2011–2015. Ukraine was the largest arms importer, receiving 9.7% of global transfers, followed by India at 8.2%, highlighting India’s continued dependence on foreign arms. Saudi Arabia (6.8%), Qatar (6.4%), and Pakistan (4.2%) completed the top five importers list. India’s arms imports decreased by 4% compared to 2016–2020, with delays in domestic production persisting, though India is increasingly producing its own equipment. India shifted towards Western suppliers: Russia’s share dropped to 40%, France supplied 29%, and Israel 15%; India was France’s largest global client.

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The Assam Chief Minister announced a transfer of ₹9,000 to about 40 lakh beneficiary families under the Orunodoi scheme via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Orunodoi (Arunodoi) Scheme, launched in 2020, aims at women empowerment, poverty alleviation, and socio-economic inclusion of financially vulnerable women in Assam. The scheme provides financial support of ₹1,250 per month to women from low-income families through DBT. The monthly amount covers essential expenses: ₹400 for medicines, ₹200 for pulses subsidy, ₹80 for sugar subsidy, ₹150 for fruits & vegetables, ₹150 for other essentials, ₹170 for COVID-19 expenses, and ₹250 for 50 units of electricity.

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NATO has begun the 2026 edition of the Cold Response military exercise in the Arctic. The exercise has a stronger focus on civilian preparedness and total defence. Cold Response is a large-scale biennial NATO military exercise conducted in the European Arctic, mainly in northern Norway and nearby regions. It tests NATO’s ability to defend its territory under extreme Arctic conditions. The exercise simulates collective defence scenarios under Article 5 of NATO, including amphibious operations, air support, logistics, and coordination between allied forces. The aim is to strengthen NATO’s collective defence capability in the Arctic region.