Current Affairs Quiz - March 2026

Notes:
The Football for Schools (F4S) initiative was highlighted at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal. The Football for Schools programme is an initiative of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It aims to support education, development and empowerment of children through football. It promotes life skills and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In India, it is implemented by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, with support from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Notes:
Recently, the Meghalaya government issued an advisory after a meningococcal infection scare, urging people to avoid crowded places and follow health protocols. Meningococcal infection is a severe and rapidly progressing disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to meningitis, which is inflammation of the meninges covering the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcemia, which is blood poisoning. It spreads through respiratory and throat secretions like saliva during close or prolonged contact. It is less contagious than common cold or flu infections.

Notes:
The United States carried out strikes on Iranian targets using advanced weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, stealth fighter jets, B-2 bombers, and low-cost one-way attack drones. Tomahawk is an United States of American (USA)-made long-range subsonic cruise missile used for deep land attack. It is launched from ships or submarines through a Vertical Launch System. It was first developed in the 1970s during the Cold War. It can carry a 1,000-pound conventional warhead or cluster munitions. It uses solid propellant at launch and later a turbofan engine, reducing infrared detection.

Notes:
The Delhi government, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, launched the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana (restructured Ladli scheme), Meri Poonji Mera Adhikaar, Saheli Pink Smart Card for free bus travel, and a free LPG cylinder scheme for 15 lakh poor families. The new schemes aim to instil confidence in women and encourage them to achieve new heights. The launch event was attended by government officials and Delhi administration representatives.

Notes:
Over the past 200 years, the Kosi River has shifted its course westward by over 100 km. Kosi is a transboundary river flowing through China, Nepal, and India, and is a major tributary of the Ganges. It is called the “Sorrow of Bihar” due to frequent and severe flooding in Bihar. Formed by the confluence of Sun Kosi, Arun Kosi, and Tamur Kosi, originating in the Himalayan region of Nepal and Tibet. About 48 km north of the India-Nepal border, it gathers tributaries and flows south through the Siwalik Hills at Chatra Gorge.

Notes:
Assam flagged off its first trial export of 1.2 metric tonnes of Geographical Indication tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger to London, marking a major agricultural milestone. Karbi Anglong district produces this premium ginger variety known for strong aroma, high pungency and medicinal value. It is grown mainly in Singhasan Hills using traditional Jhum shifting cultivation and Tila farming methods. It has Geographical Indication tag, confirming its unique origin and quality. It has high essential oil content, strong earthy flavour and digestive and anti inflammatory benefits. It is widely demanded in culinary, pharmaceutical and processing industries.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Gujarat is establishing its first hi-tech nursery in Davas village, Deesa taluka, Banaskantha district to boost afforestation and conserve rare plant species. The project will cover 13 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 3.5 crore, implemented by the Gujarat Forest Department and Social Forestry Department, under Forest and Environment Minister Pravin Mali. The nursery aims to produce high-quality, disease-free, and robust saplings using advanced technologies, controlled environments, and scientific cultivation methods.

Notes:
Recently, Iran reportedly destroyed a key THAAD radar system used by the United States in the Middle East, affecting part of its missile-defence network. THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is an advanced ballistic missile defence system developed by the United States to counter missile threats. It is designed to intercept short, medium and limited intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the terminal phase, which is the final stage of their flight. The system can destroy incoming missiles both inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere, providing a high-altitude defence layer.

Notes:
The Nirbhaya Nisha initiative has been launched by the Kerala Police to ensure women’s safety at night. The initiative provides rapid police assistance between 9 PM and 5 AM via 112 emergency helpline, Pol-App SOS, and strengthened night patrols. Various organisations across the state conducted seminars, competitions, rallies, and awareness events to celebrate women and promote safety.