Current Affairs Quiz - March 2026

Notes:
Van Allen Probes A satellite, weighing about 600 kg, is re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, raising discussion about possible ground risks. The Van Allen Probes mission by NASA was the first mission to study Earth’s radiation belts using two spacecraft together. The twin spacecraft Van Allen Probe A and Van Allen Probe B were launched on 30 August 2012 to explore Earth’s radiation environment. They studied the Van Allen Radiation Belts, which are rings of energetic charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field. These belts are named after space scientist James Van Allen, who discovered them in 1958.

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India recently exported 25 metric tonnes of Joha Rice to the United Kingdom and Italy. Joha Rice is an indigenous aromatic rice variety of Assam known for its distinct fragrance, fine grain, and rich taste. It is mainly cultivated during the Sali or Kharif season in Assam. Major varieties include Kola Joha, Keteki Joha, Bokul Joha, and Kunkuni Joha. The rice is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, giving nutritional benefits. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.

Notes:
Ministry of Education, with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), launched the SATHEE app – Self-Assessment, Test and Help for Entrance Exams – as a free learning platform for students. It helps prepare for major exams like Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and Common University Entrance Test (CUET). The platform provides video lectures, study notes and guidance by experts from IITs and reputed institutes. It offers multilingual study material, mock tests, assessments and previous years’ question papers for practice. The app was featured in the “Real-World Impact of AI in Education” casebook at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

Notes:
Uttarakhand government has made special health arrangements for this year’s Char Dham Yatra through real-time monitoring on the ‘e-Swasthya Dham’ portal for immediate medical assistance. e-Swasthya Dham portal was launched by Uttarakhand government. Experienced doctors and paramedical staff will be deployed at permanent and temporary medical units along pilgrimage routes, major halting points, and all four Dhams. A total of 177 ambulances, including 108 emergency, advanced life support, and cardiac ambulances, will be stationed along the routes.

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The United States and South Korea conducted the joint military exercise “Freedom Shield” involving thousands of troops. Around 18,000 South Korean troops are participating, while the number of United States troops is not officially confirmed. The exercise continued till 19 March 2026 and focuses on defence preparedness and coordination. North Korea strongly opposes such exercises, viewing them as a rehearsal for invasion. These drills often trigger reactions from North Korea, including missile tests and military demonstrations.

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Researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health discovered that cholesterol present in the membrane around the cell nucleus plays a role in promoting the spread of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanoma originates in melanocytes, which are specialized cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. This type of cancer typically develops on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the arms, back, face, and legs, although it can occasionally appear inside the body, including in the nose or throat. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, whether from sunlight or artificial sources like tanning lamps and beds, is the main cause of most melanomas, although other factors may also contribute.

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The Punjab Government has launched the second phase of school education reforms, ‘Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0’, to modernize and strengthen the state’s education system. The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the World Bank, aiming to make Punjab’s education system globally competitive. The initiative involves a total investment of ₹3,500 crore over the next six years, making it one of the largest education reform investments in the state’s history.

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The Indian Navy has commenced the second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative from 16 March 2026, reinforcing India’s commitment to maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. The initiative follows India’s assumption of the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium in February 2026 and includes participation from 16 member nations. IOS SAGAR is part of India’s broader vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and aligns with the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) framework. It aims to enhance maritime partnerships, improve interoperability, and strengthen regional security cooperation.

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Kaveh Madani has been named the 2026 recipient of the Stockholm Water Prize, which is considered the world’s most prestigious award for water-related work. The prize has been awarded annually since 1991 by the Stockholm Water Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. It recognizes individuals or organisations that make outstanding contributions to the conservation and protection of water resources and to the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.

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Recent Legionnaires’ disease cases in London and New York have raised global concern. Public health experts warn that densely populated cities, including those in India, could face similar outbreaks if preventive measures are not strengthened. Legionnaires’ disease (LD) is a severe pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella, first identified in 1976 at an American Legion convention. Transmission occurs when people breathe in water or soil containing Legionella; it is not contagious and generally cannot spread through drinking water unless aspirated. High-risk groups include older adults, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems.