Current Affairs Quiz - March 2026

Notes:
Government of India launched Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) to fast-track removal of legacy waste dumpsites in urban areas. It is a year-long targeted programme to clear garbage mountains and reclaim land for parks, community facilities, and waste-management infrastructure. The programme was launched in November 2025 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). It is implemented under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0). It aims to achieve 100% dumpsite clearance within one year, process legacy waste, and prevent creation of new dumpsites. It supports the Lakshya Zero Dumpsites target to eliminate dumpsites by September 2026.

Notes:
International Day of Mathematics is celebrated every year on 14 March.
The day highlights the importance of mathematics in daily life, science and technology. It has been celebrated globally since 2020 after proclamation by UNESCO. The celebrations are coordinated by International Mathematical Union with support from UNESCO. Schools, universities and research institutions organize competitions, exhibitions and public activities. The aim is to promote interest in mathematics and show its practical role in society and innovation.

Notes:
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered nine new species during a faunal survey in Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. It is located in Tamil Nadu. It is part of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot with rich wildlife diversity. The area supports many plants and animals, from shrubs and trees to mammals, birds, and insects.

Notes:
Ministry of Culture launched Gyan Bharatam Mission to survey, document, conserve, digitize and provide access to manuscripts across India. The Standing Finance Committee (SFC) approved ₹491.66 crore for 2025–2031 to implement the mission. Manuscripts from academic institutions, museums, libraries and private collections will be covered across the country. The mission aims to identify about one crore manuscripts regardless of region, language or script. A nationwide network of Cluster Centres (CCs) and Independent Centres (ICs) is being created, with 40+ centres onboarded.

Notes:
Gujarat Government launched a statewide vaccination campaign from 1 March to 15 April to control Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and protect livestock. The drive is conducted under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP). FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. It causes fever, mouth ulcers and excessive salivation, leading to reduced milk production and productivity. Vaccination helps prevent outbreaks and protect farmers from economic losses.

Notes:
United States-based Sentynl Therapeutics, part of Zydus Lifesciences, has partnered with South Korea’s PRG S&T to develop Progerinin, a drug for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS). Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes rapid aging in children. The disease is caused by a mutation in the LMNA (Lamin A) gene, which normally produces lamin A protein for maintaining cell structure. This mutation leads to the formation of an abnormal protein called progerin, which damages the cell nucleus. The damaged cells die early, resulting in premature aging of the body.

Notes:
The Tribes Art Fest (TAF) 2026 was held at the historic Travancore Palace, New Delhi, from 2–13 March 2026, showcasing India’s tribal heritage. More than 75 tribal artists participated, presenting nearly 1,000 artworks across more than 30 tribal art forms from different regions of India. The festival was organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in partnership with FICCI and the National Gallery of Modern Art, reflecting government commitment to tribal empowerment. Policy initiatives supporting the fest included PM JANMAN for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, DAJGUA, expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and TRIFED market linkages.

Notes:
World Social Work Day 2026 is observed on 17 March and is celebrated every year on the third Tuesday of March. The 2026 theme is “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.” The day recognises the important role and dedication of social workers in society. It is promoted by global social work organisations to support social justice, human rights, and social development.

Notes:
Under the SVAMITVA Scheme, as of 11 March 2026, drone surveys have been completed in 3.29 lakh villages out of the targeted 3.44 lakh villages, showing significant progress in mapping rural areas. A total of 3.10 crore property cards have been prepared across 1.87 lakh villages, out of which 2.65 crore property cards have already been distributed to beneficiaries. In Uttar Pradesh, 1.15 crore property cards have been prepared, and 1.01 crore have been distributed, indicating strong implementation in the state. The SVAMITVA Scheme, launched on 24th April 2020, is a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

Notes:
The Kalinjar Fort hill region in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, has been officially declared a National Geo-Heritage Site by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Kalinjar Fort is located on an isolated hilltop, surrounded by the Vindhya Mountains and the Ken River, making it a strategically important location. It is one of the oldest and most impressive forts in India, witnessing many decisive battles across ancient, medieval, and modern times. The fort has a history of over 1,500 years, with evidence of its establishment during the Gupta period (4th–6th century).