Current Affairs Quiz - March 2026

Notes:
Tamil Nadu has become India’s top textile-exporting state, with shipments worth USD 7,997.17 million in 2024-25, a 29.12% increase over the last four years. In 2020-21, Tamil Nadu’s textile exports were USD 6,193 million, showing consistent growth under the Dravidian Model government, led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin. The state now contributes 21.84% of India’s total textile exports, outpacing Gujarat (USD 5,646.01 million) and Maharashtra (USD 3,831.29 million). Data is reported through the National Import-Export Record for Yearly Analysis of Trade, providing real-time comprehensive foreign trade data.

Notes:
International Day of Forests is observed annually on 21 March, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, to raise awareness about the importance of forests. The theme for 2026 is “Forests and Economies”, highlighting the role of forests in livelihoods, income generation and economic sustainability. Forests are vital ecosystems that help in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and supporting communities. More than 1.6 billion people depend on forests for livelihood, and the sector provides 13 million formal jobs and 45–50 million informal jobs globally. Forests provide food, fuel, shelter and income, especially during economic shocks, conflicts and climate crises, but are often underrepresented in economic planning.

Notes:
Sikkim has been selected as the host for the 49th Yonex Sunrise Junior National Badminton Championship 2026 (U-19, Individual & Team). The championship is scheduled to be held from 14th to 21st November 2026. The tournament is organised under the aegis of the Badminton Association of India (BAI). It will feature top junior badminton players from across India, competing at a national level.

Notes:
Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises implements MSE-CDP (Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme) to improve productivity and competitiveness of MSEs (Micro and Small Enterprises). The scheme provides financial assistance to set up Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and upgrade infrastructure in industrial clusters. It is a demand-driven scheme with proposals from States and Union Territories based on needs. 242 CFCs have been approved across India including 6 in Punjab, while 513 clusters approved under SFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries) since 2015–16.

Notes:
The “Ningol Van Initiative” was launched by Manipur to strengthen community participation in forest conservation, highlighting women (“Ningols”) in nurturing biodiversity and promoting sustainability. More than 74% of Manipur’s area is under forest cover, supporting livelihoods, food security, and future needs. Under Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), 11 modern micro food-processing units have been set up, 95% operated by women; plans to expand VDVKs for additional livelihood support. Forests support 1.26 lakh micro and food-processing units, and 2.44 lakh artisans rely on forest-based raw materials like fibre and natural dyes.

Notes:
A Kerala start-up has delivered the Akasha300 3D printer to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), boosting India’s self-reliance in advanced manufacturing. It is a high-temperature, multi-material extrusion 3D printer designed for industrial and research use. It is supported by the Space Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and Kerala Startup Mission. It uses dual-extrusion technology and can operate up to 350°C, with future upgrades to 500°C. It has a modular design allowing multiple extrusion systems and hybrid manufacturing.

Notes:
The Government of India has restored rates and value caps under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme for all eligible exports. The scheme was launched in 2021 under the amended Foreign Trade Policy 2015–20. It replaced the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme after it was found non-compliant with World Trade Organization rules. Its objective is to refund hidden taxes and duties not reimbursed by other mechanisms. It covers taxes incurred during manufacturing and distribution of exported goods. It ensures exporters remain globally competitive. The scheme is administered by the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.

Notes:
The World Economic Forum launched the AI4AI (Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture Innovation) Initiative in 2021. It aims to bring together public and private sectors to scale agri-tech solutions and transform global food systems. It focuses on inclusivity for smallholder farmers, sustainability by reducing environmental impact, and efficiency by minimising losses. It promotes use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture for better productivity. In India, it has been implemented in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh (2021–2024).

Notes:
The PRISM-SG (Portal for Rail-Road Inspection & Stages Management – Steel Girders) Portal was launched by Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, to digitise approvals and inspections for Road Over Bridges (ROBs). The portal covers Quality Assurance Plans (QAP), Welding Procedure Specification Sheets (WPSS), and fabrication stage inspections of steel girders, enabling end-to-end online submission, scrutiny, approvals, inspections, and real-time monitoring.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched Nivesh Mitra 3.0, a digital platform to simplify and improve investor experience. More than 85 Letters of Comfort (LoCs), Eligibility Certificates (ECs) and ₹2,781 crore subsidies were distributed to support investments. Nivesh Mitra 3.0 features an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based chatbot for instant help and real-time SMS alerts for application tracking. It includes a Dynamic Combined Application Form (CAF) enabling single-window clearance from multiple departments. This reduces the need to visit different offices, saving time and effort for investors.