Current Affairs Quiz - March 2026

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Morocco national football team have been awarded the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 title after the Confederation of African Football overturned the original final result. The decision followed a ruling that stripped Senegal of the title, granting Morocco a 3-0 administrative victory after Senegal walked off the pitch in protest during the final. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result of the final match following a review of a walk-off protest by Senegal’s players, which occurred in stoppage time. Morocco were crowned champions, winning their first major tournament title on home soil, while Senegal was officially listed as forfeiting the final.

Notes:
India is the world’s largest producer of coconuts, contributing around 30.37% of global coconut production. Coconut is a perennial plantation crop and a monocotyledonous palm belonging to the Arecaceae family. It is native to the Indo-Pacific region, with its origin commonly traced to Southeast Asia. Coconut requires a warm and humid tropical climate for optimal growth. It grows best in temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C and needs high, evenly distributed rainfall.

Notes:
The NATO is deploying the U.S. Patriot Missile Defence System to the southern province of Adana to strengthen regional air defence capabilities. PATRIOT stands for Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target. It is a ground-based, mobile missile defence system developed by the United States. The system is designed to detect, track, and intercept aerial threats with high precision.

Notes:
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica, as reported by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The islands are a remote archipelago about 120 km north of the Antarctic Peninsula, discovered in 1819 by William Smith and often called the “jewel of Antarctica.” They were formed by volcanic activity, with some islands still active, especially Deception Island, known for its flooded caldera. More than 80% area is covered with permanent ice, and there are no permanent residents, though countries maintain seasonal research stations.

Notes:
Sarhul is a major Adivasi festival centred on nature worship, symbolising the union of the Sun and Earth and the renewal of life. The festival involves worship of the Sal tree, believed to be the abode of Sama Maa, and is celebrated by tribes like Oraon, Munda, Santal, Khadia and Ho. It is mainly observed in Jharkhand and parts of Odisha, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh. It is a three-day festival ending with a community feast, after which agricultural activities like sowing and ploughing begin, highlighting its link with livelihood and nature.

Notes:
Iran fired two ballistic missiles targeting the joint U.S.–U.K. military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, escalating regional tensions. Diego Garcia is a strategically important military hub used by the United States and United Kingdom for operations across the Indian Ocean. Diego Garcia is a coral atoll in the central Indian Ocean and the largest island of the Chagos Archipelago. It is part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), formed in 1965 after separation from Mauritius. It serves as a key geostrategic and logistics hub for US military operations in the Indian Ocean region. In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution asking the UK to end its control and return the islands to Mauritius.

Notes:
Kipa Mero won the Gold Medal in Women’s Javelin Throw F12 Category at the 24th National Para Athletics Championships 2026 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. She broke her own National Record, demonstrating dedication, resilience, and sporting excellence. Techi Meta won the Silver Medal in the Women’s 400 metre T13 Category at the same championships.

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.