Current Affairs Quiz - March 2026

Notes:
The Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve is being developed as India’s third cheetah habitat, with the foundation of a soft release enclosure (Boma) laid recently. The reserve was created by combining Nauradehi and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuaries and is located in the Bundelkhand region across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts, Madhya Pradesh. The initiative will help in the safe adaptation and release of cheetahs, strengthening wildlife conservation in India.

Notes:
Spain’s Carolina Marín has retired from professional badminton in March 2026 due to recurring knee injuries. She is regarded as one of the greatest badminton players, and is the only non-Asian woman to win Olympic gold in singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Marín achieved several historic milestones: First woman to win three World Championships (2014, 2015, 2018), World No. 1 for a record 66 weeks and Seven-time European champion. Overall, her legacy remains significant as she broke Asia’s dominance in badminton and inspired players globally.

Notes:
Earth Hour is a global grassroots movement to protect the environment and fight climate change. It is organized by World Wildlife Fund (WWF – World Wildlife Fund). In India, awareness activities were held with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change). It started in Sydney in 2007 as a lights-off event. It is held at the end of March every year.

Notes:
A new butterfly species Euthalia zubeengargi has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh. It belongs to the genus Euthalia, commonly found in South and Southeast Asia. It lives in semi-evergreen forests at elevations of 600–750 metres. It prefers cool, shaded forest interiors for survival. It has earthy brown wings with pale spots, typical of this group. It rests on low vegetation and feeds on tree sap and minerals near streams. It is active from late morning to early afternoon, making short slow flights.

Notes:
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has directed hotels and restaurants not to charge extra costs like LPG or fuel charges. It was established under Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which replaced the 1986 Act and came into force in 2020. It works under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. CCPA protects and enforces consumer rights at a collective level. It prevents unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements.

Notes:
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI – Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation) released PLFS 2025 report. PLFS (Periodic Labour Force Survey) was started in 2017 by National Statistical Office (NSO – National Statistical Office) to track jobs and unemployment. It provides data as Usual Status (365 days) and Current Weekly Status (7 days). LFPR (Labour Force Participation Rate) remained stable at 59.3% (Male 79.1%, Female 40%). WPR (Worker Population Ratio) was 57.4%, with rural female participation steady. UR (Unemployment Rate) declined to 3.1%, youth unemployment fell to 9.9%.

Notes:
A massive avalanche occurred at Zojila Pass, a key high-altitude pass. It is called the “Mountain Pass of Blizzards” and lies on Srinagar–Kargil–Leh highway (NH-1) in the Greater Himalayas. An avalanche is a sudden movement of a large mass of snow down a slope. It is dangerous as it can bury or sweep away everything in its path. Avalanches are more likely on steep slopes without trees or rocks. These natural barriers usually help in holding snow in place.

Notes:
The Government of India has opened nominations for Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2026, a top national science award. It recognises scientists, technologists, and innovators for contributions to science, technology, and innovation. It honours path-breaking research, innovation, and discoveries benefiting national development. It is administered by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR – Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) under Ministry of Science and Technology.

Notes:
Disruption in oil supply highlights India’s need to boost ethanol blending for energy security and lower imports. The crisis can help India reform energy policy like Brazil did after the 1970s oil shocks. Brazil launched Proálcool Programme (1975) after the 1973 oil crisis to promote ethanol fuel. The government provided subsidies, price support, and mandatory 30% ethanol blending. It introduced FFVs (Flex-Fuel Vehicles) that run on petrol, ethanol, or both. A strong system was built linking sugarcane production, ethanol supply chain, and fuel distribution. This reduced oil dependence and strengthened energy sustainability and self-reliance.

Notes:
The Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, will organise the 9th edition of India Pharma 2026 conference on April 13–14, 2026 in New Delhi. The conference aims to transform India’s pharmaceutical sector from a volume-driven model to a value- and innovation-led global industry. The theme “Discover in India: Leapfrogging Life-Sciences Innovation” focuses on boosting research, innovation, and global competitiveness in pharmaceuticals and life sciences. The event seeks to position India as a global hub for advanced drug research, innovation, and healthcare solutions.