- Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh has announced the sanction of a ₹100 crore Integrated Aqua Park in Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir, during the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries (March 14, 2026). The project aims to boost trout production, strengthen aquaculture infrastructure, and create employment opportunities in the region.
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- IISc Professor Arpita Patra has successfully summited Nevado Ojos del Salado (6,893 m), the world’s highest volcano and Chile’s tallest mountain, on March 6, 2026. With this achievement, she became the second Indian woman to reach the peak, marking a milestone in both Indian mountaineering and academia.
- On 15 March 2026, Gujarat achieved a historic milestone by successfully launching its first sounding rocket near Dholera, developed by Ahmedabad-based startup Omspace Rocket and Exploration Pvt. Ltd. The rocket reached an altitude of 3 km and marked Gujarat’s entry into India’s private space sector.
- Approval granted in March 2026 for establishing Quantum Teaching Facilities in 23 academic institutions across India. These centres will focus on quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum materials research. Aim: To train students and researchers in cutting-edge quantum technologies and strengthen India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM).
- Centre revised commission rates for Rabi 2026–27 procurement: Wheat ₹50.75/qtl (Punjab & Haryana), ₹45.67/qtl (Rajasthan); Paddy ₹50.61/qtl — benefiting Arthiyas and procurement agencies.
- The Ministry of Finance has restructured the norms for Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) through amendments to the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957, notified on March 13, 2026. The new framework introduces a graded, size-based system for IPOs and listed companies, easing compliance for large issuers while ensuring eventual public holding of 25%.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.7 lakh on Manappuram Finance Limited for violating its guidelines on compensation of key managerial personnel (KMP), specifically by paying the entire variable remuneration upfront instead of deferring a portion as required.
- Fitch Ratings announced the revision of India’s GDP growth forecast on March 13, 2026. They raised the FY26 forecast to 7.5% (from 7.4% earlier) and FY27 to 6.7% (from 6.4%), citing strong domestic demand and investment momentum, while also projecting global crude oil prices to average USD 70/barrel in 2026.
- New plant species Osbeckia zubeengargiana discovered in Manas National Park, Assam, named after singer Zubeen Garg — highlighting biodiversity and honoring Assamese cultural icon.
- Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed announced retirement from international cricket in March 2026 — led Pakistan to 2017 ICC Champions Trophy win, played 51 Tests, 117 ODIs, 61 T20Is as wicketkeeper-batsman.
- Sagar Defence Engineering has laid the foundation stone for the world’s first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, Andhra Pradesh, in March 2026 — a landmark step in India’s defence manufacturing and maritime innovation.
- Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai launched Gaudham Yojana in March 2026 to establish 1,460 cattle shelters across the state — aimed at promoting cow protection and rural livelihood support.
- The International Day of Action for Rivers 2026 observed on March 14, marking its 29th anniversary. Organized by International Rivers along with global civil society groups, this year’s theme “Protect Rivers, Protect People” emphasizes the inseparable connection between healthy waterways and human survival.
- Indian animated short film CHYIMI won the Best Director Award at the New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF) 2026. Directed by Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, senior IPS officer and Commissioner of Police, Guwahati. Award announced on 16 March 2026, highlighting India’s creative presence in global animation.
Questions:
Q.1 Fitch Ratings revised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for FY26 to:a) 6.5%
b) 7.0%
c) 7.5%
d) 8.0%
Answer: c) The revision reflects strong domestic demand and investment momentum.
Q.2 The animated short film CHYIMI, which won Best Director Award at the New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF) 2026, was directed by:
a) Anurag Kashyap
b) Partha Sarathi Mahanta
c) S. S. Rajamouli
d) Rima Das
Answer: b) Indian animated short film CHYIMI won Best Director Award at New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF) 2026; directed by Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, senior IPS officer & Commissioner of Police, Guwahati.
