- India’s installed power generation capacity is projected to reach 1,121 GW by 2035–36, with nearly 70% (around 786 GW) coming from non-fossil fuel sources, according to the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) midterm review of the 20th Electric Power Survey released on 19 March 2026. Solar will lead the transition, contributing over 509 GW.
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- On 23 March 2026, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) launched India’s first LPG ATM in Gurugram, Haryana. The facility allows customers to withdraw LPG cylinders round‑the‑clock using Aadhaar/OTP verification and digital payment, just like cash from an ATM. This innovation eliminates delivery delays and ensures instant access to cooking fuel.
- The Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC) launched the nationwide Krishi Sakhi initiative on 19 March 2026, aimed at empowering women farmers through crop insurance awareness, financial inclusion, and rural leadership development. The program aligns with the UN’s declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
- On 19 March 2026, Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh (CU‑UP) launched its Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Smart Healthcare at Unnao, UP, to strengthen the state’s vision of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare. The initiative positions CU‑UP as India’s first private AI‑augmented multidisciplinary university driving healthcare innovation.
- On 17 March 2026, India and Indonesia announced a joint project to restore the 9th‑century UNESCO World Heritage Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will lead restoration using the anastylosis technique, reassembling original stones to preserve authenticity.
- On 20 March 2026, the 9th round of India–Italy Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) concluded in New Delhi, serving as a key review of the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025–29. The meeting, co-chaired by Secretary (West) Sibi George and Italy’s Nicoletta Bombardiere, marked a shift from “planning” to “execution” in the strategic partnership.
- Indian mountaineer Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma set a Guinness World Record on 6 February 2026 for the fastest ascent of the Seven Volcanic Summits, completing the challenge in just 92 days, 4 hours, and 45 minutes. He received his certificate at a ceremony in Delhi on 17 March 2026, marking a proud achievement for India.
- Eid al-Fitr 2026 in India is celebrated on Saturday, 21 March 2026. This marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, with prayers, feasts, and community celebrations across the country.
- Crude oil and LPG cargo transfer operations at New Mangalore Port were carried out smoothly in March 2026. The port showcased efficient handling of bulk energy cargo, reinforcing its modern infrastructure. This supports India’s energy security and refining industries.
- 8–22 March 2026: Jal Mahotsav 2026 was celebrated nationwide under the Jal Jeevan Mission with the tagline “Gaon ka Utsav, Desh ka Mahotsav”. Key activities included Jal Arpan (handing over water assets to Gram Panchayats) and Sujal Gram Samvad (dialogues on water security). On March 22, the government released Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 guidelines to create Sujal Gram (water-secure villages).
- On 22 March 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became India’s longest-serving elected Head of Government, completing 8,931 days in office. He surpassed former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling’s record of 8,930 days. This milestone combines Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister (2001–2014) and as Prime Minister (2014–present).
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the government’s target is to achieve universal health insurance coverage for all citizens by 2033. This initiative aims to provide financial protection against medical expenses, ensuring that no individual is left vulnerable due to healthcare costs.
- Bank of Baroda (BoB) has become the first bank in India to launch a UPI‑linked credit line for women Self‑Help Groups (SHGs), announced on 20 March 2026. The facility provides an overdraft of up to ₹5,000 directly accessible through UPI apps, empowering women with seamless digital credit and advancing financial inclusion.
- On 18 March 2026, Telangana Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka presented the state budget for FY 2026–27, with an outlay of ₹3.24 lakh crore. The budget emphasized welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and social justice, aiming to balance growth with inclusivity.
- Tamil Nadu has emerged as India’s top textile exporter in FY25, surpassing Gujarat and Maharashtra, according to NIRYAT data. The state exported goods worth USD 7,997.17 million, accounting for 21.84% of India’s total textile exports valued at USD 36,610 million.
- The WTO’s Global Trade Outlook and Statistics 2026 projects that world merchandise trade growth will slow sharply to 1.9% in 2026, down from 4.6% in 2025. The slowdown is attributed to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, rising energy and transport costs, and tariff uncertainties, though AI-driven demand continues to provide some
- On 19 March 2026, a reform-linked MoU under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 was signed between the Government of India and the State of Maharashtra in New Delhi. The aim is to strengthen rural drinking water service delivery by ensuring every household has reliable tap water supply.
- India will host the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 for the first time ever, with Bhubaneswar, Odisha chosen as the venue. The decision was announced on 19 March 2026 by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, marking a historic milestone in India’s sporting journey.
- On March 21, 2026, LeBron James made history in Orlando by surpassing Robert Parish to become the NBA’s all-time leader in regular-season games played. He entered the Lakers’ 105–104 win over the Magic tied at 1,611 appearances and left with 1,612, setting a new benchmark for durability.
- Lionel Messi scored his 900th official career goal on 18 March 2026, becoming only the second male footballer after Cristiano Ronaldo to reach this milestone. He achieved the feat while playing for Inter Miami in a CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 match against Nashville SC.
- 11th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law was held in March 2026 at New Delhi, organized by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). It focused on market power, cartels, digital economy, AI, and merger impacts. The aim was to integrate economic analysis into competition law and strengthen policy-making.
- On 21 March 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) constituted an Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The move came in compliance with National Green Tribunal (NGT) directions to address ecological and economic threats posed by invasive species.
- On 16 March 2026, the Ministry of MSME organized the first National Workshop on the MSME Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Portal in New Delhi. For years, MSMEs relied on the Samadhaan portal, which allowed online filing but still led to manual, slow hearings at the state level. The new ODR portal marks a shift to a 100% digital lifecycle—from the first notice to the final arbitral award.
- On 21 March 2026, the world observed the International Day of Forests with the theme “Forests and Economies.” For the first time, the global conversation shifted from forests as “lungs of the Earth” to “economic engines.”
- World Sparrow Day 2026 was observed on 20 March with the theme “Sparrows and Urban Biodiversity.” It highlighted the decline of sparrow populations and the need for conservation. The day emphasized sparrows as indicators of environmental health. Community-driven efforts were urged to protect urban ecosystems.
- On 20 March 2026, the world marked UN French Language Day, coinciding with the International Day of La Francophonie. It was also the 56th anniversary of OIF, representing a 1.2 billion people market. The global theme was “Generation Peace – Youth for a Peaceful World”, highlighting 321 million French speakers, half under 30.
- City Union Bank has officially appointed Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja as its principal brand ambassador under a two-year agreement signed on 16 March 2026. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen the bank’s visibility, connect with younger audiences, and reinforce its image of reliability and excellence.
- On 18 March 2026, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi released his new book “Karuna: The Power of Compassion” in New Delhi. The book emphasizes compassion as a transformative force for social justice, equality, and child rights. It draws from Satyarthi’s decades-long activism against child labour and his vision of a compassionate world.
Questions:
Q.1 The book “Karuna: The Power of Compassion” is authored by:a) Amartya Sen
b) Kailash Satyarthi
c) Arundhati Roy
d) Raghuram Rajan
Answer: b) Kailash Satyarthi highlights compassion as a force for social change and child rights.
Q.2 India will host the World Indoor Athletics Championships in:
a) Delhi
b) Mumbai
c) Bhubaneswar
d) Ahmedabad
Answer: c) Bhubaneswar will host the event in 2028, a first for India.
