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Current Affairs March 2026
Complete Monthly Digest for UPSC · SSC · Banking · Defence · Railways & All Competitive Exams
🇮🇳 National 🌍 International 💰 Economy 🛡️ Defence 🏆 Sports 🔬 Science & Tech 🌿 Environment 👔 Appointments
📖 Compiled from PIB · The Hindu · Indian Express · Economic Times · AffairsCloud | Exam-relevant facts highlighted
⚡ March 2026 — At a Glance
T20 World Cup
India beats New Zealand by 96 runs | 3rd T20 WC title
Raisina Dialogue
11th Edition | Mar 5–7 | Finland's Pres. Stubb | 110 countries
Micron Semiconductor
India's 1st ATMP plant | Sanand, Gujarat | ₹22,516 cr
Noida Airport
Jewar Int'l Airport inaugurated Mar 28 by PM Modi
Iran Crisis
Khamenei killed in US-Israel strike | Arafi as Interim Leader
Naxal Insurgency
India declares end of Naxalite insurgency — Mar 30
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National Affairs
HIGH PRIORITYIndia Declares End of Naxalite Insurgency — March 30
On March 30, Home Minister Amit Shah announced that India has ended the Naxalite (Left Wing Extremism) insurgency, reporting that most remaining Naxal fighters had been killed, arrested, or surrendered following intensified security operations. The MHA had earlier introduced Legacy Thrust Territories framework to prevent LWE resurgence in formerly affected districts (currently down to 7 from ~200 districts).
UPSC SSC
Noida International Airport (Jewar) Inaugurated — March 28
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Noida International Airport at Jewar (Uttar Pradesh) on March 28, India's latest mega aviation hub designed to decongest Delhi-NCR's aviation sector. It is one of the largest greenfield airports in Asia and will be developed in multiple phases.
UPSC SSC RRB
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Extended Till 2028 — JJM 2.0
The Union Cabinet on March 11 extended the Jal Jeevan Mission till 2028 as JJM 2.0, focusing on sustainability, decentralisation, and long-term water security across rural India. JJM aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural household.
UPSC SSC BANK
Madurai Airport Gets International Status | Madurai Cabinet Approval
The Union Cabinet approved International Status for Madurai Airport and a Greenfield connectivity project to Jewar International Airport on March 11. Madurai Airport, Tamil Nadu, will now handle international flights, boosting Tamil Nadu's connectivity.
SSC RRB
PM Modi Launches India's First Ring Metro — Delhi
On March 9, PM Modi launched India's first Ring Metro in Delhi, a circular metro corridor designed to ease inter-line transfers and reduce commute time for Delhi-NCR commuters without passing through central hubs.
SSC RRB
India's First Hydrogen Train Completes Trial — Green Rail Revolution
India's first hydrogen-powered train successfully completed its trial run in March 2026, marking a significant milestone in India's green railway transition under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Indian Railways targets Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030.
UPSC RRB
India Approves Updated NDC Targets 2031–2035
The Union Cabinet on March 26 approved India's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031–2035 to be submitted to UNFCCC. Key target: Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 47% by 2035 (from 2005 levels). Aligned with Net Zero 2070 and Viksit Bharat @2047.
UPSC SSC
UDAN 2.0 Revamped — Regional Air Connectivity Boost
UDAN 2.0 (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) was revamped and announced in March 2026 to significantly boost regional air connectivity across India. UDAN scheme subsidises airfares for routes connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to major hubs, with focus on underserved regions.
UPSC SSC
India's Coal Production Crosses 1 Billion Tonnes Again in 2026
India's coal production crossed 1 billion tonnes in 2026, achieving this milestone for the second consecutive year. India is one of the top coal-producing and coal-consuming nations globally. Coal India Limited (CIL) is the world's largest coal-producing company.
SSC BANK
Passive Euthanasia — Supreme Court Allows for Harish Rana
On March 11, the Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal of life support from Harish Rana, who had been in a vegetative state since 2013 — the first time passive euthanasia was allowed by an Indian court. Passive euthanasia involves withdrawing life support from terminally ill patients with no recovery chance.
UPSC
PM Modi Becomes India's Longest-Serving Elected Leader
In March 2026, PM Narendra Modi became India's longest-serving elected leader, surpassing the record previously held by Jawaharlal Nehru. Modi has continuously served as PM since May 2014, now in his third consecutive term.
UPSC SSC
Sonam Wangchuk Released — NSA Quashed | Ladakh Protests
On March 14, climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk was released from jail after the government quashed the National Security Act (NSA) against him, following public pressure in the aftermath of Ladakh statehood protests.
UPSC
IIM Ahmedabad — Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI | ₹100 Crore Endowment
IIM Ahmedabad launched the Krishnamurthy Tandon School of AI with a ₹100 crore endowment on March 27, making it one of the largest AI-dedicated academic institutions in India, reinforcing India's commitment to AI-led education.
UPSC SSC
India's First Port of Refuge Established — Maritime Safety
India announced the establishment of its first Port of Refuge on March 28 to strengthen maritime safety, providing emergency shelter to vessels in distress along India's vast 7,516-km coastline.
UPSC DEFENCE
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International Affairs
HIGH PRIORITYAyatollah Khamenei Killed — Iran's Supreme Leader Dead | March 1
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989, was killed in a joint US-Israel airstrike (using Israel's Blue Sparrow missile) in Tehran. Following his death, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi was appointed as Iran's Interim Supreme Leader (under Article 111 — 3-member Interim Leadership Council). His son Mojtaba Khamenei was subsequently named new Supreme Leader. Iran had only 2 Supreme Leaders since 1979 — Khomeini and Khamenei.
UPSC SSC
11th Raisina Dialogue — New Delhi, March 5–7
PM Modi inaugurated the 11th Raisina Dialogue (March 5–7, New Delhi). Chief Guest: Dr. Alexander Stubb, President of Finland. Theme: "Saṁskāra — Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement." Organised by ORF + MEA. 110 countries participated. Inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) launched on March 5.
UPSC SSC
Nepal — Balen Shah Becomes New Prime Minister
In Nepal's general elections, the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) won and Balen Shah — a former rapper, engineer, and Mayor of Kathmandu — became Nepal's new Prime Minister.
UPSC SSC
World Happiness Report 2026 — Finland Tops for 9th Year
The World Happiness Report 2026, released on March 18, ranked Finland as the happiest country in the world for the 9th consecutive year, continuing Nordic dominance. The report also highlighted the adverse impact of excessive social media use on young people's wellbeing globally. (UN-backed report).
UPSC SSC BANK
India Forms 7 Empowered Committees on West Asia Crisis
India formed 7 Empowered Committees on the West Asia Crisis (March 25) as the Iran-Israel war intensified. PM Modi addressed Parliament on the Middle East conflict on March 24. India also announced the RELIEF Scheme 2026 for emergency export support amid the crisis and reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel to shield consumers from surging global crude prices.
UPSC
India–EU Free Trade Agreement — Talks Advancing
India and the European Union agreed to grant each other Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status for 5 years under the ongoing FTA negotiations — a significant step toward concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
UPSC BANK
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Science & Technology
ALL EXAMSMicron Semiconductor ATMP Facility — India's First | Sanand, Gujarat
PM Modi inaugurated Micron Technology's ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking & Packaging) facility in Sanand, Gujarat on March 2. India's first advanced memory semiconductor plant. Investment: ₹22,516 crore ($2.7 bn, two phases). Largest Class-1000 raised-floor clean room globally (500,000 sq ft). Manufactures DRAM & NAND memory. Also: Kaynes Semicon OSAT plant inaugurated in Sanand on March 31. 4 semiconductor plants to be ready in India in 2026; India's first fab unit in Dholera by 2028.
UPSC SSC BANK
India Sets Green Ammonia & Green Methanol Standards
On March 10, India set standards for Green Ammonia and Green Methanol under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, defining benchmarks for clean fuel production. India targets producing 5 MMT of Green Hydrogen annually by 2030.
UPSC SSC
PRAKRITI 2026 — India's Carbon Market Portal Launched
PRAKRITI 2026 — India's official carbon market portal — was launched in March 2026, supporting the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) under the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, allowing trading of Carbon Credit Certificates.
UPSC BANK
SHINE App — Indian Railways' Digital Shield for Women Employees
Indian Railways launched the 'SHINE' App on March 10 — a new digital safety tool for women employees of Indian Railways, providing SOS alerts, tracking, and safety features.
SSC RRB
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Defence & Security
DEFENCE EXAMSExercise Lamitiye 2026 — India & Seychelles (March 9–20)
Joint military exercise "Lamitiye" (meaning "Friendship" in Creole) between India and Seychelles was held from March 9–20. Participants: soldiers from Assam Regiment (Indian Army) and Indian Navy.
DEFENCE UPSC
ALH Mk-III Helicopters — ₹5,083 Crore Contract for Coast Guard
India signed a ₹5,083 crore defence contract to procure six ALH Mk-III (Advanced Light Helicopter) helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard. The ALH Mk-III is indigenously developed by HAL with enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
DEFENCE UPSC
NIA Court Sentences Asiya Andrabi to Life Imprisonment
A special NIA court sentenced Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment on March 24 for her involvement in terrorist activities in Kashmir. She is the founder of the women's group Dukhtaran-e-Millat.
DEFENCE UPSC
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Environment & Geography
UPSC FOCUS9 Cheetahs from Botswana — India's Population Reaches 53 at Kuno
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed 9 cheetahs from Botswana to Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh under Project Cheetah on March 2. With Jwala's five cubs, India's cheetah population reached 53 (including 28 India-born cubs). Project Cheetah is the world's first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project. Cheetahs were declared extinct in India in 1952. Also: India's 3rd cheetah home announced at Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, MP.
UPSC SSC
Great Indian Bustard Chick Birth After 10 Years — Gujarat
After 10 years, a Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick was born in Gujarat on March 30, reviving survival hopes for this critically endangered species. The GIB is India's State Bird of Rajasthan and is found mainly in arid grasslands.
UPSC
Kerala — First State to Declare Tidal Floods a State-Specific Disaster
Kerala became the first state in India to declare "Tidal Floods" (Jwari Baadh) as a state-specific disaster, recognizing the significant inland water encroachment and property damage caused by tidal events in coastal areas.
UPSC SSC
Forest Owlet Sighted at Kuno National Park — Rare Species
The Forest Owlet (Athene blewitti), classified as Endangered with only 250–999 adults globally, was sighted for the first time at Kuno National Park, MP. Habitat restoration under Project Cheetah improved forest conditions supporting this rare endemic raptor.
UPSC
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Sports
ALL EXAMSIndia Wins ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 — 3rd Title!
India beat New Zealand by 96 runs in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on March 8 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This is India's 3rd T20 World Cup title (2007, 2024, 2026). Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Italy participated for the first time. BCCI awarded ₹131 crore to Team India (+ ₹27 crore from ICC). Sanju Samson hit 97 in a record T20 WC chase (196) vs West Indies in Super 8.
SSC RRB BANK
Jammu & Kashmir Wins Ranji Trophy — First Ever Title
Jammu & Kashmir secured its first-ever Ranji Trophy title in the tournament's history (started 1934). They defeated Karnataka in the final at Hubli, Karnataka. J&K scored 584 runs in the first innings against Karnataka's 293.
SSC BANK
India Awarded Hosting Rights — 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships
India was awarded the hosting rights for the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships with Bhubaneswar selected as the host city — making India the 4th Asian nation to host the event.
SSC
Jasprit Bumrah Completes 500 International Wickets
India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah completed 500 international wickets across all formats during March 2026, cementing his status as one of India's greatest fast bowlers.
SSC
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Key Appointments — March 2026
ALL EXAMS| Person | Appointment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dheeraj Seth | Vice Chief of Indian Army | Effective April 1, 2026 |
| Balen Shah | PM of Nepal | RSP won Nepal elections; former rapper, engineer & Mayor of Kathmandu |
| Mojtaba Khamenei | Iran's New Supreme Leader | Son of Ali Khamenei; appointed after father's death |
| Alireza Arafi | Interim Supreme Leader, Iran | Deputy Chairman, Assembly of Experts; under Article 111 of Iran's Constitution |
| Vikram Doraiswami | India's New Ambassador to China | Senior IFS officer appointed in March 2026 |
| KV Ramana Murty | Whole-Time Member, SEBI | New SEBI appointment in March 2026 |
🪖 Armed Forces Chiefs (Current as of March 2026)
- Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): General Anil Chauhan (2nd CDS)
- Army Chief (COAS): General Upendra Dwivedi (30th)
- Naval Chief (CNS): Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi (26th)
- Air Chief Marshal (CAS): Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh (28th)
- Vice Chief of Army (VCOAS): Dheeraj Seth (from April 1, 2026)
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Important Days — March 2026
SSC / BANK| Date | Day / Occasion | Key Fact / 2026 Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 1 | Zero Discrimination Day | UNAIDS observance; promotes equality without bias |
| Mar 3 | World Wildlife Day | UN; celebrates and raises awareness of wildlife; CITES 1973 |
| Mar 4 | National Safety Day | Promotes workplace safety; National Safety Council founded 1966 |
| Mar 8 | International Women's Day | 2026 Theme: "Accelerate Action"; origins: 1917 women's strike |
| Mar 15 | World Consumer Rights Day | Marks JFK's speech on consumer rights (1962) |
| Mar 16 | National Vaccination Day | First observed 1995 — Oral Polio Vaccine administered in India |
| Mar 18 | Ordnance Factory Day | Marks establishment of India's defence manufacturing sector |
| Mar 20 | International Day of Happiness + World Sparrow Day | UN; Finland topped World Happiness Report 2026 for 9th year |
| Mar 21 | World Forestry Day + World Down Syndrome Day | Emphasises forest conservation and sustainable management |
| Mar 21 | World Poetry Day | UNESCO observance since 1999 |
| Mar 22 | World Water Day | UN observance; 2026 Theme: "Glacier Preservation"; focuses on freshwater |
| Mar 23 | Shaheed Diwas (Bhagat Singh) + World Meteorological Day | Martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru & Sukhdev (1931); WMO founded 1950 |
| Mar 24 | World Tuberculosis Day | Marks Koch's discovery of TB bacterium (1882); India aims TB-free by 2025 |
| Mar 27 | World Theatre Day | International Theatre Institute (ITI) observance since 1962 |
| Mar 31 | Cesar Chavez Day (USA) | Financial Year End (India) | India's financial year closes; new FY 2026-27 begins April 1 |
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Rapid Fire One-Liners — March 2026
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