Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 18 March 2026, Daily Roundup
Current Affairs – 18 March 2026
On March 18, 2026, global attention remained on the West Asia conflict, which began affecting energy supplies, inflation, and global markets. In India, the day saw important judicial reforms, economic policy updates, and infrastructure developments.
National
• Maternity & Paternity Rights: The Supreme Court expanded maternity benefits by granting 12 weeks of paid leave to all adoptive mothers, irrespective of the child’s age. It also urged the government to introduce a formal paternity leave policy, emphasising gender equality and shared parenting responsibilities.
• EPF Pension Reform (EPS 2026): The EPFO approved a new pension scheme replacing the 1995 EPS. The shift from a 12-month to 60-month salary average may reduce pension payouts but aims to improve long-term financial sustainability.
• Aviation Fare Reform: The Ministry of Civil Aviation directed airlines to ensure 60% of seats are free from extra seat selection charges, improving fair pricing and consumer access.
• 24-Hour Speed Post: India Post launched a premium “24 Speed Post” service in six metro cities, ensuring guaranteed next-day delivery, boosting logistics efficiency.
• National Quantum Mission: India identified 23 institutions to develop quantum labs, aiming to build 50,000-qubit quantum computers by 2031, strengthening technological self-reliance.
International Affairs
• Iran War Developments: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Israeli strikes will not destabilise Iran, while the IRGC warned of retaliation, indicating further escalation in the region.
Global Geopolitical Crisis
• Hormuz Oil Supply: The Indian tanker ‘Jag Laadki’ safely reached Mundra Port with over 80,000 tonnes of crude oil, ensuring temporary energy security despite the blockade.
• Economic Impact (Goldilocks End): Experts warned that rising oil prices may end India’s “Goldilocks phase” (high growth + low inflation), increasing risks of inflation and currency depreciation (₹100/$).
• Kabul Strike: A Pakistani strike on a hospital in Kabul killed over 400 people, drawing strong condemnation from India and raising humanitarian concerns.
Defence
• Ordnance Factory Day: India celebrated 224 years of its defence manufacturing legacy, marking the 1802 Cossipore factory, a key part of military logistics.
• Private Space Milestone: Ahmedabad-based Omspace launched Gujarat’s first private sounding rocket, signaling growth in India’s private space sector.
• Exercise Sea Dragon 2026: The Indian Navy participated in a US-led anti-submarine warfare exercise in Guam, enhancing maritime cooperation and Indo-Pacific security.
Science & Technology
• Digital Health Expansion: Over 86 crore ABHA IDs and 90 crore digital health records have been created, improving healthcare accessibility and data integration.
• Miyawaki Forest Record: Varanasi created a Guinness World Record by planting 2.5 lakh saplings in one hour, promoting urban afforestation and sustainability.
Sports
• TNA Wrestling Deal: TNA signed a long-term agreement with Eurosport India to expand sports entertainment broadcasting from 2027.
• AFCON Title Update: Morocco declared champions after Senegal was stripped of the title due to administrative violations.
• BCCI Awards: Cricket legends Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid received the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for their contribution to Indian cricket.
Global Observance
• Global Recycling Day: Observed with the theme “Recycling Heroes”, highlighting the importance of sustainable waste management.
• Ordnance Factory Day: Recognizes India’s defence production ecosystem and contribution to national security.
Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs
• Assam: 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydropower Project inaugurated (ADB-funded).
• Gujarat: Received UCC draft report from Justice Ranjana Desai Committee.
• Telangana: Announced 55-km Musi Riverfront project (Charminar–Golconda).
• Andhra Pradesh: Launched ‘Araku Kouni’ millet-based tourism menu.
• Bharat Tribes Fest 2026: Began in Delhi with 310 artisans.
• SEZ: ₹1,250 crore IT SEZ approved in Puducherry.
• West Bengal Elections: 1,111 observers deployed by ECI for free & fair polls.
• Assam Politics: Pradyut Bordoloi joined BJP before elections.
• Sahitya Akademi Awards:
- Navtej Sarna (English) – Crimson Spring
- Mamta Kalia (Hindi) – Jite Ji Allahabad
• Sangeeta Kalanidhi: Awarded to Jayanthi Kumaresh.
