Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 24 March 2026, Daily Roundup
Current Affairs- 24 March 2026
On March 24, 2026, the national discourse in India was dominated by a landmark Supreme Court ruling on social status, critical government updates on energy stocks amidst the West Asian war, and the observance of World Tuberculosis Day.
Current Affairs Highlights
National
• SC on Scheduled Caste Status: The Supreme Court ruled that only Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists are eligible for SC status under the Constitution (SC) Order, 1950. Converts to other religions cannot claim SC benefits.
• Delhi Green Budget 2026–27: CM Rekha Gupta presented a Green Budget, focusing on anti-pollution measures and expanding the electric bus fleet to reduce AQI levels.
• Fuel Stock Assurance: The Petroleum Ministry assured sufficient petrol and diesel stocks, despite West Asia tensions. Some LPG panic booking occurred, but no shortages reported.
• Right to Die with Dignity: Harish Rana, the first Indian allowed withdrawal of life support under SC approval, passed away at AIIMS Delhi after 13 years in coma.
International Affairs
• Iran Security Appointment: Iran named Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, replacing Ali Larijani.
• BRICS Women’s Award: Jharkhand MLA Kalpana Soren received the Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award for rural and gender initiatives.
• India–Bhutan Postal MoU: Both countries signed an agreement to improve postal cooperation and digital connectivity.
• Thailand Leadership: Anutin Charnvirakul was reported as the new Prime Minister of Thailand.
Global Geopolitical Crisis
• Stock Market Rally: Sensex rose 1,300 points and Nifty crossed 22,900 after the U.S. paused planned strikes on Iran.
• Rupee Pressure: The Indian Rupee remained weak near ₹93.71/$, due to continued FII selling.
• Hormuz Transit Relief: Two LPG tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz, expected to reach Indian ports soon.
Defence
• Assam Rifles Raising Day: India’s oldest paramilitary force marked its 191st Raising Day, honouring its role as “Sentinels of the Northeast.”
• INS Nilgiri Achievement: Crew of INS Nilgiri won the Kakadu Shield Trophy during naval exercises off Australia.
Science & Technology
• Rare Earth Magnet Plant: India set up a pilot Nd-Fe-B magnet plant in Hyderabad, vital for EVs and renewable energy.
• Quantum Computing Mission: Launched with ₹6,000 crore funding to develop indigenous quantum technologies.
• Hydrogen Train Prototype: Indian Railways unveiled a hydrogen-powered train capable of 1,000 km per refill, supporting green transport.
Sports
• India Open Squash: Anahat Singh defeated Hana Moataz to defend her India Open title.
• Tennis Upset: Sebastian Korda defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Miami Open.
Global Observance
• World Tuberculosis Day: Observed with the theme “Yes! We Can End TB!” India reaffirmed its TB elimination target by 2025.
• Right to Truth Day: Observed by the UN to honour victims of human rights violations.
Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs
• Meghalaya: GHADC restricted election eligibility to Scheduled Tribes only.
• Gujarat: Launched Sugam Digital Initiative for 20 online services.
• Rajasthan: Received 10% extra LPG quota.
• Tamil Nadu: Nine policemen convicted in Sattankulam custodial death case.
• Assam: Air Force personnel arrested for alleged spying via a honey-trap.
• Health: Malaria cases dropped 45%, nearing elimination goal.
• Mizoram: Celebrated Chapchar Kut festival.
• Culture: IGNCA published “Janjati Gaurav” documenting tribal heritage.
