Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 29 March 2026, Daily Roundup
Current Affairs- 29 March 2026
Global attention remained on the West Asia conflict, while India balanced domestic governance, conservation efforts, and defence preparedness.
National
• Mann Ki Baat: PM Narendra Modi urged citizens not to politicise the West Asia crisis and warned against misinformation about oil shortages, assuring stable energy supplies.
• SC on Incarceration: The Supreme Court granted bail to a prisoner jailed for two years without trial, ruling prolonged detention violates the right to a speedy trial.
• Great Indian Bustard Conservation: A Great Indian Bustard chick was born in Kutch (Gujarat)—the first wild birth in nearly a decade, marking a major conservation success.
• India–US Dialogue Clarification: After the Jewar Airport inauguration, the government clarified that recent India–US talks were direct bilateral discussions, dismissing third-party mediation rumours.
International Affairs
• Islamabad Quadrilateral Meet: Pakistan hosted talks with Egypt, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia to discuss de-escalation in West Asia.
• Antiquities Return: A US museum agreed to return three stolen Indian artefacts, following investigations by ASI and US Homeland Security.
• Nepal Political Crisis: Protests erupted in Kathmandu after the arrest of former PM KP Sharma Oli, leading to curfews in some areas.
• UN Hormuz Task Force: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres formed a task force led by Jorge Moreira da Silva to secure trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
Global Geopolitical Crisis–Current Affairs
• Dubai Target Incident: Iran claimed strikes on targets in Dubai, escalating tensions in the Gulf region.
• Houthi Missile Strike: Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched long-range missiles toward Israel, expanding the war’s geographic scope.
Defence
• IAF Air Show: The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team performed at Sukhna Lake (Chandigarh), showcasing indigenous aviation capability.
• India–Malta Defence Talks: India and Malta discussed cooperation in maritime security and defence technology.
• Prahaar LMG Induction: Indian Armed Forces inducted 2,000 Prahaar Light Machine Guns, boosting indigenous defence capability.
• Port of Refuge Operational: India’s first Port of Refuge became operational at Dighi and Gopalpur.
• Defence Contracts: MoD signed ₹858 crore contracts for Russian air defence systems and Boeing aircraft maintenance.
Science & Technology
• NASA Artemis II: NASA confirmed a crewed launch before April 2026, testing the Orion capsule for deep-space missions.
• Hydrogen Train Trials: India’s first hydrogen-powered train completed oscillation trials, moving toward zero-emission rail technology.
• Tech Spending Growth: India’s tech spending is projected to grow 13.4% in 2026, the highest in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sports
• IPL Tribute: RCB honoured 2025 stampede victims by reserving 11 stadium seats permanently; RCB defeated SRH.
• IPL: MI defeated KKR by 6 wickets.
• Jammu Half Marathon: Jammu hosted its first International Half Marathon, with participation from global athletes.
• Tiger Woods Arrest: Golfer Tiger Woods was arrested in Florida for DUI, raising concerns over his health and conduct.
• Hockey Awards: Zafar Iqbal received the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Hockey India Awards: Navneet Kaur and Hardik Singh named Players of the Year.
Global Observance
• World Youth Parliament 2026: Stuti Pradhan (Sikkim) selected to represent India, focusing on sustainable governance in conflict zones.
Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs
• Tamil Nadu: Actor Vijay announced his electoral debut from Perambur and Tiruchi East.
• Assam: HM Amit Shah vowed deportation of illegal immigrants.
• West Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee accused the Centre of land-related conspiracy.
• Jammu & Kashmir: Hydropower capacity expected to rise 46% by 2026.
• Kerala: Kozhikode startup Fulva secured funding via Shark Tank India.
• Energy: Two Indian LPG carriers crossed the Strait of Hormuz under naval escort.
• Meghalaya: Became the 12th state to sign MoU under the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 reforms.
