Chapchar Kut is associated with which Indian state?

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 22nd March 2026 Check Important Questions Here |

Practice Current Affairs Quiz to stay updated with national, international, economic, and banking news. This quiz is based on the previous day’s current affairs and is designed to boost your exam readiness, improve speed and accuracy, strengthen memory, and build confidence for competitive exams and interviews.

Daily Current Affairs: 21 March, 2026

Q1. Every year, March 21 is observed globally as the International Day of Forests. What is the specific theme designated for the year 2026 to highlight the financial and developmental role of woodlands?

(a) Forests and Education

(b) Forests and Sustainable Cities

(d) Forest Restoration: A Path to Recovery

(e) Forests and Innovation

Answer: c

Solution:

The International Day of Forests (IDF), also known as World Forests Day, is observed every year on 21 March.
The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees for the survival of humanity and the planet.
It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2012.
The observance highlights the need for conservation and sustainable management of all types of forests.
Countries are encouraged to organise local, national, and international activities, such as tree plantation drives and awareness campaigns.
The day underscores the role of forests in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate balance.
The theme for International Day of Forests 2026 is “Forests and Economies.”
The theme emphasizes the critical role of forests in supporting livelihoods, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Q2. The National Biodiversity Authority has constituted an Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species to address ecological challenges and formulate national-level strategies under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Who has been appointed as the Chairman of this committee?

(a) A. Biju Kumar

(b) Dhananjai Mohan

(d) Anil Kumar Jain

(e) Suresh Prabhu

Answer: b

Solution:

In compliance with the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has constituted an Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species.
The initiative aims to address the ecological and socio-economic risks posed by invasive alien species across India.
The committee has been formed under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (amended in 2023).
It is a multi-disciplinary committee tasked with providing strategic guidance on managing invasive species.
The committee will prepare a consolidated national list of invasive alien species based on inputs from different states.
The committee is chaired by Dhananjai Mohan (IFS Retd.), former PCCF and Head of Forest Force, Uttarakhand.
Prof. (Dr.) A. Biju Kumar, Vice Chancellor of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, serves as the Co-Chair.
The committee includes senior officials and experts from key organisations such as the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), ICAR research bureaus, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Forest Survey of India (FSI), and State Forest Departments.
It also involves international and academic experts, including representatives from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The committee will function for a period of two years.
Its work is expected to contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and India’s national and global environmental commitments.

Q3. A senior executive with over three decades of experience in production, logistics, and sales has recently taken charge as Director (Commercial) in a major public sector steel company. Who has been appointed as Director (Commercial) of SAIL?

(a) Soma Mondal

(b) T.V. Narendran

(d) Rakesh Singh

(e) Anil Kumar Chaudhary

Answer: c

Solution:

N. Natarajan has assumed charge as Director (Commercial) at Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) on 19 March 2026.
He brings over 32 years of professional experience in areas such as production, logistics, and sales.
He joined SAIL as a Management Trainee in 1993.

Q4. In March 2026, a specialized Pilot Plant for the manufacture of Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets was established at Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI). In which Indian city is this research centre located?

(a) Bengaluru

(b) Chennai

(d) Hyderabad

(e) Ahmedabad

Answer: d

Solution:

In March 2026, a pilot plant for the manufacture of Nd-Fe-B (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) rare earth permanent magnets was established in India.
The plant has been set up at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad.
ARCI is an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
The initiative aims to strengthen indigenous capabilities in rare earth magnet production, which are critical for advanced technologies.
Nd-Fe-B magnets are widely used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, electronics, and defence applications.

Q5. In March, 2026, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently launched ‘PRARAMBH 2026’ in New Delhi. What is the primary focus of this nationwide awareness campaign?

(a) Implementation of the Digital Rupee (CBDC)

(b) Awareness regarding the new Income Tax Act, 2025

(d) Incentivizing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

(e) Digital literacy for rural women entrepreneurs

Answer: b

Solution:

On 20 March 2026, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman launched ‘PRARAMBH 2026’, a nationwide awareness campaign of the Income Tax Department, in New Delhi.
The campaign aims to create awareness about the key features of the new Income Tax Act, 2025.
The new Act is scheduled to come into effect from 1 April 2026.
PRARAMBH 2026 is a multimedia initiative, covering print, radio, television, outdoor, digital, and social media platforms.
The initiative is designed to educate taxpayers and improve understanding of the new tax framework, ensuring smoother implementation of the updated law.