Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (14th March 2026)

International Day to Combat Islamophobia Observed on 15 March

• The International Day to Combat Islamophobia is observed every year on 15 March to raise global awareness about discrimination, prejudice, and hatred faced by Muslims around the world

• The United Nations General Assembly declared the day in 2022 through Resolution A/RES/76/254 to highlight the issue of rising Islamophobia

• The date marks the anniversary of the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand where 51 people lost their lives

• The observance encourages governments, organisations, and communities to promote tolerance, dialogue, and respect for religious diversity

• It also aims to combat hate speech, discrimination, and violence against Muslims and promote peaceful coexistence globally

Parthanil Ghosh Appointed MD & CEO of HDFC ERGO General Insurance

• HDFC ERGO General Insurance has appointed Parthanil Ghosh as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective from April 16, 2026

• He will succeed Anuj Tyagi, who led the company for several years and played a key role in expanding its presence in the insurance market

• Ghosh has over three decades of experience in financial services, including more than 16 years in the general insurance sector

• He joined HDFC ERGO in 2016 after the merger with L&T General Insurance and was promoted to Executive Director in May 2025

• During his tenure, he has contributed to retail insurance, underwriting, claims management, reinsurance strategy, and technology development

United States and South Korea Conduct Freedom Shield Military Exercise

• The United States and South Korea have launched their annual Freedom Shield joint military exercise to strengthen defense coordination and preparedness

• The exercise includes command-post simulations, field training drills, and joint operational activities between the two allied forces

• Around 18,000 South Korean troops are participating, while the number of US troops has not been disclosed

• Reports indicated that US military aircraft such as the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III were seen at Osan Air Base, raising speculation about equipment movement

• The drills are important for strengthening regional security and preparing against potential threats from North Korea

Pi Day Celebrated Worldwide on 14 March

• Pi Day is celebrated every year on 14 March to honor the mathematical constant π (pi), which represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter

• The date 3/14 corresponds to the first three digits of pi, making it a symbolic day for mathematics enthusiasts

• Pi Day was first celebrated in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw at the Exploratorium in San Francisco

• In 2009, the US House of Representatives officially recognized Pi Day to encourage interest in mathematics and science

• In 2019, UNESCO declared 14 March as the International Day of Mathematics, further increasing the importance of the day

RBI Launches Digital Payments Awareness Program in Maharashtra

• The Reserve Bank of India has launched a pilot “Awareness Program on Digital Payments” to promote safe and secure digital transactions across the country

• The first phase of the program will be implemented in Maharashtra in collaboration with CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd

• The initiative aims to educate people about digital payment systems, fraud risks, and safe transaction practices

• Around 10 lakh participants, especially from rural and semi-urban areas, will attend awareness sessions conducted by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs)

• The campaign was launched during the sixth Digital Payments Awareness Week observed from 9–13 March 2026

ISRO Successfully Conducts Sea-Level Hot Test of CE20 Cryogenic Engine

• The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully conducted a sea-level hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine at the ISRO Propulsion Complex

• The engine operated for 165 seconds at a thrust level of 22 tonnes using advanced systems such as the Nozzle Protection System

• The CE20 engine powers the C25 cryogenic stage of India’s heavy-lift rocket Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)

• The upgraded thrust capability will increase the payload capacity of future LVM3 missions

• The engine has already completed a record 20 successful hot tests, supporting missions like Gaganyaan and satellite launches

Purple Fest Celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan for Divyangjan

• Purple Fest 2026 was organised at Rashtrapati Bhavan to celebrate the talent and achievements of Divyangjan (persons with disabilities)

• More than 8,000 Divyangjan visited Amrit Udyan and participated in games, awareness sessions, and exhibitions

• Several organisations working for persons with disabilities set up stalls to provide guidance and support

• President Droupadi Murmu attended the evening cultural programme and praised the inspiring performances of Divyangjan artists

• The festival aimed to promote inclusion, equality, and respect for persons with disabilities in society

Yoga Mahotsav 2026 Begins Countdown to International Day of Yoga

• Yoga Mahotsav 2026 was inaugurated in New Delhi, marking the 100-day countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga

• The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav

• Ten special Yoga protocols for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and specific target groups were launched

• A new initiative called “Yoga for Air Travel” introduced simple exercises that can be performed during flights

• The event also highlighted the Yoga 365 campaign promoting daily yoga practice through digital platforms

Government Extends Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Till 2028

• The Government of India has extended Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 until December 2028 to ensure safe drinking water for every rural household

• The mission’s financial outlay has been increased from ₹3.60 lakh crore to ₹8.69 lakh crore

• A digital initiative called Sujal Gaon ID has been launched to map rural water supply schemes across the country

• Over 1.64 lakh Sujal Gaon IDs have already been created across 31 states and union territories

• The mission focuses on digital monitoring, community participation, and sustainable rural water supply systems

Government Approves Perpetual Validity for FSSAI Licences

• The Government of India has approved perpetual validity for licences and registrations issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• Food business operators will no longer need to renew their licences repeatedly once they are issued

• The turnover limit for basic registration has been increased from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore

• Street food vendors registered with municipal bodies will automatically be considered registered under FSSAI

• The reform aims to improve ease of doing business and reduce compliance burden for food businesses

PM Modi Launches Development Projects Worth ₹24,000 Crore in Assam

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched and inaugurated development projects worth over ₹24,000 crore during his two-day visit to Assam

• Around 3.5 lakh tea garden worker families received land ownership certificates, giving them legal rights to the land where they live

• The Prime Minister also released the 22nd installment of the PM-KISAN scheme transferring ₹2,000 to more than 9.3 crore farmers

• Major infrastructure projects include the Kopili Hydro Electric Project and expansion of the Numaligarh–Siliguri pipeline

• Several railway electrification projects were also launched to improve connectivity across Assam

Common Incubation Centre Inaugurated at Tezpur University Under PMFME Scheme

• Union Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurated a Common Incubation Centre at Tezpur University to support food processing innovation

• The facility was established with ₹2.35 crore financial assistance under the PMFME Scheme

• The centre will provide training, technology support, and infrastructure for micro food processing enterprises

• Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organisations, startups, and entrepreneurs will benefit from the facility

• The centre includes specialised processing lines for fruits, grains, spices, and bakery products

AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav 2026 Celebrates Women SHGs in Urban Water Services

• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs organised AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

• More than 1,000 women SHG members and 300 officials from 30 states and UTs participated in the event

• AMRUT Mitras support urban water services through water testing, billing, awareness campaigns, and maintenance activities

• The programme highlighted women’s role in strengthening community participation in water management

• The government plans to expand the AMRUT Mitra model to around 5,000 cities in India

Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen Announces Plan to Step Down

• Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen announced that he will step down from his position after serving for more than 18 years

• He will continue in the role until a successor is selected and will later serve as Chair of the Board

• Under his leadership, Adobe transitioned to a subscription-based Creative Cloud model generating over $25 billion annually

• The company grew from about 3,000 employees in 2007 to over 30,000 employees today

• Adobe is now focusing on AI-driven products such as Firefly and other creative tools

José Antonio Kast Takes Oath as President of Chile

• José Antonio Kast took oath as the new President of Chile on 11 March 2026, marking a major political shift in the country

• He succeeded former President Gabriel Boric and promised strong action on crime, immigration, and economic reforms

• Kast described his administration as an “emergency government” focused on restoring security and stability

• His government plans tax reforms, including reducing business taxes to encourage investment and job creation

• The new administration faces challenges such as economic pressure, political divisions, and rising security concerns

Elevated Road Corridor and Inland Waterway Projects Launched in Assam

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an elevated road corridor connecting Pandu Port to National Highway-27 to improve logistics connectivity in Assam

• The project was developed with an investment of about ₹180 crore and aims to reduce traffic congestion in Guwahati

• Foundation stones were laid for cruise terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Neamati to promote river tourism on the Brahmaputra

• A Regional Centre of Excellence at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh will train more than 5,000 students annually in inland waterway operations

• These projects aim to strengthen tourism, trade, and employment along National Waterway-2 on the Brahmaputra River

Government Strengthens Campaign to Prevent Child Marriage in India

• The Government of India is strengthening efforts to prevent child marriage through laws, awareness campaigns, and community participation

• The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 provides legal provisions to prevent and punish child marriages

• The national campaign “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” was launched on 27 November 2024 to eliminate child marriage in India

• A dedicated portal allows citizens to report child marriage cases and register pledges against the practice

• As of March 2026, awareness programs have reached over 11.81 crore people and more than 40 lakh pledges have been registered