Daily Current Affairs Quiz 18th 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: 18 March, 2026

 Q1. Under the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025, the Hindi language category recognized a distinguished literary work in the memoir genre, reflecting cultural and personal narratives. Which of the following books was awarded in the Hindi category?

(a) Kalyanilya Resha

(b) Jeete Jee Allahabad

(c) Safety Kit

(d) Bhattkhadaki

(e) Padapurana

Answer: b

Solution:

• The Sahitya Akademi announced the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 in 24 Indian languages, recognising outstanding literary works across multiple genres.
• A total of 24 books were selected, including 8 poetry collections, 4 novels, 6 short story collections, 2 essay works, 1 literary criticism, 1 autobiography, and 2 memoirs.
• The awards were recommended by distinguished jury members and approved by the Competent Authority of Sahitya Akademi.
• Each award carries a casket with an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and ₹1,00,000 cash prize.
• The award ceremony will be held on 31 March 2026 in New Delhi.

Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025:

Q2. As per the PLFS Monthly Bulletin (February 2026), urban unemployment showed a notable improvement compared to January 2026. What was the urban unemployment rate recorded in February 2026?

(a) 7.0%

(b) 6.8%

(c) 6.6%

(d) 5.9%

(e) 5.0%

Answer: c

Solution:

• The urban unemployment rate declined to 6.6% in February 2026, down from 7.0% in January, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for persons aged 15 years and above remained unchanged at 55.9% in February. Rural LFPR stood at 58.7%, while urban LFPR marginally increased to 50.4% from 50.3% in January.
• The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) remained largely stable, recorded at 53.2% in February, compared to 53.1% in January. Rural WPR was 56.3%, while urban WPR stood at 47.0%.
• Female labour force participation showed slight improvement, with female LFPR rising to 35.3% in February from 35.1% in January. Rural female LFPR increased to 40.0%, while urban female LFPR remained unchanged at 25.5%.
• The female Worker Population Ratio (WPR) also improved, increasing to 33.4% in February from 33.1% in January, indicating better employment participation among women.
• The overall unemployment rate (UR) for persons aged 15 years and above declined to 4.9% in February, compared to 5.0% in January. Rural unemployment remained stable at 4.2%, while the decline in urban unemployment contributed to the overall improvement.
• Female unemployment rate decreased to 5.1% in February, down from 5.6% in January. Urban female unemployment declined significantly to 8.7% from 9.8%, reflecting improved employment conditions.
• The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI, is the primary source of data on employment and unemployment in India.
• Since January 2025, the PLFS methodology has been revised to provide monthly and quarterly estimates of labour market indicators.

Q3. Who won the men’s singles title at the Indian Wells Open 2026, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final held in California, United States?

(a) Carlos Alcaraz

(b) Novak Djokovic

(c) Jannik Sinner

(d) Stefanos Tsitsipas

(e) Alexander Zverev

Answer: c

Solution:

• In tennis, Italy’s Jannik Sinner (World No. 2) won his first Indian Wells Open title in 2026 in the men’s singles final, defeating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in California, United States.
• In the women’s singles final, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka clinched her first Indian Wells title (2026) by defeating Elena Rybakina with a score of 3–6, 6–3, 7–6 (6).
• The victories mark significant achievements for both players, as they secured their maiden Indian Wells titles.

Q4. As per the latest data (February 2026), the Ayushman Bharat scheme has significantly expanded its reach. Which of the following correctly represents the total number of Ayushman cards generated under the scheme?

(a) 40 crore cards

(b) 41.75 crore cards

(c) 45 crore cards

(d) 43.52 crore cards

(e) 42 crore cards

Answer: d

Solution:

• As of 28 February 2026, a total of 43.52 crore Ayushman cards have been created under the scheme.
• This includes 1.14 crore Ayushman Vay Vandana cards issued specifically for senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
• A total of 36,229 hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme across the country.
• Out of these, 19,483 are public hospitals and 16,746 are private hospitals.
• The latest Health Benefit Package (HBP) offers cashless healthcare services for 1,961 procedures across 27 medical specialties.
• As of the same date, 11.69 crore hospital admissions have been authorized under the scheme.
• These admissions amount to a total expenditure of approximately ₹1.73 lakh crore.

Q5. In a major push towards advancing quantum technology, the Government of India has approved several institutions to set up quantum teaching laboratories under NQM. How many academic institutions have been approved for this initiative as of March, 2026?

(a) 20

(b) 50

(c) 25

(d) 30

(e) 23

Answer: e

Solution:

• Twenty-three academic institutions across India have been approved to set up quantum teaching laboratories under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).
• Additionally, around 100 more proposals are currently under evaluation for establishing similar laboratories.
• This update was shared during the joint monthly meeting of Secretaries of the Science Ministries, held in New Delhi on 16 March 2026.
• The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was approved with a total budget of ₹6003.65 crore for the period 2023–2031.
• The mission aims to develop quantum computers with 50 to 1,000 qubits, advancing India’s capabilities in quantum computing.
• It also focuses on satellite-based secure quantum communication, enhancing data security.
• Another objective is the development of high-precision quantum sensors and advanced quantum materials.
• Overall, the mission seeks to strengthen India’s position in emerging quantum technologies and research ecosystems.