Q.2) Pakyong Airport of Sikkim will be renamed after which freedom fighter?
Ans > Trilochan Pokhrel
- Renaming Decision: The Government of India approved the renaming of Pakyong Airport in Sikkim after Trilochan Pokhrel — a revered freedom fighter and social reformer who played a significant role in Sikkim’s history during the independence movement and contributed to the political and social development of the state. The renaming honours his legacy for future generations.
- About Pakyong Airport: Pakyong Airport is Sikkim’s first and only airport, opened in 2018 by PM Narendra Modi. Located at an elevation of 4,647 feet (1,416 m) above sea level in East Sikkim, just 35 km from the state capital Gangtok, it is one of India’s highest-altitude greenfield airports. The airport operates limited commercial flights and is operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
- About Sikkim: Sikkim is India’s second smallest and least populous state, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. It borders Nepal, Tibet (China), Bhutan, and West Bengal. Gangtok is its capital. Sikkim became India’s 22nd state in 1975 following a referendum. It is known for its extraordinary biodiversity (home to over 600 orchid species), Kanchenjunga (world’s 3rd highest peak), and being India’s first fully organic state (certified 2016).
- Airport Renaming Trend: India has a strong tradition of renaming airports, institutions, and infrastructure after national heroes, freedom fighters, and local icons. Recent examples include Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru, renamed 2023), Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (Agartala), and Hisar Airport (renamed Maharaja Agrasen Airport). These renamings assert cultural identity and honour regional heroes.
Q.3) Who has been appointed as the new chairman of the ‘Hindi Salahkar Samiti’ of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers?
Ans > Jagat Prakash Nadda
- Appointment: Jagat Prakash (J.P.) Nadda was appointed as the Chairman of the newly reconstituted ‘Hindi Salahkar Samiti’ of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. As BJP National President and Union Minister, his chairmanship of this advisory body reinforces the government’s commitment to promoting Hindi as the official language of the Union in all central government ministries and departments.
- About Hindi Salahkar Samiti: The ‘Hindi Salahkar Samiti’ (Hindi Advisory Committee) is constituted in each Union Ministry under the directives of the Department of Official Language (Ministry of Home Affairs). It advises the ministry on implementing the Official Languages Act, 1963 and Article 343 of the Constitution — which designates Hindi as the official language of the Union of India.
- About J.P. Nadda: Jagat Prakash Nadda is a senior BJP leader who served as the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party from 2020 to 2024 — one of the world’s largest political parties by membership. A former Union Health Minister (2014-19), he was appointed as Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers in the Modi 3.0 Cabinet (2024). He is known for his organisational skills and ideological grounding in BJP’s cultural nationalist framework.
- Official Language Policy: India’s Official Languages Act mandates progressive use of Hindi in central government offices. The Government of India’s ‘Rajbhasha’ (Official Language) policy encourages all ministries to use Hindi in their official communications. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers — which oversees major PSUs like IFFCO, NFL, and RCF — must ensure Hindi usage in its vast administrative and public communication network.
Q.8) Who has been appointed by the Central Government as the new chairperson of the judicial commission investigating ‘Manipur violence’?
Ans > Balbir Singh Chauhan (former SC Judge)
- Appointment: The Central Government appointed Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan (retd.), former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as the new Chairperson of the judicial commission of inquiry into the Manipur ethnic violence — replacing the previous chairperson and signalling a renewed commitment to delivering justice and accountability for the violence that erupted in May 2023.
- Manipur Violence Background: The Manipur ethnic conflict began on 3 May 2023, triggered by a tribal solidarity march by the Kuki-Zo communities protesting against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The violence — which lasted months — resulted in over 200 deaths, thousands displaced, hundreds of churches and temples burned, and widespread destruction of property across the valley and hill districts.
- About Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan: Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India from 2009 to 2014. Post-retirement, he served as Chairperson of the Law Commission of India (21st Law Commission) and has been involved in several high-profile judicial inquiry commissions. His appointment brings judicial gravitas and impartiality to the sensitive Manipur inquiry process.
- Importance of the Commission: Judicial commissions of inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 are constituted to investigate matters of public importance. The Manipur commission’s mandate is to examine the causes of the ethnic violence, identify those responsible, assess the scale of human and property losses, and recommend measures to prevent recurrence — a crucial step towards reconciliation and lasting peace in the strife-torn state.
Q.10) In March 2026, to which city/country was the GI-tagged ‘Karbi Anglong Ginger’ from Assam exported internationally for the first time?
Ans > London, United Kingdom
- Historic Export: The GI-tagged ‘Karbi Anglong Ginger’ from Assam was exported internationally for the first time to London, United Kingdom in March 2026 — a landmark achievement for the farmers and producers of Karbi Anglong district of Assam, opening up premium international markets for this unique and prized agricultural product.
- About Karbi Anglong Ginger: Karbi Anglong Ginger, grown in the hilly Karbi Anglong district of Assam, is known for its distinctive aroma, high gingerol content, and superior flavour profile compared to ginger grown in other regions. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag — which protects it as a unique product of its specific geographic origin, similar to how Champagne is protected as a wine from the Champagne region of France.
- About Geographical Indication (GI) Tags: A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is an intellectual property right under the TRIPS agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographic location, where its quality, reputation, or other characteristics are fundamentally attributable to its geographical origin. India’s Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 governs GI registrations.
- Significance for Northeast India: Northeast India’s agricultural products — including Assam tea, Muga silk, Naga King Chilli, Manipuri black rice, and now Karbi Anglong ginger — are increasingly gaining global recognition through GI tags and export promotion. APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) plays a key role in facilitating such exports and connecting Indian agri-producers with premium international markets.
Q.11) Who has been appointed as the first Kashmiri woman head of Central Jail Srinagar?
Ans > Saba Shawl
- Historic Appointment: Saba Shawl became the first Kashmiri woman to be appointed as the head (Superintendent) of Central Jail Srinagar — Jammu and Kashmir’s largest and most high-security correctional facility. This landmark appointment is a significant milestone for women’s representation in J&K’s criminal justice and law enforcement establishment.
- About Central Jail Srinagar: Central Jail Srinagar is the main high-security prison in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, housing convicted criminals, undertrials, and occasionally those detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Managing this jail requires exceptional administrative ability, security expertise, and people management skills — making Saba Shawl’s appointment particularly noteworthy.
- Women in J&K Administration: The appointment of women to senior positions in J&K’s administration has been increasing after J&K’s reorganisation as a Union Territory in 2019. Women officers are now heading police stations, district administration offices, and correctional facilities — reflecting both the talent in the J&K civil services and the government’s commitment to gender-inclusive governance in the region.
- Prison Reform in India: India’s prison system houses approximately 5.5 lakh prisoners in about 1,300 jails — with severe overcrowding (capacity: 4.25 lakh) being a major concern. The Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023 focuses on rehabilitation, skill development, and human rights for prisoners. Women heading correctional facilities bring a reform-oriented perspective, often improving prisoner welfare and rehabilitation outcomes.
Q.15) Who has been appointed as the new Governor of West Bengal in March 2026?
Ans > R. N. Ravi
- Appointment: R. N. Ravi was appointed as the new Governor of West Bengal in March 2026 — replacing the previous Governor. The appointment carries significant political weight given the historically contentious relationship between West Bengal’s state government and the Governor’s office, making the new Governor’s role central to maintaining constitutional propriety in the state.
- About R. N. Ravi: R. N. Ravi is a retired IPS (Indian Police Service) officer and former intelligence official who previously served as the Governor of Nagaland (2019-2021) and then as the Governor of Tamil Nadu (2021-2023). His tenure as Tamil Nadu Governor was marked by significant public differences with the DMK state government over the withholding of assent to state Bills — making him one of India’s most prominent and controversial Governors in recent history.
- Governor’s Constitutional Role: The Governor is the constitutional head of a state, appointed by the President of India under Article 155 of the Constitution on the advice of the Union Cabinet. The Governor’s role includes assenting to state Bills, summoning and proroguing the state legislature, appointing the Chief Minister, and acting as a link between the Union government and the state government. In states where the state and Union governments are of different parties, this role often becomes politically sensitive.
- West Bengal’s Significance: West Bengal is India’s 4th most populous state (over 10 crore population) with a GDP of approximately ₹17 lakh crore. Governed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) under CM Mamata Banerjee, the state has had a historically tense relationship with the Union government. The appointment of a new Governor is significant for the state’s constitutional governance, upcoming panchayat elections, and Centre-state relations.
Q.1) Which team topped the medal tally of ‘Khelo India Winter Games 2026’ for the third consecutive time?
Ans > Indian Army
- Dominant Performance: The Indian Army topped the overall medal tally of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 for the third consecutive time — demonstrating the military’s formidable infrastructure, training programmes, and athletic talent pool for winter sports like skiing, ice hockey, ice skating, and alpine events held in the high-altitude venues of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
- About Khelo India Winter Games: The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) is an annual multi-sport event for winter disciplines, launched under the government’s flagship ‘Khelo India’ programme to develop sports culture and identify talent at the grassroots level. It is typically held in Gulmarg (J&K) and Leh (Ladakh) — India’s premier winter sports venues. Events include Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Nordic Combined, Ski Jumping, Ice Hockey, and Ice Skating.
- Khelo India Programme: Launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Khelo India programme has multiple components: Khelo India Games (Summer and Winter), Khelo India Scholarship, Khelo India Infrastructure Development, and Khelo India Small Grants. It aims to create a robust sporting ecosystem from grassroots to elite level, making India a top-10 sporting nation by 2036 Olympics.
- Indian Army in Sports: The Indian Army has a proud sporting tradition — its Army Sports Institute in Pune and various regimental centres have produced Olympic champions, Asian Games medallists, and world champions across disciplines including shooting, boxing, athletics, wrestling, and cycling. In winter sports, Army athletes dominate Indian competitions due to their high-altitude training exposure in J&K, HP, and Uttarakhand postings.
Q.4) Who has become India’s 93rd Chess Grandmaster in March 2026?
Ans > Aarav Dengla
- Milestone Achievement: Aarav Dengla became India’s 93rd Chess Grandmaster (GM) in March 2026 — adding to India’s extraordinary chess legacy and demonstrating the continuous production of elite chess talent from across the country. India’s march towards 100 Grandmasters (and beyond) reflects a chess revolution that began with Viswanathan Anand and has accelerated dramatically in the 2020s.
- About Aarav Dengla: Aarav Dengla is a young and talented Indian chess player who earned his three Grandmaster (GM) norms and crossed the mandatory 2500 Elo rating threshold required by FIDE (World Chess Federation) to receive the prestigious GM title. His achievement adds to India’s growing roster of GMs, particularly from the Under-20 age group who are increasingly dominating international youth chess.
- India’s Chess Revolution: India has been producing Grandmasters at an unprecedented rate — from just 1 GM (Viswanathan Anand, 1988) to over 90 GMs within 35 years. The generation of D. Gukesh (youngest-ever World Chess Champion, 2024), Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi has elevated India to the absolute forefront of world chess alongside the USA, China, and Russia.
- FIDE GM Requirements: To earn the Grandmaster title, a player must: (1) achieve a FIDE Elo rating of at least 2500, and (2) earn three GM norms in FIDE-rated international tournaments (each norm requiring exceptional performance against other titled players over 9+ rounds). Once earned, the GM title is held for life — making it the highest permanent achievement in competitive chess below World Champion.
Q.6) Which Indian airport won the global ‘2025 ASQ Best Airport at Arrivals’ award for the second consecutive year?
Ans > Mangaluru International Airport
- Award Recognition: Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) won the globally prestigious ‘ACI ASQ Best Airport at Arrivals’ award for the second consecutive year at the 2025 edition — recognising it as the world’s best airport for passenger experience specifically at the arrivals process, including baggage handling, immigration, customs, and overall arrivals hall experience.
- About ASQ Awards: The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) awards are presented annually by Airports Council International (ACI World) — the global trade representative of the world’s airports. The ASQ survey is the world’s leading airport passenger satisfaction programme, measuring passenger experiences across over 400 airports worldwide. The awards are considered the highest honour in global airport management.
- About Mangaluru International Airport: Mangaluru International Airport (IATA: IXE) is located in Karnataka’s coastal city of Mangaluru (formerly Mangalore). Operated by Adani Airport Holdings, it serves as a major gateway for the Tulu Nadu region and the Kodagu (Coorg) tourist circuit. With a significantly renovated terminal (opened 2022), it has rapidly improved passenger facilities and service quality.
- India’s Aviation Growth: India is the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market and is expected to become the third-largest overall aviation market by 2027. With the UDAN scheme expanding connectivity to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, NABH Nirman programme upgrading airports, and India’s airport count growing to 150+ by 2025, Indian airports are increasingly winning global recognition for quality service.
Q.9) Which team won the ‘Ranji Trophy 2025-26’ title?
Ans > Jammu and Kashmir
- Historic Win: Jammu and Kashmir won the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 title — marking a momentous achievement for J&K cricket, a region that has historically been an underdog in Indian domestic cricket. This victory is not just a sporting triumph but a symbol of J&K’s growing confidence, talent development, and integration into India’s mainstream sporting landscape.
- About the Ranji Trophy: The Ranji Trophy is India’s premier first-class domestic cricket championship, played between state and regional teams. Established in 1934-35 and named after legendary cricketer Ranjitsinhji (popularly known as ‘Ranji’), it is one of the oldest cricket tournaments in Asia and serves as the primary pathway for cricketers to earn an India call-up. Mumbai holds the record with 42 Ranji Trophy titles.
- J&K Cricket’s Rise: J&K cricket has developed rapidly in recent years, supported by BCCI’s investments in infrastructure (new stadiums, academies), coaching programmes, and the talent pool from the mountainous valleys. Players from J&K are increasingly featuring in IPL teams and India A squads, signalling the state’s growing importance in Indian cricket’s ecosystem.
- BCCI and Domestic Cricket: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the world’s richest cricket board, with revenues exceeding $1 billion annually (driven by IPL media rights). Its investments in domestic cricket — through Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Women’s Challenger Series — provide a robust pipeline of talent for India’s national teams across formats.
Q.12) Which country’s women’s cricket team has become the first in the world to be nominated for the Laureus World Sports Awards?
Ans > India (Indian Women’s Cricket Team)
- Historic Nomination: The Indian Women’s Cricket Team became the first women’s cricket team in the world to receive a nomination for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards — a landmark recognition that reflects the explosive growth of women’s cricket globally and India’s growing dominance in the international women’s game following their remarkable tournament performances.
- About the Laureus Awards: The Laureus World Sports Awards — often called the “Sports Oscars” — are presented annually and voted upon by the 71-member Laureus World Sports Academy, comprising sporting legends from diverse disciplines. The Laureus Team of the Year nomination places Indian women’s cricket among the world’s elite team sporting achievements of 2025-26, alongside football, basketball, and athletics teams.
- Indian Women’s Cricket Rise: Indian women’s cricket has transformed dramatically over the past decade: the team reached the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final (2020), ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final (2017 — Harmanpreet Kaur’s iconic 171*), Women’s Premier League (WPL) launch in 2023 drove massive investment, and players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma are global superstars.
- Global Women’s Cricket: Women’s cricket is experiencing an unprecedented global boom — ICC Women’s World Cup viewership has grown 10x in 5 years, BCCI’s WPL attracted ₹4,670 crore in franchise fees in its inaugural 2023 auction, and ICC now has a dedicated Women’s Championship pathway. India’s Laureus nomination validates cricket’s growing stature in the global sports awards ecosystem alongside traditional Olympic sports.
Q.14) Who has become the first athlete from the ‘Siddi community’ of Gujarat to be selected for the Commonwealth and Asian Games?
Ans > Rohit Majgul
- Historic Selection: Rohit Majgul made history by becoming the first athlete from Gujarat’s Siddi community to be selected for both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games — breaking social and economic barriers that have historically limited the Siddi community’s access to mainstream sports opportunities. His achievement is a powerful symbol of inclusivity in Indian sports.
- About the Siddi Community: The Siddis are an ethnic group of African descent living primarily in Gujarat (Gir area and Jambur village), Karnataka (Uttara Kannada), and Andhra Pradesh. Descendants of Bantu people who came to the Indian subcontinent as traders, sailors, and soldiers from East Africa centuries ago, Siddis have been recognised as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in Gujarat and Karnataka. They face significant socio-economic challenges.
- Sports and Social Inclusion: The Siddi community is known for its extraordinary athleticism — many Siddi youth have excelled in football, athletics (sprinting), and other sports due to their physical attributes. However, systemic poverty, lack of coaching infrastructure, and geographic isolation in forests have historically prevented Siddi athletes from reaching national or international competitive levels.
- India’s Inclusive Sports Policy: India’s sports policy increasingly emphasises tribal and marginalised community inclusion — through tribal sports academies, Khelo India Centres in remote areas, SAI’s ‘Centres of Excellence’ for tribal talent, and specific initiatives targeting Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. Rohit Majgul’s selection validates these efforts and opens the door for future Siddi athletes to dare to dream of international competition.
Q.19) Which Indian woman has been included in the list of 16 global leaders of ‘Time Women of the Year 2026’?
Ans > Safina Hussain
- Recognition: Safina Hussain, founder of the NGO ‘Educate Girls’, was named in TIME Magazine’s prestigious ‘Women of the Year 2026′ list — recognising her as one of 16 global female leaders who have made transformative impact in their field. Her inclusion honours her decades of work in girls’ education, particularly in India’s most marginalised rural communities.
- About Safina Hussain: Safina Hussain is the founder and Executive Director of ‘Educate Girls’ — an NGO working to promote girls’ education in India’s most underserved rural areas. Founded in 2007, Educate Girls operates in over 20,000 villages across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, having enrolled over 1 million out-of-school girls back into education and helped improve learning outcomes for millions more.
- About TIME Women of the Year: TIME Magazine’s ‘Women of the Year’ list recognises trailblazing women from around the world across diverse fields — politics, activism, science, arts, business, and social change — who are shaping the future and inspiring others through their leadership, courage, and impact. It is one of the world’s most respected annual recognitions of female achievement.
- Girls’ Education in India: India has made dramatic progress in girls’ education — the gender parity index in elementary school has reached near-parity, and female literacy has risen from 39% (1991) to 71% (2021). However, in rural Rajasthan, MP, and UP, significant dropout rates persist, particularly at the secondary level. NGOs like Educate Girls play a vital complementary role to government programmes like Samagra Shiksha in addressing these structural barriers.
Q.20) In which American university has the bust of Mahatma Gandhi been unveiled for the first time in March 2026?
Ans > University of Montana
- Unveiling: A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled for the first time at the University of Montana in March 2026 — symbolising the enduring global relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa), satyagraha (truth-force), and civil disobedience in the contemporary world. The unveiling was attended by Indian diplomatic officials and University leadership.
- Gandhi’s Global Legacy: Mahatma Gandhi (2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948) remains one of the most influential figures in world history. His philosophy of non-violent resistance inspired movements worldwide — from Martin Luther King Jr.’s Civil Rights Movement in the USA to Nelson Mandela’s anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, to democracy movements in Eastern Europe. The UN observes 2 October as International Day of Non-Violence in his honour.
- Gandhi Statues Globally: Statues, busts, and memorials of Mahatma Gandhi exist in over 130 countries worldwide — making him one of the most widely commemorated individuals in human history outside of religious figures. Notable locations include Parliament Square in London, Union Square in New York, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in Washington D.C. Each new installation reinforces India’s cultural diplomacy.
- India-USA Cultural Diplomacy: The unveiling of Gandhi’s bust at the University of Montana reflects India’s active cultural diplomacy in the United States — where approximately 4.4 million Indian Americans form the second largest immigrant community. India’s diplomatic missions actively support Gandhi-related cultural initiatives as part of broader ‘soft power’ efforts to strengthen India’s image and deepen people-to-people ties with the US.
Q.13) Who has assumed charge as the Director General of Naval Armament (DGONA) at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi?
Ans > B.P. Singh
- Appointment: Vice Admiral B.P. Singh assumed charge as the Director General of Naval Armament (DGONA) at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi — a critical position responsible for overseeing the acquisition, induction, quality assurance, and lifecycle management of all weapons, ammunition, torpedoes, missiles, and combat systems for the Indian Navy’s surface fleet, submarine force, and aviation wing.
- About DGONA: The Director General of Naval Armament (DGONA) is one of the key directorates within the Indian Navy’s Integrated Headquarters at Ministry of Defence (Navy). It coordinates all aspects of naval armament — from specifying requirements and overseeing domestic defence production (Atmanirbhar Bharat) to managing foreign military sales and ensuring operational readiness of the Navy’s weapon inventory.
- Indian Navy’s Modernisation: The Indian Navy is undergoing rapid modernisation — inducting INS Vikrant (India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, commissioned 2022), Kalvari-class submarines, P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles. DGONA plays a central role in managing the weapons systems and armament supply chains for these cutting-edge platforms.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence: India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative has set ambitious goals for domestic defence production — targeting ₹1.75 lakh crore by 2025. The Indian Navy is a leader in this push, with Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-2), SSBN submarine (INS Arighaat), and Next Generation Corvette programmes. DGONA’s role in pushing indigenous armament solutions is increasingly vital for national security and economic goals.
Q.18) What is India’s rank in the ‘Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI) 2026’?
Ans > 54th
- India’s Ranking: India ranked 54th in the Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI) 2026 — a composite index that measures the quality of the business and regulatory environment for innovation-driven entrepreneurship. The ranking reflects India’s improving but still challenging ecosystem for deep-tech innovators and R&D-intensive startups.
- About IBEI: The Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI) assesses countries on parameters critical for innovation: quality of intellectual property protection, access to venture capital and risk finance, regulatory ease for startups, talent availability and quality of STEM education, digital infrastructure, and market accessibility for innovative products and services. Top-ranked countries typically include the USA, Switzerland, Denmark, and Singapore.
- India’s Innovation Progress: India has made significant strides in innovation rankings — jumping to 39th in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023 from 81st in 2015. India has the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem (over 1.17 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups), over 100 unicorns, and growing R&D investment. Patent filings have grown dramatically — India filed over 1 lakh patents in 2023-24 for the first time.
- Key Areas for Improvement: India’s IBEI rank of 54th indicates room for improvement in: venture capital depth for early-stage deep tech, IP enforcement and patent quality, reducing regulatory complexity for startups, improving university-industry R&D linkages, and scaling up basic research funding (India’s R&D expenditure at ~0.7% of GDP is well below the 2-3% of leading innovating nations). The National Research Foundation (NRF) launched in 2023 aims to address the R&D funding gap.
Q.7) What is the name of the WEF President and CEO who resigned from his position in February 2026?
Ans > Børge Brende
- Resignation: Børge Brende resigned as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in February 2026 — ending a tenure during which he oversaw the Forum’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical fragmentation, and rapid technological change. His departure marks a leadership transition for one of the world’s most influential global economic policy platforms.
- About Børge Brende: Børge Brende is a Norwegian politician and diplomat who previously served as Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (2013-2017), Minister of Trade and Industry (2001-2004), and Minister of Environment (2001-2004). He became WEF President in 2017 under Founder Klaus Schwab’s chairmanship. A multilateralist and centrist, Brende was known for his ability to build consensus across diverse global stakeholders at Davos.
- About the WEF: The World Economic Forum, founded by Professor Klaus Schwab in 1971 and based in Cologny/Geneva, Switzerland, is the International Organisation for Public-Private Cooperation. Its annual Davos meeting (January, Davos-Klosters) brings together approximately 3,000 leaders from government, business, civil society, academia, and media to set global agendas on economic, social, and environmental challenges.
- India and WEF: India is one of WEF’s most engaged member nations. PM Modi has addressed Davos multiple times — including the landmark 2018 address where he warned against de-globalisation. Indian industry (Mukesh Ambani, N. Chandrasekaran, Gautam Adani) and government leaders (Finance Minister, Commerce Minister) regularly participate in WEF events. India’s G20 presidency, UPI, and digital public infrastructure have been showcased at Davos as models for the Global South.
Q.5) Following the demise of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been appointed as Iran’s new ‘Interim Supreme Leader’?
Ans > Ayatollah Alireza Arafi
- Appointment: Following the passing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — who had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989 — Ayatollah Alireza Arafi was appointed as Iran’s new Interim Supreme Leader. This represented one of the most significant political transitions in the Islamic Republic since Khamenei succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (founder of the Islamic Republic) in 1989.
- Iran’s Governance Structure: Iran is an Islamic Republic with a unique dual governance structure. The Supreme Leader (Rahbar) holds the highest political and religious authority — commanding the armed forces, judiciary, state media, and intelligence services, and having final say on all major state policies. Below the Supreme Leader is the President (elected), who manages executive affairs. The Supreme Leader is appointed by the Assembly of Experts (88 Islamic scholars elected by the public).
- About Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei (born 1939) served as Iran’s Supreme Leader from 1989 to his death — the second person to hold this position in the Islamic Republic. During his tenure, he navigated Iran through the Iran-Iraq War aftermath, international sanctions over the nuclear programme, internal protests (Green Movement 2009, Mahsa Amini protests 2022), and complex relations with the USA, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.
- India-Iran Relations: India and Iran share historically deep civilisational, cultural, and economic ties. India was Iran’s second-largest oil customer before US sanctions. Key bilateral interests include: Chabahar Port (India’s gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia), North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), energy cooperation, and cultural exchanges. Iran’s political transition has significant implications for India’s energy security and its connectivity projects in the region.
Q.16) Who has been appointed as the new US Homeland Security Secretary in March 2026?
Ans > Markwayne Mullin
- Appointment: Markwayne Mullin was appointed as the new US Secretary of Homeland Security in March 2026 — taking charge of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the third-largest US Cabinet department responsible for border security, immigration enforcement, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, disaster response, and customs and trade facilitation.
- About Markwayne Mullin: Markwayne Mullin is a Republican politician and former US Senator from Oklahoma. Of Cherokee Native American descent, he is known as a former professional mixed martial artist (MMA) and plumbing business owner before entering politics. He served in the US House of Representatives (2013-2023) and then the Senate (2023-2026). He is a close ally of President Donald Trump and a strong advocate for strict border security and immigration enforcement.
- About Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The DHS was created after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, consolidating 22 federal agencies. Key sub-agencies include Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), US Secret Service (USSS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
- India-US Relevance: The US DHS has significant implications for Indian citizens — particularly regarding H-1B visa adjudications, immigration enforcement, airport security protocols, and bilateral cybersecurity cooperation. India and the USA have a robust homeland security partnership covering counter-terrorism intelligence sharing, border security technology cooperation, and joint training programmes under the Homeland Security Dialogue framework.
Q.17) Who is set to be appointed as the new Prime Minister of Nepal following the March 2026 general elections?
Ans > Balendra Shah
- Election Result: Balendra Shah — popularly known as ‘Balen Shah’ — emerged as the leader set to become Nepal’s Prime Minister following the March 2026 general elections. His rise from Kathmandu’s popular Mayor (first elected 2022 as an independent) to Prime Minister represents one of the most remarkable political ascents in Nepal’s recent democratic history, built on an anti-establishment, technocratic, and youth-centric political brand.
- About Balendra Shah: Balendra Shah (born 1990) is a Nepali rapper, engineer, and politician. As Mayor of Kathmandu (2022-2026), he gained national fame for urban beautification, demolishing illegal structures (including politically connected encroachments), improving city services, and fighting corruption with unprecedented zeal. His urban governance credentials and outsider image resonated with Nepal’s urban youth frustrated with traditional political parties.
- Nepal’s Political Landscape: Nepal has experienced extraordinary political instability since its transition from monarchy to federal republic (2008) — with over a dozen governments in as many years, dominated by NC (Nepali Congress), CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Centre). Balendra Shah’s emergence represents a new generation of politics, potentially disrupting the old party-dominated system.
- India-Nepal Relations: Nepal is one of India’s most important neighbours — sharing an open border, deep cultural and religious ties (Pashupatinath, Lumbini), and economic interdependence (India is Nepal’s largest trade partner and source of remittances). Nepal is also part of the Ganga plains water system, making bilateral cooperation on rivers, hydropower (India buys Nepal’s electricity), and border management critically important for both nations.
📌 Quick Summary — Awards & Honours | March 2026
🏛️ National Appointments & Events
- Airport Rename: Pakyong Airport (Sikkim) to be renamed after freedom fighter Trilochan Pokhrel.
- Govt Appointment: J.P. Nadda appointed Chairman of Hindi Salahkar Samiti of Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
- Judicial Commission: Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan (retd. SC Judge) appointed new chairperson of judicial commission on Manipur violence.
- GI Export: GI-tagged ‘Karbi Anglong Ginger’ (Assam) exported internationally for first time — to London, UK in March 2026.
- Milestone Appointment: Saba Shawl appointed first Kashmiri woman head of Central Jail Srinagar (high-security institution in J&K).
- Governor: R.N. Ravi appointed new Governor of West Bengal in March 2026.
🏆 Sports, Awards & Honours
- Winter Games: Indian Army topped medal tally of Khelo India Winter Games 2026 for 3rd consecutive time.
- Chess: Aarav Dengla became India’s 93rd Chess Grandmaster (GM) in March 2026.
- Airport Award: Mangaluru International Airport won ‘2025 ASQ Best Airport at Arrivals’ award for 2nd consecutive year.
- Cricket: Jammu & Kashmir won Ranji Trophy 2025-26 — historic first title for J&K cricket.
- Laureus: Indian Women’s Cricket Team became first women’s cricket team ever nominated for Laureus World Sports Awards.
- Social Inclusion: Rohit Majgul — first athlete from Gujarat’s Siddi community selected for Commonwealth and Asian Games.
- TIME Award: Safina Hussain (founder of Educate Girls NGO) included in TIME Women of the Year 2026 list (16 global leaders).
- Gandhi: Bust of Mahatma Gandhi unveiled at University of Montana, USA for the first time in March 2026.
🛡️ Defense & Security
- Navy Appointment: B.P. Singh assumed charge as Director General of Naval Armament (DGONA) at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi.
🔬 Rankings & Innovation
- Innovation Index: India ranked 54th in Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI) 2026 — reflects improving but developing innovation ecosystem.
📈 Economy & Institutions
- WEF Leadership: Børge Brende (Norwegian diplomat) resigned as President & CEO of World Economic Forum (WEF) in February 2026.
🌍 International Affairs
- Iran Succession: Ayatollah Alireza Arafi appointed Iran’s Interim Supreme Leader following the passing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- USA Appointment: Markwayne Mullin (Republican Senator, Oklahoma) appointed new US Homeland Security Secretary in March 2026.
- Nepal Elections: Balendra Shah (former Kathmandu Mayor, rapper, engineer) set to become Nepal’s Prime Minister after March 2026 general elections.
Awards & Honours Quiz
March 2026
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