Daily Current Affairs Quiz01 & 02 March, 2026 International Affairs 1. Pakistan–Afghanistan War Context: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have reportedly escalated into a major military confrontation following Pakistan’s launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, marking one of the most serious crises between the two neighbours in recent years. What is the Conflict About? The present escalation represents a shift from: to a more conventional military confrontation, involving: The fighting is primarily between the Pakistan Armed Forces and the Afghan Taliban authorities. Region of Tension 1. The Durand Line The conflict centres around the Durand Line, a 2,640 km porous border between the two countries.Afghanistan has historically refused to formally recognise it as an international boundary. 2. Key Flashpoints Core Points of Conflict Cross-Border Terrorism Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing sanctuary to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has carried out attacks inside Pakistan. Border Fencing Dispute Pakistan has attempted to fence the Durand Line.The Taliban opposes this, leading to frequent armed clashes. Operation Launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq Launched by Pakistan with the stated objective of: National Affairs 1. PM Launches Micron ATMP Semiconductor Plant in Gujarat Source: News on Air Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Micron Technology Inc.’s Assembly, Test, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) semiconductor facility in Sanand, Gujarat — a major milestone in India’s semiconductor manufacturing push. What is the ATMP Plant? An ATMP (Assembly, Test, Marking and Packaging) facility: This marks one of India’s first large-scale semiconductor packaging units. Government Support The project has received strong public backing under the India Semiconductor Mission: 2. Government Bank Dashboard & Manual Initiative Source: ET The Controller General of Accounts (CGA), under the Government of India, has launched the Government Bank Dashboard and Government Bank Manual to modernise oversight of government banking operations. What is the Initiative? It is a dual reform measure comprising: Together, they aim to strengthen transparency, efficiency, and accountability in managing public funds. Objective Key Features 1. Real-Time Monitoring The Dashboard tracks critical performance indicators such as: This allows continuous tracking of banks’ performance in handling government funds. 2. Standardised Operational Framework The Government Bank Manual: This reduces ambiguity in government banking operations. 3. Proactive Oversight Instead of detecting irregularities after delays occur, the system enables: 4. Service-Level Tracking Banks’ adherence to service standards in managing government transactions is continuously monitored. 5. Future-Ready Architecture The initiative is designed to support: 3. LCH Prachand — India’s Indigenous Light Combat Helicopter Context: President Droupadi Murmu recently undertook a historic sortie in the LCH Prachand at an Indian Air Force base, highlighting India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities. What is LCH Prachand? LCH Prachand is India’s first indigenously designed and developed dedicated combat helicopter, built for offensive missions in high-altitude and battlefield environments. It is a multi-role light attack helicopter capable of: Developed By Designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the Light Combat Helicopter programme. Strategic Objective To provide India with a high-altitude combat platform capable of operating effectively in mountainous terrain such as: These areas pose challenges for heavier helicopters due to thin air and extreme conditions. 4. Inland Waterway Projects on National Waterway-2 Context: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated three major inland waterway infrastructure projects on National Waterway 2 (River Brahmaputra) in Dibrugarh, Assam to strengthen logistics, trade, and river tourism in the North Eastern Region. Key Projects 1. Bogibeel Customs & Immigration Complex (CIC) 2. Dhubri Gateway CIC 3. Renovated IWAI Heritage Building, Dibrugarh 5. Tamil Nadu Launches First Dark Sky Park in Kolli Hills Source: TH Context: Tamil Nadu’s first Dark Sky Park has been inaugurated at the Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest in Kolli Hills, Namakkal district by Forest Minister R S Rajakannappan, promoting astro-tourism and scientific awareness. About the Dark Sky Park India’s First Official Dark Sky Park India’s first internationally recognised Dark Sky Park is Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, designated in 2024 under the International Dark-Sky Places programme. Banking/Finance 1. Small, Steady Steps Toward Rupee Internationalisation Source: BS India has begun a gradual, long-term process to make the rupee more widely used in global trade and finance. While progress is modest so far, policymakers view it as the beginning of a multi-decade transformation. Current Status The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) now tracks how much of India’s trade is invoiced and settled in rupees. These numbers are small but signal early movement away from exclusive reliance on hard currencies like the US dollar. Why India Wants Rupee Internationalisation Key Policy Steps Taken 1. Local Currency Trade Arrangements India has signed agreements with countries such as the UAE, Indonesia, Maldives, and Mauritius to settle trade in local currencies. 2. Incentives for Rupee Invoicing Exporters receive equal benefits whether they invoice trade in rupees or dollars. 3. Expanding Offshore Rupee Use 4. Integration into Global Financial Markets Indian government bonds are being added to major global emerging-market indices — a key step toward wider rupee acceptance. Risks and Concerns Some fear wider rupee use could cause: 2. Govt Launches eSushrut@Clinic — A “BHIM UPI Moment” for Healthcare Digitisation Source: Mint India’s National Health Authority (NHA) has introduced eSushrut@Clinic, a free digital platform aimed at small and mid-sized clinics, seeking to replicate the transformational impact of BHIM UPI in digital payments within the healthcare sector. The platform has been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) and is integrated with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). What is eSushrut@Clinic? It is a SaaS-based (Software-as-a-Service) lightweight digital system, designed as a simpler alternative to expensive and complex Hospital Information Management Systems (HIMS). It enables clinics to: Clinics can use it via a simple web browser, without investing in heavy IT infrastructure. Key Feature: Smart Assistant (CDSS) The platform includes a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) that: Agriculture 1. Suspension of Fortified Rice Rollout Source: TOI Context: The Central Government has temporarily halted the distribution of fortified rice under major welfare schemes due to concerns over nutrient stability during long storage periods. What is Fortified Rice? Fortified rice is regular