Daily Current Affairs Quiz
17 March, 2026
National Affairs
1. NavIC’s Atomic Clock Failure
Source: IE
Context:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently reported the failure of an atomic clock onboard the navigation satellite IRNSS-1F, which is part of India’s regional navigation system NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). The failure reduces the number of fully functional satellites in the constellation.
What is an Atomic Clock?
An atomic clock is an extremely precise timekeeping device that measures time based on the vibrations of atoms, typically Rubidium or Cesium.
Importance in Navigation Satellites
- Navigation systems depend on extremely accurate timing signals.
- Even a billionth of a second error can cause a location error of several meters on Earth.
- Atomic clocks ensure that satellite signals carry accurate timestamps, which are essential for calculating precise positions.
How Atomic Clocks Work
Atomic Resonance
- The clock measures the precise frequency of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed when electrons change energy levels in an atom.
Ultra-Stable Frequency
- Atoms vibrate at a constant frequency, unlike quartz or mechanical clocks that can drift over time.
Time-of-Flight Measurement
- The satellite transmits a signal with a timestamp indicating when it was sent.
Trilateration
- A receiver calculates the distance from multiple satellites by comparing the sent and received time.
- Signals from at least four satellites are used to determine latitude, longitude, and altitude.
About NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation)
- NavIC is India’s independent regional satellite navigation system, earlier known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
Launch Timeline
- The first satellite, IRNSS-1A, was launched in July 2013.
- The original constellation aimed to deploy seven satellites by 2016, with additional replacement satellites launched later.
Coverage Area
- Provides navigation services across India and about 1,500 km beyond its borders.
2. Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) System
Context:
The Indian Army has operationalised its seventh regiment of the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher system and is currently raising an eighth regiment, with plans to expand to ten regiments by next year. The development strengthens India’s long-range artillery and battlefield firepower.
What is the Pinaka MBRL System?
The Pinaka is an indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) capable of firing a salvo of 12 rockets in less than 44 seconds. It is designed as a high-volume area-saturation weapon that can neutralise enemy troops, infrastructure, and artillery positions across large battlefield zones.
Developed By
The system was developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Key Features of the Pinaka System
Rapid Fire Capability
- A single launcher fires 12 rockets in 44 seconds.
- A battery of six launchers can fire 72 rockets simultaneously, saturating an area of approximately 1,000 × 800 meters.
Range Variants
- Mk-I: Range of about 38 km.
- Mk-II (Extended Range): Range of about 60 km.
- Guided Pinaka: Range between 75–90 km.
3. Sujal Gaon ID
Context:
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched Sujal Gaon ID, a unique digital identifier to map and monitor rural piped drinking water supply schemes across India. The initiative aims to strengthen digital governance and transparency in rural water management.
What is Sujal Gaon ID?
Sujal Gaon ID is a scheme-based unique digital identifier assigned to every rural piped drinking water supply scheme in India. It enables digital mapping of water supply infrastructure and service areas, integrating them into a national digital platform for monitoring rural water systems.
Launched Under
The initiative has been introduced under the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, the flagship programme aimed at providing Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to all rural households.
Objectives
- Digitally map rural drinking water infrastructure across the country.
- Improve transparency and efficiency in water supply management.
- Enable evidence-based policy decisions through real-time data on water infrastructure and service delivery.
Key Features
Unique Digital Identification
- Each rural drinking water scheme is assigned a distinct Sujal Gaon ID, enabling easy identification and tracking of water infrastructure assets and services.
Integration with Sujalam Bharat Platform
- The ID is linked with Sujalam Bharat IDs, combining:
- Infrastructure identification
- Service-area identification
- This provides comprehensive mapping of the entire water supply system.
4. Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Context:
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently documented nine new species, including jumping spiders and damselflies, in the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity.
About Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, often called the High Wavy Mountains, is a protected forest landscape in Tamil Nadu. Since 2021, it has been a core component of the Srivilliputhur–Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR), India’s 51st Tiger Reserve.
Establishment
- The sanctuary became part of the tiger reserve after the SMTR notification in 2021.
- Its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) had earlier been notified in 2018.
Habitat and Ecosystems
Megamalai contains a mosaic of ecosystems, including:
- Montane Shola forests and high-altitude grasslands
- Tropical wet evergreen forests
- Tea and cardamom plantations interspersed with natural vegetation
This ecological diversity supports a wide range of flora and fauna in the southern Western Ghats.
New Species Identified
During the ZSI survey, 977 species were recorded, including nine species new to science:
- Jumping Spider: Stenaelurillus megamalai
- Mayfly: Edmundsula meghamalaiensis
- Damselfly: Thraulus vellimalaiensis, Protosticta sholai (endemic)
- Bark Lice and Cockroaches: Allacta vellimalai, Lachesilla vellimalai
Other notable fauna include:
- Hemidactylus vanam
- Historical records of the Critically Endangered Malabar Civet.
Banking/Finance
1. SEBI Announces Measures to Strengthen India’s Investment Advisory Ecosystem
Source: BS
Context:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced several initiatives to strengthen and streamline India’s investment advisory ecosystem. The measures were outlined by SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey at the ARIA Aspire 2026 conclave of investment advisers.
Key Measures Announced by SEBI
1. Working Group to Review MFD–IA Regulatory Overlap
- SEBI has set up a working group to review the regulatory framework governing Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs).
- The objective is to identify and address overlaps between Mutual Fund Distributors and Investment Advisers (IAs), ensuring clearer regulatory boundaries.
2. Common Advertisement Code
- SEBI plans to introduce a uniform advertisement code for all market intermediaries.
- This aims to:
- Improve consistency in investor communication
- Reduce operational complexities
- Prevent misleading financial promotions.
3. Launch of SEBI Setu Digital Platform
- SEBI will launch “SEBI Setu”, a digital platform designed to provide:
- End-to-end regulatory guidance
- Compliance support for investment advisers
- The platform will simplify regulatory interactions and improve ease of compliance.
4. Light-Touch Penalty Framework
- The regulator plans to introduce a standardised and simplified penalty framework for investment advisers.
- This will help ensure proportionate regulatory enforcement while reducing compliance burden.
5. Simplified Certification for Advisory Professionals
- SEBI will introduce a simplified certification module through the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM).
- The certification will apply to persons associated with investment advice, including those in sales and non-core roles.
Facts To Remember
1. PhonePe defers mega IPO as market turbulence hits corporate fundraise plans
The raging conflict in West Asia, that triggered a sharp surge in oil prices and tanked stock markets, is beginning to disrupt corporate plans to raise funds through initial public offerings (IPOs).
2. PM Narendra Modi Visits Assam and West Bengal; Launches Projects Worth ₹66,280 Crore
Narendra Modi visited Assam and West Bengal on 13–14 March 2026 to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹66,280 crore. In Assam, projects worth ₹47,600 crore were launched across Kokrajhar, Guwahati and Silchar, including the Assam Mala 3.0 road programme. In West Bengal, projects worth ₹18,680 crore were inaugurated mainly in road, rail and port infrastructure. The visit focused on improving connectivity, logistics and regional development in eastern India.
3. Sagar Defence Lays Foundation for World’s First Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding Centre
Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited laid the foundation stone for the world’s first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. The facility will integrate robotics and Artificial Intelligence in shipbuilding processes. It will include shipbuilding units, R&D facilities, testing infrastructure and training centres. The initiative aims to enhance productivity and sustainability in maritime manufacturing.
4. Centre Announces ₹100 Crore Integrated Aqua Park in Jammu and Kashmir
Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced a ₹100 crore Integrated Aqua Park project in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement was made during the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries held in Srinagar. Model Guidelines for the Development of Cold-Water Fisheries were also released to promote scientific aquaculture practices. The initiative aims to boost fisheries infrastructure and livelihoods in the region.
5. IISc Professor Arpita Patra Scales World’s Highest Volcano
Arpita Patra, professor at Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru, successfully summited Nevado Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcanic peak at 6,893 metres. With this achievement she became the second Indian woman to scale the peak after Arunima Sinha. The volcano is located on the Chile–Argentina border in the Atacama Desert. The expedition marks another milestone in her mountaineering achievements.
6. Government Revises Minimum Public Shareholding Norms for Listed Companies
The Ministry of Finance revised rules related to Minimum Public Shareholding under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957. The amendment allows large companies to offer only 2.5% public shareholding at the time of listing instead of 5%. The revised framework introduces six categories based on post-issue market capitalisation. The reform aims to make IPOs easier for large companies while ensuring gradual compliance with the 25% public shareholding requirement.
7. ‘One Battle After Another’ Dominates Oscars 2026 with Six Awards
The 98th edition of the Academy Awards was held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The film One Battle After Another directed by Paul Thomas Anderson won six Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for the film “Sinners” while Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for “Hamnet”. Priyanka Chopra also presented an award at the ceremony.
8. Tamil Poet Vairamuthu Selected for 2025 Jnanpith Award
Vairamuthu was selected for the 60th Jnanpith Award for the year 2025. He became the third Tamil writer to receive the honour after Akilan and Jayakanthan. The award is presented by Bharatiya Jnanpith for outstanding contributions to Indian literature. It carries a cash prize of ₹11 lakh along with a citation and a bronze statue of Goddess Saraswati.
9. New Plant Species ‘Osbeckia zubeengargiana’ Discovered in Manas National Park
Researchers from Gauhati University discovered a new plant species named Osbeckia zubeengargiana in Manas National Park, Assam. The species was named after Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. It belongs to the Melastomataceae family and grows as a perennial shrub with distinctive pink flowers. The discovery was published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa.
10. India Tops Medal Table at World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026
India topped the medal tally at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 New Delhi leg with 208 medals including 75 gold. The event was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium from 11–13 March 2026. Russia finished second while Bosnia and Herzegovina secured third position. The tournament served as a qualifying pathway for upcoming global para-athletics championships.
11. Mayank Chakraborty Becomes India’s 94th Chess Grandmaster
Mayank Chakraborty became India’s 94th chess Grandmaster after securing his final GM norm at the Young Talents Tournament in Stockholm. The 17-year-old player from Guwahati is the first Grandmaster from India’s North-East region. He achieved the title after crossing the 2500 rating requirement set by Fédération Internationale des Échecs. The achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian chess.
12. Sarfaraz Ahmed Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed announced his retirement from international cricket. He represented Pakistan national cricket team from 2007 to 2023 and played 232 matches across formats. Sarfaraz captained Pakistan to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. He also led Pakistan to the number one ranking in T20 internationals during his captaincy.
13. International Day of Mathematics 2026 – March 14
International Day of Mathematics is observed globally on 14 March to highlight the role of mathematics in science, technology and sustainable development. The theme for 2026 is “Mathematics and Hope”. The day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2019. It is coordinated with support from the International Mathematical Union.
14. International Day of Action for Rivers 2026 – March 14
International Day of Action for Rivers is observed annually on 14 March to raise awareness about the protection of rivers and water ecosystems. The 2026 theme is “Protect Rivers, Protect People”. The observance originated from the International Meeting of People Affected by Dams held in Brazil in 1997. It highlights the importance of rivers for biodiversity, livelihoods and water security.
15. Chhattisgarh Launches Gaudham Yojana to Establish 1,460 Cattle Shelters
Vishnu Deo Sai launched the Gaudham Yojana in Chhattisgarh to establish 1,460 cattle shelters across the state. Each development block will have around 10 shelters with capacity for about 200 cattle. The shelters will also function as training centres for animal husbandry and value-added products from cow dung. The scheme aims to manage stray cattle and support rural livelihoods.
