Welcome to Daily Current Affairs for 21 March 2026. In this article, you will get the most important national and international current affairs with short explanations. Additionally, you will find exam-important one-liners and MCQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways and State government exams.
Current Affairs – 21 March 2026
1. Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Oncology Block in Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Hospital
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Nand Kishor Somani Oncology Block at Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Hospital in Vrindavan. She stated that a healthy population is essential for a strong and self-reliant India. Moreover, the new cancer facility includes advanced radiotherapy systems such as TrueBeam and Halcyon technology, which improve precision treatment. Therefore, this project strengthens India’s healthcare infrastructure. For examinations, note that Ramakrishna Mission combines spiritual service with modern medical care, and such healthcare expansion supports the government’s public health vision.
2. CEO Roundtable on Power Distribution Held During Bharat Electricity Summit 2026
A CEO Roundtable on power distribution was organised under the draft National Electricity Policy during the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026. The discussion focused on improving distribution efficiency, reducing transmission losses, and expanding smart metering systems. Moreover, experts highlighted the need for financial reforms in power distribution companies (DISCOMs). Therefore, the roundtable is important because India aims to modernise electricity delivery under energy transition goals. For exams, remember that electricity distribution reform remains a major pillar of India’s power sector policy and supports industrial growth.
3. Kailash Satyarthi Releases Book Karuna: The Power of Compassion
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi released his new book “Karuna: The Power of Compassion.” The launch took place in the presence of Justice Surya Kant and Kiran Bedi. The book explains how compassion can address violence, inequality, and social injustice. Moreover, Satyarthi connects compassion with policy thinking and youth leadership. Therefore, the book carries intellectual and social relevance. For competitive exams, note that Kailash Satyarthi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for child rights activism and anti-child labour campaigns.
4. Vikram Doraiswami Appointed Ambassador to China
India appointed Vikram Doraiswami as ambassador to China in 2026 to strengthen bilateral relations after the Galwan tensions. Previously, he served as India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and has extensive diplomatic experience. Moreover, his appointment comes at a time when both countries are discussing border stability and economic engagement. Therefore, this posting is strategically important for India’s foreign policy. For exams, remember that India-China diplomatic relations remain highly significant for border security, trade, and regional balance in Asia.
5. Indian Army Conducts Trial of Shaurya Squadron
The Indian Army conducted trials of its newly raised Shaurya Squadron, a specialised unit for deep surveillance and close combat reconnaissance. This unit is designed to collect frontline intelligence and improve battlefield awareness in high-risk zones. Moreover, it supports precision operations by sending quick reconnaissance teams into sensitive areas. Therefore, the squadron strengthens India’s tactical military readiness. For examinations, note that modern warfare increasingly depends on surveillance, drones, and specialised reconnaissance units rather than only conventional troop deployment.
6. India and Bhutan Sign Postal Cooperation MoU
India and Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on postal cooperation between India Post and Bhutan Post. The agreement promotes collaboration in postal operations, logistics connectivity, philately, technology, and capacity building. Moreover, both countries aim to improve cross-border mail efficiency and digital postal systems. Therefore, this agreement strengthens bilateral connectivity at the people-to-people level. For exams, remember that India and Bhutan maintain close strategic ties under the Neighbourhood First policy, especially in hydropower, trade, and connectivity sectors.
7. Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma Sets Record in Seven Volcanic Summits
Indian mountaineer Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma created a world record by climbing the Seven Volcanic Summits in just 92 days, 4 hours, and 45 minutes. This challenge includes the highest volcanoes on seven continents. Moreover, the achievement required endurance, climate adaptation, and technical climbing skills. Therefore, it has received global recognition. For competitive exams, note that Seven Volcanic Summits differ from Seven Summits because they focus on volcanic peaks rather than continental highest mountains.
8. Hurun Report 2026 Shows Record Rise in Self-Made Women Billionaires
According to the latest Hurun Global Rich List, the number of self-made women billionaires reached 150 worldwide in 2026. Their combined wealth rose to 470 billion US dollars. Moreover, wealth creation came mainly from technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and retail sectors. Therefore, the report highlights growing female entrepreneurship globally. For exams, remember that Hurun Report is widely used in economic current affairs and wealth rankings, similar to Forbes global wealth reports.
9. Wipro Launches GIFT City Hub in Gandhinagar
Wipro launched a new hub in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, to deliver AI-powered BFSI services globally. The centre will support banking, financial services, and insurance clients using artificial intelligence and digital analytics. Moreover, GIFT City offers tax incentives and international financial regulations. Therefore, the hub strengthens India’s fintech ecosystem and global service exports. For exams, note that GIFT City stands for Gujarat International Finance Tec-City and is India’s first operational international financial services centre.
10. Rituparna Sengupta Receives Women Empowerment Award in UK
Renowned actress Rituparna Sengupta received the Women Empowerment Award for Art and Culture at the House of Commons in the United Kingdom. The honour was presented during International Women’s Day celebrations. Moreover, the award recognised her contribution to cinema and women’s representation in cultural fields. Therefore, the event highlighted India’s artistic presence internationally. For examinations, note that House of Commons is the lower chamber of the UK Parliament and often hosts major recognition events.
Possible UPSC MCQs (21 March 2026 Topics)
1. With reference to the Nand Kishor Somani Oncology Block inaugurated in Vrindavan, consider the following statements:
1. It was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu.
2. It is located in Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama.
3. The project is related to expansion of cancer treatment facilities.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 and 3 only
✅ Answer: C
📌 UPSC Tip: President-related inaugurations often become factual prelims questions.
2. Consider the following regarding the draft National Electricity Policy:
1. It mainly deals with power generation only.
2. Distribution reforms and reduction of AT&C losses are major concerns.
3. Smart metering is linked to distribution modernisation.
Select the correct answer:
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
📌 Important: UPSC often asks policy questions through elimination.
3. Kailash Satyarthi is associated with which of the following?
1. Child rights movement
2. Anti-child labour campaign
3. Nobel Peace Prize 2014
Choose the correct answer:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
4. Consider the following about Vikram Doraiswami:
He has served as India’s High Commissioner to the UK.
His appointment to China is linked with improving post-Galwan relations.
Which statement is correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
✅ Answer: C
5. The “Shaurya Squadron” recently seen in news is related to:
A. Naval missile command
B. Special surveillance and reconnaissance unit of Indian Army
C. Air defence radar command
D. Cyber warfare cell
✅ Answer: B
📌 UPSC may ask direct defence current affairs like this.
6. Consider the following statements regarding postal cooperation between India and Bhutan:
1. It includes philately cooperation.
2. It excludes logistics connectivity.
3. It includes capacity building.
Which are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 3 only
✅ Answer: A
7. The Seven Volcanic Summits challenge refers to:
A. Highest volcanoes in Asia only
B. Highest volcanic peaks on seven continents
C. Seven active volcanoes around Pacific Ring
D. Seven Himalayan volcanic zones
✅ Answer: B
8. According to the latest Hurun Report, self-made women billionaires are mainly rising in:
Technology
Pharmaceuticals
Retail
Choose the correct answer:
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
9. Wipro launched an AI-powered BFSI hub in:
A. Bengaluru
B. Hyderabad
C. GIFT City
D. Pune
✅ Answer: C
📌 Remember: GIFT City = India’s first IFSC
10. Rituparna Sengupta received Women Empowerment Award at:
A. UNESCO Headquarters
B. House of Commons UK
C. British Museum
D. Oxford Union
✅ Answer: B
🔥 Most UPSC-Likely Analytical Question
Which one of the following best explains why GIFT City is strategically important?
A. It is India’s first defence manufacturing corridor
B. It functions as an International Financial Services Centre
C. It is India’s largest software export zone
D. It is exclusively a stock exchange zone
✅ Answer: B
10 MCQs with Answers and Description (21 March 2026 Current Affairs)
1. The Nand Kishor Somani Oncology Block, recently inaugurated by the President of India, is located at:
A. AIIMS Delhi
B. Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Hospital, Vrindavan
C. SGPGI Lucknow
D. Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the oncology block at Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama in Vrindavan. The block strengthens cancer care facilities and reflects India’s focus on affordable healthcare.
2. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the CEO Roundtable held during Bharat Electricity Summit 2026?
A. Expansion of nuclear power only
B. Reform in power distribution and electricity efficiency
C. Coal export planning
D. Hydropower treaty negotiation
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
The roundtable focused on power distribution reforms, smart metering, and reducing AT&C losses. UPSC often asks such policy-linked sector reforms.
3. Consider the following statements regarding Kailash Satyarthi:
He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.
His new book is titled Karuna: The Power of Compassion.
He is known for anti-child labour activism.
Which are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
📝 Explanation:
All three are correct. UPSC often asks Nobel laureates with current publications.
4. Vikram Doraiswami has been appointed as India’s ambassador to which country in 2026?
A. Japan
B. Russia
C. China
D. South Korea
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
His appointment is strategically important because India and China are rebuilding diplomatic engagement after border tensions.
5. “Shaurya Squadron” recently seen in news is associated with:
A. Space surveillance mission
B. Indian Army reconnaissance unit
C. Naval submarine force
D. Border road engineering team
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
The squadron supports deep surveillance and frontline intelligence. Defence current affairs are highly important in UPSC.
6. India signed a Postal Cooperation MoU recently with:
A. Nepal
B. Bhutan
C. Bangladesh
D. Sri Lanka
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Bhutan and India agreed to improve logistics, philately, and postal technology cooperation.
7. The Seven Volcanic Summits challenge completed by Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma refers to:
A. Highest mountain peaks in volcanic zones of India
B. Highest volcanic peaks across seven continents
C. Seven active volcanoes in Asia
D. Seven Himalayan volcanic belts
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
This is different from Seven Summits. It specifically includes highest volcanoes on each continent.
8. According to the latest Hurun Report, self-made women billionaires globally reached:
A. 100
B. 120
C. 150
D. 180
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
The number reached a record 150 in 2026, showing strong female entrepreneurship globally.
9. Wipro launched its AI-powered BFSI hub in:
A. Mumbai
B. Bengaluru
C. GIFT City
D. Chennai
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
GIFT City is India’s first International Financial Services Centre and a major fintech hub.
10. Rituparna Sengupta received the Women Empowerment Award at:
A. European Parliament
B. House of Commons UK
C. British Academy
D. Royal Opera House
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
The award recognised her contribution to art and culture during International Women’s Day events.
FAQ – Daily Current Affairs 21 March 2026
Q1. Which exams require daily current affairs preparation?
UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence and State PSC exams require daily current affairs preparation.
Q2. How can I revise current affairs quickly?
You should revise one-liners daily and practice MCQs regularly for better retention.
Q3. Is this current affairs useful for UPSC prelims?
Yes, it is useful for UPSC prelims as it includes national, international, economy, schemes and sports updates.
✅ Conclusion
Daily Current Affairs 21 March 2026 provides important news updates with exam-focused revision points and MCQs. Keep visiting our website daily for the latest updates and PDF notes.Images are not actual its AI generated for better informative.