Daily Current Affairs and GK | 17 March 2026

Topic: Space and IT

1. Gujarat has achieved a significant milestone in the field of space research by successfully launching its first sounding rocket.

• This launch took place in Dholera. It was conducted by an Ahmedabad-based private space startup.
• The rocket was a single-stage sub-orbital vehicle. It was launched from a temporary launch complex.
• The rocket reached an altitude of approximately three kilometers.
• It carried a small satellite as its payload. This satellite was designed to collect meteorological data.
• The rocket's airframe was constructed using carbon fiber and advanced composite materials.
• These components were developed at the company's laboratory in Ahmedabad.
• The launch was authorized by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe).
• This mission also received support under the Gujarat Spacetech Policy 2025–2030.
• This achievement further strengthens Gujarat's role in the private space sector.

Topic: Sports

2. India topped the medal tally at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 held in New Delhi.

• India finished at the top of the medal table at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 New Delhi leg, securing a total of 208 medals.
• The three-day event was conducted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with participation from athletes across eight countries.
• The Indian medal tally included 75 gold, 69 silver and 64 bronze medals.
• Russia finished second with 35 medals, while Bosnia and Herzegovina secured third place with three medals.
• Double Paralympic bronze medallist Preeti Pal won her second gold of the meet in the women’s 200 metre T35–T37 event.
• Several events witnessed all-Indian podium finishes, including men’s shot put F57, men’s 200 metre T37–T44, and men’s 800 metre T53–T54.
• Shubham Juyal claimed gold in men’s shot put F57 with a 14.45-metre throw.
• Rakeshbhai Bhatt secured gold in the men’s 200 metre T37–T44, leading an all-Indian podium.
• Manojkumar Sabapathi won gold in the men’s 800 metre T53–T54 event.
• The New Delhi leg was the second stop of the 13th Grand Prix season, offering key international classification opportunities ahead of the 2026 World Para Athletics Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.