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.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

3. Approval granted for establishing Quantum Teaching Facilities in 23 academic institutions across India.

• Approval has been granted under the National Quantum Mission for establishing quantum teaching laboratories and facilities in 23 academic institutions across several states of India.
• The initiative is aimed at supporting advanced research and training in emerging quantum technologies.
• The announcement was made during the joint monthly meeting of Secretaries of Science Ministries and Departments, chaired by Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh.
• During the meeting, preparations for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2026 were reviewed.
• Pune proposed as the venue and the Department of Biotechnology initiating planning on themes, programme structure, and logistics.
• The discussion was held at the 5th RISE Conclave (Research, Industry, Startups and Entrepreneurship) organised by CSIR in Chennai recently.
• It brought together researchers, startups, industry leaders, and academic institutions to strengthen innovation and technology commercialization.
• Plans for National Technology Day celebrations from 11 to 13 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi were outlined, with over 500 technologies expected to be showcased to 3000 stakeholders.
• Strengthening of inter-ministerial and intra-ministerial coordination among science departments to promote collaborative research initiatives was emphasized.
• Updates on space sector activities, including the next PSLV mission and upcoming navigation satellite launches for the Navy, were reviewed.
• Revision of manpower guidelines for project staff engaged in scientific research programmes was discussed to align with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation framework.

Topic: Reports and Indices

4. Increase in Self-Employment reported from 52% to 58% since 2017-18.

• Self-employment in India has increased from 52% in 2017-18 to 58%, according to the government.
• The information was provided by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.
• Along with self-employment growth, the income of workers has also increased, reflecting broader economic growth in the country.
• The average daily wage for casual labourers rose from ₹295 in 2017-18 to ₹418 presently.
• Under the new Labour Code, a minimum wage has been fixed and all states are required to pay wages above this threshold.
• Implementation of the Labour Code ensures that salaried employees receive appointment letters from employers.
• The provision of appointment letters is designed to guarantee social security benefits for workers.

Topic: Reports and Indices

5. India’s First National Report on implementation of Nagoya Protocol submitted to convention on biological diversity.

• India’s first National Report (NR1) on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) has been submitted to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 27th February 2026.
• The report covers the period from 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025 and highlights India’s progress in implementing the Nagoya Protocol while contributing to Target 13 of the updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).
• India's ABS framework operates under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, supported by the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024, and the ABS Regulations, 2025.
• It has a three-tier institutional structure consisting of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards/Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (SBBs/UTBCs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
• More than 2,76,653 BMCs have been established across the country, enhancing community participation in biodiversity governance and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
• During the reporting period, a total of 12,830 ABS approvals were issued.
• Of these, 5,913 approvals were granted by the NBA for Section 3(2) entities covering research, commercial utilisation, intellectual property, and third-party transfers, while 6,917 approvals were issued by SBBs/UTBCs for Section 7 entities for commercial utilisation of biological resources.
• India published 3,556 Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) on the ABS Clearing-House, representing over 60% of the global total, demonstrating leadership in transparency and compliance with the Nagoya Protocol.
• Implementation of the ABS framework mobilised ₹216.31 crore (USD 28.04 million) through NBA approvals, of which ₹139.69 crore (USD 16.83 million) was disbursed to benefit claimers including BMCs, local communities, farmers, and traditional knowledge holders.
• Additional funds amounting to ₹51.96 crore (USD 6.56 million) were generated through SBB/UTBC approvals for commercial utilisation by Indian entities, while 395 NBA approvals incorporated non-monetary benefits such as capacity building, training, technology transfer, and collaborative research.
• In line with the Nagoya Protocol, India monitored the utilisation of foreign-sourced biological resources and associated traditional knowledge, receiving 41 declarations through NBA Form 10 under Rules 18 of the BD Rules, 2024, and Section 36A of the BD Act, 2002.

Topic: Indian Economy

6. The commission rates for Wheat and Paddy procurement revised for Rabi 2026-27.

• The government has approved revisions in commission rates payable to Arthiyas and cooperative societies involved in procurement of wheat and paddy.
• The revised rates will be effective from the Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27.
• For wheat procurement, commission in Punjab and Haryana will increase from ₹46 per quintal to ₹50.75, and in Rajasthan from ₹41.40 to ₹45.67.
• For paddy procurement, commission rates will rise from ₹45.88 to ₹50.61 per quintal.
• Additional adjustments include commission for wheat increasing from ₹27.00 to ₹29.79 per quintal, and for paddy from ₹32.00 to ₹35.30 per quintal.
• The revision aims to enhance the efficiency of the procurement system and support intermediary agencies engaged in aggregation and distribution.
• A sub-committee was formed with representatives from FCI, state governments, and the Department of Food and Public Distribution to review commission requests.
• The committee examined existing rates and recommended adjustments to ensure fairness and effectiveness in procurement operations.

Topic: Reports and Indices

7. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has submitted India's Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

• This report reaffirms India's commitment to the conservation of biodiversity and supports the sustainable use of biological resources.
• It promotes the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
• It is mandatory for member countries to submit such reports.
• India has consistently fulfilled this obligation, and all previous reports were submitted on time.
• The latest report was submitted on February 26, 2026—ahead of the deadline of February 28, 2026.
• This report provides a detailed and data-driven assessment utilizing 142 national indicators linked to the 23 biodiversity targets.
• This report aligns with India's Biodiversity Plan for 2024–2030 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• All 23 biodiversity targets are progressing in the right direction. The report emphasizes a 'whole-of-government' approach and 'whole-of-society' participation.
• This report reflects the progress achieved in the field of conservation and also highlights the successes attained in restoration efforts.
• This report further strengthens India's global commitments. Its objective is to achieve the biodiversity targets by 2030.

Topic: Indian Economy

8. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has reported an increase in wholesale inflation for the month of February.

• India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation rate rose to 2.13% on a year-on-year basis.
• This figure is higher than the 1.81% recorded in January.
• On a monthly basis, the pace of inflation slowed down to 0.25%.
• The primary driver behind this increase was a rise in prices within the manufacturing-related sectors.
• Basic metals and textiles were the key contributors to this rise.
• Prices of food items and non-food articles also increased.
• The annual inflation rate for manufactured products stood at 2.92%.
• This category holds the largest share within the WPI basket.
• Inflation in primary articles surged to 3.27%. Last month, it stood at 2.21%.
• The trend of deflation continued in the fuel and power sector.
• Prices in this category declined by 3.78% on a year-on-year basis.
• However, this decline was narrower compared to the 4.01% drop recorded in January.
• The WPI Food Index registered an increase of 1.85% on an annual basis.
• This index encompasses both food items and processed food products.
• This trend in wholesale inflation aligns with the trend observed in retail inflation.
• During the same period, retail inflation also rose. It increased to 3.21% in February, up from 2.74% in January.

Topic: National News

9. Amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia, India has received a large consignment of LPG from Qatar.

• A cargo vessel carrying 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG has safely arrived at the Mundra port in Gujarat.
• This consignment is sufficient to fill approximately 3.24 million domestic LPG cylinders.
• Officials have completed the necessary documentation and have arranged for the vessel to be berthed on a priority basis to facilitate the rapid unloading of the cargo.
• The unloading process will commence immediately, and the supply will be distributed across the country.
• This vessel, named 'Shivalik', departed from Qatar on March 7. Before proceeding towards India, it transited the Strait of Hormuz on March 14.
• This is the first LPG vessel to arrive in India amidst the prevailing tensions in West Asia.
• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has stated that two additional vessels are currently en route.
• The vessel named 'Nanda Devi' is loaded with 46,000 tonnes of LPG.
• The vessel named 'Jag Laadki' is transporting 81,000 tonnes of crude oil.

Topic: State news/ Maharashtra

10. The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has passed the 'Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026'.

• The Bill was approved by a voice vote. Its objective is to prevent forced religious conversions.
• Conversions carried out through fraud, inducement, or solely on the basis of marriage have also been prohibited.
• The Bill provides for a prison sentence of up to seven years for illegal conversions conducted under the guise of marriage. The offender will also be liable to pay a fine of ₹1 lakh.
• Stricter penalties have been prescribed for cases involving the conversion of minors, women, or persons with mental health issues.
• Members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have also been included under these provisions.
• In such cases, the penalty entails imprisonment for seven years and a fine of ₹5 lakh.
• Cases involving mass conversions may attract a prison sentence of up to seven years. Additionally, a fine of ₹5 lakh may be imposed.
• Repeat offenders can face imprisonment of up to ten years and are required to pay a fine of ₹5 lakh.
• Minister of State for Home Affairs, Pankaj Bhoyar, stated that this law serves to prevent forced religious conversions.
• He affirmed that it safeguards constitutional rights. The Bill ensures that religious conversions are undertaken solely on a voluntary basis.
• It also promotes transparency in the process of religious conversion.