Daily Current Affairs and GK | 18 March 2026

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

1. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises organized the first national workshop on the MSME Online Dispute Resolution Portal.

• This workshop was held in New Delhi. Its primary objective was to ensure the speedy resolution of disputes for Micro and Small Enterprises.
• Another objective was to make this process more affordable. The main focus of this workshop was on technology-based dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Representatives from MSME industry associations participated in the event. Additionally, Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Councils were also in attendance.
• The central theme of the discussions was the further strengthening of dispute resolution systems.
• On this occasion, stakeholders were apprised of the various features of the MSME Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Portal.
• The goal is to ensure the effective resolution of disputes through the MSME Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanism.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

2. 11th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law organised by CCI in New Delhi.

• On 16 March, the 11th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law was organised by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in New Delhi.
• The conference, which brings together scholars, practitioners and experts working in the area of ​​economics of competition law, has been organised by the CCI every year since 2016.
• Shri Rajiv Gauba, Member of NITI Aayog, delivered the Keynote Address, emphasizing competition as a critical driver of human progress.
• Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson of CCI, presented the Special Address, highlighting the role of economic analysis in preventing anti-competitive practices.
• Shri Gauba stressed that well-designed competition laws create a moral architecture for markets and support small businesses and fair market access.
• The rise of the digital economy and AI as structural changes in market dynamics was discussed, with emphasis on the need for regulatory adaptation.
• Over the past year, CCI implemented regulations following the 2023 amendment and introduced revised guidance on cost of production to standardize predatory pricing assessment.
• CCI dealt with antitrust matters across sectors such as defense procurement, liquor, and waste management, issuing cease-and-desist orders and penalties where necessary.

Topic: National News

3. Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the goal is to provide health insurance coverage to everyone by 2033.

• Health insurance has been identified as a priority area by the government, with a target set to achieve universal coverage for all citizens by 2033.
• This objective was stated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha while responding to queries related to insurance coverage.
• A major rural outreach initiative has been undertaken under which 25,000 gram panchayats will be covered to expand health insurance access across the country.
• It was further emphasized that multiple policy measures are being implemented to enhance insurance penetration, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has notified rules in 2024 under which the gram panchayat is treated as the basic unit for measuring insurance coverage and rural obligations.
• India’s insurance penetration remains low compared to global standards, with per capita insurance premium at 97 dollars against the global average of 943 dollars.
• The health insurance sector has shown rapid expansion, recording ₹1,17,505 crore in 2024–25 and covering around 58 crore lives under various schemes.
• Expansion of coverage is being supported by both public and private insurers, along with government-backed insurance companies.
• Social security schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana provide life insurance cover of ₹2 lakh at an annual premium of ₹436, with 26.79 crore cumulative enrolments recorded so far.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

4. Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 announced for 24 Indian Languages.

• The Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 have been announced, recognising outstanding literary works across 24 Indian languages.
• These awards are conferred annually following a selection process involving recommendations by expert jury members and approval by the Akademi’s competent authority.
• The selection process was initiated in January 2025 through an open call for entries covering various literary contributions.
• A wide range of genres has been included, such as poetry, novels, short stories, essays, literary criticism, autobiography, and memoirs.
• The selected works include eight poetry collections, four novels, six short story collections, two essay volumes, one literary criticism work, one autobiography, and two memoirs.
• Notable awardees include Navtej Sarna for the English novel “Crimson Spring,” Mamta Kalia for the Hindi memoir “Jeete Jee Allahabad,” and N. Prabhakaran for the Malayalam novel “Maayaamanushyar”.
• Other recognised works include poetry collections such as “Shrestha Kabita” by Prasun Bandyopadhyay, “Bhattkhadaki” by Yogesh Vaidya, and “Animesha” by Nandini Sidha Reddy.
• In the short story category, works like “Dada Seerisu Tande” by Amaresh Nugadoni and “Safety Kit” by Jinder have been selected.
• The award carries a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh for each winner.
• The presentation ceremony will be held in New Delhi on 31 March 2026 to honour all awardees.

Topic: Defence

5. The multinational anti-submarine exercise 'Sea Dragon 2026' conducted in Guam, with the participation of the Indian Navy.

• Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 is being conducted as a United States Navy-led multinational anti-submarine warfare drill at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam throughout March.
• The exercise is being participated in by the Indian Navy along with forces from the United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
• The drill has been organised to strengthen cooperation among allied maritime forces and enhance anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Participation by the Royal Australian Air Force includes deployment of a P-8A Poseidon aircraft along with 50 aviators to Guam.
• Over the two-week exercise, complex training scenarios are being conducted to test the ability of crews to detect, track, and respond to both simulated and live submarine targets.
• The training focuses on improving speed, precision, and coordinated mission execution among participating forces.
• The competitive format of the drill is designed to refine tactics and promote interoperability among allied navies and air forces.
• The exercise forms part of broader cooperative defence initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security and stability in strategic Indo-Pacific waterways.
• Advanced platforms such as the P-8A Poseidon aircraft are being utilised for long-range surveillance, intelligence gathering, and submarine detection operations.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

6. Jnanpith Award 2025 will be conferred on Tamil Poet and Lyricist R. Vairamuthu.

• The 60th Jnanpith Award for the year 2025 has been announced to be conferred on distinguished Tamil poet, lyricist, and writer R. Vairamuthu.
• The award has been given in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Tamil literature marked by creative depth and a distinctive poetic voice
• The decision was taken by the Bharatiya Jnanpith Selection Committee chaired by noted writer Pratibha Ray along with eminent scholars and litterateurs.
• The award carries a cash prize of ₹11 lakh, a bronze statuette of Goddess Saraswati, and a citation, and is presented annually for outstanding literary contribution.
• R. Vairamuthu is regarded as one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Tamil literature, known for portraying human emotions, social issues, and nature with sensitivity.
• Over a literary career spanning more than four decades, significant contributions have been made by him across poetry, lyrics, and prose.
• He has authored more than 37 books, including notable works such as “Kallikattu Ethikasam,” “Karuvachi Kaaviyam,” “Thanni Desam,” and “Moondraam Ullaga Por”.
• Several prestigious honours have been received by him, including the National Film Award for Best Lyrics on seven occasions.
• He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2003 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014 by the Government of India.

Topic: State News/ Odisha

7. Kusunpur village in Rajnagar block of Kendrapada district is planned to become the first smart village in Odisha.

• The village comprises approximately 130 households and is home to about 700 residents.
• The objective of this initiative is to introduce modern technologies into agriculture and everyday rural life.
• This project has been launched by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
• It forms an integral part of the national development vision, 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047'.
• The program focuses on technology-driven and sustainable rural development.
• Several CSIR laboratories will collaborate closely with the local administration and project partners.
• The aim of this project is to provide practical scientific solutions to rural communities.
• By utilizing indigenous technologies, improved systems for the household storage of paddy will be introduced.
• An exhibition was organized to showcase the specific technologies selected for the village.
• A detailed project report for the Kusunpur Smart Village initiative was also released.
• The CSIR-Central Building Research Institute will provide assistance in infrastructure development.
• The CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute will promote solutions related to clean energy and renewable electricity.
• The CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology will introduce solar-sharing-based agrivoltaic farming systems.
• Cyclone-resilient infrastructure—including a multi-purpose cyclone shelter—will be developed with the assistance of the Structural Engineering Research Centre.
• Skill training in the field of leather products will be provided by the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

8. The Government of India has amended the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to enhance transparency and accountability within crop insurance.

• A primary focus of this amendment is also on expediting the settlement of farmers' insurance claims.
• Under the revised rules, it is mandatory for insurance companies to settle claims within 21 days.
• If insurance companies fail to adhere to this timeframe, they are required to pay interest to the farmers at a rate of 12 percent.
• This interest will be added to the amount of the delayed claim.
• State governments are also responsible for completing their respective tasks within the claims settlement process in a timely manner.
• If states cause delays in this process, they, too, will be required to pay interest to the farmers at a rate of 12 percent.
• Farmers can register their grievances regarding claim settlements through the 'Krishi Rakshak Portal'.
• This portal provides farmers with a facility to lodge complaints related to their insurance claims.
• To date, approximately 2.71 lakh complaints have been registered on this platform.
• The government is currently reviewing these complaints. Wherever irregularities are detected, strict action is being taken.
• The Minister also stated that the government procures crops at the 'Minimum Support Price' (MSP).
• This policy ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their produce.
• This year, the MSP for wheat has been increased. The MSP for paddy has also been raised.
• Support prices for oilseeds have also been enhanced. Additionally, the MSP for pulses has been increased.
• The government has reported a record volume of crop procurement during the current season.
• Officials have decided to procure pulses from farmers in large quantities.
• This includes 'Tur' (Arhar) dal. It also includes 'Masoor' dal. 'Urad' dal will also be included in the procurement process.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

9. The animated short film "CHYIMI" won the 'Best Director' award at the New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF) 2026.

• It was directed by Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta. He serves as an IGP in the Assam Police.
• This achievement has brought international recognition to Indian animation.
• NYSAF is renowned for celebrating creativity and originality in animation. It showcases the works of animators from around the globe.
• The festival highlights excellence in the art of animated storytelling.
• Dr. Mahanta stated that animation has the power to transcend language barriers. He further added that it can connect people across geographical boundaries.
• He remarked that culturally rooted stories can resonate with audiences worldwide.
• This award reflects the growing global presence of Indian animation.
• "CHYIMI" was lauded for its artistic direction. The film was also praised for its compelling storyline.
• NYSAF provides filmmakers with an international platform, helping them connect with audiences across the globe.
• The festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange, helping to bring creative voices to diverse audiences worldwide.

Topic: Sports

10. Jannik Sinner won the BNP Paribas Open title at Indian Wells.

• He is currently ranked World No. 2. He defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final.
• The match ended with a score of 7-6, 7-6. He did not drop a single set throughout the entire tournament.
• The event was held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, USA.
• In the second-set tiebreak, Sinner fell behind 4-0. However, he staged a strong comeback to win the tiebreak.
• This marked his ninth victory against Medvedev in their last ten matches.
• In the women's final, Aryna Sabalenka claimed the title. She defeated Elena Rybakina.
• She lost the first set 3-6, but went on to win the next two sets 6-3 and 7-6.
• This was her first Indian Wells title. She had previously finished as the runner-up on two occasions.
• She will now compete in the Miami Open, where she will look to defend her title.