Daily Current Affairs and GK | 21, 22 and 23 March 2026

Topic: Sports

1. Lionel Messi has become the second male player to score 900 official career goals.

• This achievement is considered historic in professional football.
• He reached this milestone while playing for Inter Miami CF. The match ended in a 1–1 draw against Nashville SC.
• This match was part of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. It was played in Florida.
• Inter Miami advanced to the next round on aggregate score.
• Messi now joins Cristiano Ronaldo in the 900-goal club. Ronaldo was the first player to reach this milestone.
• He achieved this feat in September 2024. Ronaldo currently has 965 career goals to his name. His goal is to complete 1,000 goals before retiring.
• Messi completed his 900 goals in 1,142 matches. Ronaldo required 1,236 matches to score the same number of goals.
• Pelé ranks third on the all-time scoring list. Pelé scored 765 official goals during his career.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

2. A reform-linked MoU signed with Maharashtra under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.

• On 19 March, a reform-linked MoU under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 has been signed with the State of Maharashtra to strengthen rural drinking water systems.
• This agreement marks the formal inclusion of the state in the reformed implementation framework approved by the Union Cabinet.
• The initiative focuses on improving service delivery, accountability, and long-term sustainability in rural water supply.
• Under the mission, tap water connections have already been provided to about 80% of rural households across the country.
• The program aims to ensure regular and safe drinking water supply while enhancing quality and reliability of services.
• Jal Seva Aankalan will be conducted at the Gram Panchayat level to capture community feedback on water services.
• The responses will be made visible through the Meri Panchayat application to promote transparency and accountability.
• A three-tier Jal Utsav campaign has been planned to increase awareness and community participation in water conservation.
• Completed water supply schemes will be handed over to local bodies through the Jal Arpan process to ensure ownership and sustainability.
• The mission will utilise digital tools like the Decision Support System to enable data-driven planning and strengthen water governance.

Topic: National News

3. The crude oil and LPG cargo transfer operations at New Mangalore Port carried out efficiently.

• The transfer of crude oil from the vessel Aqua Titan to the refinery of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited carried out at New Mangalore Port.
• The transfer of crude oil was completed by 23 March.
• It has been stated that the vessel recently arrived carrying around 96,000 metric tonnes of crude oil sourced from Russia for refinery processing.
• The supply of crude oil to the refinery is being ensured through this latest consignment to support ongoing petroleum production operations.
• Meanwhile, unloading operations have also begun for the LPG cargo vessel Pyxis Pioneer, which arrived at the port on March 22.
• The LPG vessel is transporting approximately 16,714 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas from Texas in the United States.
• The unloading of LPG cargo is being conducted in accordance with all prescribed safety protocols and operational guidelines at the port.

Topic: State News/Bihar

4. 114^th Foundation Day of Bihar celebrated with state-level events and national greetings.

• The 114th Foundation Day of Bihar celebrated on 22 March to mark its formation as a separate state from Bengal in 1912.
• A three-day state level function is being organised at Gandhi Maidan in Patna to mark Bihar Day.
• It has been announced that the celebrations are being conducted under the theme “Unnat Bihar, Ujjwal Bihar,” reflecting the vision of progress and development.
• The inaugural function conducted by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, while the closing ceremony will be addressed by Governor Syed Ata Hasnain on 24 March.
• Cultural programmes featuring renowned artists from across the country are being organised as part of the celebrations.
• Bihar:

• It is located in the eastern part of India.
• It shares its boundary with Uttar Pradesh, Nepal, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.
• It is divided into two parts by the river Ganga.
• It is the third-largest state by population and the twelfth-largest by territory
• It has 40 Lok Sabha seats, 16 Rajya Seats, and 243 Legislative assembly seats.
• Madhubani painting is a famous painting of Bihar.
• It has the second-lowest Urban Population in India.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

5. India-Africa strategic partnership in Energy Sector strengthened at Bharat Electricity Summit 2026.

• An India-Africa Strategic Partnership meeting has been convened during the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 in New Delhi to enhance bilateral cooperation in the power sector.
• The meeting was chaired by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar with participation from ministers and representatives of several African nations.
• It has been emphasised that a structured and action-oriented partnership will be developed to deliver tangible outcomes in the energy sector.
• It has been reiterated that both India and African nations will collaborate in renewable energy expansion, grid connectivity, and energy storage solutions.
• The importance of investment-led cooperation, technology transfer, and public-private partnerships has been highlighted during the discussions.
• The partnership aims to build an inclusive and future-ready energy ecosystem that supports long-term socio-economic transformation.
• The vision of “One Sun, One World, One Grid” has been highlighted as a pathway for global energy connectivity and cooperation.
• The meeting has underlined the shared aspiration of ensuring reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy access for all.
• Capacity building and institutional strengthening have been identified as key pillars for deepening engagement between India and Africa.
• The collaboration reflects the growing importance of international partnerships in achieving global energy security and development goals.

Topic: Important Days

6. International Day of Forests 2026: 21 March

• The International Day of Forests is observed every year on 21st March.
• The main aim of the day is to raise awareness about the critical role forests play in sustaining life on earth.
• United Nations General Assembly designated March 21 as the International Day of Forests in 2012.
• UNGA urged governments to coordinate with citizens to conduct various activities, including tree-planting campaigns to protect forests.
• The theme for International Day of Forests 2026 is “Forests and Economies.”
• Forests provide food, water, and shelter for both animals and humans.

Topic: Personality in News

7. Narendra Modi has become India's longest-serving elected Head of Government.

• He has completed over 8,931 days in top leadership roles.
• This includes his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and as the Prime Minister. This record surpasses earlier record held by Pawan Kumar Chamling.
• Prior to this, the record was held by Chamling, who spent 8,930 days in office.
• He served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from October 2001 to May 2014. He became the state's longest-serving Chief Minister.
• He assumed the office of Prime Minister in May 2014, becoming India's 14th Prime Minister.
• He was the first non-Congress leader to secure a full majority in Parliament.
• Subsequently, he completed two full terms as Prime Minister. He also secured a third consecutive term.
• He won the general elections held in 2014, 2019, and 2024.
• He is the first Prime Minister of India to be born after the country's independence.
• His YouTube channel has garnered over 30 million subscribers. On Instagram, he has more than 100 million followers.
• He is the first sitting world leader to achieve this milestone on Instagram. On X, he has over 106 million followers.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

8. The government has introduced amendments to the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs.

• The objective of these changes is to strengthen the financial assistance available to small businesses.
• These amendments are aligned with the Union Budget 2025–26.
• This scheme focuses on improving access to credit. It targets manufacturing and export-oriented units.
• The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited provides credit guarantees under this scheme.
• It offers a guarantee coverage of 60% to lending institutions. This applies to loans of up to ₹100 crore.
• These loans are intended for the purchase of machinery and equipment.
• The aim of these reforms is to expand the coverage of the scheme. They also seek to reduce compliance requirements.
• The rule regarding the initial contribution of 5% has been modified. This contribution is now refundable.
• Refunds will commence from the fourth year onwards. One percent will be refunded annually, subject to the satisfactory performance of the loan.
• The eligibility criteria have been expanded. MSMEs in the service sector have now been included in the scheme.
• The condition regarding the minimum project cost allocated for machinery and equipment has been reduced from 75% to 60%.
• The government anticipates an increase in the flow of credit, with the aim of boosting manufacturing and exports.

Topic: National News

9. Mera Yuva (MY)-Bharat will conduct a nationwide padyatra (foot march) on 23 March 2026 to commemorate Shaheed Diwas.

• The campaign is being organised under the theme “MY Bharat, My Responsibility.”
• This march pays tribute to the sacrifices made by Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar.
• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports stated that the objective of this initiative is to instill a sense of responsible citizenship among the youth.
• The aim of this program is to channel the energy and idealism of the youth toward constructive participation in nation-building.
• Padyatras will take place across all 763 districts in the country.
• A large public gathering has been planned in Faridabad.
• More than 10,000 young participants are expected to attend this event in Faridabad.
• Martyrs' Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during India's freedom struggle.
• It underscores the fact that independence was achieved through courage and dedication.
• The objective of this foot march is not merely to commemorate, but to transform remembrance into active public participation.
• It inspires the youth to make meaningful contributions to nation-building efforts.
• Mera Yuva (MY)-Bharat is an independent entity of the Government of India, launched on 31 October 2023.
• It is a technology-based platform for youth development and 'youth-led' progress.

Topic: Defence

10. The Indian Navy is set to commission the stealth frigate Taragiri (F41) on April 3.

• Its commissioning ceremony will take place in Visakhapatnam. Rajnath Singh will preside over the event.
• The Ministry of Defence has described this vessel as a significant advancement compared to earlier frigate designs.
• The vessel features a more streamlined structure to enhance its operational capabilities.
• It has been designed with a reduced radar signature to ensure superior stealth capabilities.
• This vessel incorporates over 75% indigenous components.
• This frigate is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system.
• This propulsion system enables both high-speed performance and extended operational endurance.
• The vessel has been designed to undertake diverse maritime missions across various operational theaters.
• Its arsenal includes a supersonic surface-to-surface missile system.
• It is also equipped with medium-range surface-to-air missiles.
• The vessel possesses advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities.