Daily Current Affairs and GK | 24 March 2026

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

1. The Ministry of Jal Shakti organized the 'World Water Day conclave 2026' in New Delhi on March 23.

• Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, participated in the inaugural session of this conclave.
• The conclave focused on the theme "Industry for Water."
• It provided a national platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration regarding sustainable water management.
• By bringing together policymakers, industry stalwarts, academicians, startups, MSMEs, and young innovators, it offered an opportunity to develop solutions that are technology-driven and scalable.
• More than 700 delegates from various sectors participated in this event.
• The winners of the 'Jal Shakti Hackathon' were felicitated during this event.
• These awards highlight impactful innovations undertaken in the water sector.
• The conclave was organized to observe 'World Water Day.'
• World Water Day is observed annually on March 22.
• The United Nations General Assembly officially designated this day.
• This day has been observed every year since 1993.
• It raises awareness about the billions of people who lack access to safe water.
• World Water Day 2026 focused on the theme "Water and Gender" under the slogan "Where Water Flows, Equality Grows".

Topic: Summits/Conference/Meetings

2. Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 concluded with roadmap for future-ready power sector.

• On 24 March, the maiden edition of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 has been concluded with a comprehensive roadmap for building a resilient and future-ready power sector.
• It has been highlighted that the summit witnessed strong global participation from policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators across the energy ecosystem.
• The event recorded participation from over 35,000 attendees, more than 200 companies, and over 300 speakers across multiple sessions.
• It has been emphasised that India is progressing towards achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, with more than 50 percent already achieved.
• The importance of strengthening DISCOMs through reforms such as smart metering and cost-reflective tariffs has been underlined.
• Rapid growth in renewable energy, especially solar power, has been highlighted as a key trend shaping the sector’s future.
• Electricity demand is expected to rise significantly by 2030 due to emerging sectors like AI-based data centres and electric mobility.
• The need for expanding transmission infrastructure and increasing investments has been stressed to support future demand.
• The summit discussions covered themes such as green hydrogen, artificial intelligence in power systems, energy storage, and nuclear energy.
• The conclusion of the summit has reinforced India’s position as a key player in the global clean energy transition while ensuring affordability, reliability, and sustainability.