National Current Affairs
Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026
Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026 is being held from 13–15 March 2026.
Venue: Plaksha University, Mohali, Punjab.
The summit was inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal attended as the chief guest.
The summit includes 89 sessions focused on investment, artificial intelligence, industrial policy, and MSME development.
Country-specific investment sessions include discussions with United Kingdom, Japan, and South Koreainvestors.
Since 2022, Punjab has reportedly attracted ₹1.55 lakh crore worth of investment proposals.
These proposals are expected to generate approximately 5.44 lakh employment opportunities.
The summit also features an industrial exhibition highlighting manufacturing and technology sectors.
Mahila Samman Abhiyan Campaign
The Mahila Samman Abhiyan campaign was launched to promote women empowerment and awareness.
The campaign runs from 8 March to 13 March 2026 across multiple districts.
A major event was organized at Vikas Bhawan, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh).
The program was inaugurated by Phulpur MP Praveen Patel.
Several women achievers and students were felicitated during the campaign.
Under the Aajeevika Mission, over 1.15 lakh “Lakhpati Didis” were identified in Prayagraj district.
The campaign also included sports promotion through the Women’s Athletics League at Madan Mohan Malviya Stadium.
Make in India SME Regional Summit 2026
The ET Make in India SME Regional Summit 2026 is scheduled on 13 March 2026 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
The summit focuses on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
It provides a platform for entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Key objectives:
Encourage innovation in MSMEs.
Improve financing access for small businesses.
Promote regional industrial growth.
India Launches e-B-4 Business Visa
The Government of India introduced a new e-B-4 Business Visa category.
It is designed to facilitate Chinese professionals and investors visiting India for business activities.
The initiative aims to boost bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
It also simplifies digital visa processing for foreign business visitors.
NHAI Creates Guinness World Records
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) set two Guinness World Records during highway construction activities.
The records were achieved on the Bengaluru–Vijayawada Expressway project.
Achievements included:
Rapid highway lane construction.
Large-scale infrastructure execution within a limited time period.
International Current Affairs
India–New Zealand Sports Cooperation
India and New Zealand are expanding sports cooperation in 2026, marking 100 years of sporting relations.
The historic sporting relationship dates back to 1926, when the Indian Army hockey team toured New Zealand.
A bilateral meeting was chaired by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi.
The discussions focused on:
Athlete exchange programmes
Joint training initiatives
Sports diplomacy and infrastructure collaboration.
Global Energy Concerns and Geopolitical Developments
International tensions in regions like the Middle East have influenced global energy markets.
Oil price fluctuations continue to affect import-dependent countries including India.
Energy security and strategic reserves remain key policy priorities worldwide.
Economy & Banking Current Affairs
Investment and Employment Outlook
Large investment initiatives such as the Punjab Investors Summit aim to attract ₹1.55 lakh crore investment.
Expected employment generation: 5.44 lakh jobs across manufacturing, MSME, and technology sectors.
MSME Sector Growth
MSMEs contribute nearly 30% to India’s GDP and about 45% to total exports.
Policy initiatives such as Make in India SME Summits aim to strengthen:
Manufacturing ecosystem
Startup innovation
Export competitiveness.
Sports Current Affairs
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Final match: India vs New Zealand.
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Result: India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs.
India scored 253/5, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final.
Sanju Samson was named Player of the Tournament.
Jasprit Bumrah won Player of the Match with bowling figures 4/15.
India became the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups (2024 and 2026).
It was India’s third T20 World Cup title.
BCCI Announces Cash Reward
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a ₹131 crore reward for the Indian team.
The prize money will be distributed among:
Players
Coaching staff
Support staff
Selection committee.
World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026
The 2nd World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 is being held in New Delhi from 11–13 March 2026.
Participation: 257 athletes from 8 countries.
Countries include:
India
Russia
Nepal
Bhutan
Hong Kong
Serbia
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Egypt
India has the largest contingent with about 219 athletes.
Prominent Indian participants:
Sumit Antil (Paralympic gold medallist)
Mariyappan Thangavelu (Paralympic high jump champion)
Praveen Kumar (Paralympic gold medallist)
Preeti Pal (Paris Paralympics 2024 bronze medallist).
National Para Badminton Championship 2026
The 7th Senior National Para Badminton Championship 2026 was held in Hyderabad.
Krishna Nagar, Paralympic champion from Rajasthan, won two gold medals.
Category: SH6 class.
Men’s Singles Final:
Krishna Nagar defeated Sudarsan M S
Score: 21-10, 21-19.
Mixed Doubles Final:
Pair: Krishna Nagar & Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan
Opponents defeated: Sudarsan M S & Shreya Kumari
Score: 21-7, 21-11.
Indian Football League Update
Rajasthan United FC is competing in the Indian Football League 2026 season.
Match scheduled: 13 March 2026.
Venue: Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium, Jaipur.
Opponent: Namdhari FC.
Current standings:
Rajasthan United FC – 1 point from 2 matches.
Namdhari FC – 2 points from 2 matches.
Awards and Recognitions
Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025
TOISA 2025 ceremony will be held on 21 March 2026 in Lucknow.
The awards recognize outstanding Indian sports achievements in 2025.
Over 45 award categories will honour athletes across multiple disciplines.
Appointments and Nominations
Punjab Cricket Association Secretary Election
Gurmeet Singh “Meet” Hayer, Member of Parliament from Sangrur, filed nomination for Secretary of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA).
Election date: 21 March 2026.
The post became vacant after Kulwant Singh resigned on 25 July 2025.
Gurmeet Hayer previously served as Sports Minister of Punjab.
Important Days
National No Smoking Day 2026
National No Smoking Day was observed on 11 March 2026.
Observed annually on the second Wednesday of March.
Objective:
Raise awareness about health risks of tobacco consumption.
Promote tobacco cessation programmes.
Key Exam Takeaways
Punjab Investors Summit 2026 investment proposals: ₹1.55 lakh crore.
Expected employment generation: 5.44 lakh jobs.
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Final Result: India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs.
India’s total in final: 253/5 (highest T20 WC final score).
BCCI reward for team India: ₹131 crore.
World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 participation: 257 athletes from 8 countries.
Krishna Nagar won 2 gold medals at the 7th Senior National Para Badminton Championship 2026.
