National Current Affairs
1. Bhubaneswar Hosts World Beach Volleyball Championship 2026
World Beach Volleyball Championship 2026 commenced on 4 March 2026 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The championship features participation from around 50 countries competing in men’s and women’s categories.
The event highlights India’s increasing capacity to host large-scale international sporting tournaments.
Teams from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar withdrew due to ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
The tournament strengthens India’s sports diplomacy and tourism promotion through global sporting events.
2. Indian Airlines Arrange Special Flights Amid West Asia Airspace Crisis
Due to the ongoing conflict in the West Asian region, several international flights faced disruptions.
As of 4 March 2026, around
1,221 flights by Indian carriers
388 flights by foreign airlines
were cancelled.
To assist passengers, Indian airlines scheduled 58 special flights.
Major airlines involved include:
Air India
Air India Express
IndiGo
The Ministry of Civil Aviation coordinated the operation to ensure passenger safety and travel continuity.
3. Delhi to Host First International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD)
New Delhi will host the first International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD).
Event dates: 25 March – 31 March 2026.
Venue: Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan.
The initiative aims to promote India’s cultural diplomacy and film industry on a global stage.
The festival will feature international film screenings, panel discussions, and awards ceremonies.
4. Tamil Nadu Leads India in Deceased Organ Donation
Tamil Nadu has emerged as India’s leading state in deceased organ donation.
During the first two months of 2026, the state recorded 57 deceased organ donors.
The state has maintained a strong healthcare network for organ transplantation and public awareness.
Tamil Nadu’s organ donation programme is considered one of the most efficient in India.
International Current Affairs
5. Several Nations Boycott Winter Paralympics Opening Ceremony
Eight countries announced a boycott of the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympics 2026.
Participating countries in the boycott include:
Czech Republic
Estonia
Finland
Latvia
Lithuania
Poland
Netherlands
Ukraine
Reason: protest against the participation of Russian athletes competing under their national flag.
The 2026 Winter Paralympics are scheduled to begin on 6 March 2026 in Verona, Italy.
Over 600 athletes are expected to participate in the event.
6. Middle East Conflict Disrupts Global Sports Events
Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have affected global sporting events.
Key disruptions include:
Suspension of football matches in Qatar.
Possible disruption to the Argentina vs Italy Finalissima match involving Lionel Messi.
Concerns over Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The crisis has also impacted travel plans for international athletes participating in tournaments worldwide.
Sports Current Affairs
7. FIA Postpones Qatar Round of World Endurance Championship
The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2026 season opener scheduled in Qatar (26–28 March 2026) has been postponed.
Reason: security concerns due to ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East.
The race titled Qatar 1812 km at Lusail International Circuit will be rescheduled.
The championship season will now begin with the 6 Hours of Imola (Italy) from 17–19 April 2026.
The 2025 WEC title was won by Ferrari, with drivers:
James Calado
Alessandro Pier Guidi
Antonio Giovinazzi.
8. Indian Women’s Cricket Team Nominated for Laureus World Sports Awards
The Indian Women’s Cricket Team received a nomination for Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 – Team of the Year category.
The nomination follows their Women’s Cricket World Cup victory, which elevated India’s status in international women’s cricket.
The Laureus Awards are among the most prestigious global sports honours.
Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar previously received a Laureus honour in 2020 for the Sporting Moment Award.
9. AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Begins in Australia
AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 is being hosted by Australia.
Tournament duration: 1 March – 21 March 2026.
Host cities include:
Sydney
Perth
Gold Coast.
A total of 12 national teams are competing across 27 matches.
China enters the tournament as the defending champion with a record 9 titles.
The top four teams will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Awards and Honours
10. Padma Awards 2026 Recognize 131 Distinguished Personalities
The Government of India announced 131 Padma Awards for 2026.
Award distribution includes:
5 Padma Vibhushan
13 Padma Bhushan
113 Padma Shri.
These awards recognize exceptional contributions in fields such as:
Art
Literature
Medicine
Sports
Public Affairs
Science and Engineering.
The awards will be presented by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Important Exam Facts and Quick Highlights
World Beach Volleyball Championship 2026 Host City: Bhubaneswar
Countries Boycotting Winter Paralympics Opening Ceremony: 8
Special Flights Arranged by Indian Airlines: 58
Padma Awards 2026 Total Recipients: 131
AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Duration: 1–21 March 2026
Countries Participating in Beach Volleyball Championship: Around 50


