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.