Current Affairs Quiz 26th March 2026 Quiz

Exp. Government Expands MCGS to Boost Credit for MSMEs, Manufacturers and Exporters

The Government has modified the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS) to support MSME manufacturers and exporters, in line with Budget 2025–26.

The scheme offers 60% guarantee coverage by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) for loans up to ₹100 crore to eligible MSMEs for purchasing machinery and equipment.

As per the revised norms, the 5% upfront contribution is refundable, with 1% returned annually from the fourth year onwards based on satisfactory loan performance.

The scheme has been expanded to include service sector MSMEs, and the minimum project cost requirement has been reduced from 75% to 60% for machinery and equipment.

These modifications aim to increase credit availability, reduce compliance burden, and boost the manufacturing and export sector in India.

Exp. Sikkim to Host 49th Yonex Sunrise Junior National Badminton Championship 2026 for the First Time

Sikkim has been selected to host the 49th Yonex Sunrise Junior National Badminton Championship 2026 (U-19 category).

The tournament will be held from November 14 to November 21, 2026, under the aegis of the Badminton Association of India.

This will be the first time Sikkim is hosting this prestigious national-level badminton championship.

Exp. Krishna Kumar Thakur Assumes Charge as Director (Personnel) at NMDC Limited

Krishna Kumar Thakur, a 1998 batch IRPS officer, has taken charge as Director (Personnel) at NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer.

He brings over 25 years of experience in HR management, having worked across Indian Railways, CPSUs, and organizations like Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and RITES.

Recent Appointments

• CEO of NITI Aayog – Nidhi Chhibber (replaec B. V. R. Subrahmanyam); Additional Charge
• UN Independent AI Scientific Panel – IIT Madras Professor B. Ravindran
• Director (Commercial) of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited – Harsharan Kaur Trehan
• Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL (India) Limited – Deepak Gupta (replace Sandeep Kr Gupta)
• First Woman TTE in Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – Sarita Yolmo

Exp. Karnataka Grameena Bank Wins National Award for Outstanding SHG Bank Linkage Performance 2024–25

The Ministry of Rural Development has awarded Karnataka Grameena Bank the ‘National Award for Outstanding Performance in SHG Bank Linkage 2024–25’.

The award recognises the bank’s contribution to rural economic empowerment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

It was presented during the National Conference on Financial Literacy and Capacity Building in Hyderabad.

The honour highlights the bank’s role in promoting financial inclusion and strengthening SHG-bank linkage programmes.

Exp. Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma Sets World Record for Fastest Ascent of Seven Volcanic Summits

Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma set a world record by climbing the Seven Volcanic Summits in just 92 days, 4 hours, and 45 minutes.

The Seven Volcanic Summits include the highest volcanoes on each continent, such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus, making it a highly challenging expedition.

He began his journey in October 2024 and completed it in January 2025 at Mount Sidley, overcoming extreme climates and terrains.

Seven Volcanic Summits Covered

• Ojos del Salado – South America
• Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa
• Mount Elbrus – Europe
• Mount Damavand – Asia
• Pico de Orizaba – North America
• Mount Giluwe – Oceania
• Mount Sidley – Antarctica

Exp. Aditya Birla Group-Led Consortium Acquires 100% Stake in Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹16,706 Crore

A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group has acquired 100% stake in Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹16,706 crore from United Spirits Limited.

The consortium includes Aditya Birla Group, The Times Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone (BXPE strategy).

The deal covers both the men’s IPL team and the women’s WPL team, operated under Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL).

Exp. Sahibzada Farhan and Arundhati Reddy Named ICC Players of the Month for February 2026

Sahibzada Farhan was named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026 for his outstanding performance in the T20 World Cup, where he surpassed a record held by Virat Kohli.

In the women’s category, Arundhati Reddy won the award for her impressive bowling in a T20I series in Australia, finishing as the leading wicket-taker.

Both players were recognised for their exceptional performances, highlighting strong contributions from Pakistan and India in international cricket.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month

• November 2025 – Simon Harmer (South Africa)
• December 2025 – Mitchell Starc (Australia)
• January 2025 – Daryl Mitchell (New Zeland)

ICC Women’s Player of the Month

• November 2025 – Shafali Verma (India)
• December 2025 – Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
• January 2026 – Sobhana Mostary (Bangladesh)

Exp. Cricket Australia to Host 150th Anniversary Test at MCG in 2027

Cricket Australia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Test match (1877) with an Australia vs England Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027.

The first Test match at MCG in 1877 was won by Australia by 45 runs, and the 100-year anniversary in 1977 was also marked with a similar match at the same venue.

The MCG will continue to host the traditional Boxing Day Test (Dec 26) until 2030–31, while the Sydney Cricket Ground will host the New Year Test.

Exp. Rituparna Sengupta Honoured with Women Empowerment Award at UK House of Commons

Rituparna Sengupta received the Women Empowerment Award for Art and Culture at the House of Commons.

The award was presented during an event organised for International Women’s Day, recognising her contributions to art and culture.

Exp. 24 March – International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims is observed every year on 24 March.

The day honours victims of serious human rights violations and supports their right to truth and justice.

This annual observance pays tribute to the memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was murdered on 24 March 1980.

The day is observed by the United Nations to promote accountability, dignity, and transparency worldwide.

Exp. 25 March – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed every year on 25 March.

The day honours and remembers millions of Africans who suffered and died during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

It aims to raise awareness about the horrors of slavery, racism, and discrimination.

Exp. 25 March – International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members is observed every year on 25 March.

The day highlights the risks faced by staff members of the United Nations and associated organizations working in difficult conditions.

It commemorates the abduction of Alec Collett in 1985.

The day calls for justice, safety, and protection of humanitarian workers worldwide.