Daily GK Update- 22nd March, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Pushkar S Dhami Celebrates Phool Dei Festival Marking Arrival of Spring in Uttarakhand: Pushkar Singh Dhami celebrated the traditional folk festival Phool Dei in Uttarakhand.The festival marks the arrival of the spring season and is considered a Spring/Harvest Festival. It is mainly celebrated in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of the state.

 

2. Ministry of Ayush Launches “Yoga 365” Campaign to Promote Daily Yoga Practice: Ministry of Ayush launched the “Yoga 365” campaign to promote yoga as a daily practice instead of a once-a-year activity, unveiled during Yoga Mahotsav–2026 at Vigyan Bhawan.The initiative aims to bridge the gap between high awareness (95% in rural and 96% in urban areas) and actual practice, promoting yoga for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.The campaign builds on initiatives like Y-Break and Common Yoga Protocol, supporting the growing global movement of yoga with over 26 crore participants in International Day of Yoga 2025.

 

3. Chapchar Kut Showcases Mizoram’s Rich Cultural Heritage: Chapchar Kut, Mizoram’s major spring festival, once again brought vibrant cultural expressions to the forefront, celebrating the deep-rooted traditions of the Mizo community. Held annually in March after the completion of jhum cultivation clearing, the festival marks the arrival of spring and reflects the community’s close relationship with nature. The week-long festivities in Aizawl witnessed participation from locals, tourists and ethnic Mizos from neighbouring regions. Chapchar Kut is intrinsically linked to the traditional practice of jhum or shifting cultivation. It is celebrated after forests are cleared and burnt, a phase that precedes sowing. This period offers a brief respite to farmers, making it an ideal time for communal celebrations. The festival symbolises gratitude, renewal and harmony with nature, which are central to Mizo life.

 

4. NPC Appointed Environment Audit Agency by MoEFCC: The National Productivity Council (NPC) has recently signed an agreement with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to serve as the Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA). This move is aimed at strengthening environmental compliance, monitoring, and sustainable industrial practices across India. It reflects the government’s focus on integrating productivity with environmental responsibility. The National Productivity Council was established in 1958 as an autonomous and non-profit organisation. It operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The organisation has a multipartite structure with representation from employers, workers, government bodies, and professional institutions. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi, and it is a constituent of the Tokyo-based Asian Productivity Organisation, of which India is a founding member.

 

5. Navroz Celebrations Mark Parsi New Year in India: The Prime Minister of India extended greetings to citizens on the occasion of Navroz, the Parsi New Year, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. The festival symbolises renewal, prosperity, and harmony, and is celebrated with enthusiasm by the Parsi community in India and across the world. Navroz, also known as Nowruz, is the traditional New Year of Iranian and Persian origin. The term is derived from Persian words ‘nov’ meaning ‘new’ and ‘roz’ meaning ‘day’, translating to ‘new day’. It marks the arrival of spring and signifies rebirth, rejuvenation, and the triumph of light over darkness. The festival is observed with rituals, prayers, and community feasts.

 

6. Prosopis Juliflora Eradication Ordered by Madras High Court: The Madras High Court has issued 34 directives for the eradication of Prosopis juliflora, an invasive alien species, from Tamil Nadu. The move aims to restore native ecosystems, protect groundwater resources, and safeguard biodiversity affected by the aggressive spread of this plant across arid and semi-arid regions. Prosopis juliflora is a shrub or small tree belonging to the Fabaceae family, commonly known as mesquite. It is native to Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. Introduced in India during the colonial period, particularly in the 1920s in Delhi, it has since spread extensively. It is known by various local names such as seemai karuvelam, vilayati kikar, and gando baval across different regions.

 

7. Bihar Diwas 2026 Celebrations Begin at Gandhi Maidan: Bihar marked its 114th foundation day with a grand three-day celebration from March 22 to 24, commemorating its separation from the Bengal Presidency in 1912. The state-level festivities are centred at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, with parallel events at S K Memorial Hall and Rabindra Bhawan. This year’s theme, “Unnat Bihar, Ujjwal Bihar”, reflects the government’s focus on progress and inclusive development. The celebrations feature a vibrant mix of cultural programmes. Renowned singers such as Sona Mohapatra, Shaan and Papon are scheduled to perform, alongside classical Dhrupad and Gharana recitals. Traditional art forms also take centre stage, including Bhikhari Thakur’s folk theatre, classical dance performances, and a Hasya Kavi Sammelan. A laser light show has been added to enhance the festive atmosphere and attract wider public participation.

 

8. PM Modi Becomes India’s Longest-Serving Head of Government: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a historic record by becoming India’s longest-serving head of government, surpassing former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. The milestone was achieved after completing 8,931 days in office, combining his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister. This marks a significant moment in India’s political landscape, reflecting sustained leadership across both state and national levels. Pawan Kumar Chamling previously held the record with 8,930 days as Sikkim’s Chief Minister. PM Modi has now exceeded this figure by one day, establishing the longest continuous tenure as an elected head of government in India. The achievement highlights his enduring political presence and administrative continuity over more than two decades.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Argentina Withdraws from World Health Organisation: Argentina has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organisation, following a similar move by the United States.The withdrawal was initially announced in February last year and later formalised, with the US completing its exit in January.The decision was taken under the government of Javier Milei, marking a significant shift in global health cooperation.

 

2. Anutin Charnvirakul Re-elected as 32nd Prime Minister of Thailand: Anutin Charnvirakul has been re-elected as the Prime Minister of Thailand after a parliamentary vote, becoming the country’s 32nd Prime Minister.He is the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and continues to play a key role in Thailand’s political landscape.

 

3. Lipulekh Pass Trade to Resume Between India and China: Cross-border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district is set to resume in June, marking a revival of historic economic and cultural exchanges. The reopening is expected to benefit local communities and strengthen traditional trade networks in the Himalayan region. Lipulekh Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China. It connects India with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Located at an elevation of approximately 5,334 metres, the pass serves as a critical gateway to the higher Himalayas and remains strategically significant due to its location.

 

4. Shaheen Falcon Nesting Spotted in Kochi Residential Site: A pair of Shaheen falcons has recently been found nesting in an under-construction multi-storey residential complex in Kochi. The sighting has drawn attention to the adaptability of this raptor species, which is traditionally associated with rocky cliffs but is increasingly observed in urban environments. The Shaheen falcon (“Falco peregrinus peregrinator”) is a non-migratory subspecies of the Peregrine falcon. It is known for its speed, agility, and hunting precision. The species is native to the Indian subcontinent and is well adapted to diverse terrains, including natural and man-made structures.

 

5. World Water Day 2026 Highlights Water and Gender Theme: The Prime Minister of India extended greetings on the occasion of World Water Day, observed annually on March 22. The day serves as a global platform to emphasise the importance of freshwater and the need for sustainable water management. It draws attention to pressing water-related challenges and encourages collective action. World Water Day has been observed since 1993 under the aegis of the United Nations. The idea was first proposed during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Following this, March 22 was officially designated to promote awareness about water conservation and management worldwide.

 

6. Mulgao Kelbai Peth Festival Celebrated in Bicholim: The traditional “Peth” festival of goddess Kelbai is being observed at Mulgao in Bicholim, Goa, with rituals commencing at midnight on March 23. The festival reflects deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs of the region, drawing devotees who participate in a unique ceremonial journey symbolising the annual reunion of the goddess with her sister. According to tradition, goddess Kelbai is placed in a decorated wooden structure known as a “peth” and carried from Mulgao to Mayem village. The journey signifies her visit to meet her sister deity associated with the Maya Kelbai Panchayatan Devasthan. This annual meeting takes place on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Shuddha Panchami and is considered highly sacred by local communities.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. South Sudan Conflict Escalates Amid Renewed Fighting: South Sudan has once again moved towards instability as fresh clashes between government forces and opposition groups intensify in Akobo. The violence has raised concerns of a relapse into full-scale civil war, threatening fragile peace efforts in the world’s youngest nation. The situation reflects persistent ethnic tensions, political rivalries, and competition over resources that have plagued the country since its independence. South Sudan is a landlocked country situated in East-Central Africa. It shares borders with six countries: Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west. Its strategic location places it at the crossroads of several conflict-prone regions in Africa.

 

2. INS Taragiri Set for Commissioning in Indian Navy: The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Taragiri (F41), a stealth frigate under Project 17A, on April 3, 2026. The induction of this advanced warship marks a significant step in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities and enhancing naval preparedness in the Indian Ocean region. INS Taragiri is the fourth ship of the Nilgiri-class stealth frigates being constructed under Project 17A by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Ltd (MDL). It is a modern reincarnation of the earlier INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that served in the Indian Navy. The ship has been designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), reflecting India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sikkim to Host Junior National Badminton Championship 2026: Sikkim has been selected as the host for the 49th Yonex Sunrise Junior National Badminton Championship (U-19) 2026, marking a significant milestone in the State’s sporting journey. Scheduled from November 14 to 21, the tournament will feature both individual and team events, bringing together top junior badminton players from across India. This will be the first time Sikkim hosts a national-level badminton championship of such scale. The announcement has been welcomed by the Badminton Association of Sikkim, with its President Jacob Khaling expressing pride in the State being chosen for the prestigious event. The development highlights the growing recognition of Sikkim as an emerging sports destination.

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NdFeB Magnet Pilot Plant Boosts India Capability: India has taken a significant step towards strengthening its rare earth manufacturing ecosystem with the establishment of a pilot plant for Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnets at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad. This development aligns with the country’s efforts to reduce dependence on imports and build domestic capacity in critical technologies used in electronics, renewable energy, and defence sectors. Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnets are the strongest type of permanent magnets available globally. They are composed primarily of neodymium, iron, and boron, forming a tetragonal crystal structure. Additional elements such as cobalt, dysprosium, and praseodymium are often included to enhance magnetic strength and thermal stability. Due to their superior magnetic properties, NdFeB magnets are critical in high-performance applications.

 

2. Blue Voice App Boosts Coastal Safety for Fishers: Pondicherry University has launched a mobile application named ‘Blue Voice’ to improve safety and disaster preparedness among coastal fishing communities. The initiative aims to bridge critical information gaps by delivering real-time, location-specific weather updates in a simplified and accessible format. It is designed to support fishers who often face risks due to unpredictable weather conditions and limited access to timely alerts. Traditional weather platforms often pose difficulties for fishing communities due to complex interfaces and language barriers. ‘Blue Voice’ tackles these issues by presenting information in a user-friendly manner, ensuring that even those with limited digital literacy can understand and act upon weather warnings. This improves the ability of fishers to make informed decisions before venturing into the sea.

 

3. Desert Moss Discovery Boosts Green Mars Prospects: Scientists have identified a resilient desert moss, Syntrichia caninervis, that could play a key role in future Mars colonisation. The study, published in The Innovation, highlights the plant’s extraordinary ability to survive extreme dehydration, freezing temperatures and intense radiation. These traits make it a strong candidate for initiating biological activity on the Red Planet, where conditions remain hostile to most life forms. The moss can lose over 98 per cent of its cellular water and enter a dormant state for extended periods. Once exposed to moisture, it rapidly resumes photosynthesis within seconds. This near-instant recovery allows it to withstand prolonged dry spells, a critical advantage in Mars-like environments where water availability is unpredictable.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Cabinet Approves ₹33,660 Crore BHAVYA Scheme to Develop 100 Industrial Parks Across India: The Union Cabinet has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore to boost industrial development in India.Under the scheme, 100 industrial parks will be developed across the country, each spanning 100 to 1,000 acres.The scheme will be implemented by the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) in collaboration with state governments and private sector players.BHAVYA follows the industrial corridor model (building on NICDP) and provides up to 25% support for external infrastructure, ensuring strong connectivity with transport networks.

 

2. Prakriti 2026 Advances India’s Carbon Market Vision: The International Conference on Carbon Markets—Prakriti 2026 commenced in New Delhi as a flagship initiative of the Government of India. Organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the event is part of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026. It brings together global experts, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the evolving role of carbon markets in climate action and sustainable growth. The conference theme, “Unlocking Carbon Finance for NDC Implementation through Global Partnerships and Digital Pathways,” reflects India’s emphasis on mobilising climate finance and leveraging technology. The discussions focus on strengthening international cooperation and enhancing digital systems to support emission reduction targets under Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).