Current Affairs (EXAMIVERSE) — March 18, 2026 (Wednesday)
Verified sources used: PIB India, The Hindu, Akashvani (AIR), and International News Agencies.
For exams: SSC CGL, Banking, UPSC, KPSC + State PSCs
🏛️ National & Governance
Parliament passes Appropriation Bill, 2026
- What: The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha passed the Appropriation Bill, 2026, authorizing the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India for FY 2026-27.
- Exam angle: Article 114 of the Constitution; Difference between Appropriation Bill and Finance Bill; Consolidated Fund of India (Article 266).
Supreme Court rules on Maternity Leave for Adoptive Mothers
- What: The Supreme Court struck down a provision in the Code on Social Security, 2020, ruling that all adoptive mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, regardless of the age of the adopted child.
- Exam angle: Gender justice and child welfare in Indian law; Maternity Benefit Act; Comparison with Paternity leave suggestions.
Milestone: 10,000 FPOs registered under Central Sector Scheme
- What: The government announced the completion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) registrations, with over 1,100 being 100% women-led, aimed at empowering small and marginal farmers.
- Exam angle: Role of FPOs in doubling farmers' income; Women empowerment in agriculture.
Chhattisgarh launches 'Gaudham Yojana'
- What: CM Vishnu Deo Sai launched the scheme in Bilaspur to build 1,460 cattle shelters for managing stray and abandoned cattle.
- Exam angle: State-led initiatives for livestock management and rural economy.
🌍 International Relations
India’s BRICS Presidency 2026: Focus on Resilience and Sustainability
- What: Under India's chairship, BRICS nations discussed deepening scientific partnerships under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."
- Exam angle: Evolution of BRICS; New Development Bank; India's leadership in the Global South.
West Asia Conflict: Israel claims killing of Iranian Intelligence Minister
- What: Tensions soared as Israel claimed to have killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. In response, Iran warned Gulf oil facilities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar of potential retaliatory strikes.
- Exam angle: Impact of Mideast conflict on global oil prices (Brent crude); India's "Link West" policy.
💰 Economy & Environment
Economic Stabilisation Fund of ₹57,381 Crore announced
- What: The Finance Minister announced the creation of this fund to buffer the Indian economy against global shocks and supply chain disruptions.
- Exam angle: Counter-cyclical fiscal policy; buffer stock for essential commodities.
Exports Surge: India reaches USD 790.86 billion in exports
- What: Merchandise and services exports grew by 5.79% during the April–February 2025-26 period.
- Exam angle: Components of Balance of Trade; top export destinations for India.
🔬 Science & Technology
Indigenously developed Floating LiDAR Buoy System tested
- What: Developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), the system was successfully tested off the coast of Tamil Nadu to measure wind speed and direction for offshore wind energy.
- Exam angle: Blue Economy; Renewable energy targets; Significance of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).
ZSI discovers Two New Lichen Moth species in Himalayas
- What: Scientists identified Caulocerahollowayi and Asura buxa in the Eastern Himalayas.
- Exam angle: Biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas; role of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
🏆 Sports & Culture
Exercise Sea Dragon 2026
- What: The Indian Navy participated in the US-led multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drill in the Indo-Pacific.
- Exam angle: Maritime security cooperation; List of major naval exercises (e.g., Malabar, Varuna).
Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025
- What: Winners across 24 Indian languages were announced, recognizing excellence in literary works.
- Exam angle: History of Sahitya Akademi; importance of recognizing regional languages (8th Schedule).
⚡ Quick Revision Points
- Bill: Appropriation Bill 2026 passed for government spending in FY 2026-27.
- Law: Adoptive mothers now entitled to 12 weeks of leave, per SC.
- FPOs: 10,000 FPOs landmark reached; 1,175 are women-led.
- BRICS: India chairs 2026 summit sessions with a focus on innovation.
- Middle East: Killing of Iranian Intelligence Minister intensifies regional war.
- Energy: Floating LiDAR Buoy tested by NIOT for offshore wind energy.
- Economy: ₹57,381 Cr Economic Stabilisation Fund created.
- Bio: Two new lichen moth species discovered by ZSI scientists.