Current Affairs - March 16, 2026 Current Affairs

The Common Incubation Centre, inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan, is located at Tezpur University, which is situated in Assam. The centre is part of the PMFME scheme and aims to promote entrepreneurship in the food processing sector by supporting startups, FPOs, SHGs, and cooperatives. Assam, being a key state in the Northeast region, plays an important role in the development of the food processing ecosystem. The initiative also highlights collaboration between government, academia, and entrepreneurs to boost local economic growth and innovation.

NASA is preparing to launch the Artemis II mission, marking a significant milestone as the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years. The mission will carry four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the far side of the Moon without landing. It will be launched aboard the Space Launch System from the Kennedy Space Centre. The mission has faced delays due to technical issues such as helium leaks and fuel system concerns, but repairs have been completed. Artemis II is a crucial step in NASA’s broader lunar exploration program, paving the way for future missions like Artemis III and IV.

Krishnan Raghavan, popularly known as Kitna, was posthumously honoured with the Padma Shri 2026 for his significant contribution to preserving and promoting the Kurumba painting tradition. Belonging to the Kurumba tribal community of Kerala, he dedicated his life to showcasing indigenous art forms that reflect tribal life, mythology, and nature. His efforts brought national recognition to this unique art style, which is known for its use of natural pigments and symbolic motifs. The award acknowledges his role in safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting awareness of tribal artistic traditions across the country.

The National Highways Authority of India has revised the FASTag Annual Pass fee for the financial year 2026–27, increasing it from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,075. This revised fee applies to non-commercial vehicles using FASTag across around 1,150 toll plazas on national highways and expressways. The annual pass offers significant convenience by allowing either one year of validity or up to 200 toll crossings, reducing the need for frequent recharges. Users can easily activate the pass through digital platforms like the Rajmarg Yatra App or the official website, making it a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for regular highway commuters.

National Vaccination Day is observed every year on March 16 in India to raise awareness about the importance of immunisation and public health. The date commemorates the launch of the Pulse Polio Programme in 1995, when the first dose of oral polio vaccine was administered nationwide. This initiative played a crucial role in eradicating polio from India, which was later declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation in 2014. The day also recognizes the efforts of healthcare workers, scientists, and policymakers in implementing large-scale vaccination drives across the country.

The Union Home Minister inaugurated several major healthcare projects in Guwahati, marking a significant milestone in Assam’s medical infrastructure development. The city became notable for hosting India’s first government hospital offering Proton Cancer Therapy, an advanced treatment for cancer. Alongside this, multiple cancer centres and medical colleges were also launched or expanded, contributing to improved healthcare accessibility in the Northeast region. The initiatives are supported by increased budget allocation and aim to reduce dependency on metro cities for advanced treatments, making Guwahati a key healthcare hub in eastern India.

The Indian Space Research Organisation carried out the sea level hot test of the CE20 Cryogenic Engine at its Propulsion Complex located in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. This test was conducted at an enhanced thrust level of 22 tonnes, which is crucial for improving the payload capacity of future LVM3 missions. The successful 165-second test demonstrated the engine’s ability to withstand extreme thermal and mechanical conditions. Advanced systems such as a nozzle protection system and multi-element igniter were used, showcasing India’s growing technological capabilities in cryogenic propulsion systems and space exploration.

INS Sudarshini is an Indian Naval Sail Training Ship that arrived at Valletta, Malta, as part of its extensive Lokayan-26 expedition covering 22,000 nautical miles. The voyage highlights India’s maritime diplomacy and aims to strengthen bilateral relations through engagements with foreign nations. During its visit, the crew interacts with local authorities and armed forces to promote cooperation and goodwill. The expedition began in Kochi and includes multiple international stops, showcasing India’s naval capabilities and cultural outreach. The ship’s participation in global maritime events further enhances India’s presence on the international stage.

Vairamuthu, a renowned Tamil poet and lyricist, received the prestigious Jnanpith Award for 2025, recognizing his exceptional contribution to Tamil literature and poetry. Over several decades, he has produced a vast body of work, including poems, novels, essays, and film lyrics that have deeply influenced both literary and popular culture. His writings often explore themes such as human emotions, social justice, rural life, and nature, blending classical Tamil traditions with modern perspectives. In addition to literature, his impactful lyrics in Tamil cinema have reached a wide audience, making his work widely appreciated across generations.

Zydus Lifesciences secured regulatory approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration for its innovative drug Desidustat, used to treat renal anaemia in chronic kidney disease patients. The drug functions as a HIF-PHI inhibitor, stimulating red blood cell production and improving iron metabolism. It has already shown strong clinical efficacy in Phase III trials conducted in China. The approval is significant due to China’s large CKD patient population. Additionally, the drug has been successfully marketed in India under the brand Oxemia, benefiting over 100,000 patients since its launch in 2022, highlighting its therapeutic effectiveness and commercial potential.

India delivered an outstanding performance at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 held in New Delhi, finishing at the top of the medal tally with a record 208 medals. This impressive haul included 75 gold, 69 silver, and 64 bronze medals across various track and field events. The competition saw participation from athletes of multiple countries, but India’s dominance was evident through several podium sweeps and remarkable individual performances. The achievement reflects the country’s growing strength in para-athletics and the success of its efforts to support and develop athletes with disabilities at an international level.