Current Affairs - March 24, 2026 Current Affairs

Exercise Lamitiye 2026 marked a significant milestone as it was the first tri-services exercise involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the Seychelles Defence Forces. Conducted in Seychelles, the exercise enhanced military interoperability through activities such as VBSS operations, joint boarding drills, and coordinated troop landings. It also reflected India’s broader strategic vision under the MAHASAGAR initiative, aiming to strengthen regional security and cooperation. The name “Lamitiye,” meaning friendship in Creole, symbolizes the longstanding diplomatic and defence ties between the two nations.

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed every year on March 24 to commemorate the discovery of the TB-causing bacterium by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882. The day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about tuberculosis, which remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide. It also highlights efforts to eliminate TB through coordinated global action. In 2026, the theme ‘Yes! We can end TB!’ reinforces optimism and collective responsibility. Countries like India are actively working towards ambitious targets, aiming to eliminate TB ahead of global deadlines through national health programs.

Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma, a mountaineer from Visakhapatnam, achieved a remarkable feat by setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest ascent of the seven volcanic summits. He completed this challenging expedition in just 92 days, 4 hours, and 45 minutes. His journey began with Mount Elbrus in Russia and ended with Mount Sidley in Antarctica. The expedition required immense physical endurance and mental strength, as he faced extreme weather conditions, logistical challenges, and difficult terrains, especially in Antarctica, making his accomplishment truly exceptional.

Ria Solanki, a 19-year-old para-athlete from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the gold medal in the shot put event at the National Para-Athletics Championship in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Born without her left hand below the elbow, she began formal training in 2018 and faced numerous physical and financial challenges along the way. Her family made significant sacrifices to support her athletic journey, including working extra jobs and compromising their own needs. Her victory not only brought her national recognition but also highlighted her determination, resilience, and potential to represent India at international para-sports competitions.

Manipur launched the ‘Ningol Van Initiative’ on March 21, 2026, aligning with the International Day of Forests. The initiative focuses on enhancing community participation in forest conservation, with special emphasis on the role of women in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices. It aims to expand across all 16 districts of the state and supports livelihoods through micro food-processing units under Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, most of which are operated by women. The program also complements efforts to tackle illegal activities like poppy cultivation and promotes reforestation through bamboo and essential oil crops.

Jose Joseph Kattoor was appointed as the Non-Executive Part-Time Chairman of South Indian Bank, a prominent private sector lender based in Kerala. His appointment was approved by the Reserve Bank of India for a tenure of three years, starting from March 23, 2026. He succeeded V.J. Kurian, who retired after completing his term. Kattoor had already been serving as an Independent Director on the bank’s board since July 2024, making his elevation a natural progression in leadership. His appointment reflects continuity and stability in the bank’s governance structure.

Madhya Pradesh has announced a phased implementation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission aimed at enhancing governance and public service delivery. The initiative will be executed in three phases, starting with building infrastructure, followed by scaling successful AI applications, and finally establishing AI as a permanent capability in governance. The mission focuses on improving citizen services, especially for farmers and marginalized groups, and enhancing administrative efficiency through data-driven decision-making. It also aims to identify risks in sectors like agriculture and health while promoting collaboration with startups and educational institutions for AI skill development.

HSBC faced a monetary penalty of ₹31.80 lakh imposed by the Reserve Bank of India due to deficiencies in regulatory compliance. The bank failed to maintain a searchable database of unclaimed deposits on its official website and did not generate or assign the Unclaimed Deposits Reference Number (UDRN) for certain deposits transferred to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund. These lapses were identified during a statutory inspection of its financial position as of March 31, 2025. The penalty highlights the importance of adhering to RBI guidelines and maintaining transparency in banking operations.

Bank of Baroda introduced India’s first UPI-linked overdraft facility specifically designed for Women Self-Help Group members, marking a major step in financial inclusion. The initiative allows eligible users to access instant credit of up to ₹5,000 digitally without visiting a bank branch. Integrated with Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana accounts, the facility enables seamless transactions through UPI apps. Developed in collaboration with NPCI, IBA, and DAY-NRLM, it promotes digital payments, enhances financial accessibility for rural women, and helps them build a formal credit history for future financial opportunities.

The Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme was announced as part of the Financial Year 2026–27 Budget by the Telangana government. The scheme aims to provide financial security to families by offering a life insurance cover of ₹5 lakh to each eligible household. It is designed to benefit around 1.15 crore families across the state, regardless of their socio-economic background. The initiative seeks to prevent financial distress among families in the event of the death of an earning member, ensuring a universal safety net for citizens.

Rituparna Sengupta, a renowned actress, was honoured with the Women Empowerment Award for Art and Culture at the House of Commons in the United Kingdom. The award ceremony was organised by GloWomen CiC to celebrate International Women's Day, recognizing individuals who have made notable contributions to society. The award was presented by distinguished personalities Seema Malhotra and Virendra Sharma. Her recognition highlights her impactful and sustained contributions to the field of art and culture, as well as her role in promoting women’s empowerment through her work.