Current Affairs 13/03/2026
1. Who has been recently elected as the first Madhesi Prime Minister of Nepal?
Answer : Balendra Shah
Balendra Shah – First Madhesi Prime Minister of Nepal
In a historic political development, Balendra Shah has been elected as the first Prime Minister of Nepal from the Madhesi community. His elevation to the country’s top executive position marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s political history, reflecting greater representation for the Madhesi population of the Terai region.
Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen Shah, first gained national prominence when he was elected as the Mayor of Kathmandu in 2022 as an independent candidate. His victory was considered a political upset, as he defeated candidates from Nepal’s long-established political parties. During his tenure as mayor, Shah focused on improving urban governance, tackling corruption, and modernizing municipal administration.
Before entering politics, Shah built a career as a structural engineer, entrepreneur, and rapper, which helped him connect with Nepal’s younger generation. His popularity among youth and reform-minded voters contributed significantly to his rise in national politics.
His election as Prime Minister is particularly notable because the Madhesi community, which primarily inhabits the plains along Nepal’s southern border with India, has historically demanded greater political representation and equal rights within Nepal’s federal system. Shah’s leadership is therefore seen as an important step toward broader inclusivity and political participation in the country.
Political analysts believe that Shah’s government could usher in a new era of governance focused on transparency, administrative reform, and youth participation, while also addressing long-standing regional and social issues within Nepal.
2. Who has recently resigned from the post of CEO of IndiGo?
Answer : Pieter Albers
Resignation of IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers
Pieter Elbers has recently resigned from the post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share. His resignation was announced in March 2026, bringing an end to his tenure that began in September 2022.
During his leadership, Elbers played a significant role in strengthening IndiGo’s domestic dominance and expanding its international operations. Under his guidance, the airline introduced new international routes, expanded fleet capacity, and focused on improving operational efficiency to support the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Following his resignation, Rahul Bhatia, the co-founder and Managing Director of IndiGo, assumed the role of interim Chief Executive Officer until a permanent successor is appointed.
IndiGo continues to remain a key player in India’s aviation sector, operating one of the largest fleets in the country and connecting numerous domestic and international destinations. Elbers’ departure marks an important leadership transition for the airline as it continues to pursue expansion and modernization initiatives in the competitive aviation industry.
3. The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) till when?
Answer : December 2028
Extension of Jal Jeevan Mission till December 2028
The Union Cabinet of India has approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) till December 2028. The decision has been taken to ensure the completion of the mission’s objective of providing safe and adequate drinking water through functional household tap connections to every rural household in the country.
The Jal Jeevan Mission was launched in 2019 by the Government of India under the vision of “Har Ghar Jal”, aiming to improve rural water supply infrastructure and enhance the quality of life in villages. Since its launch, the mission has significantly increased the number of rural households with tap water connections across several states and union territories.
With the extension of the scheme, the government will continue to invest in strengthening water supply infrastructure, ensuring sustainability of water sources, and improving operation and maintenance systems in rural areas. The move is expected to accelerate the remaining work and ensure that all rural households receive reliable drinking water facilities.
The extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission till December 2028 reflects the government’s continued commitment to improving public health, sanitation, and rural development through universal access to safe drinking water.
4. ‘Orunodoi’ scheme is a flagship initiative of which state government?
Answer : Assam
Orunodoi Scheme – Flagship Initiative of Assam Government
The Orunodoi Scheme is a flagship welfare initiative launched by the Assam Government to provide financial assistance to economically weaker households, particularly focusing on women. The scheme was introduced in October 2020 under the leadership of the state government to improve the living standards of poor families.
Under the Orunodoi scheme, eligible families receive monthly financial assistance directly in their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The financial support is primarily intended to help families meet essential household expenses such as food, medicines, and other daily necessities.
The scheme gives priority to women beneficiaries, ensuring that the funds are credited to the female head of the household. This approach aims to promote women’s empowerment and financial inclusion while ensuring that government welfare benefits reach the most vulnerable sections of society.
The Orunodoi scheme has become one of the most significant social welfare programs of the Government of Assam, benefiting millions of low-income families across the state. It reflects the government’s commitment to poverty alleviation, social security, and inclusive development in Assam.
5. Which act has been invoked by the Indian government for gas allocation due to supply disruption?
Answer : Essential Commodities Act
Invocation of Essential Commodities Act for Gas Allocation
The Government of India has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to regulate the allocation and distribution of natural gas in response to supply disruptions. The move was taken to ensure the equitable and uninterrupted supply of gas to critical sectors of the economy.
The Essential Commodities Act empowers the government to control the production, supply, and distribution of essential goods in situations where shortages or disruptions may affect public interest. By invoking this act, the government can prioritize gas allocation to key industries such as fertilizers, power generation, and city gas distribution, which are crucial for economic stability and public welfare.
The decision was made after disruptions in gas supply created concerns about shortages for industries and essential services. Through this legal provision, authorities can monitor usage, prevent hoarding, and ensure fair distribution across sectors.
Thus, the invocation of the Essential Commodities Act helps the government manage supply challenges effectively while maintaining stability in energy availability and safeguarding essential services across the country.
6. Which will be the third home of African cheetahs after Kuno and Gandhi Sagar?
Answer : Rani Durgavati Sanctuary
Rani Durgavati Sanctuary to Become Third Home for African Cheetahs
The Rani Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary has been selected as the third habitat for African cheetahs in India, after the Kuno National Park and the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. This decision is part of India’s ambitious cheetah reintroduction program, which aims to restore the species in suitable habitats across the country.
The cheetah reintroduction initiative was launched by the Government of India to revive the population of cheetahs, which became extinct in India in 1952. African cheetahs were brought from countries such as Namibia and South Africa and initially released in Kuno National Park in 2022 under the project.
After evaluating habitat suitability, prey availability, and ecological conditions, Rani Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has been identified as the next suitable site for relocation and conservation of cheetahs. The sanctuary is expected to provide a secure ecosystem with sufficient prey base and forest cover for the animals.
The addition of Rani Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary as the third cheetah habitat will strengthen conservation efforts and help establish a sustainable population of cheetahs in India under the long-term wildlife restoration programme.
7. Which airport has recently been approved to be declared as an international airport?
Answer : Madurai Airport
Madurai Airport Approved for International Status
The Government of India has recently approved the proposal to declare the Madurai Airport as an international airport. This decision aims to enhance regional connectivity and promote economic development in the southern part of Tamil Nadu.
Madurai Airport, located in one of the major cultural and commercial cities of Tamil Nadu, already handles significant domestic air traffic and limited international charter operations. With the new approval, the airport will be able to operate regular international flights, facilitating direct connectivity with several overseas destinations.
The declaration of Madurai Airport as an international airport is expected to boost tourism, trade, and business opportunities in the region. It will also benefit pilgrims and tourists visiting the historic city, which is famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple and other cultural attractions.
The upgrade reflects the government’s broader efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure and improve global connectivity from emerging regional hubs across India.
8. Where is the 38th International Yoga Festival being organised?
Answer : Rishikesh
38th International Yoga Festival Organized in Rishikesh
The 38th International Yoga Festival is being organized in Rishikesh, one of the most renowned spiritual and yoga destinations in the world. The festival is hosted annually in the state of Uttarakhand and attracts yoga practitioners, spiritual seekers, and tourists from across the globe.
The event is organized by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) in collaboration with the Government of Uttarakhand. It is usually held along the banks of the sacred Ganga River, providing a serene environment for yoga and meditation.
The International Yoga Festival features various yoga sessions, meditation workshops, spiritual discourses, and cultural programs conducted by renowned yoga gurus and experts. Participants learn different yoga styles, including traditional and modern practices, while also gaining knowledge about India’s ancient wellness traditions.
Rishikesh is widely known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”, and the organization of the 38th International Yoga Festival further strengthens its global reputation as a hub for yoga, spirituality, and holistic health.