Current Affairs 16/03/2026
1. Who has assumed office as a Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court?
Answer : Justice Lisa Gill
Justice Lisa Gill Assumes Office as Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court
Justice Lisa Gill has officially assumed office as a Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, marking an important development in the Indian judiciary. She took oath on 13 March 2026 at the High Court premises in Amaravati. The oath of office was administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court, Dhiraj Singh Thakur.
Justice Lisa Gill was earlier serving as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Her transfer to the Andhra Pradesh High Court was approved by the President of India based on the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium, which is responsible for recommending appointments and transfers of judges in higher judiciary.
Justice Gill began her legal career in 1990 after completing her law degree from Panjab University in Chandigarh. Over the years, she gained extensive experience in constitutional, civil, and service matters. In 2014, she was elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where she delivered several notable judgments and earned recognition for her judicial competence.
Her appointment to the Andhra Pradesh High Court is also significant as she is expected to assume greater responsibilities in the court’s leadership in the near future. Justice Gill’s transfer reflects the judiciary’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the functioning and administrative efficiency of High Courts across the country.
With her vast judicial experience and commitment to the rule of law, Justice Lisa Gill’s tenure in the Andhra Pradesh High Court is expected to contribute significantly to the delivery of justice and the strengthening of the judicial system in the state.
2. Which state will host the 7th season of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) in July 2026?
Answer : Goa
Goa to Host the 7th Season of Ultimate Table Tennis in July 2026
The Indian state of Goa will host the 7th season of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) in July 2026. The tournament will be organized at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, which will serve as the venue for the matches featuring leading national and international table tennis players.
Ultimate Table Tennis is India’s premier professional table tennis league, launched in 2017 with the aim of promoting the sport and providing a competitive platform for players. The league is organized by 11Sports under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India.
The upcoming season is expected to feature several top Indian and international players competing in franchise-based teams. The league has previously attracted prominent Indian paddlers such as Achanta Sharath Kamal and rising stars including Manav Thakkar and Diya Chitale. Their participation helps raise the standard of competition and inspires young players across the country.
Hosting the seventh season in Goa is expected to boost the state’s reputation as a destination for major sporting events and contribute to the growth of table tennis in India. The tournament will also promote sports tourism while providing fans with an opportunity to witness high-level table tennis action.
3. Which Indian shooter has been recently inducted into the TOPS core group?
Answer : Samrat Rana
Samrat Rana Inducted into the TOPS Core Group
Indian shooter Samrat Rana has recently been inducted into the Core Group of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). The decision was taken during a meeting of the Mission Olympic Cell, which reviews the performances of athletes and recommends inclusion in the scheme.
Samrat Rana earned his place in the TOPS core group after delivering impressive performances in national and international shooting competitions. His consistent results and strong potential to win medals at global events played a key role in the decision to include him in the elite list of athletes supported under the program.
The Target Olympic Podium Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2014, aims to identify and support athletes who have the potential to win medals at the Olympic Games. Athletes selected in the core group receive financial assistance, world-class training facilities, international exposure, sports science support, and coaching to help them prepare for major international competitions.
The inclusion of Samrat Rana in the TOPS core group is expected to strengthen India’s shooting contingent in upcoming international tournaments and reflects the government’s continued efforts to promote excellence in shooting and other Olympic sports.
4. Who has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sportstar Aces Awards 2026?
Answer : Nari Contractor & M.D. Valsamma
Nari Contractor and M.D. Valsamma Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at Sportstar Aces Awards 2026
Veteran Indian sports personalities Nari Contractor and M. D. Valsamma were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sportstar Aces Awards 2026. The award recognizes their remarkable contributions and lasting impact on Indian sports.
Nari Contractor, a former captain of the India national cricket team, is remembered for his leadership and dedication to Indian cricket during the early 1960s. Despite suffering a life-threatening injury during a Test match against the West Indies cricket team in 1962, he remained a respected figure in the cricketing community and continued to contribute to the sport in various capacities.
M. D. Valsamma is one of India’s pioneering female athletes and a celebrated name in Indian athletics. She gained international recognition after winning the gold medal in the 400-metre hurdles at the 1982 Asian Games, becoming one of the first Indian women to achieve such a milestone in track and field events.
The Sportstar Aces Awards celebrate excellence in Indian sports and honor athletes, coaches, and sports administrators for their outstanding achievements. The Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Nari Contractor and M. D. Valsamma acknowledges their enduring legacy and significant contributions to the development of sports in India.
5. What amount has been allocated for the ‘Economic Stability Fund’?
Answer : ₹1 Lakh Crore
₹1 Lakh Crore Allocated for Economic Stability Fund
The Government of India has allocated ₹1 lakh crore for the Economic Stability Fund as part of its broader strategy to maintain financial stability and support economic growth during periods of global and domestic uncertainty.
The Economic Stability Fund is designed to strengthen the country’s financial system by providing a safety mechanism during economic fluctuations. The fund will help the government respond quickly to economic shocks, stabilize key sectors, and ensure the smooth functioning of financial markets and institutions.
This allocation aims to support critical sectors of the economy, encourage investment, and maintain liquidity in the financial system. The initiative is expected to enhance confidence among investors, businesses, and financial institutions by ensuring that adequate resources are available to manage potential economic disruptions.
The establishment of the Economic Stability Fund reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding macroeconomic stability and sustaining long-term economic development in India. By allocating ₹1 lakh crore, policymakers intend to create a strong financial buffer that can be utilized to address unforeseen economic challenges and promote resilient economic growth.
6. With whom has the Delhi government signed an MoU to test ‘smog-eating’ surfaces?
Answer : IIT Madras
Delhi Government Signs MoU with IIT Madras to Test ‘Smog-Eating’ Surfaces
The Government of Delhi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Madras to test innovative “smog-eating” surfaces aimed at reducing air pollution in the national capital.
This initiative focuses on the use of advanced photocatalytic materials that can break down harmful pollutants present in the air. These special coatings, when applied to surfaces such as roads, pavements, and building walls, react with sunlight to neutralize pollutants like nitrogen oxides and other harmful particulate matter. The technology is expected to help mitigate the impact of severe air pollution, which frequently affects Delhi, particularly during winter months.
Under the agreement, researchers from IIT Madras will collaborate with the Delhi government to conduct pilot tests of these smog-reducing surfaces in selected locations across the city. The project will evaluate the effectiveness, durability, and feasibility of deploying the technology on a larger scale in urban infrastructure.
The initiative reflects the Delhi government’s ongoing efforts to adopt scientific and technological solutions to address the city’s persistent air quality challenges. If the pilot tests prove successful, the smog-eating surface technology could become a key tool in improving air quality and promoting a healthier urban environment.
7. Which is the first Indian mining company to achieve 50 million tonnes of iron ore production?
Answer : NMDC Limited
NMDC Limited Becomes First Indian Mining Company to Achieve 50 Million Tonnes of Iron Ore Production
NMDC Limited has become the first mining company in India to achieve 50 million tonnes of iron ore production in a single financial year. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the state-owned enterprise and highlights its leading role in India’s mining sector.
NMDC Limited, operating under the Ministry of Steel, is the country’s largest producer of iron ore. The company operates major mining projects in states such as Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, which contribute substantially to India’s iron ore supply.
The achievement of the 50-million-tonne production mark reflects NMDC’s operational efficiency, improved mining technology, and strong demand from the domestic steel industry. The company has continuously expanded its production capacity to meet the growing requirements of India’s infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
This milestone also supports the government’s broader goal of strengthening the domestic steel industry and reducing reliance on imports. With this accomplishment, NMDC Limited further consolidates its position as a key player in India’s mineral and mining industry while contributing significantly to the country’s economic development.
8. Which state government has introduced the ‘Freedom of Religion Bill 2026’?
Answer : Maharashtra
Maharashtra Introduces Freedom of Religion Bill 2026
The government of Maharashtra has introduced the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 with the aim of regulating religious conversions and preventing conversions carried out through force, fraud, or inducement.
The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that religious conversions occur voluntarily and without coercion. According to the provisions of the bill, individuals intending to convert their religion must inform the district authorities in advance, and authorities may conduct inquiries to verify that the conversion is not being done under pressure or unlawful influence.
The bill also proposes strict penalties for individuals or organizations found guilty of conducting forced or fraudulent conversions. These measures are intended to safeguard religious freedom while preventing activities that may exploit vulnerable individuals.
Several Indian states have previously enacted similar laws to regulate religious conversions. With the introduction of the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, the Maharashtra government aims to strengthen legal safeguards and maintain social harmony while protecting the constitutional right to practice and profess religion.