Current Affairs 18/03/2026
1. Agricultural expert Raghupat Singh has been posthumously honored with which award?
Answer : Padma Shri
Posthumous Recognition of Agricultural Expert Raghupat Singh with the Padma Shri
In a significant acknowledgment of grassroots innovation and sustainable farming practices, agricultural expert Raghupat Singh has been posthumously conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors. This recognition highlights his lifelong dedication to preserving indigenous agricultural knowledge and promoting environmentally sustainable farming techniques.
Raghupat Singh, often regarded as a pioneer in traditional seed conservation, made remarkable contributions toward safeguarding native crop varieties that were on the verge of extinction. Through years of persistent effort, he collected, cultivated, and distributed a wide range of indigenous seeds, thereby strengthening biodiversity and ensuring food security for future generations.
His work primarily focused on empowering local farmers by encouraging the use of organic farming methods and reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers and hybrid seeds. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, Singh not only improved soil health but also enhanced the resilience of farming communities against climate change and environmental degradation.
The conferment of the Padma Shri posthumously serves as a tribute to his invaluable contributions and enduring legacy in the field of agriculture. It also underscores the Government of India’s commitment to recognizing unsung heroes whose efforts at the grassroots level have had a profound national impact.
Raghupat Singh’s life and work continue to inspire agricultural scientists, policymakers, and farmers alike, reinforcing the importance of sustainability, self-reliance, and preservation of traditional knowledge in modern agriculture.
2. Who has received the ‘Sports for Social Good’ award at the Sportstar Aces Awards 2026?
Answer : Project Nanhi Kali
Project Nanhi Kali Honoured with ‘Sports for Social Good’ Award at Sportstar Aces Awards 2026
In a notable recognition of the transformative power of sports in social development, Project Nanhi Kali has been awarded the ‘Sports for Social Good’ honor at the prestigious Sportstar Aces Awards 2026. The award celebrates initiatives that effectively leverage sports as a tool for positive societal impact.
Project Nanhi Kali, a leading non-governmental initiative in India, is dedicated to supporting the education and empowerment of underprivileged girls. Over the years, it has expanded its scope beyond academics to include sports as a critical component of holistic development. By integrating structured sports programs into its outreach, the initiative has successfully nurtured confidence, discipline, and leadership skills among young girls from marginalized communities.
One of the key aspects of the project’s success lies in its focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, it ensures that girls who often lack access to sports infrastructure and opportunities are able to participate actively in physical activities. Sports such as football and athletics are used not only to promote physical fitness but also to instill teamwork, resilience, and a sense of self-worth.
The recognition at the Sportstar Aces Awards 2026 underscores the growing acknowledgment of sports as a powerful medium for social change. It highlights how targeted interventions can bridge gender gaps, challenge societal norms, and create pathways for empowerment through engagement in sports.
Furthermore, this award reinforces the importance of initiatives that combine education with extracurricular development, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society. Project Nanhi Kali’s achievement serves as an inspiration for similar programs aiming to harness sports for community development and social transformation across India.
3. Who has become the second youngest driver to win a Formula One race?
Answer : Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Andrea Kimi Antonelli Becomes Second Youngest Formula One Race Winner
In a historic achievement in the world of motorsport, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has emerged as the second youngest driver to win a Formula One race, marking a significant milestone in his rapidly rising career. The young Italian secured this remarkable feat at the Chinese Grand Prix 2026, showcasing exceptional skill, composure, and racecraft at just 19 years of age.
Antonelli’s victory places him in an elite category of drivers who have demonstrated extraordinary talent at a very early stage. He now stands just behind Max Verstappen, who holds the record as the youngest race winner in Formula One history. This comparison highlights the magnitude of Antonelli’s accomplishment and signals the arrival of a new generation of racing talent.
Known for his aggressive yet controlled driving style, Antonelli has been widely regarded as one of the most promising young drivers in motorsport. His seamless transition into Formula One and immediate impact underline his technical proficiency and mental resilience—qualities essential for success at the highest level of racing.
This landmark victory is expected to further strengthen his position within the sport and boost his prospects for future championships. It also reflects the evolving dynamics of Formula One, where younger drivers are increasingly making their mark on the global stage.
Antonelli’s achievement not only adds a new chapter to Formula One history but also inspires aspiring racers worldwide, reinforcing the idea that age is no barrier to excellence when combined with talent, preparation, and determination.
4. In which event did Selva Prabhu break the indoor national record and win a silver medal?
Answer : Triple Jump
Selva Prabhu Shines with Record-Breaking Performance in Triple Jump
Indian athlete Selva Prabhu delivered an outstanding performance in the Triple Jump event, where he not only clinched the silver medal but also set a new indoor national record.
Competing at a high-level international indoor athletics meet, Selva Prabhu showcased exceptional technique and consistency, surpassing the previous national benchmark in the triple jump category. His record-breaking leap marked a significant milestone in Indian athletics, particularly in indoor events where Indian representation has historically been limited.
The triple jump, a technically demanding field event requiring a combination of speed, strength, and precision across the hop, step, and jump phases, witnessed Selva Prabhu executing near-perfect attempts. His achievement reflects rigorous training and growing competitiveness among Indian athletes on the global stage.
Winning the silver medal alongside setting a national record underscores his rising prominence in athletics and signals strong potential for future international competitions, including global championships and multi-sport events.
This accomplishment not only enhances Selva Prabhu’s individual career but also contributes to India’s expanding footprint in track and field sports, inspiring upcoming athletes to excel in less-explored disciplines like the triple jump.
5. Where has India’s first integrated phygital service centre been launched?
Answer : Guna, Madhya Pradesh
India Launches First Integrated Phygital Service Centre in Guna, Madhya Pradesh
In a major step toward advancing digital inclusion and rural development, India has launched its first integrated “phygital” service centre in Guna. This innovative initiative represents a convergence of physical infrastructure and digital technology, aimed at delivering essential services to rural populations in a more efficient and accessible manner.
The concept of a “phygital” centre blends traditional service delivery with digital platforms, enabling citizens to access a wide range of facilities under one roof. These services include healthcare through telemedicine, digital education, financial and banking assistance, agricultural advisory, and various e-governance services. By integrating these offerings, the centre addresses the long-standing challenges of limited access and connectivity in rural areas.
Strategically located in the Guna district of Madhya Pradesh, the centre is designed to act as a comprehensive service hub for nearby villages. It significantly reduces the need for rural residents to travel long distances to urban centers for basic services, thereby saving time and cost while improving overall service delivery.
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s broader vision of Digital India and inclusive growth. It aims to empower rural communities by enhancing digital literacy, promoting the use of technology, and ensuring that essential services are both accessible and user-friendly.
Moreover, the phygital service centre is expected to serve as a model for replication across other parts of the country. By demonstrating how integrated service delivery can improve quality of life in underserved areas, it sets a precedent for future innovations in public service infrastructure.
Overall, the launch of this centre in Guna marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward building a digitally empowered and inclusive society, where technology acts as a bridge rather than a barrier.
6. How much monthly hike has the West Bengal government announced for religious leaders?
Answer : 500
West Bengal Government Announces Monthly Honorarium Hike for Religious Leaders
In a move aimed at providing additional financial support to religious functionaries, the Government of West Bengal has announced a monthly honorarium increase of ₹500 for religious leaders, including priests (purohits) and muezzins.
The decision reflects the state government’s continued efforts to support individuals who play a vital role in maintaining the cultural and spiritual fabric of society. These religious leaders, often serving local communities with limited financial resources, rely significantly on such honorariums for their livelihood.
The announcement was made under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has previously introduced welfare schemes aimed at assisting various sections of society, including minority and traditional occupational groups. The hike is expected to benefit thousands of beneficiaries across the state.
By increasing the monthly financial assistance, the government seeks to address rising living costs while ensuring dignity and economic stability for religious workers. The initiative also underscores the administration’s commitment to inclusive welfare policies that cater to diverse communities.
Overall, the ₹500 hike, though modest, is a meaningful step toward improving the socio-economic conditions of religious leaders in West Bengal and reinforcing the state’s focus on social support measures.
7. Who has been selected for the ‘Sangita Kalanidhi’ award for the year 2026?
Answer : Jayanthi Kumaresh
Jayanthi Kumaresh Selected for Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026
Renowned veena artist Jayanthi Kumaresh has been selected for the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi for the year 2026. This honor is considered one of the highest accolades in the field of Carnatic music.
The Sangita Kalanidhi award is conferred annually by the Madras Music Academy in recognition of exceptional contribution to Carnatic music. It is traditionally presented during the academy’s renowned annual music conference and festival held in Chennai.
Jayanthi Kumaresh is widely celebrated for her mastery of the veena, one of the oldest and most revered instruments in Indian classical music. Over the years, she has gained acclaim for her innovative approach, blending traditional Carnatic techniques with contemporary expressions while preserving the essence of the classical form.
Her selection for the Sangita Kalanidhi award in 2026 acknowledges her decades-long dedication, artistic excellence, and role in popularizing the veena on global platforms. It also highlights her contribution to mentoring young musicians and expanding the reach of Carnatic music to wider audiences.
This recognition further cements her status as one of the leading figures in Indian classical music and serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists in the field.
8. `Drawida vazhania’, recently discovered, is a species of which creature?
Answer : Earthworm
Discovery of Drawida vazhania: A New Earthworm Species
Drawida vazhania, a recently identified species, belongs to the category of earthworms, marking an important addition to soil biodiversity and ecological research.
Earthworms are vital organisms in maintaining soil health, often referred to as “ecosystem engineers” due to their role in enhancing soil structure, aeration, and nutrient cycling. The discovery of Drawida vazhania highlights the rich and still-unexplored diversity of soil fauna, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions.
Species under the genus Drawida are typically found in moist, organic-rich soils and are known for their contribution to decomposition processes. The identification of this new species suggests the presence of unique environmental conditions that support specialized life forms.
Such discoveries are significant for multiple reasons. They contribute to scientific understanding of biodiversity, help in assessing ecosystem health, and can guide conservation strategies. Additionally, earthworms play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture by naturally improving soil fertility, making their study highly relevant in the context of environmental sustainability.
The finding of Drawida vazhania underscores the importance of continued biological exploration and documentation, especially in regions where many species remain undiscovered. It also reinforces the ecological importance of earthworms in supporting life systems both above and below the ground.