Current Affairs 14/03/2026
1. Who has been appointed as the new President of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB)?
Answer : Jitish Kallat
Appointment of Jitish Kallat as President of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale
The Kochi Biennale Foundation has appointed renowned Indian contemporary artist Jitish Kallat as the new President of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB). The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, held in Kochi, Kerala, is one of the largest and most prestigious contemporary art festivals in Asia and plays a significant role in promoting modern artistic expression in India.
Jitish Kallat is an internationally acclaimed artist known for his multidisciplinary works that explore themes such as history, science, migration, and the human condition. His appointment as president reflects the foundation’s commitment to strengthening the artistic vision and global standing of the Biennale.
Kallat has previously been closely associated with the Biennale. He served as the Artistic Director and Curator of the second edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale in 2014–15, which received widespread international recognition for its innovative curatorial approach and diverse participation of global artists. His experience and deep understanding of contemporary art make him well suited to guide the future direction of the festival.
As president, Kallat will play a crucial role in shaping the strategic and artistic framework of upcoming editions of the Biennale. His responsibilities include overseeing institutional leadership, contributing to the selection of curators, and strengthening international collaborations to further enhance the festival’s reputation as a global platform for contemporary art.
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, launched in 2012 by artists including Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu, has grown into a landmark cultural event that brings together artists, curators, scholars, and visitors from around the world. With Jitish Kallat at the helm, the Biennale is expected to continue its mission of fostering artistic dialogue and cultural exchange while strengthening India’s position in the global contemporary art landscape.
2. The Supreme Court of which country has approved the first legal implementation of Passive Euthanasia?
Answer : India
Supreme Court of India Approves First Legal Implementation of Passive Euthanasia
The Supreme Court of India has approved the first legal implementation of passive euthanasia, marking a significant milestone in the country’s legal and medical framework concerning the right to die with dignity. This development reinforces the court’s earlier landmark judgments recognizing passive euthanasia under strict legal safeguards.
Passive euthanasia refers to the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining medical treatment, such as ventilators or feeding tubes, when a patient is in a terminal condition or persistent vegetative state and recovery is considered impossible. Unlike active euthanasia, which involves deliberate action to end life, passive euthanasia allows the natural course of death by discontinuing extraordinary medical support.
The legal foundation for passive euthanasia in India was established in the historic Aruna Shanbaug Case (2011), when the Supreme Court permitted passive euthanasia under strict judicial supervision. Later, in Common Cause v. Union of India (2018), the court further strengthened this right by recognizing “living wills” or advance directives, allowing individuals to state their wishes regarding medical treatment if they become terminally ill or incapacitated.
With the court’s approval of the first legal implementation, India has taken a crucial step in upholding the dignity, autonomy, and rights of patients facing irreversible medical conditions. The decision also provides clearer guidance for hospitals, families, and medical practitioners when dealing with end-of-life care.
This development highlights the evolving legal and ethical approach of India’s judiciary toward patient rights, medical ethics, and compassionate end-of-life decision-making.
3. Which fintech platform recently received the Payment Aggregator (PA) license from RBI?
Answer : CRED
CRED Receives Payment Aggregator License from Reserve Bank of India
Indian fintech company CRED has recently received the Payment Aggregator (PA) license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), marking an important milestone in the company’s expansion within the country’s rapidly growing digital payments ecosystem. The approval allows CRED to operate as an authorized payment intermediary and offer payment aggregation services to businesses and merchants across India.
A Payment Aggregator is a financial technology platform that facilitates digital transactions between customers and merchants by integrating multiple payment methods—such as credit cards, debit cards, net banking, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—into a single platform. By obtaining this license from the RBI, CRED can now legally onboard merchants, process online payments, and manage settlement processes between customers and businesses.
Founded by Kunal Shah, CRED initially gained prominence as a platform that rewards users for paying their credit card bills on time. Over the years, the company has expanded its services to include UPI payments, lending, and financial products aimed at premium credit card users. The newly acquired Payment Aggregator license will enable the platform to broaden its financial services and strengthen its presence in the digital commerce sector.
The RBI introduced the Payment Aggregator regulatory framework to ensure secure, transparent, and well-regulated digital payment operations in India. Fintech firms seeking this license must meet strict requirements related to capital adequacy, data security, compliance standards, and consumer protection.
With this approval, CRED joins a group of licensed payment aggregators that are playing a vital role in facilitating seamless online transactions. The development highlights the continued growth of India’s fintech industry and the increasing importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring the safety and efficiency of digital financial services.
4. The rehabilitation campaign called “Poona Margem” is being run by which state government?
Answer : Chhattisgarh
Chattisgarh Launches “Poona Margem” Rehabilitation Campaign
The Government of Chhattisgarh has launched a special rehabilitation campaign named “Poona Margem”, aimed at encouraging individuals associated with extremist activities to surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society. The initiative is primarily focused on addressing the challenges posed by left-wing extremism (Naxalism) in certain districts of the state.
The term “Poona Margem”, which originates from the local tribal Gondi language, roughly translates to “New Path” or “Return to the Right Path.” The campaign seeks to provide an opportunity for misguided youth and former extremists to rebuild their lives through government support, social rehabilitation, and economic assistance.
Under this campaign, the Chhattisgarh government offers several incentives to surrendered individuals, including financial assistance, skill development programs, housing support, and employment opportunities. The initiative also focuses on community engagement and awareness programs to encourage those involved in extremist activities to abandon violence and join the mainstream development process.
The campaign is particularly significant in districts affected by Maoist insurgency, where the government aims to combine security measures with welfare and rehabilitation efforts. By promoting surrender and rehabilitation, the state administration seeks to strengthen peace, stability, and socio-economic development in these regions.
Overall, the “Poona Margem” rehabilitation campaign represents an important step by the Chhattisgarh government to promote peace, reintegration, and inclusive development while addressing the root causes of extremism.
5. Recently, Jose Antonio Kast Wrist has been sworn in as the new President of which country?
Answer : Chile
José Antonio Kast Sworn in as President of Chile
José Antonio Kast has recently been sworn in as the new President of Chile, marking a significant political development in the South American nation. His inauguration follows the conclusion of the presidential election in which he secured victory and assumed office as the country’s head of state and government.
José Antonio Kast is a prominent Chilean politician known for his conservative political ideology and leadership within the country’s right-wing political movement. Prior to becoming president, he served as a member of the Chilean Chamber of Deputies and later founded the Republican Party of Chile, which advocates policies focused on economic stability, national security, and institutional reforms.
As president, Kast is expected to focus on key national priorities such as economic growth, public security, immigration policy, and strengthening democratic institutions. His administration aims to address issues such as crime, inflation, and social inequality while promoting investment and development in Chile’s economy.
The swearing-in ceremony took place in the presence of government officials, lawmakers, international representatives, and dignitaries. The event symbolizes the peaceful transition of power in Chile’s democratic system.
Chile, one of Latin America’s most stable democracies, plays an important role in regional trade and politics. With José Antonio Kast assuming the presidency, the country is entering a new phase in its political and economic trajectory.
6. With whom has the WHO Foundation partnered to tackle childhood obesity in India?
Answer : Novo Nordisk
WHO Foundation Partners with Novo Nordisk to Tackle Childhood Obesity in India
The WHO Foundation has partnered with Novo Nordisk to address the growing challenge of childhood obesity in India. This collaboration aims to support prevention strategies, promote healthier lifestyles among children, and strengthen health systems to address obesity and related non-communicable diseases at an early stage.
Childhood obesity has become an increasing public health concern in India due to changing lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and reduced physical activity among young people. Recognizing the need for early intervention, the partnership focuses on school-based health programmes that encourage balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and greater awareness of healthy living.
The initiative supports the broader objectives of the World Health Organization in promoting healthier environments for children. It is also aligned with India’s school health and wellness initiatives, which aim to integrate health education and preventive care within the education system.
Through this collaboration, the partners plan to implement programmes that include health awareness campaigns, capacity-building for educators and health workers, and improved screening for obesity risk among school-age children. These efforts will help identify health risks early and promote long-term behavioural changes.
The partnership between the WHO Foundation and Novo Nordisk represents a significant step in addressing childhood obesity in India. By focusing on prevention and health education at the school level, the initiative seeks to reduce the future burden of obesity-related diseases and contribute to the development of a healthier generation.
7. Who has been appointed as the new MD & CEO of HDFC ERGO General Insurance?
Answer : Parthanil Ghosh
Parthanil Ghosh Appointed as MD & CEO of HDFC ERGO General Insurance
Parthanil Ghosh has been appointed as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HDFC ERGO General Insurance, one of India’s leading private sector general insurance companies. His appointment marks an important leadership transition aimed at strengthening the company’s strategic growth and operational performance.
Parthanil Ghosh brings over three decades of experience in the financial services and insurance industry. He has been associated with HDFC ERGO for several years and has played a key role in expanding the company’s retail and commercial insurance business. Before being appointed as MD and CEO, he served in senior leadership roles within the organization, contributing significantly to areas such as underwriting, distribution, digital innovation, and risk management.
Ghosh will succeed Anuj Tyagi, who previously served as the MD and CEO of the company. Under the new leadership, HDFC ERGO is expected to further strengthen its position in India’s rapidly growing insurance sector by focusing on customer-centric services, digital transformation, and innovative insurance solutions.
HDFC ERGO General Insurance is a joint venture between HDFC Ltd and ERGO Group, which is part of the global insurance giant Munich Re. The company offers a wide range of insurance products, including health, motor, travel, home, and commercial insurance.
The appointment of Parthanil Ghosh reflects the company’s commitment to strong leadership and its vision to continue expanding its market presence while delivering reliable and innovative insurance solutions to customers across India.
8. Which state government has recently launched the “Lake and Air Watch” initiative?
Answer : Gujarat
Gujarat Government Launches “Lake and Air Watch” Initiative
The Gujarat government has recently launched the “Lake and Air Watch” initiative, a technology-based programme aimed at monitoring the health of urban lakes and improving air quality management across cities in the state. The initiative is designed to strengthen environmental monitoring systems and promote sustainable urban development.
The programme focuses on the real-time monitoring of lakes and air pollution levels using modern technologies such as satellite data, digital monitoring systems, and air quality sensors. Through this system, authorities will be able to detect changes in water quality, pollution levels, and ecological conditions of urban lakes at an early stage. This will enable the government to take timely corrective measures to protect water bodies and the surrounding environment.
Another important component of the initiative is the installation of Air Quality Monitoring Stations across major urban areas. These stations will track the Air Quality Index (AQI) and provide continuous data on pollutants such as particulate matter and other harmful gases. The data collected will help policymakers and local authorities implement effective strategies to reduce air pollution.
The “Lake and Air Watch” initiative also aims to create a centralised digital platform where environmental data from different cities can be collected, analysed, and monitored. This integrated system will support better decision-making and allow urban local bodies to respond quickly to environmental challenges.
Overall, the initiative reflects the commitment of the Gujarat government to environmental protection, urban sustainability, and improved public health. By combining technology with environmental governance, the programme seeks to safeguard natural resources while ensuring cleaner air and healthier ecosystems for citizens.