Current Affairs 21/03/2026
1. Who has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador for Census 2027?
Answer : Sudarsan Pattnaik
Sudarsan Pattnaik Appointed Brand Ambassador for Census 2027
The Government of India has appointed Sudarsan Pattnaik as the Brand Ambassador for the upcoming Census 2027, a significant nationwide exercise aimed at collecting comprehensive demographic data. This appointment reflects the government’s strategy to engage citizens through influential public figures and enhance awareness about the importance of census participation.
Sudarsan Pattnaik, an internationally acclaimed sand artist, hails from Odisha and is widely recognized for his creative sand sculptures that often convey social messages. Over the years, he has represented India in numerous global forums and has earned accolades for using art as a medium to address issues such as environmental conservation, public health, and national unity.
The Census 2027 is expected to be a crucial exercise for policy formulation, governance, and development planning. Accurate census data enables the government to design targeted welfare schemes, allocate resources efficiently, and monitor socio-economic progress. By appointing Pattnaik, authorities aim to leverage his mass appeal and artistic influence to encourage citizens across diverse regions to actively participate in the enumeration process.
Furthermore, Pattnaik’s recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri underscores his credibility and national stature. His involvement is anticipated to bring creative outreach campaigns that resonate with the public, thereby strengthening the overall effectiveness of Census 2027.
In conclusion, the selection of Sudarsan Pattnaik as Brand Ambassador symbolizes a blend of culture and governance, highlighting the government’s commitment to making Census 2027 a participatory and inclusive national endeavour.
2. Which prestigious award has been conferred upon Nita M. Ambani?
Answer : KISS Humanitarian Award 2025
Nita M. Ambani Conferred KISS Humanitarian Award 2025
Nita M. Ambani, a prominent Indian philanthropist and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, has been conferred the prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social development and humanitarian causes.
The award is presented by the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), a globally recognized institution dedicated to providing free education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities to tribal children. Instituted in 2008, the KISS Humanitarian Award honours individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to humanitarian service and societal upliftment.
Nita M. Ambani has played a transformative role in advancing initiatives across multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, rural development, women empowerment, and sports. Through the Reliance Foundation, she has spearheaded numerous programs aimed at improving the quality of life for underprivileged communities across India. Her efforts have contributed significantly to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The conferment ceremony, held in Bhubaneswar, brought together distinguished dignitaries and scholars. The recognition underscores her visionary leadership and her sustained commitment to social responsibility and nation-building.
In conclusion, the KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 bestowed upon Nita M. Ambani reflects her enduring dedication to humanitarian values and her impactful contributions toward building an equitable and empowered society.
3. Jawed Ashraf has been conferred with the highest civilian honour of which country?
Answer : France
Jawed Ashraf Conferred France’s Highest Civilian Honour
Jawed Ashraf, a distinguished Indian diplomat and former Ambassador of India to France, has been conferred with the highest civilian honour of France. This prestigious recognition reflects his significant contributions to strengthening diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The honour bestowed upon him is the Légion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour), which is the highest civilian award of France. Instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, it is awarded to individuals for exemplary services to the French nation, both military and civil.
Jawed Ashraf played a crucial role in enhancing strategic, economic, and cultural ties between India and France during his tenure. His efforts contributed to deepening cooperation in areas such as defense, trade, climate action, and education.
This recognition not only honours his personal achievements but also symbolizes the strong and evolving partnership between India and France.
4. Which medal has Durgeshwar Singh won at the 6th Acropolis International Wushu Championship?
Answer : Silver Medal
Durgeshwar Singh Wins Silver at 6th Acropolis International Wushu Championship
Durgeshwar Singh has secured a Silver Medal at the prestigious Acropolis International Wushu Championship, marking a significant achievement for India in the field of martial arts.
The 6th edition of the championship witnessed participation from top wushu athletes across the globe, making the competition highly competitive and challenging. Durgeshwar Singh’s impressive performance showcased his skill, discipline, and dedication to the sport, enabling him to reach the podium.
Wushu, a traditional Chinese martial art, has been gaining popularity in India, with athletes like Durgeshwar Singh bringing international recognition to the country. His achievement at the Acropolis Championship highlights the growing strength of Indian athletes in global martial arts competitions.
In conclusion, the silver medal won by Durgeshwar Singh stands as a testament to his hard work and reflects India’s rising presence in international wushu events.
5. Who won the men’s singles title at the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament 2026?
Answer : Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner Wins Men’s Singles Title at Indian Wells 2026
Jannik Sinner clinched the men’s singles title at the prestigious Indian Wells Tennis Tournament (also known as the BNP Paribas Open) in 2026, marking a significant milestone in his professional tennis career.
The tournament, held annually in Indian Wells, is regarded as one of the most prominent events on the ATP Tour outside the Grand Slams. Sinner delivered an outstanding performance throughout the competition, showcasing remarkable consistency, precision, and composure against top-ranked opponents.
In the final, Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev in a closely contested match, demonstrating his mental resilience and tactical superiority. His victory not only earned him the coveted title but also reinforced his position among the elite players in men’s tennis.
This triumph adds to Sinner’s growing list of achievements and highlights his emergence as a dominant force on hard courts. His success at Indian Wells 2026 reflects his continued progress, strong work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure on the global stage.
In conclusion, Jannik Sinner’s victory at the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament 2026 underscores his rising stature in international tennis and signals a promising future filled with further accomplishments.
6. By which year will India surpass Germany to become the world’s 3rd largest economy according to BCG?
Answer : 2030
India Projected to Become World’s 3rd Largest Economy by 2030
According to a report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), India is projected to surpass Germany to become the world’s third-largest economy by the year 2030.
This projection reflects India’s strong economic growth trajectory, driven by factors such as a large and young population, expanding digital infrastructure, rising consumption, and ongoing structural reforms. The country’s increasing focus on manufacturing, innovation, and services has also contributed to its rapid economic expansion.
Currently, Germany holds the position of the third-largest economy globally, but India’s sustained growth rate is expected to enable it to overtake Germany within the next decade. The report highlights that India’s GDP growth is likely to remain among the fastest in the world, supported by favorable demographics and policy initiatives.
Furthermore, improvements in ease of doing business, infrastructure development, and foreign investment inflows are anticipated to strengthen India’s economic standing on the global stage.
In conclusion, the BCG projection underscores India’s rising economic prominence and its potential to play a more influential role in shaping the global economic landscape by 2030.
7. How many industrial parks will be developed under the BHAVYA scheme?
Answer : 100
Development of Industrial Parks under BHAVYA Scheme
The Government of India has announced that 100 industrial parks will be developed under the BHAVYA Scheme as part of its strategy to boost industrial growth and economic development.
The BHAVYA Scheme aims to create world-class industrial infrastructure across various regions, facilitating investment, enhancing manufacturing capabilities, and generating employment opportunities. By establishing these industrial parks, the government seeks to promote balanced regional development and strengthen the country’s industrial ecosystem.
These parks are expected to provide modern facilities, improved logistics, and a business-friendly environment, thereby attracting both domestic and international investors. The initiative aligns with broader national objectives such as increasing manufacturing output and supporting initiatives like “Make in India.”
In conclusion, the development of 100 industrial parks under the BHAVYA Scheme represents a significant step toward accelerating industrialization and fostering sustainable economic growth in India.
8. Which new particle has been discovered by CERN’s Large Hadron Collider?
Answer : Xi-cc-plus
Discovery of Xi-cc-plus Particle at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider
Scientists working at the CERN have discovered a new subatomic particle known as the Xi-cc-plus using the powerful Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
The Xi-cc-plus (Ξcc⁺) particle belongs to a class of particles called baryons, which are composed of three quarks. What makes this discovery particularly significant is that the Xi-cc-plus contains two charm quarks and one up quark, making it a rare and valuable subject for studying the strong force—the fundamental interaction that binds quarks together.
This discovery provides deeper insights into the behavior of heavy quarks and helps physicists test and refine theoretical models in particle physics, particularly those related to Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). Observations of such rare particles contribute to a better understanding of how matter is formed and how fundamental forces operate at the smallest scales.
The Large Hadron Collider, the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, has been instrumental in numerous groundbreaking discoveries, including the famous Higgs boson. The identification of the Xi-cc-plus particle further highlights its critical role in advancing modern physics research.
In conclusion, the discovery of the Xi-cc-plus particle marks an important step in exploring the complexities of subatomic matter and enhances our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the universe.