CURRENT AFFAIRS 24-25 March, 2026

CURRENT AFFAIRS 24-25 March, 2026

1. EVERY YEAR, 23RD MARCH IS OBSERVED AS SHAHEED DIWAS (MARTYRS’ DAY) ACROSS INDIA TO HONOR THE SUPREME SACRIFICE MADE BY THREE EXTRAORDINARY YOUNG REVOLUTIONARIES OF THE INDIAN FREEDOM STRUGGLE: BHAGAT SINGH, SHIVARAM RAJGURU, AND SUKHDEV THAPAR –

What is the History behind Shaheed Diwas?

• Shaheed Diwas: In 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai led a protest against the Simon Commission, during which he was fatally injured in a brutal lathi charge by the police, sparking nationwide outrage.
• In response, revolutionaries of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) including Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev resolved to avenge his death and planned to assassinate James A. Scott, the police officer responsible.
• However, in a case of mistaken identity, they killed J.P. Saunders, an incident that came to be known as the Lahore Conspiracy Case (1929).
• The subsequent trial resulted in death sentences, and on 23 March 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were executed, after which they were cremated at Hussainiwala national martyrs memorial (Punjab), marking one of the most significant moments in India’s freedom struggle.

2. CHINA OVERTAKES NETHERLANDS AS INDIA’S NO. 3 EXPORT DESTINATION –

• China has emerged as India’s third-largest export market in February 2026 with this it has overtake the Netherlands. India’s exports to China grew sharply by 32.4% to $1.67 billion but even as overall exports declined the slightly by 0.81% to $36.61 billion. The shift highlights the changing global trade patterns and increasing demand from China in various sectors like electronics and marine products.

China Third Largest Export Market India

• China replaced the Netherlands as the India’s third-largest export destination and it marks a significant shift in trade dynamics.
• The change reflects the growing economic engagement between the two countries despite geopolitical tensions between countries since 2020.
• The rise in exports numbers to China is mainly attributed to increased shipments in sectors such as electronics and marine products.
• It also indicates that India is finding new opportunities in large markets.

3. INDIA SPORTS INDUSTRY HITS $2 BILLION IN 2025 –

• India’s sports economy has achieved a significant breakthrough while crossing the $2 billion mark in 2025 and reached valuation at 18,864 crore. According to the WPP Media report ‘Sporting Nation: Building a Legacy’ this achievement reflects the rapid commercialization and expansion of several sports in India. The background of the growth comes amid rising investments, booming media rights and increasing the fan engagement.

How Big is India’s Sports Economy Today?

• Indian sports market has shown the consistent and impressive growth over the past few years. In the 2025 the total value has reached ₹18,864 crore ($2.13 billion). With this marking a 13.4% year-on-year growth from ₹16,633 crore in 2024.
• The upward trend is clearly visible in trends of few years.
• 2023: ₹15,766 crore
• 2024: ₹16,633 crore
• 2025: ₹18,864 crore
• This steady rise highlights how this sports in India are no longer just entertainment but serious business ecosystem.

4. LOK SABHA PASSES TRANSGENDER AMENDMENT BILL 2026: WHAT IT MEANS –

• Lok Sabha has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill of 2026 on March 24, 2026. The Bill changes to redefine the terminology of ‘transgender’ by excluding the sexual orientations and self-perceived gender identities from the scope of it. It was introduced by the government to bring the clarity in implementation and with this the amendment has sparked debate across political and social circles. And it also raising the concerns about identity rights, legal recognition and inclusivity of individual.

What Does the Amendment Bill Propose?

• The Amendment states to provide the more precise definition of who qualifies as a the transgender person under the new law. It also explicitly mention that individuals with different sexual orientations or self-perceived gender identities will not fall under this definition.
• Instead the Bill focuses on groups that are traditionally and socially recognized, such as hijras, kinnars, aravanis, jogtas, and individuals with intersex variations.
• The government argues that this clarity is necessary to ensure that benefits and protections reach the intended group.

5. IRAN’S CEASEFIRE CONDITIONS AFTER TRUMP’S 5-DAY HALT –

• Iran has reportedly outlined the set of conditions to end the ongoing conflict in Middle East. This comes after the following announcement of a five-day halt in military action by former US President Donald Trump. The development comes amid rising the tensions in West Asia and with this both sides are exploring possible diplomatic solutions. Several reports suggest that Iran is willing to negotiate but it also has placed strong demands related to several areas of country requirement.

Background of the 5-Day Halt

• The temporary pause of the military strikes was announced by Trump as a window for dialogue between the United States and Iran. The decision is aimed to prevent the further escalation between nations and will allow backchannel negotiations.
• While the talks are still ongoing and it termed as ‘constructive’ but here has been no official agreement has been confirmed yet.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.   The Panama Canal, that was recently seen in news, connects which two oceans ?

1. a) Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean
2. b) Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean
3. c) Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean
4. d) Arctic Ocean and Pacific Ocean

Q2.   Tele-MANAS is an initiative of which ministry ?

1. a) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
2. b) Ministry of Education
3. c) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
4. d) Ministry of Women and Child Development

Q3.   World Water Day is observed annually on which day ?

1. a) March 21
2. b) March 22
3. c) March 23
4. d) March 24

Q4.   Which of the following indicators are included in the annual score of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) ?

1. Number of terrorist incidents
2. Deaths caused by terrorism
3. Injuries caused by terrorism
4. Number of hostage-taking incidents related to terrorism

          Select the correct code:

1. a) Only 1 and 2
2. b) Only 2, 3 and 4
3. c) Only 1, 3 and 4
4. d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation-

• The calculation of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) score takes into account all the following aspects:
• Number of terrorist incidents
• Number of deaths caused by terrorism
• Number of injuries caused by terrorism
• Incidents of hostage-taking
• According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026, Pakistan ranked first in the world for the first time. In 2025, there was an approximate 6% increase in terrorism-related deaths, resulting in a total of 1,139 deaths, which is the highest since 2013. Additionally, a total of 1,045 terrorist incidents were recorded in 2025, reflecting the deteriorating internal security situation of the country.

Q5.   What is the meaning of Kaveh Madani’s concept of “water bankruptcy” ?

1. a) Short-term water crisis
2. b) Unsustainable use of water resources in the long term
3. c) Only groundwater depletion
4. d) Water taxation system

Explanation-

• “Water bankruptcy” refers to a situation in which a region excessively exploits its water resources, leading to a severe impact on future water availability. It is not merely a short-term crisis but represents a long-term imbalance, where water demand consistently exceeds supply.
• This includes excessive extraction of groundwater, lack of effective water management, and usage exceeding the rate of recharge. As a result, the situation becomes analogous to economic bankruptcy, where resource expenditure is high and replenishment is low, thereby adversely affecting sustainable development.

Answer Key