This weekly current affairs compilation for 15th to 21st March 2026 provides a concise overview of significant national and international events. Aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSC will find this material invaluable for quick revision.

Covering key developments across various sectors, this edition focuses on exam-relevant facts and analyses. Utilize these curated updates to enhance your general knowledge and stay ahead in your preparation journey.

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National

• SC Allows Passive Euthanasia — The Supreme Court permitted passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, who was in a Permanent Vegetative State for over 13 years. This landmark ruling is the first court-approved implementation of passive euthanasia in India.
• UPSC Revises DGP Appointment Rules — The UPSC tightened rules for State DGP appointments, requiring Supreme Court permission for delayed proposals. The Court also reiterated that 'acting DGP' appointments lack legal validity, enforcing police reform guidelines.
• Defence Forces Vision 2047 Released — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released 'Defence Forces Vision 2047', a strategic document aiming to transform India's armed forces into a modern, integrated, and technology-driven military by the centenary of Independence.
• SC Strengthens GIB Conservation — The Supreme Court issued a landmark judgment for Great Indian Bustard (GIB) conservation, ordering revised safeguards against power line collisions. This balances GIB protection with India's renewable energy expansion goals.
• Odisha Tops Fiscal Health Index 2026 — NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index 2026 ranked Odisha first for FY 2023-24, highlighting its prudent fiscal management. Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Kerala were among the bottom states.
• Asia's Largest Tulip Garden Opens — Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the Tulip Show-2026 at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Asia's largest tulip garden, marking the start of the tourism season.
• SC on Adoptive Mothers' Leave — The Supreme Court ruled that adoptive mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, irrespective of the adopted child's age. This judgment broadens the legal understanding of motherhood and childcare.
• India's Metro Network: 3rd Largest — India's operational metro network has expanded to over 1,000 km, becoming the world's third-largest. This significant growth reflects a major push for modern and sustainable urban transport.

International

• Surya Midha: Youngest Billionaire — Surya Midha, a 22-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur, became one of the youngest self-made billionaires globally. He co-founded Mercor, an AI-powered hiring platform, which achieved a $10 billion valuation.
• West Asia Tensions Escalate — Geopolitical tensions in West Asia escalated with US strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, followed by Iranian drone attacks on UAE's Fujairah. These events caused global oil prices to surge and disrupted shipping.
• Iran War Impacts India's LNG — Attacks on South Pars gas field and Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City have compounded India's energy worries. India heavily relies on Qatari LNG, making these disruptions critical for its energy security.

Science & Tech

• HALEU Fuel 'Unsuitable' for PHWRs — A BARC study concluded that HALEU-Thorium fuel is 'unsuitable' for India's Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). This sparked debate among nuclear scientists regarding India's three-stage nuclear program.

Important Days

• Purple Fest at Rashtrapati Bhavan — Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted 'Purple Fest' on March 13, 2026, a day-long event by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It celebrated the talent and aspirations of Divyangjan (persons with disabilities).

Quick One-Liners — Memorise These

• Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted 'Purple Fest' on March 13, 2026.
• BARC study: HALEU-Thorium fuel 'unsuitable' for India's PHWRs.
• SC approved first passive euthanasia in Harish Rana case.
• UPSC revised DGP appointment rules, requiring SC approval for delays.
• Defence Forces Vision 2047 released by Rajnath Singh.
• SC strengthened Great Indian Bustard conservation safeguards.
• Odisha topped NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index 2026.
• Asia's largest tulip garden inaugurated in Srinagar.
• Union Government withdrew Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill, 2025.
• SC: Adoptive mothers get 12 weeks maternity leave, no child age limit.
• Maharashtra Assembly passed Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026.
• Gujarat received UCC draft report from Justice Ranjana Desai Committee.
• India's metro network became world's 3rd largest (1,095 km).
• Indian Navy launched second edition of IOS SAGAR.
• Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026 introduced in Lok Sabha.
• India-Vietnam ministerial meeting on tribal welfare held in Delhi.
• Agriculture Insurance Company of India launched Krishi Sakhi Initiative.
• Ministry of Commerce approved RELIEF Scheme (₹497 crore).

Key Full-Forms & Terms

• HALEU-Th: High Assay Low Enriched Uranium-Thorium
• PHWR: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor
• PVS: Permanent Vegetative State
• DGP: Director General of Police
• UPSC: Union Public Service Commission
• GIB: Great Indian Bustard
• GEC: Green Energy Corridor
• FHI: Fiscal Health Index
• IOS SAGAR: Indian Ocean Ship – Security and Growth for All in the Region
• IONS: Indian Ocean Naval Symposium
• AIC: Agriculture Insurance Company of India
• FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization
• RELIEF: Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation
• EPM: Export Promotion Mission
• ECGC: Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India

Compiled and rewritten by Rozgar Update for study reference. Facts are summarised from publicly available weekly current-affairs material; always verify from official sources.