Latest Current Affairs 16 March 2026-Daily GK with FAQs
1. R. Vairamuthu Selected for 60th Jnanpith Award 2025
Renowned Tamil poet, lyricist, and author R. Vairamuthu has been selected for the 60th Jnanpith Award for the year 2025.
The announcement was made in March 2026 by the Bharatiya Jnanpith selection committee.
Key Highlights
- Vairamuthu is the third Tamil writer to receive the Jnanpith Award.
- Earlier Tamil recipients include
- Akilan (1975)
- Jayakanthan (2002)
- He has written 7,500+ songs and poems.
- Known for his contribution to Tamil literature and cinema.
Awards Received by Vairamuthu
- 7 National Film Awards
- Padma Shri
- Padma Bhushan
- Sahitya Akademi Award (2003)
He received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel Kallikkaattu Ithikasam.
2. Election Commission Announces Poll Schedule for 5 States
The Election Commission of India announced the election schedule for several states and union territories.
Election Dates
State/UT | Poll Date |
|---|---|
Assam | April 9 |
Kerala | April 9 |
Puducherry | April 9 |
Tamil Nadu | April 23 |
West Bengal | April 23 & April 29 |
Result Date: May 4
Important Facts
- Total voters: 17.4 crore
- Total seats: 824
- Established: 25 January 1950
- 25 January is celebrated as National Voters' Day
Structure of the Election Commission
The Commission consists of:
- Chief Election Commissioner
- Two Election Commissioners
They are appointed by the President of India.
Tenure: 6 years or until age 65 (whichever is earlier).
3. Food & Hospitality Fair 2026 Held at Bharat Mandapam
A major Food & Hospitality Fair 2026 was held from March 10–14, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.
The event was jointly organized by:
- Ministry of Food Processing Industries
- India Trade Promotion Organisation
Key Features
- One of South Asia's largest B2B food platforms
- Participation from hotels, restaurants, and distributors
- Global brands participated
Major Brands
- Nescafe
- Haldiram's
- Go Cheese
- MTR Foods
Objective
- Promote food industry partnerships
- Provide opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs
- Promote Indian products globally
4. BCCI Naman Awards 2026
At the BCCI Naman Awards held in New Delhi:
- Shubman Gill
- Smriti Mandhana
were awarded Best International Cricketers for the 2024-25 season.
Key Highlights
- Gill won the award for the second time.
- He scored 754 runs in the 2025 Test series vs England.
- Mandhana won Best Women's International Cricketer for the fifth time.
Five Indian teams winning major trophies (including 2026 T20 World Cup teams) were also honored.
5. International Day of Mathematics (Pi Day)
March 14 is celebrated globally as the International Day of Mathematics, also known as Pi Day.
Why March 14?
The value of Pi is approximately 3.14, representing March 14 (3/14).
Important Facts
- Declared by UNESCO in 2019
- Promotes awareness of mathematics in daily life
Historical Significance
March 14 is also:
- Birthday of Albert Einstein
- Death anniversary of Stephen Hawking
Practice Quiz
1. Who won the 60th Jnanpith Award for 2025?
A) Jayakanthan
B) Akilan
C) R. Vairamuthu
D) Kalki
Answer: C
2. When was the Election Commission of India established?
A) 1947
B) 1950
C) 1952
D) 1962
Answer: B
3. Food & Hospitality Fair 2026 was held at
A) Pragati Maidan
B) Bharat Mandapam
C) Vigyan Bhavan
D) India Gate
Answer: B
4. Who won the Best Women's International Cricketer award at BCCI Naman Awards 2026?
Answer: Smriti Mandhana
5. International Day of Mathematics is celebrated on
Answer: March 14
FAQs
What is the Jnanpith Award?
The Jnanpith Award is India's highest literary award given annually to authors for outstanding contributions to literature.
Who received the Jnanpith Award in 2025?
Tamil poet R. Vairamuthu received the 60th Jnanpith Award for 2025.
What is Pi Day?
Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 to honor the mathematical constant π (Pi).
When was the Election Commission of India formed?
The Election Commission was formed on 25 January 1950.