Latest Current Affairs 17 March 2026-Daily GK with FAQs
1. Oscars 2026 – 98th Academy Awards Announced
The Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) winners were announced at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Key Highlights
- Film One Battle After Another won 6 Oscars including Best Picture.
- Film Sinners received 16 nominations, the highest this year.
- Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor.
- Ceremony hosted by Conan O'Brien.
- Total 24 categories of awards were presented.
India's Representation
- Priyanka Chopra appeared as a presenter.
- India's official entry Homebound did not reach the final five nominees.
2. HSV Outbreak in Jalpaiguri Prison
Seven inmates died due to an outbreak of Herpes Simplex Virus at Jalpaiguri Central Correctional Home between August 2025 and March 2026.
Key Points
- HSV causes infections in the mouth or genitals.
- Severe infections may cause Encephalitis.
- Overcrowded prisons increase infection risk.
Important Fact
Prison statistics in India are published by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
3. Mamta Kalia Wins Sahitya Akademi Award 2025
Renowned Hindi author Mamta Kalia has been selected for the Sahitya Akademi Award for 2025.
Award Details
- Awarded for her novel Haath Ki Lakeerein.
- She previously won the Vyas Samman (2017).
Other Awards
Diplomat Navtej Sarna will receive the award for his English novel Crimson Spring.
Important Fact
The award is given across 24 Indian languages recognized by the Akademi.
4. BIMSTEC Youth Professional Exchange Programme
India hosted the BIMSTEC Youth Professional Exchange Programme in Maharashtra from 9–15 March 2026.
The event was organized by the Ministry of External Affairs.
About BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC
- Established: 6 June 1997
- Headquarters: Dhaka
- Members: 7 countries
Member Countries
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- India
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
Future Event
India will host the first BIMSTEC Games in 2027.
5. ISRO Tests CE20 Cryogenic Engine
The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully conducted a sea-level hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine on 15 March 2026.
Test Location
ISRO Propulsion Complex
Key Importance
- CE20 powers the LVM3 rocket.
- Important for India's Gaganyaan Mission.
Significance
- India's most powerful cryogenic engine
- Fully indigenously developed technology
6. Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project in Assam.
Key Details
- Capacity: 120 MW
- River: Kopili River
- Developed with assistance from the Asian Development Bank
Benefits
- Clean energy generation
- Local employment opportunities
- Boost to tourism
Project developed by Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited.
7. India Tops World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026
India topped the medal tally at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Medal Tally
Country | Medals |
|---|---|
India | 208 |
Russia | 35 |
Bosnia & Herzegovina | 3rd place |
India's Medal Count
- Gold: 75
- Silver: 69
- Bronze: 64
The event took place 11–13 March 2026.
Practice Quiz
Question 1
Where were the 98th Academy Awards held?
A Dolby Theatre
B Madison Square Garden
C Wembley Stadium
D Opera House
Answer: A
Question 2
Who won Best Actor at Oscars 2026?
Answer: Michael B. Jordan
Question 3
Which organization tested the CE20 cryogenic engine?
Answer: ISRO
Question 4
Where is the headquarters of BIMSTEC?
Answer: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Question 5
How many medals did India win at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026?
Answer: 208
FAQs
What are the most important current affairs of March 2026?
Major events include:
- Oscars 2026 winners
- Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025
- CE20 cryogenic engine test by ISRO
- BIMSTEC youth programme
- World Para Athletics Grand Prix results.
Why are current affairs important for government exams?
Current affairs are crucial for exams like SSC, UPSC, Banking, Defence, and Railways because many questions come from recent national and international events.
How to prepare current affairs effectively?
- Read daily current affairs
- Practice quizzes
- Revise weekly and monthly compilations
- Follow government reports and international news.