Latest Current Affairs 18 March 2026-Daily GK with FAQs
1. RBI Wins ‘Initiative of the Year’ Award 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has received the ‘Initiative of the Year 2026’ award from Central Banking.
Key Highlights:
- Awarded for introducing the “.bank.in” secure domain
- India becomes the first country to mandate a dedicated banking domain
- Objective:
- Reduce cyber fraud & phishing
- Enhance customer trust
- Strengthen financial stability
- Implemented with:
- Government of India
- National Internet Exchange of India
- Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology
2. National Defence Industries Conclave (NDIC) 2026
The Ministry of Defence will organize NDIC 2026 in New Delhi (March 19–20, 2026).
Key Highlights:
- Organized by Defence Production Department
- Focus on:
- MSMEs & Startups
- Defence manufacturing ecosystem
- Technologies promoted:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- 3D Printing
- Digital Twins
- Includes global technology exhibition
3. K.V. Ramana Murthy Appointed SEBI Whole-Time Member
Kompella Venkata Ramana Murthy has been appointed as Whole-Time Member of Securities and Exchange Board of India.
Key Points:
- Appointment by ACC (Appointments Committee of Cabinet)
- Tenure: 3 years
- Total SEBI Board Members: 9
- Includes:
- Chairperson
- RBI representative
- Finance Ministry officials
4. Arpita Patra Climbs World’s Highest Volcano
Arpita Patra successfully climbed Ojos del Salado.
Key Facts:
- Height: 6,893 meters
- World’s highest active volcano
- Located in Andes Mountains
- Second highest peak in South America (after Aconcagua)
5. India Submits Nagoya Protocol Report
India submitted its first report on the Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Key Highlights:
- Covers: 2017–2025
- Prepared by:
- Ministry of Environment
- National Biodiversity Authority
- India issued:
- 60% of global IRCC certificates
- Focus:
- Access & Benefit Sharing (ABS)
- Genetic resource protection
6. India Relaxes FDI Norms (Chinese Stake)
Government of India has relaxed FDI rules.
Key Points:
- Up to 10% Chinese minority stake allowed
- No approval needed (non-controlling stake)
- Still approval required for:
- China-based companies
- Sectors covered:
- Electronics
- Solar manufacturing
- 60-day approval system introduced
7. New Plant Species Named After Zubeen Garg
A new plant discovered in Manas National Park.
Key Highlights:
- Named after Zubeen Garg
- Genus: Osbeckia
- Features:
- Purple-pink flowers
- Discovered by Gauhati University researchers
8. Exercise Sea Dragon 2026
The Indian Navy participated in Exercise Sea Dragon 2026.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Guam
- Focus: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Countries:
- USA
- Australia
- Japan
- New Zealand
- India deployed:
- P-8I aircraft
MCQ Practice
Q1. RBI received ‘Initiative of the Year’ award for:
A. Digital Banking
B. .bank.in Domain
C. UPI
D. CBDC
✅ Answer: B
Q2. NDIC 2026 will be held in:
A. Mumbai
B. Bengaluru
C. New Delhi
D. Hyderabad
✅ Answer: C
Q3. Nagoya Protocol deals with:
A. Climate Change
B. Biodiversity
C. Trade
D. Defence
✅ Answer: B
Q4. Exercise Sea Dragon is related to:
A. Air Combat
B. Naval Warfare
C. Cyber Security
D. Space
✅ Answer: B
FAQs
What are the most important current affairs for SSC 2026?
Focus on banking, defence, environment, international agreements, and government policies.
How to prepare current affairs for bank exams?
- Read daily news
- Revise weekly
- Practice MCQs
- Use monthly PDFs
Which topics are most important in current affairs?
- Banking & Economy
- Defence Exercises
- Appointments
- Awards
- Environment