In Current Affairs for 17 March 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 17 March 2026
World Social Work Day 2026
World Social Work Day will be observed globally on 17 March 2026 to honour the vital contributions of social workers in society. This day highlights their efforts in building inclusive, supportive, and resilient communities.
The theme for 2026, “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society,” emphasizes collective action and unity. It reflects the importance of collaboration in addressing social challenges and fostering peace.
Social work as a profession is grounded in the principles of justice, equality, and active community engagement. Social workers play a crucial role in protecting human dignity and promoting social well-being across diverse populations.
Oscars 2026 Highlights
The 98th Academy Awards, held in Los Angeles, celebrated outstanding achievements in cinema.
- Actress Jessie Buckley received the Best Actress award for her powerful role in Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao.
- Michael B. Jordan won the Best Actor award for his performance in Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler.
- The film One Battle After Another secured the Best Picture award, marking a major achievement for its producers Adam Somner, Sara Murphy, and Paul Thomas Anderson.
The ceremony showcased excellence in storytelling and performances across global cinema.
Sahitya Akademi Award 2025
The Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 were officially announced on 16 March 2026. These awards recognize exceptional literary contributions across 24 Indian languages.
This year’s awards covered a wide range of literary forms, including poetry, novels, short stories, essays, memoirs, autobiography, and literary criticism.
Each awardee will receive:
- ₹1,00,000 cash prize
- A traditional shawl
- An engraved copper plaque
Established in 1954, the Sahitya Akademi serves as India’s National Academy of Letters and promotes literary excellence, translation, and cultural exchange.
Arun Mammen Re-elected as ATMA Chairman
The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) has re-elected Arun Mammen as its Chairman. He is also the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Ltd.
Founded in 1975, ATMA represents India’s tyre manufacturing industry. It plays a key role in shaping policies, encouraging innovation, and coordinating efforts within the sector.
World Bank–India Clean Air Initiative
The World Bank, in partnership with the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, has launched the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program.
With an investment of $299.66 million, the initiative aims to tackle air pollution through a multi-sectoral approach. The program focuses on reducing emissions from transport, agriculture, and industrial activities—major contributors to pollution in the state.
Additionally, the project is expected to attract around $150 million in private investment, supporting initiatives such as electric mobility and advanced emission monitoring systems.
Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden Opens in Srinagar
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, recognized as Asia’s largest tulip garden, was opened to visitors on 16 March 2026 by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range with a scenic view of Dal Lake, the garden marks the beginning of Kashmir’s spring tourism season.
Spread over 74 acres, the garden features more than 1.8 million tulips arranged in beautiful terraced patterns, attracting tourists from across India and abroad.
Fiscal Health Index 2026
According to the Fiscal Health Index 2026 released by NITI Aayog, Odisha has once again emerged as the top-performing state in terms of fiscal management for FY 2023–24.
The index evaluates states based on revenue generation, expenditure quality, and debt sustainability. With states accounting for a significant share of India’s public debt, maintaining fiscal discipline remains crucial.
Top 10 States in Fiscal Health Index 2026:
| Rank | State | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Odisha | 73.1 |
| 2 | Goa | 54.7 |
| 3 | Jharkhand | 50.5 |
| 4 | Gujarat | 49.9 |
| 5 | Maharashtra | 45.0 |
| 6 | Chhattisgarh | 44.3 |
| 7 | Telangana | 44.3 |
| 8 | Uttar Pradesh | 41.9 |
| 9 | Karnataka | 41.7 |
| 10 | Madhya Pradesh | 37.8 |
Odisha’s consistent performance reflects strong fiscal discipline and efficient resource management.
Review Questions
1. World Social Work Day 2026 is observed on which date?
A. 15 March 2026
B. 16 March 2026
C. 17 March 2026
D. 18 March 2026
Answer: C. 17 March 2026
2. What is the theme of World Social Work Day 2026?
A. Building a Sustainable Future
B. Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society
C. Social Justice for All
D. Equality and Development
Answer: B. Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society
3. Who won the Best Actress award at the Oscars 2026?
A. Emma Stone
B. Jessica Chastain
C. Jessie Buckley
D. Margot Robbie
Answer: C. Jessie Buckley
4. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for which film?
A. Creed IV
B. Sinners
C. Black Panther 3
D. Redemption
Answer: B. Sinners
5. Which film won the Best Picture award at the Oscars 2026?
A. Hamnet
B. Sinners
C. One Battle After Another
D. The Final War
Answer: C. One Battle After Another
6. The Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 were announced on:
A. 15 March 2026
B. 16 March 2026
C. 17 March 2026
D. 18 March 2026
Answer: B. 16 March 2026
7. What is the cash prize given under the Sahitya Akademi Award?
A. ₹50,000
B. ₹75,000
C. ₹1,00,000
D. ₹2,00,000
Answer: C. ₹1,00,000
8. Arun Mammen is associated with which organization?
A. FICCI
B. NITI Aayog
C. ATMA
D. SEBI
Answer: C. ATMA
9. The Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program is supported by which organization?
A. IMF
B. World Bank
C. United Nations
D. Asian Development Bank
Answer: B. World Bank
10. Which state topped the Fiscal Health Index 2026?
A. Gujarat
B. Maharashtra
C. Odisha
D. Goa
Answer: C. Odisha
