In Current Affairs for 12 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 12 March 2026
World Kidney Day 2026
World Kidney Day 2026 was observed on March 12, 2026, with the aim of raising awareness about the growing global burden of kidney diseases, particularly Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The day highlights the importance of early diagnosis, prevention, and access to treatment for kidney-related illnesses.
The theme for 2026 is “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet.” This theme emphasizes improving kidney care for everyone while also promoting environmental sustainability in healthcare systems.
Chronic Kidney Disease has become a major public health concern worldwide. According to global health estimates, nearly one in ten people suffer from some form of kidney disease. CKD develops gradually when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood effectively.
Major Risk Factors for CKD
Some of the common causes and contributing factors include:
- Diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar levels
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Family history of kidney disease
- Obesity and unhealthy lifestyle habits
- Repeated infections affecting kidney function
- Excessive consumption of painkillers and certain medications
- Poor hydration and metabolic disorders
Raising awareness about these factors can help in preventing kidney diseases and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
Iran Withdraws from FIFA World Cup 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 has witnessed a major development as Iran officially announced its withdrawal from the tournament, sparking discussions across the global football community.
The announcement was made by Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who stated that the decision is linked to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving United States, Israel, and Iran. The conflict has created serious security concerns and a tense political environment.
Earlier, Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, had expressed hope that the Iranian team would participate in the tournament. He also reportedly discussed tournament preparations with Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
Iran’s withdrawal is expected to have implications for the tournament structure and international sporting relations.
IEA Announces Record Emergency Oil Release
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has announced the largest emergency oil release in its history, making 400 million barrels of crude oil available from global strategic reserves.
This decision is part of a coordinated response by member nations to stabilize global energy markets and ensure uninterrupted supply during periods of geopolitical instability.
The released oil will come from strategic petroleum reserves maintained by participating countries. According to official data, IEA member states collectively maintain over 1.2 billion barrels of public emergency oil reserves, while an additional 600 million barrels are stored by private industries under government regulations.
The IEA is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Paris, France. It was established in 1974 following the global oil crisis with the objective of ensuring energy security, economic stability, and sustainable energy policies among member countries.
India Becomes Largest Exporter of Cotton Products to the US
India has surpassed China to become the largest exporter of cotton products to the United States in 2025, according to data released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Cotton products include garments, apparel, and home textiles, which are a major part of the global textile industry. In 2025, the United States imported around 0.6 million tonnes of cotton products from India, while imports from China stood at approximately 0.5 million tonnes.
Overall, the US imported nearly 3.3 million tonnes of cotton products during the year, which remains close to the 15-year average import level. Despite stable total imports, India managed to expand its market share and emerge as the leading supplier to the US market.
India Women’s Hockey Team Qualifies for 2026 World Cup
The India women’s national field hockey team has successfully qualified for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026.
India secured qualification during the World Cup Qualifiers held in Hyderabad after a convincing 4–1 victory against Wales in a Pool B match.
The match featured an outstanding performance by Navneet Kaur, who scored a hat-trick, while Sakshi Rana opened the scoring early in the game at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Stadium.
Tournament Pools
Pool A
- England
- South Korea
- Italy
- Austria
Pool B
- India
- Scotland
- Uruguay
- Wales
India’s strong performance has raised hopes for a successful campaign in the upcoming World Cup.
World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026
At the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 held in New Delhi, Indian para-athlete Shailesh Kumar won the gold medal in the men’s high jump T63 category.
The reigning world champion cleared a height of 1.84 metres to secure the top position. After the event, Shailesh revealed that he had been managing pain in his left knee since his victory at the previous world championships, which affected his training schedule.
The event saw participation from more than 200 Indian athletes, making it one of the largest para-athletics competitions held in the country this year. It also served as an important opportunity for athletes seeking official classification in para-sports categories.
The tournament also witnessed international participation, including 26 athletes from Russia.
Amol Palekar to Receive META Lifetime Achievement Award 2026
Veteran actor and filmmaker Amol Palekar will receive the META Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 at the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META).
The honor will be presented during the 21st edition of META, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from March 19 to March 25, 2026.
Apart from theatre, Amol Palekar is widely recognized for his significant contributions to Hindi cinema during the 1970s. He gained popularity for portraying realistic middle-class characters, offering a refreshing alternative to the larger-than-life heroes commonly seen in films during that period.
Review Questions
1. World Kidney Day 2026 was observed on which date?
A. March 10
B. March 11
C. March 12
D. March 15
Answer: C. March 12
Explanation: World Kidney Day 2026 was observed on 12 March 2026 to raise awareness about kidney health and the prevention of kidney diseases worldwide.
2. What was the theme of World Kidney Day 2026?
A. Kidney Care for Future
B. Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet
C. Save Kidneys Save Life
D. Healthy Kidney Healthy World
Answer: B. Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet
Explanation: The 2026 theme emphasized universal access to kidney care and environmental responsibility in healthcare systems.
3. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects approximately what proportion of the global population?
A. 1 in 5 people
B. 1 in 8 people
C. 1 in 10 people
D. 1 in 20 people
Answer: C. 1 in 10 people
Explanation: CKD is a major global health challenge affecting around 10% of the world’s population.
4. Which country announced its withdrawal from the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A. Russia
B. Iran
C. Qatar
D. Turkey
Answer: B. Iran
Explanation: Iran officially announced its withdrawal due to geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel.
5. Who is the President of FIFA who commented on Iran’s participation in the World Cup?
A. Aleksander Čeferin
B. Gianni Infantino
C. Thomas Bach
D. Sheikh Salman
Answer: B. Gianni Infantino
Explanation: Gianni Infantino is the President of FIFA and had earlier expressed hope that Iran would participate in the tournament.
6. The International Energy Agency (IEA) announced the release of how many barrels of oil from strategic reserves?
A. 100 million barrels
B. 250 million barrels
C. 400 million barrels
D. 600 million barrels
Answer: C. 400 million barrels
Explanation: The IEA announced the largest emergency oil release in its history, totaling 400 million barrels.
7. The headquarters of the International Energy Agency (IEA) is located in which city?
A. London
B. Washington D.C.
C. Vienna
D. Paris
Answer: D. Paris
Explanation: The IEA headquarters is located in Paris, France.
8. According to the USDA, which country became the largest exporter of cotton products to the United States in 2025?
A. China
B. India
C. Bangladesh
D. Vietnam
Answer: B. India
Explanation: India overtook China to become the largest exporter of cotton products to the US market.
9. Which Indian para-athlete won the gold medal in the men’s high jump T63 category at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026?
A. Devendra Jhajharia
B. Mariyappan Thangavelu
C. Shailesh Kumar
D. Praveen Kumar
Answer: C. Shailesh Kumar
Explanation: Shailesh Kumar won the gold medal with a jump of 1.84 metres at the event held in New Delhi.
10. Veteran actor Amol Palekar will receive the META Lifetime Achievement Award at which event?
A. National Film Awards
B. International Film Festival of India
C. Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards
D. Filmfare Awards
Answer: C. Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards
Explanation: Amol Palekar will be honored at the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) 2026 for his lifetime contribution to theatre and cinema.
