In Current Affairs for 23 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 23 March 2026
1. No Smoking Day 2026
No Smoking Day is observed every year to encourage people to give up tobacco consumption and move toward a healthier lifestyle. In 2026, the day is being marked on March 11, promoting awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and motivating individuals to take the first step toward quitting tobacco.
The primary aim of this campaign is to inspire smokers to abandon tobacco use and adopt healthier habits. Health organizations use this day to highlight the severe medical risks linked to smoking, including heart disease, lung disorders, and cancer.
The observance of No Smoking Day began in the United Kingdom in 1984 as a public health initiative designed to reduce tobacco consumption. Over time, the campaign gained international recognition as governments and health agencies across the world started organizing similar awareness drives.
The theme for No Smoking Day 2026 is “A Smoke-Free Life Starts with a Smoke-Free Day.” The message emphasizes that even a single day without smoking can be the beginning of a permanent lifestyle change.
2. New Delhi Hosts World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026
World Para Athletics Grand Prix is being organized in New Delhi from March 11 to March 13, 2026. The event brings together para athletes from several countries, highlighting the growing importance of inclusive sports at the international level.
Athletes from nations such as India, Russia, Nepal, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Serbia, Bosnia, and Egypt are participating in the competition.
The first edition of the event in New Delhi was held in 2025, where India delivered an impressive performance. The host nation topped the medal table, demonstrating the strength of its para-athletics program.
Indian participants secured a total of 134 medals, including 45 gold, 40 silver, and 49 bronze medals. Around 150 athletes from India took part in the competition, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to developing para sports and supporting athletes with disabilities.
3. ICC Women’s ODI Rankings Update
The latest women’s cricket rankings released by the International Cricket Council have once again placed Smriti Mandhana at the No.1 position in the Women’s ODI batting rankings. Her consistent performances at the international level have strengthened her reputation as one of the finest batters in women’s cricket.
Mandhana has maintained her top position due to her ability to score consistently and stabilize the innings at the top of the batting order.
Meanwhile, Jemimah Rodrigues dropped to 12th place following India’s 0–3 defeat in the ODI series against the Australia women’s national cricket team.
Players from the New Zealand women’s national cricket team have made significant progress in the rankings after their strong performances against the Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team.
The New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr delivered a remarkable bowling performance during the series. She claimed four wickets in the first ODI and followed it with a seven-wicket haul in the second match in Dunedin, becoming only the seventh player in women’s ODI history to take seven or more wickets in a single match.
Other New Zealand players also improved their positions. Brooke Halliday moved up eight places to 11th position after scoring 157 runs from 117 balls in the first ODI against Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Maddy Green climbed four places to joint 22nd after contributing 67 runs in the first match and an unbeaten 27 in the second match.
Their performances helped New Zealand secure a 2–0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
4. Supreme Court Permits Withdrawal of Life Support in Harish Rana Case
The Supreme Court of India has permitted the withdrawal of life support in the case involving Harish Rana, marking an important development in the legal discussion surrounding end-of-life decisions.
The court directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi to admit Rana and ensure that all required medical facilities are available for carrying out the process in accordance with established guidelines.
Harish Rana had suffered severe brain injuries in 2013 after falling from the fourth floor of his paying guest accommodation while studying at Panjab University.
The case involves passive euthanasia, which refers to the withdrawal or withholding of medical treatment that artificially prolongs the life of a patient with no hope of recovery. Unlike active euthanasia, passive euthanasia does not involve directly causing death but rather discontinuing life-sustaining medical support.
5. Free Access to Prasar Bharati’s PB-SHABD Platform Extended
Prasar Bharati has announced that the PB-SHABD platform will remain free for media organizations until March 2027. The decision aims to promote wider use of authentic and verified news content across the media landscape.
The platform, known as Prasar Bharati Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination (PB-SHABD), functions as a centralized system for sharing news material. It provides ready-to-use stories covering various sectors from across the country.
More than 1500 reporters and correspondents contribute content to the platform, while 60 editorial desks operate around the clock to process and distribute news updates.
Another important feature of PB-SHABD is its Live Feed service, which allows media organizations to access real-time coverage of major national events and integrate them into their broadcasts.
Prasar Bharati serves as India’s public broadcasting organization. It was established under the Prasar Bharati Act of 1990 and became operational in 1997. The organization manages the country’s two major broadcasting networks — Doordarshan and All India Radio.
Review Questions
- Shaheed Diwas is observed on:
A. March 21
B. March 22
C. March 23
D. March 24
Answer: C
- Shaheed Diwas commemorates the sacrifice of:
A. Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Patel
B. Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev
C. Subhas Chandra Bose, Azad, Tilak
D. Lajpat Rai, Tilak, Gokhale
Answer: B
- The Simon Commission was opposed because:
A. It increased taxes
B. It had no Indian members
C. It supported British rule
D. It banned protests
Answer: B
- Who was killed to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death?
A. Lord Curzon
B. John Saunders
C. General Dyer
D. Warren Hastings
Answer: B
- World Meteorological Day is celebrated on:
A. March 20
B. March 21
C. March 22
D. March 23
Answer: D
- The theme of World Meteorological Day 2026 is:
A. Save Water
B. Climate Action Now
C. Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow
D. Weather for Future
Answer: C
- World Meteorological Day marks the स्थापना of:
A. United Nations
B. UNESCO
C. World Meteorological Organization
D. WHO
Answer: C
- ICC Women’s Player of the Month (Feb 2026) is:
A. Smriti Mandhana
B. Harmanpreet Kaur
C. Arundhati Reddy
D. Mithali Raj
Answer: C
- World Water Day 2026 theme is:
A. Water for Life
B. Save Rivers
C. Water and Gender
D. Clean Water Mission
Answer: C
- LeBron James broke the record of:
A. Most championships
B. Most goals scored
C. Most NBA games played
D. Most assists
Answer: C
