Studybox Doon

Daily Current Affairs 16 March 2026

1) Unique Identification Authority of India launches Bug Bounty Programme

What happened: UIDAI launched its first Bug Bounty Programme to strengthen the security of the Aadhaar ecosystem.

Why important: The initiative invites ethical hackers and cybersecurity experts to identify vulnerabilities in Aadhaar systems.

Exam Tip:
UIDAI works under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.


2) Zoological Survey of India discovers new moth species

What happened: Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India discovered two new species of lichen moths in the Eastern Himalayas.

Why important: The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the Himalayan ecosystem.

Exam Tip:
ZSI Headquarters – Kolkata.


3) World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan expanding in India

What happened: The Government of India is expanding the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector to improve rural storage infrastructure.

Why important: The scheme aims to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen food security.

Exam Tip:
The plan is implemented through the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) network.


4) India Meteorological Department issues heatwave warning for Mumbai

What happened: IMD issued a heatwave alert for Mumbai and surrounding regions for 13–14 March 2026.

Why important: Heatwave warnings help authorities take precautionary measures to protect public health.

Exam Tip:
IMD functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.


5) Times of India Sports Awards to be held in Lucknow

What happened: The 8th edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) will be held in Lucknow on 21 March 2026.

Why important: The awards recognize top Indian athletes for performances in 2025.

Exam Tip:
The awards include over 45 categories honoring sporting excellence.


6) Mamata Banerjee announces DA arrears for employees

What happened: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced that the state will release pending Dearness Allowance arrears from March 2026.

Why important: The move will benefit state government employees and pensioners.

Exam Tip:
Dearness Allowance (DA) helps offset inflation for government employees.


7) JK Paper AutHer Awards shortlist announced

What happened: The shortlist for the JK Paper AutHer Awards 2026 was announced, recognizing outstanding women authors in India.

Why important: The award celebrates excellence in fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature, and debut writing.

Exam Tip:
Around 3,000 entries were received for the awards.


8) Global energy tensions affecting Indian economy

What happened: Rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia have pushed global crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, impacting the Indian rupee and financial markets.

Why important: Higher oil prices can increase inflation and import costs for India.

Exam Tip:
India imports over 80% of its crude oil requirements.


9) India seeks safe passage for ships near Strait of Hormuz

What happened: India requested safe passage for 22 Indian vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz due to regional conflict.

Why important: The strait is a key global oil transit route carrying about 20% of the world’s oil supply.

Exam Tip:
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman.


10) Domestic LPG cylinder prices increased in India

What happened: The price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder in New Delhi increased to ₹913, reflecting global energy price pressures.

Why important: LPG price changes directly affect household expenses and inflation levels.

Exam Tip:
Domestic LPG cylinders in India usually weigh 14.2 kg.