19 March 2026 Current Affairs – Daily GK and Mock Test

19 March – Important History Events (Exam Oriented Notes)

• 1958 – The European Economic Community (EEC), a precursor to the European Union, held its first meeting.
• 1962 – Bob Dylan released his debut album titled Bob Dylan.
• 2003 – The United States launched the Iraq War with the invasion of Iraq.

Today Latest Post Current Affairs

19 March 2026 Current Affairs – Daily GK and Mock Test

Indian Navy Launches IOS SAGAR Initiative 2026 for Maritime Cooperation

Q1. The IOS SAGAR initiative is associated with which organization?
(a) Indian Coast Guard
(b) Indian Navy
(c) Ministry of External Affairs
(d) DRDO
Answer: Indian Navy
Explanation: IOS SAGAR is an initiative of the Indian Navy aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and joint training among countries in the Indian Ocean Region.

Q2. What does the acronym “SAGAR” stand for in India’s maritime policy?
(a) Strategic Alliance for Global Action and Response
(b) Security and Growth for All in the Region
(c) Sustainable Action for Global and Regional Development
(d) Security and Governance for Asian Region
Answer: Security and Growth for All in the Region
Explanation: SAGAR is India’s key maritime vision focusing on inclusive security and economic growth in the Indian Ocean Region.

Q3. India assumed the chairmanship of which organization in 2026, linked to this initiative?
(a) BIMSTEC
(b) ASEAN
(c) Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
(d) SAARC
Answer: Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
Explanation: India took over the chairmanship of IONS in 2026, strengthening its leadership role in regional maritime cooperation.

Q4. The IOS SAGAR initiative begins with training sessions at which location?
(a) Mumbai
(b) Visakhapatnam
(c) Kochi
(d) Chennai
Answer: Kochi
Explanation: The programme starts with structured training at Indian Navy establishments in Kochi, where participants learn seamanship and operational procedures.

Q5. How many countries are participating in the IOS SAGAR initiative 2026?
(a) 10
(b) 12
(c) 14
(d) 16
Answer: 16
Explanation: A total of 16 member nations are participating in the IOS SAGAR initiative, reflecting growing regional cooperation in maritime security.

Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 – Global Power Sector Conference in New Delhi

Q1. The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 is being held at which location?
(a) Pragati Maidan
(b) Vigyan Bhawan
(c) Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
(d) Bharat Mandapam
Answer: Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
Explanation: The summit is आयोजित at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, a major international convention and exhibition centre.

Q2. What is the theme of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026?
(a) Powering India’s Future
(b) Energy for Sustainable Growth
(c) Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally.
(d) Clean Energy for All
Answer: Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally.
Explanation: This theme highlights the focus on growth, sustainability and global collaboration in the electricity sector.

Q3. Participation in the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 includes representatives from how many countries?
(a) 50+ countries
(b) 60+ countries
(c) 70+ countries
(d) 80+ countries
Answer: 80+ countries
Explanation: The summit is witnessing participation from more than 80 countries, making it a major global platform for energy discussions.

Q4. The estimated investment opportunity in India’s electricity sector by 2032 is around:
(a) ₹10 lakh crore
(b) ₹20 lakh crore
(c) ₹30 lakh crore
(d) ₹50 lakh crore
Answer: ₹50 lakh crore
Explanation: The summit highlights investment opportunities of over ₹50 lakh crore in the electricity sector by 2032.

Q5. Which of the following is NOT a key focus area of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026?
(a) Renewable energy integration
(b) Smart grid technologies
(c) Space exploration
(d) Energy storage
Answer: Space exploration
Explanation: The summit focuses on electricity and energy-related sectors like renewable energy, smart grids and storage, not on space exploration.

William Dalrymple Wins Mark Lynton History Prize 2026

Q1. Who has been awarded the Mark Lynton History Prize 2026?
(a) Ramachandra Guha
(b) William Dalrymple
(c) Irfan Habib
(d) Romila Thapar
Answer: William Dalrymple
Explanation: Historian William Dalrymple received the Mark Lynton History Prize 2026 for his outstanding contribution to historical writing.

Q2. William Dalrymple won the 2026 prize for which book?
(a) The Anarchy
(b) White Mughals
(c) The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World
(d) The Last Mughal
Answer: The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World
Explanation: The award-winning book highlights India’s major role in shaping ancient global civilisation through culture, trade and ideas.

Q3. The Mark Lynton History Prize is awarded for excellence in which field?
(a) Scientific research
(b) Fiction writing
(c) Historical writing
(d) Journalism
Answer: Historical writing
Explanation: The prize recognises a history book that combines scholarly research with clear and engaging writing.

Q4. The Mark Lynton History Prize is part of which book prize project?
(a) Booker Prize
(b) Pulitzer Prize
(c) J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize Project
(d) Sahitya Akademi Award
Answer: J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize Project
Explanation: The Mark Lynton Prize is a part of the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize Project, which honours excellence in non-fiction writing.

Q5. Which of the following institutions jointly administers the Mark Lynton History Prize?
(a) UNESCO and World Bank
(b) Oxford University and Cambridge University
(c) Nieman Foundation and Columbia University School of Journalism
(d) Harvard University and MIT
Answer: Nieman Foundation and Columbia University School of Journalism
Explanation: The prize is jointly administered by the Nieman Foundation for Journalism and the Columbia University School of Journalism.

India Post Launches “24 Speed Post” for Next-Day Delivery Service

Q1. The “24 Speed Post” service has been launched by which organization?
(a) Indian Railways
(b) India Post (Department of Posts)
(c) Ministry of Road Transport
(d) NITI Aayog
Answer: India Post (Department of Posts)
Explanation: The service is introduced by the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications to improve logistics and delivery efficiency.

Q2. What does the term “D+1” signify in the 24 Speed Post service?
(a) Delivery within two days
(b) Delivery on the same day
(c) Delivery on the next day after booking
(d) Delivery within one week
Answer: Delivery on the next day after booking
Explanation: In D+1, ‘D’ refers to the booking date, and the parcel is guaranteed to be delivered on the following day.

Q3. What is the maximum weight limit allowed under the 24 Speed Post service?
(a) 2 kg
(b) 5 kg
(c) 10 kg
(d) 20 kg
Answer: 5 kg
Explanation: The service is designed for lightweight and urgent deliveries, with a maximum parcel weight limit of 5 kilograms.

Q4. Which of the following is a key feature of the 24 Speed Post service?
(a) Cash on delivery only
(b) Drone delivery system
(c) OTP-based delivery verification
(d) International shipping only
Answer: OTP-based delivery verification
Explanation: The service includes OTP-based verification to ensure secure and reliable delivery to the recipient.

Q5. What compensation is provided if the delivery timeline is not met?
(a) Half postage refund
(b) No compensation
(c) Full postage refund
(d) Extra delivery charge
Answer: Full postage refund
Explanation: If the parcel is not delivered within the promised time, customers are eligible for a full postage refund, ensuring accountability and trust.

India–Indonesia Collaboration to Restore Prambanan Temple

Q1. India has partnered with which country to restore the Prambanan Temple complex?
(a) Thailand
(b) Malaysia
(c) Indonesia
(d) Vietnam
Answer: Indonesia
Explanation: India and Indonesia have jointly announced a restoration initiative for the historic Prambanan Temple, strengthening cultural diplomacy.

Q2. Prambanan Temple is located in which region of Indonesia?
(a) Bali
(b) Sumatra
(c) Yogyakarta (Java)
(d) Borneo
Answer: Yogyakarta (Java)
Explanation: The temple complex is situated in Sleman near Yogyakarta in southern Java, a key cultural region of Indonesia.

Q3. Prambanan Temple is dedicated to which Hindu concept?
(a) Dashavatara
(b) Trimurti
(c) Panchabhuta
(d) Navagraha
Answer: Trimurti
Explanation: The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti—Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, representing creation, preservation and destruction.

Q4. Prambanan Temple was built during which century?
(a) 7th century
(b) 8th century
(c) 9th century
(d) 10th century
Answer: 9th century
Explanation: The temple complex was constructed in the 9th century by the Sanjaya dynasty in Java.

Q5. Prambanan Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in which year?
(a) 1985
(b) 1991
(c) 2000
(d) 2005
Answer: 1991
Explanation: UNESCO recognised Prambanan as a World Heritage Site in 1991 due to its cultural and architectural significance.

Bhumika Shrestha Becomes Nepal’s First Transgender Woman MP

Q1. Who has become Nepal’s first transgender woman Member of Parliament?
(a) Sunil Babu Pant
(b) Bhumika Shrestha
(c) Anjali Lama
(d) Manisha Koirala
Answer: Bhumika Shrestha
Explanation: Bhumika Shrestha, an LGBTQ rights activist, has made history by becoming Nepal’s first transgender woman MP.

Q2. Bhumika Shrestha was elected to Parliament under which political party?
(a) Nepali Congress
(b) Communist Party of Nepal
(c) Rastriya Swatantra Party
(d) Madhesi Jana Adhikar Forum
Answer: Rastriya Swatantra Party
Explanation: She was elected as a proportional representation Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party.

Q3. Nepal officially recognised the third gender identity in citizenship documents in which year?
(a) 2005
(b) 2007
(c) 2010
(d) 2013
Answer: 2013
Explanation: Nepal recognised the third gender in official citizenship documents in 2013, making it a progressive step in LGBTQ rights.

Q4. Discrimination based on sexual orientation was banned in Nepal in which year?
(a) 2005
(b) 2007
(c) 2012
(d) 2015
Answer: 2007
Explanation: Nepal banned discrimination based on sexual orientation in 2007, strengthening legal protection for LGBTQ individuals.

Q5. Which organisation is known for advocating LGBTQ rights in Nepal?
(a) Amnesty International
(b) Blue Diamond Society
(c) Human Rights Watch
(d) Red Cross Society
Answer: Blue Diamond Society
Explanation: The Blue Diamond Society is a key organisation working for LGBTQ rights and awareness in Nepal.

Jan Vishwas Bill 2025 Withdrawn from Lok Sabha for Revision

Q1. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 primarily aims to do what?
(a) Increase criminal penalties
(b) Decriminalise minor offences
(c) Introduce new taxes
(d) Strengthen defence laws
Answer: Decriminalise minor offences
Explanation: The bill focuses on replacing imprisonment for minor offences with monetary penalties to reduce legal burden and promote ease of doing business.

Q2. From which House of Parliament was the Jan Vishwas Bill 2025 withdrawn?
(a) Rajya Sabha
(b) Lok Sabha
(c) State Legislative Assembly
(d) Joint Session
Answer: Lok Sabha
Explanation: The bill was withdrawn from the Lok Sabha to incorporate recommendations suggested by a Select Committee.

Q3. Who moved the motion to withdraw the Jan Vishwas Bill 2025?
(a) Narendra Modi
(b) Amit Shah
(c) Piyush Goyal
(d) Nirmala Sitharaman
Answer: Piyush Goyal
Explanation: Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal moved the motion for withdrawal of the bill in the Lok Sabha.

Q4. Which parliamentary body examined the Jan Vishwas Bill and suggested changes?
(a) Public Accounts Committee
(b) Standing Committee
(c) Select Committee
(d) Finance Commission
Answer: Select Committee
Explanation: The bill was reviewed by a Select Committee, which recommended modifications to improve its provisions.

Q5. In the Indian legislative process, a bill can be withdrawn only with whose approval?
(a) President of India
(b) Supreme Court
(c) Prime Minister
(d) The House of Parliament
Answer: The House of Parliament
Explanation: A bill can be withdrawn only with the permission of the concerned House, following proper parliamentary procedure.

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