22-23 March 2026 Current Affairs: Shaheed Diwas, World Water Day & More
22-23 March 2026 Current Affairs: Shaheed Diwas, World Water Day, NDC, PRARAMBH 2026, GTI 2026 — key updates for UPSC, SSC & State PSC exams.
22–23 March 2026 Current Affairs | Daily GK Update for UPSC, SSC & State PSC
यहाँ 22 और 23 मार्च 2026 के सबसे महत्वपूर्ण करेंट अफेयर्स दिए गए हैं जो UPSC, SSC, Railway और State PCS परीक्षाओं के लिए उपयोगी हैं।
1. Shaheed Diwas – Martyrs' Day (23 March)
English
23 March is observed as Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs' Day) across India to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of three legendary freedom fighters — Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev — who were hanged by the British colonial government on this day in 1931. Tributes were paid across the country by dignitaries, students, and citizens. The three revolutionaries were associated with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and became icons of fearless resistance against colonial rule.
हिंदी
23 मार्च को पूरे भारत में शहीद दिवस (Martyrs' Day) के रूप में मनाया जाता है। इस दिन 1931 में भगत सिंह, राजगुरु और सुखदेव को ब्रिटिश सरकार ने फाँसी दी थी। ये तीनों वीर क्रांतिकारी हिंदुस्तान सोशलिस्ट रिपब्लिकन एसोसिएशन (HSRA) से जुड़े थे और भारतीय स्वतंत्रता संग्राम के प्रतीक बने।
2. World Water Day – 22 March
English
World Water Day is observed every year on 22 March. The theme for 2026 is 'Water and Circular Economy'. On this occasion, the World Bank released a major report proposing a "Water-Food Nexus Framework" to address global food and water security challenges. Key findings include: current agricultural systems can sustainably feed only about 3.4 billion people — less than half the world's current population. The report warns that incremental improvements will not be enough, and calls for systemic transformation of agricultural water management to feed nearly 10 billion people by 2050. India has been classified as a water-stressed food exporter, with over-extraction of groundwater especially in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh.
हिंदी
हर साल 22 मार्च को विश्व जल दिवस मनाया जाता है। 2026 की थीम 'Water and Circular Economy' है। विश्व बैंक ने इस अवसर पर एक रिपोर्ट जारी की जिसमें Water-Food Nexus Framework का प्रस्ताव किया गया है। रिपोर्ट के अनुसार वर्तमान कृषि प्रणाली केवल 3.4 अरब लोगों को टिकाऊ रूप से खाना दे सकती है। भारत को जल-तनाव ग्रस्त खाद्य निर्यातक देश के रूप में वर्गीकृत किया गया है।
3. World Meteorological Day – 23 March
English
World Meteorological Day is observed annually on 23 March by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. This day commemorates the establishment of WMO on 23 March 1950. It highlights the importance of weather forecasting, climate science, and early warning systems in protecting lives and supporting economic development.
हिंदी
विश्व मौसम विज्ञान दिवस हर साल 23 मार्च को विश्व मौसम विज्ञान संगठन (WMO) द्वारा मनाया जाता है। 23 मार्च 1950 को WMO की स्थापना हुई थी। यह दिन मौसम पूर्वानुमान, जलवायु विज्ञान और प्रारंभिक चेतावनी प्रणालियों के महत्व को रेखांकित करता है।
4. National Dental Commission (NDC) Constituted
English
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) constituted the National Dental Commission (NDC) in March 2026, replacing the Dental Council of India (DCI). The NDC has been established under the NDC Act, 2023, which came into force on 19 March 2026, repealing the Dentist Act, 1948. Three autonomous boards have been constituted under NDC:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board – to oversee dental education.
- Dental Assessment and Rating Board – for accreditation and institutional assessment.
- Ethics and Dental Registration Board – for professional conduct and registration.
Dr. Sanjay Tewari has been appointed as Chairperson of the newly formed NDC, with Dr. Mousumi Goswami as a part-time member.
हिंदी
स्वास्थ्य एवं परिवार कल्याण मंत्रालय (MoHFW) ने मार्च 2026 में राष्ट्रीय दंत आयोग (NDC) का गठन किया, जिसने डेंटल काउंसिल ऑफ इंडिया (DCI) को प्रतिस्थापित किया। NDC Act, 2023 के तहत यह आयोग 19 मार्च 2026 को लागू हुआ। डॉ. संजय तिवारी को NDC का अध्यक्ष नियुक्त किया गया है।
5. PRARAMBH 2026 Campaign Launched
English
The Government of India launched the PRARAMBH 2026 campaign — standing for Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat — as a massive taxpayer awareness initiative under the new Income Tax Act, 2025, which comes into effect from April 1, 2026. The campaign is guided by the principle of "Nagrik Devo Bhava" and uses multi-channel outreach across print, television, radio, digital and outdoor platforms. It also features:
- Launch of the upgraded Income Tax Website 2.0
- An AI-enabled chatbot called Kar Saathi for improved taxpayer services
हिंदी
भारत सरकार ने PRARAMBH 2026 अभियान लॉन्च किया है जो नए आयकर अधिनियम 2025 के बारे में जागरूकता फैलाने के लिए है। यह अधिनियम 1 अप्रैल 2026 से लागू होगा। इस अभियान में Income Tax Website 2.0 और AI-आधारित चैटबॉट कर साथी का शुभारंभ किया गया है। अभियान का मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत 'नागरिक देवो भव' है।
6. Global Terrorism Index 2026
English
The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) — a Sydney-based think tank — ranked Pakistan as the most terrorism-impacted country for the first time. Key highlights:
- The index covers 163 countries and scores them on a scale of 0–10.
- Pakistan topped the list with a score of 8.57, followed by Burkina Faso, Syria, Mali, and Niger.
- India ranked 13th with a score of approximately 6.41.
- Global terror deaths fell by 28% and incidents by 22%.
- Six of the top 10 most affected countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
हिंदी
ग्लोबल टेररिज्म इंडेक्स (GTI) 2026 को Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) ने जारी किया। पहली बार पाकिस्तान आतंकवाद से सबसे अधिक प्रभावित देश बना (स्कोर: 8.57)। भारत 13वें स्थान पर रहा। वैश्विक स्तर पर आतंकी मौतों में 28% और घटनाओं में 22% की गिरावट आई।
7. Krishi Sakhi Initiative by AIC
English
The Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC) launched the Krishi Sakhi Initiative to empower women farmers and promote inclusive agricultural growth. The initiative aligns with FAO's recognition of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. It focuses on: capacity building and awareness programmes, increased participation of women in agriculture and crop insurance, and promotion of gender-inclusive agricultural practices.
हिंदी
भारतीय कृषि बीमा कंपनी (AIC) ने कृषि सखी पहल शुरू की है, जो महिला किसानों को सशक्त बनाने और समावेशी कृषि विकास को बढ़ावा देने के लिए है। यह पहल FAO द्वारा 2026 को अंतर्राष्ट्रीय महिला किसान वर्ष घोषित किए जाने के साथ संरेखित है।
8. IOS SAGAR 2nd Edition
English
The second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR commenced on 16 March 2026, led by the Indian Navy. The initiative aligns with India's vision of SAGAR — Security and Growth for All in the Region and coincides with India assuming the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) in 2026. Under this programme, naval personnel from friendly foreign countries train and sail together aboard Indian naval ships, promoting interoperability and maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
हिंदी
IOS SAGAR का दूसरा संस्करण 16 मार्च 2026 को शुरू हुआ। यह भारतीय नौसेना के नेतृत्व में हिंद महासागर क्षेत्र में समुद्री सहयोग बढ़ाने की पहल है। 2026 में भारत ने Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) की अध्यक्षता भी संभाली है।
FAQs
When is Shaheed Diwas observed in India and why?
Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs' Day) is observed on 23 March every year to commemorate the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who were hanged by the British government on this day in 1931.
What is the theme of World Water Day 2026?
The theme of World Water Day 2026 is 'Water and Circular Economy'. It is observed every year on 22 March.
Which body replaced the Dental Council of India in 2026?
The National Dental Commission (NDC), constituted under the NDC Act 2023, replaced the Dental Council of India (DCI) when it came into force on 19 March 2026.
Which country topped the Global Terrorism Index 2026?
Pakistan topped the Global Terrorism Index 2026 for the first time with a score of 8.57. India ranked 13th. The index was released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
What is the PRARAMBH 2026 campaign?
PRARAMBH 2026 is a government awareness campaign to educate taxpayers about the new Income Tax Act 2025, effective from April 1, 2026. It features the AI chatbot 'Kar Saathi' and upgraded Income Tax Website 2.0.
What is the Krishi Sakhi Initiative?
Krishi Sakhi Initiative is launched by the Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC) to empower women farmers through capacity building, awareness programmes, and increased participation in agriculture and crop insurance, aligned with FAO's recognition of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
What is IOS SAGAR and which edition commenced in March 2026?
IOS SAGAR (Indian Ocean Ship – Security and Growth for All in the Region) is an Indian Navy initiative for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. The 2nd edition commenced on 16 March 2026.