Call Support +91-85588-96644

Exam Categories

International Tests

View More

Defence & Para Military

Assessment-I

View More

Assessment-II

View More

Placement & IT Sector

Assessment-III

View More

Aptitude/GK/Vocational Skill Tests

View More
TCYonline

Login

Sign Up

Please enter a Username or Email ID
Please enter a password
Keep me logged in
Forgot Password?
Please enter your name
Please enter your mobile number
You can't leave Captcha Code empty
By submitting this form, you agree to the Terms & Privacy Policy.
Already Registered? Login Here
OR

Sign Up via Facebook

Sign Up via Google

Sign Up via Twitter

Download Software
Tests given

Download TCY App

App Image
Subscribe to Unlock Test Prep Material close
Choose Exam Category

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

1 Month Plan

US$ 10

Subscribe Now

Valid For 1 Month

2 Month Plan

US$ 13

Subscribe Now

Valid For 2 Months

3 Month Plan

US$ 15

Subscribe Now

Valid For 3 Months

4 Month Plan

US$ 17

Subscribe Now

Valid For 4 Months

5 Month Plan

US$ 19

Subscribe Now

Valid For 5 Months

6 Month Plan

US$ 20

Subscribe Now

Valid For 6 Months

7 Month Plan

US$ 21

Subscribe Now

Valid For 7 Months

8 Month Plan

US$ 22

Subscribe Now

Valid For 8 Months

9 Month Plan

US$ 23

Subscribe Now

Valid For 9 Months

10 Month Plan

US$ 24

Subscribe Now

Valid For 10 Months

11 Month Plan

US$ 25

Subscribe Now

Valid For 11 Months

12 Month Plan

US$ 26

Subscribe Now

Valid For 12 Months

  • Payment made in INR entitles you to use Test in INDIA only
  • Each test can be attempted only once
 
loading

General Awareness

googleplus facebook

Daily G.K. - Top Stories

18 Mar 2026

DAILY G.K. TEST

Start Test

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India begins trade pact talks with Philippines and Maldives

India has initiated terms of reference for negotiations to begin new trade agreements with the Philippines and the Maldives. Commerce Ministry officials said the discussions will focus on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with the Philippines and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Maldives. The move aims to deepen economic ties, reduce duties on selected goods, and boost bilateral trade. The ToR outlines the roadmap for negotiations, including timeline milestones and sectoral priorities. The discussions come as India seeks diversified trade partners in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region, potentially expanding export markets for Indian manufacturers and suppliers.
  • ToR initiated with Philippines (PTA) and Maldives (FTA).
  • Goal: deepen trade and reduce duties on selected goods.
  • Strategic aim: diversify India’s regional trade partners.
  • Next steps: timeline milestones and sectoral priorities defined.
View Month Wise

ENVIRONMENT

World Bank and India launch $299.66 million air quality program in UP

The World Bank and the Government of India, with the state government of Uttar Pradesh, signed the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program. The initiative commits $299.66 million to reduce air pollution through integrated actions across transport, agriculture, and industry. The program aims to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and protect public health in major urban and rural centers. Approximately 200 new air quality monitoring stations will be installed across the state to track pollutants and guide policy. The program aligns with India's broader clean air goals and supports state capacity to manage sector-specific emission sources, funding, and implementation timelines.
  • Funding: $299.66 million for UP Clean Air Management Program.
  • Sectors targeted: transport, agriculture, and industry.
  • Monitoring: around 200 new air quality monitoring stations planned.
  • Objective: reduce emissions and improve health outcomes in UP.

India submits first Nagoya Protocol national report

India submitted its first National Report on the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing to the Convention on Biological Diversity on 27 February 2026. The report, prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority, covers progress from 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025. The Nagoya Protocol aims to ensure fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources and traditional knowledge. India reports compliance measures, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement under Article 29, which requires regular monitoring and reporting. The submission underscores India’s commitment to global biodiversity agreements and responsible use of genetic resources.
  • Submission date: 27 February 2026.
  • Covering progress: 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025.
  • Authority: MoEFCC and National Biodiversity Authority.
  • Key focus: Access and Benefit Sharing under Article 29.

World Bank-India UP Clean Air Program Signed

The World Bank, the Government of India, and the Uttar Pradesh government signed an agreement to implement the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program, with a total investment of 299.66 million USD. The program aims to reduce air pollution across key sectors by delivering integrated solutions and expanding monitoring networks. About 200 new air quality monitoring stations will be installed across the state to improve data collection and inform policy. The initiative targets transport, agriculture, and industry as primary pollution sources and involves oversight by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change along with state authorities. The effort underlines India’s push for cleaner air in major states.
  • Investment size: USD 299.66 million for the UP program.
  • Major goal: reduce pollution across transport, agriculture, and industry.
  • Infrastructure plan: about 200 new air quality monitoring stations.
  • Parties involved: World Bank, Government of India, Uttar Pradesh government.
  • Governance: led by MoEFCC with state-level implementation.
View Month Wise

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Fiscal Health Index 2026: Odisha Tops Again

The Fiscal Health Index 2026, released by NITI Aayog, shows Odisha once again leading Indian states in fiscal health for FY 2023-24. The index assesses five pillars: quality of expenditure, revenue mobilization, fiscal prudence, debt index, and debt sustainability. Odisha’s top ranking underlines its sustained focus on prudent spending and strong revenue management amid evolving central-state fiscal relations. The report emphasizes the need for continued fiscal discipline to support development programs, debt management, and social schemes. Analysts say the index provides a framework for evaluating state financial health and guiding policy choices at the subnational level.
  • Top state: Odisha, FY 2023-24.
  • Five pillars: expenditure quality, revenue mobilization, prudence, debt index, debt sustainability.
  • Implication: reflects prudent spending and revenue strategies.
  • Context: aids policy decisions amid evolving central-state finances.
  • Note: part of ongoing monitoring of state fiscal health.
View Month Wise

SPORTS

Kalinga Stadium hosts National Para Athletics Championship

Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar is hosting the National Para Athletics Championship from 19 to 21 March 2026. The event is organized by the Paralympic Committee of India in collaboration with the Odisha government and aims to promote inclusivity and athletic excellence. A total of 1,460 athletes from 28 states, plus teams from the Border Security Force and Services Sports Control Board, will participate. The championship features 145 medal events over three days, making it one of the largest para athletics events in the country. Organizers emphasize accessibility, sponsorship, and community engagement to inspire disabled athletes nationwide this year and beyond.
  • Dates: 19–21 March 2026.
  • Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
  • Participants: 1,460 athletes from 28 states plus BSF and SSCB.
  • Events: 145 medal events over three days.

Sina Ruppenthal sets Guinness record for strength feat

German strongwoman Sina Ruppenthal set a Guinness World Record by lifting and throwing 10 men in 37.44 seconds on a television program in Munich in August 2025. The event went viral recently, drawing international attention to her strength and technique. She performed the feats on a show titled Die große Show der Weltrekorde, showcasing controlled lifting and throwing of participants over her shoulder. The record illustrates high levels of power, speed, and coordination. Critics note the need for safety and proper supervision during such feats, but the display of athletic prowess has inspired many fitness enthusiasts and media outlets globally.
  • Record: lifting and throwing 10 men in 37.44 seconds.
  • Date of event: August 2025; location: Munich, Germany.
  • Show: Die große Show der Weltrekorde.
  • Impact: viral and widely discussed in fitness media.

Kalinga Stadium To Host National Para Athletics Championship

Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar will host the National Para Athletics Championship from 19 to 21 March 2026. The event is organized by the Paralympic Committee of India in cooperation with the Odisha government. It will bring together around 1,460 athletes from 28 states, plus teams from the Border Security Force and the Services Sports Control Board. A total of 145 medal events will be conducted over three days, making it one of the largest para athletics championships in India. The competition highlights inclusive sports and provides a platform for high-performance para-athletes to showcase talent.
  • Dates: 19-21 March 2026.
  • Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
  • Organizers: PCI and Odisha government.
  • Participants: about 1,460 athletes from 28 states plus BSF/SSCB teams.
  • Events: 145 medal events over three days.
View Month Wise

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Fiscal Health Index 2026: Odisha tops again

Odisha has topped the Fiscal Health Index 2026 released by NITI Aayog, maintaining its position as the best performing state. The index evaluates FY 2023-24 using five pillars: quality of expenditure, revenue mobilization, fiscal prudence, debt index, and debt sustainability. The report highlights Odisha’s strong revenue management and prudent spending as drivers of its high score. The index emphasizes fiscal discipline and the need to balance development with debt risk. While Odisha leads, several other states show improvements in public finances, signaling ongoing reforms across the union. The report serves as a benchmark for state governance and policy formulation today.
  • Top state: Odisha, Fiscal Health Index 2026.
  • Evaluation period: FY 2023-24 across five pillars.
  • Key drivers: revenue mobilization and prudent expenditure.
  • Implication: benchmark for state governance and policy.

Narcotics Control Bureau Observes 41st Raising Day

The Narcotics Control Bureau observed its 41st Raising Day, commemorating over four decades of work against drug trafficking and substance abuse in India. Nationwide youth mobilisation programs for a Drug-Free India were organized at about 40 locations, including Delhi, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Raipur, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Agartala. Activities included anti-drug pledges, awareness addresses, rallies, and heritage walks to address health, psychological and legal consequences of drug abuse. The events emphasized collaborations with communities and authorities to strengthen prevention, early warning, and recovery support, reinforcing the agency’s role in national drug policy and enforcement.
  • Raising Day: 41st anniversary of NCB.
  • Locations: around 40 places nationwide.
  • Activities: pledges, awareness talks, rallies, heritage walks.
  • Focus: prevention, education, and support for drug-free life.
  • Goal: strengthen partnerships and youth engagement in drug policy.
View Month Wise

PERSONS IN NEWS

Uniqlo appoints Jasprit Bumrah as India brand ambassador

Uniqlo, the global clothing retailer, appointed Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as its brand ambassador for India. The partnership was announced on 16 March 2026 and marks a key step in the brand’s expansion in the Indian market. The collaboration supports Uniqlo’s LifeWear philosophy, emphasizing comfort and functional design. The advertisement campaign features Bumrah in India-wide media and digital platforms. Bumrah’s global recognition, bowling skills, and public profile are positioned to boost brand credibility and consumer reach. The deal aligns with retail trends in India and aims to connect everyday wear with performance-inspired storytelling. The collaboration is expected to run across multiple seasons with seasonal collections and marketing activations.
  • Ambassador announcement date: 16 March 2026.
  • Brand: Uniqlo India; ambassador: Jasprit Bumrah.
  • Strategic aim: expand brand presence and reinforce LifeWear philosophy.
  • Campaign scope: nationwide media and digital platforms.

Uniqlo Names Jasprit Bumrah India Brand Ambassador

Uniqlo, the global casualwear retailer, appointed Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as its India brand ambassador. The announcement was made on 16 March 2026 and launches with a LifeWear-themed marketing campaign. The collaboration marks a milestone for Uniqlo’s expansion in the Indian market and leverages Bumrah’s popularity and credibility in sport. The partnership is expected to feature Bumrah across advertising, retail, and digital channels, aligning with Uniqlo’s emphasis on functional design and everyday comfort. The move signals ongoing international brand interest in India’s sports and consumer markets.
  • Appointment date: 16 March 2026.
  • Brand: Jasprit Bumrah appointed as Uniqlo India ambassador.
  • Campaign focus: LifeWear philosophy.
  • Strategic aim: support Uniqlo’s expansion in India.
  • Impact: leverages Bumrah’s public profile for marketing.
View Month Wise

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES

Himachal signs MoU with NDDB to boost dairy sector

Himachal Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Dairy Development Board on 16 March 2026 to strengthen the state's dairy sector. The agreement aims to enhance milk processing capacity, upgrade infrastructure, and generate employment for farmers. NDDB will support the introduction of modern technology in milk processing and dairy products, and help promote products under the HIM brand. The collaboration targets supply chain modernization, refrigerated transport, and improved dairy-based value chains. Officials expect improved rural livelihoods and greater regional value addition. The MoU aligns with state and national goals to modernize agriculture and advance the dairy industry significantly.
  • Date of MoU: 16 March 2026.
  • Parties: Himachal Pradesh and NDDB.
  • Objectives: processing capacity, infrastructure, employment.
  • NDDB role: technology transfer and HIM brand promotion.

Himachal Signs NDDB MoU To Boost Dairy Sector

Himachal Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Dairy Development Board on 16 March 2026 to strengthen the state’s dairy sector. The agreement aims to enhance milk processing capacity, upgrade dairy infrastructure, and create employment opportunities for farmers. It supports the ‘HIM’ brand and regional dairy products. The NDDB will introduce advanced technology in milk processing and dairy-based products, improving supply chains across Himachal Pradesh. The collaboration is expected to modernize facilities, expand market reach, and raise productivity while promoting sustainable dairy practices aligned with national agricultural development goals.
  • Date of MoU: 16 March 2026.
  • Parties: Himachal Pradesh government and NDDB.
  • Goals: modernize processing, upgrade infrastructure, create jobs.
  • Brand focus: promote products under the ‘HIM’ brand.
  • Technology: NDDB to introduce advanced dairy processing tech.
View Month Wise

ART AND CULTURE

Odisha Parba 2026 Concludes At Odisha Cultural Celebration

Odisha Parba 2026, a three-day cultural festival celebrating the state’s heritage, concluded with a closing ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Delhi’s Minister for Art, Culture and Language, Tourism and Labour Kapil Mishra praised the Odia community for cultural contributions, while Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati attended the final day. The festival showcased Odia art, music, dance, and cuisine and aligned with the Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat initiative, emphasizing cross-state cultural exchange and regional identity. Organizers highlighted the festival’s role in promoting culture-based tourism and strengthening people-to-people ties across states.
  • Event: Odisha Parba 2026, three-day cultural festival.
  • Closing: at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
  • Dignitaries: Kapil Mishra and Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati attended.
  • Theme: Odia heritage, Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat linkage.
  • Impact: promotes cultural tourism and inter-state exchange.
View Month Wise

TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS

Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden inaugurated in Srinagar

Asia’s largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, was inaugurated for visitors on 16 March 2026. The ceremony was led by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, marking the official start of Kashmir’s spring tourism season. Located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range overlooking Dal Lake, the garden features a wide range of tulips, attracting visitors from across India and abroad. The opening coincides with festivals and rising interest in regional tourism. Local officials expect the garden to boost employment, hospitality, and seasonal tourism. The garden will add to the region’s horticultural significance and landscape.
  • Inauguration date: 16 March 2026 by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
  • Location: Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Srinagar, on the Dal Lake foothills.
  • Market impact: expected boost to Kashmir’s spring tourism and local economy.
  • Significance: Asia’s largest tulip garden enhances regional horticultural profile.

ITDC launches tribal homestay capacity building programme

The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), under the Ministry of Tourism, launched a Capacity Building Programme for Tribal Homestay Owners in New Delhi. The initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, focuses on developing community-based tourism. The program aims to raise service standards, enrich visitor experiences, and create sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities across India. Training is provided through IHM Ashok, the hospitality education arm of ITDC, to equip participants with essential hospitality skills. The project seeks to integrate tribal regions into India’s growing tourism ecosystem and promote responsible, culture-led tourism with local participation and empowerment nationwide.
  • Collaborating ministries: Tourism and Tribal Affairs.
  • Training partner: IHM Ashok.
  • Focus: community-based tourism and capacity building.
  • Outcome: improved services and livelihoods for tribal homestay operators.

Asia’s Largest Tulip Garden In Srinagar Inaugurated

Asia’s largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, opened to visitors on 16 March 2026. Built on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range overlooking Dal Lake, the site marks the official start of Kashmir’s spring tourism season. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the garden, which annually showcases thousands of tulips in a vibrant display. The 2026 bloom season is expected to attract visitors from across India and abroad, boosting local hospitality and related services. Authorities view the garden as a pivotal seasonal attraction in the region’s tourism calendar.
  • Inauguration date: 16 March 2026 by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
  • Location: foothills of the Zabarwan Range, overlooking Dal Lake.
  • Status: Asia’s largest tulip garden and a major spring tourism draw.
  • Impact: expected boost to Kashmir’s tourism, hospitality and employment.
  • Significance: annual bloom season strengthens the region’s visitor economy.
View Month Wise

LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

India Submits Nagoya Protocol National Report

India submitted its first National Report under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) to the Convention on Biological Diversity on 27 February 2026. The report, prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change with the National Biodiversity Authority, covers progress from 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025. It highlights monitoring and reporting under Article 29 and emphasizes fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources and traditional knowledge with provider communities. The document signals India's ongoing alignment with international biodiversity frameworks and domestic ABS implementation.
  • Submission date: 27 February 2026.
  • Implements: Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).
  • Co-authors: MoEFCC and National Biodiversity Authority.
  • Coverage: progress from 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025.
  • Key principle: fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
View Month Wise
Share on
Keep Yourself updated on Latest PTE Exam Pattern

Avail Free Topic-wise Tests and various other offers.

Later Allow