13 March 2026 Current Affairs Quiz in English | Daily GK Questions with Answers

✔ Correct Answer: (A) NATO

Explanation: The Arctic exercise 'Cold Response' is conducted by NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Hosted primarily by Norway, this large-scale exercise tests the ability of NATO and partner forces to operate in extreme cold-weather and Arctic conditions. With the growing strategic importance of the Arctic due to melting ice and resource competition, such exercises have gained significance. International military alliances and their major exercises are a key topic in the defence and international-relations sections of competitive exams.

✔ Correct Answer: (C) Piyush Goyal

Explanation: Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 40th edition of the AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair in 2026. AAHAR is one of Asia's largest food and hospitality trade fairs, organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), showcasing food products, processing technology and hospitality services. Such trade fairs promote exports and the food-processing industry. Inaugurations of major trade events and the ministers involved are commonly asked in the economy and current-affairs sections.

✔ Correct Answer: (B) Rahul Bhatia

Explanation: Rahul Bhatia took charge as the interim CEO of IndiGo in 2026. Rahul Bhatia is the co-founder and Managing Director of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, India's largest airline by market share. Leadership changes at major Indian companies, especially in the aviation sector, are frequently featured in business current affairs. Tracking key appointments of CEOs and MDs in prominent companies is useful for the general-awareness and business sections of competitive exams.

✔ Correct Answer: (D) 11 March

Explanation: No Smoking Day in 2026 was observed on 11 March. No Smoking Day is observed on the second Wednesday of March every year to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and to encourage smokers to quit. Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Health observance days and their dates are a common category in current affairs, so candidates should remember both fixed-date and floating-date health observances.

✔ Correct Answer: (D) 2030

Explanation: The Union Cabinet recently approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission until 2030. The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched in 2019, aims to provide functional tap water connections to every rural household ('Har Ghar Jal'). The extension reflects the government's continued commitment to safe drinking water access in rural India. Flagship government schemes, their objectives and timelines are essential topics for the polity, economy and current-affairs sections of competitive examinations.

✔ Correct Answer: (A) Reliance

Explanation: Reliance has partnered in the proposed America First Refining project in the United States. Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, is India's largest private-sector company with major interests in petrochemicals, refining, telecom and retail. International investments and partnerships by leading Indian conglomerates strengthen economic ties and global presence. Corporate developments involving major Indian companies are a recurring theme in business and economy current affairs.

✔ Correct Answer: (C) 60 days

Explanation: The Union Cabinet introduced a timeline of 60 days to approve investments under the Press Note 3 framework. Press Note 3 mandates government approval for foreign direct investment (FDI) from countries sharing a land border with India, primarily to curb opportunistic takeovers. Setting a clear timeline improves ease of doing business and investor confidence. FDI policies and investment-related reforms are important topics in the economy section of competitive examinations.

✔ Correct Answer: (D) Nagaur

Explanation: Nagauri Pan Methi is traditionally cultivated in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan and recently received registration under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Authority. This fenugreek variety is known for its distinctive aroma and quality. Registration and Geographical Indication (GI)-type recognitions protect traditional crops and benefit local farmers. Questions on GI tags, registered crop varieties and their regions of cultivation are popular in the current-affairs and geography sections of exams.

✔ Correct Answer: (B) Hermann Kulke

Explanation: Hermann Kulke, a renowned German historian and Indologist known for his extensive research on the history and culture of Odisha and medieval India, passed away at the age of 87. His scholarly work, including studies on the Jagannath cult and state formation in early India, made significant contributions to Indian historiography. Obituaries of eminent scholars, historians and personalities are a regular feature in current affairs, helping candidates connect academic contributions with general awareness.

✔ Correct Answer: (A) Smriti Mandhana

Explanation: Smriti Mandhana retained the number 1 position in the ICC Women's ODI batting rankings in the recent ICC update. Smriti Mandhana is one of India's premier batters and a consistent top-ranked performer in women's cricket. ICC rankings across formats and categories (batting, bowling, all-rounders) are updated regularly and are a frequently asked topic in the sports section of competitive exams, so candidates should track the leading Indian players in each format.