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

✔ Correct Answer: (B) Chile

Explanation: José Antonio Kast recently assumed charge as the President of Chile. Chile is a South American nation known for its long coastline along the Pacific Ocean and its significant copper reserves. Changes in heads of state and government of countries around the world are an important part of the international-affairs section of current affairs. Candidates should keep track of newly elected presidents and prime ministers, especially of geopolitically and economically significant nations.

✔ Correct Answer: (A) Homebound

Explanation: The Indian film 'Homebound' has been shortlisted for the 'Best International Feature Film' category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026). India's selection in the prestigious Oscar shortlist reflects the global recognition of Indian cinema. The Academy Awards, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, are among the most prestigious film honours in the world. Film awards and India's representation at international platforms are common topics in the awards section of current affairs.

✔ Correct Answer: (C) M.P. Birla Memorial Award

Explanation: The renowned Indian astrophysicist Yashwant Gupta was recently honoured with the M.P. Birla Memorial Award. This award recognises outstanding contributions to astronomy and astrophysics. Yashwant Gupta has made significant contributions in the field of radio astronomy, including work associated with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). Awards conferred on eminent scientists and their fields of work are a recurring topic in the science and awards sections of competitive examinations.

✔ Correct Answer: (D) Arpita Patra

Explanation: Arpita Patra became the second Indian woman to climb Nevado Ojos del Salado, the world's highest volcano, in March 2026. Located on the Argentina–Chile border, Ojos del Salado is the highest active volcano on Earth. Mountaineering achievements, especially 'firsts' and 'seconds' by Indians on major peaks and volcanoes, are popular current-affairs items. Candidates should note such records as they frequently appear in the sports and general-awareness sections of exams.

✔ Correct Answer: (B) Srinagar

Explanation: The National Conference on 'Cold Water Fisheries' was organised in Srinagar by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India. Cold water fisheries are important for the economy and livelihoods of hilly and mountainous regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Such conferences promote sustainable fisheries development and the blue economy. Government conferences, their venues and themes related to agriculture and allied sectors are relevant for the current-affairs section of competitive exams.

✔ Correct Answer: (A) Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

Explanation: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) received the 'Governance Now 12th PSU National Award' in the 'Excellence in Innovation' category for its accessibility initiative. DMRC is widely recognised for its efficient operations, sustainability efforts and passenger-friendly innovations. Awards received by public-sector undertakings for governance, innovation and accessibility are commonly featured in current affairs. Tracking such recognitions helps candidates in the awards and economy sections of competitive examinations.

✔ Correct Answer: (C) Mathematics and Hope

Explanation: The theme of International Mathematics Day 2026 was 'Mathematics and Hope'. International Mathematics Day is celebrated on 14 March (Pi Day) each year to highlight the essential role of mathematics in science, technology and everyday life. UNESCO proclaimed the day to promote mathematical awareness globally. Themes of major international observance days are a regular feature in current affairs, so candidates should remember both the day and its annual theme for exam preparation.

✔ Correct Answer: (A) North Sea

Explanation: The Silverpit crater, recently confirmed as an asteroid impact site, is located beneath the sea bed of the North Sea. The crater, off the coast of the United Kingdom, was formed by an ancient asteroid impact millions of years ago. Confirmation of such impact craters provides valuable insights into Earth's geological history and asteroid events. Discoveries related to craters, asteroids and geological phenomena are commonly featured in the science and current-affairs sections of competitive exams.

✔ Correct Answer: (D) R. Vairamuthu

Explanation: R. Vairamuthu has been selected for the 60th Jnanpith Award for the year 2025. The Jnanpith Award is India's highest literary honour, given for outstanding contributions to literature in any of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. R. Vairamuthu is a celebrated Tamil poet and lyricist. Literary awards, especially the Jnanpith and Sahitya Akademi Awards, and their recipients are an important and frequently asked topic in the awards section of current affairs.

✔ Correct Answer: (A) Zubeen Garg

Explanation: A new plant species discovered in Manas National Park, Assam, has been named after the famous Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. Naming newly discovered species after notable personalities is a way of honouring their contributions while highlighting biodiversity. Manas National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich flora and fauna. Discoveries of new species, especially those named after well-known figures, are popular current-affairs items in the environment and general-awareness sections.