Welcome to the 21 March 2026 Current Affairs Quiz by Cosmo Classes. This daily quiz brings you the top 10 most important current affairs questions in English with the correct answer and a detailed, in-depth explanation for each. Click the SHOW ANSWER button below every question to reveal the answer along with a complete explanation. These questions are highly useful for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, State PCS and all other competitive examinations.
Saturday, 21 March 2026 – Current Affairs Quiz (English)
1
According to the World Happiness Report 2026, which country has been declared the happiest country in the world for the ninth consecutive year?
(A) Denmark
(B) Finland
(C) Iceland
(D) Norway
SHOW ANSWER
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Finland
Explanation: According to the World Happiness Report 2026, Finland has been declared the happiest country in the world for the ninth consecutive year. The report, published in connection with the UN, ranks countries based on factors like income, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity and trust. Finland's consistent top ranking reflects strong social welfare, low corruption and high quality of life. Global indices and rankings such as this are an important and frequently asked topic in current affairs.
2
For which book did William Dalrymple win the 'Mark Linton History Prize 2026'?
(A) City of Gold
(B) The Last Mughal
(C) White Mughals
(D) The Golden Road
SHOW ANSWER
✔ Correct Answer: (D) The Golden Road
Explanation: William Dalrymple won the 'Mark Linton History Prize 2026' for his book 'The Golden Road'. William Dalrymple is a renowned Scottish historian and writer known for his works on Indian and South Asian history. 'The Golden Road' explores India's ancient global influence. Literary and history awards, especially those won by authors writing on India, are commonly featured in current affairs and are useful for the awards and culture sections of competitive examinations.
3
On which date is International Day of Happiness celebrated worldwide?
(A) 17 March
(B) 18 March
(C) 19 March
(D) 20 March
SHOW ANSWER
✔ Correct Answer: (D) 20 March
Explanation: International Day of Happiness is celebrated worldwide on 20 March every year. The United Nations established this day to recognise the importance of happiness and well-being as universal goals in people's lives. It coincides with the release of the annual World Happiness Report. International observance days and their significance are a frequently asked category in the current-affairs section, so candidates should remember the exact dates and the organisations behind them.
4
Who was honoured with the 'Knighthood' (KBE) by the United Kingdom in 2026?
(A) Mukesh Ambani
(B) Ratan Tata
(C) N. Chandrasekaran
(D) Sundar Pichai
SHOW ANSWER
✔ Correct Answer: (C) N. Chandrasekaran
Explanation: N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, was honoured with the 'Knighthood' (KBE - Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire) by the United Kingdom in 2026. This honour recognises distinguished service and contributions, particularly in business and India–UK relations. Honours and awards conferred on prominent Indians by foreign governments are an important topic in current affairs and reflect global recognition of Indian leadership in business and other fields.
5
Who has been appointed as India's new Ambassador to China in 2026?
(A) Vikram Doraiswami
(B) Taranjit Singh Sandhu
(C) Vinay Mohan Kwatra
(D) Ruchira Kamboj
SHOW ANSWER
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Vikram Doraiswami
Explanation: Vikram Doraiswami has been appointed as India's new Ambassador to China in 2026. Ambassadors represent India's interests abroad and play a crucial role in managing bilateral relations, especially with strategically important nations like China. India–China relations cover trade, border issues and regional geopolitics. Diplomatic appointments, particularly ambassadors to major countries, are a recurring topic in the international-relations section of current affairs and competitive exams.
6
What is the theme of the India Electricity Summit 2026?
(A) Powering Growth and Sustainable Energy Globally
(B) Electrifying Growth, Empowering Sustainability, Connecting Globally
(C) Advancing Renewable Energy and Smart Grid Technologies
(D) Promoting Clean Energy and Global Electricity Innovation
SHOW ANSWER
✔ Correct Answer: (B) Electrifying Growth, Empowering Sustainability, Connecting Globally
Explanation: The theme of the India Electricity Summit 2026 is 'Electrifying Growth, Empowering Sustainability, Connecting Globally'. The summit focuses on the future of the power sector, including renewable energy, grid modernisation, sustainability and global cooperation. India is pursuing ambitious targets in clean and renewable energy. Themes of major summits and conferences are a common current-affairs topic, useful for both objective questions and analytical answers in competitive exam preparation.
7
In the context of the Indian Navy's IOS SAGAR initiative, what is the full form of SAGAR?
(A) Security and Growth for All in the Region
(B) Strategic Advancement of Global and Regional Security
(C) South Asia Geopolitical and Regional Cooperation
(D) Safety and Governance for All Regions
SHOW ANSWER
✔ Correct Answer: (A) Security and Growth for All in the Region
Explanation: In the context of the Indian Navy's IOS SAGAR initiative, the full form of SAGAR is 'Security and Growth for All in the Region'. SAGAR is India's strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region, emphasising maritime security, regional cooperation and sustainable development. It reflects India's role as a net security provider in the region. Defence and maritime initiatives, along with their full forms and objectives, are important topics in the defence section of current affairs.
8
The Union Cabinet approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme 2026–31. What total capacity target has been set for development under this scheme?
(A) 1,000 MW
(B) 1,500 MW
(C) 2,000 MW
(D) 2,500 MW
SHOW ANSWER
✔ Correct Answer: (D) 2,500 MW
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme 2026–31 with a total capacity target of 2,500 MW for development. Small hydro power projects provide clean, renewable energy, especially in hilly and remote regions, and support India's renewable-energy goals. Such schemes contribute to sustainable energy and rural electrification. Government schemes in the renewable-energy sector, along with their targets and timelines, are relevant topics for the economy and current-affairs sections.
9
Which fort of Uttar Pradesh was designated as a 'National Geo-Heritage Site' by the Geological Survey of India on 16 March 2026?
(A) Agra Fort
(B) Jhansi Fort
(C) Kalinjar Fort
(D) Chitrakoot Fort
SHOW ANSWER
✔ Correct Answer: (C) Kalinjar Fort
Explanation: Kalinjar Fort of Uttar Pradesh was designated as a 'National Geo-Heritage Site' by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) on 16 March 2026. Kalinjar is a historic hill fort known for its architectural and geological significance. Geo-heritage sites are areas of geological importance that need conservation. The Geological Survey of India identifies and protects such sites. Designations related to heritage and geology are relevant for the current-affairs, geography and culture sections of competitive exams.
10
To whom has the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize been awarded for outstanding contribution to water research and policy?
(A) Kaveh Madani
(B) Vandana Shiva
(C) Rajendra Singh
(D) Peter Gleick
SHOW ANSWER
✔ Correct Answer: (C) Rajendra Singh
Explanation: The 2026 Stockholm Water Prize has been awarded to Rajendra Singh for his outstanding contribution to water research and policy. Often called the 'Waterman of India', Rajendra Singh is renowned for his pioneering work in water conservation, rainwater harvesting and the revival of rivers in Rajasthan. The Stockholm Water Prize is a prestigious international award for water-related achievements. Major international awards and their Indian recipients are an important topic in current affairs.
COSMO CLASSES
— SHAPING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION —