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

✔ Correct Answer: (C) Water and Gender

Explanation: The theme of World Water Day 2026 is 'Water and Gender'. World Water Day is observed on 22 March every year to highlight the importance of freshwater and to advocate for the sustainable management of water resources. The 2026 theme focuses on the link between water access and gender equality, recognising the disproportionate burden that water scarcity places on women and girls. Themes of major observance days are a frequently asked topic in current affairs.

✔ Correct Answer: (B) Environmental Audit Designated Agency

Explanation: The National Productivity Council (NPC) has recently been designated as the Environmental Audit Designated Agency. The NPC is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that works to improve productivity across sectors. Its designation for environmental audits strengthens compliance and sustainability efforts. Institutional designations and the roles of key bodies in environmental governance are relevant for the current-affairs, economy and environment sections of competitive exams.

✔ Correct Answer: (D) Mizoram

Explanation: Mizoram recently celebrated its major spring festival Chapchar Kut, which symbolises the completion of jhum (shifting) cultivation. Chapchar Kut is one of the most important and colourful festivals of the Mizo people, featuring traditional dance, music and attire. Festivals of various states, their cultural significance and associated traditions are commonly asked in the art-and-culture and current-affairs sections of competitive examinations, so candidates should associate festivals with their states.

✔ Correct Answer: (A) Tamil Nadu

Explanation: In 2024-25, Tamil Nadu emerged as the largest textile exporter among Indian states. Tamil Nadu has a strong textile and apparel manufacturing base, with major hubs like Tiruppur and Coimbatore. The textile sector is significant for employment and exports in India. Facts about leading states in production and exports of various sectors are an important topic in the economy and current-affairs sections, reflecting regional economic strengths.

✔ Correct Answer: (C) Persians

Explanation: Nowruz, celebrated as the International Day of Nowruz marking the new year on 21 March, originated from the culture of the Persians. Nowruz, meaning 'new day', marks the beginning of spring and the Persian New Year and is celebrated in many countries across Central and West Asia. It has been recognised by the UN as an international day. Cultural festivals and their origins are relevant for the current-affairs and culture sections of competitive exams.

✔ Correct Answer: (B) Legionnaires' disease

Explanation: An increase in cases of Legionnaires' disease, linked to contaminated water systems, has recently been observed in global cities like London and New York. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in water systems such as cooling towers and plumbing. Outbreaks of diseases and public-health concerns in major cities are relevant for the health and current-affairs sections of competitive examinations.

✔ Correct Answer: (A) Rituparna Sengupta

Explanation: Rituparna Sengupta, a renowned Indian actress, was recently honoured with the Women Empowerment Award for art and culture at the UK House of Commons. Such international recognitions highlight the global influence of Indian artists and their contributions to culture and women's empowerment. Awards and honours conferred on prominent Indians at international platforms are a common current-affairs topic, useful for the awards and general-awareness sections of competitive exams.

✔ Correct Answer: (C) Nita Ambani

Explanation: Nita Ambani was recently conferred an honorary doctorate (DLitt Honoris Causa) by KIIT, Bhubaneswar, in recognition of her contributions to education, sports, art and philanthropy. Honorary doctorates are awarded by universities to individuals for their distinguished achievements and service to society. Honours and recognitions conferred on prominent personalities are a recurring topic in current affairs and are relevant for the awards and general-awareness sections of competitive exams.

✔ Correct Answer: (A) Forests and Economies

Explanation: The theme of International Day of Forests 2026 is 'Forests and Economies'. The International Day of Forests is observed on 21 March each year to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees. The 2026 theme highlights the economic value of forests, including livelihoods, timber, ecosystem services and sustainable development. Themes of environmental observance days are a frequently asked category in the current-affairs and environment sections of competitive exams.

✔ Correct Answer: (D) T.N. Natarajan

Explanation: T.N. Natarajan took charge as the Director (Commercial) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in March 2026. SAIL is one of the largest state-owned steel-making companies in India and a Maharatna public-sector undertaking. Leadership appointments in major PSUs, especially in key sectors like steel, are commonly featured in business and current affairs. Tracking such appointments helps candidates in the economy and general-awareness sections of competitive exams.