Current Affairs — 16 March 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
India's total exports for April–February 2025-26 estimated at US$ 790.86 billion, up 5.79%
India's total exports of goods and services during April–February 2025-26 are estimated at US$ 790.86 billion, 5.79% higher than a year earlier, the Commerce Ministry said on 16 March 2026.
Horticulture production hits 3,707.38 lakh tonnes in 2024-25; 2025-26 projected at 3,708.46 lakh tonnes
The Agriculture Ministry on 16 March 2026 released final estimates showing horticulture production of 3,707.38 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 and first advance estimates projecting 3,708.46 lakh tonnes for 2025-26.
Fire in trauma ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack kills 12 patients
A fire in the trauma care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack in the early hours of 16 March 2026 killed 12 patients by the next day; PM Modi announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia from PMNRF for each deceased.
Quantum teaching labs approved in 23 institutions under National Quantum Mission; Pune proposed for IISF 2026
Approval has been granted for quantum teaching laboratories in 23 academic institutions under the National Quantum Mission, with 100 more under consideration, the Science Ministry said on 16 March 2026.
Election Commission appoints retired IAS officer Manjeet Singh as Special Observer for Assam Assembly election 2026
The Election Commission of India on 16 March 2026 appointed Manjeet Singh, a retired IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, as Special Observer for the Assam Assembly election, where polling is on 9 April and counting on 4 May 2026.
Centre raises commission for Arthiyas and cooperative societies in wheat and paddy procurement from RMS 2026-27
The Centre on 16 March 2026 approved higher commission rates for Arthiyas and cooperative societies procuring wheat and paddy on its behalf from Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27, raising the Arthiya commission on wheat in Punjab and Haryana to ₹50.75 per quintal.
PLFS February 2026: urban unemployment falls to 6.6%, female LFPR rises to 35.3%
The Periodic Labour Force Survey monthly bulletin released on 16 March 2026 shows urban unemployment for persons aged 15+ fell to 6.6% in February 2026 from 7.0% in January, while overall LFPR stayed at 55.9%.
WPI inflation rises to 2.13% in February 2026
Annual inflation based on the Wholesale Price Index rose to 2.13% (provisional) in February 2026 from 1.81% in January, the Commerce Ministry said on 16 March 2026.
NHAI receives nine bids for six-laning of the 90-km Jaipur–Kishangarh section of NH-48 in Rajasthan
NHAI said on 16 March 2026 that it has received nine bids for upgrading the around 90-km Jaipur–Kishangarh section of NH-48 in Rajasthan to six lanes on EPC mode, cutting travel time from two hours to one.
CCI holds 11th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law; NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba gives keynote
The Competition Commission of India held the 11th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law in New Delhi on 16 March 2026, with NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba as keynote speaker.
CAQM revokes GRAP Stage-I across Delhi-NCR as AQI improves to 'Moderate'
The Commission for Air Quality Management's GRAP sub-committee on 16 March 2026 revoked all Stage-I actions across the National Capital Region after Delhi's average AQI improved from 175 to 119.