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Daily Current Affairs Digest | 17th March 2026
Daily Current Affairs Digest | 17th March 2026
1. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Passes Freedom of Religion Bill 2026
In a landmark move, the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, which aims to curb forced conversions. The bill prohibits conversions through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage, with penalties for repeat offenders including up to 10 years of imprisonment and a ₹5 lakh fine. The legislation is designed to safeguard individuals’ rights to freely choose their religion, while also addressing concerns regarding unethical practices in religious conversions.
2. Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary Records Nine New Species
In a major biodiversity milestone, the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, located along the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border in the Western Ghats, has recorded the discovery of nine new species. These discoveries underscore the sanctuary’s ecological significance. As a critical buffer zone for the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the sanctuary plays a vital role in conservation efforts and maintaining biodiversity in the region.
3. Iran’s Sejjil Ballistic Missile Tested in Operation True Promise 4
In a significant development from the Middle East, Iran successfully tested its Sejjil ballistic missile during Operation True Promise 4. This two-stage solid-fuel missile has a range of around 2,000 km and can carry a 700 kg warhead. The missile, known for its remarkable manoeuvrability, is dubbed the “Dancing Missile” due to its unique flight pattern. This test marks an important advancement in Iran’s missile capabilities.
4. World Bank Approves $300 Million Loan for Uttar Pradesh’s Clean Air Initiative
A major boost for Uttar Pradesh’s environmental efforts, the World Bank has approved a USD 300 million loan to support the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program. This program aims to combat pollution across multiple sectors, including transport, agriculture, and industry, and promote sustainability. The initiative is expected to generate jobs for youth and women, furthering the state’s economic and environmental goals.
5. Sahitya Akademi Announces 2025 Literary Awards
In the world of literature, the Sahitya Akademi has announced the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 for excellence in Indian literature across 24 languages. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding works in various genres, including poetry, novels, essays, memoirs, and criticism. The award selection is conducted through a multi-stage jury process, honoring the diversity and richness of India’s literary landscape.
6. Medieval Telugu Inscription Found at Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
A significant archaeological discovery was made at the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, where a medieval Telugu inscription linked to the Gajapathi dynasty was found. The inscription reveals political and cultural connections between Odisha and coastal Andhra during the late medieval period, offering new insights into the region’s historical landscape and the interactions between these two regions.
7. Sri Lanka to Observe Weekly Holiday Amid Fuel Crisis
In response to the ongoing fuel shortages, Sri Lanka has announced that Wednesdays will be observed as a weekly holiday for government offices, schools, universities, and courts starting from March 18, 2026. This measure aims to reduce fuel consumption and alleviate the pressure on the country’s energy resources. However, essential services like healthcare and ports will continue as usual.
8. The 98th Academy Awards: Oscar Winners Announced
The 98th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscar Awards, concluded with some exciting wins. The coveted Best Picture award went to One Battle After Another, while Michael B. Jordan was honored with the Best Actor award for his role in Sinners. Jessie Buckley took home the Best Actress award for her performance in Hamnet. The night also featured an unexpected tie for Best Live-Action Short Film, awarded to Alexandre Singh for Two People Exchanging Saliva and The Singers.
9. Indian-Origin Filmmaker Wins Oscar for Best Live-Action Short Film
A proud moment for the Indian diaspora, Alexandre Singh, an Indian-origin filmmaker, won the Oscar for Best Live-Action Short Film for his film Two People Exchanging Saliva. The award was shared in a rare tie with the film The Singers. This achievement highlights the growing presence and influence of Indian-origin filmmakers in the global cinema scene.
10. Pakistani Airstrike on Kabul Hospital: Over 400 Killed
In a tragic incident, a Pakistani airstrike on a hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan killed over 400 people and injured 250. The attack, which has sparked outrage, was condemned by the Taliban government, who accused Pakistan of violating Afghan airspace. International officials, including Richard Bennett, expressed deep concern over the heavy civilian toll and the escalating violence in the region.
Conclusion
From legal reforms in India to environmental initiatives and global military operations, the past 24 hours have witnessed major developments across various sectors. These events not only shape the current political, economic, and cultural landscapes but also set the stage for future discussions on key global issues. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest happenings around the world.
