Daily Current Affairs 14 March 2026 for SSC And Railway Exams

Daily Current Affairs 14 March 2026: Staying updated on these developments is important for competitive exams like SSC GD, SSC CGL, CHSL, RRB Group D, NTPC, ALP And Railway Exams. This overview provides a concise summary of significant national and international events as of March 14, 2026, encompassing the West Asia crisis, new scientific discoveries in Assam, and major policy shifts in India. Understanding these topics is essential for comprehensive exam preparation and general awareness.

NASA's Van Allen Probes: Earth Re-entry

NASA's Van Allen Probe A, weighing 600 kg, is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere. NASA, the space agency of the USA, operates as an independent body.

The Van Allen Probes mission, consisting of parts A and B, was the first mission to deploy two spacecraft for a specific study. Its main aim was to study Earth's radiation belt. The project is named after James Van Allen, a renowned US scientist. The probe was operational for 14 years, shutting down in 2019 due to fuel depletion. Its exact re-entry location is unknown. Earth's radiation belt is crucial for balancing and maintaining Earth's magnetic field. Satellites are often placed in the Ionosphere, while meteors burn up in the Mesosphere (approx. -100°C). The Van Allen Probe features a donut-like shape.

• NASA's Role:

• NASA operates as the national space agency for the USA. (Correct)

• NASA solely leads the International Space Station. (Incorrect - many international partners are involved).

First Female to Head Indian Nuclear Power Plant Operations

R.M. Nachimuthu has been appointed as the First Female Head of Operations for units 3 and 4 of the Kaiga Nuclear Power Plant, located in Karnataka. Her term begins on March 15, 2026. This appointment was made by the Nuclear Power Corporation India Limited (NPCIL). R.M. Nachimuthu, from Tamil Nadu, brings 35 years of experience. The Kaiga Nuclear Plant aims to contribute to achieving 100 GW power production by 2047, aligning with India's "developed India" vision.

• Key Indian Nuclear Power Plants and Locations:

• Tarapur: First nuclear plant in India.

• Narora: Uttar Pradesh.

• Kakrapar: Gujarat.

• Kundankulam: Tamil Nadu.

• Rawatbhata: Rajasthan.

Supreme Court on OBC Creamy Layer Definition

Other Backward Classes (OBC) receive 27% reservation, as recommended by the Mandal Commission, primarily based on Socio-Economic Backwardness. The Creamy Layer Concept originated from the Indira Sawhney Case (1992), differentiating between the Creamy Layer and Non-Creamy Layer. Individuals in the Creamy Layer have already benefited from reservation policies and whose family income exceeds a certain threshold (currently ₹8 lakh), rendering them not in need of reservation benefits. 

(Memory Tip: The term "Creamy Layer" is analogous to the cream (malai) that forms on milk, signifying the 'privileged' or 'well-off' segment within the OBC.)

The Supreme Court recently stated that income should not be the sole criterion for defining the Creamy Layer, arguing that social backwardness might persist despite higher income. The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) provides 10% reservation for the general category, implemented via the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act.

Reservation Statements:

• Reservation is an action to achieve social equality. (Correct)

• The Constitution allows special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes. (Correct)

• Reservation is only available in the private sector. (Incorrect - primarily in government jobs)

• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes receive reservation in education and government jobs. (Correct)

GI Tag for Joha Rice from Assam

Joha Rice from Assam, a product holding a GI Tag, is being exported to the UK and Italy (25 metric tons). A Geographical Indication (GI) Tag labels products with a specific geographical origin, possessing unique qualities due to that origin. (Memory Tip: An analogy for GI Tag is claiming your mother's unique, world-famous "Gujiya" recipe deserves special recognition because it's uniquely hers.) GI tag registration occurs in Chennai, is valid for 10 years, and is renewable. The GI Act was enacted in 1999 and enforced in 2003. India's first GI Tag was awarded to Darjeeling Tea in 2004-05.

Joha Rice Specifics:

• Origin: Primarily found in Eastern Assam.

• GI Tag Awarded: In 2017.

• Key Characteristics & Benefits:

• Small grains with a distinct aroma.

• Anti-diabetic properties.

• Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

• Helps prevent cardiovascular diseases.

• Other GI Tags from Assam: Judima Rice, Muga Silk, Bihu Dhol, Tejpur Litchi, Gamocha.

• Rasgulla/Rasagola GI Tags:

• West Bengal: Has a GI tag for Rasgulla.

• Odisha: Has a GI tag for Rasagola.

Fiscal Health Index 2026 by NITI Aayog

The Fiscal Health Index 2026 has been launched by NITI Aayog, an extra-constitutional body and a think tank headed by the Prime Minister. Its Vice Chairperson is Suman Bery. Fiscal health is assessed based on investment, FPI (Foreign Portfolio Investment), FDI (Foreign Direct Investment), and revenue generation.

• State Categorization in the Index:

• Achiever: Odisha, Goa.

• Front Runner: Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh.

• Performer: Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Rajasthan.

• Aspirational: West Bengal.

Fiscal Deficit occurs when government expenditure exceeds its revenue, necessitating borrowing (internal or external).

• NITI Aayog Statements:

• NITI Aayog was established in 2015 in place of the Planning Commission. (Correct)

• NITI Aayog is a constitutional body. (Incorrect - it is an extra-constitutional body).

• The Prime Minister is the Chairperson of NITI Aayog. (Correct)

Second UT with 100% Literacy Rate

Chandigarh has become the second Union Territory (UT) in India to achieve a 99%+ literacy rate, effectively reaching near 100% literacy. Ladakh was the first UT to achieve this milestone. Chandigarh, a UT and joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, was designed by Le Corbusier and is home to Rock Garden and Capitol Complex. It is also the first slum-free UT. This literacy achievement is supported by initiatives like the ULHAS Project (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society).

• Fully Literate States (as per new data, 2025-2026 focus):

• Kerala

• Mizoram

• Goa

• Tripura

• Himachal Pradesh

• Chandigarh Literacy Rate (2011 Census):

• Overall: 86%.

• Men: 90%.

• Women: 81.2%.

• Census Statements:

• The 2011 Census was the 15th census in India since 1872. (Correct)

• The 2011 Census was the 7th census after India's Independence. (Correct)

• The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India conduct the census. (Correct)

UIDAI Bug Bounty Program

The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), which manages Aadhaar cards, has launched a Bug Bounty Program. Aadhaar cards face issues like loopholes, fraudulent creation, and misuse, referred to as "bugs". The program's objective is to identify and resolve these vulnerabilities by engaging around 20 ethical hackers. It is important to note that the Aadhaar card is not considered a sole identity proof. UIDAI Headquarters are in Delhi.

• Types of Hackers:

• White Hat Hackers: Have good intentions and work to improve security (ethical hackers).

• Black Hat Hackers: Have malicious intentions and exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain.

• UIDAI Statements:

• UIDAI provides biometric information like fingerprinting and iris scanning. (Correct)

• UIDAI is used for authentication services to verify identity. (Correct)

• UIDAI's headquarters are in Mumbai. (Incorrect - they are in Delhi).

Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Yojana (Punjab)

The Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Yojana has been launched in Punjab by Bhagwant Mann on International Women's Day (March 8th). Its purpose is to provide financial support to women. General category women will receive ₹1000 per month, while SC category women will receive ₹1500 per month. Payments are made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Gujarat's Lake and Air Watch Campaign

The Lake and Air Watch campaign has been launched in Gujarat to monitor and improve the health of lakes and air quality. For lakes, it checks for issues like algae and bacteria growth, while for air, it assesses air quality using the Air Quality Index.

First Openly Queer Member of Parliament

A significant development marks the appointment of Menaka Guruswamy as the first Member of Parliament from the LGBTQ+ community to the Rajya Sabha.

The LGBTQ+ acronym stands for: L**esbian, *G**ay, **B**isexual, **T**ransgender, and **Q**ueer. (*Memory Tip: Queer refers to individuals who are uncertain or confused about the gender of their attraction.) Historically, **Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized homosexuality, was a subject of much debate. Thanks to efforts by individuals like Menaka Guruswamy, homosexuality is NOT a crime in India. Menaka Guruswamy, falling under the Queer category, was nominated as a Rajya Sabha MP by the TMC party in West Bengal and elected unopposed, marking a historic moment for India.

BCCI Annual Awards

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), established in 1928 with its headquarters in Mumbai, announced its annual awards, also known as the Naman Awards. The current President of BCCI is Mithun Monhas, and the Vice-President is Rajiv Shukla.

Award Categories:

• Cricketer of the Year Award: Awarded to Shubman Gill.

• C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award:

• Male Category: Presented to Rahul Dravid. (Memory Tip: Rahul Dravid is also known by the nicknames "The Wall" and "Jamie." He has also served as a coach for Team India.)

• Female Category: Presented to Mithali Raj.

Also Read:

• SSC Monthly Current Affairs
• SSC Weekly Current Affairs

Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme

The Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, launched in 2019, provides direct financial assistance to farmers' bank accounts. Under this scheme, three installments of ₹2000 each are provided annually. A recent installment of this scheme was released from Guwahati.

Current Affairs Quick Revision

• The Freedom of Religious Bill is to be introduced in Chhattisgarh.

• India has become the largest exporter of cotton.

• The Orchid Festival took place in Sikkim.

• Kidney Day is observed on March 12.

• Jal Mahotsav began on March 8.

• The Green Cover Index was launched by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

• Aahar International was launched.

• The World Para Athletic Grand Prix will be organized in Delhi after 22 years, featuring athlete Shailesh Kumar.