Current Affairs 17 March 2026

Govt revises wheat & paddy procurement commission rates for 2026–27.

• Government of India revises commission rates for Arthiyas and Cooperative Societies from RMS 2026–27.
• Commissions paid for intermediary and aggregation services in procurement.
• Sub-committee formed with FCI, state governments, and Department of Food & Public Distribution.
• Committee reviewed and recommended the revised commission structure.

Archaeologists Discover Missing Fragment of 3,200-Year-Old Ramesses II Statue in Egypt.

• Archaeologists in Egypt discovered a limestone fragment completing a 3,200-year-old statue of Ramesses II.
• Found at Hermopolis Magna, where the lower half was uncovered in 1930.
• Missing upper portion had remained buried for nearly 96 years.
• Newly discovered fragment is about 3.8 meters tall.
• Complete statue will stand nearly 7 meters (23 feet) high.
• Discovery reveals new insights into the pharaoh and the historic temple city.

Uniqlo names Jasprit Bumrah as its brand ambassador in India.

• Uniqlo appoints Jasprit Bumrah as India brand ambassador.
• Partnership announced on March 16, 2026.
• Marks a major collaboration between global brand and Indian cricket.
• Campaign promotes Uniqlo’s LifeWear philosophy.
• Focus on comfortable, everyday clothing.

Michael B. Jordan wins Best Actor at Oscars 2026 for "Sinners".

• Michael B. Jordan wins Best Actor at the 2026 Oscars for Sinners.
• Film directed by Ryan Coogler.
• Award presented at the Academy Awards 2026 in Los Angeles.
• Recognized for a powerful dual (twin) role performance.
• Marks his first Academy Award win and nomination.
• Performance widely praised for complexity and impact.

Gujarat’s 1st Sounding Rocket Successfully Launched from Dholera, Making History.

• On March 14, 2026, Gujarat launched its first-ever sounding rocket from Bavaliyari near Dholera.
• Rocket developed and launched by Ahmedabad-based startup Omspace Rocket and Exploration Private Limited.
• Single-stage sub-orbital rocket reached ~3 km altitude within seconds.
• Dual-parachute autonomous recovery system ensured safe landing ~4 km from launch site.
• Airframe made of carbon fibre and advanced composites under Make in India initiative.
• Mission validated sugar-based solid propellant motor and 3D-printed torch igniter.