Daily Current Affairs – March 14, 2026

The United States has initiated a trade probe into sixty nations, including India, China, the EU, UK, and Japan. This investigation scrutinizes policies regarding goods made with forced labor. The US Trade Representative's office is seeking consultations and will hold public hearings. This move follows a separate probe into excess industrial capacity.

India's trade pact with the U.S. stands firm, safeguarding critical areas such as agriculture and dairy. This collaboration promises mutual advantages, enhancing technology access while propelling India towards its goal of becoming a global data hub. Additionally, the India-UK free trade agreement is anticipated to launch within a month, following a quick ratification by the UK Parliament.

Government has decided to revoke the detention of Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising the powers available under the National Security Act

Punjab's Moga rally is being seen as the beginning of the BJP's poll campaign in Punjab, where assembly elections are due in early 2027

India has repatriated the non-essential crew members of an Iranian warship that docked in Kochi on March 4 amid the escalating military conflict between Iran and the U.S.

Since February 28, when Israel and the U.S. jointly attacked Iran, plunging the entire West Asian region into war, thousands of Indian tourists and expatriates have been left stranded across the Gulf. Indian missions have struggled to keep up with requests and demands. From missile and drone strikes, to soaring prices, to communication blackouts, the conflict has left civilians vulnerable, reports Kallol Bhattacherjee

Smallcap stocks have corrected sharply but are still not cheap, says Sonam Srivastava of Wright Research, urging investors to stay selective. She highlights opportunities in private banks, pharma, and capital goods while recommending staggered deployment of cash and balanced allocation across equities, gold, silver, and debt amid volatile markets.

Sadanand Date, a 2007-batch IPS officer, has taken charge as Executive Director at Sebi, heading the investigations department. Previously, Date served in key roles at the CBI, including Superintendent of Police in various branches. He also held significant positions within the Uttarakhand Police before his appointment at the market regulator.

On 14 March, banks across India will be closed for the second Saturday of the month. Customers can still access online banking services for transactions.

While seasonal demand remains critical, long summers and early rains push food and consumer goods makers to predict demand and schedule production better. Here's how how beverage, ice cream, and consumer goods companies in India are walking the tightrope balancing demand and costs—and climate.

India finally found the breakthrough in the 40th minute, with a stroke of fortune. Manisha’s drag-flick from a penalty corner took deflections off Teresa Dalla Vittoria and Sofia Laurito, wrong-footing Caruso and sailing into the net

Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time runner-up at Indian Wells, will get another shot at winning event after beating Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals