Latest General Knowledge Facts – 18 March 2026

• The Indian animated short film 'CHYIMI' won the Best Director Award at the New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF) 2026, gaining international recognition. The film is directed by Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, who is also the Inspector General of Police in Assam and Commissioner of Police, Guwahati.
• In the World Para Athletics Grand Prix, India topped the medal tally with 208 medals. The three-day international tournament saw participation from 257 athletes across 8 countries. India won 75 gold, 69 silver, and 64 bronze medals.
• The Sahitya Akademi Awards were announced, given for literary works in 24 Indian languages. This year, Navtej Sarna (novel 'Crimson Spring') won in English and Mamta Kalia (memoirs 'Jeete Ji') won in Hindi.
• The trial and operation of the country’s first indigenous 828 Bullet Train (speed: 280 km/h) is scheduled to begin in August 2027 on the Surat-Vapi (97 km) section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. This train is manufactured by BEML.