Daily Current Affairs Quiz23 March, 2026 National Affairs 1. Corporate Law Reforms and Finance Bill Source: ET Context: In a significant legislative move during the Budget Session 2026, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to introduce the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, alongside the consideration and passage of the Finance Bill, 2026. These measures are central to advancing India’s economic reforms, regulatory simplification, and fiscal governance. Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 The proposed bill seeks to amend: Key Reform Focus Finance Bill, 2026 The Finance Bill, 2026 is listed for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha. Core Purpose Other Key Legislative Business In the Rajya Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to introduce the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, aimed at: Additionally, the Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2026—already passed by Lok Sabha—will be taken up for consideration, authorising expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. 2. Exercise Lamitiye 2026 Source: PIB Context: Exercise Lamitiye 2026 is a bilateral military exercise between India and Seychelles, conducted in March 2026. The name “Lamitiye” means “friendship” in Creole, reflecting the close strategic ties between the two nations. Key Highlights Phases of the Exercise Harbour Phase Sea Phase MAHASAGAR Vision The mission aligns with India’s strategic doctrine: 3. National DMF Summit 2026 Source: ET Context: The Ministry of Mines will organise the National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Summit 2026 on 23–24 March 2026 at SCOPE Convention Centre. The summit focuses on improving the effective and outcome-oriented utilisation of DMF funds, especially in Aspirational Districts and Blocks. Theme of the Summit “Effective Utilization of District Mineral Funds for ADP/ABP Areas” Objectives of the Summit What is DMF? Banking/Finance 1. SEBI Board Meet 2026 Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India is set to deliberate on a broad reform agenda aimed at improving market efficiency, investor participation, and regulatory ease. A major focus of the meeting is easing operational constraints for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs). Key Proposal: Netting of Funds for FPIs Current System: Gross Settlement This leads to: Proposed Reform: Net Settlement SEBI is considering allowing netting of funds, meaning: Example: 2. Bank of Baroda Launches UPI-Linked Credit Line for Women SHGs Source: TOI Context: In March 2026, Bank of Baroda introduced a UPI-linked overdraft (OD) facility for verified women Self-Help Group (SHG) members holding accounts under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. This makes BoB the first bank in India to roll out such a digital micro-credit solution integrated with UPI. Key Features of the Initiative 1. UPI-Linked Overdraft Facility 2. Maximum Credit Limit 3. Target Beneficiaries Key Institutional Partners The initiative has been implemented in collaboration with: 3. RBI Imposes ₹31.80 Lakh Penalty on HSBC India for Deposit Norm Violations Source: BS Context: In March 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹31.80 lakh on HSBC India for non-compliance with regulatory guidelines related to inoperative accounts and unclaimed deposits. Key Violations Identified The RBI flagged multiple compliance lapses: About DEA Fund and UDRN Nature of the Penalty 4. RBI Central Board Approves Budget 2026–27 and Utkarsh 3.0 Context: The Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the Bank’s budget for FY 2026–27 and its Medium-Term Strategy Framework – Utkarsh 3.0 (2026–29) during its 622nd meeting held in Patna under the chairmanship of Sanjay Malhotra. What is Utkarsh 3.0? Utkarsh 3.0 is the Medium-Term Strategy Framework (MTSF) of the Reserve Bank of India for the period 2026–2029. It outlines the RBI’s strategic priorities, reform agenda, and institutional goals to strengthen India’s financial system over the next three years. It is the third phase of RBI’s “Utkarsh” strategy series, following earlier versions (Utkarsh 1.0 and 2.0). Key Objectives of Utkarsh 3.0 1. Strengthening Financial Stability 2. Improving Regulatory and Supervisory Framework 3. Promoting Digital Transformation 4. Enhancing Monetary Policy Effectiveness 5. Financial Inclusion and Consumer Protection 6. Internal Capacity Building Key Highlights: 1. Approval of Budget and Strategy 2. Economic Assessment by the Board Agriculture 1. Real-Time Crop Monitoring & AI in Agriculture Source: BL Context: With rising concerns over food adulteration, misleading labels, and lack of traceability, consumers are increasingly demanding transparency in food supply chains. Traditional systems remain efficient but opaque, creating a trust deficit. Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital sensors, and real-time monitoring systems are now enabling a shift toward data-driven, transparent, and trust-based agricultural ecosystems. What is Real-Time Crop Monitoring? Real-time crop monitoring refers to the use of: to continuously track: This data is recorded throughout the crop cycle, creating a credible digital record of production. Bridging the Transparency Gap Problem in Current System Technological Solution This allows consumers to access: Role of AI in Food Supply Chains AI enhances transparency by: Facts To Remember 1. Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma Sets Guinness Record for Seven Volcanic Summits Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma set a Guinness World Record for fastest ascent of Seven Volcanic Summits in 92 days. The expedition spanned continents from Mount Elbrus to Antarctica’s Mount Sidley. The record was recognised in February 2026 and awarded in Delhi. It highlights endurance and global mountaineering excellence. 2. William Dalrymple Wins Mark Lynton History Prize 2026 William Dalrymple won the Mark Lynton History Prize 2026 for his book “The Golden Road”. The award is administered by the Columbia University and Nieman Foundation. It carries a USD 10,000 prize for excellence in historical writing. The book highlights India’s global historical influence. 3. Rituparna Sengupta Honoured at UK Parliament for Women Empowerment Rituparna Sengupta received the Women Empowerment Award at the House of Commons. The honour recognises her contribution to arts and culture. It was presented during an International Women’s Day event. The award highlights Indian cultural influence globally. 4. NIOT Tests Indigenous Floating LiDAR Buoy for Offshore Wind and Forecasting National Institute of Ocean Technology tested an indigenous Floating LiDAR buoy off Tamil Nadu coast. It measures offshore wind speed up to 300 metres using laser technology. The system improves weather

Daily Current Affairs Quiz21 & 22 March, 2026 National Affairs 1. Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala Context: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, through the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), organised the Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala to enhance district-level HIV/AIDS response, particularly in regions like Haryana and Delhi. What is Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala? Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala is a national-level workshop initiative designed to strengthen HIV/AIDS management at the district level through data-driven planning, stakeholder coordination, and targeted interventions. Objectives of the Initiative 1. Strengthening HIV Care Continuum 2. Accelerating Epidemic Control Key Features of the Karyashala 1. District-Focused Strategy 2. Whole-of-System Coordination 3. Evidence-Based Planning 2. PRARAMBH 2026 Source: PIB Context: The Government of India has launched PRARAMBH 2026, a nationwide awareness campaign to ensure seamless implementation of the new Income Tax Act, 2025, which comes into effect from 1 April 2026. The initiative reflects a shift towards a simplified, technology-driven, and citizen-centric tax administration system. What is PRARAMBH 2026? PRARAMBH 2026 (Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat) is a comprehensive outreach campaign designed to educate taxpayers, build awareness, and facilitate compliance with the new tax regime. Organisations Involved Objectives of PRARAMBH 2026 1. Smooth Transition to New Tax Regime 2. Promote Trust-Based Taxation 3. Simplification and Dispute Reduction Key Features of the Campaign 1. Multimedia Outreach Strategy 2. Simplified Taxpayer Guidance 3. AI-Based Assistance 4. Enhanced Digital Infrastructure 5. Multilingual Communication 6. Capacity Building and Training 3. Export Credit Interest Subvention Scheme Context: The Government of India has amended the norms for the interest subvention scheme on export credit, a crucial policy tool to support exporters with affordable financing. The revision is part of the broader ₹25,060 crore export promotion mission aimed at enhancing India’s global trade competitiveness. What is Interest Subvention on Export Credit? Key Amendments in the Scheme 1. No Benefit After NPA Classification 2. Applicability to New Credit Only Institutional Framework Banking/Finance 1. RBI Reviews Geopolitical Impact on Financial Markets Amid Rupee Pressure and Oil Price Surge Source: BS Context: The Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently convened its 622nd meeting to assess the impact of escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia on global and domestic financial markets. This marks the first board-level review since the conflict intensified in late February 2026. Key Highlights of the RBI Board Meeting 1. Assessment of Financial Market Volatility 2. Rupee Depreciation and Dollar Demand 3. Inflationary Concerns from Oil Prices Implications for Monetary Policy 1. Challenge to “Lower-for-Longer” Rate Strategy 2. Policy Trade-offs Facts To Remember 1. CM launches 300 e-buses, portal to disburse pending EV subsidies Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday flagged off 300 electric buses and restarted the EV incentive portal, which had remained closed since 2023. The Chief Minister said ₹24 crore in pending subsidies will now be disbursed to 12,877 beneficiaries through direct benefit transfer (DBT). 2. BPCL Launches India’s First LPG ATM in Gurugram Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited launched India’s first LPG ATM under ‘BharatGas Insta LPG’ in Gurugram, Haryana. It offers 24×7 automated LPG access using OTP-based verification and digital payments via UPI/cards. The machine dispenses lightweight composite cylinders (~15 kg) and has a capacity of 10 cylinders. The initiative aims to ensure quick, safe, and uninterrupted LPG supply. 3. Indian Army Conducts ‘Amogh Jwala’ Exercise in Uttar Pradesh The Indian Army conducted Exercise ‘Amogh Jwala’ at Babina Field Firing Ranges to test mechanised warfare readiness. The drill featured Apache helicopters, drones, and network-centric warfare systems. It demonstrated integration of electronic warfare, air defence, and real-time communication. The exercise highlights India’s move towards tech-driven modern combat capabilities. 4. Forbes Billionaires List 2026: Elon Musk Tops, Mukesh Ambani Leads India Elon Musk topped the Forbes Billionaires List 2026, while Mukesh Ambani remained India’s richest. The list features 3,428 billionaires with a combined net worth of USD 20.1 trillion. The USA leads in count, followed by China and India. Women account for 14% of the global billionaire population. 5. WTO Projects Global Trade Growth to Slow to 1.9% in 2026 The World Trade Organization projected global merchandise trade growth to slow to 1.9% in 2026. The slowdown is attributed to geopolitical tensions, tariff impacts, and demand normalization. Services trade growth is expected at 4.8% in 2026. Global GDP growth is forecast to remain stable at around 2.8%. 6. AIC Launches ‘Krishi Sakhi’ to Empower Women Farmers Agriculture Insurance Company of India launched ‘Krishi Sakhi’ to empower women farmers through awareness and participation in crop insurance. The initiative aligns with FAO’s International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. It includes training, outreach campaigns, and rural awareness programs. The scheme aims to strengthen women’s role in agriculture and risk management. 7. Kaveh Madani Wins Stockholm Water Prize 2026 Kaveh Madani received the Stockholm Water Prize 2026 for contributions to water governance. He is the youngest recipient and first UN official to win the award. His work emphasises governance reforms over infrastructure solutions. The recognition highlights global efforts to address water crises sustainably. 8. N Chandrasekaran Conferred UK Honorary Knighthood Natarajan Chandrasekaran was awarded the honorary KBE by the United Kingdom. The honour recognises his role in strengthening India–UK business relations. It is among the highest civilian honours for foreign nationals. The award reflects growing global recognition of Indian corporate leadership. 9. India to Host World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 World Athletics awarded India the hosting rights for WIAC 2028 in Bhubaneswar. It will be India’s first time hosting the event. The championship is a major global indoor track and field competition. It supports India’s ambitions for hosting Olympics 2036. 10. International Day of Happiness 2026 Observed on March 20 The United Nations observes International Day of Happiness on March 20 with theme “Caring and Sharing”. It promotes well-being as a policy priority. Finland ranked first in the World Happiness Report 2026. India ranked 116th, reflecting scope for improving quality of life. 11. French Language Day 2026 Promotes Multilingualism The United Nations observes French Language Day on March 20 to