Daily Current Affairs Quiz20 March, 2026 National Affairs 1. World Happiness Report 2026 Source: IE Context: The World Happiness Report 2026, released on the occasion of the International Day of Happiness, ranks countries based on overall well-being using global survey data and expert analysis. This year’s theme focuses on “Happiness and Social Media.” India’s Rank and Performance Overall Ranking Key Observation India’s Performance Across Key Indicators Indicator Rank Perception of corruption 64th Freedom to make life choices 61st Generosity (charity) 78th GDP per capita (PPP) 89th Healthy life expectancy 95th Social support 123rd Top 10 Happiest Countries (2026) Least Happy Country South Asia Comparison Country Rank (2026) Nepal 99 Pakistan 104 India 116 Bangladesh 127 Sri Lanka 134 Afghanistan 147 Methodology of the Report The World Happiness Report evaluates countries based on: 2. Krishi Sakhi Initiative Source: PIB Context: The Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited has launched the Krishi Sakhi Initiative to strengthen the role of women in agriculture through awareness, training, and inclusion in crop insurance systems. What is the Krishi Sakhi Initiative? The Krishi Sakhi Initiative is a nationwide programme designed to: It aligns with India’s broader push for gender-inclusive agricultural development. Objectives of the Initiative 1. Enhance Women’s Participation 2. Promote Inclusive Agriculture 3. Strengthen Farm Resilience Key Features of the Initiative 1. Month-wise Awareness Campaigns 2. Capacity Building & Training 3. Social & Behavioural Outreach 3. Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across India, aimed at boosting manufacturing and employment. What is BHAVYA? The BHAVYA Scheme is a centrally sponsored industrial infrastructure initiative designed to create world-class, ready-to-use industrial ecosystems. Objectives of BHAVYA 1. Accelerate Manufacturing Growth 2. Improve Ease of Doing Business 3. Strengthen Industrial Clusters 4. Generate Employment & Attract Investment Key Features of BHAVYA 1. Plug-and-Play Industrial Infrastructure 2. Large-Scale Industrial Parks 3. Financial Support Mechanism 4. Integrated Infrastructure Ecosystem Core Infrastructure Value-Added Infrastructure Social Infrastructure 5. Ease of Doing Business Reforms 6. Challenge-Based Selection 7. Alignment with National Initiatives 4. Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Framework Context: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has expanded the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to include solar ingots and wafers, effective June 1, 2028. This move deepens India’s push for self-reliance in the solar value chain. What is the ALMM Framework? The ALMM Framework is a quality assurance and regulatory mechanism that ensures only approved and verified solar manufacturers and models are used in government-supported and regulated solar projects. Objectives 1. Promote Atmanirbhar Bharat 2. Ensure Quality Standards 3. Strengthen Energy Security 5. Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme Source: News on Air Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore, to accelerate India’s clean energy transition. What is the SHP Development Scheme? The Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme is a centrally sponsored renewable energy initiative aimed at promoting small hydro projects (1–25 MW capacity) across India, especially in remote, hilly, and underserved regions. Key Features of the Scheme 1. Financial Outlay and Investment Potential 2. Differential Central Financial Assistance (CFA) For North-Eastern & Border States: For Other States: Significance: 3. Pipeline Development Support 4. Atmanirbhar Bharat Push 5. Decentralized and Distributed Generation Banking/Finance 1. RBI Injects ₹25,101 Crore via VRR Auction Source: BL Context: The Reserve Bank of India injected ₹25,101 crore into the banking system through a 3-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction on March 20, 2026, to manage short-term liquidity conditions. What is a VRR Auction? A Variable Rate Repo (VRR) is a short-term liquidity management tool used by RBI where: Key Concepts Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Open Market Operations (OMO) 2. Rupee Falls to Record Low of ₹93.72/$ Source: BS Context: The Indian rupee plunged to an all-time low of ₹93.72 per dollar, marking a sharp 1.15% single-day fall, the steepest decline since the 2022 Russia-Ukraine War. The depreciation is largely driven by rising crude oil prices and global uncertainty due to the West Asia conflict. Key Highlights 1. Sharp Depreciation Trend 2. Crude Oil Price Shock Impact: 3. Strong Dollar Demand 4. RBI Intervention 5. Forward Market Pressure Implication: 6. Capital Outflows Key Drivers of Rupee Depreciation External Factors Domestic Factors Implications for Indian Economy 1. Inflationary Pressures 2. Widening Current Account Deficit 3. Impact on Businesses 4. Financial Market Volatility Agriculture 1. West Asia War Impact on Indian Agriculture Context: The ongoing geopolitical conflict in West Asia, particularly disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, has triggered a surge in global energy prices. Given India’s heavy dependence on imported fuel and fertilisers, the crisis is expected to have multi-dimensional adverse effects on Indian agriculture. Key Channels of Impact on Indian Agriculture 1. Rising Input Costs for Farmers Energy Price Shock Fertiliser Cost Escalation Impact: 2. Disruption in Agricultural Trade Export Impact Impact: 3. Inflation and Price Volatility Base Effect Factor 4. Supply Chain and Energy Linkages Impact: Broader Economic Implications 1. Impact on Rural Economy 2. Fiscal Pressure Facts To Remember 1. Bhubaneswar to host World indoor athletics in 2028 The Kalinga Indoor Stadium in Bhubaneswar will host the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) announced on Thursday. 2. HDFC Bank CEO Reappointment: Board to Consider Sashidhar Jagdishan’s Next Term The board of HDFC Bank is set to review the reappointment of its Managing Director and CEO, Sashidhar Jagdishan, whose current term ends in October 2026. The proposal will first be evaluated by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) and then sent to the Reserve Bank of India for final approval. Regulatory Framework 3. Cabinet Approves ₹2,584.60 Cr Small Hydro Power Scheme to Boost Renewable Energy The Union Cabinet chaired by Narendra Modi approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme (FY27–FY31) with ₹2,584.60 crore outlay. It targets installation of 1,500 MW capacity

Daily Current Affairs Quiz19 March, 2026 National Affairs 1. Appropriation Bill 2026 Passed Source: TH Context: The Parliament of India has passed the Appropriation Bill 2026, enabling the government to legally withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund of India for the financial year 2026–27. What is an Appropriation Bill? Constitutional Provisions Article 114 Article 115 Article 116 Key Features of Appropriation Bill 1. Covers Two Types of Expenditure 2. No Amendment Allowed 3. Money Bill Status 2. Economic Stabilisation Fund 2026 Source: TH Context: The Government of India has announced a ₹57,381 crore allocation for the Economic Stabilisation Fund to tackle global uncertainties such as the West Asia conflict, oil price volatility, and supply chain disruptions. What is the Economic Stabilisation Fund? Objective How the Fund Works Key Features 1. Fiscal Headroom 2. Targeted Intervention 3. Deficit Neutrality 4. Macroeconomic Stability 5. Large Allocation 3. Transgender Rights Amendment Bill 2026 Source: IE Context: The Union Government has introduced the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. The move comes over a decade after the landmark NALSA v. Union of India (2014) judgment, which recognized self-determination of gender identity as a fundamental right. What is the “Right to Self-Perceived Gender Identity”? Key Changes Proposed in the Bill 1. Removal of Self-Identification Right 2. Redefinition of “Transgender Person” 3. Introduction of Medical Authority 4. Changes in Gender Certification Process 5. Mandatory SRS-Based Certification 6. Documentation Rights 4. BHAVYA Scheme 2026 Source: TH Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore to boost manufacturing through the development of 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across India. Key Highlights: Key Features of BHAVYA 1. Plug-and-Play Infrastructure 2. Land Requirements 3. Financial Support 4. Multi-Stakeholder Model Focus Areas Banking/Finance 1. RBI Reassures on HDFC Bank: Understanding Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) in India Source: BS Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reassured markets regarding HDFC Bank after the resignation of its chairman, stating that the bank remains a Domestic Systemically Important Bank (D-SIB) with strong governance and financial stability. What are Systemically Important Banks? Key Features of D-SIBs 1. Systemic Importance 2. RBI Framework (2014) 3. Bucket Classification 4. Additional Capital Requirement D-SIBs in India (Current List) Why are D-SIBs Important? 1. Financial Stability 2. Risk Containment 3. Enhanced Regulation Classification of Banks in India 1. Ownership-Based 2. Functional 3. Regulatory Agriculture 1. Budget 2026 Carbon Credit Programme Source: TH Context: A ₹20,000 crore allocation in Union Budget 2026 for a “carbon credit programme” has triggered confusion over its actual intent—whether it targets industrial decarbonisation through CCUS or aims to create carbon income opportunities for farmers. Core Issue: What is CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage)? Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is a technology-based climate solution that involves: What Does CCUS Target? Hard-to-Abate Industries CCUS focuses on sectors where emissions are: Key Target Sectors These sectors are responsible for a large share of industrial CO₂ emissions and cannot fully decarbonize through renewable energy alone. Why Agriculture is NOT Included in CCUS 1. Diffuse Emission Sources 2. Biological Nature of Emissions 3. Technological Mismatch Agriculture’s Role: Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Instead of CCUS, agriculture contributes through: These methods absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere, rather than capturing emissions at source. 2. Coconut Promotion Scheme 2026 Source: PIB Context: The Government of India has announced the Coconut Promotion Scheme in the Union Budget 2026–27 to strengthen the coconut sector, where India is the world’s largest producer (30.37% share). About the Scheme Budget Allocation Status Objectives Key Features 1. Replantation and Rejuvenation 2. Improved Varieties 3. Productivity Enhancement 4. Value Addition and Processing 5. Farmer Livelihood Support India’s Position in Coconut Production Parameter Data Global Rank 1st Share in Global Production 30.37% Annual Production 21,373.62 million nuts Facts To Remember 1. Jharkhand Assembly Opposes VB-G RAM G Act, Seeks Continuation of MGNREGA Framework The Jharkhand Legislative Assembly passed a resolution opposing the proposed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) and urged the Centre to retain the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) framework. 2. India’s Unemployment Rate Declines to 4.9% in February 2026 The National Statistical Office reported a marginal drop in unemployment under the PLFS February 2026 bulletin.Urban unemployment declined to 6.6%, while rural unemployment remained stable at 4.2%.Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) stood at 55.9%, showing steady workforce engagement.The data reflects gradual improvement in urban job markets and stability in rural employment. 3. Government Approves 23 Quantum Labs under National Quantum Mission The Government approved quantum labs in 23 institutions under the National Quantum Mission.The initiative focuses on quantum computing, communication, and sensing technologies.The decision was reviewed under the leadership of Jitendra Singh.It aims to strengthen India’s research ecosystem and build a skilled quantum workforce. 4. Horticulture Production Records Growth in 2024-25 and 2025-26 The Ministry of Agriculture released FE 2024-25 and FAE 2025-26 estimates showing growth in horticulture output.Production reached 3707.38 lakh tonnes in 2024-25 with further increase projected for 2025-26.The total area under cultivation expanded to over 301 lakh hectares.This reflects rising importance of high-value crops in India’s agricultural sector. 5. ALMM Framework Expanded to Include Solar Ingots and Wafers The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy extended ALMM to cover solar ingots and wafers from June 2028.The move aims to boost domestic solar manufacturing and reduce import dependence.It introduces upstream integration requirements for manufacturers.This step strengthens India’s renewable energy supply chain and self-reliance. 6. Gyan Bharatam Survey Launched to Map India’s Manuscript Heritage The Ministry of Culture launched the Gyan Bharatam National Manuscript Survey across India.It aims to identify, document, and digitise manuscripts using modern technology.The survey follows a four-stage process including verification and cataloguing.It will help preserve India’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage. 7. British Council Supports SPARK 100K Initiative for Women Entrepreneurs The British Council signed an MoU to support SPARK 100K Collective.The initiative aims to empower 1