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

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