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