Daily Current Affairs Quiz
21&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
- Improve early diagnosis of HIV cases
- Ensure linkage to treatment (ART services)
- Achieve better viral suppression outcomes
2. Accelerating Epidemic Control
- Work towards achieving 95:95:99 targets:
- 95% of people know their HIV status
- 95% of diagnosed individuals receive treatment
- 95–99% achieve viral suppression
- Align with India’s goal to end HIV/AIDS by 2027–2030
Key Features of the Karyashala
1. District-Focused Strategy
- Covers 219 priority districts
- Emphasis on granular, localised interventions based on district-specific data
2. Whole-of-System Coordination
- Integrates efforts of:
- National agencies (NACO)
- State health departments
- District-level health officials
- Promotes collaborative governance and accountability
3. Evidence-Based Planning
- Use of real-time data and surveillance systems
- Focus on monitoring outcomes and improving efficiency
- Encourages data-backed decision-making
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
- Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue): Policy formulation and overall implementation
- Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT): प्रशासन और execution of direct tax reforms and outreach initiatives
Objectives of PRARAMBH 2026
1. Smooth Transition to New Tax Regime
- Help taxpayers and officials adapt to new provisions and compliance requirements
- Reduce confusion and compliance burden
2. Promote Trust-Based Taxation
- Encourage voluntary compliance and honest reporting
- Reduce tax evasion through awareness
3. Simplification and Dispute Reduction
- Improve clarity in tax provisions
- Minimise litigation and disputes
Key Features of the Campaign
1. Multimedia Outreach Strategy
- Use of TV, digital platforms, and social media for mass awareness
- Ensures wide reach across urban and rural areas
2. Simplified Taxpayer Guidance
- Provision of FAQs, tutorials, and easy-to-understand materials
- Makes complex tax rules more accessible
3. AI-Based Assistance
- Introduction of AI chatbot ‘Kar Saathi’
- Provides real-time query resolution and reduces dependency on officials
4. Enhanced Digital Infrastructure
- Launch of Income Tax Website 2.0
- Features:
- Improved navigation
- Faster processing
- Better user interface
5. Multilingual Communication
- Tax-related information available in multiple regional languages
- Promotes inclusivity and accessibility
6. Capacity Building and Training
- Nationwide workshops for tax officials
- Ensures uniform and efficient implementation
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?
- It is an interest subsidy provided to exporters
- Applicable on pre-shipment and post-shipment export credit
- Helps reduce the cost of borrowing for exporters, especially MSMEs
Key Amendments in the Scheme
1. No Benefit After NPA Classification
- Interest subvention will not be available from the date a loan becomes a Non-Performing Asset (NPA)
- Once classified as NPA, no further subsidy support will be provided
2. Applicability to New Credit Only
- Scheme applicable only to export credit disbursed on or after January 2, 2026
Institutional Framework
- Policy governed under the Foreign Trade framework
- Linked to guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for export credit classification and NPA norms
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
- The Board evaluated the impact of geopolitical developments on:
- Currency markets
- Capital flows
- Commodity prices (especially crude oil)
- Recognised rising uncertainty in global financial conditions
2. Rupee Depreciation and Dollar Demand
- Indian Rupee hit an all-time low of ₹93.72 per US dollar
- Depreciated 2.92% in March 2026
- Key drivers:
- Increased dollar demand from importers
- Surge in global crude oil prices
3. Inflationary Concerns from Oil Prices
- Rising crude oil prices may:
- Increase import bill and current account deficit (CAD)
- Trigger imported inflation
- Adds complexity to monetary policy management
Implications for Monetary Policy
1. Challenge to “Lower-for-Longer” Rate Strategy
- RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has:
- Reduced repo rate by 125 basis points since February 2025
- Current repo rate stands at 5.25%
- However, external shocks may force a re-evaluation of accommodative stance
2. Policy Trade-offs
- RBI faces a dual challenge:
- Support growth through low interest rates
- Control inflation and currency volatility
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 promote linguistic diversity. It commemorates the creation of La Francophonie in 1970. It is part of UN Language Days celebrating six official languages. The initiative strengthens global cultural cooperation.
12. World Oral Health Day 2026 Highlights Health Awareness
World Oral Health Day is observed on March 20 with theme “A Happy Mouth is…A Happy Mind”. Led by the FDI World Dental Federation, it promotes oral hygiene awareness. The campaign links oral health with overall well-being. It aims to reduce the burden of oral diseases globally.
13. Chandigarh University Launches AI-Based Smart Healthcare CoE
Chandigarh University launched a Centre of Excellence in Smart Healthcare in Uttar Pradesh. It focuses on AI-driven healthcare solutions and startup support. The facility includes advanced GPU infrastructure for research. It aims to strengthen digital healthcare and AI integration in governance.
