Current Affairs (EXAMIVERSE) — March 20, 2026 (Friday)
Verified sources used: PIB India, The Hindu, News on AIR, and World Energy Reports.
For exams: SSC CGL, Banking, UPSC, KPSC + State PSCs
🏛️ National & Governance
Union Cabinet approves 'Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme'
- What: A new scheme for FY 2026-2031 with a total outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore to boost clean energy in rural and hilly regions.
- Exam angle: Renewable energy targets (500 GW by 2030); Role of small hydro in grid stability.
Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 introduced in Lok Sabha
- What: The Bill aims to refine corporate governance and ease of doing business by digitalizing more compliance procedures and simplifying auditor regulations.
- Exam angle: Regulatory bodies (MCA, SEBI); Impact on 'Ease of Doing Business' ranking.
India’s BioEconomy hits $195.3 Billion in 2025
- What: According to the India BioEconomy Report (IBER) 2026, the sector recorded record growth, contributing nearly 5% to the national GDP.
- Exam angle: Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) targets; sectors like Bio-pharma and Bio-agriculture.
Ministry of Ayush launches "Yoga 365" Campaign
- What: A nationwide initiative to encourage citizens to integrate daily Yoga into their routines for holistic health.
- Exam angle: International Day of Yoga (June 21); role of Ayush in preventive healthcare.
🌍 International Relations
Nepal’s First Female Transgender MP: Bhumika Shrestha
- What: Bhumika Shrestha made history by becoming the first female transgender individual to take oath as a Member of Parliament in Nepal.
- Exam angle: Social justice and representation in South Asia; LGBTQ+ rights in neighboring countries.
Global Oil Crisis: Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
- What: Following escalating West Asia conflict, attacks on infrastructure in the Strait of Hormuz have suspended nearly 20% of global crude and gas supply, causing Brent crude to spike to $114/barrel.
- Exam angle: Significance of Strait of Hormuz (chokepoint for 1/5th of world oil); Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) of India.
💰 Economy
Indian Stock Market Crash: Sensex drops 3%; Rupee at 92.89
- What: Global energy supply fears led to a massive sell-off in domestic markets. The Indian Rupee hit a new record low of 92.89 against the US Dollar.
- Exam angle: Factors affecting Currency Depreciation; Current Account Deficit (CAD) impact due to high oil prices.
Government approves "RELIEF" Scheme for Exporters
- What: A specialized insurance and financial support scheme launched to assist Indian exporters affected by global maritime disruptions and rising "war risk" insurance costs.
- Exam angle: Export credit agencies (ECGC); foreign trade policy 2023 goals.
📅 Important Days
World Sparrow Day (March 20, 2026)
- Theme: "Save Sparrows, Save the Environment" and "I Love Sparrows".
- Purpose: To raise awareness about house sparrows and Urban Biodiversity.
International Day of Happiness (March 20, 2026)
- Theme: "Caring and Sharing".
- Highlights: Finland ranked 1st for the 9th consecutive year in the World Happiness Report; India improved its position to 118th.
⚡ Quick Revision Points (no Q&A)
- Renewable Energy: ₹2,584 Cr SHP scheme approved for 5 years.
- BioEconomy: Sector reaches record $195B.
- Nepal Politics: Bhumika Shrestha becomes first transgender MP.
- Market Impact: Rupee hits 92.89; Brent crude touches $114/barrel.
- Export Help: "RELIEF" scheme for exporters facing global transit risks.
- Happiness: Finland tops world index; India at 118th rank.
- Sparrows: March 20 celebrated to protect house sparrows.