20 March 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

 

Inclusion of Breakfast in PM POSHAN

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has recommended the inclusion of breakfast under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme to address undernutrition and stunting among school children.

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Rationale Behind the Proposal

• The National Education Policy 2020 highlights the importance of providing a nutritious breakfast, especially before cognitively demanding morning classes.
• Many children attend school without adequate nutrition, affecting learning outcomes, concentration, and overall development.
• States such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka have already implemented breakfast schemes at their own expense, demonstrating feasibility.

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Key Recommendations of the Standing Committee

1. Introduction of Breakfast:

• Provision of at least a light breakfast, with priority given to morning-shift schools.

2. Expansion of Coverage:

• Immediate extension of PM POSHAN to Class 10.
• Gradual expansion to Class 12 within a five-year timeframe.

3. Enhanced Funding:

• Progressive increase in financial contributions from both the Union and State governments to support the additional meal.

4. Revision of Cost Norms:

• Updating the per-child material cost to account for inflation and rising food prices.

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About PM POSHAN Scheme

1. Overview:

• PM POSHAN is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Education, replacing the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
• It is administered by the Department of School Education and Literacy.

2. Coverage:

• Provides one hot cooked meal on all school days to students from Classes 1 to 8 and children in Bal Vatikas in government and aided schools.

3. Nutritional Standards:

• Primary level: 450 kcal and 12 grams of protein
• Upper primary level: 700 kcal and 20 grams of protein

4. Scale and Reach:

• Covers around 11 crore children across more than 11 lakh schools, making it one of the largest school feeding programmes globally.

5. Cost Sharing Pattern:

• 60:40 ratio between Centre and States
• 90:10 ratio for North-Eastern and Himalayan states

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Accountability and Additional Provisions

• Mandatory social audits ensure transparency and effective implementation.
• Additional nutritional support (milk, eggs, fruits) is permitted in Aspirational Districts and areas with high anaemia prevalence.

 

UNIGME Report 2025 on Child Mortality

The United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation released its latest report highlighting a global slowdown in reducing child mortality, even as India shows steady improvement.

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Key Global Highlights

1. Scale of Child Mortality:

• 4.9 million under-5 deaths (2024) including 2.3 million newborn deaths
  Indicates a persistent global health challenge

2. Slowing Progress:

• Under-5 mortality reduced by 50% since 2000 but progress has slowed by over 60% since 2015
  Poses risk to SDG targets

3. Regional Disparities:

• Sub-Saharan Africa: Accounts for 58% of global under-5 deaths
  Highlights inequality in healthcare access

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Major Causes of Child Deaths

1. Neonatal Causes:

• Preterm birth, Birth asphyxia, Delivery complications are Largest contributor to child mortality

2. Infectious Diseases:

• Malaria, Pneumonia, Diarrhoea predominant in developing regions

3. Malnutrition:

• Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM): Weakens immunity and Increases mortality risk

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India’s Performance

1. Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR):

• Declined from 127 (1990) → 27 (2024)

2. Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR):

• Reduced from 57 (1990) → 17 (2024)

3. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):

• Fell from 130 (2014–16) → 88 (2020–22)

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Key Indicators (Definitions)

1. Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR):

• Deaths within 28 days per 1,000 live births

2. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):

• Deaths under 1 year per 1,000 live births

3. Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR):

• Deaths under 5 years per 1,000 live births

4. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):

• Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births

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Government Initiatives (India)

1. Maternal Care:

• Janani Suraksha Yojana → Promotes institutional deliveries
• Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram → Free maternal & child services
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan → Free ANC care

2. Child Health & Nutrition:

• Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram → Screening for 4Ds
• STOP Diarrhoea Campaign → ORS & Zinc
• MAA Programme → Breastfeeding promotion

3. Targeted Interventions:

• Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) → For low-birth-weight infants
• SAANS Initiative → Reducing pneumonia deaths

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Significance

• Global Concern: Slowing progress threatens SDG Goal 3 (Health)
• India’s Progress Story: Demonstrates success of Public health interventions and Institutional delivery push
• Persistent Challenges: Neonatal mortality remains high & Malnutrition and regional disparities continue

 

Supreme Court to Re-examine Definition of “Industry”

The Supreme Court of India has constituted a 9-judge Constitution Bench to reconsider the definition of “industry” under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

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Background

1. Existing Legal Position:

• Based on the landmark judgment: Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board v. A. Rajappa (1978)

2. The “Triple Test”:

• An activity is considered an industry if it involves: Systematic activity, Employer–employee relationship, Production/distribution of goods or services
• Profit motive is NOT required

3. Current Scope:

• Includes Hospitals, Educational institutions, Clubs, Some government bodies
• Excludes Defence, Law & order, Judiciary, Policymaking

4. Position under New Labour Code:

• Industrial Relations Code, 2020: Retains similar definition
• Explicitly excludes Sovereign functions and Domestic services

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Key Issue Before the Court

Whether government welfare/support activities (e.g., canteens in defence establishments) should be treated as “industries”

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Why Reconsideration Matters

1. Ambiguity in Scope:

• Broad definition has Brought non-commercial entities under labour laws
• Raises questions on Applicability to public welfare institutions

2. Balancing Interests:

• Need to balance Worker protection and Administrative flexibility

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Probable Impacts

1. Impact on Workers:

a) Reduced Legal Protection

• Narrow definition may exclude NGOs, Hospitals, Universities.
• Workers may lose Access to labour courts and Dispute resolution mechanisms

b) Weakening of Labour Rights

• Possible erosion of Job security, Protection from unfair dismissal and Collective bargaining power

2. Impact on Employers:

a) Reduced Compliance Burden

• Less regulatory oversight and Simplified labour law applicability

b) Greater Flexibility

• Easier Hiring, Firing and Workforce management

3. Economic & Social Impact:

a) Ease of Doing Business could improve investment climate

b) Social Trade-off

• Risk of Dilution of worker protections and Increased informality in labour markets

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Significance

1. Constitutional Importance:

• 9-judge bench indicates Major reinterpretation of labour jurisprudence

2. Labour Law Reform:

• Will shape Future application of labour codes and Scope of industrial relations

3. Public Sector Impact:

• Redefines Status of welfare institutions and Role of government as employer

 

India Prioritises PNG Network Expansion Amid LPG Supply Shortage

Amid disruptions in LPG supplies due to the West Asia conflict, the Government of India has urged states to accelerate Piped Natural Gas (PNG) expansion and prioritised gas allocation for domestic use.

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Key Government Measures

1. Priority Allocation:

• Invoked Essential Commodities Act, 1955: Prioritised gas supply to Domestic PNG and CNG sectors

2. LPG Control Reform:

• Amendment to LPG Control Order: Households with active PNG connections cannot retain LPG cylinders. Aims to reduce pressure on LPG supply

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About Piped Natural Gas (PNG)

1. Composition:

• Primarily methane (85–95%) & Small amounts of Ethane and Propane

2. Safety Advantage:

• PNG is lighter than air → disperses quickly
• LPG is heavier than air → accumulates near ground
• PNG is safer in case of leaks

3. Supply Mechanism:

• Delivered through Underground pipelines
• Provides 24×7 continuous supply, eliminates need for cylinder storage

4. Regulatory Framework:

• Regulated by: Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board
• Under Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

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Infrastructure & Expansion

1. National Gas Grid Vision:

• One Nation, One Gas Grid (2014): Integrates regional gas networks ensures equitable access to PNG & CNG

2. Key Pipeline Project:

• Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Pipeline: Connects eastern & northeastern regions expands gas-based economy

3. Delivery System:

• Based on City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks expanding urban and semi-urban coverage

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Significance of PNG Expansion

1. Energy Security:

• Reduces dependence on LPG imports and Global supply disruptions

2. Cleaner Fuel Transition:

• PNG emits Less carbon and Fewer pollutants supports environmental sustainability

3. Efficiency & Convenience:

• No Cylinder booking and Transportation logistics

4. Economic Benefits:

• Reduces Subsidy burden on LPG and Improves Supply chain efficiency

 

Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA)

The Union Cabinet has approved Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore to boost India’s manufacturing ecosystem.

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Objective

Transform India into a global manufacturing hub by developing 100 plug-and-play industrial parks

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Key Features

1. Industrial Parks Development:

• Total parks: 100
• Size: 100–1,000 acres (general) and Minimum 25 acres (Northeast & hilly regions)
• Total land bank: ~34,000 acres for industrial use

2. Plug-and-Play Model:

• Ready-to-use infrastructure including Roads, power, water, Pre-approved clearances, Utility connections
• Reduces setup time & cost for industries

3. Selection Mechanism:

• Projects chosen via challenge mode
• Based on: PM GatiShakti National Master Plan alignment, Underground utility corridors, Green energy infrastructure, Ease of Doing Business reforms

4. Timeline:

• Duration: 6 years
• Period: FY 2026–27 to FY 2031–32
• Phase 1: Development of 50 industrial parks

5. Funding Pattern:

Central assistance:

• Up to ₹1 crore per acre (core infrastructure)
• Up to 25% of external connectivity costs

6. Institutional Framework:

• National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC)
• Under Ministry of Commerce and Industry

7. Connectivity Integration:

• Linked with PM GatiShakti National Master Plan
• Ensures Seamless multimodal connectivity (road, rail, ports)

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Significance

1. Boost to Manufacturing:

• Attracts domestic & foreign investment and Strengthens Make in India ecosystem

2. Ease of Doing Business:

• Reduces Regulatory delays and Infrastructure bottlenecks

3. Balanced Regional Development:

• Special focus on Northeast and Hilly regions

4. Employment Generation:

• Large-scale job creation in Manufacturing and Ancillary industries

5. Supply Chain Efficiency:

• Integrated logistics reduces Transport costs and Turnaround time

 

Government Approves MSP Funding for Cotton Sector

Why in News

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved fresh MSP funding for the Cotton Corporation of India for the 2023–24 cotton season.

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Institutional Framework

Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)

• Established: 1970
• Ministry: Ministry of Textiles
• Role: Nodal agency for MSP procurement of cotton and Protects farmers from price volatility

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About Cotton

1. Basic Features:

• Crop Type: Kharif cash crop
• Known as: “White Gold”

2. Climatic Requirements:

• Temperature: 21°C–30°C
• Frost-free period: ~210 days
• Rainfall: 50–100 cm

3. Soil Suitability:

• Ideal: Black cotton soil (Regur)
• Also grows in Alluvial, Red, Laterite soils

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Cotton Production in India

1. Global Position:

• Largest cotton producer (2024–25)
• Contributes 23–25% of global output
• Holds ~40% of global cotton acreage

2. Major Producing States:

• Production leader: Maharashtra
• Highest productivity: Gujarat

3. Unique Feature:

India is the only country cultivating all four species: G. arboreum, G. herbaceum, G. barbadense, G. hirsutum

4. GM Cotton:

• Over 90% area under Bt cotton
• Provides resistance against Bollworm infestation

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Government Initiatives

1. Mission for Cotton Productivity:

• Launched in Union Budget 2025–26
• Focus: Higher yields, Pest-resistant varieties, Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton

2. Kasturi Cotton Bharat:

• Initiative by: Ministry of Textiles, CCI, TEXPROCIL
• Objective: Create premium global brand
• Use: Blockchain and QR-based traceability

3. Digital Platforms:

• Cott-Ally App: Tracks MSP rates & procurement centres
• Kapas Kisan App: Streamlines procurement process

 

Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme

Why in News

The Union Cabinet has approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for the period FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31 to expand renewable energy capacity.

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Key Features

1. Capacity Target:

• Total planned installation: 1,500 MW
• Timeline: 5 years

2. Project Type:

• Focus on run-of-the-river projects
• No large reservoirs; minimal ecological disruption

3. Target Regions:

• Remote & hilly areas, North Eastern states, Border districts

4. Nodal Ministry:

• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

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Financial Support (CFA Mechanism)

1. Special Category Regions:

• North East & border districts: ₹3.6 crore/MW or 30% of project cost (whichever is lower)

2. Other States:

• ₹2.4 crore/MW or 20% of project cost (whichever is lower)

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Key Mandate

• Projects must use 100% indigenous plant & machinery
• Aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat

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What is Small Hydro Power (SHP)?

• Hydropower projects ≤ 25 MW
• Governed by: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
• Larger hydro (>25 MW): Under Ministry of Power

 

Aravalli Hills Definition Committee

Why in News

The Supreme Court of India has directed the formation of a fresh committee to redefine the Aravalli range, amid controversy over earlier criteria.

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Background

1. Existing Scientific Mapping (2011):

• Conducted by: Forest Survey of India (FSI)
• Method: GIS-based mapping and Slope-based criteria

2. Recent Proposal (2025):

• Suggested defining Aravallis using 100 m height threshold

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Key Concerns

1. Flawed Criteria:

• 100 m rule: Too simplistic and Ignores geomorphology of hills

2. Scientific Inaccuracy:

• Disregards GIS mapping and Slope analysis, Less reliable than FSI methods

3. Reduction in Coverage:

• From: ~62 districts (FSI mapping) to ~37 districts (new proposal), Large areas risk exclusion

4. Ecological Risks:

• Excluded areas may face Mining, Deforestation, Land degradation

5. Threat to Fragile Ecosystem:

• Misclassification can weaken Conservation efforts and Legal protection

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About Aravalli Range

1. Geological Features:

• Among the oldest fold mountains (Precambrian age)
• Highly eroded → low elevation

2. Location:

• Extends ~700 km: From Delhi–Haryana through Rajasthan to Gujarat

3. Highest Peak:

• Guru Shikhar (1,722 m)
• Located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan

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Importance of Aravallis

1. Physiographic Role:

• Acts as a natural barrier between Thar Desert and Indo-Gangetic Plains helps check desertification

2. Ecological Role:

• Supports Biodiversity, Groundwater recharge and Climate regulation

3. Environmental Security:

• Protects north-west India from Dust storms and Land degradation

4. Threats

• Illegal mining, Urbanisation (Delhi–NCR expansion), Deforestation

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Conservation Efforts

Aravalli Green Wall Project

• Aims to Restore degraded areas and Combat desertification

 

Iran Strike on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG Hub

Missile strikes by Iran have reportedly damaged parts of Ras Laffan LNG Complex in Qatar, including the Pearl Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) project—a critical global energy installation.

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About Ras Laffan LNG Complex

1. Global Significance:

• World’s largest LNG export hub
• Contributes ~20% of global LNG supply
• Capacity: ~77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA)

2. Location:

• Situated on Qatar’s northeast coast along the Persian Gulf

3. Resource Base:

• Processes gas from the North Field (world’s largest non-associated gas field)
• Shared with Iran as North Field (Qatar) and South Pars (Iran)

4. Infrastructure:

• World’s largest artificial harbour
• Features: LNG “mega trains” (large-scale liquefaction units)

5. Export Destinations:

• Major importers: China, India, Japan, South Korea, European Union

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Pearl Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) Project

• Located within Ras Laffan
• World’s largest GTL facility
• Converts natural gas into Liquid fuels
• High-quality hydrocarbons (diesel, lubricants)

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What is LNG?

• Liquefied Natural Gas: Mostly methane
• Cooled to –162°C
• Volume reduced by ~600 times → easy transport
• Cleaner fuel: ~40% less CO₂ than coal and ~30% less CO₂ than oil

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Strategic Importance

1. Global Energy Security:

• Any disruption affects LNG prices and Energy supply chains

2. India’s Energy Dependence:

• India is a major LNG importer
• Impacts Energy costs and Power & fertilizer sectors

3. Geopolitical Sensitivity:

• Region already volatile:
• West Asia tensions Risk of Escalation in energy conflict

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Implications of the Strike

1. Supply Disruptions:

• Potential reduction in LNG exports and Price volatility in global markets

2. Economic Impact:

• Rising fuel costs globally and Inflationary pressures

3. Strategic Realignment:

• Countries may Diversify energy sources and Increase strategic reserves

 

Coconut Promotion Scheme

The Union Budget 2026–27 has announced the Coconut Promotion Scheme to boost coconut production and improve productivity in India.

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Key Features

1. Nature of Scheme:

• Central Sector Scheme
• Under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare

2. Nodal Agency:

• Implemented by: Coconut Development Board (CDB)
• Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala

3. Core Objective:

• Enhance Coconut production and Sectoral productivity

4. Key Intervention:

• Removal of Old, Senile and Diseased coconut palms
• Replacement with High-yielding varieties, Early-bearing saplings and Climate-resilient plants

5. Technology Integration:

• Farmers linked to Bharat-VISTAAR
• Provides Multilingual AI-based advisory & Real-time support on Pest control and Nutrient management

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Coconut Sector in India

1. Global Position:

• Largest producer globally
• Contributes: ~30.37% of world production
• Rank: 2nd in productivity

2. Area Under Cultivation:

• India: 2.16 million hectares
• World: 12.39 million hectares

3. Livelihood Importance:

• Supports: ~30 million people includes ~10 million farmers

4. Major Producing States:

• Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh

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Significance of the Scheme

1. Productivity Enhancement:

• Rejuvenation of plantations and Better yield per hectare

2. Climate Resilience:

• Promotes Drought-resistant and Disease-resistant varieties

3. Farmer Income Boost:

• Higher productivity → higher earnings

4. Digital Agriculture Push:

• AI-based advisory improves Decision-making and Crop management efficiency

5. Rural Employment:

• Strengthens Agro-based livelihoods and Allied sectors (coir, oil, processing)

 

Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Discovers New Particle

Scientists at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have discovered a new subatomic particle called Xi-cc-plus.

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About Xi-cc-plus Particle

1. Composition:

• Made of three quarks (a baryon)
• Structure: Two charm quarks and One down quark

2. Key Features:

• Around 4 times heavier than a proton
• Highly unstable (decays quickly)
• Provides insights into Strong nuclear force and Quark interactions

3. Comparison with Proton:

• Proton: 2 up quarks + 1 down quark
• Xi-cc-plus: 2 charm quarks + 1 down quark

Shows how heavier quarks form exotic matter

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Basic Concepts

1. Quarks:

• Fundamental particles (building blocks of matter)
• Combine to form Hadrons (e.g., protons, neutrons)

2. Types of Quarks:

• Six types: Up, Down, Charm, Strange, Top, Bottom

Charm quark: Heavier and Less stable than up/down quarks

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About Large Hadron Collider (LHC)

1. Location & Organisation:

• Built by: CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research)
• Located near Geneva (underground circular tunnel)

2. Key Features:

• World’s largest & most powerful particle accelerator
• Uses Superconducting magnets
• Operates at Extremely low temperatures

3. Working Principle:

• Accelerates: Protons/ions to near speed of light
• Collides them to Recreate conditions just after the Big Bang

4. Objective:

• Test: Standard Model of particle physics
• Explore Fundamental forces and Origin of mass

5. Key Achievement:

• Discovery of Higgs boson (2012)

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Significance of the Discovery

1. Advances Particle Physics:

• Helps understand Behaviour of heavy quarks and Strong nuclear force

2. Tests Theoretical Models:

• Validates predictions of Standard Model

3. Opens New Research Areas:

• Study of Exotic baryons and Matter formation in early universe

 

Exercise LAMITIYE–2026

The 11th edition of Exercise LAMITIYE–2026, a joint military exercise between India and Seychelles, is being held at the Seychelles Defence Academy.

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Key Highlights

1. First Tri-Service Participation:

• Involves Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force
• Marks a major upgrade in the scope of the exercise

2. Objective:

• Enhance interoperability for Sub-conventional operations
• Context: United Nations Peacekeeping Operations

3. Focus Areas:

• Rapid-response drills and Maritime security
• Use of AI and Swarm drones in disaster management
• HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) operations

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Strategic Significance

1. Strengthening IOR Presence:

• Enhances India’s role in the Indian Ocean Region

2. SAGAR Vision:

• Aligns with SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
• Promotes Regional security and Cooperative maritime framework

3. Defence Diplomacy:

• Deepens India–Seychelles defence ties and Builds Trust & operational synergy

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About Seychelles

1. Geographic Features:

• An archipelago of ~115 islands
• Located in Western Indian Ocean
• Northeast of Madagascar

2. Geological Structure:

• Lies on Mascarene Plateau

3. Island Groups:

• Mahé Group: Mountainous
• Outer Islands: Flat & coralline

 

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