Daily Current Affairs and GK | 20 March 2026

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

1. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched the 'Divyang Shakti Yojana'.

• This scheme was launched as part of the Ugadi celebrations.
• Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated this initiative in Amaravati.
• This scheme has been designed with the objective of improving access to transportation for persons with disabilities.
• It is expected to benefit over 12.76 lakh people, including their caregivers.
• Individuals with a disability level exceeding 40% will be eligible for free bus travel.
• This facility will be available on buses operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.
• Attendants traveling with beneficiaries will receive a 50 percent concession on the fare.
• The State Government will provide approximately ₹207 crore annually for the implementation of this scheme.
• This financial assistance will be provided to the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation to facilitate the execution of the scheme.
• Ugadi is the first day of year on Hindu calendar. It is celebrated in  Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

Topic: Miscellaneous

2. Jasprit Bumrah named Brand Ambassador for UNIQLO in India.

• Global apparel brand UNIQLO has announced Indian cricket star Jasprit Bumrah as its new brand ambassador, highlighting a partnership connecting sports and lifestyle fashion.
• The collaboration launches with a campaign reflecting UNIQLO’s LifeWear philosophy, emphasizing comfort, functionality, and timeless style.
• The partnership is rooted in simplicity, consistency, authenticity, and effortless performance, traits shared by the brand and the cricketer.
• Bumrah is known for his calm demeanor and precision, qualities mirrored in UNIQLO’s clothing philosophy.
• The campaign focuses on the AIRism collection, particularly the AIRism Oversized T-shirt, emphasizing breathable fabric, relaxed fit, and versatility.
• A 30-second film features Bumrah in everyday, off-field moments to highlight comfort and simplicity in daily life.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

3. The ₹472 crore Road Over Bridge project approved to enhance Tuna-Tekra port connectivity.

• A ₹472 crore Road Over Bridge (ROB) project has been approved by the Union Government to strengthen port connectivity and improve cargo evacuation at Tuna-Tekra.
• The project is aimed at enhancing logistics efficiency and supporting the growth of India’s maritime sector.
• It has been designed to provide a major boost to infrastructure development under the government’s maritime vision.
• The project includes the construction of viaducts, a bridge over a creek, and other allied infrastructure, along with a 10-year maintenance provision.
• The ROB is expected to act as a crucial link for the upcoming Tuna-Tekra port facilities, including a Mega Container Terminal with a 2.19 million TEUs capacity.
• A multipurpose cargo berth with a handling capacity of 18.33 million metric tonnes per annum will also be supported through this connectivity.
• Logistics turnaround time is expected to be reduced significantly, thereby improving cargo movement efficiency.
• Congestion in the region will be eased, ensuring smoother transportation of goods.
• The project is being executed in coordination with the Tuna-Tekra Container Terminal, which has already achieved around 45% physical progress.
• The initiative is aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to position India as a global maritime hub.

Topic: Reports and Indices

4. NITI Aayog Report released to unlock export potential of sports equipment sector.

• A comprehensive report on “Realising the Export Potential of India’s Sports Equipment Manufacturing Sector” has been released by NITI Aayog to assess opportunities and policy needs.
• The report has been designed to provide an evidence-based framework to strengthen India’s position in the global sports equipment market.
• It highlights the importance of export-led growth and employment generation through MSME-driven manufacturing clusters.
• The global sports goods market has been valued at around $700 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2036.
• India’s sports equipment exports currently stand at around $275 million, representing nearly 0.5% of global exports.
• Manufacturing activity is concentrated in clusters such as Jalandhar and Meerut, supported by small and micro enterprises.
• The sector faces challenges such as high raw material costs, certification expenses, logistics inefficiencies, and limited access to advanced technologies.
• The report recommends measures like duty rationalisation, technology upgradation, and development of new manufacturing clusters.
• A coordinated investment of about ₹7,500 crore has been proposed to strengthen the ecosystem between 2027 and 2031.
• If implemented effectively, exports are expected to grow to $8.1 billion by 2036, generating around 54 lakh additional jobs.

Topic: National News

5. Postal ballot facility extended for senior citizens, PwDs and essential service voters.

• The postal ballot facility has been extended by the Election Commission of India to electors above 85 years and persons with disabilities.
• This provision has been introduced to ensure inclusive and accessible participation in the electoral process.
• It also covers service voters, election duty staff, and individuals engaged in essential services on polling day.
• Eligible voters are required to submit Form 12D to the Returning Officer within five days of election notification.
• Polling teams will visit the residences of such voters to collect votes as per a pre-announced schedule.
• Essential service personnel, including those in healthcare, fire services, electricity, transport and aviation, are eligible under this facility.
• Media personnel authorised for election coverage have also been included in the absentee voter category.
• Service voters will receive postal ballots electronically through the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS).
• Strict guidelines have been issued to maintain secrecy during voting at facilitation centres.
• All postal ballots must reach the Returning Officers by 8:00 AM on the day of counting, scheduled on May 4, 2026.

Topic: Sports

6. India selected to host the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028.

• The World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 has been awarded to India, marking the first time the country will host this prestigious event.
• The championship will be held at the Kalinga Stadium indoor facility in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• On 19 March, hosting rights were granted during the World Athletics Council meeting held in Torun, Poland.
• The decision reflects the growing stature of Indian athletics on the global stage.
• Presently, the 2026 edition is being held in Torun, Poland, from 20 to 22 March, featuring competitions over three days.
• The event typically includes 26 competitions, with equal events for men and women.
• A mixed 4x400m relay event has been introduced for the first time in the 2026 championship.

Topic: Biotechnology and Diseases

7. India's bioeconomy grew from approximately $10 billion in 2014 to about $195 billion in 2025.

• This demonstrates a strong and consistent growth trend throughout this decade.
• The sector recorded an annual growth rate of approximately 17–18% last year.
• During this period, its value rose from approximately $165 billion to $195 billion.
• India aims to achieve a bioeconomy worth $300 billion by 2030.
• The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research and industrial application.
• The BioE3 policy promotes sustainable growth within bio-based industries.
• It focuses on areas such as precision therapeutics, smart proteins, and climate-resilient agriculture.
• It also fosters innovation in bio-based chemicals and carbon capture technologies.
• A Research, Development, and Innovation Fund amounting to ₹1 lakh crore has been established to facilitate the scaling up and commercialization of biotech innovations.
• India's bioeconomy contributes approximately 5% to the country's GDP.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

8. The government has launched the RELIEF scheme under the Export Promotion Mission.

• RELIEF stands for Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation.
• This scheme provides assistance to exporters affected by disruptions in West Asia. It addresses the escalating risks in maritime trade routes.
• Shipping routes have been diverted due to security concerns. Consequently, transit times have increased significantly.
• Congestion has intensified at major transshipment hubs. Freight charges have witnessed a massive surge, and insurance premiums have also risen.
• RELIEF is a time-bound assistance measure aimed at alleviating the financial burden on exporters.
• Its primary focus lies on addressing increased logistics costs and providing risk coverage.
• The RELIEF scheme covers both past and upcoming export consignments. ECGC Ltd. serves as the nodal implementing agency.
• It will manage the verification and claim processing procedures, as well as the disbursement and monitoring of funds.
• Exporters holding existing insurance policies can avail up to 100% additional risk coverage on shipments dispatched during the disruption period.
• Future shipments are eligible for up to 95% additional coverage. This assistance will remain available for the next three months.
• Assistance is also being extended to uninsured MSME exporters. They can receive reimbursement of up to 50% of their additional costs.
• This includes freight charges and insurance surcharges. The maximum benefit limit per exporter is ₹50 lakh.
• The scheme covers exports destined for Gulf and West Asian countries.
• A budget of ₹497 crore has been allocated for this initiative. A dedicated dashboard system will monitor the implementation process in real-time.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

9. The Ministry of AYUSH has entered into an agreement with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

• The objective of this MoU is to improve preventive healthcare for personnel.
• This initiative also extends to the families of CISF personnel. The agreement promotes AYUSH-based healthcare practices.
• It emphasizes prevention rather than cure. Yoga constitutes a core component of this initiative.
• Stress management is also a key area of ​​focus. Holistic health approaches will be encouraged.
• This MoU was signed in New Delhi. The collaboration aims to raise awareness regarding traditional systems of medicine.
• Regular sensitization programs will be organized. Wellness-related initiatives will be introduced across all units.
• Lifestyle management practices will be promoted. Regular yoga sessions will be encouraged.
• The plan also involves exploring the feasibility of establishing AYUSH OPD services within CISF establishments. Its implementation will depend on its practical viability.
• The Ministry of AYUSH will provide technical assistance. It will also formulate structured wellness programs.
• The CISF will ensure the implementation of this initiative across all its units. It will facilitate the execution of the program at the grassroots level.
• This partnership supports the integration of traditional medicine into daily life.
• This agreement will remain valid for a period of five years.

Topic: Defence

10. The Indian Army conducted the 'Amogh Jwala' exercise at the Babina Field Firing Range.

• This exercise was conducted under the aegis of the Southern Command. It showcased fast-paced  mechanized combat operations.
• The exercise involved the coordinated employment of various combat platforms.
• Attack helicopters were deployed during this exercise, and fighter aircraft were also integrated into the operations.
• Drones played a pivotal role in this exercise, which demonstrated advanced battlefield technologies.
• These operations were conducted within a multi-domain combat environment.
• Electronic warfare capabilities were also incorporated into the operations, and air defense systems formed an integral part of the exercise.
• Army Commander Lieutenant General Dheeraj reviewed the exercise and lauded the professionalism and readiness of the troops.
• He emphasized the necessity of joint operations across various domains.