Latest Current Affairs 2026: Daily National, International, Economy, Environment & Security Updates for Competitive Exams

20 March 2026

Explore the latest current affairs of 2026 with daily updates covering important developments from India and across the world. This section provides concise and reliable news on national events, international relations, economy, environment, science and technology, security, and government schemes. Carefully curated for UPSC, SSC, Banking, State PCS, and other competitive exam aspirants, these updates highlight key facts, policy changes, reports, and global developments that are frequently asked in exams. Each topic is explained in a clear and easy-to-understand format, helping readers quickly grasp the significance and exam relevance. From major government initiatives and economic reforms to environmental issues and international agreements, our current affairs coverage ensures you stay informed and exam-ready with accurate, timely, and structured information every day.

National Affairs

1. World Happiness Report 2026: India’s Rank, Global Rankings, Key Findings and Complete Analysis

Context:

The World Happiness Report 2026, released on the International Day of Happiness (20 March), provides a comprehensive assessment of global well-being. It ranks countries based on how people evaluate their own lives, combining survey-based data with key socio-economic indicators. The 2026 edition focuses on the theme “Happiness and Social Media,” highlighting the growing influence of digital platforms on mental health and social relationships.

What is the World Happiness Report?

The World Happiness Report is an annual global publication that measures and compares happiness levels across countries.

Key features:

• Published annually since 2012
• Based on Gallup World Poll data
• Combines subjective well-being with objective indicators
• Used by policymakers, researchers and international organizations

Theme of World Happiness Report 2026

Theme: Happiness and Social Media

The report emphasizes:

• Impact of social media on mental well-being
• Role of online networks in shaping social support
• Concerns such as anxiety, misinformation, and social comparison
• Opportunities for digital platforms to enhance connectivity

India’s Rank in World Happiness Report 2026

Overall Rank: 116

Trend over recent years:

• 2023: 126
• 2024: 118
• 2026: 116

Analysis:
India shows gradual improvement in ranking, but continues to remain in the lower half globally. The progress is incremental and does not reflect substantial improvements in core well-being indicators.

India’s Performance Across Key Indicators

Indicator-wise ranking:

• Freedom to make life choices: 61
• Perception of corruption: 64
• Generosity: 78
• GDP per capita (PPP): 89
• Healthy life expectancy: 95
• Social support: 123

Key observations:

• India performs relatively better in freedom and corruption perception
• Social support remains the weakest area
• Health and economic indicators show moderate performance
• Community-level support systems remain underdeveloped

Top 10 Happiest Countries in 2026

1. Finland (ranked first for the ninth consecutive year)
2. Iceland
3. Denmark
4. Costa Rica
5. Sweden
6. Norway
7. Netherlands
8. Israel
9. Luxembourg
10. Switzerland

Analysis:
Nordic countries continue to dominate due to strong welfare systems, high institutional trust, better work-life balance, and robust social support networks.

Least Happy Country

Afghanistan ranked 147th (last position).

Reasons include:

• Prolonged political instability
• Economic distress
• Weak institutional and social structures
• Limited access to basic services

South Asia Rankings 2026

• Nepal: 99
• Pakistan: 104
• India: 116
• Bangladesh: 127
• Sri Lanka: 134
• Afghanistan: 147

Analysis:
India ranks below several regional neighbors, indicating gaps in social cohesion, public well-being, and institutional trust compared to nearby countries.

Methodology of the World Happiness Report

The rankings are based on six key indicators:

1. GDP per capita
   Measures economic prosperity and income levels
2. Social support
   Evaluates whether individuals have someone to rely on during difficult times
3. Healthy life expectancy
   Assesses physical and mental health conditions
4. Freedom to make life choices
   Measures autonomy in personal decision-making
5. Generosity
   Captures charitable behavior and social giving
6. Perception of corruption
   Reflects trust in government and institutions

These indicators are combined with life evaluation scores from survey respondents to generate overall rankings.

Reasons Behind India’s Low Ranking

1. Weak social support systems
   Limited community cohesion and support networks
2. Health challenges
   Unequal healthcare access and low mental health awareness
3. Economic inequality
   Growth benefits are unevenly distributed
4. Urban stress
   Rising work pressure, pollution, and lifestyle-related issues
5. Impact of social media
   Increased comparison, anxiety, and digital fatigue

2. Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA)

Context:

The Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) is a major industrial infrastructure initiative approved by the Union Cabinet with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore. The scheme aims to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across India, strengthening manufacturing capacity, improving ease of doing business, and generating employment.

What is BHAVYA Scheme?

The BHAVYA Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative focused on creating world-class, ready-to-use industrial ecosystems across India.

Key Institutional Framework:

• Nodal Ministry: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
• Implementing Agency: National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC)

Core Idea:

To reduce the time, cost, and complexity involved in setting up industries by providing pre-developed industrial infrastructure.

Objectives of BHAVYA

1. Accelerate Manufacturing Growth

• Strengthen India’s manufacturing base
• Promote Make in India initiative
• Enhance global competitiveness

2. Improve Ease of Doing Business

• Provide pre-approved land and infrastructure
• Reduce regulatory delays
• Enable faster project execution

3. Strengthen Industrial Clusters

• Promote cluster-based industrial development
• Improve supply chain efficiency
• Encourage sector-specific ecosystems

4. Generate Employment and Attract Investment

• Create large-scale direct and indirect jobs
• Attract both domestic and foreign investment
• Boost regional economic development

Key Features of BHAVYA Scheme

1. Plug-and-Play Industrial Infrastructure

• Ready-to-use industrial land
• Pre-installed utilities (power, water, ICT)
• Pre-approved clearances
• Reduces time from investment to production

2. Development of 100 Industrial Parks

• Spread across States and Union Territories
• Size range: 100 to 1000 acres
• Focus on balanced regional development

3. Financial Support Mechanism

• Up to ₹1 crore per acre for infrastructure development
• Up to 25% support for external connectivity (roads, logistics links)

4. Integrated Infrastructure Ecosystem

Core Infrastructure

• Internal roads and drainage
• Utilities (power, water supply)
• ICT and digital infrastructure

Value-Added Infrastructure

• Factory sheds
• Testing and R&D labs
• Warehousing facilities

Social Infrastructure

• Worker housing
• Healthcare and basic amenities
• Support services

5. Ease of Doing Business Reforms

• Single-window clearance system
• Simplified regulatory framework
• State-led investor facilitation

6. Challenge-Based Selection

• Only investment-ready projects selected
• Focus on reform-oriented states
• Competitive and performance-based allocation

7. Alignment with National Initiatives

• Integrated with PM GatiShakti
• Ensures:
  • Multimodal connectivity
  • Logistics efficiency
  • Better infrastructure planning

3. Krishi Sakhi Initiative

Source: PIB

Context:

The Krishi Sakhi Initiative, launched by the Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC), is a nationwide programme aimed at empowering women farmers by enhancing their awareness, participation, and access to crop insurance schemes.

This initiative is aligned with India’s broader goal of gender-inclusive agricultural development and strengthening rural resilience.

What is the Krishi Sakhi Initiative?

The Krishi Sakhi Initiative is a structured outreach and capacity-building programme designed to:

• Empower women farmers in rural areas
• Promote their role in agricultural decision-making
• Increase awareness and access to crop insurance
• Strengthen financial and risk security in farming

Core Focus:

Bridging the gap between women farmers and institutional agricultural support systems, especially insurance.

Objectives of Krishi Sakhi Initiative

1. Enhance Women’s Participation in Agriculture

• Encourage women’s active role in:
  • Farming practices
  • Financial decisions
  • Risk management through insurance

2. Promote Inclusive Agriculture

• Foster gender-sensitive agricultural policies
• Recognise women as key contributors to the agricultural economy
• Improve access to government schemes

3. Strengthen Farm Resilience

• Increase awareness of crop insurance benefits
• Reduce vulnerability to:
  • Crop failure
  • Climate risks
  • Income instability

Key Features of the Krishi Sakhi Initiative

1. Month-wise Awareness Campaigns (2026)

• Structured activities conducted throughout the year
• Includes:
  • Educational and awareness videos
  • Walkathons and local campaigns
  • Community-level outreach programmes

Purpose:

To ensure continuous engagement and behavioural change

2. Capacity Building and Training

• Grassroots-level workshops for women farmers
• Training modules include:
  • Understanding crop insurance schemes
  • Claim filing procedures
  • Benefits and coverage details

Outcome:

Improved financial literacy and insurance adoption

3. Social and Behavioural Outreach

• Focus beyond agriculture, including:
  • Sanitation and hygiene awareness
  • Rural health and well-being
• Targeted specifically at women in rural communities

Significance of the Krishi Sakhi Initiative

1. Women Empowerment in Agriculture

• Recognises women as primary stakeholders, not just helpers
• Enhances decision-making power

2. Improved Insurance Penetration

• Addresses low awareness of crop insurance schemes
• Increases adoption of schemes like PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

3. Climate Resilience

• Helps farmers manage risks from:
  • Climate change
  • Natural disasters
• Reduces income shocks

4. Financial Inclusion

• Encourages participation in formal financial systems
• Strengthens rural economic stability

5. Behavioural Transformation

• Promotes awareness in health, hygiene, and community welfare
• Leads to broader social development

4. Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme 2026

Source: News on Air

Context:

The Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2026, is a key renewable energy initiative aimed at accelerating India’s transition towards clean and sustainable energy. With a total outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore for the period FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31, the scheme focuses on developing small hydro projects (1–25 MW capacity) across the country.

What is the SHP Development Scheme?

The Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to promote renewable energy generation through small hydro projects.

Key Details:

• Launched: March 2026
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
• Project Size: 1–25 MW
• Focus Areas: Remote, hilly, and underserved regions

Core Objective:

To harness untapped hydro potential while ensuring sustainable and decentralized power generation.

Objectives of the SHP Development Scheme

1. Promote Clean Energy Transition

• Increase share of renewable energy in India’s energy mix
• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels

2. Develop Remote and Hilly Regions

• Provide electricity to difficult terrains and border areas
• Support regional development

3. Enhance Energy Security

• Promote localized power generation
• Reduce transmission losses

4. Boost Domestic Manufacturing

• Encourage indigenous equipment production
• Support Atmanirbhar Bharat

Key Features of the SHP Development Scheme

1. Financial Outlay and Investment Potential

• Central Outlay: ₹2,584.60 crore
• Expected Investment Mobilization: ~₹15,000 crore

Significance:

Acts as a catalyst for public and private sector investment in renewable energy.

2. Differential Central Financial Assistance (CFA)

For North-Eastern and Border States:

• ₹3.6 crore per MW
• Up to 30% of project cost
• Maximum support: ₹30 crore per project

For Other States:

• ₹2.4 crore per MW
• Up to 20% of project cost
• Maximum support: ₹20 crore per project

3. Pipeline Development Support

• ₹30 crore allocated for Detailed Project Reports (DPRs)
• Target: 200 future SHP projects

Outcome:

Creates a strong pipeline for future capacity expansion

4. Atmanirbhar Bharat Push

• Mandatory use of 100% indigenous plant and machinery

Impact:

• Strengthens domestic manufacturing ecosystem
• Reduces import dependence

5. Decentralized and Distributed Energy Generation

• Focus on small-scale (1–25 MW) projects

Benefits:

• Lower transmission costs
• Reduced grid congestion
• Improved last-mile electricity access