Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (21st March 2026)

State News

Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme Announced in Telangana Budget 2026: What is it?

• The Telangana government unveiled major welfare measures in its 2026 Budget, presented by Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.
• A key highlight is the Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme, offering ₹5 lakh coverage to 1.15 crore families, ensuring financial security across all income groups.
• The state also launched a cashless health scheme via Rajiv Aarogyasri Trust, covering 23.51 lakh beneficiaries and treatment for 1,998 diseases.
• Additionally, new insurance benefits for employees include ₹1.20 crore accident cover and enhanced life insurance provisions.

Why Chapchar Kut Is Mizoram’s Most Important Festival

• Chapchar Kut, the major spring festival of Mizoram, was celebrated with vibrant cultural performances in Aizawl.
• The festival marks the completion of jhum cultivation and the arrival of spring, symbolizing joy, gratitude, and community bonding.
• A key highlight is the Cheraw bamboo dance, along with traditional music, attire, and exhibitions showcasing Mizo heritage.
• It attracts locals and tourists alike, promoting cultural awareness and reflecting the deep connection between the Mizo people and nature.

Economy News

India’s Core Sector Growth Stands at 2.3% in February 2026: What Numbers Are Saying?

• India’s Index of Eight Core Industries grew by 2.3% in February 2026, showing moderate expansion compared to January’s stronger performance.
• Growth was driven by steel (7.2%) and cement (9.3%), along with gains in fertilizers, coal, and electricity sectors.
• However, declines in crude oil, natural gas, and refinery output limited overall growth, reflecting challenges in the energy sector.
• The ICI, covering eight key industries, remains a crucial indicator of India’s industrial and economic activity trends.

India Notifies New Income Tax Rules Under 2025 Act: Here You Should Know

• India’s new tax reforms under the Income-tax Act, 2025 will take effect from April 1, 2026, aiming to modernize compliance and improve transparency.
• The rules strengthen digital taxation through Significant Economic Presence (SEP), taxing global firms with ₹2 crore transactions or 3 lakh users in India.
• Stricter compliance is introduced for stock exchanges, including 7-year audit trails and mandatory monthly reporting of modified transactions.
• Simplified capital gains, dividend rules, and expense frameworks aim to ease compliance while ensuring fair and efficient taxation.

Appointments News

From Management Trainee to Director: Natarajan’s Journey at SAIL

• T. N. Natarajan assumed charge as Director (Commercial) of Steel Authority of India Limited on 19 March 2026, bringing 32+ years of experience.
• He joined SAIL in 1993 as a trainee and rose through key roles in production, logistics, and marketing, building deep industry expertise.
• He transformed SAIL’s marketing from commodity selling to customer-focused solutions, improving engagement and brand value.
• Known for strategic, results-driven leadership, he aims to strengthen SAIL’s domestic and global competitiveness.

Krishna Kumar Thakur Appointed as Director (Personnel) at NMDC

• Krishna Kumar Thakur, a 1998 batch Indian Railway Personnel Service officer, has assumed charge as Director (Personnel) at NMDC Limited on 20 March 2026.
• With over 20 years of HR experience, he has worked across Indian Railways and PSUs, including key roles in recruitment and policy implementation.
• He is known for large-scale hiring leadership, having overseen recruitment of around 12,000 employees, and for HR reforms in multiple organizations.
• His expertise is expected to strengthen employee engagement, productivity, and people-centric HR practices at NMDC.

Agreements News

What the NPC–MoEFCC Agreement Means for Environmental Governance

• The National Productivity Council has signed an agreement with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to act as the Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA) under the Environment Audit Rules 2025.
• Announced on 20 March 2026, this move strengthens India’s environmental governance and ensures a structured audit system.
• NPC will manage auditor certification, eligibility criteria, exams, and a transparent registration system.
• The initiative promotes compliance with key environmental laws and supports sustainable industrial development and improved accountability.

Awards News

Rituparna Sengupta Honoured with This Empowerment Award at UK House of Commons 2026

• Indian actress Rituparna Sengupta received the Women Empowerment Award at the House of Commons in 2026 for her contribution to art and culture.
• The award, presented during an International Women’s Day event, recognized women achievers across various fields and was organized by GloWomen CiC.
• Her work in Indian cinema has promoted cultural representation and global exchange, earning her international recognition.
• The honor highlights her role as a cultural ambassador and her lasting impact beyond the film industry.

Ranks & Reports News

Climate Change Could Reduce Physical Activity Worldwide By 2050, Study Warns

• A study in The Lancet Global Health warns that rising temperatures due to climate change could significantly reduce physical activity worldwide by 2050, with a stronger impact in India.
• Extreme heat and frequent heatwaves are expected to limit outdoor movement, leading to increased sedentary lifestyles and lower daily exercise levels.
• The report estimates adult physical inactivity in India could rise by about 2%, increasing risks of diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart problems.
• It highlights a growing global health concern, linking climate change to both physical and mental health challenges and potential premature deaths.

Important Days News

World Puppetry Day 2026 Celebrated on March 21: How It’s Still Relevant

• World Puppetry Day 2026 is being celebrated globally on March 21 to promote and preserve the art of puppetry.
• Initiated by UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionnette) in 2003, it highlights puppetry as a cultural, educational, and storytelling medium.
• The day focuses on preserving traditions, encouraging innovation, and promoting cultural exchange through performances, workshops, and events worldwide.
• In 2026, a new initiative includes a global keynote lecture in France, reinforcing puppetry’s modern relevance and global collaboration.

Eid al-Fitr 2026 Celebrated on March 20-21: Date, History and Significance

• Eid al-Fitr is being celebrated on March 20, 2026 in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Gulf countries, while in India it falls on March 21 due to later moon sighting.
• The festival begins after the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon and marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual reflection.
• It is also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” symbolizing gratitude, faith, and devotion, with charity (Zakat al-Fitr) being an important tradition.
• Celebrations include special prayers, festive meals, new clothes, and gatherings that promote unity, joy, and sharing among communities.

World Poetry Day 2026: Celebrating the Power of Words and Creativity

• World Poetry Day 2026 is celebrated worldwide on March 21 to honor poets and the art of poetry.
• Established by UNESCO in 1999, it promotes reading, writing, and sharing poetry while encouraging linguistic diversity.
• The day highlights poetry as a powerful form of expression that connects people across cultures and generations.
• Celebrations include readings, writing events, and cultural programs that inspire creativity, preserve languages, and celebrate literary heritage.

World Day for Glaciers 2026: Protecting Earth’s Frozen Water Towers

• World Day for Glaciers 2026 is observed on March 21 to raise awareness about the critical role glaciers play in sustaining life and storing nearly 70% of Earth’s freshwater.
• Recognized by the United Nations, it highlights glaciers as key indicators of climate change and essential for ecosystems and water supply.
• Rapid melting due to rising temperatures threatens freshwater availability, increases sea levels, and raises risks of disasters like floods and landslides.
• The day promotes global cooperation, climate action, and conservation efforts to protect glaciers for future environmental sustainability.

International Day of Forests 2026: Theme, Importance and Global Significance

• International Day of Forests 2026 is celebrated worldwide to highlight the importance of forests in sustaining life and economies.
• Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, the 2026 theme “Forests and Economies” emphasizes their role in livelihoods and growth.
• Forests provide resources, support biodiversity, regulate climate, and contribute to sustainable development.
• The day is marked by tree plantation drives, awareness campaigns, and activities promoting conservation and responsible forest management.

International Nowruz Day 2026: Ancient Festival of Spring and Global Unity Explained

• Nowruz is observed on March 21 to mark the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring.
• Recognized by the United Nations, it symbolizes renewal, hope, and new beginnings during the vernal equinox.
• With origins over 3,000 years ago in ancient Persia, Nowruz reflects cultural traditions, unity, and the triumph of light over darkness.
• Celebrations include spring cleaning, new clothes, special foods, and traditions like the Haft Sin table, promoting harmony and fresh starts.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2026: History, Significance & Global Fight

• International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually to promote equality and combat racism worldwide.
• It commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre, where 69 peaceful protesters were killed, highlighting the brutality of apartheid.
• Established by the United Nations, the day calls for global action, stronger laws, and protection of human rights.
• It also emphasizes frameworks like ICERD to eliminate discrimination and ensure equality, justice, and dignity for all.

Obituaries News

Legendary Actor and Martial Artist Chuck Norris Passes Away at 86

• Chuck Norris, a legendary martial artist and actor, has passed away at the age of 86, marking the end of an era in action cinema.
• He rose from a six-time undefeated world karate champion to a global icon, later gaining fame for roles in films and in Walker, Texas Ranger.
• Norris was also known for founding Chun Kuk Do and influencing martial arts worldwide, along with becoming a cultural internet sensation.
• His legacy reflects strength, discipline, and an enduring impact on both entertainment and martial arts history.