Nita Ambani received the KISS Humanitarian Award 2025 in which city?

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 20th March 2026 Check Important Questions Here |

Practice Current Affairs Quiz to stay updated with national, international, economic, and banking news. This quiz is based on the previous day’s current affairs and is designed to boost your exam readiness, improve speed and accuracy, strengthen memory, and build confidence for competitive exams and interviews.

Daily Current Affairs: 20 March, 2026

Q1. In a key diplomatic reshuffle, the Government of India has appointed a senior IFS officer as the next Ambassador to China, replacing the incumbent envoy. Who has been appointed as India’s new Ambassador to China?

(a) Harsh Vardhan Shringla

(b) Vikram K. Doraiswami

(d) Vinay Mohan Kwatra

(e) Sanjay Verma

Answer: b

Solution:

Vikram K. Doraiswami (IFS: 1992 batch) has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the People’s Republic of China.
He is currently serving as the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom.
With this appointment, he will take over the role from Pradeep Kumar Rawat, the outgoing Ambassador to China.
Vikram Doraiswami is a senior Indian Foreign Service officer with extensive diplomatic experience.
His appointment comes at a time when India–China diplomatic relations remain strategically significant.

Q2. In a major initiative to enhance industrial infrastructure and manufacturing capacity, the Union Cabinet approved a new scheme aimed at developing plug-and-play industrial parks across India. What is the name of this scheme?

(a) Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana (BHAVYA)

(b) Make in India Industrial Scheme

(d) PM Industrial Growth Mission

(e) Atmanirbhar Industrial Scheme

Answer: a

Solution:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA).
The scheme has a total allocation of ₹33,660 crore.
It aims to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across the country.
The initiative is designed to create world-class industrial infrastructure to support manufacturing growth.
The scheme will help unlock India’s manufacturing potential and boost industrial development.
Overall, BHAVYA is expected to play a key role in accelerating economic growth and strengthening India’s industrial ecosystem.

Q3. In March 2026, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched a premium signature brand to promote ethnic handicrafts globally. What is the name of this brand?

(a) TRIFED Gold

(b) Aadi Vastra

(d) Vanya Silk

(e) Ethno-Premium India

Answer: c

Solution:

Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, launched a premium signature brand “RISA: Timeless Tribal” on 18 March 2026 at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi.
The initiative aims to promote India’s rich tribal heritage in global fashion and lifestyle markets.
RISA seeks to preserve traditional tribal looms, crafts, and weaving techniques, while creating awareness and demand among modern consumers.
It aims to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary fashion demand.
In its first phase, the project will cover 10 clusters, including 5 tribal weaves, 2 types of embroidery, and 3 craft categories.
The initiative involves strategic partnerships with renowned fashion designers, facilitated by the National Design Centre (NDC).
Notable designers associated with the project include Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Manish Tripathi, Anju Modi, Gaurav Jai Gupta, and Sameera Dalvi.

Q4. The Government of India has approved a scheme to promote clean energy generation through small hydro projects, particularly in remote and hilly regions. What is the total outlay of the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme?

(a) ₹2,000 crore

(b) ₹2,250 crore

(d) ₹3,000 crore

(e) ₹3,500 crore

Answer: c

Solution:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for the period FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.
The scheme has a total outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore and aims to install Small Hydro Power projects with an approximate capacity of 1,500 MW.
It will support projects with a capacity ranging from 1 MW to 25 MW, especially benefiting hilly and North Eastern states, where such potential is high.
In North Eastern States and border districts, financial assistance will be ₹3.6 crore per MW or 30% of project cost (whichever is lower), with a maximum limit of ₹30 crore per project.
In other states, assistance will be ₹2.4 crore per MW or 20% of project cost (whichever is lower), with a cap of ₹20 crore per project.
A total of ₹2,532 crore has been earmarked specifically for the implementation of these projects.
The scheme is expected to attract ₹15,000 crore of investment in the small hydro sector, boosting clean energy generation and rural development.
It will promote the use of 100% indigenous plant and machinery, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
An additional ₹30 crore has been allocated to support state and central agencies in preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for around 200 future projects.
The scheme is expected to generate approximately 51 lakh person-days of employment during the construction phase, along with further employment opportunities in operation and maintenance.
Overall, the initiative will help tap hydro potential in remote and difficult areas, while promoting sustainable energy and economic growth.

Q5. Recently, in March, 2026, in recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, a new initiative has been launched in India to enhance women’s participation in agriculture and crop insurance. What is the name of this initiative?

(a) Mahila Krishi Vikas Yojana

(b) Krishi Sakhi Initiative

(d) Saksham Kisan Scheme

(e) Agri Shakti Programme

Answer: b

Solution:

In line with the United Nations’ recognition of 2026 as the “International Year of the Woman Farmer”, announced through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC) has launched the “Krishi Sakhi Initiative.”
The initiative aims to empower women farmers and promote inclusive growth in the agricultural sector.
It focuses on increasing awareness and participation of women in agriculture and crop insurance schemes.
AIC will conduct structured month-wise activities across its Head Office and Regional Offices.
The programme also aims to recognise and celebrate the contribution of women farmers in strengthening India’s agricultural economy.
Overall, the initiative seeks to enhance financial inclusion, risk coverage, and active engagement of women in agriculture.