Current Affairs — 21 March 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Sat, 21 Mar 2026
Government introduces CGSMFI-2.0 to revive bank lending to microfinance institutions
On 21 March 2026 the Government introduced the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0, under which NCGTC will guarantee bank loans to NBFC-MFIs and MFIs, facilitating credit of up to ₹20,000 crore and benefiting about 36 lakh small borrowers.
Indian Carbon Market Portal launched at Prakriti 2026 conference on carbon markets
On 21 March 2026 Union Power Minister Manohar Lal launched the Indian Carbon Market Portal, the central platform for running the Indian Carbon Market, at Prakriti 2026, the international conference on carbon markets organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
National Biodiversity Authority sets up Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species
Acting on National Green Tribunal directions, the National Biodiversity Authority has constituted an Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species, chaired by Dhananjai Mohan, to prepare a consolidated national list and recommend control strategies, PIB reported on 21 March 2026.
90th meeting of NBWL Standing Committee held in Dehradun; FSI and BISAG-N sign MoU
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the 90th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife in Dehradun on 21 March 2026, where the Forest Survey of India and BISAG-N signed an MoU on geospatial and AI tools for forest fire management and wildlife conservation.
Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs modified: service sector added, special terms for exporters
On 21 March 2026 the Government modified the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs, adding service-sector MSMEs, making the 5% upfront contribution refundable and creating special provisions for exporters with 75% guarantee coverage.
Andhra CM inaugurates ₹25 crore TTD food and water analysis laboratory at Tirumala
On 21 March 2026 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated a ₹25 crore Food and Water Analysis Laboratory set up by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams with FSSAI support, to test prasadam ingredients and water for pilgrims.
PM Modi speaks with Iranian President Pezeshkian, stresses freedom of navigation
On 21 March 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings, condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region and stressed keeping shipping lanes open and secure.
Himachal presents reduced ₹54,928 crore budget for 2026-27; CM and ministers defer part of salaries
On 21 March 2026 Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented a ₹54,928 crore budget for 2026-27, smaller than 2025-26's ₹58,514 crore after the Revenue Deficit Grant was discontinued, and announced six-month deferment of part of the salaries of the CM, ministers and MLAs.
First randomisation of EVM-VVPATs completed in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry
The Election Commission said on 21 March 2026 that the first randomisation of EVM-VVPATs has been completed for the Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry and for bye-elections in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura, with lists shared with political parties.
Punjab CM announces ₹563 crore medical college with 100 MBBS seats for Malerkotla
On Eid, 21 March 2026, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a ₹563 crore medical college with 100 MBBS seats in Malerkotla on about 25 acres of transferred defence land, along with a 150-bed ESI hospital under construction.