Daily Current Affairs Today 13 March 2026 for SSC And Railway Exams

Daily Current Affairs Today 13 March 2026 for SSC And Railway Exams helps aspirants stay updated with the most important national and international news relevant for competitive exams. It covers key topics from government policies, economy, environment, science, and sports that are frequently asked in SSC GD, SSC CGL, CHSL, RRB Group D, NTPC, ALP and Railway exams. 

By reviewing these daily updates, candidates can strengthen their general awareness, improve exam readiness, and stay informed about important developments that may appear in upcoming examinations.

Current Affairs Today 13 March 2026

Today's update covers significant legislative developments, India's growing economic prominence in global markets, and critical infrastructure and environmental initiatives. We also highlight India's strong presence in international sports, celebrating key achievements and upcoming events. 

New Freedom of Religion Bill

Chhattisgarh proposes a new Freedom of Religion Bill in its upcoming budget session. This move follows similar legislative actions by states like Uttarakhand, which recently passed a religious freedom bill and implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Andhra Pradesh has also considered such bills, highlighting a broader national focus on religious conversions.

The bill's constitutional basis lies in Part III of the Indian Constitution, specifically Articles 25-28, which guarantee religious freedom. These rights include the freedom to change religion, follow religious practices, be exempt from religious taxes, and establish religious educational institutions.

The primary purpose of Chhattisgarh's Bill is to curb cases of forced religious conversion. It specifically targets conversions occurring due to fraudulent means, coercion/force, or undue influence from others. (Memory Tip: The primary focus of this bill is religion conversion, not inter-caste marriage.)

The legislative process involves presenting the bill in the State Legislative Assembly. After passing, it will require the Governor's assent to become law. Vishnu Deo Sai is the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.

Strait of Hormuz Maritime Incidents & Supply Chains

The Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a critical maritime choke point currently influenced by Iran. India has historically received waivers for its ships, and Chinese vessels also traverse this route.

Recently, the MV Marina, a Thai-flagged vessel carrying crude oil from Khalifa Port, UAE, to Kandla Port (now Deendayal Upadhyay Port) in Gujarat, India, was reportedly hit by Iran. Oman intervened, rescuing the 20 crew members and acting as a neutral country in the region. Kandla Port is India's largest cargo port.

In a significant development, the vessel Shelong successfully delivered 1.3 lakh tons of crude oil from Saudi Arabia to Mumbai Port, marking the first such delivery amidst regional tensions. This alleviated LPG shortages in India, with the crude oil slated for refinement and distribution nationwide.

To address the LPG shortage, the Indian government is increasing LPG production by 25%, reinforced by the nationwide implementation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), 1968. ESMA ensures continuous supply of essential goods like medicines and LPG.

India Becomes Top Cotton Exporter to USA

India has surpassed China to become the largest exporter of cotton to the USA, a significant achievement despite existing tariffs.

Cotton (Kapas) in India is primarily grown in the Deccan Plateau, with Gujarat and Maharashtra being major producing states. Ideal geographical conditions for cotton cultivation include black soil, temperatures between 21°C and 30°C, and rainfall ranging from 75 cm to 100 cm.

Regarding export data to the USA:

• India exports 0.6 million tons of cotton.

• China exports 0.5 million tons of cotton.
  This indicates India's export volume to the US market is now higher than China's.

India Orchid Festival 2026

Arunachal Pradesh is known as the "Orchid State" of India, with other major growing regions including Sikkim and Assam. Orchids are expensive and commercially valuable, with extracts used in various products, including beauty products.

The 4th India Orchid Festival 2026 concluded in Sikkim, hosted at Pangong. Organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the festival's objectives were to promote floriculture, attract tourism, encourage diverse orchid cultivation, and highlight their various uses. The theme was "Orchid for Beauty and Prosperity".

Sikkim State Information:

• Statehood: Achieved through the 35th and 36th Constitutional Amendment Acts.

• Special Provision: Article 351 Capital F.

• Capital: Gangtok.

• Prominent Flora: Rhododendron.

• Key Protected Areas: Khangchendzonga National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), home to the Red Panda.

Important Days in March

Several important days are observed in March:

• World Kidney Day: Celebrated on the Second Thursday of March (which was March 12th in 2026). First celebrated in 2006, its current year's theme is "Kidney Health for All". Kidneys are bean-shaped organs vital for eliminating waste, maintaining fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, regulating body temperature, and supporting the excretory system.

• World Sleep Day: Observed on March 13th, emphasizing the importance of adequate sleep for overall health.

• Dandi Divas: Marked on March 12th, commemorating the historic Dandi March (Salt March) led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 to protest the British Salt Tax.

Jal Mahotsav 2026 Campaign

The Jal Mahotsav 2026 campaign was launched on March 8th (International Women's Day) in Navsari, Gujarat, concluding on March 22nd (World Water Day). Initiated by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, its objectives are to promote proper water usage, improve groundwater management, and recognize women's participation in water conservation. Sujalam Shakti Divas is observed on March 8th, highlighting women's role in water conservation. The campaign's tagline is "Gaon Ka Utsav, Desh Ka Mahotsav". The Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, with increased allocation, runs until 2028 under the same ministry.

National Highway Green Cover Index

The Annual Report of National Highway Green Cover Index 2025-26 was released by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The NHAI, established in 1995 and operating under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Minister: Nitin Gadkari), develops and manages National Highways.

The index's objective is to increase green cover along national highways by planting saplings at 1 km intervals on both sides. NHAI utilized ISRO's LIS-4 satellite data for this, which helped identify suitable locations and map over 30,000 km for tree plantation. This initiative is part of the broader Green National Highway Project, 2015.

Aahar International Food and Hospitality Fair

The 40th Aahar International Food and Hospitality Fair commenced on March 10th at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi. Inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce, the fair is organized by the Ministry of Commerce. It serves as a platform to showcase diverse culinary offerings and promote the hospitality sector. Italy is the partner country for the event, reflecting India's aim to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Italy. India has already signed FTAs with Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

World Para Athletic Grand Prix

The Second Edition of World Para Athletic Grand Prix 2026 will be held in Delhi, following the First Edition in 2025, also in Delhi. India's Shailesh Kumar won the first gold medal for India in the High Jump T63 category with a jump of 1.84 meters. A total of 8 countries participated, with over 200 Indian athletes representing the nation.

Asia Cup Archery 2027

India is set to host the Asia Cup Archery in 2027 in Delhi, marking its return as a host after 22 years. India previously hosted the event in 2005, also in Delhi. The announcement was made by Kaazy Raazib, President of the World Archery Federation. Archery is the National Sport of Bhutan.

Also Read:

• SSC Monthly Current Affairs
• SSC Weekly Current Affairs

Other Key Updates

• Full Iron Man Marathon in New Zealand: Anant Rana was the top Indian performer in this event, which comprises a Marathon, Swimming, and Cycling.

• ICC Women's ODI Rankings: Smriti Mandhana holds the Number 1 position.

• Mauritius National Day: Celebrated its 58th National Day on March 12. The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trikand of the Talwar Class participated. INS Trikand was also part of the Lamitiye Exercise with Seychelles.

Revision Points

• Passive Euthanasia: Allowed by the Supreme Court of India after 13 years.

• Donald Trump Refinery Project: To be set up with Reliance Industries.

• Cold Response Arctic Military Exercise: Conducted by NATO.

• Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Online Monitoring Portal: Sujalam Bharat Portal.

• Moon Asteroid Detection: Detected by the James Webb Space Telescope.

• NASA Mars Study Base: Will start from Devon Island, Canada.

• India-UK Achievers Award: Awarded to Jayant Chaudhary.

• CISF Raising Day: Celebrated on March 10.

• META Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 (Theatre): Awarded to Amol Palekar.