Daily Current Affairs- 20 March 2026: Key Highlights for UPSC, Mains Angle & Prelims Quiz

Daily Current Affairs- 20 March 2026 covers key updates from international relations, geography, economy, science, and government schemes. Important topics include the West Asia conflict targeting energy assets, Cuba’s strategic location, Small Hydro Power Development Scheme, PM Poshan Scheme expansion, City Gas Distribution push, and Iran’s Sejjil missile.

Topics Covered in Daily Current Affairs- 20 March 2026

The major topics include:

• West Asia Conflict & Global Energy Impact

• Cuba Geography and Geopolitical Importance

• Small Hydro Power Development Scheme

• PM Poshan Scheme Expansion

• City Gas Distribution (CGD)

• Sejjil Missile of Iran

West Asia Conflict & Global Energy Impact

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has intensified with both sides targeting critical energy infrastructure, including gas reserves and refineries. A major development includes attacks on Iran’s South Pars gas field, one of the largest gas fields in the world, located in Bushehr province. Additionally, energy hubs like Ras Laffan in Qatar, which contributes nearly 20% of global LNG supply, are strategically important.

The conflict has caused a sharp rise in crude oil prices, with experts predicting further increases if tensions continue. Iran’s strategy appears focused on disrupting global fuel supply chains to create economic pressure, especially on Western countries. This has also impacted global stock markets and increased inflation concerns worldwide.

UPSC Mains Angle:

Discuss the impact of geopolitical conflicts in West Asia on global energy markets and India’s energy security.

Cuba: Geography and Geopolitical Importance

Cuba has come into focus due to rising geopolitical tensions and discussions around oil blockades. It is strategically located at the junction of the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean, making it highly significant for global trade routes. Cuba is the largest island in the Greater Antilles archipelago, with Havana as its capital.

Geographically, Cuba features a tropical climate, mountainous terrain such as the Sierra Maestra range, and fertile plains. It is also rich in minerals like cobalt and nickel. Its proximity to the United States makes it geopolitically sensitive, as seen historically during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

UPSC Mains Angle:

Explain the geographical and strategic importance of Cuba in global geopolitics.

Small Hydro Power Development Scheme

The government has approved the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme to promote renewable energy generation using flowing water. These projects have a capacity range of 1 MW to 25 MW and do not require large dams, making them environmentally sustainable.

The scheme aims to achieve a total capacity of 1500 MW with a budget allocation of ₹2584.6 crore for the period 2026–2031. It is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Financial assistance is higher for North-Eastern and border regions to promote development in remote areas.

This initiative supports decentralized energy production, reduces ecological damage, and contributes to India’s Net Zero target by 2070.

UPSC Mains Angle:

Evaluate the role of small hydro power projects in achieving sustainable and decentralized energy production in India.

PM Poshan Scheme Expansion

A parliamentary panel has recommended expanding the PM Poshan Scheme, which currently provides mid-day meals to students up to Class 8. The proposal suggests extending coverage up to Class 10 and eventually Class 12, along with the inclusion of breakfast.

The scheme, originally launched in 1995 as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and renamed in 2021, aims to improve child nutrition and educational outcomes. Expanding the scheme will benefit adolescents (10–19 years), a critical age group for physical and cognitive development.

This move is expected to improve school attendance, reduce dropout rates, and enhance learning outcomes, especially among economically weaker sections.

UPSC Mains Angle:

Discuss the role of nutrition-based welfare schemes in improving education and human capital development in India.

City Gas Distribution (CGD)

City Gas Distribution is being promoted to reduce India’s dependence on LPG imports and ensure a cleaner energy supply. Under this system, natural gas is supplied via pipelines directly to households (PNG), industries, and vehicles (CNG).

With around 60% of LPG being imported, geopolitical tensions in West Asia have exposed India’s vulnerability. CGD aims to create a reliable and efficient energy infrastructure that reduces dependence on external sources.

The system also contributes to lowering pollution levels and promoting clean fuel usage. It is regulated by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).

UPSC Mains Angle:

Examine how City Gas Distribution can enhance energy security and support India’s transition to clean energy.

Sejjil Missile of Iran

The Sejjil missile is a medium-range ballistic missile developed by Iran and recently deployed amid rising tensions in West Asia. It has a range of approximately 2000 km and uses solid fuel propulsion, allowing quicker launch and better efficiency.

The missile operates in two stages and has the capability to change its trajectory mid-flight, making it difficult to intercept. It can carry a payload of around 700 kg and is considered a major advancement in Iran’s defence technology.

Its deployment increases regional security concerns, especially for countries within its range, including Israel.

UPSC Mains Angle:

Analyze the implications of advanced missile technologies on regional security and global strategic stability.

UPSC Prelims Practice Quiz – 20 March 2026

Q1. Ras Laffan Industrial City is associated with:
(a) Crude oil refining
(b) LNG processing
(c) Nuclear energy
(d) Coal mining
Answer: (b)

Q2. Cuba is part of which archipelago?
(a) Micronesia
(b) Polynesia
(c) Greater Antilles
(d) Maldives
Answer: (c)

Q3. Small Hydro Power Projects have capacity:
(a) Up to 100 MW
(b) 1–25 MW
(c) 50–200 MW
(d) Above 500 MW
Answer: (b)

Q4. PM Poshan Scheme was renamed in:
(a) 2018
(b) 2019
(c) 2021
(d) 2023
Answer: (c)

Q5. Sejjil missile belongs to:
(a) USA
(b) Israel
(c) Iran
(d) Russia
Answer: (c)