Welcome to Daily Current Affairs for 20 March 2026. In this article, you will get the most important national and international current affairs with short explanations. Additionally, you will find exam-important one-liners and MCQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways and State government exams.
Current Affairs – 20 March 2026
1. Cabinet Approves FCRA Amendment Bill to Tighten Foreign Fund Regulation
The Union Cabinet approved a bill to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 in order to strengthen monitoring of foreign contributions received by organisations. The amendment aims to ensure better management of assets when institutions lose their registration or licence. Moreover, the proposal seeks greater transparency, accountability, and stricter compliance in handling foreign-funded activities. Therefore, the move is significant for internal security and regulatory governance. For exams, note that FCRA is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs and regulates foreign donations to NGOs and associations.
2. Kalinjar Fort Region Declared National Geo-Heritage Site
The hill region around Kalinjar Fort has been declared a National Geo-Heritage Site by the Geological Survey of India. This recognition highlights the area’s geological formations as well as its historical significance. Moreover, Kalinjar Fort is associated with the Chandela dynasty and medieval military architecture. Therefore, the declaration promotes geotourism and conservation of earth heritage. For examinations, remember that Geo-Heritage Sites are protected because they preserve rare geological features important for scientific study.
3. Debate Intensifies Over VBSA Bill to Replace UGC and AICTE
The proposed VBSA Bill has triggered political debate because it seeks to replace existing higher education regulators such as University Grants Commission, All India Council for Technical Education, and National Council for Teacher Education. Critics argue that the bill centralises grant powers and increases bureaucratic control under the Education Ministry. Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding state autonomy in education governance. Therefore, the bill is important for federal and educational policy debates. For exams, note that education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution.
4. Virupaksha AESA Radar Prototype Advances Under Super Sukhoi Programme
India has moved ahead with prototype fabrication of the Virupaksha AESA radar, an advanced radar system for the Su-30MKI upgrade under the Super Sukhoi programme. The radar is being developed jointly by Astra Microwave Products, Larsen & Toubro, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Moreover, the system will improve target detection range and electronic warfare resistance. Therefore, this project strengthens indigenous defence capability. For exams, remember that AESA radar uses electronically steered beams instead of mechanical movement.
5. India to Host World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar will host the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028, making India the host for the first time. The event will take place at the modern indoor facility inside the Kalinga Stadium complex. Moreover, this reflects Odisha’s growing role in international sports hosting after hockey and athletics events. Therefore, the championship strengthens India’s global sporting profile. For exams, note that World Athletics governs global track and field competitions and indoor championships are held separately from outdoor world events.
5 MCQs with Description
1. The proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 mainly aims to:
A. Increase foreign donations without restriction
B. Strengthen oversight of foreign funds and asset management
C. Remove NGO registration requirements
D. Transfer foreign grant power to states
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
The amendment seeks tighter regulation of foreign contributions, especially when organisations lose licences. It improves transparency and control over foreign-funded assets.
2. Kalinjar Fort was recently recognised for:
A. UNESCO marine heritage
B. National Geo-Heritage status
C. Ramsar wetland status
D. Biosphere reserve declaration
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
The Geological Survey of India declared the surrounding hill region a National Geo-Heritage Site because of its important geological formations.
3. The proposed VBSA Bill seeks to replace which among the following institutions?
1. University Grants Commission
2. All India Council for Technical Education
3. National Council for Teacher Education
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: D
📝 Explanation:
The bill proposes restructuring higher education regulation by replacing multiple bodies with one framework.
4. The Virupaksha radar is being developed mainly for:
A. Tejas Mk-2 naval version
B. Super Sukhoi upgrade of Su-30MKI
C. Arjun tank modernisation
D. Akash missile guidance
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Virupaksha is an indigenous AESA radar meant for upgraded Su-30MKI aircraft.
5. India will host the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 at:
A. New Delhi
B. Patiala
C. Kalinga Stadium
D. Ahmedabad
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
Bhubaneswar has emerged as a major sports-hosting city.
UPSC Style Tricky Prelims Questions
1. With reference to FCRA, consider the following statements:
1. It is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
2. It regulates foreign contribution received by organisations.
3. It applies only to political parties.
Which are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
📝 Explanation:
FCRA applies to NGOs, associations, trusts, and political entities—not only political parties.
2. With reference to National Geo-Heritage Sites, consider the following:
1. They are declared by Geological Survey of India.
2. They protect geological formations of scientific value.
3. All such sites automatically become UNESCO heritage sites.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
📝 Explanation:
UNESCO recognition is separate.
3. Which of the following correctly describes AESA radar?
A. Mechanically rotating radar beam
B. Electronically steered radar beam
C. Infrared optical radar
D. Sonar-based target system
✅ Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
AESA radar electronically directs signals, improving speed and resistance.
4. Education in India belongs to:
A. Union List
B. State List
C. Concurrent List
D. Residual List
✅ Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
This makes education reform often politically sensitive.
5. With reference to World Indoor Athletics Championships, consider:
1. It is governed by World Athletics.
2. It is separate from outdoor athletics championships.
3. India has hosted it earlier.
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
📝 Explanation:
India will host it for the first time in 2028.
FAQ – Daily Current Affairs 20 March 2026
Q1. Which exams require daily current affairs preparation?
UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence and State PSC exams require daily current affairs preparation.
Q2. How can I revise current affairs quickly?
You should revise one-liners daily and practice MCQs regularly for better retention.
Q3. Is this current affairs useful for UPSC prelims?
Yes, it is useful for UPSC prelims as it includes national, international, economy, schemes and sports updates.
✅ Conclusion
Daily Current Affairs 20 March 2026 provides important news updates with exam-focused revision points and MCQs. Keep visiting our website daily for the latest updates and PDF notes.Images are not actual its AI generated for better informative.