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Industrial Policy
BHAVYA Scheme — Industrial Parks
BHAVYA (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna) is a Rs 33,660 crore Union Cabinet scheme to build 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across all States & UTs, implemented by NICDC under DPIIT. Parks range from 100–1,000 acres, offering up to Rs 1 crore/acre for core infrastructure and 25% of project cost for external connectivity. Expected to generate ~15 lakh direct jobs; uses a challenge-based project selection mechanism.
Renewable Energy
Small Hydro Power (SHP) Scheme FY2026–31
The Cabinet approved the SHP Development Scheme with Rs 2,584.60 crore outlay targeting 1,500 MW capacity (1–25 MW projects). NE & border states receive preferential support: Rs 3.6 crore/MW or 30% of cost (max Rs 30 crore/project) vs Rs 2.4 crore/MW for others. Supports India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030; 100% Atmanirbhar plant & machinery required. Total investment leveraged: Rs 15,000 crore.
Banking & Finance
HDFC Bank Chairman Resignation
Atanu Chakraborty (1985-batch IAS, Gujarat cadre) resigned as Part-Time Chairman of HDFC Bank on 18 March 2026 — the first mid-term exit in the bank’s history — citing ethical concerns. RBI approved Keki Mistry as Interim Part-Time Chairman for 3 months from 19 March. Chakraborty had overseen the landmark HDFC Bank–HDFC Ltd merger (~$40 billion); his exit triggered a ~Rs 1 lakh crore market fall.
Energy & Infrastructure
Bharat Electricity Summit 2026
India’s premier power sector conference, inaugurated by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal, held at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi from 19–22 March 2026. Highlights India’s Rs 200 lakh crore investment opportunity in power with focus on energy security, renewables, and smart grids. Yashobhoomi is among Asia’s largest MICE venues, inaugurated by PM Modi in 2023.
Geology & Heritage
GSI & Kalinjar Fort Geo-Heritage Site
The Geological Survey of India (GSI), established in 1851 under the Ministry of Mines, designated the Kalinjar Fort area in Banda, UP as a National Geo-Heritage Site. Kalinjar Fort is a Chandela dynasty hill fort atop the Vindhya Range (~700 m), known for rock-cut temples and the Neelkanth temple. GSI is one of the world’s oldest geoscientific organisations.
Defence & Maritime
IOS SAGAR 2nd Edition
SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) is India’s Indian Ocean vision, first articulated by PM Modi in Mauritius (2015). The 2nd edition of IOS SAGAR commenced 16 March 2026 with 16 friendly foreign countries aboard a deployable Indian naval platform for maritime training. The IOR spans 36 littoral nations and key choke points: Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, Bab-el-Mandeb, and Suez Canal.
International Days
International Day of Happiness — 20 March
Established by UNGA through Resolution A/RES/66/281 (28 June 2012); first observed 20 March 2013. Inspired by Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy. The 2026 theme: ‘Caring Communities’. The World Happiness Report (UN SDSN) ranks 146+ countries — Finland has topped for multiple years; India ranks ~118th. Recognises well-being as equally important as economic growth.
Environment
World Sparrow Day — 20 March
Observed every 20 March to raise awareness about declining house sparrow (Passer domesticus) populations. Founded in 2010 by Nature Forever Society (NFS), India, led by Mohammed Dilawar (‘Birdman of India’, Whitley Award winner). Sparrows are listed ‘Red’ (highest concern) in the UK due to declines caused by urbanisation, loss of nesting sites, pesticide use, and falling insect populations.
Astronomy & Science
Vernal Equinox — 20 March 2026
On the Vernal (Spring) Equinox, the Sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north, giving approximately 12 hours each of day and night globally. ‘Equinox’ derives from Latin aequus (equal) + nox (night). After this, days grow longer in the Northern Hemisphere until the Summer Solstice (21 June). Used to calculate Easter’s date; coincides in 2026 with Chaitra Navratri, Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Eid-ul-Fitr.
Culture & Religion
Jumat-ul-Vida & Eid-ul-Fitr 2026
Jumat-ul-Vida (Alvida Jumma) — the last Friday of Ramadan — is especially sacred for prayers and reflection. In 2026 it falls on 20 March (Restricted Government Holiday). Eid-ul-Fitr is expected on 21 March 2026 (Gazetted Holiday) if the Shawwal crescent is sighted on 20 March evening; otherwise 22 March. Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations include Salat ul-Eid, Zakat al-Fitr (obligatory charity), and family feasts.
🎴 Revision Flashcards
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What does BHAVYA stand for and what is its outlay?
Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna; Rs 33,660 crore
Implements 100 plug-and-play industrial parks; implemented by NICDC under DPIIT
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Target capacity of the SHP Development Scheme (FY2026–31)?
~1,500 MW; outlay Rs 2,584.60 crore
Covers projects between 1–25 MW; supports India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030
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Who was appointed Interim Part-Time Chairman of HDFC Bank by RBI in March 2026?
Keki Mistry (for 3 months from 19 March 2026)
Replaced Atanu Chakraborty who resigned citing ethical concerns
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In which year was the Geological Survey of India (GSI) established?
1851 — under Ministry of Mines
One of the world’s oldest geoscientific organisations; recently designated Kalinjar Fort area as National Geo-Heritage Site
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SAGAR full form and how many countries in IOS SAGAR 2nd edition?
Security and Growth for All in the Region; 16 countries
Vision first articulated by PM Modi in Mauritius (2015); 2nd edition commenced 16 March 2026
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Which country’s philosophy inspired the International Day of Happiness?
Bhutan — Gross National Happiness (GNH)
UN Resolution A/RES/66/281 (2012); first observed 20 March 2013; 2026 theme: ‘Caring Communities’
Tap to Reveal
Who founded World Sparrow Day and when?
Mohammed Dilawar / Nature Forever Society (NFS); 2010
Known as ‘Birdman of India’; Whitley Award winner; house sparrow listed ‘Red’ on UK Birds of Conservation Concern
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What is Jumat-ul-Vida and when is Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 expected?
Last Friday of Ramadan; Eid-ul-Fitr expected 21 March 2026
Subject to Shawwal crescent moon sighting on evening of 20 March; Gazetted Government Holiday
Think & Discuss
India’s Industrial Parks Push: Can BHAVYA Deliver on Its Promise of 15 Lakh Jobs?
Context from today’s quiz: The Union Cabinet approved the BHAVYA scheme (Rs 33,660 crore) to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across all States and UTs, implemented by NICDC. These parks — ranging from 100 to 1,000 acres — offer financial assistance for core infrastructure and external connectivity, promising to generate approximately 15 lakh direct jobs. The scheme uses a challenge-based mechanism for project selection, placing states in competitive pursuit of industrial investment.
🤔 Your Perspective Matters
India has launched several industrial corridor and park schemes over the years — from the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) to the National Industrial Corridor Programme (NICP). Yet industrial land utilisation, last-mile connectivity, and worker welfare have consistently lagged behind targets.
Can the BHAVYA scheme’s challenge-based, plug-and-play model break this cycle — or will the same structural bottlenecks repeat?
Can the BHAVYA scheme’s challenge-based, plug-and-play model break this cycle — or will the same structural bottlenecks repeat?
- What makes plug-and-play industrial parks more attractive to investors than conventional zones — and where do they typically fall short?
- Given that NE states and smaller UTs receive the same opportunity but have weaker industrial ecosystems, how should the challenge-based selection account for regional capacity gaps?
- With the scheme targeting 15 lakh direct jobs, how should job quality (wages, contracts, safety) be measured and enforced alongside job quantity?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your perspective in the comments.
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