Daily Current Affairs – 13 March 2026 | Important Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Government Exams
Major developments include the Strait of Hormuz crisis impacting global energy supply, US Section 301 probe on India, Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 approval, FSSAI regulatory reforms, and ISRO’s CE20 cryogenic engine breakthrough.
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Introduction
Current affairs play a crucial role in competitive exams such as UPSC IAS, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, RBI Grade B, CDS, NDA, CAPF, RRB NTPC and various State PSC examinations. The developments of 13 March 2026 include major geopolitical tensions in West Asia, new trade investigations by the United States, reforms in India’s regulatory systems, and key technological progress by ISRO. These events have significant implications for international relations, governance, economic policy, and scientific advancement.
For continuous preparation, aspirants should regularly follow Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Exams and practice through the Daily Current Affairs Quiz.
Today’s Current Affairs One-Liners (Quick Revision) – 13 March 2026
Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz after escalating military tensions with the US and Israel, affecting global oil supply chains.
• Around 20% of global oil trade passes through this route
• India increased LPG production by 30% to manage supply disruptions
• 28 Indian merchant ships remain in the region
US Section 301 Investigation
The United States initiated Section 301 probes against 16 economies including India over industrial overcapacity.
• Focus sectors: solar modules, steel, automotive, chemicals
• Investigation led by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
• Submission deadline for countries: 15 April 2026
FSSAI Regulatory Reforms
India introduced a trust-based regulatory model for food businesses to improve ease of doing business.
• Perpetual validity of food licenses introduced
• Registration threshold increased to ₹1.5 crore turnover
• State licensing applicable up to ₹50 crore turnover
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
The Union Cabinet approved JJM 2.0 with enhanced outlay and focus on sustainability.
• Mission extended till December 2028
• Total outlay ₹8.69 lakh crore
• Water coverage increased from 17% (2019) to 81.6% (2026)
CE20 Cryogenic Engine Test
ISRO successfully conducted a sea-level ground test of the CE20 engine.
• Thrust level increased to 22 tonnes
• Test duration 165 seconds
• Supports Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission
Fiscal Health Index 2026
NITI Aayog released the Fiscal Health Index ranking states based on fiscal discipline.
• Odisha ranked first with score 73.1
• Followed by Goa and Jharkhand
• States like Kerala and Punjab categorized as aspirational
Supreme Court Passive Euthanasia Order
The Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia in the Harish Rana case, reinforcing the right to die with dignity.
• Based on Article 21 – Right to Life
• Withdrawal of life-support treatment permitted
• Builds upon Common Cause (2018) judgment
Deepfake Misinformation Alert
The PIB Fact Check Unit exposed over 50 AI-generated deepfakes targeting Indian institutions.
• Linked to cross-border misinformation campaigns
• Highlights need for AI regulation and digital security
Detailed Current Affairs
Geopolitics & International Affairs
Strait of Hormuz Crisis and Global Energy Security
Why in News
Iran reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz following escalating conflict with the United States and Israel.
Key Highlights
• About 20 million barrels of oil per day pass through the strait
• India increased domestic LPG production by 30%
• Diplomatic engagement initiated by India to secure merchant vessels
Important Details
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Global oil trade through Hormuz | ~20% |
| Indian ships in region | 28 |
| Increase in LPG production | 30% |
| Daily LPG bookings in India | 88.8 lakh |
Exam Relevance
• Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime chokepoint
• Important for India’s energy security and foreign policy
• Frequently asked in UPSC Prelims geography and IR sections
US Section 301 Trade Investigations
Why in News
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) launched Section 301 investigations against multiple economies including India.
Key Highlights
• Investigation targets industrial overcapacity
• Key sectors include solar modules, steel, automotive goods
• Countries must submit responses before April 15
Important Details
| Sector | Allegation |
|---|---|
| Solar Modules | Export dumping |
| Steel & Aluminium | Government subsidies |
| Automotive | Excess production capacity |
| Chemicals | Industrial expansion with low demand |
Exam Relevance
• Section 301 derives from Trade Act of 1974 (USA)
• Used as a unilateral trade enforcement tool
• Relevant for UPSC Economy and International Trade
Banking & Economy
FSSAI Reforms and Ease of Doing Business
Why in News
The government approved major reforms to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulatory system.
Key Highlights
• Introduction of perpetual licenses
• Increased turnover thresholds for registration
• Reduced compliance burden on MSMEs
Regulatory Changes
| Parameter | Old System | New System |
|---|---|---|
| License validity | Periodic renewal | Perpetual validity |
| Registration threshold | ₹12 lakh | ₹1.5 crore |
| State license limit | Lower thresholds | Up to ₹50 crore |
Exam Relevance
• Important for Ease of Doing Business reforms
• Impacts food industry and MSMEs
Fiscal Health Index 2026
Why in News
NITI Aayog released the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2026.
Key Highlights
• Measures fiscal discipline of states
• Uses indicators such as debt-to-GSDP ratio and fiscal deficit
Top Performing States
| Rank | State | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Odisha | 73.1 |
| 2 | Goa | 54.7 |
| 3 | Jharkhand | 50.5 |
Exam Relevance
• Important for state finances and fiscal policy
• Relevant for UPSC Mains GS-III (Economy)
Governance & Social Development
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
Why in News
The Union Cabinet approved the extension of Jal Jeevan Mission till 2028.
Key Highlights
• Focus on sustainable water supply
• Community participation through Gram Panchayats
• Digital monitoring through Sujalam Bharat framework
Important Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Outlay | ₹8.69 lakh crore |
| Coverage growth | 17% (2019) → 81.6% (2026) |
| Governance model | Utility-based service delivery |
Exam Relevance
• Key program under rural infrastructure and social welfare
• Important for UPSC GS-II and GS-III
VBSA Bill – Higher Education Reform
Why in News
India plans to introduce the Vishwavidyalaya Bhartiya Shiksha Ayog (VBSA) to unify higher education regulators.
Key Highlights
• Replace fragmented system of regulators
• Align with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
Proposed Structure
| Vertical | Function |
|---|---|
| Recognition | Approval of institutions |
| Accreditation | Quality assurance |
| Norms & Standards | Curriculum and academic standards |
Exam Relevance
• Major reform in higher education governance
Science & Technology
ISRO CE20 Cryogenic Engine Breakthrough
Why in News
ISRO successfully tested the CE20 cryogenic engine at Mahendragiri.
Key Highlights
• Engine thrust increased to 22 tonnes
• Tested for 165 seconds
• Supports the LVM3 launch vehicle
Technical Details
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Cryogenic upper stage |
| Rocket | LVM3 |
| Application | Gaganyaan mission |
| Test Location | Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu |
Exam Relevance
• Cryogenic technology is a highly advanced rocket propulsion system
• Important for India’s human spaceflight programme
Social Justice & Judiciary
Passive Euthanasia Judgment – Harish Rana Case
Why in News
The Supreme Court allowed withdrawal of life support for a patient in a persistent vegetative state.
Key Highlights
• Recognizes right to die with dignity
• Based on Article 21 interpretation
• Withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition and hydration permitted
Exam Relevance
• Important constitutional law topic
• Related to ethics and bioethics in UPSC GS-IV
Important Things to Remember from Today’s Current Affairs
• Strait of Hormuz carries 20% of global oil trade
• India increased LPG production by 30% amid energy crisis
• Section 301 investigations launched by the United States
• FSSAI licenses now have perpetual validity
• Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 outlay – ₹8.69 lakh crore
• Odisha ranked first in Fiscal Health Index 2026
• CE20 cryogenic engine tested at 22-tonne thrust
• Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia in Harish Rana case
For comprehensive revision, aspirants should also explore Weekly Current Affairs Updates and Monthly Current Affairs Compilation.
Exam Tips: How to Remember Current Affairs
1. Use Theme-Based Revision
Group news under topics like Economy, International Relations, Science, and Governance.
2. Focus on Data and Institutions
Remember statistics, organizations, and government schemes.
3. Link Current Affairs with Static GK
For example, learn geography while studying the Strait of Hormuz.
4. Practice MCQs Regularly
Solve quizzes such as the Daily Current Affairs Quiz.
5. Track Government Schemes
Combine current affairs with Static GK for Government Exams.
Quick Revision (One-Liner Facts)
• Strait of Hormuz connects Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
• USTR initiated Section 301 investigations in March 2026
• Odisha topped Fiscal Health Index 2026
• JJM coverage increased to 81.6% households
• CE20 engine powers LVM3 rocket
• Deepfake misinformation campaigns detected by PIB Fact Check Unit
• FSSAI registration threshold raised to ₹1.5 crore
• Passive euthanasia legally permitted in India
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Put this topic into practice with Daily Current Affairs MCQ Quiz – 11–12 March 2026 (UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways). It is the quickest way to reinforce what you just learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Section 301 of the US Trade Act?
2. Why is the Strait of Hormuz important for global trade?
3. What is Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0?
4. What is the CE20 cryogenic engine used for?
5. What are the latest FSSAI reforms?
6. Which state topped the Fiscal Health Index 2026?
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