Prelims Current Affairs includes International Day of Forests (World Forestry Day), World Down Syndrome Day, World Poetry Day, Krishi Sakhi Initiative, Relief Scheme, Yoga 365 Campaign, World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 & Exercise Amogh Jwala

Important Day

1. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS (WORLD FORESTRY DAY)

Celebrated every year on 21 March.

• Aim : to raise awareness about the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance.
• Established: 1971 at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture
• Purpose: To spread awareness about the value and contribution of forests to life on Earth

Important Day

2. WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY

Observed annually on 21 March.

• Aim : to raise awareness about the condition and promote inclusion.
• Declared by: United Nations General Assembly in December 2011.

About Down Syndrome:

• A naturally occurring chromosomal condition in humans
• Leads to variations in learning ability, physical features, and health

Important Day

3. WORLD POETRY DAY

Celebrated on 21 March

• Aim : to recognise the importance of poetry in expressing human creativity.
• Adopted by: UNESCO during its 30th session in Paris in 1999.

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

4. KRISHI SAKHI INITIATIVE

Current Context: The Agriculture Insurance Company of India launched the Krishi Sakhi Initiative in 2026 to empower women farmers.

ABOUT KRISHI SAKHI INITIATIVE

• Launched by: Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AIC)
• Year: 2026
• Global Link: Aligned with United Nations declaration of 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer

Purpose:

• To improve awareness about crop insurance
• To enhance financial protection and participation of women in agriculture

Objectives and Vision:

• Recognise the contribution of women farmers
• Provide access to crop insurance schemes
• Encourage participation in formal agricultural systems
• Promote risk management and resilience building
• Ensure long-term sustainability in agriculture

Key Activities:

• January 2026: Digital awareness campaign through video
• February 2026: Walkathon under theme #AICforHer
• March 2026: Grassroots workshops and awareness programmes

SCHEME

5. RELIEF SCHEME

Current Context: The Government of India approved the RELIEF Scheme to support exporters affected by maritime disruptions in West Asia.

ABOUT RELIEF SCHEME

• Full Form: Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation
• Launched by: Government of India under Export Promotion Mission
• Purpose: To support exporters facing high freight costs, insurance premiums, and war-related risks

Key Features:

• Enhanced Risk Coverage: 100 percent coverage for additional conflict losses (14 Feb – 15 March 2026)
• Future Export Support: Up to 95 percent coverage (16 March – 15 June 2026)
• MSME Support: 50 percent reimbursement (up to ₹50 lakh) for extra costs
• Regional Coverage: Applies to Gulf and West Asia countries
• Operational Relief: Waiver of storage charges and procedural relaxations
• Monitoring: Real-time dashboard tracking by ECGC

Implementation: ECGC Limited

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

6. YOGA 365 CAMPAIGN

Current Context: The Ministry of Ayush launched the Yoga 365 Campaign to promote daily practice of yoga across India.

ABOUT YOGA 365 CAMPAIGN

• Launched by: Ministry of Ayush
• Occasion: Yoga Mahotsav 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
• Purpose: To encourage daily adoption of yoga beyond annual celebrations

Key Objectives:

• Promote yoga for physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Convert high awareness into regular practice
• Digital Outreach: Free online yoga sessions through MDNIY in partnership with Habuild

Integration:

• Linked with Y-Break programme
• Common Yoga Protocol
• Therapeutic yoga modules for diseases

SPORTS

7. WORLD INDOOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2028

Current Context: India will host the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 for the first time in Bhubaneswar.

ABOUT WORLD INDOOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Host Country (2028): India
• Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
• Decision Taken At: World Athletics Council meeting in Torun, Poland

Significance:

• First time India will host this global indoor athletics event
• Reflects India’s growing sports infrastructure and global recognition

Event Details:

• 26 events (13 for men and 13 for women)
• Conducted over three days

2026 Edition:

• Held in Torun, Poland (20–22 March 2026)
• Introduces 4×400 metre mixed relay event

DEFENCE

8. EXERCISE AMOGH JWALA

Current Context: The Indian Army conducted Exercise Amogh Jwala to demonstrate advanced mechanised warfare capabilities.

ABOUT EXERCISE AMOGH JWALA

• Conducted by: Indian Army Southern Command
• Location: Babina Field Firing Ranges

Key Features:

• High-intensity military exercise
• Focus on mechanised and multi-domain warfare.

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