UPSC Current Affairs 16 March 2026

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

House decorum, Pg6

Lok Sabha rejects Speaker Om Birla's removal amidst uproar over parliamentary decorum and Opposition's concerns about suppressed voices.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

House decorum, Pg6

Lok Sabha rejects Speaker Om Birla's removal amidst uproar over parliamentary decorum and Opposition's concerns about suppressed voices.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Polity GS 1: Indian Society GS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS1: Poverty and Developmental Issues GS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

Another barrier, Pg6

Supreme Court rejects menstrual leave petition, citing potential career hindrances for women; encourages voluntary state initiatives and stakeholder consultation.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Polity GS 1: Indian Society GS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS1: Poverty and Developmental Issues GS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

Another barrier, Pg6

Supreme Court rejects menstrual leave petition, citing potential career hindrances for women; encourages voluntary state initiatives and stakeholder consultation.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Building India’s climate resilience with water at the core, Pg6

India prioritizes water management for climate resilience aligning with COP 30's Belém Adaptation Indicators, focusing on water security and adaptation finance.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Building India’s climate resilience with water at the core, Pg6

India prioritizes water management for climate resilience aligning with COP 30's Belém Adaptation Indicators, focusing on water security and adaptation finance.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Oil prices reflect geopolitical risks, not only supply, Pg6

Geopolitical tensions drive oil price volatility, impacting India's energy security through supply chain disruptions and financial market speculations.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Oil prices reflect geopolitical risks, not only supply, Pg6

Geopolitical tensions drive oil price volatility, impacting India's energy security through supply chain disruptions and financial market speculations.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Social JusticeEthicsPrelimsGS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS2: Vulnerable Sections

On the right to die with dignity, Pg7

Supreme Court permits withdrawal of life support for patient in Persistent Vegetative State, affirming right to die with dignity.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Social JusticeEthicsPrelimsGS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS2: Vulnerable Sections

On the right to die with dignity, Pg7

Supreme Court permits withdrawal of life support for patient in Persistent Vegetative State, affirming right to die with dignity.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Why is the U.S. investigating India?, Pg10

U.S. investigates India, along with other nations, over trade practices and forced labor, potentially leading to renewed tariffs.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Why is the U.S. investigating India?, Pg10

U.S. investigates India, along with other nations, over trade practices and forced labor, potentially leading to renewed tariffs.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life GS3: Space Technology GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

What makes some locations on Google Maps look blurry or difficult to navigate?, Pg11

Nations resist detailed mapping on Google Maps fearing security threats, while Google balances user needs with geopolitical concerns.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life GS3: Space Technology GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

What makes some locations on Google Maps look blurry or difficult to navigate?, Pg11

Nations resist detailed mapping on Google Maps fearing security threats, while Google balances user needs with geopolitical concerns.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems GS3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices

Diversify agriculture, encourage farmers to grow pulses: SC to govt., Pg12

Supreme Court directs Centre to incentivize pulse cultivation through MSP and diversification, addressing import impacts and farmer challenges.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation Systems GS3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices

Diversify agriculture, encourage farmers to grow pulses: SC to govt., Pg12

Supreme Court directs Centre to incentivize pulse cultivation through MSP and diversification, addressing import impacts and farmer challenges.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Constitutional Bodies

UPSC’s new rule: SC nod must for delay in choosing State DGPs, Pg14

UPSC mandates Supreme Court approval for states delaying DGP selection, reinforcing Prakash Singh case directives and upholding merit-based appointments.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Constitutional Bodies

UPSC’s new rule: SC nod must for delay in choosing State DGPs, Pg14

UPSC mandates Supreme Court approval for states delaying DGP selection, reinforcing Prakash Singh case directives and upholding merit-based appointments.

GS 1: Indian Geography GS 3: Disaster Management GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones GS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Ice patches on melting glaciers greater threat than thought: ISRO scientists, PgII

ISRO study links Uttarakhand flash flood to melting ice patches, emphasizing satellite monitoring for early disaster warnings amid Himalayan deglaciation.

GS 1: Indian Geography GS 3: Disaster Management GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones GS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Ice patches on melting glaciers greater threat than thought: ISRO scientists, PgII

ISRO study links Uttarakhand flash flood to melting ice patches, emphasizing satellite monitoring for early disaster warnings amid Himalayan deglaciation.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS1: Poverty and Developmental Issues GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

34 cr LPG consumers: Average household use half cylinder per month, Pg1

LPG consumption patterns reveal rural households consume less despite Ujjwala Yojana, impacting energy access and economic equity nationwide.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS1: Poverty and Developmental Issues GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

34 cr LPG consumers: Average household use half cylinder per month, Pg1

LPG consumption patterns reveal rural households consume less despite Ujjwala Yojana, impacting energy access and economic equity nationwide.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: Governance GS 3: Disaster Management GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Indian Diaspora

First group of Indians stranded in Iran lands in Delhi: 'Long journey', Pg1

India evacuates first batch of citizens stranded in Iran amidst escalating regional conflict, ensuring safe passage through Armenia and Azerbaijan.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: Governance GS 3: Disaster Management GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Indian Diaspora

First group of Indians stranded in Iran lands in Delhi: 'Long journey', Pg1

India evacuates first batch of citizens stranded in Iran amidst escalating regional conflict, ensuring safe passage through Armenia and Azerbaijan.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Internal Security GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Indian tanker was loading when Fujairah terminal was attacked, Pg9

Indian tanker 'Jag Laadki' safely departs Fujairah after oil terminal attack, highlighting regional maritime security risks amidst West Asia conflict.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS 3: Internal Security GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Indian tanker was loading when Fujairah terminal was attacked, Pg9

Indian tanker 'Jag Laadki' safely departs Fujairah after oil terminal attack, highlighting regional maritime security risks amidst West Asia conflict.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS1: World Wars GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Return of Russian oil signals US pragmatism, Pg10

US eases Russian oil sanctions amid energy crisis, signaling potential shift in geopolitics and US-Russia relations, impacting global markets.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS1: World Wars GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Return of Russian oil signals US pragmatism, Pg10

US eases Russian oil sanctions amid energy crisis, signaling potential shift in geopolitics and US-Russia relations, impacting global markets.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices GS3: Buffer Stocks and Food Security

Disruption carries a reminder: Policy reforms in fertiliser sector are overdue, Pg11

Geopolitical tensions expose India's fertiliser supply vulnerabilities; reforms needed for import diversification, subsidy rationalization, and balanced nutrient use.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices GS3: Buffer Stocks and Food Security

Disruption carries a reminder: Policy reforms in fertiliser sector are overdue, Pg11

Geopolitical tensions expose India's fertiliser supply vulnerabilities; reforms needed for import diversification, subsidy rationalization, and balanced nutrient use.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: Polity GS 2: International Relations GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

India's FDI policy tweak for LBCs: Who stands to gain from these changes, Pg13

India eases FDI norms for land-bordering countries in key sectors, aiming to boost manufacturing and attract foreign investment.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: Polity GS 2: International Relations GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

India's FDI policy tweak for LBCs: Who stands to gain from these changes, Pg13

India eases FDI norms for land-bordering countries in key sectors, aiming to boost manufacturing and attract foreign investment.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

Public float rules for IPO-bound cos amended, Pg13

Finance Ministry mandates 25% public shareholding within 3 years for IPO-bound companies with post-issue capital between ₹1,600-5,000 crore.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

Public float rules for IPO-bound cos amended, Pg13

Finance Ministry mandates 25% public shareholding within 3 years for IPO-bound companies with post-issue capital between ₹1,600-5,000 crore.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: E Governance GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

NHAI hikes FASTag Annual Pass rate: What has changed?, Pg13

NHAI increases FASTag annual pass rate to ₹3,075 for FY27, impacting millions of highway commuters nationwide.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: E Governance GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

NHAI hikes FASTag Annual Pass rate: What has changed?, Pg13

NHAI increases FASTag annual pass rate to ₹3,075 for FY27, impacting millions of highway commuters nationwide.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

How inflexible coal-fired plants harm India’s clean energy push, Pg13

Inflexible coal plants hinder India's renewable energy push, causing curtailment and financial losses, CEA proposes incentives for flexibility.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

How inflexible coal-fired plants harm India’s clean energy push, Pg13

Inflexible coal plants hinder India's renewable energy push, causing curtailment and financial losses, CEA proposes incentives for flexibility.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Health Sector GS3: Biotechnology GS3: Intellectual Property Rights, IPR

As patent lapses, generic weight loss shots may cost 60% less, Pg15

Generic versions of weight-loss drug semaglutide to launch in India, prices expected to drop by 60% after patent expiry.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Health Sector GS3: Biotechnology GS3: Intellectual Property Rights, IPR

As patent lapses, generic weight loss shots may cost 60% less, Pg15

Generic versions of weight-loss drug semaglutide to launch in India, prices expected to drop by 60% after patent expiry.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life GS3: Biotechnology

Super antibiotic spares the good bug, Pg15

New antibiotic, EVG7, selectively targets Clostridioides difficile in mice, preserving beneficial gut bacteria and preventing recurrence.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life GS3: Biotechnology

Super antibiotic spares the good bug, Pg15

New antibiotic, EVG7, selectively targets Clostridioides difficile in mice, preserving beneficial gut bacteria and preventing recurrence.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: Space Technology

SHANTI Act: How thorium can power India’s path to energy independence, Pg16

SHANTI Act 2025 aims to boost India's nuclear energy by leveraging thorium for energy independence and reducing proliferation risks.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: Space Technology

SHANTI Act: How thorium can power India’s path to energy independence, Pg16

SHANTI Act 2025 aims to boost India's nuclear energy by leveraging thorium for energy independence and reducing proliferation risks.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: Governance GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Why LPG sector is the worst hit by Iran war, Pg16

Iran war disrupts LPG imports via Hormuz Strait, causing shortages and prompting government to prioritize household supplies and seek alternatives.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: Governance GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Why LPG sector is the worst hit by Iran war, Pg16

Iran war disrupts LPG imports via Hormuz Strait, causing shortages and prompting government to prioritize household supplies and seek alternatives.

News Analysis

House decorum, Pg6

House decorum, Pg6

Another barrier, Pg6

Another barrier, Pg6

Building India’s climate resilience with water at the core, Pg6

Building India’s climate resilience with water at the core, Pg6

Oil prices reflect geopolitical risks, not only supply, Pg6

Oil prices reflect geopolitical risks, not only supply, Pg6

On the right to die with dignity, Pg7

On the right to die with dignity, Pg7

Why is the U.S. investigating India?, Pg10

Why is the U.S. investigating India?, Pg10

What makes some locations on Google Maps look blurry or difficult to navigate?, Pg11

What makes some locations on Google Maps look blurry or difficult to navigate?, Pg11

Diversify agriculture, encourage farmers to grow pulses: SC to govt., Pg12

Diversify agriculture, encourage farmers to grow pulses: SC to govt., Pg12

UPSC’s new rule: SC nod must for delay in choosing State DGPs, Pg14

UPSC’s new rule: SC nod must for delay in choosing State DGPs, Pg14

Ice patches on melting glaciers greater threat than thought: ISRO scientists, PgII

Ice patches on melting glaciers greater threat than thought: ISRO scientists, PgII

34 cr LPG consumers: Average household use half cylinder per month, Pg1

34 cr LPG consumers: Average household use half cylinder per month, Pg1

First group of Indians stranded in Iran lands in Delhi: 'Long journey', Pg1

First group of Indians stranded in Iran lands in Delhi: 'Long journey', Pg1

Indian tanker was loading when Fujairah terminal was attacked, Pg9

Indian tanker was loading when Fujairah terminal was attacked, Pg9

Return of Russian oil signals US pragmatism, Pg10

Return of Russian oil signals US pragmatism, Pg10

Disruption carries a reminder: Policy reforms in fertiliser sector are overdue, Pg11

Disruption carries a reminder: Policy reforms in fertiliser sector are overdue, Pg11

India's FDI policy tweak for LBCs: Who stands to gain from these changes, Pg13

India's FDI policy tweak for LBCs: Who stands to gain from these changes, Pg13

Public float rules for IPO-bound cos amended, Pg13

Public float rules for IPO-bound cos amended, Pg13

NHAI hikes FASTag Annual Pass rate: What has changed?, Pg13

NHAI hikes FASTag Annual Pass rate: What has changed?, Pg13

How inflexible coal-fired plants harm India’s clean energy push, Pg13

How inflexible coal-fired plants harm India’s clean energy push, Pg13

As patent lapses, generic weight loss shots may cost 60% less, Pg15

As patent lapses, generic weight loss shots may cost 60% less, Pg15

Super antibiotic spares the good bug, Pg15

Super antibiotic spares the good bug, Pg15

SHANTI Act: How thorium can power India’s path to energy independence, Pg16

SHANTI Act: How thorium can power India’s path to energy independence, Pg16

Why LPG sector is the worst hit by Iran war, Pg16

Why LPG sector is the worst hit by Iran war, Pg16

More News Analysis

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