UPSC Current Affairs 18 March 2026

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Indian Diaspora

India’s West Asia reset, more sinned against than sinning, Pg8

India recalibrates West Asia policy amidst regional turmoil, prioritizing strategic interests and security partnerships with GCC countries and Israel.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS2: Indian Diaspora

India’s West Asia reset, more sinned against than sinning, Pg8

India recalibrates West Asia policy amidst regional turmoil, prioritizing strategic interests and security partnerships with GCC countries and Israel.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Health Sector

Prison outbreak, Pg8

India's prisons face health crisis: Overcrowding, disease outbreaks, and inadequate medical care endanger inmates' right to health.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Health Sector

Prison outbreak, Pg8

India's prisons face health crisis: Overcrowding, disease outbreaks, and inadequate medical care endanger inmates' right to health.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Economy GS 2: Governance GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Government Budgeting GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

A bit of a blur over India’s new carbon credit plan, Pg8

Budget 2026's ₹20,000 crore carbon credit plan sparks confusion; industrial CCUS focus versus farmer income narrative needs clarification.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Economy GS 2: Governance GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Government Budgeting GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

A bit of a blur over India’s new carbon credit plan, Pg8

Budget 2026's ₹20,000 crore carbon credit plan sparks confusion; industrial CCUS focus versus farmer income narrative needs clarification.

GS 2: Governance GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Education Sector

Why the affiliation system is outdated, Pg9

NEP 2020 envisions phasing out college affiliations in 15 years, granting autonomy and fostering quality through graded accreditation.

GS 2: Governance GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Education Sector

Why the affiliation system is outdated, Pg9

NEP 2020 envisions phasing out college affiliations in 15 years, granting autonomy and fostering quality through graded accreditation.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Science & Technology GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

On scientific collaborations in BRICS, Pg10

BRICS nations foster scientific collaboration to challenge Western dominance, focusing on innovation, technology transfer, and addressing global challenges.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Science & Technology GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

On scientific collaborations in BRICS, Pg10

BRICS nations foster scientific collaboration to challenge Western dominance, focusing on innovation, technology transfer, and addressing global challenges.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Vulnerable Sections GS2: Health Sector

Cost of treatments sanctioned under Ayushman Bharat, Pg10

Ayushman Bharat authorizes ₹1.73 lakh crore for 11.69 crore hospital admissions, enhancing healthcare access for millions of beneficiaries.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Vulnerable Sections GS2: Health Sector

Cost of treatments sanctioned under Ayushman Bharat, Pg10

Ayushman Bharat authorizes ₹1.73 lakh crore for 11.69 crore hospital admissions, enhancing healthcare access for millions of beneficiaries.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Education Sector

‘UGC-like funding powers to fall under Shiksha Adhishthan’, Pg12

Education Ministry proposes UGC-like funding under Shiksha Adhishthan, raising concerns about centralization and federalism from opposition parties.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Education Sector

‘UGC-like funding powers to fall under Shiksha Adhishthan’, Pg12

Education Ministry proposes UGC-like funding under Shiksha Adhishthan, raising concerns about centralization and federalism from opposition parties.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Vulnerable Sections

SC allows 12 weeks’ paid leave to all new adoptive mothers, Pg14

Supreme Court mandates 12 weeks paid leave for all adoptive mothers, urges paternity leave recognition for gender equality.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Vulnerable Sections

SC allows 12 weeks’ paid leave to all new adoptive mothers, Pg14

Supreme Court mandates 12 weeks paid leave for all adoptive mothers, urges paternity leave recognition for gender equality.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life GS3: Biotechnology

Cholesterol makes cells’ nuclei squishy, helping melanoma spread, PgII

Research reveals cholesterol's role in melanoma spread by making cell nuclei squishy, identifies LBR protein as potential therapeutic target.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life GS3: Biotechnology

Cholesterol makes cells’ nuclei squishy, helping melanoma spread, PgII

Research reveals cholesterol's role in melanoma spread by making cell nuclei squishy, identifies LBR protein as potential therapeutic target.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Role of Civil Services in a Democracy GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

On the table: Global media outreach proposal with IIS officers in foreign missions, Pg1

I&B Ministry proposes global media outreach with IIS officers in foreign missions to project India's growth story and counter adverse narratives.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Role of Civil Services in a Democracy GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

On the table: Global media outreach proposal with IIS officers in foreign missions, Pg1

I&B Ministry proposes global media outreach with IIS officers in foreign missions to project India's growth story and counter adverse narratives.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: 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.

Amid LPG crunch, Govt asks States to fast-track piped gas projects, Pg1

LPG shortage prompts government push for piped natural gas expansion, urging states to expedite approvals for city gas distribution projects.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: 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.

Amid LPG crunch, Govt asks States to fast-track piped gas projects, Pg1

LPG shortage prompts government push for piped natural gas expansion, urging states to expedite approvals for city gas distribution projects.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Internal Security GS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Communication Networks, Media and Social Media Challenges

Centre looks to empower more ministries to block social media content, Pg1

Centre to empower Home, External Affairs, Defence, I&B ministries to block social media content under IT Act amid AI concerns.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Internal Security GS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Communication Networks, Media and Social Media Challenges

Centre looks to empower more ministries to block social media content, Pg1

Centre to empower Home, External Affairs, Defence, I&B ministries to block social media content under IT Act amid AI concerns.

GS 3: Internal Security GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS3: Role of External State and Non State Actors GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas GS3: Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism

6 Ukrainians, American in NIA net: 'Supply of drones to insurgents, illegal entry in Mizoram', Pg1

NIA arrests seven foreigners for supplying drones to insurgents and illegally entering Mizoram, raising national security concerns.

GS 3: Internal Security GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS3: Role of External State and Non State Actors GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas GS3: Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism

6 Ukrainians, American in NIA net: 'Supply of drones to insurgents, illegal entry in Mizoram', Pg1

NIA arrests seven foreigners for supplying drones to insurgents and illegally entering Mizoram, raising national security concerns.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS3: Communication Networks, Media and Social Media Challenges

Social media content, Pg2

Government plans to decentralize social media content blocking powers under Section 69A of IT Act to various agencies.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS3: Communication Networks, Media and Social Media Challenges

Social media content, Pg2

Government plans to decentralize social media content blocking powers under Section 69A of IT Act to various agencies.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

House panel urges Petroleum Ministry to maintain 90-day crude oil stock, Pg6

Parliamentary panel recommends Petroleum Ministry to maintain 90-day crude oil stock and build more strategic reserves for energy security.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

House panel urges Petroleum Ministry to maintain 90-day crude oil stock, Pg6

Parliamentary panel recommends Petroleum Ministry to maintain 90-day crude oil stock and build more strategic reserves for energy security.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Economy GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS3: Government Budgeting GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Ensuring steady LPG supply, speeding up production, says FM, Pg6

FM assures steady LPG supply amid West Asia conflict, Parliament passes Appropriation Bill 2024, and concerns raised over economic stabilization fund.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Economy GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS3: Government Budgeting GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Ensuring steady LPG supply, speeding up production, says FM, Pg6

FM assures steady LPG supply amid West Asia conflict, Parliament passes Appropriation Bill 2024, and concerns raised over economic stabilization fund.

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS2: Parliament and State Legislatures

NDA makes RS gains, tally reaches 141, Pg6

NDA strengthens Rajya Sabha position to 141 seats after recent elections, easing passage of ordinary bills, but constitutional amendments remain challenging.

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS2: Parliament and State Legislatures

NDA makes RS gains, tally reaches 141, Pg6

NDA strengthens Rajya Sabha position to 141 seats after recent elections, easing passage of ordinary bills, but constitutional amendments remain challenging.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Economy GS 1: Post-Independence India GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Post-liberalisation, what should be scope of industry definition, asks SC, Pg9

Supreme Court reconsiders 'industry' definition post-1991 reforms, questioning its scope amid privatization and liberalization, impacting labour laws.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Economy GS 1: Post-Independence India GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

Post-liberalisation, what should be scope of industry definition, asks SC, Pg9

Supreme Court reconsiders 'industry' definition post-1991 reforms, questioning its scope amid privatization and liberalization, impacting labour laws.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: PolityEthicsGS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Vulnerable Sections

A case of gender injustice, Pg12

Allahabad HC judge's routine bail grants in dowry death cases raise concerns about gender injustice and judicial scrutiny, signaling systemic failure.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: PolityEthicsGS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Vulnerable Sections

A case of gender injustice, Pg12

Allahabad HC judge's routine bail grants in dowry death cases raise concerns about gender injustice and judicial scrutiny, signaling systemic failure.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Uncertainties over US deal & India's challenge, Pg12

US trade policy uncertainties challenge India's export advantage; New Delhi seeks predictable trade relations amid potential tariff hikes.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Economy GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Uncertainties over US deal & India's challenge, Pg12

US trade policy uncertainties challenge India's export advantage; New Delhi seeks predictable trade relations amid potential tariff hikes.

GS 3: Economy GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

India's GDP debate: Right questions, wrong numbers, Pg13

Economists debate India's GDP accuracy, questioning data usage and informal sector representation, challenging recent misestimation claims and methodological choices.

GS 3: Economy GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

India's GDP debate: Right questions, wrong numbers, Pg13

Economists debate India's GDP accuracy, questioning data usage and informal sector representation, challenging recent misestimation claims and methodological choices.

GS 3: Economy GS 1: Post-Independence India GS 2: International Relations GS1: Political Philosophies, Communism, Capitalism and Socialism GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Oil shock redux: We've been here before, Pg13

Geopolitical tensions trigger oil price surge, threatening India's economy with inflation, rupee depreciation, and widening deficits, reminiscent of 1979 crisis.

GS 3: Economy GS 1: Post-Independence India GS 2: International Relations GS1: Political Philosophies, Communism, Capitalism and Socialism GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Oil shock redux: We've been here before, Pg13

Geopolitical tensions trigger oil price surge, threatening India's economy with inflation, rupee depreciation, and widening deficits, reminiscent of 1979 crisis.