UPSC Current Affairs 21 March 2026

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS 3: Economy GS1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Iran steps up attacks on Israel, Gulf energy sites, Pg1

Iran escalates regional conflict by attacking Israel, Gulf energy sites amidst ongoing strikes, threatening global oil supply and regional stability.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal Security GS 3: Economy GS1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Iran steps up attacks on Israel, Gulf energy sites, Pg1

Iran escalates regional conflict by attacking Israel, Gulf energy sites amidst ongoing strikes, threatening global oil supply and regional stability.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Pressure Groups and Formal or Informal Associations

CJI shifts petitions against CEC selection law to another Bench, Pg1

CJI declines hearing petitions against CEC selection law, citing potential conflict of interest; case moved to another bench.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Pressure Groups and Formal or Informal Associations

CJI shifts petitions against CEC selection law to another Bench, Pg1

CJI declines hearing petitions against CEC selection law, citing potential conflict of interest; case moved to another bench.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Vulnerable Sections

Delhi HC restores plea on absence of IPC Section 377-like provision in BNS, Pg1

Delhi HC revives plea seeking IPC Section 377-like provision in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to protect LGBTQ+ community from sexual assault.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Vulnerable Sections

Delhi HC restores plea on absence of IPC Section 377-like provision in BNS, Pg1

Delhi HC revives plea seeking IPC Section 377-like provision in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to protect LGBTQ+ community from sexual assault.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: PolityEthicsGS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections

Restoring rights, Pg8

Supreme Court grants adoptive mothers 12 weeks paid maternity leave, challenging patriarchal norms and promoting gender-neutral parenting paradigm.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: PolityEthicsGS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections

Restoring rights, Pg8

Supreme Court grants adoptive mothers 12 weeks paid maternity leave, challenging patriarchal norms and promoting gender-neutral parenting paradigm.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: Polity GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

India’s Iran stance does fuel a foreign policy debate, Pg8

India's stance on the Iran war sparks debate over foreign policy, strategic autonomy, and national interest alignment.

GS 2: International Relations GS 2: Polity GS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

India’s Iran stance does fuel a foreign policy debate, Pg8

India's stance on the Iran war sparks debate over foreign policy, strategic autonomy, and national interest alignment.

GS 1: Indian Geography GS 2: Polity GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment

‘Undemocratic’ politics in Great Nicobar over land, Pg8

Great Nicobar settlers demand fair compensation amid mega-project, even as tribal land alienation raises concerns about justice.

GS 1: Indian Geography GS 2: Polity GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Environmental Impact Assessment

‘Undemocratic’ politics in Great Nicobar over land, Pg8

Great Nicobar settlers demand fair compensation amid mega-project, even as tribal land alienation raises concerns about justice.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Internal Security GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

CAPF Bill gives priority to IPS officers; govt. says new law will curb litigation, Pg10

CAPF Bill 2024 prioritizes IPS officers for key posts, aiming to reduce litigation and maintain Centre-State coordination amidst opposition.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Internal Security GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

CAPF Bill gives priority to IPS officers; govt. says new law will curb litigation, Pg10

CAPF Bill 2024 prioritizes IPS officers for key posts, aiming to reduce litigation and maintain Centre-State coordination amidst opposition.

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Nitish Kumar can remain CM for next six months: Minister, Pg10

Minister clarifies Nitish Kumar can remain CM for six months post-Rajya Sabha election, citing constitutional provisions and resignation timelines.

GS 2: PolityPrelimsGS2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Nitish Kumar can remain CM for next six months: Minister, Pg10

Minister clarifies Nitish Kumar can remain CM for six months post-Rajya Sabha election, citing constitutional provisions and resignation timelines.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: Polity GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Renewable Energy Ministry demands sweeping powers, Pg12

Renewable Energy Ministry seeks expanded powers to control market design and tariff regulations, challenging Power Ministry's authority.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: Polity GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Renewable Energy Ministry demands sweeping powers, Pg12

Renewable Energy Ministry seeks expanded powers to control market design and tariff regulations, challenging Power Ministry's authority.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Role of External State and Non State Actors GS3: Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism

Iran now unable to enrich uranium, says Netanyahu; US looks at control of Kharg, Pg1

Tensions escalate as US boosts Middle East military presence amid Iran's nuclear claims and regional conflicts involving Ukraine and Hezbollah.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Role of External State and Non State Actors GS3: Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism

Iran now unable to enrich uranium, says Netanyahu; US looks at control of Kharg, Pg1

Tensions escalate as US boosts Middle East military presence amid Iran's nuclear claims and regional conflicts involving Ukraine and Hezbollah.

GS 3: Internal Security GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & Technology GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Communication Networks, Media and Social Media Challenges GS3: Basics of Cyber Security

Govt asks WhatsApp to block device IDs used in digital arrest scams (Platform to implement suggestions, some already being put in place), Pg1

WhatsApp to block device IDs, enhance AI to combat digital arrest scams following government directive, aiming to curb impersonation and fraud.

GS 3: Internal Security GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & Technology GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Communication Networks, Media and Social Media Challenges GS3: Basics of Cyber Security

Govt asks WhatsApp to block device IDs used in digital arrest scams (Platform to implement suggestions, some already being put in place), Pg1

WhatsApp to block device IDs, enhance AI to combat digital arrest scams following government directive, aiming to curb impersonation and fraud.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations 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

Premium petrol price hiked by Rs 2 a litre, bulk diesel up Rs 22 (No change in regular petrol, diesel rates), Pg1

West Asia conflict triggers premium petrol hike by Rs 2, bulk diesel by Rs 22, rupee hits record low of 93.77.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations 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

Premium petrol price hiked by Rs 2 a litre, bulk diesel up Rs 22 (No change in regular petrol, diesel rates), Pg1

West Asia conflict triggers premium petrol hike by Rs 2, bulk diesel by Rs 22, rupee hits record low of 93.77.

GS 2: International Relations GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after 6 years, Pg2

India and China to resume border trade via Lipulekh Pass after six years suspension due to pandemic.

GS 2: International Relations GS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after 6 years, Pg2

India and China to resume border trade via Lipulekh Pass after six years suspension due to pandemic.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Health Sector GS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Generics hit shelves today, cheapest weight-loss drug at Rs 1,290/month, Pg8

Generic weight-loss drug semaglutide launched in India at Rs 1,290/month, offering up to 90% discount, boosting market accessibility.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Health Sector GS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Generics hit shelves today, cheapest weight-loss drug at Rs 1,290/month, Pg8

Generic weight-loss drug semaglutide launched in India at Rs 1,290/month, offering up to 90% discount, boosting market accessibility.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & TechnologyEthicsGS2: Education Sector GS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

When AI enters law class, the teacher must change, Pg10

AI disrupts law education: Delhi HC ruling impacts attendance, AI tools reshape teaching, prompting role evolution for educators.

GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & TechnologyEthicsGS2: Education Sector GS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

When AI enters law class, the teacher must change, Pg10

AI disrupts law education: Delhi HC ruling impacts attendance, AI tools reshape teaching, prompting role evolution for educators.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Health Sector GS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

On GLP-1 drugs, match access with vigilance, Pg10

Generic GLP-1 drugs poised to revolutionize diabetes and obesity treatment in India, demanding vigilant regulation and equitable access.

GS 2: Social Justice GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Health Sector GS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

On GLP-1 drugs, match access with vigilance, Pg10

Generic GLP-1 drugs poised to revolutionize diabetes and obesity treatment in India, demanding vigilant regulation and equitable access.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Social Justice GS 1: Indian Society GS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

It’s time to bring fathers into fold of parental leave, Pg11

Supreme Court advocates for paternity leave and equal rights for adoptive mothers, challenging traditional gender roles in childcare responsibilities.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Social Justice GS 1: Indian Society GS1: Women and Women's Organizations GS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

It’s time to bring fathers into fold of parental leave, Pg11

Supreme Court advocates for paternity leave and equal rights for adoptive mothers, challenging traditional gender roles in childcare responsibilities.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Economy GS 2: Governance GS 1: Indian Geography GS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices

Our water challenge is stark. Here are four ways to reimagine the solution, Pg11

India faces stark water challenges; innovative solutions needed for sustainable management, agricultural reforms, and circular economy to ensure water security.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Economy GS 2: Governance GS 1: Indian Geography GS1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies GS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices

Our water challenge is stark. Here are four ways to reimagine the solution, Pg11

India faces stark water challenges; innovative solutions needed for sustainable management, agricultural reforms, and circular economy to ensure water security.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

M C MEHTA VS UNION OF INDIA WRIT PETITION No. 13029 A CASE SHUTS, Pg12

Supreme Court closes landmark MC Mehta case after four decades, revolutionizing environmental jurisprudence through continuous mandamus and public interest litigations.

GS 2: Polity GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

M C MEHTA VS UNION OF INDIA WRIT PETITION No. 13029 A CASE SHUTS, Pg12

Supreme Court closes landmark MC Mehta case after four decades, revolutionizing environmental jurisprudence through continuous mandamus and public interest litigations.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations 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 spike will fuel inflation. So why have US and EU central banks not raised rates?, Pg15

US Fed and ECB hold rates amidst West Asia conflict, balancing inflation risks with recession fears amid economic uncertainty.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations 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 spike will fuel inflation. So why have US and EU central banks not raised rates?, Pg15

US Fed and ECB hold rates amidst West Asia conflict, balancing inflation risks with recession fears amid economic uncertainty.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Iran's strikes on Qatar's mega LNG facility may hit some Indian supplies, Pg17

Iranian strikes on Qatar's LNG facility threatens Indian supplies, potentially disrupting 41% of LNG imports and impacting key industries.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Iran's strikes on Qatar's mega LNG facility may hit some Indian supplies, Pg17

Iranian strikes on Qatar's LNG facility threatens Indian supplies, potentially disrupting 41% of LNG imports and impacting key industries.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Government Budgeting GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

Benefits for meal vouchers to EVs, higher HRA limit for 4 more cities, Pg17

CBDT notifies Income-tax Rules, 2026: Meal vouchers allowed, HRA limit increased for Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad from April 1.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS3: Government Budgeting GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

Benefits for meal vouchers to EVs, higher HRA limit for 4 more cities, Pg17

CBDT notifies Income-tax Rules, 2026: Meal vouchers allowed, HRA limit increased for Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad from April 1.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

NTPC looking at imported PWR tech for its nuclear fleet, in talks with players in France, Russia & US, Pg17

NTPC explores imported PWR technology from France, Russia, and US for its nuclear fleet expansion to 30 GWe by 2047.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

NTPC looking at imported PWR tech for its nuclear fleet, in talks with players in France, Russia & US, Pg17

NTPC explores imported PWR technology from France, Russia, and US for its nuclear fleet expansion to 30 GWe by 2047.

News Analysis

Iran steps up attacks on Israel, Gulf energy sites, Pg1

Iran steps up attacks on Israel, Gulf energy sites, Pg1

CJI shifts petitions against CEC selection law to another Bench, Pg1

CJI shifts petitions against CEC selection law to another Bench, Pg1

Delhi HC restores plea on absence of IPC Section 377-like provision in BNS, Pg1

Delhi HC restores plea on absence of IPC Section 377-like provision in BNS, Pg1

Restoring rights, Pg8

Restoring rights, Pg8

India’s Iran stance does fuel a foreign policy debate, Pg8

India’s Iran stance does fuel a foreign policy debate, Pg8

‘Undemocratic’ politics in Great Nicobar over land, Pg8

‘Undemocratic’ politics in Great Nicobar over land, Pg8

CAPF Bill gives priority to IPS officers; govt. says new law will curb litigation, Pg10

CAPF Bill gives priority to IPS officers; govt. says new law will curb litigation, Pg10

Nitish Kumar can remain CM for next six months: Minister, Pg10

Nitish Kumar can remain CM for next six months: Minister, Pg10

Renewable Energy Ministry demands sweeping powers, Pg12

Renewable Energy Ministry demands sweeping powers, Pg12

Iran now unable to enrich uranium, says Netanyahu; US looks at control of Kharg, Pg1

Iran now unable to enrich uranium, says Netanyahu; US looks at control of Kharg, Pg1

Govt asks WhatsApp to block device IDs used in digital arrest scams (Platform to implement suggestions, some already being put in place), Pg1

Govt asks WhatsApp to block device IDs used in digital arrest scams (Platform to implement suggestions, some already being put in place), Pg1

Premium petrol price hiked by Rs 2 a litre, bulk diesel up Rs 22 (No change in regular petrol, diesel rates), Pg1

Premium petrol price hiked by Rs 2 a litre, bulk diesel up Rs 22 (No change in regular petrol, diesel rates), Pg1

India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after 6 years, Pg2

India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after 6 years, Pg2

Generics hit shelves today, cheapest weight-loss drug at Rs 1,290/month, Pg8

Generics hit shelves today, cheapest weight-loss drug at Rs 1,290/month, Pg8

When AI enters law class, the teacher must change, Pg10

When AI enters law class, the teacher must change, Pg10

On GLP-1 drugs, match access with vigilance, Pg10

On GLP-1 drugs, match access with vigilance, Pg10

It’s time to bring fathers into fold of parental leave, Pg11

It’s time to bring fathers into fold of parental leave, Pg11

Our water challenge is stark. Here are four ways to reimagine the solution, Pg11

Our water challenge is stark. Here are four ways to reimagine the solution, Pg11

M C MEHTA VS UNION OF INDIA WRIT PETITION No. 13029 A CASE SHUTS, Pg12

M C MEHTA VS UNION OF INDIA WRIT PETITION No. 13029 A CASE SHUTS, Pg12

Oil spike will fuel inflation. So why have US and EU central banks not raised rates?, Pg15

Oil spike will fuel inflation. So why have US and EU central banks not raised rates?, Pg15

Iran's strikes on Qatar's mega LNG facility may hit some Indian supplies, Pg17

Iran's strikes on Qatar's mega LNG facility may hit some Indian supplies, Pg17

Benefits for meal vouchers to EVs, higher HRA limit for 4 more cities, Pg17

Benefits for meal vouchers to EVs, higher HRA limit for 4 more cities, Pg17

NTPC looking at imported PWR tech for its nuclear fleet, in talks with players in France, Russia & US, Pg17

NTPC looking at imported PWR tech for its nuclear fleet, in talks with players in France, Russia & US, Pg17

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