UPSC Current Affairs 15 March 2026

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources

U.S. bombs Iran’s Kharg Island; Tehran hits back, Pg1

U.S. bombs Iran's Kharg Island amidst escalating tensions; Tehran threatens retaliation targeting U.S.-linked oil facilities and UAE cities.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources

U.S. bombs Iran’s Kharg Island; Tehran hits back, Pg1

U.S. bombs Iran's Kharg Island amidst escalating tensions; Tehran threatens retaliation targeting U.S.-linked oil facilities and UAE cities.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Centre bars PNG users from refilling LPG connections, Pg8

Government restricts LPG access for PNG users amid West Asia tensions, prioritizing domestic supply and urging commercial users to switch.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Centre bars PNG users from refilling LPG connections, Pg8

Government restricts LPG access for PNG users amid West Asia tensions, prioritizing domestic supply and urging commercial users to switch.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Closed skies and costly detours: why Indian airlines are among the worst hit by the conflict in West Asia, Pg8

West Asia conflict severely impacts Indian airlines with flight cancellations, rising fuel costs, and longer routes, crippling aircraft utilization.

Closed skies and costly detours: why Indian airlines are among the worst hit by the conflict in West Asia, Pg8

West Asia conflict severely impacts Indian airlines with flight cancellations, rising fuel costs, and longer routes, crippling aircraft utilization.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

Atomic clock on NavIC satellite calls time; ISRO’s ‘GPS’ weakens, Pg9

ISRO's NavIC navigation system faces setback as last atomic clock on IRNSS-1F fails, raising concerns over reliability.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

Atomic clock on NavIC satellite calls time; ISRO’s ‘GPS’ weakens, Pg9

ISRO's NavIC navigation system faces setback as last atomic clock on IRNSS-1F fails, raising concerns over reliability.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Test disfavours acrylonitrile cells in Titan lakes, Pg11

Acrylonitrile fails to form cell-like structures in Titan lake simulation, challenging theories of extraterrestrial life's potential origins.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Test disfavours acrylonitrile cells in Titan lakes, Pg11

Acrylonitrile fails to form cell-like structures in Titan lake simulation, challenging theories of extraterrestrial life's potential origins.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Experts clash over HALEU-Th fuel for Indian nuclear reactors, Pg11

Experts clash over the suitability of HALEU-Thorium fuel for Indian nuclear reactors, citing design modifications and import dependence concerns.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Experts clash over HALEU-Th fuel for Indian nuclear reactors, Pg11

Experts clash over the suitability of HALEU-Thorium fuel for Indian nuclear reactors, citing design modifications and import dependence concerns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

When AI firms become power firms, who pays?, Pg11

US pushes AI firms to self-fund energy; India woos them with tax breaks, risking resource strain and ecological imbalance.

When AI firms become power firms, who pays?, Pg11

US pushes AI firms to self-fund energy; India woos them with tax breaks, risking resource strain and ecological imbalance.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Earth’s magnetic flips can last 70,000 years, new study finds, Pg11

Earth's magnetic field flips can last 70,000 years, weakening planetary defense against solar radiation, reveals new study.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Earth’s magnetic flips can last 70,000 years, new study finds, Pg11

Earth's magnetic field flips can last 70,000 years, weakening planetary defense against solar radiation, reveals new study.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Biotechnology

New ‘ecological’ ways to vaccinate bats, Pg11

Innovative vaccination strategies using mosquitoes and salt-laced water show promise in immunizing bats against rabies and Nipah viruses, preventing zoonotic spillover.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Biotechnology

New ‘ecological’ ways to vaccinate bats, Pg11

Innovative vaccination strategies using mosquitoes and salt-laced water show promise in immunizing bats against rabies and Nipah viruses, preventing zoonotic spillover.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Buffer Stocks and Food SecurityGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

What is the Essential Commodities Act?, Pg12

Essential Commodities Act invoked amidst Hormuz Strait crisis, prioritizing LPG supply for households and regulating natural gas allocation.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Buffer Stocks and Food SecurityGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

What is the Essential Commodities Act?, Pg12

Essential Commodities Act invoked amidst Hormuz Strait crisis, prioritizing LPG supply for households and regulating natural gas allocation.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 4: Ethics and Human Interface

Why did the SC allow passive euthanasia?, Pg12

Supreme Court clarifies passive euthanasia, emphasizing patient's right to die with dignity and simplifying procedures for end-of-life decisions.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 4: Ethics and Human Interface

Why did the SC allow passive euthanasia?, Pg12

Supreme Court clarifies passive euthanasia, emphasizing patient's right to die with dignity and simplifying procedures for end-of-life decisions.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine

How did the SC read the OBC creamy layer test?, Pg12

Supreme Court clarifies OBC creamy layer criteria, ruling parental income alone insufficient; impacts PSU, private sector employees' children's reservation eligibility.

How did the SC read the OBC creamy layer test?, Pg12

Supreme Court clarifies OBC creamy layer criteria, ruling parental income alone insufficient; impacts PSU, private sector employees' children's reservation eligibility.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and SecularismGS 1: Women and Women's Organizations

Kerala Govt shifts stand on entry of women into Sabarimala temple, Pg1

Kerala government seeks wider consultation on Sabarimala temple entry, revisiting stance after 2018 SC verdict and widespread protests.

Kerala Govt shifts stand on entry of women into Sabarimala temple, Pg1

Kerala government seeks wider consultation on Sabarimala temple entry, revisiting stance after 2018 SC verdict and widespread protests.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources

US hits key Iran island; oil prices may mount, Pg1

US bombs Iran's Kharg Island, escalating Middle East tensions; Iran threatens UAE ports, raising global oil price concerns.

US hits key Iran island; oil prices may mount, Pg1

US bombs Iran's Kharg Island, escalating Middle East tensions; Iran threatens UAE ports, raising global oil price concerns.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

Setback for India's navigation system: 1 of 4 operational IRNSS satellites fails, Pg2

NavIC faces setback as IRNSS 1-F satellite fails after 10 years due to atomic clock malfunction, impacting location services.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

Setback for India's navigation system: 1 of 4 operational IRNSS satellites fails, Pg2

NavIC faces setback as IRNSS 1-F satellite fails after 10 years due to atomic clock malfunction, impacting location services.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Govt to come up with first-of-its-kind Water Master Plan, focus on growing population: Minister, Pg3

Delhi government unveils Water Master Plan focusing on aging infrastructure, decentralization, and private sector involvement to meet growing water demands.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Govt to come up with first-of-its-kind Water Master Plan, focus on growing population: Minister, Pg3

Delhi government unveils Water Master Plan focusing on aging infrastructure, decentralization, and private sector involvement to meet growing water demands.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

BRICS members involved in conflict, difficult to forge consensus: MEA, Pg7

BRICS consensus falters amidst West Asia conflict as member involvement complicates India's diplomatic navigation as chair.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

BRICS members involved in conflict, difficult to forge consensus: MEA, Pg7

BRICS consensus falters amidst West Asia conflict as member involvement complicates India's diplomatic navigation as chair.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

Ambedkar backed UCC, with a rider – can initially be voluntary, Pg10

Supreme Court advocates UCC for inheritance equality, echoing Ambedkar's vision of voluntary adoption and clear separation of religion and law.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

Ambedkar backed UCC, with a rider – can initially be voluntary, Pg10

Supreme Court advocates UCC for inheritance equality, echoing Ambedkar's vision of voluntary adoption and clear separation of religion and law.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources

JSW Steel to develop coking coal mine in Mozambique, Pg11

JSW Steel invests in Mozambique's Minas de Revuboè coking coal mine to secure raw material supply for Indian steel production.

JSW Steel to develop coking coal mine in Mozambique, Pg11

JSW Steel invests in Mozambique's Minas de Revuboè coking coal mine to secure raw material supply for Indian steel production.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Clarity on captive power generation, Pg11

Electricity Amendment Rules, 2024 clarify captive power generation norms, reduce transmission losses, and boost industrial growth aligning with energy transition goals.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Clarity on captive power generation, Pg11

Electricity Amendment Rules, 2024 clarify captive power generation norms, reduce transmission losses, and boost industrial growth aligning with energy transition goals.

GS 1: World HistoryGS 3: EconomyGS 1: Modern History Significant Events, Personalities and IssuesGS 1: Industrial RevolutionGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

Progress at Gunpoint (In The Killing Age, Clifton Crais says modernity is a machine for systematic killing), Pg18

Book 'The Killing Age' argues modernity is a machine for systematic killing, enabled by gun proliferation and violence from 1750-1900.

GS 1: World HistoryGS 3: EconomyGS 1: Modern History Significant Events, Personalities and IssuesGS 1: Industrial RevolutionGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

Progress at Gunpoint (In The Killing Age, Clifton Crais says modernity is a machine for systematic killing), Pg18

Book 'The Killing Age' argues modernity is a machine for systematic killing, enabled by gun proliferation and violence from 1750-1900.

News Analysis

U.S. bombs Iran’s Kharg Island; Tehran hits back, Pg1

U.S. bombs Iran’s Kharg Island; Tehran hits back, Pg1

Centre bars PNG users from refilling LPG connections, Pg8

Centre bars PNG users from refilling LPG connections, Pg8

Closed skies and costly detours: why Indian airlines are among the worst hit by the conflict in West Asia, Pg8

Closed skies and costly detours: why Indian airlines are among the worst hit by the conflict in West Asia, Pg8

Atomic clock on NavIC satellite calls time; ISRO’s ‘GPS’ weakens, Pg9

Atomic clock on NavIC satellite calls time; ISRO’s ‘GPS’ weakens, Pg9

Test disfavours acrylonitrile cells in Titan lakes, Pg11

Test disfavours acrylonitrile cells in Titan lakes, Pg11

Experts clash over HALEU-Th fuel for Indian nuclear reactors, Pg11

Experts clash over HALEU-Th fuel for Indian nuclear reactors, Pg11

When AI firms become power firms, who pays?, Pg11

When AI firms become power firms, who pays?, Pg11

Earth’s magnetic flips can last 70,000 years, new study finds, Pg11

Earth’s magnetic flips can last 70,000 years, new study finds, Pg11

New ‘ecological’ ways to vaccinate bats, Pg11

New ‘ecological’ ways to vaccinate bats, Pg11

What is the Essential Commodities Act?, Pg12

What is the Essential Commodities Act?, Pg12

Why did the SC allow passive euthanasia?, Pg12

Why did the SC allow passive euthanasia?, Pg12

How did the SC read the OBC creamy layer test?, Pg12

How did the SC read the OBC creamy layer test?, Pg12

Kerala Govt shifts stand on entry of women into Sabarimala temple, Pg1

Kerala Govt shifts stand on entry of women into Sabarimala temple, Pg1

US hits key Iran island; oil prices may mount, Pg1

US hits key Iran island; oil prices may mount, Pg1

Setback for India's navigation system: 1 of 4 operational IRNSS satellites fails, Pg2

Setback for India's navigation system: 1 of 4 operational IRNSS satellites fails, Pg2

Govt to come up with first-of-its-kind Water Master Plan, focus on growing population: Minister, Pg3

Govt to come up with first-of-its-kind Water Master Plan, focus on growing population: Minister, Pg3

BRICS members involved in conflict, difficult to forge consensus: MEA, Pg7

BRICS members involved in conflict, difficult to forge consensus: MEA, Pg7

Ambedkar backed UCC, with a rider – can initially be voluntary, Pg10

Ambedkar backed UCC, with a rider – can initially be voluntary, Pg10

JSW Steel to develop coking coal mine in Mozambique, Pg11

JSW Steel to develop coking coal mine in Mozambique, Pg11

Clarity on captive power generation, Pg11

Clarity on captive power generation, Pg11

Progress at Gunpoint (In The Killing Age, Clifton Crais says modernity is a machine for systematic killing), Pg18

Progress at Gunpoint (In The Killing Age, Clifton Crais says modernity is a machine for systematic killing), Pg18

More News Analysis

Download the App