UPSC Current Affairs 24 March 2026

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

Centre signals early delimitation, women’s quota for 2029 polls, Pg1

Government proposes delimitation based on 2011 Census, increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816 with 273 reserved for women before 2029 elections.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

Centre signals early delimitation, women’s quota for 2029 polls, Pg1

Government proposes delimitation based on 2011 Census, increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816 with 273 reserved for women before 2029 elections.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

The evolving diagnostic landscape for tuberculosis, Pg8

WHO endorses innovative TB diagnostic tools; India's NTEP leverages AI and portable X-rays for community screening and early detection.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

The evolving diagnostic landscape for tuberculosis, Pg8

WHO endorses innovative TB diagnostic tools; India's NTEP leverages AI and portable X-rays for community screening and early detection.

GS 3: EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Vulnerable Sections

Grim future, Pg8

India's core sector growth hits three-month low amidst contracting domestic crude oil and natural gas production, raising concerns about economic resilience.

GS 3: EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Vulnerable Sections

Grim future, Pg8

India's core sector growth hits three-month low amidst contracting domestic crude oil and natural gas production, raising concerns about economic resilience.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 4: Right to Information and Transparency in GovernmentGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Rejection rate of Right to Information applications in 2024-25, Pg10

RTI application rejection rate drops to 3.26% in 2024-25, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 4: Right to Information and Transparency in GovernmentGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Rejection rate of Right to Information applications in 2024-25, Pg10

RTI application rejection rate drops to 3.26% in 2024-25, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Path ahead for Nepal’s new leadership, Pg10

Nepal's new PM Balendra Shah navigates delicate balancing act between India, China, and US amidst geopolitical shifts and domestic expectations.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Path ahead for Nepal’s new leadership, Pg10

Nepal's new PM Balendra Shah navigates delicate balancing act between India, China, and US amidst geopolitical shifts and domestic expectations.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and FaunaGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

How do we know climate science is credible?, Pg11

Analysis of a climate change denial paper, refuting claims about ocean warming and Earth's energy imbalance with scientific evidence.

How do we know climate science is credible?, Pg11

Analysis of a climate change denial paper, refuting claims about ocean warming and Earth's energy imbalance with scientific evidence.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other StakeholdersGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Centre to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, Pg14

Government to amend FCRA, enabling asset seizure, expanding 'key functionary' definition, and mandating central approval for investigations.

Centre to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, Pg14

Government to amend FCRA, enabling asset seizure, expanding 'key functionary' definition, and mandating central approval for investigations.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Centre launches AI skilling drive with Google, YouTube, Pg14

Centre's AI skilling initiative, in collaboration with Google and YouTube, aims to train 15,000 youth in AI by 2026.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Centre launches AI skilling drive with Google, YouTube, Pg14

Centre's AI skilling initiative, in collaboration with Google and YouTube, aims to train 15,000 youth in AI by 2026.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

New way helps superconductor break temperature record, PgII

Scientists achieve superconductivity at -122°C under normal pressure using 'pressure quenching' technique, breaking 33-year record with Hg1223 material.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

New way helps superconductor break temperature record, PgII

Scientists achieve superconductivity at -122°C under normal pressure using 'pressure quenching' technique, breaking 33-year record with Hg1223 material.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Environmental Impact AssessmentGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Hope builds for nations to save bird that flies 30,000 km, PgII

Hudsonian godwit population faces 95% decline due to climate change and habitat loss, prompting international conservation efforts under CMS.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Environmental Impact AssessmentGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Hope builds for nations to save bird that flies 30,000 km, PgII

Hudsonian godwit population faces 95% decline due to climate change and habitat loss, prompting international conservation efforts under CMS.

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

Dialogue and diplomacy only solution, Hormuz blockage unacceptable: PM, Pg1

PM Modi advocates dialogue for West Asia peace, opposes Hormuz blockage amid economic and security challenges for India.

Dialogue and diplomacy only solution, Hormuz blockage unacceptable: PM, Pg1

PM Modi advocates dialogue for West Asia peace, opposes Hormuz blockage amid economic and security challenges for India.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: E Governance

One face, 463 cameras: Facial recognition fights crime on Mumbai rly platforms, Pg1

Mumbai Railways deploys facial recognition system across 463 cameras, aiding police in solving crimes and tracing missing persons effectively.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: E Governance

One face, 463 cameras: Facial recognition fights crime on Mumbai rly platforms, Pg1

Mumbai Railways deploys facial recognition system across 463 cameras, aiding police in solving crimes and tracing missing persons effectively.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Health Sector

Shortage of essential medicines, equipment at govt hospitals: CAG, Pg4

CAG report reveals critical drug shortages and procurement failures in Delhi's government hospitals, impacting patient care and essential services.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Health Sector

Shortage of essential medicines, equipment at govt hospitals: CAG, Pg4

CAG report reveals critical drug shortages and procurement failures in Delhi's government hospitals, impacting patient care and essential services.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

War in Gulf raises concern over helium supplies, critical for MRI machines, Pg4

Gulf tensions disrupt helium supply, threatening MRI costs and installations in India, impacting healthcare infrastructure and patient affordability.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

War in Gulf raises concern over helium supplies, critical for MRI machines, Pg4

Gulf tensions disrupt helium supply, threatening MRI costs and installations in India, impacting healthcare infrastructure and patient affordability.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 4: Corporate GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Govt refers companies laws amendment Bill to House panel after Opp objections, Pg6

Corporate Laws Amendment Bill 2024, proposing LLP & Companies Act changes, faces opposition scrutiny; sent to joint parliamentary committee.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 4: Corporate GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Govt refers companies laws amendment Bill to House panel after Opp objections, Pg6

Corporate Laws Amendment Bill 2024, proposing LLP & Companies Act changes, faces opposition scrutiny; sent to joint parliamentary committee.

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

Will Indian refiners buy Iranian crude oil after US sanctions waiver?, Pg9

US temporarily eases Iran oil sanctions; Indian refiners weigh techno-commercial feasibility amid tight global supply and geopolitical tensions.

Will Indian refiners buy Iranian crude oil after US sanctions waiver?, Pg9

US temporarily eases Iran oil sanctions; Indian refiners weigh techno-commercial feasibility amid tight global supply and geopolitical tensions.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 3: BiotechnologyGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Scientists investigate how TB bacteria hide, adapt and survive (WORLD TB DAY), Pg9

Scientists discover how TB bacteria evade immune system by reshaping outer membrane, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment strategies.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 3: BiotechnologyGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Scientists investigate how TB bacteria hide, adapt and survive (WORLD TB DAY), Pg9

Scientists discover how TB bacteria evade immune system by reshaping outer membrane, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment strategies.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

A war lesson: The road to energy security runs on electricity, Pg10

Geopolitical turmoil highlights India's energy vulnerability; transition to electricity, EVs, and domestic manufacturing vital for energy security.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

A war lesson: The road to energy security runs on electricity, Pg10

Geopolitical turmoil highlights India's energy vulnerability; transition to electricity, EVs, and domestic manufacturing vital for energy security.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Surplus heat is new climate challenge, Pg10

WMO report reveals record GHG levels causing Earth's energy imbalance, leading to continued warming even if emissions stop.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Surplus heat is new climate challenge, Pg10

WMO report reveals record GHG levels causing Earth's energy imbalance, leading to continued warming even if emissions stop.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

For transgenders, law makes them ask who they are, Pg11

Transgender Persons Bill 2026 redefines 'transgender', raising concerns over self-determination and constitutional rights, potentially impacting dignity and equality.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

For transgenders, law makes them ask who they are, Pg11

Transgender Persons Bill 2026 redefines 'transgender', raising concerns over self-determination and constitutional rights, potentially impacting dignity and equality.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Broken UGC needs reform. But the new higher education bill is not the answer, Pg11

Proposed higher education bill raises concerns over centralization, autonomy, and state funding, potentially worsening existing issues within the UGC.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Broken UGC needs reform. But the new higher education bill is not the answer, Pg11

Proposed higher education bill raises concerns over centralization, autonomy, and state funding, potentially worsening existing issues within the UGC.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 4: Accountability and Ethical GovernanceGS 4: Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct

SEBI revamps framework on conflict of interest, enhances ease of doing biz, Pg13

SEBI overhauls conflict-of-interest guidelines for top officials, restricts equity trading, and eases FPI cash market transactions.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 4: Accountability and Ethical GovernanceGS 4: Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct

SEBI revamps framework on conflict of interest, enhances ease of doing biz, Pg13

SEBI overhauls conflict-of-interest guidelines for top officials, restricts equity trading, and eases FPI cash market transactions.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

6th month in a row: India sees net FDI outflow again in Jan, Pg13

India faces sixth consecutive month of net FDI outflow in January 2026, tripling December levels amid global uncertainty.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

6th month in a row: India sees net FDI outflow again in Jan, Pg13

India faces sixth consecutive month of net FDI outflow in January 2026, tripling December levels amid global uncertainty.

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

Of India’s 5.33 mn tonne of strategic oil reserve capacity, 36% is empty, Pg13

India's strategic petroleum reserves hold only 63% capacity amid West Asia tensions, raising concerns over energy security and import dependence.

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

Of India’s 5.33 mn tonne of strategic oil reserve capacity, 36% is empty, Pg13

India's strategic petroleum reserves hold only 63% capacity amid West Asia tensions, raising concerns over energy security and import dependence.

GS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Large private cos see no growth in FY27 capex: Govt survey, Pg13

Government survey reveals large private companies foresee no capex growth in FY27 amid global economic uncertainty, raising concerns about investment trends.

GS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Large private cos see no growth in FY27 capex: Govt survey, Pg13

Government survey reveals large private companies foresee no capex growth in FY27 amid global economic uncertainty, raising concerns about investment trends.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Economics of Animal RearingGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Why India must step on the gas with ethanol, Pg14

India considers aggressive ethanol blending strategy amid oil shocks, aiming for E30/E100 fuels and flex-fuel vehicles.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Economics of Animal RearingGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Why India must step on the gas with ethanol, Pg14

India considers aggressive ethanol blending strategy amid oil shocks, aiming for E30/E100 fuels and flex-fuel vehicles.

GS 1: World GeographyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

US-Iran pause is a relief for Gulf desalination plants, water supply, Pg14

US-Iran Tensions Subside, Easing Threat to Gulf Desalination Plants Vital for GCC Water Security Amidst Scant Rainfall.

GS 1: World GeographyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

US-Iran pause is a relief for Gulf desalination plants, water supply, Pg14

US-Iran Tensions Subside, Easing Threat to Gulf Desalination Plants Vital for GCC Water Security Amidst Scant Rainfall.

News Analysis

Centre signals early delimitation, women’s quota for 2029 polls, Pg1

Centre signals early delimitation, women’s quota for 2029 polls, Pg1

The evolving diagnostic landscape for tuberculosis, Pg8

The evolving diagnostic landscape for tuberculosis, Pg8

​Grim future, Pg8

​Grim future, Pg8

Rejection rate of Right to Information applications in 2024-25, Pg10

Rejection rate of Right to Information applications in 2024-25, Pg10

Path ahead for Nepal’s new leadership, Pg10

Path ahead for Nepal’s new leadership, Pg10

How do we know climate science is credible?, Pg11

How do we know climate science is credible?, Pg11

Centre to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, Pg14

Centre to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, Pg14

Centre launches AI skilling drive with Google, YouTube, Pg14

Centre launches AI skilling drive with Google, YouTube, Pg14

New way helps superconductor break temperature record, PgII

New way helps superconductor break temperature record, PgII

Hope builds for nations to save bird that flies 30,000 km, PgII

Hope builds for nations to save bird that flies 30,000 km, PgII

Dialogue and diplomacy only solution, Hormuz blockage unacceptable: PM, Pg1

Dialogue and diplomacy only solution, Hormuz blockage unacceptable: PM, Pg1

One face, 463 cameras: Facial recognition fights crime on Mumbai rly platforms, Pg1

One face, 463 cameras: Facial recognition fights crime on Mumbai rly platforms, Pg1

Shortage of essential medicines, equipment at govt hospitals: CAG, Pg4

Shortage of essential medicines, equipment at govt hospitals: CAG, Pg4

War in Gulf raises concern over helium supplies, critical for MRI machines, Pg4

War in Gulf raises concern over helium supplies, critical for MRI machines, Pg4

Govt refers companies laws amendment Bill to House panel after Opp objections, Pg6

Govt refers companies laws amendment Bill to House panel after Opp objections, Pg6

Will Indian refiners buy Iranian crude oil after US sanctions waiver?, Pg9

Will Indian refiners buy Iranian crude oil after US sanctions waiver?, Pg9

Scientists investigate how TB bacteria hide, adapt and survive (WORLD TB DAY), Pg9

Scientists investigate how TB bacteria hide, adapt and survive (WORLD TB DAY), Pg9

A war lesson: The road to energy security runs on electricity, Pg10

A war lesson: The road to energy security runs on electricity, Pg10

Surplus heat is new climate challenge, Pg10

Surplus heat is new climate challenge, Pg10

For transgenders, law makes them ask who they are, Pg11

For transgenders, law makes them ask who they are, Pg11

Broken UGC needs reform. But the new higher education bill is not the answer, Pg11

Broken UGC needs reform. But the new higher education bill is not the answer, Pg11

SEBI revamps framework on conflict of interest, enhances ease of doing biz, Pg13

SEBI revamps framework on conflict of interest, enhances ease of doing biz, Pg13

6th month in a row: India sees net FDI outflow again in Jan, Pg13

6th month in a row: India sees net FDI outflow again in Jan, Pg13

Of India’s 5.33 mn tonne of strategic oil reserve capacity, 36% is empty, Pg13

Of India’s 5.33 mn tonne of strategic oil reserve capacity, 36% is empty, Pg13

Large private cos see no growth in FY27 capex: Govt survey, Pg13

Large private cos see no growth in FY27 capex: Govt survey, Pg13

Why India must step on the gas with ethanol, Pg14

Why India must step on the gas with ethanol, Pg14

US-Iran pause is a relief for Gulf desalination plants, water supply, Pg14

US-Iran pause is a relief for Gulf desalination plants, water supply, Pg14

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Grim future, Pg8

Grim future, Pg8