Blog

World Tuberculosis Day

Syllabus: GS2/Health

Context

• World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated on March 24 to educate people about tuberculosis.

About

• The day is observed to commemorate the anniversary of Dr. Robert Koch’s discovery of the TB bacteria in 1882.
• The theme for 2026 is “Yes! We can end TB”, which focuses on hope as well as action. 

What is Tuberculosis?

• Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs and is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.  
• It spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.
• Symptoms: prolonged cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats.
• While TB usually affects the lungs, it also affects the kidneys, brain, spine and skin.
• Treatment: It is preventable and curable with antibiotics.
• TB Vaccine: The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine remains the only licensed vaccine against TB; it provides moderate protection against severe forms of TB (TB meningitis) in infants and young children.
• India’s TB burden and progress
• TB as a global health challenge: India has the highest TB burden in the world, contributing to 26% of the global burden and 29% of global TB-related deaths.
• India is followed by Indonesia (10%), China (6.8%), the Philippines (6.8%), and Pakistan (6.3%).
• Multidrug-Resistant TB: India represents 27% of the world’s multi-drug-resistant TB cases, underscoring the need for specialized treatment approaches.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised India’s progress, with a 17.7% decline in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023, a rate more than double the global decline of 8.3%.
• India aims to eliminate TB through programmes like the National TB Elimination Programme.
• Source: AIR

National Biodiversity Authority Constitutes Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Context

• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has constituted an Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species to address the growing ecological and socio-economic risks posed by such species across the country.

About

• The decision follows a suo motu proceeding by the National Green Tribunal, which underscored the serious threats of invasive alien species to native biodiversity.
• The Committee has been mandated to prepare a consolidated national list of invasive alien species based on State-wise inputs.
• The Committee will identify and prioritise high-risk species and recommend science-based management strategies, ecological restoration measures, and national-level guidelines for their prevention, control, and eradication.  
• The Committee will function for a period of two years and will contribute in safeguarding the country’s biodiversity.

National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established in 2003.
• It is a statutory body that performs a facilitative, regulatory and advisory function for the Government on the issue of Conservation, sustainable use of biological resources and fair equitable sharing of benefits of use.

Modifies of Credit Guarantee Scheme to Support MSME Manufacturers and Exporters

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

Context

• The Government has modified the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in line with the Budget 2025-26.

Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs

• Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS- MSME) was launched in 2025. 
• The scheme provides 60% guarantee coverage by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) for credit facility up to ₹ 100 crore sanctioned to eligible MSMEs under MCGS-MSME for purchase of equipment/ machinery.
• Modifications in the existing “MCGS–MSME” scheme
• Upfront Contribution: 5% Upfront contribution made refundable, 1% each from 4th year onwards, subject to satisfactory performance of loan account.
• Eligibility: Service Sector MSMEs also included in the Scheme.
• Minimum project cost towards Machinery / Equipment: Cost of equipment/ machinery reduced up to 60% of project cost from earlier 75%.
• Guarantee Tenure: The credit guarantee would expire after 10 years, as compared to the unspecified period in the earlier scheme.
• Incorporation of Special Provisions for Exporters
• Eligible exporters: Profitable units having exported at least 25% of their sales turnover in each of previous 3 financial years and satisfying certain export realisation conditions.
• Guaranteed Loan Amount: ₹20 crore.
• Guaranteed Loan Amount: ₹20 crore.
• Upfront Contribution:  2% of loan amount (Max ₹40 Lacs); 1% each refundable in 4th and 5th year of the guarantee period.
• Guarantee Coverage: 75% of the amount in default.
• Source: PIB

Minor Planet Centre (MPC)

Syllabus: GS3/Space

In News

• The Minor Planet Center (MPC) has recently announced the discovery of 15 new moons (natural satellites)—four around Jupiter and eleven around Saturn.

About Minor Planet Centre (MPC)

• The MPC is the global repository (central database) for observations of small bodies in the solar system (asteroids, comets, and minor planets).
• It operates under the International Astronomical Union (IAU) at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
• It plays a key role in tracking, cataloguing, and identifying celestial objects beyond major planets.
• Functions of MPC
• Data Management: Receives and verifies astronomical observations to calculate orbital paths and assign official scientific identities to new space objects.
• Tracking NEOs: Monitors Near-Earth Objects (asteroids/comets) and collaborates with NASA to assess potential collision threats to Earth.
• Global Coordination: Publishes scientific updates to inform researchers of new discoveries, enabling worldwide collaboration among observatories for further study.
• Source: TH

Diego Garcia

Syllabus: GS1/Places In News

In News

• Reports have indicated that Iran attempted a missile strike on the Diego Garcia base. 
• Diego Garcia

About Diego Garcia

• Located in the Chagos Archipelago (British Indian Ocean Territory), Diego Garcia is a strategic island base in the Indian Ocean. It is a joint US–UK military facility.
• It serves as a key logistics and bomber base (launch point for long-range military operations) in West Asia.
• Its distance from Iran is about 3,800–4,100 km. It was previously considered beyond Iran’s strike capability.

Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner

Polity

Context

• Opposition parties are considering an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

Article 324 of Constitution

• Article 324 of the Constitution states that the Election Commission will comprise the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of Election Commissioners (ECs), as the President may decide.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for managing the preparation of electoral rolls and conducting elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
• The Constitution specifies that the President will appoint the CEC and ECs, subject to the provisions of an Act of Parliament.

Constitutional Provisions for Removal of the CEC

• Article 324(5) of the Constitution of India provides that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) can be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
• A motion seeking the removal of the CEC may be introduced in either House of Parliament and must specify the grounds for seeking removal.

The motion must be supported by:

1. At least 100 members of the Lok Sabha, or
2. At least 50 members of the Rajya Sabha.
3. Once the motion is admitted, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha constitutes an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations.
4. If the committee finds the charges proven, the motion is taken up for voting in Parliament.
5. Both Houses must then pass the motion with a two‑thirds majority of those present and voting. After both Houses approve the motion, the President issues the final order for removal.

Autonomous District Councils in Meghalaya

Polity and Governance

Context

• The election to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in Meghalaya has been postponed due to ongoing violence and disturbances in the West Garo Hills district.

About

• The Sixth Schedule (Articles 244(2) and 275(1)) of Constitution provides autonomous administrative arrangements for tribal areas in certain northeastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
• Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Meghalaya are special local self-governing institutions created under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India to protect the political, cultural, and economic rights of tribal communities.
• These councils enjoy legislative, executive, judicial, and financial powers.

Objectives

1. Protect tribal land and customs.
2. Provide self-governance to indigenous communities.
3. Prevent exploitation by external groups.

CITES

Environment

Context

• Recently, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition alleging violation of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

• Objective – It is a legally binding agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
• It does not ban trade completely, but regulates it through a system of permits and classifications.
• Signed: 1973 (Washington Convention)
• Entered into force: 1975
• Administered by: UNEP (Secretariat in Geneva)
• Parties: 180+ countries; India is a member
• Nature: Binding on countries, but implementation via national laws;
• Institutional Structure: Conference of Parties (CoP): Highest decision-making body (meets every 2–3 years)
• Secretariat: Geneva

Three Appendices

• Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction; Trade allowed only in exceptional cases;
• Example: Tiger, Elephant (certain populations), Rhino
• Appendix II: Species not immediately threatened, but may become so; controlled trade allowed.
• Example: Many timber species, marine species (e.g., sharks)
• Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country; other countries help regulate trade.

India & CITES

• India is a signatory since 1976; Implemented via Wildlife Protection Act, 1972;
• Key Authorities: MoEFCC (Management Authority); Wildlife Institute of India (Scientific Authority).

Nilgiri Tahrs

Environment

Context

• The Chokramudi hills near Munnar in Idukki (Kerala) have now transformed into a thriving natural habitat for the Nilgiri tahr.

Nilgiri Tahr

• Description: A stocky mountain goat (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) with short, yellowish-brown fur, and the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
• Habitat and Distribution: Endemic to a 400 km stretch of the Western Ghats, primarily across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Diet: A herbivore feeding on over 120 species of grasses, herbs, and shrubs.
• Threats: Key threats include habitat loss (deforestation, plantations, hydroelectric projects), competition with domestic livestock, and hunting.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered (IUCN Red List) and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
• Note – The Nilgiri tahr is the state animal of Tamil Nadu, and Eravikulam National Park hosts the largest surviving population and highest density of the species.

Inquiry and Prosecution Wing of Lokpal

Polity

In News

• A Parliamentary Standing Committee has sought details on the operationalisation of inquiry and prosecution wings provision in the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013, highlighting delays even after a decade of enactment.

Lokpal

• Status & Mandate: Statutory anti-corruption body (Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013). It became functional in 2019. Mandated to inquire into corruption allegations against public functionaries.
• Structure: Consists of a Chairperson (former CJI, former SC Judge, or eminent person) and eight Members (four Judicial). At least 50% of Members must be from SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/women.
• Appointment & Term: Appointed by the President based on the recommendation of a selection committee chaired by the Prime Ministe The term is 5 years or until 70 years of age.
• Jurisdiction: Covers current or former PM, Union Ministers, MPs, and Union Government officials (Groups A, B, C, D). Also includes heads and members of bodies funded by Union/State or receiving foreign contributions over ₹10 lakh.
• Powers: It has powers to superintendence over and to give direction to the CBI. Can refer complaints against Central government servants to the CVC.
• PM Exemptions: Cannot inquire into allegations against the PM regarding international relations, security, public order, atomic energy, or space. Initiation of a PM inquiry requires consideration by the full Lokpal bench and approval by at least 2/3rds of the members.

National Shipping Board (NSB)

Governance

News

• The government held a high-level interaction with the National Shipping Board (NSB) to address emerging challenges in India’s shipping sector amid evolving global geopolitical dynamics.

National Shipping Board (NSB)

• It is India’s apex advisory body on shipping and maritime matters, constituted under Section 23 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
• It works under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• Objective – Its primary role is to advise the central government on shipping policies and maritime development.
• Its chairperson is appointed by the Central Government.

Black Rain in Tehran

Environment

Context

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of “black rain” and toxic air pollution in Tehran, following attacks on oil facilities.

Black Rain

• It refers to rainfall contaminated with soot, ash, oil particles, and chemical pollutants that are released into the atmosphere after large fires or explosions.
• Instead of clear water droplets, the rain carries dark, oily particles, giving it a black or grey appearance.
• Such rain usually occurs when massive fires release pollutants into the air and rainfall absorbs these particles before reaching the ground.
• Historically, similar phenomena were observed after the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, when radioactive soot and debris mixed with rainwater.

Proton Accelerator Facility to Come up in Visakhapatnam

Science and Technology

News

• Andhra Pradesh will host a high-energy proton accelerator in Visakhapatnam as part of India’s long-term nuclear research programme.
• A proton is a subatomic particle with a positive electrical charge. It is found in every atomic nucleus of every element.

About the Project

• The high-energy proton accelerator in Visakhapatnam will generate high-energy neutrons for converting thorium into uranium fuel.
• The facility benefits from Visakhapatnam’s technological ecosystem and sea access for cooling.

Significance – The proton accelerator is being developed as part of India’s long-term nuclear programme.

Savitribai Phule

History / Personality in News

Context

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to Savitribai Phule on her death anniversary.

Savitribai Phule (1831 – 1897)

• Born in – Naigaon village of Maharashtra’s Satara district.
• In 1840, at the age of nine, she married Jyotirao Phule, who was just 13 at the time.
• Formally recognised as India’s first female teacher.
• In 1848, the couple established the country’s first school for girls in Bhidewada, Pune.
• In 1863, Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai began Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, India’s first home dedicated to prohibiting infanticide.
• She also advocated inter-caste marriages, widow remarriage, and eradication of child marriage, sati, and dowry systems, among other social issues.
• In 1873, the Phule’s set up the Satyashodhak Samaj (‘Truth-seekers’ society’), a platform open to all, irrespective of their caste, religion or class hierarchies, with the sole aim of bringing social equity.
• Literary works: Kavya Phule (Poetry’s Blossoms) in 1854 and Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar (The Ocean of Pure Gems), in 1892.

Kurumba Painting

History/Culture

In News

• The Kurumba art tradition is facing the threat of extinction due to declining practitioners.

Kurumba paintings

• It traces back over 3,000 years, linked to rock art sites like Ezhuthupaarai in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris; they were practiced by the Kurumba tribe.
• The Kurumba tribe is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Originally they were painted over the house walls, temple walls or during festivals and artists derive natural pigments from forest sources like tree resins.
• These folk paintings illustrate rituals, festivals, honey hunting, nature, animals, and daily community activities using simple linear motifs, dots, lines, and geometric patterns.

Fiscal Health Index 2026

Polity and Governance

Context

• NITI Aayog has released the second annual edition of Fiscal Health Index (FHI 2026.

Fiscal Health Index

• Mandate – It assesses the fiscal health of states in India.
• Parameters – Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability.
• Data for the index is sourced from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).

Key Highlights of FHI 2026

Overall State Rankings:

• Odisha remains the top-performing state, further improving its fiscal score.
• Goa and Jharkhand also feature among the Achiever states.
• Gujarat and Maharashtra continue to remain in the top five.
• Haryana shows a notable improvement by gaining three ranks.

States Showing Recovery:

• Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana demonstrate moderate improvement in fiscal performance.

Low-Performing States:

• Punjab, West Bengal, and Kerala continue to remain at the bottom of the rankings, reflecting persistent fiscal stress.

NE and Himalayan States:

• Evaluated separately for the first time, Arunachal Pradesh tops as Achiever (strong revenue growth), followed by Uttarakhand;

Aravalli hills

Environment

In News

• The central empowered committee of the Supreme Court (SC) has assigned the task of mapping mining areas in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan to the Forest Survey of India.

Aravalli hills

• Origin: Formed during the Proterozoic era (Precambrian period) by the Aravalli-Delhi Orogeny.
• It is a Fold Mountain system, now reduced to “residual hills” due to millions of years of erosion.
• Extent: Stretches approximately 670–800 km from Gujarat (Ahmedabad) through Rajasthan and Haryana to Delhi.
• Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar (1,722 m) on Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
• Major Rivers: Source of the Banas, Luni, Sabarmati, and Sahibi rivers.
• Mineral Wealth: Rich in copper, zinc, lead, silver, marble, and granite.

Ecological & Strategic Significance

• Climate Regulator: Acts as a barrier guiding the South-West Monsoon towards the Himalayas, nourishing the North Indian plains.
• “Green Wall”: Serves as a natural shield preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert into fertile Indo-Gangetic plains.
• Groundwater Recharge: A vital source of water for the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas.
• Biodiversity: Home to 300+ bird species and wildlife like leopards, striped hyenas, and golden jackals

Additional Information – Forest Survey of India

• Established in – 1981
• Functions under – Ministry of Environment and Forests
• Function -is the premier national body for monitoring India’s forest resources.
• Significance – Its core mandate includes publishing the biennial State of Forest Report to assess cover changes and maintaining a comprehensive inventory of tree resources in forest and non-forest areas.

India’s Bioeconomy Moving Towards $300 billion

Economy

Context

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s bioeconomy has witnessed a remarkable surge from around $10 billion in 2014 to over $195 billion in 2025.

BioEconomy

• It is the knowledge-based production and use of biological resources to provide products, processes and services in all economic sectors within the framework of a sustainable economic system.
• It encompasses sectors like agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food production, biotechnology, and bioenergy.

Subsectors of the BioEconomy in India are;

• BioPharma or BioMedical: It includes the development and production of medical products and services, such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and lab-grown organoids.
• BioAgri: It includes the development and production of genetically modified crops and animals, precision agriculture technologies, and bio-based products. EX: Bt Cotton
• BioIndustrial: It includes the development and production of biobased chemicals and products using enzymes, biosynthetic routes, and recombinant DNA technology.

Major Government Initiatives

• BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment): Promotes sustainable biomanufacturing and bio-based industries.
• The focus areas include smart proteins, precision therapeutics, and climate-resilient agriculture.
• Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund: ₹1 lakh crore corpus aimed at supporting deep-tech innovation and scaling startups.
• Startup and Incubation Support: Strengthening biotech clusters and innovation hubs across India.
• Inclusive Talent Development: Special focus on tier-2 and tier-3 cities, women entrepreneurs, and young researchers.

RELIEF Scheme

International Relations

In News

• The Centre has launched the RELIEF Scheme to support exporters affected by disruptions due to the West Asia crisis.

Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) Scheme

• It is a ₹497-crore initiative launched by the Government of India on March 19, 2026.
• Objective – It is designed to support Indian exporters—particularly MSMEs—facing extraordinary freight hikes, insurance premium spikes, and logistical disruptions due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
• Mission: Launched under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM).
• Nodal Agency for implementation – Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India.
• Target Region: Consignments destined for or transshipping through the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Israel, and Yemen.
• Significance –  To mitigate financial risks, prevent order cancellations, and safeguard employment in export-linked sectors during maritime disruptions

Small Hydro Power Development Scheme

Schemes

News

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme for 2026–31 to boost clean energy (low-emission renewable power) and rural development.

Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme

• It is a centrally sponsored initiative approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2026
• Objective – to boost clean energy generation in remote and rural areas.
• Implementation – It is managed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
• Target – Approximately 1,500 MW of capacity between FY 2026-27 and FY 2030-31

World Happiness Report 2026

Economy

Context

• The World Happiness Report 2026 highlights that heavy social media use is adversely affecting the well-being of young people across many countries.

World Happiness Report 2026

• The annual report is published by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup, and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Six factors for evaluation of happiness ranking:

1. GDP per capita,
2. Life expectancy,
3. Social support,
4. Freedom to make life choices,
5. Generosity,
6. Perceptions of corruption.

• Top 3: Finland (1st, since 2018), Iceland (2nd), and Denmark (3rd).
• Bottom 3: Malawi (145th), Sierra Leone (146th), and Afghanistan (147th).
• India: Ranked 116th (improved from 118th in 2025).