UPSC Current Affairs 12 March 2026

India’s Cheetah Reintroduction Project

Why in News

• Scientists and conservationists have questioned India’s cheetah reintroduction project at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, noting that most animals remain in fenced enclosures nearly four years after the project began.
• Despite official claims of success, concerns are raised over whether the initiative has truly restored a self-sustaining wild population.

Project Background

• India declared cheetahs locally extinct in 1952.
• The reintroduction effort began in September 2022, bringing cheetahs from Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana.
• As of March 2026, India’s cheetah population stands at 53, including the latest arrival of nine cheetahs from Botswana and the birth of five cubs.
• The Union environment ministry claims the project is a success, highlighting new litters as milestones.

Current Status of Free-Ranging Cheetahs

• Only 15 cheetahs (13 in Kuno, 2 in Gandhi Sagar National Park) are currently free-ranging.
• The majority remain in fenced enclosures.
• Several cheetahs released into the wild have been recaptured after approaching human settlements.

Scientific Concerns

• Critics argue the project emphasizes captive management over true reintroduction.
• The soft-release model keeps cheetahs in fenced natural habitats and provides supplemental feeding, which some scientists say undermines their ability to hunt and survive independently.
• Concerns also include high human intervention, repeated recaptures, and whether India-born cubs will survive in the open wild.
• Experts point out that Kuno’s 748 sq km may not support as many free-ranging cheetahs as projected, citing African data suggesting a maximum density of one cheetah per 100 sq km.

Project Management Perspective

• Project officials defend the use of enclosures as a “soft-release” model to acclimatize cheetahs to the environment and improve survival odds.
• They emphasize adaptive management strategies and the goal of nurturing first-generation India-born cubs.
• Fenced enclosures allow cheetahs to hunt and exhibit natural behavior, while supplemental feeding supports survival.

Criticism of Project Approach

• Repeated feeding and confinement blur the line between captive breeding and true wild reintroduction.
• Critics argue that genuine success requires cheetahs to roam freely, hunt independently, and survive into adulthood without human intervention.
• Questions remain about the total number of recaptures, supplemental feeding, and the actual time cheetahs spend free-ranging versus in enclosures.

Key Takeaway

• While the project has increased India’s cheetah population and achieved breeding milestones, conservationists emphasize that true success requires the establishment of self-sustaining wild populations, which remains limited under current management practices.

Great Nicobar International Airport Project

Why in News

• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has invited tenders for consultancy for the proposed Great Nicobar International Airport after the National Green Tribunal upheld its environmental clearance.
• The project aims to enhance civilian connectivity while serving strategic and military purposes, given the island’s proximity to the Malacca Strait, a key global shipping route.

Project Location and Strategic Importance

• The airport will be located on Great Nicobar Island, India’s southernmost island, about 180 km from Sumatra, Indonesia.
• Its location near the Malacca Strait positions India to strengthen surveillance and operational reach in the Indian Ocean region.
• Approximately 100 acres have been earmarked for Indian Navy facilities, including aircraft hangars, operational infrastructure, and residential areas.

Planned Development and Passenger Forecasts

• The airport is designed with a 50-year master plan extending up to 2075, divided into four phases to scale capacity according to passenger traffic.
• Initial traffic will mainly be domestic, gradually expanding to international routes as tourism and economic activity increase.
• Population projections suggest Great Nicobar could reach 3.25 lakh by 2040, generating annual passenger demand of around 13.5 lakh travelers.

Dual-Use Design

• The airport will operate as a dual-use facility:
  • The Indian Navy will oversee airside operations and air traffic control.
  • The AAI will manage the passenger terminal and civilian services.

Benefits for Local Communities

• Currently, access to Great Nicobar is limited, requiring long sea journeys or indirect flights through the Andaman Islands.
• The airport will provide faster travel, improved connectivity, and opportunities for economic growth through tourism, trade, and services.

Environmental and Operational Planning

• The airport will be located between Gandhi Nagar and Shastri Nagar, roughly 30 km from Campbell Bay.
• Runway alignment is planned north–south, allowing aircraft to approach and depart over the sea, minimizing disruption to inhabited areas.
• Great Nicobar is known for dense forests and a biosphere reserve, making environmental safeguards a key aspect of project implementation.

Key Takeaway

• With environmental clearance in place and tenders invited, the Great Nicobar International Airport marks a major step in India’s strategy to develop its southernmost frontier as both a strategic and economic hub in the Indian Ocean.

Reevaluating the Office of the Speaker

Why in News

• The recent no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reignited discussions about the constitutional position, accountability, and impartiality of the Speaker’s office.
• Such motions are extremely rare in India’s parliamentary history, but they shed light on the functioning of parliamentary institutions and the evolving conventions surrounding the Speaker.

Role and Importance of the Speaker

• The Speaker is the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha and a key pillar of India’s parliamentary democracy.
• Responsibilities include ensuring orderly debate, enforcing procedural rules, safeguarding members’ rights, and balancing government authority with Opposition voice.
• Constitutional provisions and conventions require the Speaker to act impartially and rise above party politics once elected.
• Powers include recognition of members, interpretation of procedural rules, disciplinary authority, and certification of Money Bills—all of which influence legislative outcomes.

Process for Removal

• Article 94(c) of the Constitution provides that the Speaker can only be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all Lok Sabha members, not just those present and voting.
• Procedure:
  1. Written notice submitted to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha.
  2. Minimum 14-day notice before the motion is taken up.
  3. Support of at least 50 members required for the motion to be admitted for discussion.
  4. Resolution must clearly state charges.
• During the motion, the Speaker may participate as a member but cannot vote in case of a tie.

Historical Precedents

• Only three no-confidence motions against Speakers have been attempted in India:
  • 1954: G. V. Mavalankar
  • 1966: Hukam Singh
  • 1987: Balram Jakhar
• All motions failed, highlighting the political and procedural challenges in removing a Speaker.

Challenges and Concerns

• Growing perception of politicisation in decisions related to anti-defection law, certification of Money Bills, and procedural rulings.
• Frequent confrontations between the ruling party and the Opposition leading to procedural deadlocks.
• Gradual weakening of parliamentary conventions that historically guided impartial conduct of the Speaker.
• Allegations of bias can erode public confidence and hinder consensus-building in legislative processes.

Way Forward

• Reinforce institutional conventions to ensure the Speaker acts above party lines once elected.
• Enhance transparency in procedural rulings and provide clear explanations for major decisions.
• Encourage structured dialogue between government and Opposition to reduce confrontations.
• Codify best practices regarding the Speaker’s discretionary powers to reduce ambiguities while maintaining necessary flexibility.

Key Takeaway

• While the high constitutional threshold protects the Speaker from routine political pressures, democratic mechanisms exist for accountability. Strengthening conventions, transparency, and dialogue is essential to preserve the credibility of Parliament and uphold democratic governance.

“Black Rain” in Iran

Why in News

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about health risks caused by “black rain” reported in Iran after strikes on oil facilities released toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. Authorities have advised people to remain indoors due to serious air quality concerns.

What is Black Rain

• Black rain refers to rainfall contaminated with soot, oil particles, and toxic pollutants present in the atmosphere.
• It occurs when rainwater mixes with smoke and particulate matter produced by fires, industrial emissions, or explosions.
• The rain appears dark or oily because of the suspended pollutants.

Cause of the Black Rain in Iran

• Strikes on oil storage facilities and refineries triggered large fires and released pollutants into the air.
• Massive quantities of toxic hydrocarbons, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen compounds were released.
• When rainfall occurred, it mixed with these airborne pollutants, resulting in oil-laden rain.

Health Risks

• Inhalation of polluted air may cause respiratory problems.
• Direct contact with contaminated rain can cause skin and eye irritation.
• Exposure may also lead to headaches and breathing difficulties.
• Long-term exposure to toxic compounds may increase the risk of certain cancers.

WHO Advisory and Safety Measures

• Authorities advised people to stay indoors to reduce exposure.
• WHO supported this advisory due to serious air quality concerns.
• People are advised to wear masks and cover skin if they need to go outdoors.
• Avoid direct contact with contaminated rainwater.

Environmental and Air Quality Concerns

• The black rain occurred due to weather patterns bringing rain into a polluted atmosphere.
• Scientists warn that long-term exposure to toxic air may pose greater health risks than short-term rainfall exposure.
• Air quality is expected to improve gradually if further strikes and pollution events do not occur.

Jal Mahotsav 2026

Why in News

• President Droupadi Murmu urged citizens to make water conservation an integral part of daily life while addressing the Jal Mahotsav 2026 in New Delhi. The event highlighted the importance of sustainable water management and community participation in water conservation.

About Jal Mahotsav 2026

• Jal Mahotsav 2026 is a nationwide campaign organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• It is being held from March 8 to March 22, 2026 in New Delhi.
• The campaign aims to strengthen community participation and public ownership in rural drinking water services under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Key Highlights of the President’s Address

• Water in India is closely connected with culture, traditions, and community life.
• Sustainable management of water resources requires collective responsibility from citizens.
• Water should be treated as a shared national asset rather than merely a commodity.

Jal Jeevan Mission and Its Impact

• Jal Jeevan Mission was launched to provide safe drinking water to rural households.
• Earlier, many villagers, especially women and children, had to travel long distances to fetch water.
• The mission has improved access to clean drinking water in rural homes, saving time and improving health and dignity.

Community Participation in Water Management

• Jal Arpan Diwas marks the handover of water supply infrastructure to village panchayats.
• This initiative encourages community ownership and better local management of water resources.

Role of Self-Help Groups

• Self-Help Groups participate in water testing, maintenance, and operations.
• Their involvement has empowered women and contributed to social change in rural areas.

Other Government Initiatives

• Greywater management in rural areas is being promoted under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• Groundwater recharge efforts are carried out in collaboration with the Central Groundwater Board.
• Campaigns such as Catch the Rain and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari encourage rainwater harvesting and community participation.

Way Forward

• Long-term water security requires coordinated efforts at national, community, and household levels.
• Increasing awareness among the younger generation will be crucial for protecting India’s water resources in the future.

Challenges in Securing Shipping Through the Strait of Hormuz

Why in News

• Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has sharply declined after the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran began on February 28, 2026. Iran has threatened to target ships passing through the strait, prompting the United States and other countries to consider escorting vessels to ensure safe passage.

Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz

• The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
• It is the only sea route for oil exports from major Gulf producers such as Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
• About 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the strait.
• Around 33% of global fertilisers, including sulphur and ammonia, are transported through this route.
• Disruptions in the strait can trigger global energy price spikes and economic instability.

Decline in Shipping Traffic

• Traffic through the strait has dropped by around 97% since the conflict began.
• Shipping companies have reduced operations due to security risks and rising insurance costs.
• Insurance premiums for vessels passing through the strait have increased by up to 300%.

Security Threats in the Strait

• Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned that ships passing through the strait could be targeted.
• At least 11 ships have reportedly been attacked since the conflict began.
• Iran possesses multiple asymmetric naval capabilities such as fast attack boats, drones, naval mines, mini submarines, and explosive speedboats.

Geographic and Operational Challenges

• The strait is extremely narrow, with shipping lanes only about two nautical miles wide.
• Ships must navigate sharp turns near Iranian islands and mountainous coastlines.
• These geographical features provide strategic cover for Iranian forces to launch attacks.

Difficulties in Providing Naval Protection

• Escorting ships would require multiple warships providing air and sea cover.
• Short-term protection for a few ships daily may be feasible but sustaining it for months would require significant naval resources.
• Threats from drones, ballistic missiles, naval mines, and suicide attacks complicate security operations.

Lessons from Other Maritime Chokepoints

• The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait significantly disrupted global shipping despite international naval patrols.
• Piracy off the Somali coast has been controlled by international missions, but those threats were far less advanced than Iran’s military capabilities.

Limited Alternatives to the Strait

• Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have attempted to build pipelines to bypass the strait.
• These alternatives remain limited or vulnerable to attacks.
• As a result, the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical and difficult-to-secure global energy chokepoint.

India Preparing for CWG 2030 and Bid for 2036 Olympics

Why in News

• India is preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games on a large scale and is also pursuing a bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, according to former Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.

Commonwealth Games 2030

• India was formally ratified as the host of the centenary Commonwealth Games in November 2025.
• Ahmedabad has been proposed as the main hub for the event.
• The 2030 Games will mark 100 years of the Commonwealth Games.
• Preparations are underway with infrastructure work expected to be completed by 2028 or early 2029.

India’s Bid for the 2036 Olympic Games

• India is making efforts to secure hosting rights for the 2036 Summer Olympics.
• The government hopes that hosting major international events will strengthen India’s global sporting presence.
• If successful, India could host multiple major sporting events in the coming decade.

Previous Commonwealth Games Experience

• India hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in New Delhi.
• India finished second in the medal tally with 101 medals, including 38 gold medals.
• The event was overshadowed by corruption allegations related to organisation and infrastructure.

Recent Commonwealth Games Performance

• In the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, India won 61 medals including 22 gold medals.
• Shooting, one of India’s strongest sports, was not included in that edition.

Significance

• Hosting global sporting events can boost sports infrastructure, tourism, and international recognition.
• It can also encourage sports participation and development within the country.

Bharat Tex 2026 Launched

Why in News

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh launched Bharat Tex 2026, India’s flagship global textile event, which aims to become one of the largest integrated textile fairs in the world.

About Bharat Tex 2026

• Bharat Tex 2026 will be held from July 14 to July 17, 2026.
• The event will take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
• It will showcase the entire textile value chain from fibre and yarn to fabrics, garments, and technical textiles.

Participation and Scale

• Over 3,500 business exhibitors are expected to participate.
• More than 7,000 international buyers from over 140 countries will attend.
• Around 1.3 lakh trade visitors are expected to visit the event.

Objectives of the Event

• To position India as a reliable and sustainable sourcing destination.
• To promote India as a major investment hub for the global textile industry.
• To strengthen exports and global partnerships in the textile sector.

5F Vision in the Textile Sector

• The event reflects the Prime Minister’s 5F vision.
• Farm to Fibre.
• Fibre to Factory.
• Factory to Fashion.
• Fashion to Foreign markets.

Key Features of the Event

• Participation of manufacturers, designers, exporters, startups, MSMEs and policymakers.
• Exhibition sectors include apparel and fashion, home textiles, technical textiles, handicrafts and handlooms.
• Advanced manufacturing technologies and sustainable innovations will also be showcased.

Knowledge and Business Platforms

• The event will host knowledge sessions and policy dialogues.
• Reverse buyer-seller meets and industry interactions will be organised to facilitate partnerships and boost exports.
• A Global Textile Dialogue will discuss topics such as sustainable textiles, ESG standards, Industry 5.0 and resilient supply chains.

Organising Body

• Bharat Tex 2026 is an industry-led initiative organised by the Bharat Tex Trade Federation.
• The federation is an umbrella body comprising 11 textile-related Export Promotion Councils and other industry organisations.

Significance

• The event builds on the success of Bharat Tex editions held in 2024 and 2025.
• It is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global textile and apparel market while promoting innovation, investment and sustainable manufacturing.

Kavach 4.0

Why in News

Indian Railways has commissioned Kavach 4.0, the latest version of its indigenous Automatic Train Protection system, across 1,452 route kilometres on the Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah corridors to strengthen railway safety.

About Kavach

• Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection system for Indian Railways.
• It assists loco pilots in maintaining trains within permitted speed limits.
• The system automatically applies brakes if the driver fails to respond to warnings.
• It also helps trains operate safely in low-visibility conditions such as fog.

Development and Approval

• Initial field trials on passenger trains began in February 2016.
• Kavach was adopted as the national Automatic Train Protection system in July 2020.
• Kavach Version 4.0 was approved by the Research Design and Standards Organisation in July 2024 after technical improvements.

Features of Kavach 4.0

• Improved location accuracy for train monitoring.
• Enhanced signal information handling in complex railway yards.
• Station-to-station communication through optical fibre networks.
• Direct integration with electronic interlocking systems.

Deployment on Major Corridors

• Installed on sections of the Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah high-density routes.
• Key sections include Palwal–Mathura–Nagda, Vadodara–Ahmedabad, Vadodara–Virar, Gaya–Sarmatanr and Chota Ambana–Bardhaman–Howrah.

Infrastructure for Implementation

• 8,570 kilometres of optical fibre cable laid.
• 1,100 telecom towers installed.
• 6,776 route kilometres of trackside equipment deployed.
• 767 station data centres established.
• 4,154 locomotives equipped with Kavach devices.

Future Expansion

• Kavach installation planned for 8,979 locomotives and 1,200 EMU and MEMU train sets.
• Implementation underway on 24,427 route kilometres across the Golden Quadrilateral, Golden Diagonal and other high-density routes.

Training and Capacity Building

• More than 55,000 railway personnel trained in Kavach technology.
• Around 47,500 loco pilots and assistant loco pilots have received training.

Cost and Investment

• Trackside Kavach installation costs around ₹50 lakh per kilometre.
• Locomotive installation costs about ₹80 lakh per engine.
• ₹2,763.9 crore spent on Kavach implementation up to February 2026.
• ₹1,673 crore allocated for the financial year 2025–26.

Impact on Railway Safety

• Consequential train accidents declined from 135 in 2014–15 to 14 in 2025–26.
• Accident index reduced from 0.11 to 0.03, showing significant improvement in safety performance.

Increase in Safety Spending

• Safety expenditure increased from ₹39,200 crore in 2013–14 to ₹1,20,389 crore in 2026–27.
• Other safety measures include electronic interlocking at 6,665 stations, interlocking of 10,153 level crossing gates and complete track circuiting at 6,669 stations.

Significance

• Kavach strengthens operational safety on busy railway corridors.
• It supports modernisation of railway infrastructure and improves reliability of train operations in India.

CDSCO Issues Advisory to Prevent Misleading Promotion of Prescription Drugs for Obesity

Why in News

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued an advisory to pharmaceutical companies to prevent misleading promotion and advertisement of prescription drugs used for obesity and metabolic disorders.

About the Advisory

• CDSCO directed pharmaceutical manufacturers, importers and marketing authorization holders to follow provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
• The advisory mainly concerns drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists used in the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders.
• These medicines must be prescribed only by registered medical practitioners according to approved medical indications.

Concerns Highlighted by CDSCO

• Some companies have been promoting prescription medicines through disease awareness campaigns and digital outreach.
• Such campaigns may indirectly promote prescription-only medicines to the general public.
• CDSCO warned that these practices could mislead consumers and encourage self-medication.

Restrictions on Drug Promotion

• Direct or indirect advertisement of prescription drugs to the public is strictly prohibited.
• This restriction applies to print media, television, digital platforms and social media.
• Promotional claims exaggerating therapeutic benefits or guaranteeing weight loss will be treated as misleading.

Regulatory Directions to Companies

• Companies must ensure accurate prescribing information for healthcare professionals.
• They must establish consumer grievance redressal mechanisms.
• Firms are required to submit Risk Management Plans to ensure continued monitoring of drug safety.

Public Health Perspective

• Obesity is a chronic metabolic disorder that requires comprehensive management.
• Effective treatment includes lifestyle modifications such as balanced diet and regular physical activity.
• Pharmaceutical therapies should not be promoted in a way that undermines these broader public health measures.

NeVA Platform

Why in News

The government informed Parliament that 21 State and Union Territory legislatures are now functioning digitally through the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) platform, while several others are in the process of adopting it.

About NeVA

• NeVA stands for National e-Vidhan Application.
• It is a unified digital platform designed to make State and Union Territory legislatures paperless and digitally enabled.
• The system is a generic software platform that can adapt to the operational needs of different legislative bodies.

Implementation Status

• 21 State and Union Territory legislatures are already conducting legislative business in digital mode through NeVA.
• Seven other legislatures are at different stages of implementation.
• 28 State and UT legislatures have signed tripartite Memoranda of Understanding with the Union government and their respective state governments for adopting the platform.

Features of the NeVA Platform

• Provides mobile and web applications for legislators.
• Includes a public portal and e-book modules.
• Enables electronic submission of questions and notices by members.
• Allows access to legislative documents and digital management of Bills, debates, proceedings and the List of Business.

Digital Legislative Workflow

• The platform supports end-to-end digitalisation of legislative processes.
• Legislatures are being equipped with necessary ICT infrastructure and hardware to support paperless functioning.

Example of Digital Legislature

• The Punjab Legislative Assembly became a fully digital House after adopting the NeVA platform on September 21, 2023.

Significance

• Promotes paperless functioning of legislatures.
• Enhances transparency and efficiency in legislative processes.
• Supports modernisation of parliamentary functioning across India.

Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme

Why in News

The Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme continued its outreach across colleges in Delhi, engaging more than 900 students through interactive sessions aimed at promoting youth participation in India’s development vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

About Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme

• The programme is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat).
• It aims to engage young citizens in discussions and initiatives related to India’s long-term development goals.
• The initiative forms part of the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Outreach in Delhi

• The programme is in its second phase in Delhi.
• It aims to connect with more than 10,000 youth across over 35 colleges.
• Interactive sessions and youth engagement activities are being conducted across educational institutions.

Participating Institutions

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi.
• Jagan Institute of Management Studies.
• Keshav Mahavidyalaya.
• Maharaja Agrasen College.
• Maharishi Valmiki College of Education.

Participation and Activities

• More than 900 students participated in the sessions.
• Youth Icons such as Ramandeep Singh, Lavisha Arora, Sneha Bhardwaj, Ankit Kumar and Sakshi Shah interacted with students.
• The sessions included presentations and Yuva Samvad discussions.

Key Themes Discussed

• Nation-building and leadership.
• Role of youth in governance and development.
• Youth contribution towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Role of MY Bharat Platform

• Awareness and registration drives were conducted to encourage students to join the MY Bharat platform.
• The platform promotes volunteer-driven initiatives related to nation-building.

Significance

• Encourages youth participation in policy discussions and national development.
• Promotes the idea of Jan Bhagidari in governance.
• Engages the younger generation, referred to as Amrit Peedhi, in shaping India’s future development trajectory.

UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-70)

Why in News

• India highlighted its progress on women-led development during the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-70) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
• Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur presented India’s national statement during the General Discussion on March 10.
• India reiterated its commitment to gender equality and access to justice in line with the Beijing Platform for Action.

About the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

• The Commission on the Status of Women is a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
• It is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• The commission reviews progress on women’s rights and formulates global policy standards.
• The 70th session of CSW brought together representatives from nearly 75 countries.

Women-Led Development in India

• India’s development approach of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas promotes inclusive growth and women’s empowerment.
• More than 100 million women are organised into nearly nine million Self-Help Groups, contributing to rural entrepreneurship and leadership.
• Women lead over 1,000 start-ups supported by Atal Incubation Centres.
• More than eight lakh women directors are associated with active companies in India.
• Female labour force participation rate in India has increased to about 41.7 percent.

Bridging the Digital Gender Divide

• Over 25 million rural women have received digital training under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PM-DISHA).
• The initiative aims to enhance digital literacy and access to technology for rural women.

Women’s Participation in Governance

• The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam provides for one-third reservation for women in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.
• At the grassroots level, more than 1.4 million women serve as elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Women account for about 46 percent of representatives in local governance bodies.

Welfare and Social Development Initiatives

• Around 39,000 children benefit from crèche facilities under the Palna Scheme.
• Girls’ enrolment in education is now nearly equal to that of boys.
• Over 72 percent of the 29 million rural houses built under government housing schemes are owned fully or jointly by women.
• More than 208 million women cardholders are covered under Ayushman Bharat health insurance with dedicated healthcare packages.

Access to Justice for Women

• Legal awareness programmes and free legal aid services have been expanded across the country.
• Nari Adalats have been established to improve dispute resolution at the community level.
• Around 334 Gram Nyayalayas have been set up to provide accessible justice in rural areas.
• The Tele-Law Programme has provided pre-litigation legal advice to nearly four million women.

Bilateral Meetings and International Cooperation

• On the sidelines of CSW-70, India held bilateral discussions with several countries and international organisations.
• India and France discussed cooperation in responsible artificial intelligence and gender equality.
• India also engaged with UN Women leadership to strengthen collaboration on women’s empowerment initiatives.
• Discussions were held with Canada on expanding partnerships in early childhood education, health and cognitive development.

Significance

• The discussions highlighted India’s emphasis on women-led development as a pillar of inclusive growth.
• It reinforces India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 with gender equality as a key component.
• International cooperation and policy exchanges during CSW-70 help strengthen global efforts toward women’s empowerment.

Drugs Rules, 1945

Why in News

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed a draft amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, to update testing norms for blood products.
• The amendment aims to align India’s regulatory framework with internationally accepted pharmacopoeial standards while maintaining safety.

Key Details of the Amendment

• The draft Gazette notification (GSR 164(E)) was issued on March 9, 2026.
• Changes are proposed in Para G (Testing of Blood Products), Part XII C, Schedule F of the Drugs Rules.
• The amendment seeks to remove duplicate viral testing for finished blood products that have already been tested at the pooled plasma stage.
• This rationalisation is intended to reduce unnecessary compliance burden without compromising safety.

Alignment with Global Standards

• International pharmacopoeias such as Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), British Pharmacopoeia (BP), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and European Pharmacopoeia (EP) require testing only the first homogeneous pool of plasma used for fractionation.
• Viral markers tested include Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C virus RNA, and antibodies to HIV.
• Only plasma pools that test negative are used for manufacturing plasma-derived medicinal products.
• Current Indian regulations require repeated testing on finished products, which is not necessary under global practices.

Expected Benefits

• Streamlines testing requirements for blood products.
• Reduces redundant compliance and regulatory burden for manufacturers.
• Harmonises India’s drug testing standards with international norms.
• Maintains stringent safety for patients.

Stakeholder Participation

• The ministry has invited public comments and suggestions on the draft notification.
• Stakeholders are encouraged to review and submit feedback within the stipulated period.

This amendment reflects India’s efforts to modernise its regulatory framework in line with global best practices while ensuring patient safety.

NASA’s Van Allen Probe A

Why in News

NASA’s Van Allen Probe A, a 600-kg (1,323-pound) satellite launched in 2012, is making an uncontrolled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere earlier than initially planned. Experts expect the re-entry around 7:45 p.m. ET on 10 March 2026, with an uncertainty of ±24 hours. While the media reports highlight fears of a “satellite crash,” scientists emphasise that the risk to human life is extremely low.

Mission Overview

• The Van Allen Probes, launched in 2012 as part of the Radiation Belt Storm Probes mission, consisted of two satellites: Probe A and Probe B.
• Their primary objective was to study the Van Allen radiation belts, two zones of high-energy particles trapped in Earth’s magnetic field. These belts shield Earth from cosmic radiation, solar storms, and solar wind, protecting both humans and technological systems.
• Probe A exceeded its two-year design life, operating for 14 years until fuel depletion in 2019. Probe B continues to operate and is projected to de-orbit before 2030.

Reason for Early Re-entry

• The satellite was originally scheduled to re-enter by 2034.
• Increased solar activity during the current solar cycle has thickened the atmosphere, causing higher atmospheric drag on the satellite and accelerating its descent.
• NASA executed pre-deorbit maneuvers to expel remaining fuel and position the satellite for safe atmospheric re-entry, avoiding potential collisions with operational satellites or the International Space Station.

Re-entry Dynamics and Risk Assessment

• Most of the satellite will burn up due to atmospheric friction, reaching temperatures over 1,600°C.
• Some durable components, such as propellant tanks, antennas, and structural parts, may survive re-entry and reach the ground.
• NASA and the US Space Force estimate the odds of debris harming a person at 1 in 4,200 (~0.02%), lower than everyday risks like lightning strikes.
• The low risk is reinforced by the fact that oceans cover 70% of the Earth, making landfall on populated areas unlikely.
• Historical precedents, such as Skylab (1979) and China’s Long March rocket (2020), show that surviving debris rarely causes injuries.

Space Debris and End-of-Life Management

• NASA policy mandates that satellites be safely disposed of within 25 years after mission completion. Methods include:
  • Controlled deorbit for atmospheric burn-up
  • Graveyard orbits for long-term storage
  • Fuel-free de-orbit maneuvers to prevent collisions with active satellites
• Graveyard orbits, though safer, do not eliminate the risk of in-orbit collisions.
• The Van Allen Probes’ controlled de-orbit balanced scientific data collection with space safety, avoiding additional orbital debris.

Scientific Legacy of Van Allen Probe A

• The mission provided critical insights into radiation belts:
  • Observed a transient third radiation belt during periods of intense solar activity
  • Informed design of radiation-resistant electronics for satellites and spacecraft
  • Improved space weather forecasting, protecting communications, power grids, and satellite systems
• The mission highlighted the importance of balancing scientific returns with space safety protocols.

Broader Implications for Space Safety

• The re-entry highlights the growing challenge of space debris as satellite launches increase.
• Thousands of objects orbit Earth, with 100–400 tonnes of debris re-entering annually, though incidents causing harm remain extremely rare.
• Modern missions increasingly adopt “design for demise” strategies, ensuring minimal debris survives re-entry.
• The Van Allen Probe A case emphasizes the need for planning, monitoring, and mitigation measures to reduce risks from aging satellites and defunct spacecraft.