UPSC Current Affairs 17 March 2026

India Submits Seventh National Biodiversity Report to the CBD

Why in News

• India submitted its Seventh National Report (NR-7) on biodiversity to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
• The report highlights progress in biodiversity conservation and implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.

Seventh National Report (NR-7)

• The report was submitted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• It assesses India’s biodiversity progress using:
  • 142 national indicators
  • 23 National Biodiversity Targets
• These targets are part of the updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030).

Alignment with Global Biodiversity Goals

• The report states that all 23 targets are currently on track.
• They are aligned with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• The framework aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

Biodiversity Conservation Status in India

• Recorded forest area: 7,75,377 sq km (23.59% of India’s geographical area).
• Total forest and tree cover: 8,27,356.95 sq km (25.17% of geographical area).
• The number of Ramsar Wetlands in India increased from 26 in 2014 to 98 in 2026.

Protected Area Network

India’s conservation network includes:

• 58 tiger reserves
• 33 elephant reserves
• 18 biosphere reserves
• 106 national parks
• 574 wildlife sanctuaries

Status of Key Wildlife Species

• Bengal Tiger: 3,682 individuals (over 70% of the global population).
• Greater One‑Horned Rhinoceros: 4,014 individuals.
• Asian Elephant: 22,446 individuals.
• Asiatic Lion: 891 individuals.
• Snow Leopard: estimated 718 individuals.

River Dolphin Population

• India conducted its first population estimation of river dolphins under Project Dolphin.
• The study recorded 6,327 riverine dolphins.

Agrobiodiversity Initiatives

• 22 agrobiodiversity hotspots have been identified.
• Conservation priority given to:
  • 769 crop wild relatives
  • 171 native crops
  • 230 native animal breeds.

Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol

• India submitted its First National Report on the Nagoya Protocol covering 2017–2025.
• The protocol ensures fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Framework

• Implemented under the Biological Diversity Act 2002.
• Supported by:
  • Biological Diversity Rules, 2024
  • ABS Regulations, 2025

Institutional Structure

India follows a three-tier ABS structure:

• National Biodiversity Authority
• State Biodiversity Boards
• Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)

Community Participation

• Over 2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees have been established.
• These bodies involve local communities in biodiversity governance.

Access and Benefit Sharing Achievements

• 12,830 ABS approvals issued between 2017 and 2025.
• 3,556 internationally recognised certificates of compliance issued.
• India accounts for more than 60% of global certificates under the ABS Clearing-House.

Economic and Social Benefits

• ₹216.31 crore generated through ABS mechanisms.
• ₹139.69 crore distributed to local communities, farmers and traditional knowledge holders.
• ₹51.96 crore mobilised through state biodiversity boards.

Technological Tools Used

Biodiversity monitoring uses advanced technologies such as:

• Remote sensing
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Satellite telemetry
• Drones
• Camera traps
• DNA-based monitoring tools

Significance

• The reports highlight India’s progress in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource use.
• They demonstrate community participation and technological adoption in conservation.
• They reaffirm India’s commitment to global biodiversity goals under the CBD framework.

Srinagar Tulip Garden Opens for Visitors

Why in News

• Omar Abdullah inaugurated the tulip garden in Srinagar, marking the beginning of the spring tourism season in the Kashmir Valley.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

• The garden is known as the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
• It is located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range overlooking the Dal Lake.
• The garden is recognised as the largest tulip garden in Asia.

Key Features

• The garden spreads across about 74 acres.
• It has more than 1.8 million tulip plants this year.
• Around 70–75 varieties of tulips are cultivated.
• Many tulip bulbs are imported from the Netherlands.

Other Flowers in the Garden

Along with tulips, several spring flowers are planted, including:

• Hyacinth
• Daffodil
• Muscari
• Ranunculus

Tourism Significance

• The blooming of tulips marks the start of the spring tourism season in Kashmir.
• The flowers remain in full bloom for about three to four weeks.
• Thousands of tourists and locals visit the garden every year.

Tulip Festival

• A Tulip Festival is usually organised in early April when the flowers reach peak bloom.
• The festival promotes tourism and local culture in the Kashmir region.

Visitor Facilities

• Authorities introduced online ticket booking for visitors.
• Arrangements have been made for transport, parking, security and other visitor services to manage large tourist inflows.

Early Opening This Year

• The garden opened earlier than usual because warmer temperatures in February caused the flowers to bloom sooner than expected.

CARA Issues Nationwide Directions to Strengthen Adoption Procedures

Why in News

• Central Adoption Resource Authority issued nationwide directions to strengthen adoption procedures, preserve records and protect the identity of children.
• The directions were sent to State Adoption Resource Agencies across all states and union territories.

Legal Framework

• The directions were issued under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
• They also refer to the Adoption Regulations 2022.
• CARA functions under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Compliance with Adoption Procedures

• CARA directed authorities to strictly follow statutory procedures and timelines before declaring a child legally free for adoption.
• Adoption aims to provide a family to orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children.
• For orphaned or abandoned children:
  • Authorities must conduct inquiries and efforts to trace biological parents.
  • Restoration attempts should be made within prescribed timelines.
• For surrendered children:
  • A mandatory two-month reconsideration period must be provided to biological parents before adoption proceedings begin.

Preservation of Adoption Records

• CARA issued guidelines for proper maintenance and transfer of adoption records.
• The instructions address difficulties faced by adoptees seeking information about their origins through the root search process.
• Problems have occurred where adoption agencies or child care institutions were closed, merged or deregistered.
• States and union territories must ensure:
  • Secure preservation of physical and digital records.
  • Transfer of records to designated authorities when institutions close.
  • Records are not destroyed except as permitted under law.

Protection of Children’s Identity

• CARA directed strict compliance with Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
• The provision prohibits disclosure of the identity of children in conflict with law or children in need of care and protection.
• Authorities must ensure that:
  • Photographs, videos or identifying details of children are not shared.
  • No information is published on social media or other platforms.

Measures for Implementation

• States and union territories have been asked to sensitise officials and staff regarding confidentiality norms.
• Authorities should take appropriate action in cases of violations.
• The directions aim to improve accountability and transparency within the adoption system.

Significance

• The measures aim to strengthen India’s adoption framework and ensure legal compliance.
• They seek to protect the privacy, dignity and rights of children and adoptees.
• Improved record preservation will also help adoptees access information about their origins through legal processes.

81.71% Rural Households in India Now Have Tap Water Supply

Why in News

• The Government of India informed the Rajya Sabha that 81.71% of rural households now have tap water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

• The Jal Jeevan Mission – Har Ghar Jal was launched in August 2019.
• It aims to provide assured potable water of adequate quantity and quality to every rural household through functional tap connections.
• The mission focuses on universal household water supply in rural areas.

Current Coverage Status

• Total rural households in India: about 19.36 crore.
• Rural households with tap water supply: about 15.82 crore.
• This accounts for 81.71% of rural homes.
• Around 3.54 crore households are yet to receive tap water connections and are at different stages of implementation.

Progress Since Launch

• At the launch of the mission in 2019:
  • Only 3.23 crore rural households had tap water connections.
  • This represented 16.7% of rural households.
• Since then, more than 12.58 crore additional households have been connected.

Functionality Assessment 2024 Findings

According to the assessment conducted through an independent agency:

• 98.1% of surveyed households had tap water connections.
• 87% reported receiving water during the previous week.
• 84% received water according to the scheduled supply.
• 80% of households received the minimum 55 litres per capita per day.
• 76% of water sources were free from bacteriological contamination.
• 81% were free from chemical contamination.
• Overall, 76% of tap water connections were found fully functional.

Institutional Responsibility

• Drinking water supply is a State subject in India.
• State and Union Territory governments are responsible for planning, implementation and maintenance of water supply schemes.
• The Union government provides financial and technical assistance.

Implementation Challenges

States reported several challenges in implementing the mission, including:

• Limited water sources in water-stressed regions.
• Geogenic contamination of groundwater.
• Difficult terrain and scattered rural habitations.
• Limited technical capacity.
• Rising material costs.
• Delays in statutory clearances.

Government Measures to Strengthen Implementation

The government has introduced several initiatives to support the mission:

• Special Assistance for Capital Expenditure.
• Appointment of nodal officers for faster project clearances.
• Establishment of State and District Programme Management Units.
• Launch of the Nal Jal Mitra programme to strengthen local technical capacity.

Monitoring and Technology Use

Monitoring mechanisms include:

• Village and district dashboards integrated with the eGramSwaraj Portal.
• District Collectors’ Peyjal Samvad meetings.
• Participation of national WASH experts.
• Development of a decision support system for water source sustainability.

Budget Allocation

• The government allocated ₹67,670 crore for the financial year 2026–27 to support the completion of ongoing projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Significance

• The mission plays a major role in improving rural drinking water access.
• It helps reduce water-related diseases and improves quality of life in rural areas.
• Universal access to safe drinking water supports public health, sanitation and sustainable rural development.

Matua Dharma Mela Celebrates Birth Anniversary of Harichand Thakur

Why in News

• Narendra Modi and Amit Shah extended greetings to devotees on the occasion of the Matua Dharma Mela.
• The event marks the 215th birth anniversary of Harichand Thakur.

Matua Dharma Mela

• The Matua Dharma Mela is an important religious and cultural gathering of followers of the Matua Movement.
• It is organised annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Harichand Thakur.
• The event is held mainly in North 24 Parganas.

Harichand Thakur

• Harichand Thakur was a 19th-century spiritual leader and social reformer.
• He founded the Matua movement to promote social equality and spiritual devotion.
• His teachings emphasised dignity, equality, moral living and devotion to God.

Teachings and Ideology

• The Matua movement promoted:
  • Social equality and dignity.
  • Spiritual devotion and religious reform.
  • Upliftment of marginalised communities.
• The movement played a major role in empowering the Namasudra community.

Cultural and Social Significance

• The Matua Dharma Mela reflects the traditions and spiritual practices of the Matua community.
• Thousands of devotees participate in religious gatherings, prayers and cultural activities during the event.

Government Statements

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that the teachings of Harichand Thakur continue to inspire people towards equality, harmony and collective upliftment.
• Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings to the Matua community and emphasised the importance of Thakur’s ideals of devotion and moral living.

Significance

• The Matua Dharma Mela highlights the social reform legacy of Harichand Thakur.
• It remains an important cultural and religious event for the Matua community, especially in West Bengal and among Bengali diaspora communities.

Gujarat Leads Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination Drive

Why in News

• The Government of Gujarat has launched an intensive vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease.
• The campaign is being implemented under the National Animal Disease Control Programme.

Vaccination Campaign

• The statewide drive started on March 1 and will continue until April 15.
• The campaign aims to control the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease among livestock.
• The programme focuses on protecting farmers from economic losses caused by livestock illness.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

• Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection.
• It mainly affects cloven-hoofed animals such as:
  • Cattle
  • Buffaloes
  • Sheep
  • Goats
• The disease causes:
  • Fever
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Excessive salivation
  • Reduced milk production

Impact on Farmers

• FMD outbreaks can significantly reduce milk yield and animal productivity.
• Dairy farmers may suffer major financial losses during outbreaks.
• Regular vaccination helps prevent disease spread and protects livestock health.

Monitoring and Digital Tracking

• Livestock are identified using ear-tagging during the vaccination process.
• Animal data is uploaded to the Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health (INAPH).
• The system helps authorities:
  • Track vaccination coverage
  • Monitor livestock health
  • Maintain digital records of animals

Vaccination Schedule

• The vaccination drive is conducted twice every year:
  • March
  • September
• Regular vaccination is considered essential to control and eventually eradicate the disease.

Local Participation

• Farmers and dairy cooperatives are supporting the vaccination programme.
• For example, villages such as Lodra have large cattle populations participating in the campaign.
• Local dairy cooperative societies are assisting authorities in implementing the drive.

Significance

• The campaign strengthens livestock disease management in Gujarat.
• It supports the dairy sector by protecting cattle health and milk production.
• Large-scale vaccination is a key step toward the long-term eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease in India.

Sahitya Akademi Announces Awards for 24 Indian Languages

Why in News

• Sahitya Akademi announced the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025.
• The awards recognise outstanding literary works across 24 Indian languages.

About Sahitya Akademi Awards

• The Sahitya Akademi Awards are among the most prestigious literary honours in India.
• They are presented annually by the Sahitya Akademi for exceptional literary works in different Indian languages.
• The awards cover multiple literary genres such as poetry, novels, short stories, essays, memoirs and literary criticism.

Categories of Awarded Works

The selected works in 2025 include various literary forms:

• Eight poetry collections
• Four novels
• Six short story collections
• Two essay volumes
• One work of literary criticism
• One autobiography
• Two memoirs

Selection Process

• The selection process began in January 2025 with an open call for entries.
• Works are evaluated by distinguished jury members for each language.
• The final approval is given by the competent authority of the Sahitya Akademi.

Notable Award Winners

Some of the prominent awardees include:

• Navtej Sarna for the English novel “Crimson Spring”.
• Mamta Kalia for the Hindi memoir “Jeete Jee Allahabad”.
• N. Prabhakaran for the Malayalam novel “Maayaamanushyar”.

Other Award-Winning Works

• Prasun Bandyopadhyay for the poetry collection “Shrestha Kabita” (Bengali).
• Yogesh Vaidya for the poetry collection “Bhattkhadaki”.
• Nandini Sidha Reddy for the poetry collection “Animesha”.

Short Story and Literary Criticism Awards

• Amaresh Nugadoni received the award for the short story collection “Dada Seerisu Tande”.
• Jinder won the award for the short story collection “Safety Kit”.
• Sa. Tamilselvan received the award for the literary criticism work “Thamiz Sirukathaiyin Thadangal”.

Award Components

Each award includes:

• An engraved copper plaque
• A shawl
• A cash prize of ₹1 lakh

Award Ceremony

• The awards will be presented in a ceremony to be held in New Delhi on March 31, 2026.

Significance

• The Sahitya Akademi Awards promote literary excellence across India’s diverse languages.
• They encourage writers and recognise contributions to Indian literature and cultural heritage.

India Negotiating Free Trade Agreements with Six Countries

Why in News

• India is currently negotiating six Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with different countries and regional groups, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Countries and Groups in FTA Negotiations

India is negotiating FTAs with the following partners:

• Australia
• Sri Lanka
• Peru
• Chile
• Eurasian Economic Union
• Israel

India–Australia CECA

• Negotiations are underway for the India–Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
• Talks began in February 2023.
• So far, 11 rounds of negotiations have been conducted.

India–Sri Lanka ETCA

• India and Sri Lanka are negotiating the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement.
• Negotiations started in 2015.
• A total of 14 rounds of talks have been held.
• The latest round took place in July 2024.

India–Peru Free Trade Agreement

• Negotiations for the India–Peru Free Trade Agreement began in 2017.
• Nine rounds of negotiations have been conducted.
• The latest round was held in November 2025.

India–Chile CEPA

• India is negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Chile.
• Negotiations started on April 1, 2025.
• Four rounds of talks have been completed.

India–Eurasian Economic Union FTA

• India has initiated FTA negotiations with the Eurasian Economic Union.
• The first round of negotiations took place in November 2025.
• The EAEU includes countries such as Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

India–Israel FTA

• India and Israel started negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement.
• The first round of discussions was held in February 2026.

Other Trade Agreements Signed

India has also signed FTAs with:

• United Kingdom (July 24, 2025)
• Oman (December 18, 2025)
• These agreements are currently awaiting ratification.

Other Trade Negotiations

• FTA negotiations with New Zealand and the European Union have already been concluded.

India–US Trade Talks

• India has launched negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States in March 2025.
• In February 2026, both countries announced a framework for an interim reciprocal trade agreement.

Upgradation of Existing Agreement

• The India–Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is under review for upgradation.
• The review process started in 2016 and 11 rounds of negotiations have been held so far.

Upcoming Trade Negotiations

India has also signed Terms of Reference (ToR) for future agreements with:

• Philippines – Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA)
• Maldives – Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
• Gulf Cooperation Council – Free Trade Agreement
• Canada – Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

Significance

• These negotiations aim to expand India’s global trade partnerships.
• FTAs help reduce trade barriers, improve market access and promote investment.
• They support India’s strategy of integrating more deeply into global value chains and boosting exports.

Trump Urges Global Coalition to Secure Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran–US–Israel Escalation

Why in News

• Donald Trump urged several countries to help secure the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
• The conflict has disrupted global oil supply routes and pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel.

Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz

• The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
• Around 20% of the global oil and energy supply passes through this narrow waterway.
• It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
• Major oil exporters such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE and Iran ship crude through this route.

Rising Oil Prices and Market Impact

• The benchmark Brent Crude Oil crossed $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022.
• Oil prices surged amid fears of disruption to Middle Eastern energy supplies.
• Asian financial markets reacted cautiously due to geopolitical uncertainty.

Call for International Naval Support

• Trump urged countries that rely heavily on Gulf oil to help protect shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Countries mentioned as potential partners include:
  • China
  • France
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • United Kingdom

Response from Allies

• Japan stated that it has no immediate plans to send naval vessels due to constitutional constraints on military deployments.
• Australia also indicated that it would not send naval ships to escort vessels in the region.

Diplomatic Pressure and Global Reactions

• Trump suggested that countries benefiting from Gulf oil supplies should contribute to securing the waterway.
• He also indicated that his planned visit to China might be delayed if Beijing does not assist in ensuring the strait remains open.
• European ministers discussed strengthening naval missions in the region but have not committed to expanding operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional Security Situation

• The ongoing conflict has led to attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping routes in the Gulf region.
• Drone attacks reportedly caused a fire near the Dubai International Airport, temporarily disrupting flights.
• Saudi Arabia reported intercepting multiple drones in its eastern region.

Impact on Aviation and Energy Supply

• Air travel across the Middle East has been severely disrupted.
• Major aviation hubs such as:
  • Dubai
  • Doha
  • Abu Dhabi
    have experienced flight cancellations and restrictions.
• Concerns have also emerged regarding jet fuel supplies due to disruptions in global fuel exports.

Iran’s Position

• Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran has not requested a ceasefire or negotiations.
• Iran declared it is prepared to defend itself against continued military actions.

Environmental and Energy Debate

• Simon Stiell warned that reliance on fossil fuels increases geopolitical risks and energy insecurity.

Significance

• The situation highlights the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy security.
• Disruptions in the region can significantly impact oil prices, global trade and economic stability.
• The crisis also underscores the geopolitical risks associated with dependence on fossil fuel supply routes.

Iran Uses Sejjil Missile in Conflict with US and Israel

Why in News

• Iran reportedly used the Sejjil missile for the first time in an active conflict against targets linked to the United States and Israel.
• The missile is sometimes referred to as the “dancing missile” due to its ability to manoeuvre in flight.

What is the Sejjil Missile?

• The Sejjil is an indigenously developed two-stage medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM).
• It was developed by Iran as part of its strategic missile programme.
• The missile has an estimated range of about 2,000 km and a payload capacity of roughly 700 kg.

Key Features

• Two-stage ballistic missile design.
• Uses solid-fuel propulsion technology.
• Capable of carrying conventional or strategic payloads.
• Equipped with advanced navigation and guidance systems.

Solid Fuel Technology

• A key feature of the Sejjil missile is the use of solid fuel.
• Unlike earlier Iranian missiles such as the Shahab missile series, solid fuel allows the missile to be stored ready for launch.
• This significantly reduces launch preparation time.
• It also makes the missile harder to detect and destroy before launch.

Range and Capabilities

• Estimated operational range: around 2,000 km.
• Capable of reaching targets across large parts of the Middle East.
• The missile can manoeuvre at high altitude, making interception more difficult for missile defence systems.

Why It Is Called the “Dancing Missile”

• The nickname refers to its ability to change trajectory during flight.
• Such manoeuvrability helps it evade interception systems.

Development History

• Iran began developing the Sejjil missile in the early 1990s.
• The first successful test took place in 2008.
• Another improved test followed in 2009 with enhanced navigation systems.
• Later tests reportedly showed ranges close to 1,900 km.

Variants

• The currently deployed variant is believed to be the Sejjil-2 with improved guidance systems.
• Iran is reportedly developing a longer-range variant called Sejjil‑3 missile, which could reach up to 4,000 km.

Significance

• The use of the Sejjil missile indicates an escalation in missile capabilities during regional conflicts.
• Its solid-fuel technology enhances Iran’s rapid-response strike capability.
• The missile expands Iran’s strategic reach across the Middle East region.

Underwater “River” Discovered Beneath the Black Sea

Why in News

• Scientists discovered a massive underwater river flowing beneath the Black Sea.
• Researchers say that if this river existed on land, it would be the sixth-largest river in the world based on water discharge.

Discovery of the Underwater River

• The underwater river was identified by researchers from the University of Leeds.
• The research team was led by Daniel Parsons.
• Scientists used an autonomous underwater vehicle called Autosub3 to map the seabed.

Location and Structure

• The river flows along the seabed of the Black Sea.
• It originates from the Bosphorus Strait.
• The river channel is about:
  • 35 metres (115 feet) deep
  • Around 1 kilometre wide
  • Approximately 60 kilometres long along the continental shelf

How the Underwater River Forms

• The phenomenon occurs due to differences in water density and salinity.
• Highly saline and dense water from the Mediterranean Sea flows through the Bosphorus Strait.
• Because this water is denser than the less salty Black Sea water, it sinks to the seabed instead of mixing.
• The dense water then flows like a river along the sea floor.

River-Like Features

Scientists found that the underwater system behaves very much like a river on land. It includes:

• Defined river banks
• Floodplains
• Rapids
• Underwater waterfalls

Size and Flow

• The river has an estimated discharge of about 22,000 cubic metres per second.
• This flow is:
  • About 350 times larger than the River Thames
  • About 10 times larger than the Rhine River

Scientific Importance

• The underwater channels may transport nutrients and oxygen to deep ocean regions known as abyssal plains.
• These areas were earlier considered nutrient-poor, sometimes described as “deserts of the ocean”.
• The river may support unique deep-sea ecosystems.

Geological Significance

• Scientists believe the underwater river system formed around 7,500 years ago when the Bosphorus Strait opened.
• Studying the sediments and flow patterns helps researchers understand:
  • The geological evolution of the Black Sea basin
  • Past environmental changes
  • The impact of rising sea levels in ancient times

Significance

• The discovery highlights a rare oceanographic phenomenon known as a “river within the sea”.
• It improves scientific understanding of deep-sea ecosystems, nutrient transport and the geological history of the Black Sea region.