Daily Current Affairs - 8th, 9th & 10th March 2026
- Kaushal
- 3 days ago
- 21 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | Care Economy Formalisation & Women’s Unpaid Work, Digital Blueprint for Ease of Doing Business, Women-Led Development & Gender Budget 2026, Women in Judiciary & Armed Forces, Removal of Lok Sabha Speaker, War of Attrition & THAAD System, SIPRI Arms Transfer Trends 2025, Darknet & Dark Oxygen Discovery, White Phosphorus Concerns, Coal Gasification Policy Debate, NITI Aayog Natural Farming Report, New EIA Standing Authorities Proposal, PMBJP & Janaushadhi Diwas, Kimberley Process, Santiniketan Heritage, CSW-70 Participation, NH Green Cover Index 2025–26 and more.
Table of Content
POLITY
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Growing Importance of the Care Economy in India
The Prime Minister highlighted the increasing relevance of the care economy in India.
The care economy refers to all activities undertaken to maintain and support people and daily life.
It includes childcare, elderly care, domestic work, and caregiving services.
Care work can be paid or unpaid.
Paid care work includes services provided by domestic workers, nurses, and caregivers.
Unpaid care work includes household cooking, washing, and childcare performed within families.
Unpaid care work remains largely unaccounted for in GDP calculations.
GDP measures only market-based economic transactions.
Women perform a disproportionate share of unpaid care work.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), women account for 76% of global unpaid care work.
Need for Formalisation of the Care Economy in India
1. Contribution to GDP
The estimated economic value of women’s unpaid domestic and care work ranges between 15% and 17% of India’s GDP.
Formalising the care sector can increase measurable economic output.
A professional care ecosystem can create exportable skilled talent.
Export of caregivers can increase remittance inflows.
Remittances refer to money sent by overseas workers to their home country.
2. Demographic Transition
India is undergoing demographic changes.
By 2050, the share of elderly individuals aged 60 and above is projected to rise to around 21% of the population.
This proportion is expected to nearly double compared to current levels.
An ageing population increases demand for structured elderly care services.
3. Boosting Female Labour Force Participation
Women bear a disproportionate burden of care responsibilities.
Approximately 81% of care work is performed by women, compared to 26% by men.
The unequal burden limits women’s participation in paid employment.
Time poverty refers to lack of time available for education, skill development, or paid work due to unpaid responsibilities.
Accessible and affordable care infrastructure can reduce women’s time poverty.
Improved infrastructure can enhance female labour force participation.
4. Massive Job Creation Potential
Public investment equivalent to 2% of India’s GDP in the care sector could generate 11 million jobs.
Nearly 70% of these jobs are projected to be filled by women.
Investment in the care economy has high employment elasticity.
Employment elasticity refers to the responsiveness of employment to economic growth.
Initiatives Taken in India
1. Government Schemes
The Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 initiatives strengthen early childhood care and nutrition.
POSHAN refers to the national nutrition mission.
The Mission Shakti programme supports women-centric initiatives.
Mission Shakti includes the Palna scheme.
The Palna scheme aims to establish 17,000 new Anganwadi-cum-crèches.
Crèches are childcare facilities for working parents.
The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana supports elderly welfare.
The Union Budget 2026–27 announced training of 1.5 lakh multi-skilled caregivers.
The initiative aims to address domestic care needs and global shortages.
2. Legislative Mandates
The Maternity Benefit Amendment Act extended paid maternity leave to 26 weeks.
It mandated larger employers to provide crèche facilities.
This legal provision supports working mothers.
3. Non-Governmental Interventions
The Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) has established childcare cooperatives for informal workers.
The Mobile Creches operates day-care centres at construction sites.
These centres support migrant workers’ children.
Digital Blueprint for Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in India
India has undertaken multiple digital initiatives to improve the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) environment.
EoDB refers to the regulatory and procedural environment affecting business operations.
Digital transformation has streamlined registration, approvals, taxation, and logistics processes.
1. Business Registration and Regulation
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs operates MCA21 Version 3.
MCA21 Version 3 is an AI-driven platform providing end-to-end registry services.
It includes features such as e-scrutiny and e-adjudication.
E-scrutiny refers to automated examination of filings.
E-adjudication enables online resolution of compliance issues.
The SPICe+ Form consolidates 10 essential procedures into a single web form.
These procedures include DIN, PAN, TAN, and GSTIN.
DIN refers to Director Identification Number.
PAN refers to Permanent Account Number.
TAN refers to Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number.
GSTIN refers to Goods and Services Tax Identification Number.
The Udyam Portal enables MSME registration.
MSMEs refer to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
The Business Reforms Action Plan aims to reduce compliance burdens across states.
2. Clearance and Environmental Approvals
PARIVESH 3.0 streamlines environmental and forest clearances.
It uses Artificial Intelligence and GIS-based land banks.
GIS refers to Geographic Information Systems used for spatial mapping.
The e-Gram SWARAJ platform tracks development fund utilisation at the local level.
The National Single Window System (NSWS) provides integrated approvals.
It grants approvals across 32 Central Departments and States.
3. Taxation and Trade Facilitation
The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) manages India’s digital tax ecosystem.
GSTN has processed approximately ₹102.91 lakh crore in payments.
The E-Way Bill system digitises goods movement tracking.
E-Way bill generation has grown by 21%.
The Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) supports MSME liquidity.
TReDS enables trade receivable discounting through electronic platforms.
Receivable discounting allows businesses to access funds against unpaid invoices.
4. Logistics and Market Access
The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan uses spatial planning tools.
It aims to reduce logistics costs.
It improves last-mile connectivity.
Last-mile connectivity refers to final delivery linkages in supply chains.
The Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) integrates more than 35 systems.
These systems belong to multiple ministries.
ULIP enables real-time cargo tracking.
5. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Digital Public Infrastructure provides interoperable digital frameworks.
APIs act as bridges enabling seamless data exchange.
APIs refer to Application Programming Interfaces.
Scalable payment systems are supported through GSTN and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
These systems handle massive transaction volumes efficiently.
At a Glance: Data on Digital Business Facilitation
The National Single Window System has granted more than 8 lakh approvals since launch.
MCA21 recorded approximately 3.8 crore filings between 2021 and 2025.
The Udyam Portal facilitated 7.7 crore registrations.
These registrations support around 34 crore jobs as of February 2026.
The GSTN platform processed approximately ₹103 lakh crore in payments as of January 2026.
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) recorded more than ₹4 lakh crore order value in FY26 (till February 2026).
GeM recorded over 60 lakh order volumes during the same period.
International Women’s Day 2026 and India’s Focus on Women-Led Development
International Women’s Day 2026 is observed with the theme “Rights. Justice. Action For ALL Women and Girls.”
The theme emphasises universal access to rights, equality, and institutional action.
India’s development approach has evolved from “development for women” to “women-led development.”
Women-led development recognises women as drivers of economic growth and social transformation.
Steps Taken for Women-Led Development in India
1. Gender-Responsive Public Investment
FY26 features India’s highest-ever Gender Budget.
The allocation stands at ₹5.01 lakh crore.
This constitutes 9.37% of the Union Budget.
Gender budgeting refers to allocation of public expenditure to address gender-specific needs.
2. Women Building Rural Economies
The Lakhpati Didi initiative supports rural women’s income generation.
Over 3 crore rural women are progressing towards sustainable high-income livelihoods.
The NaMo Drone Didi Yojana promotes technology adoption in agriculture.
It provides agricultural drones to 15,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
SHGs are community-based savings and credit groups.
The scheme offers an 80% subsidy.
It integrates rural women into the agri-tech ecosystem.
3. Finance Fuelling Entrepreneurship
Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, women constitute 68% of loan beneficiaries.
MUDRA loans provide collateral-free credit to small entrepreneurs.
Women hold 56% of Jan Dhan accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
Jan Dhan promotes financial inclusion through zero-balance bank accounts.
The Stand Up India Scheme has supported over 2 lakh women entrepreneurs.
It facilitates greenfield enterprises.
Greenfield enterprises are newly established ventures.
The Startup India initiative has supported more than 75,000 women-led startups.
4. Skills, Innovation, and Leadership
Women constitute nearly 45% of trainees under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
The scheme enhances employability through skill certification.
Skill development improves workforce participation and leadership roles.
5. Social Justice and Empowerment
The abolition of Triple Talaq criminalises instant divorce among Muslims.
Triple Talaq refers to the practice of unilateral instant divorce by a Muslim husband.
The reform strengthens dignity and equality for Muslim women.
It enhances legal protection and gender justice.
Greater Participation of Women in Judiciary
The Chief Justice of India emphasised that greater representation of women in the judiciary is essential for institutional credibility.
The remarks were made at the First National Conference of Indian Women in Law.
The statement underlined the need for structural reforms to enhance gender diversity.
Current Status of Women in Judiciary
In the Supreme Court of India, only 1 woman judge serves out of a sanctioned strength of 33.
In the High Courts, women constitute 14.85% of judges.
In District Courts, women account for approximately 37% of judges.
This indicates relatively better representation at the lower judiciary level.
Representation declines significantly at higher judicial tiers.
Reasons for Low Representation
1. Seniority-cum-Merit Criteria
Judicial elevations often follow the seniority-cum-merit principle.
This system favours long tenures at the Bar.
Historically, the legal profession has been male-dominated.
This limits women’s eligibility for elevation.
2. Structural Barriers
Appointments to higher judiciary involve the collegium system.
The collegium comprises senior judges responsible for recommending appointments.
Limited representation of women in senior Bar positions affects promotion prospects.
This creates a structural imbalance.
3. Workplace Issues
Women often face gender bias in professional settings.
Inadequate infrastructure may affect work conditions.
Safety concerns may restrict litigation practice.
Such factors hinder career advancement.
4. Leaky Pipeline
Many women enter the judiciary at entry levels.
Fewer women reach High Courts and the Supreme Court.
This phenomenon is referred to as the “leaky pipeline.”
The leaky pipeline denotes attrition of qualified candidates at higher stages.
Reform Measures to Improve Representation
Transparent and inclusive judicial appointments should be prioritised.
Appointment processes should incorporate gender diversity considerations.
Reservation or target-based approaches can be considered in judicial services.
Mentorship and leadership programmes can support women lawyers and judges.
Improved workplace infrastructure can enhance professional conditions.
Safer court environments are necessary for equitable participation.
Encouraging women in litigation and senior Bar roles can strengthen the promotion pipeline.
Importance of Women in Judiciary
1. Ensuring Gender Equality
Greater representation promotes equal participation in decision-making.
It strengthens constitutional values of equality.
2. Gender-Sensitive Justice
Women judges contribute diverse life experiences.
Such perspectives can influence judicial reasoning.
They can enhance sensitivity in cases involving gender-based issues.
3. Public Trust and Legitimacy
A representative judiciary enhances institutional credibility.
It strengthens public confidence in the justice delivery system.
4. Role Models
Women judges serve as role models.
They encourage more women to pursue legal careers.
Increased participation can create a virtuous cycle of representation.
Women in the Indian Armed Forces
On International Women’s Day, the expanding leadership and operational roles of women in the Indian Armed Forces highlight their growing contribution to national defence.
The number of women officers in India has increased from approximately 3,000 in 2014 to over 11,000.
This reflects a structural shift towards greater gender inclusion in defence services.
Key Challenges
1. Limited Combat Roles
Women are not yet inducted into certain combat arms.
These include branches such as infantry and submarines.
Combat arms refer to frontline military units directly engaged in warfare.
2. Infrastructure Gaps
Operational areas require gender-sensitive facilities.
Such facilities include accommodation, sanitation, and privacy arrangements.
Infrastructure limitations may affect long-term deployment.
3. Social Barriers
Gender stereotypes persist within society and institutions.
Skepticism regarding physical capability and leadership skills affects perceptions.
Such biases can influence career progression.
Significance of Women in the Armed Forces
1. Operational Capability
Inclusion of women strengthens combat readiness.
It enhances operational diversity and talent utilisation.
Hansja Sharma became the first woman pilot of the Rudra combat helicopter.
This marked a milestone in operational integration.
2. Leadership Expansion
Women’s participation in command and strategic roles has increased.
Greater representation improves diversity in decision-making.
Sadhna S. Nair became the first woman Director General Medical Services (Army).
This reflects progress in senior military leadership positions.
3. Gender Inclusion and Global Role
Greater participation reflects India’s commitment to gender equality in defence.
Women officers also contribute to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
India has achieved 22% representation of women in staff officer and observer roles.
The UN Gender Parity Strategy sets a target of 25% representation.
This demonstrates alignment with global gender inclusion benchmarks.
Steps Taken by the Government
Women have been granted Permanent Commission in 12 Arms and Services in the Indian Army.
Permanent Commission allows officers to serve until retirement age.
Women have been admitted to the National Defence Academy (NDA) from 2022.
The NDA is a tri-service training academy for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
From 2021–22, 10% of seats have been reserved for girls in Sainik Schools.
Sainik Schools prepare students for entry into defence services.
Women have been inducted into fighter pilot streams in the Indian Air Force.
Bhawana Kanth became the first woman fighter pilot qualified for combat missions.
Women Agniveers are being recruited in the Air Force and Navy under the Agnipath Scheme.
The Agnipath Scheme provides short-term recruitment into the armed forces.
Removal of Speaker
Lok Sabha to take up resolution seeking removal of speaker today.
Removal of Speaker
Constitutional Provision:
Article 94: It deals with vacation, resignation, and removal of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Article 94(c): The Speaker/Deputy Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha.
Procedure for removal
Notice: Written notice to Secretary-General of Lok Sabha, supported by at least 50 members.
Minimum 14 days’ notice is required before the resolution can be moved.
Discussion stage: Speaker cannot preside, but can participate and vote in the first instance (no casting vote).
War of attrition
Escalating tensions between the U.S., Israel and Iran are increasingly being described as a war of attrition.
War of Attrition
A military strategy aimed at gradually exhausting the enemy’s resources, manpower, and morale until its capacity to fight collapses.
Method: Involves sustained attacks and prolonged conflict, relying on superior resources and endurance.
Example: Prominent during World War I trench warfare, where opposing sides sought to outlast each other.
THAAD
The U.S.-developed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system is being operationally used during the ongoing U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran.
About THAAD
Advanced missile defence system designed to intercept short, medium and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
Developer: Lockheed Martin Corporation (USA).
Technology: Uses “hit-to-kill” kinetic interception, destroying targets inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
Components: A THAAD battery includes ~95 personnel, truck-mounted launchers, interceptor missiles, AN/TPY-2 radar and fire-control system.
Note: India operates the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system procured from Russia.
Exercise LAMITIYE-2026
Indian Armed Forces Contingent arrived in Seychelles for Exercise LAMITIYE.
About Exercise LAMITIYE
It is a biennial joint military exercise conducted between India and Seychelles.
The 2026 edition is the first tri-services participation from India.
SIPRI Report on International Arms Transfers (2025)
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released its report titled “Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2025.”
SIPRI is an independent international institute.
It conducts research on conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.
Key Highlights Related to India
1. India as the Second Largest Arms Importer
India was the second-largest importer of major arms globally during 2021–25.
Ukraine ranked as the largest recipient during this period.
India accounted for 8.2% of total global arms imports in 2021–25.
India’s overall arms imports declined by 4.0% between 2016–2020 and 2021–2025.
This decline is partly attributed to increased domestic defence production capacity.
Domestic production reflects progress under self-reliance initiatives in defence manufacturing.
2. Top Arms Suppliers to India (2021–25)
Russia remained India’s largest arms supplier.
Russia accounted for 40% of India’s arms imports during 2021–25.
France accounted for 29% of imports.
Israel accounted for 15%.
These three countries together formed the bulk of India’s arms procurement sources.
3. Strategic Pivot to the West
Over the past decade, India has gradually reduced dependence on Russia.
India has diversified procurement towards Western suppliers.
Key Western partners include France and Israel.
The United States has also emerged as an important defence partner.
This shift reflects strategic diversification in defence sourcing.
Diversification reduces supply risk and enhances technological access.
Overall Assessment
India remains a major global arms importer.
The modest decline in imports indicates growing domestic defence manufacturing capability.
Supplier diversification reflects evolving geopolitical and strategic priorities.
Darknet
NCB has busted a pan-India darknet drug network called ‘Team Kalki’.
About Darknet (Deep web)
The internet depends on three types of web: the surface, the deep, and the dark web.
Surface web is a part that we can access through a normal browser.
Deep web and the dark web, are not accessible through search engines like Google.
It operates on overlay networks, requiring specific software or configurations to access. Ex.Tor (The Onion Router).
Only about 10% of the internet is the surface web, while the remaining 90% of it constitutes the deep web and the dark web.
Dark Oxygen
Scientists have reported the discovery of “dark oxygen” production nearly 4,000 m deep in the Pacific Ocean.
About Dark Oxygen
Oxygen produced in the deep ocean without sunlight, unlike photosynthesis-based oxygen production.
Source: Linked to electrochemical reactions involving polymetallic nodules on the ocean floor.
Significance: Challenges the belief that photosynthesis is the only major natural source of oxygen on Earth.
White Phosphorus
The Human Rights Watch has claimed to have verified the use of white phosphorus by Israel in Lebanon.
White phosphorus is a highly reactive chemical substance.
It is sometimes classified as a chemical weapon due to its severe humanitarian impact.
Properties of White Phosphorus
White phosphorus is a translucent, yellowish-white waxy solid.
It exhibits chemiluminescence, meaning it glows in the dark due to chemical reactions.
It ignites spontaneously upon contact with air.
Spontaneous ignition occurs because it reacts rapidly with oxygen.
Hazards
White phosphorus is extremely toxic to humans.
It causes severe burns upon contact with skin.
The burns can penetrate deep into body tissues.
It can cause major internal damage if inhaled.
Ingestion can also lead to organ failure.
Exposure may result in long-term health complications.
Weapon Uses
White phosphorus is primarily used as an incendiary agent.
An incendiary agent is designed to start fires.
It is used to create smoke screens.
Smoke screens obscure visibility during military operations.
It is also used for battlefield illumination.
Illumination rounds light up combat zones during night operations.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
White phosphorus is not explicitly banned under international law.
However, its use is regulated under International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
IHL governs conduct during armed conflict.
Use of weapons that cause unnecessary suffering or indiscriminate harm is prohibited.
The legality of white phosphorus depends on the manner and context of its use.
Its use against civilian populations is prohibited under international law.
Coal Gasification
The expert appraisal panel of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has declined a proposal related to underground coal gasification projects.
The proposal sought exemption from the minimum operational depth requirement.
The Ministry of Coal had requested removal of the condition mandating a minimum depth of 300 metres for R&D pilot projects.
Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) involves converting coal into gas while it remains underground.
Operational depth limits are imposed to reduce environmental and safety risks.
About Coal Gasification
Coal gasification is a process that converts solid coal into synthetic gas (syngas).
The process uses heat, pressure, and steam or oxygen.
It differs from direct coal combustion.
Combustion refers to burning coal to generate heat.
Syngas primarily contains carbon monoxide (CO).
It also contains hydrogen (H₂).
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is another component.
Syngas can be used to produce electricity, chemicals, or fuels.
Significance of Coal Gasification
Coal gasification enhances energy security.
Energy security refers to reliable and affordable access to energy resources.
It enables utilisation of low-grade and deep-seated coal reserves.
It is considered cleaner than traditional coal burning.
It results in lower sulphur emissions compared to direct combustion.
Lower sulphur emissions reduce acid rain and air pollution risks.
Major Initiative
The National Coal Gasification Mission has been launched by the Ministry of Coal.
The mission aims to gasify 100 Million Tonnes (MT) of coal by 2030.
The objective is to reduce coal imports and promote value-added products.
The initiative supports diversification of India’s coal usage beyond power generation.
NITI Aayog Report on Natural Farming
The NITI Aayog has released a report titled “Empowering Farmers: Natural Farming Training Toolkit & Best Practices Guide.”
The report provides structured guidance and scalable best practices for adoption of natural farming.
About Natural Farming
Natural Farming is a chemical-free and livestock-based farming system.
It is rooted in ecological principles.
It integrates crops, trees, and animals to maximise biodiversity.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal life within an ecosystem.
The system relies on natural processes within and around the farm.
It eliminates the need for external synthetic chemical inputs.
This distinguishes it from organic farming.
Organic farming permits externally sourced certified organic fertilisers and bio-pesticides.
Natural farming avoids even these external inputs.
Core Components of Natural Farming
1. Beejamrit
Beejamrit involves seed treatment before sowing.
Seeds are treated using cow dung, cow urine, and lime.
This protects seeds from soil-borne diseases.
2. Mulching
Mulching creates a favourable micro-climate for crops.
It uses straw, crop residues, and biomass materials.
Mulching conserves soil moisture and suppresses weeds.
3. Plant Protection
Biological pesticides are sprayed for plant protection.
These prevent disease and weed problems.
They improve soil fertility and reduce chemical exposure.
4. Jeevamrit
Jeevamrit enhances soil fertility.
It is prepared using cow dung, pulse flour, and jaggery.
It stimulates beneficial microbial activity in the soil.
5. Whapasa
Whapasa promotes soil aeration.
It enhances water vapour condensation in the soil.
Improved aeration supports root growth and moisture balance.
Benefits of Natural Farming
1. Economic Benefits
Natural farming reduces paid-out cultivation costs by 5–10% across major crops.
In several cases, cost reduction ranges from 20–55%.
Diversified natural farms can earn 20–40% higher net incomes than monocropped conventional farms.
Net income refers to income after deducting production costs.
2. Environmental and Ecological Benefits
Natural farming lowers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55–85%.
GHG emissions contribute to climate change.
The system conserves natural resources.
It results in 50–60% savings in water and electricity.
3. Soil Health and Resilience
Natural farming increases Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) by up to 45%.
SOC improves soil fertility and water retention capacity.
It enhances beneficial soil microorganisms.
Improved soil health leads to stronger root systems.
Stronger roots improve crop resilience to climatic stress.
4. Health and Nutritional Security
Natural farming avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.
This protects farmers from chemical exposure.
It enhances food safety for consumers.
5. Livestock Integration
Livestock is integrated directly into the farming system.
Dung and urine are used as on-farm inputs.
This improves economic viability of livestock.
It strengthens circular agricultural systems.
Circular systems reuse farm-generated resources internally.
National-Level Initiatives to Promote Natural Farming
The Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) was launched as a sub-scheme under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) has an outlay of ₹2,481 crore.
The mission aims to bring 1 crore farmers under natural farming.
It supports establishment of 10,000 Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs).
BRCs provide locally prepared natural farming inputs.
The mission strengthens certification processes.
Other supporting initiatives include PM PRANAM.
The SATAT initiative promotes sustainable alternatives in energy.
The GOBARDHAN initiative supports organic bio-resource management.
New Bodies Proposed to Fast-Track Environmental Clearances
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a draft notification.
The notification proposes creation of two new bodies.
These are the Standing Authority on Environmental Impact Assessment (SAEIA) and the Standing Committee on Environment Impact Appraisal (SCEIA).
The objective is to reduce delays in granting Environmental Clearances (EC).
Environmental Clearance is mandatory approval required before undertaking certain development projects.
The EC process is governed by the EIA Notification, 2006.
The notification was issued under the Environment (Protection) Act.
The proposal arises due to delays in reconstituting the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).
When SEIAA becomes non-functional, state-level clearances are stalled.
Pending proposals are often transferred to the Centre in bulk.
This creates administrative bottlenecks.
About the Proposed Bodies
1. Standing Authority on Environmental Impact Assessment (SAEIA)
SAEIA will act as a substitute body when SEIAA becomes non-functional.
It will discharge the functions of SEIAA during such periods.
If SEIAA fails to communicate a decision within the prescribed timeframe, the proposal will be escalated.
The proposal will be automatically forwarded to SAEIA through the PARIVESH Portal.
PARIVESH is an online single-window portal for environmental clearances.
This mechanism aims to ensure continuity in decision-making.
2. Standing Committee on Environment Impact Appraisal (SCEIA)
SCEIA will be constituted by the Central Government for each State or Union Territory.
It will discharge functions of the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) when SEAC is non-functional.
SEAC is responsible for technical appraisal of projects at the state level.
This arrangement seeks to prevent disruptions in appraisal processes.
Steps in the EIA Process
The EIA process follows a structured sequence.
Screening is the first stage.
Screening determines whether a project requires detailed assessment.
Scoping is the next stage.
Scoping identifies key environmental issues to be examined.
Public Consultation follows.
Public consultation involves seeking views from affected communities and stakeholders.
Appraisal is the final stage.
Appraisal involves evaluation of the EIA report by expert committees.
About Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
EIA is a decision-making tool.
It predicts environmental consequences of proposed projects.
It evaluates alternative options.
The aim is to balance economic development with environmental protection.
Under EIA, projects are classified into Category A and Category B.
Category A projects are appraised at the central level.
They require clearance from MoEFCC.
Category B projects are appraised at the state level.
Category B projects are further subdivided into B1 and B2.
B1 projects require detailed EIA studies.
B2 projects may not require full EIA studies depending on impact assessment.
Overall Significance
The proposed SAEIA and SCEIA aim to prevent procedural delays.
They ensure institutional continuity when state bodies are non-functional.
The reform seeks to balance environmental safeguards with timely project approvals.
Janaushadhi Diwas and PMBJP
Janaushadhi Diwas is observed to raise awareness about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
The scheme was originally launched in 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme.
It was revamped as PMBJP in 2015.
The objective is to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices.
Generic medicines contain the same active ingredients as branded medicines but are sold at lower prices.
The nodal agency is the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
The implementing agency is the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).
Salient Features of PMBJP
1. Affordable Medicines
Jan Aushadhi medicines are 50–80% cheaper than branded medicines.
Lower prices reduce out-of-pocket health expenditure.
2. Quality Assurance
Medicines are procured only from manufacturers certified under WHO-Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP).
WHO-GMP certification ensures global quality standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
3. Drug Testing
Each batch of medicines is tested in NABL-accredited laboratories.
NABL refers to the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
Batch testing ensures safety and efficacy before distribution.
4. Financial Incentives
Operators of Jan Aushadhi Kendras receive a 20% incentive on monthly purchases.
The incentive is capped at ₹20,000 per month.
This encourages sustainable operation of outlets.
5. Special Support
A ₹2 lakh one-time incentive is provided for Kendras opened by women.
Support is also extended to SC/ST, Divyang persons, and ex-servicemen.
Additional incentives are provided for Kendras in aspirational districts, North-East, Himalayan, and island regions.
Initiatives under PMBJP
1. Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkin
Oxo-biodegradable sanitary pads are provided at ₹1 per pad.
The initiative promotes affordable menstrual hygiene.
2. Jan Aushadhi Sugam Mobile App
The app enables citizens to locate nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
It allows users to check medicine availability.
It facilitates price comparison between generic and branded medicines.
3. Expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs)
The scheme follows a franchise-based expansion model.
This increases geographical coverage across India.
It improves access in rural and remote areas.
4. Cooperative Sector Participation
The scheme leverages rural cooperative networks.
This enhances last-mile delivery of affordable medicines.
5. JAKs at Railway Stations
Jan Aushadhi Kendras are being established at railway stations.
This benefits travellers and migrant workers.
Major Achievements
More than 18,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been established nationwide.
The network includes rural and remote regions.
By June 2025, medicines worth ₹7,700 crore were sold.
This generated estimated public savings of ₹38,000 crore.
Over 2,000 medicines and 300 surgical items are available.
These cover multiple therapeutic categories.
Kimberley Process
About Kimberly Process
Genesis: The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was launched in 2003.
It is a tripartite initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry and civil society,
It aimed at preventing the trade in “conflict diamonds”.
Conflict diamonds refers to rough diamonds used by rebel groups or their allies to finance conflicts that undermine legitimate governments.
Mechanism: It mandates that all international shipments of rough diamonds carry a tamper-resistant KP certificate (KPCS) and allows trade only among certified member countries.
Global Reach: 60 participants, govern over 99% of the global rough diamond trade via strict certification (KPCS).
Santiniketan
Spring festival (Basant Utsav) was recently celebrated in Bengal, a tradition first started by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore at Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan.
About Santiniketan
Established in 1901 by Rabindranath Tagore located in West Bengal.
The site was established as an ashram and given its name in 1863 by Tagore’s father, Debendranath Tagore.
It was a residential school and centre for art based on ancient Indian traditions.
In 1921, a ‘world university’ was established at Santiniketan, later recognised as ‘Visva Bharati’.
It was recognized by UNESCO as India's 41st World Heritage Site in 2023.
Recent World Heritage Sites in India: Moidams – Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty (2024); Maratha Military Landscapes (2025).
Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
India will participate in the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-70) at the United Nations Headquarters.
The United Nations hosts the annual session.
About the Commission on the Status of Women
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) was established in 1946.
It functions under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
ECOSOC is one of the principal organs of the United Nations responsible for coordinating economic and social policies.
CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to gender equality.
It focuses on the empowerment of women.
An intergovernmental body consists of representatives of member states.
CSW monitors implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995).
The Beijing Platform for Action is a global policy framework for advancing women’s rights.
Functions of CSW
CSW formulates global standards and policies on gender equality.
It reviews progress made by member states.
It identifies emerging challenges affecting women’s rights.
It makes recommendations to ECOSOC.
It facilitates dialogue among governments and civil society.
Membership Structure
CSW comprises 45 UN Member States.
Members are elected for a four-year term by ECOSOC.
Representation is based on equitable geographical distribution.
13 members are from Africa.
11 members are from Asia.
India is currently a member from the Asian group.
9 members are from Latin America and the Caribbean.
8 members are from Western Europe and other States.
4 members are from Eastern Europe.
National Highways Green Cover Index
NHAI, in collaboration with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO, released the inaugural NH-Green Cover Index (GCI) for 2025–26.
Key highlights of the Index
Coverage: ~30,000 km of National Highways across 24 states for the period between July and December 2024.
It will track year-on-year green cover improvements.
Satellite-based methodology: by detecting chlorophyll content via high-resolution satellite sensors of Resourcesat-2/2A and Cartosat-2S.
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