Daily Current Affairs and GK | 19 March 2026

Topic: Indian Polity

1. The Supreme Court of India has struck down a provision regarding maternity leave for adoptive mothers.

• Under this law, leave was restricted based on the age of the child.
• Specifically, benefits were granted only if the adopted child was under three months of age.
• The Court removed this age-related condition. It ruled that adoptive mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave.
• This rule will apply universally, regardless of the child's age at the time of adoption.
• This verdict was delivered by a bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan.
• The bench observed that maternity-related benefits should not be contingent upon age restrictions.
• The Court stated that such social security measures ought to be more comprehensive and inclusive.
• The Court affirmed that the rights of adoptive mothers are on par with those of biological mothers.
• It further noted that their responsibilities are also identical to those of biological mothers.
• The Court emphasized the necessity of according them equal recognition as parents.
• The Court directed the Central Government to consider provisions regarding paternity leave.
• It suggested that paternity leave should be viewed as a social security benefit.
• The case involved a challenge to a specific section of the 'Code on Social Security, 2020'.
• This particular provision was Section 60(4), which was the very section that imposed the age-related restriction.
• With this verdict, the maternity leave rights of adoptive mothers in India have been significantly expanded.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

2. The two-day workshop on SDG monitoring, environment accounts and gender statistics is being organised in Patna.

• A two-day capacity-building workshop on SDG monitoring, environment accounts, and gender statistics is being organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in Patna on 18–19 March 2026.
• The workshop is being co-organised with the Government of Bihar with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India.
• The initiative has been designed to strengthen capacity in three critical areas—Sustainable Development Goals, environment accounting, and gender statistics—to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Participation includes representatives from line ministries, state and union territory departments, and international agencies to discuss key issues and share best practices.
• The workshop attended by senior officials, including the Minister of Planning and Development of Bihar, the Secretary of MoSPI, and the Chief Secretary of Bihar.
• The first day focused on SDGs and gender statistics, with discussions on the National Indicator Framework and alignment with state-level indicators.
• The session on gender statistics examined its role in promoting women-led development and strengthening gender-responsive governance systems.
• The second day will focus on environmental aspects, including the SEEA framework, valuation of forest services, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

Topic: Indian Polity

3. National Highways Fee Rules, 2026 amended to strengthen toll compliance and digital enforcement.

• The National Highways Fee Rules, 2026 have been amended by the government to enhance compliance and digital enforcement of toll collections across the country.
• This amendment is intended to increase transparency in toll operations, boost investor confidence, and provide stronger legal and financial safeguards.
• The National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 introduce a structured recovery mechanism to deal with unpaid user fees efficiently.
• A technology-driven Electronic Notice (e-notice) system has been implemented, whereby registered vehicle owners receive detailed notices specifying vehicle information, passage date and location, and the amount due.
• Notices are delivered through SMS, email, mobile applications, or other electronic means and are also accessible on a dedicated online portal.
• The amendment integrates the National Electronic Toll Collection system with the VAHAN database to facilitate seamless identification of vehicles and enforcement of unpaid dues.
• A grievance redressal provision allows vehicle owners or drivers to submit representations through the designated portal within 72 hours of receiving an e-notice.
• The rules support the transition towards a modern, barrier-free, and digitally-enabled tolling ecosystem in India.
• The amendment marks a significant step in ensuring efficient realization of user fees on National Highways while reducing manual intervention.
• Legal, technological, and operational safeguards have been strengthened to ensure compliance and enhance accountability in toll collection processes.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

4. ALMM framework extended to solar ingots and wafers from June 1, 2028 to boost domestic manufacturing.

• The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) has been extended to cover solar ingots and wafers, effective from 1 June 2028, as announced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
• The ALMM List-III will be applicable to all solar projects, including net metering and open access projects, to strengthen domestic solar manufacturing.
• Minister Pralhad Joshi described this measure as a step to enhance supply chain resilience, boost domestic production, and ensure higher quality standards across the solar value chain.
• Bids submitted under the Electricity Act after a specified cut-off must use ALMM List-III-compliant wafers, promoting mandatory compliance with the updated framework.
• The initial ALMM List-III will be issued only after at least three independent manufacturers with a combined capacity of 15 gigawatts become operational in the country.
• Manufacturers must have equivalent ingot production capacity to qualify, promoting upstream integration within the domestic solar industry.
• Grandfathering provisions have been incorporated to protect projects already in the pipeline, ensuring a smooth transition to the new framework.
• Existing Domestic Content Requirement norms remain unchanged, maintaining continuity for ongoing projects.
• The amendment aligns with India’s broader goal of achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Topic: Defense

5. Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR exercise commenced to reaffirm maritime security commitment.

• The second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR was inaugurated on 16 March to reaffirm India’s commitment to collaborative maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
• SAGAR builds on India’s long-standing maritime cooperation efforts and is guided by the government’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region.
• The exercise also contributes to the broader framework of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions (MAHASAGAR).
• The initiative is designed to allow naval personnel from Friendly Foreign Countries to train and sail together onboard an Indian Naval Ship.
• International participants are integrated into shipboard activities and professional training modules to enhance practical cooperation and interoperability.
• Shared understanding of maritime operations is promoted through joint exercises and collaborative onboard experiences.

Topic: State News/Gujarat

6. Uniform Civil Code Committee submitted the final draft report to Gujarat CM.

• The high-level committee for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Gujarat submitted its final draft report to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar.
• The committee was led by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai and included senior bureaucrats and legal experts.
• An extensive study was conducted across Gujarat’s districts, alongside gathering public feedback, to prepare the draft report.
• The report proposes a common legal framework for all religions on issues including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
• A key focus has been placed on ensuring equal rights and security for women within the draft recommendations.
• The draft also considers Gujarat’s unique geographical and cultural diversity while formulating legal suggestions.
• Committee members present during submission included retired IAS officer C. L. Meena, senior advocate R. C. Kodekar, Dr. Dakshesh Thakar, and Geeta Shroff.
• The state government will now review the recommendations to decide on further action for implementing the UCC in Gujarat.
• Public and stakeholder inputs have been reflected in the report to ensure inclusivity and fairness.
• The submission marks a significant step towards potential legal uniformity and reforms in personal laws within the state.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

7. Union Cabinet has approved a 'Small Hydro Power Development Scheme' for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31.

• The total outlay for this scheme exceeds ₹2,584 crore.
• Its objective is to establish small hydro power projects with a combined capacity of approximately 1,500 MW.
• This initiative is expected to attract a total investment of approximately ₹15,000 crore.
• Its primary focus is on promoting clean energy in rural and remote areas.
• The scheme is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities.
• Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that states would be encouraged to prepare Detailed Project Reports.
• Approximately 200 projects are expected to be planned under this initiative.
• The Cabinet has also approved a highway infrastructure project.
• This includes a four-lane, access-controlled section of National Highway 927.
• This highway will connect Barabanki and Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh.
• The total length of this project exceeds 101 km.
• The estimated cost of this project exceeds ₹6,969 crore.

Topic: Infrastructure and Energy

8. The vessel Jag Ladki has reached Mundra Port carrying a large shipment of crude oil.

• This consignment comprises approximately 81,000 metric tons of high-quality crude oil, imported from the United Arab Emirates.
• This shipment arrives following the earlier arrival of vessels such as the 'Shivalik' at Mundra.
• Another vessel, the 'Nandadevi', had previously anchored at Vadinar Port.
• The LPG tanker 'Nandadevi' delivered approximately 46,000 metric tons of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
• Prior to reaching India, the vessel had departed from Qatar.
• During its voyage, the vessel passed through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
• Vadinar Port is located in the Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

9. The Union Cabinet of India has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna.

• The objective of this scheme is to boost industrial growth.
• A total allocation of approximately ₹33,660 crore has been made for this scheme.
• Under this initiative, there are plans to establish 100 'plug-and-play' industrial parks.
• These parks will provide ready-to-use infrastructure for industries.
• They are expected to enhance the country's manufacturing capacity.
• This initiative will foster overall economic growth.
• Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that these parks would be world-class in terms of quality.
• Each park will span an area ranging from 100 to 1,000 acres.
• The government will provide assistance of up to ₹1 crore per acre.
• The Cabinet has also approved MSP funding exceeding ₹1,718 crore.
• This amount will be disbursed to the 'Cotton Corporation of India'.
• This assistance is intended for the 2023-24 cotton season.
• Its aim is to provide direct price support to farmers.
• This assistance will come into effect when market prices fall below the MSP.
• The objective of this measure is to safeguard the interests of cotton farmers.

Topic: State News/ Gujarat

10. The 'Uttarvahini Narmada Parikrama' has commenced in Gujarat as a month-long spiritual event.

• Millions of devotees from across India are expected to participate in this spiritual gathering.
• This pilgrimage involves a 30-kilometer circumambulation along the banks of the holy Narmada River.
• The route begins at Rampura, situated along the riverbank, and concludes at the very same location.
• The administration has made digital registration mandatory for all participants.
• Pilgrims are required to scan a QR code from the 'Yatradham Portal' before embarking on the journey.
• Approximately ₹10 crore has been spent on developing this 30-kilometer-long route.
• Pilgrims from states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are expected to participate in the event.