19 March 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

Maternity Leave for Adoptive Mothers

Why in News

The Supreme Court of India ruled that all adoptive mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, irrespective of the child’s age.

It struck down Section 60(4) of the Code on Social Security, 2020 as unconstitutional.

Supreme Court Judgment: Key Highlights

1. Expansion of Maternity Rights:

• Adoptive mothers now eligible for 12 weeks leave regardless of the adopted child’s age.
• Removes earlier restriction (only for children below 3 months).

2. Constitutional Grounds:

Provision violated:

• Article 14 of the Indian Constitution → Equality before law
• Article 21 of the Indian Constitution → Right to life and dignity

Court termed age-based classification arbitrary and discriminatory.

3. Recognition of Parenthood:

• Court emphasized Parenthood is a shared responsibility
• Urged the government to introduce paternity leave as part of social security.

Maternity Benefits under the Code on Social Security, 2020

1. Legislative Framework:

• The Code on Social Security, 2020: Consolidates multiple labour laws
• Replaces the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

2. Key Provisions:

(a) Duration of Leave

• 26 weeks: For first two children
• 12 weeks: For subsequent children

(b) Adoptive & Commissioning Mothers

• Entitled to 12 weeks leave
• Counted from the date the child is handed over

(c) Workplace Support

• Crèche facility mandatory in establishments with 50+ employees

(d) Employment Protection

• Prohibits Dismissal, Discharge, Discrimination during maternity leave

Significance of the Judgment

1. Strengthening Gender Justice:

• Ensures equal treatment of biological and adoptive mothers

2. Child Welfare Perspective:

• Recognizes need for bonding and care, irrespective of child’s age

3. Progressive Social Security:

• Moves towards inclusive parental policies and Opens debate on paternity leave reforms

Expansion of AB-PMJAY and ABDM Schemes

Why in News

According to recent government data, the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has significantly expanded coverage and infrastructure, strengthening India’s push towards universal health coverage alongside the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY (AB-PMJAY)

1. Overview:

• Launched in 2018 as a flagship health protection scheme
• Considered the world’s largest government-funded health assurance programme

2. Key Features:

(a) Financial Coverage: Provides ₹5 lakh per family per year

• Covers secondary and tertiary hospitalisation

(b) Target Beneficiaries

• Covers ~12 crore families (bottom 40% population)
• Based on SECC 2011 data
• Universal coverage for citizens aged 70+ years, irrespective of income

(c) Recent Expansion

• Extended to ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers and helpers

(d) Access Mechanism

• Cashless and paperless treatment
• Available at empanelled public and private hospitals

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

1. Objective:

• To build an integrated and interoperable digital health ecosystem

2. Key Components:

(a) ABHA ID

• A 14-digit unique health ID
• Enables digital storage and sharing of medical records

(b) Digital Health Records

• 90+ crore health records digitally linked

(c) Adoption Scale

• 86+ crore ABHA IDs created
• Around 2.5 lakh healthcare facilities onboarded

Significance

1. Towards Universal Health Coverage:

• Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure and Expands access to affordable healthcare

2. Digital Transformation:

• ABDM enables Seamless data sharing, Continuity of care and Efficient service delivery

3. Inclusive Healthcare:

• Focus on Rural population, Women beneficiaries and Frontline workers

4. Health System Strengthening:

• Expands Hospital network, Treatment coverage and Public-private partnerships

War in West Asia Threatens India’s Goldilocks Economic Phase

Why in News

Escalating conflict in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz are threatening India’s ongoing Goldilocks economic phase of high growth with low inflation.

What is a Goldilocks Economy?

• A Goldilocks economy refers to a situation where Growth is steady and strong & Inflation remains low and stable
• It indicates an economy that is Not overheating (high inflation) and Not slowing down (recession)

Economic Impacts of the West Asia Conflict

1. Growth Deceleration:

• India’s GDP growth may decline from ~7% to ~6.6% due to rising global energy prices and uncertainty

2. Rising Import Bill & Inflation:

• Every $10/barrel rise in crude oil increases import bill by $15 billion, Raises CPI inflation by 30–40 basis points

3. Currency Pressure:

• Increased geopolitical risks Trigger capital outflows and Push Indian Rupee toward ₹100/USD

4. Fiscal Stress:

• Government burden increases due to Fuel excise duty cuts, additional ₹19,230 crore fertiliser subsidy, Risk of breaching 4.4% fiscal deficit target (FY26)

5. Remittance Risk:

• Around 10 million Indians in West Asia, Potential threat to $51 billion annual remittances

6. Fertiliser & Food Security Risks:

• Disruption in Strait of Hormuz affects ~40% of urea & NPK imports leads to higher food inflation

Government Measures to Mitigate Impact

1. Energy Security Measures:

• Invoked Essential Commodities Act, 1955: Prioritised natural gas supply for Households and CNG transport

2. Trade Facilitation:

• Directorate General of Foreign Trade extended deadlines for Advance Trade Authorisation and EPCG scheme (Deadline: 31 August 2026)

3. Supply Diversification:

• Secured temporary US waiver for Russian crude
• Promoted Chennai–Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor reduces dependence on West Asian routes

4. Currency Stabilisation:

• Reserve Bank of India: Deployed ~$12 billion forex reserves to stabilise rupee and control volatility

5. Fertiliser Security:

• Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026: Ensures ≥70% gas supply to fertiliser plants

6. Fiscal Buffering:

• Creation of ₹1 lakh crore Economic Stabilisation Fund to manage supply shocks and economic disruptions

Significance for India

• External Vulnerability: High dependence on Imported energy and West Asian remittances
• Inflation-Growth Trade-off: Rising oil prices, Increase inflation, Slow economic growth
• Strategic Imperatives: Need for Energy diversification, Supply chain resilience and Domestic production strengthening

Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 2026

Why in News

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has approved the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 2026, replacing the earlier 1995 framework, drawing criticism over lack of wider stakeholder consultation.

Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS): Overview

• Launched in 1995 as a social security measure for organised sector workers
• Administered by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation
• Provides monthly pension after retirement

Key Features of EPS

1. Eligibility:

• Minimum 10 years of service required
• Pension payable: at 58 years (regular pension) from 50 years (early pension with reduced benefits)

2. Funding Pattern:

• Employer Contribution: 8.33% of wages (subject to ₹15,000 ceiling)
• Government Contribution: 1.16% of wages
• Employee Contribution: No direct contribution to EPS

3. Types of Benefits:

• Old-age pension (post-retirement)
• Early pension (reduced benefits)
• Family/Widow pension (in case of death of member)

4. Minimum Pension:

• Fixed at ₹1,000 per month supported by government subsidy

Key Changes under EPS 2026

1. Removal of Higher Pension Option:

• Earlier provision allowing pension based on higher wages has been eliminated. Reduces flexibility for employees

2. Revised Pension Calculation:

• Pension now based on 60-month average salary (instead of 12 months) leads to lower pension payouts

3. No Revision in Key Thresholds:

• Wage ceiling remains at ₹15,000
• Minimum pension remains ₹1,000

4. Policy Context:

• Reform linked to the Code on Social Security, 2020 aimed at restructuring labour welfare schemes

Concerns and Criticism

• Reduced Social Security: Lower pension benefits may weaken post-retirement income security
• Lack of Flexibility: Removal of higher pension option restricts choice for higher-income contributors
• Inadequate Pension Levels: ₹1,000 minimum pension considered insufficient in current cost-of-living conditions
• Procedural Concerns: Approval without broad consultation raises issues of Transparency and Stakeholder participation

Significance

• Labour Welfare Reform: Marks a shift in India’s pension architecture under labour codes
• Fiscal Implications: Reduced payouts may lower long-term pension liabilities
• Social Equity Debate: Raises concerns over Adequacy of pensions and Protection of low-income workers

India Submits First National Report on Nagoya Protocol Implementation

Why in News

India has submitted its First National Report (NR1) on the Nagoya Protocol to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, highlighting progress in Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) between 2017–2025.

Report prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority

About the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

• A legally binding international treaty adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit
• Key Objectives: Conservation of biodiversity, Sustainable use of biological resources, Fair and equitable Access and Benefit-Sharing

What is Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS)?

• A mechanism ensuring Fair distribution of benefits from biological resources
• Includes: Monetary benefits (royalties, fees) and Non-monetary benefits (technology transfer, research collaboration)

Key Highlights of India’s Report (NR1)

1. Global Leadership in Compliance:

• Issued 3,556 internationally recognised Certificates of Compliance accounts for over 60% of global total

2. Capacity Building:

• 2.5 lakh+ individuals trained through ~3000 programmes

3. Strengthening Local Governance:

• Established ~2.76 lakh Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
• Ensured Revenue sharing with local communities and Decentralised biodiversity governance

4. Non-Monetary Benefit Sharing:

• 395 approvals by NBA facilitated Collaborative research, Shared intellectual property and Technology transfer

About the Nagoya Protocol

1. Background:

• Supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity
• Adopted in 2010 at Nagoya (Japan)
• Entered into force in 2014

2. Objective:

• To ensure Legal certainty, Transparency and Trust between providers and users of genetic resources

3. Key Provisions:

a) Access (Prior Informed Consent – PIC)

• Users must obtain permission from the provider country before use

b) Benefit Sharing (Mutually Agreed Terms – MAT)

• Benefits (monetary/non-monetary) must be Clearly defined and Mutually agreed

c) Compliance Mechanism

• Countries must Prevent illegal use of genetic resources and Ensure adherence to ABS norms

India’s Legal & Institutional Framework

• Legal Basis: Implemented through the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
• Three-Tier Structure: National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Boards, Biodiversity Management Committees

Argentina Withdraws from the World Health Organization (WHO)

Why in News

Argentina has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization after completing the required one-year notice period, citing concerns over sovereignty and dissatisfaction with the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legal and Institutional Aspects

1. Absence of Exit Clause:

• The WHO Constitution does not explicitly provide for withdrawal

2. Applicable Legal Framework:

• Governed by: Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (Article 56)
  Allows withdrawal in absence of explicit provisions under certain conditions

3. Exception: United States

• The United States exercised a reserved right to exit in 2026
• Required One-year notice and Settlement of financial obligations

Reasons Behind Argentina’s Decision

• Sovereignty Concerns: Perceived overreach of WHO in national health policy decisions
• Pandemic Response Criticism: Dissatisfaction with WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis

About the World Health Organization (WHO)

1. Overview:

• A specialised agency of the United Nations
• Responsible for global public health governance

2. Establishment:

• Constitution drafted in 1946
• Came into force on 7 April 1948
• Celebrated as World Health Day

3. Headquarters:

• Located in Geneva, Switzerland

4. Regional Structure:

• Functions through six regional offices
• India falls under South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) located in New Delhi

5. Membership:

• Comprises 192 Member States, including India

6. Governance Structure:

• World Health Assembly (WHA): Main policy-making body
• Executive Board: 34 members
• Director-General: Head of administrative operations

7. Funding Mechanism:

• Assessed Contributions: Mandatory dues based on Economic capacity and Population
• Voluntary Contributions: Provided by Member states and Private entities (e.g., Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)

India–WHO Cooperation

1. Traditional Medicine:

• WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine: Located in Jamnagar

2. Digital Health:

• Global Initiative on Digital Health launched during India’s G20 Presidency

Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025

Why in News

The Sahitya Akademi has announced the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025, recognising 24 authors for outstanding literary contributions across Indian languages.

Key Highlights

1. Number of Awardees:

• 24 winners selected
• Representing diverse linguistic and literary traditions

2. Notable Winners:

• Navtej Sarna – Crimson Spring (English novel)
• Mamta Kalia – Jeete Jee Allahabad (Hindi memoir)
• N. Prabhakaran – Maayaamanushyar (Malayalam novel)

About Sahitya Akademi Awards

• One of India’s premier literary honours
• Conferred annually by the Sahitya Akademi
• Recognises outstanding literary works
• Awarded to Indian citizens
• Covers 24 languages: 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule plus English and Rajasthani
• Award Components: Copper plaque, Traditional shawl, Cash prize of ₹1 lakh

About Sahitya Akademi

• Founded in 1954
• An autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India
• Objective: To Promote literary excellence, Preserve India’s multilingual literary heritage, Encourage translation and cultural exchange

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

Why in News

The Narcotics Control Bureau was commended by the Union Home Minister on its Raising Day for its role in advancing a drug-free India.

About NCB

• Established in 1986
• Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
• The Narcotics Control Bureau is India’s apex law enforcement and intelligence agency
• Mandated to combat Drug trafficking and Illicit drug abuse
• Functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs
• Headquarters: New Delhi

Key Functions of NCB

1. Enforcement & Intelligence:

• Coordinates actions against Drug trafficking networks and Organised narcotics crime
• Collects and disseminates intelligence inputs

2. Inter-Agency Coordination:

• Works with State police forces & Customs and other enforcement agencies ensures national-level coordination

3. International Cooperation:

• Acts as India’s nodal agency for INTERPOL, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, International Narcotics Control Board
• Facilitates Intelligence sharing and Joint operations

4. Preventive & Awareness Initiatives:

• Mission SPANDAN: Focuses on Awareness generation and Community engagement
• e-Pledge Initiative: Encourages citizens to commit to a drug-free lifestyle

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