31 March 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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Addressing Women’s Safety in India: Challenges and Policy Response

Why in News

The Ministry of Women and Child Development recently highlighted legal, institutional, and financial measures aimed at strengthening women’s safety across India.

Current Landscape of Women’s Safety

1. Rising Crime Trends

• As per National Crime Records Bureau (2023): 4,48,211 cases of crimes against women reported (Nearly 51 FIRs every hour)
• Nature of Crimes:
  -Cruelty by husband/relatives – 29.8%
  -Kidnapping – 19.8%
  -Assault to outrage modesty – 18.7%
• Around 81 rape cases daily (~1 every 18 minutes)

2. Global Standing

• India ranks 128th out of 177 countries in the Women Peace and Security Index 2023.

3. Human Trafficking

• Cases under the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act 1956 increased by 44.7% (2022–23).

4. Regional Variation

• Highest number of cases: Uttar Pradesh
• Highest crime rate: Telangana (124.9 per lakh females)

Key Challenges

1. Judicial Delays

• Over 90% pendency in cases weakens deterrence and justice delivery.

2. Low Conviction Rates

• Rape conviction rate declined to 22.7% (2023) due to Weak investigation and Poor forensic evidence collection

3. Patriarchal Mindset

• Social norms enable Victim-blaming and Underreporting (~80% cases unreported)

4. Fund Underutilisation

• Delays in projects under the Nirbhaya Fund hinder impact.

5. Institutional Gaps

• Only 11.7% women in police force, affecting gender-sensitive policing.

Legal Framework & Government Interventions

1. Constitutional Safeguards

• Article 15(3): Enables affirmative action for women
• Article 21: Guarantees right to life and dignity

2. Workplace Safety

• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2013: Mandates Internal Committees and Monitored via SHe Box Portal

3. Mission Shakti

• Sambal: Safety and protection & Samarthya: Empowerment initiatives

4. Financial Support Mechanism

• Nirbhaya Fund: Supports Safe City Projects and Fast Track Special Courts

5. Grassroots Mechanisms

• Nari Adalats – Local dispute resolution forums
• Shakti Sadans – Rehabilitation for victims of violence and trafficking

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025: Key Insights on India’s Labour Market

Why in News

• The National Statistical Office released PLFS 2025, marking the first calendar-year (Jan–Dec) based survey with a revamped methodology.

About PLFS

• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is a nationwide survey conducted to measure Employment and unemployment & Labour force indicators across rural and urban areas

1. Objective

• To generate monthly, quarterly, and annual estimates of labour market indicators.

2. Methodology Update (2025)

• Revised sampling design
• Introduction of rotational panels
• Enables high-frequency and more reliable labour data

Key Highlights of PLFS 2025

1. Labour Market Indicators

• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): 59.3% (stable, but significant gender gap)
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR): 57.4% (indicates stable employment levels)
• Unemployment Rate (UR): 3.1% (relatively low)

2. Youth Employment Trends

• Unemployment (15–29 years) declined to 9.9%
• Improvement observed in both rural and urban areas

3. Employment Structure

• Regular salaried jobs increased to 23.6%
• Self-employment declined to 56.2%
  ➡️ Indicates gradual formalisation of the workforce

4. Sectoral Shift

• Decline in agricultural employment share
• Expansion in manufacturing and services sectors
  ➡️ Reflects structural transformation of the economy

5. Gender Trends

• Female wages rising faster than male wages
• However, Female participation rates remain lower & Working hours for women are still limited

6. Education & Skills

• Average schooling: ~10 years
• Higher educational attainment in urban areas and among males

Skill Gap

• Only 4.2% received formal vocational training
  ➡️ Highlights need for skill development initiatives

7. NEET Concern

• Around 25% of youth (15–29 years) are Not in Employment, Not in Education, Not in Training.

8. Workforce Size

• Total employed population (15+): ~61.6 crore

Key Definitions

• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) → Percentage of population that is working, seeking, or available for work
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR) → Percentage of population that is actually employed
• Unemployment Rate (UR) → Percentage of labour force that is unemployed but actively seeking work

Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems: Strengthening India’s SHORAD Capabilities

Why in News

• The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Russia to procure Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems.

About Tunguska System

• Tunguska Air Defence Missile System (NATO designation: SA-19 “Grison”)
• A mobile, self-propelled anti-aircraft system of Soviet origin
• Designed to provide low-altitude air defence for ground forces

Key Features

1. Integrated Dual Weapon System

Combines

-9M311 Surface-to-Air Missiles (range: ~8–10 km)
-Twin 30 mm autocannons for close-range defence
-Enables layered engagement of aerial threats

2. Advanced Detection & Tracking

Equipped with 360-degree target acquisition radar

-Detection range: ~18 km

3. Electronic Warfare Resilience

Features an optical backup tracking system maintains operational capability even during enemy jamming

4. Mobility

Mounted on a tracked chassis ensures high mobility and deployment alongside armoured formations

Operational Role

Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD)

• Acts as a critical layer between MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defence Systems) and Medium/long-range systems like S-400 Triumf
• Provides last-line defence against low-flying threats

Strategic Significance for India

1. Countering Emerging Threats

• Effective against Drone swarms, Low-flying aircraft, Cruise missiles

2. Multi-Layered Air Defence

• Strengthens India’s integrated air defence network complements high-end systems like the S-400

3. Battlefield Support

• Enhances protection for Armoured columns and Forward-deployed troops

India’s First Sahiwal Cattle Breeding Using Advanced IVF Technology

Why in News

• Scientists at ICAR Indian Veterinary Research Institute have successfully produced five healthy Sahiwal calves using advanced OPU–IVF–ET technology—a first in India.

About ICAR

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (est. 1929)
-Autonomous body under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
-Coordinates agricultural research, education, and innovation in India

OPU–IVF–ET Technology: Explained

What is it?

A three-stage Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) used for rapid genetic improvement in livestock.

1. Ovum Pick-Up (OPU)

• Oocytes (eggs) are collected from elite donor cows using ultrasound guidance
• Requires minimal hormonal stimulation
• Can be performed on:
  -Pregnant animals
  -Even prepubertal animals
  -Enables frequent and efficient egg retrieval

2. In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

Eggs are fertilised in a laboratory using genetically superior semen
-Ensures controlled breeding and superior traits

3. Embryo Transfer (ET)

Developed embryos are implanted into surrogate (recipient) cows
-Allows mass multiplication of high-quality breeds

About Sahiwal Cattle

• Sahiwal cattle is one of India’s best indigenous dairy breeds.
• Originated in Montgomery region (present-day Pakistan)
• Found mainly in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan
• Known locally as Lola, Lambi Bar, Multani, Teli

Balirajgarh Fort Excavation: Unearthing Ancient Mithila

Why in News

• The Archaeological Survey of India has initiated fresh excavations at Balirajgarh Fort in Bihar to uncover the historical legacy of ancient Mithila.
• Balirajgarh Fort is situated in the Madhubani district of Bihar, a region historically associated with the Mithila civilisation.

Historical Significance

1. Link to Ancient Kingdoms

The site is believed to be associated with King Bali (as per local traditions)
-Administrative centre of the Videha Kingdom

2. Cultural and Intellectual Importance

• The Videha Kingdom is linked to King Janaka
• Known as a major centre of Vedic learning and Philosophical traditions

Euthalia zubeengargi: Newly Discovered Butterfly from Arunachal Pradesh

Why in News

Scientists have identified a new butterfly species, Euthalia zubeengargi, in Arunachal Pradesh, adding to India’s rich biodiversity.

Discovery & Naming

• Discovered in the Leparada district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Named in honour of Zubeen Garg.
• Proposed common name: “Basar Duke”.

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