Daily Current Affairs 13 March 2026: India Oil Supply, NH Green Cover Index, and Global Updates

Current affairs play a crucial role in preparing for competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, and other government exams. Regularly following important national and international developments helps aspirants understand issues related to economy, environment, technology, diplomacy, and infrastructure.

The major updates of 13 March 2026 include India’s strategy to maintain stable crude oil supply despite geopolitical tensions, the introduction of an environmental monitoring index for national highways, improvements in railway safety through the Kavach system, and global environmental concerns arising from conflict-related pollution.

Daily Current Affairs 13 March 2026 Important Topics Covered

Some of the key developments discussed in the current affairs session include:

• India’s crude oil and natural gas supply situation
• National Highway Green Cover Index (NHGCI)
• UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
• Oman’s diplomatic role in West Asia
• Kavach 4.0 railway safety system
• Black Rain environmental risk in Iran
• Fiscal Health Index 2026

India’s Oil and Natural Gas Supply Situation

India recently clarified that the country’s crude oil supply remains stable even though tensions in West Asia have raised concerns about global energy transportation routes.

The Petroleum Minister informed Parliament that India currently has adequate crude oil reserves and supply channels. Concerns arose when a cargo vessel travelling toward the Kandla port was reportedly attacked by a missile connected to regional tensions involving Iran.

Key Highlights

• India imports a significant portion of its crude oil from international suppliers.
  
• Political tensions in West Asia can affect shipping routes used for energy transportation.
  
• To maintain supply stability, India has increased crude oil imports from Russia.

Natural Gas Supply Challenges

Apart from crude oil, India also depends on imported natural gas.

• Around 60% of India’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports come from Qatar.
  
• Any disruption in Gulf supply chains may impact India’s energy availability.
  

To diversify sources, India is exploring additional LNG imports from:

• United States
  
• Norway
  
• Canada
  
• Algeria
  
• Russia
  

The government is also monitoring the domestic LPG market to prevent hoarding and ensure stable supply to households.

National Highway Green Cover Index (NHGCI)

India has introduced the National Highway Green Cover Index to assess vegetation along national highways. The index was prepared by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) with technical support from ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre.

Coverage and Data Collection

• Around 23,000 kilometres of national highways were analysed.
  
• Data was collected from 24 states.
  
• Satellite observations were conducted between July and December 2024.
  

Method Used

The highway network was divided into 1-kilometre segments. Satellite imagery was then used to estimate vegetation coverage on both sides of the highway.

The satellite Resourcesat-2A with the LISS-IV sensor helped detect vegetation through chlorophyll signals.

Importance of the Index

The index is useful because it:

• Measures greenery along highways
  
• Supports environmental monitoring
  
• Helps reduce pollution levels
  
• Assists in planning sustainable infrastructure

UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have raised concerns about the safety of international peacekeeping forces. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in 1978 by the United Nations Security Council.

Objectives of UNIFIL

• Confirm withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon
  
• Maintain peace along the Blue Line border
  
• Assist the Lebanese government in maintaining stability
  

Geography of Lebanon

Lebanon is located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in West Asia.

Important geographical features include:

• Mount Lebanon Range
  
• Anti-Lebanon Range
  
• Bekaa Valley
  
• Litani River
  

The capital city of Lebanon is Beirut, which is also a major commercial port.

Oman’s Diplomatic Role in West Asia

Oman has developed a reputation for maintaining balanced diplomatic relations with multiple countries in the Middle East. Its foreign policy is often described as “Friend to all, enemy to none.”

Key Role in Regional Diplomacy

Oman has played the role of mediator between countries such as:

• Iran
  
• United States
  
• Israel
  
• Saudi Arabia
  

The country has also facilitated negotiations and prisoner exchanges during regional conflicts.

Geography of Oman

• Located in the southeastern Arabian Peninsula
  
• Capital city: Muscat
  
• Shares borders with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Yemen
  
• The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transport routes, lies between Oman and Iran.

Kavach 4.0 Railway Safety System

Indian Railways has expanded the implementation of Kavach 4.0, an indigenous Automatic Train Protection system designed to reduce railway accidents. The technology is being deployed on major railway corridors such as:

• Delhi–Mumbai route
  
• Delhi–Howrah route
  

Key Features

• Automatic braking when a train crosses a red signal
  
• Speed control to prevent overspeeding
  
• Communication between locomotives and stations
  
• Real-time train location tracking using RFID technology
  

Development Timeline

• System development began in 2015
  
• Safety certification received in 2018
  
• Nationwide implementation approved in 2020
  
• Kavach 4.0 received approval from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in 2024
  

Significance

The system improves railway safety by:

• Preventing collisions
  
• Reducing human error
  
• Improving signalling efficiency
  
• Supporting modernization of Indian Railway

Black Rain Risk in Iran

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned about the possible occurrence of Black Rain in Tehran following attacks on oil facilities.

What is Black Rain?

Black Rain occurs when rainwater mixes with pollutants released during large industrial fires or oil facility explosions.

Common pollutants include:

• Carbon soot
  
• Hydrocarbons
  
• Benzene
  
• Sulfur dioxide
  
• Nitrogen oxides
  

Formation Process

1. Oil infrastructure burns and releases thick smoke.
   
2. Pollutants accumulate in the atmosphere.
   
3. Rain clouds absorb these pollutants.
   
4. Polluted rainfall falls as dark or black-colored rain.
   

Impact on Environment and Health

Black Rain may cause:

• Respiratory illnesses
  
• Skin irritation
  
• Eye infections
  
• Contamination of soil and water
  
• Damage to crops and vegetation
  

The pollutants can also contribute to acid rain formation.

Fiscal Health Index 2026

The NITI Aayog has released the second edition of the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2026. This index evaluates the financial performance of Indian states based on their revenue generation and expenditure patterns.

Key Highlights

• The first edition evaluated 18 major states.
  
• The latest edition includes analysis of Himalayan and North-Eastern states.
  

Purpose

The index helps assess:

• Government revenue generation
  
• Fiscal deficit levels
  
• Debt sustainability
  
• Efficiency of public expenditure
  

Key Fiscal Concepts

Fiscal Deficit
The difference between the government’s total expenditure and total receipts excluding borrowings.

Primary Deficit
Fiscal deficit minus interest payments on previous loans.

These indicators help measure the financial stability of state governments.

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UPSC Prelims Practice Questions – 13 March 2026

Q1. The National Highway Green Cover Index (NHGCI) primarily measures:
(a) Highway traffic congestion
(b) Vegetation cover along national highways
(c) Carbon emission levels of vehicles
(d) Toll revenue generated from highways

Answer: (b)

Q2. The Kavach system used in Indian Railways is associated with:
(a) Ticket reservation management
(b) Automatic train protection and collision prevention
(c) Railway cargo logistics monitoring
(d) Electrification of railway tracks

Answer: (b)

Q3. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in:
(a) 1965
(b) 1978
(c) 1989
(d) 1995

Answer: (b)

Q4. The Fiscal Health Index released by NITI Aayog evaluates:
(a) Agricultural growth of states
(b) Fiscal management and financial health of states
(c) Environmental performance of cities
(d) Industrial productivity

Answer: (b)

Q5. The phenomenon known as “Black Rain” is mainly caused when:
(a) Volcanic ash mixes with rainfall
(b) Pollutants from oil fires mix with rainwater
(c) Desert dust combines with monsoon clouds
(d) Ocean pollutants evaporate into the atmosphere

Answer: (b)

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