Daily Current Affairs 7 March 2026 for UPSC Energy Security, Riverine Lighthouses, Project Hanuman

Daily Current Affairs for 7 March 2026 highlights critical developments for civil services preparation. A major focus is on India’s Energy Security, particularly the challenges posed by the Strait of Hormuz blockade and the shift in Russian oil imports. In infrastructure, the Brahmaputra River (National Waterway-2) sees the introduction of riverine lighthouses to improve navigation safety.

On the environmental front, the Andhra Pradesh government has launched Project Hanuman to manage human-animal conflicts using AI and community teams. In health, India has intensified its campaign to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 through free HPV vaccinations and digital tracking. These topics are vital for Geography, Economy, Environment, and Social Justice sections of the UPSC syllabus.

Daily Current Affairs 7 March 2026 for UPSC Exam – Key Topics

The following key topics are covered in the Daily Current Affairs 7 March 2026:

• US-India Relations: Russian oil purchase and energy security.
• National Waterway-2: Introduction of Riverine Lighthouses.
• Project Hanuman: AI-based wildlife conflict management in Andhra Pradesh.
• Health Initiatives: Eliminating Cervical Cancer by 2030 and NPCDCS.
• Archaeology: Megalithic burial chamber discovery in Kerala.
• NITI Aayog & UNICEF: Nutrition partnership for Aspirational Districts.

India’s Energy Security and Russian Oil

India’s energy landscape is currently facing geopolitical shifts. The US has allowed India a 30-day window to purchase Russian oil, a move that sparked debates on sovereignty.

Key Statistics

• Import Drop: Russian oil imports fell to 19.3% of total imports by January 2026.
• Hormuz Crisis: India faces risks as 55% of its crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently under an Iranian blockade.
• Reserves: Current domestic reserves can last about 25 days.
• Price Surge: Oil prices hit $88 per barrel recently, threatening to increase inflation and the current account deficit.

Global Energy Dynamics and Economic Implications

India’s energy landscape is currently facing significant geopolitical shifts. While the US has allowed a 30-day window for Russian oil purchases, imports from Russia dropped to 19.3% in January 2026, the lowest in over a year.

Energy Security Risks

• Strait of Hormuz Blockade: Roughly 55% of India’s crude oil transit is at risk due to a blockade in this vital choke point.
• Domestic Reserves: India currently holds enough crude oil for 25 days, making it vulnerable to supply shocks.
• Price Volatility: Brent crude prices recently surged by 20% to $88 per barrel, which may lead to rupee depreciation and higher inflation.

Riverine Lighthouses on the Brahmaputra (NW-2)

In a pioneering move, the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has laid the foundation for India’s first riverine lighthouses on National Waterway-2 (NW-2).

• Key Locations: Bogibeel, Pandu, Silghat, and Biswanath Ghat along the Brahmaputra.
• Implementing Agencies: A joint venture between the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
• Significance: These solar-powered towers will enable 24/7 navigation, accommodating a 53% surge in cargo movement recorded in 2024-25.

Project Hanuman: Tackling Human-Wildlife Conflict

Launched by the Andhra Pradesh government on World Wildlife Day (March 3), Project Hanuman (Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid, and Nursing of Wildlife) uses modern tech to protect biodiversity.

• Infrastructure: 100 specialized vehicles, including 93 rapid response units and 7 ambulances.
• Technology: Uses Artificial Intelligence and the Hanuman Digital App for real-time tracking and early warnings.
• Community Engagement: Trained Vajra Wildlife Rakshak Teams from local villages will act as first responders.
• Compensation: Ex gratia for death in animal attacks has been increased to ₹10 lakh.

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India’s Push to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

India is working toward the WHO 90-70-90 target to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women.

• Vaccination Drive: Launched on February 28, 2026, the campaign provides free Gardasil Quadrivalent vaccines to girls aged 14.
• Digital Tracking: The U-WIN and E-VIN platforms are being used to manage immunization status and vaccine logistics.
• Screening: The NPCDCS program provides visual inspection screening for women aged 30–65 at primary health centers.

Megalithic Laterite Rock-Cut Burial Chamber

Archaeologists recently discovered a 2,000-year-old rock-cut burial chamber in Panayal, Kasaragod (Kerala).

• Historical Context: Believed to belong to the Iron Age, the chamber features a subterranean circular structure carved into laterite rock.
• Archaeological Finds: Pottery, iron tools, and beads were found, offering insights into ancient funerary rituals and the transition to the Iron Age in South India.
• Local Terms: These structures are locally known as Muniyara or Pandava caves.

NITI Aayog and UNICEF Nutrition Partnership

NITI Aayog and UNICEF India signed a Statement of Intent to improve maternal and child nutrition in Aspirational Districts and Blocks.

• Strategic Focus: Targeting underserved regions to saturate government health services.
• IMPAct4Nutrition: A platform to channel Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds into nutrition-focused programs.
• Key Goals: Strengthening Anganwadi infrastructure, improving nutrition literacy, and training frontline health workers.

UPSC Prelims Practice Quiz – 7 March 2026

Q1. National Waterway-2 is located on which river?

1. Ganga
2. Brahmaputra
3. Godavari
4. Narmada

Answer: B

Q2. What is the primary cause of Cervical Cancer?

1. HepatitisB Virus
2. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
3. HIV
4. Influenza Virus

Answer: B

Q3. Which state launched “Project Hanuman” for wildlife management?

1. Karnataka
2. Odisha
3. Andhra Pradesh
4. Kerala

Answer: C

Q4. The “Strait of Hormuz” is a gateway between which two bodies?

1. Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
2. Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
3. Black Sea and Mediterranean
4. Java Sea and Indian Ocean

Answer: B

Q5. The Directorate General of Lighthouse and Lightships functions under which ministry?

A. Ministry of Environment
B. Ministry of Defence
C. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
D. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

Answer: C

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