News of The Day – 14th March 2026

The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, Business Standard, Economic Times, PIB and AIR, etc

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-1: Geography)

• The Silverpit Crater is a geological structure discovered in the North Sea off the UK coast.
• Initially believed to be a meteorite impact crater, later studies suggest it may have formed due to salt withdrawal and sediment collapse.
• It lies beneath seabed sediments and is studied using seismic imaging.

(GS-1: Geography)

• Kharg Island is Iran’s main crude oil export terminal located in the Persian Gulf. 
• Disruption at Kharg Island could significantly affect global oil supply, as a large share of Iranian oil exports passes through it.
• Instability also threatens shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint.

• The Supreme Court of India expressed concerns that making menstrual leave legally mandatory could unintentionally harm women’s career prospects.
• The Court distinguished between a statutory right and voluntary employer policies.
• Lack of Uniform Menstrual leave Policy
• Some States and institutions already allow menstrual leave voluntarily.
• The petition argued such leave relates to dignity under Article 21 and cited global examples.

• About ‘Samriddh Gram’ pilot project for Phygital Services
  • To deliver a combination of physical infrastructure and digital platforms—in rural areas. 
• It integrates digital payments, e-governance, tele-medicine, and financial services.
• The initiative seeks to strengthen rural digital inclusion and improve access to government services.
• It aligns with the broader Digital India vision.

• About Vaccine Injury Compensation
  • Programs provide financial compensation to individuals who suffer rare adverse effects after vaccination.
• Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) surveillance system.
• Experts argue a formal compensation mechanism could improve vaccine confidence and strengthen pandemic preparedness.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• Key provision of Maharashtra Dharma Swatantrya Bill
  • Aims to regulate religious conversions carried out through fraud, coercion, allurement, or marriage..
• Similar laws exist in several States such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Concerns regarding such laws.
• Freedom of religion under Article 25.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• Negotiations are ongoing at the World Health Organization for a global Pandemic Agreement to improve preparedness for future pandemics.
• India has advocated a benefit-sharing system, ensuring equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
• Developing countries stress technology transfer and intellectual-property flexibility
• The agreement aims to strengthen global surveillance, data sharing, and equitable response mechanisms.

• About Economic Stabilisation Fund (ESF) 
  • A mechanism to cushion the economy against external shocks such as commodity price volatility or financial crises.
• They help stabilize government finances and maintain macroeconomic stability.
• Global examples of sovereign stabilisation funds.

(GS-3: Economy)

• About Joha Rice
  • Variety of Rice from Assam with Geographical Indication (GI) status for its unique aroma and grain quality.
• The first export of GI-tagged Joha rice boosts India’s agricultural exports and branding of traditional products.
• GI recognition protects regional products and enhances farmers’ incomes.

(GS-3: Economy)

• V. O. Chidambaranar Port has launched India’s first Digital Twin technology for port operations.
• A digital twin is a virtual replica of physical infrastructure used for simulation and predictive analysis.
• The initiative supports smart port development and maritime digitalisation.

(GS-3: Environment)

• About Gharial 
  • A critically endangered crocodilian found mainly in the National Chambal Sanctuary.
• The Chambal river system is a key breeding ground for gharials and other species like the Gangetic dolphin.
• Conservation measures focus on habitat protection and regulating river activities.