News of The Day – 25th March 2026

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

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• The Supreme Court reaffirmed that SC status is limited to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists as per Presidential Orders under Article 341.
• Linked to historical caste-based discrimination rooted in Hindu social structure.
• Debate continues on extending SC status to Dalit Muslims and Christians.
• Raises issues of equality vs affirmative action framework.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• Issue of judicial recusal highlighted as CJI stepped aside due to conflict of interest
• Linked to challenge against CEC and ECs Appointment Act, 2023.
• Raises concerns over independence of the Election Commission and separation of powers.
• Reinforces the principle of natural justice (no one should be a judge in their own cause).

(GS-2: International Relation)

• Global Operational Network (GON) supports anti-corruption law enforcement cooperation.
• India’s role reflects commitment to transparency and global governance.
• Linked to G20 anti-corruption agenda and international institutional cooperation.

(GS-3: Economy)

• About LPG and LNG
• LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) used for cooking
• LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) mainly for power/industry.
• LPG supply is more vulnerable due to shipping routes and refinery dependency in West Asia.
• Highlights India’s energy import dependence and need for diversification.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Focus on modernization, efficiency, and passenger experience.
• Includes digitization, private participation, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Aims to improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs.
• Supports PM Gati Shakti and National Infrastructure Pipeline.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• Based on electromagnetic induction principle where alternating current creates magnetic field inducing heat in cookware.
• Energy-efficient and safer than conventional cooking.
• Requires ferromagnetic utensils.
• Promotes clean energy usage and reduces LPG dependence.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• About BioPharma SHAKTI initiative
  • Promotes use of alternative testing models (organoids, AI-based simulations) replacing animal trials.
• Aims to boost India’s biologics and biosimilars sector. 
• Aligns with ethical research and global regulatory trends.
• Enhances innovation in drug development and reduces costs/time.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• GARBH-INi (Interdisciplinary Group for Advanced Research on Birth Outcomes) focuses on maternal and child health research. 
• Uses cohort studies and AI tools.
• Aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
• Supports public health policy and SDG-3 goals.

• LPG supply disruptions due to global tensions revive interest in biogas, compressed biogas (CBG), and alternative fuels.
• Supports a circular economy using agricultural waste.
• Linked to SATAT scheme and energy diversification goals.
• Reduces import dependence and emissions.

(GS-3: Environment)

• IQAir report highlights severe air pollution levels (PM2.5 concentration).
• Causes: industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, crop burning.
• Health impacts include respiratory diseases.
• Highlights need for regional cooperation in South Asia on air quality management.