News of The Day – 26th March 2026

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

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• About Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme
• Digital platform for visa processing, immigration control, and tracking of foreign nationals.
• Integrates services like e-visa, registration, and compliance monitoring.
• Enhances national security, transparency, and ease of travel.
• Implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs with modern IT infrastructure.

(GS-2: Polity & Governance)

• Key Provisions of Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill.
• Seeks to amend provisions of the Companies Act and LLP framework to improve ease of doing business.
• Decriminalisation of minor corporate offences and rationalisation of penalties.
• Enhances the role of adjudicating officers and reduces burden on courts.
• Criticism: may weaken corporate accountability and reduce deterrence for violations.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• Refers to changing stance of Kerala’s LDF government on women’s entry into Sabarimala temple.
• Highlights tension between judicial reforms and societal acceptance.
• Raises issues of gender equality, religious freedom (Article 25), and political pragmatism.
• Shows limits of top-down reform without social consensus.

(GS-3: Economy)

• UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) aims to improve regional air connectivity.
• Revamp focuses on viability gap funding reforms, route rationalisation, and better airline participation.
• Addresses issues like low demand, financial stress of airlines, and operational inefficiencies.
• Supports inclusive growth and regional development.

(GS-3: Economy)

• About  India’s forex reserves 
• Forex reserves act as a buffer against external shocks like currency volatility and capital flight.
• Adequacy measured using import cover, short-term debt ratio, and IMF’s ARA metric.
• India’s reserves remain comfortable but concerns exist over rising external liabilities and global uncertainty.
• Strong reserves help RBI manage exchange rate stability and investor confidence.

(GS-3: Environment)

• India announced enhanced climate targets beyond existing NDCs under the Paris Agreement.
• Targets include 47% emissions reduction intensity and 60% electricity from non-fossil sources by 2035.
• Reflects commitment to net-zero target (2070) and global climate leadership.
• Requires scaling renewables, green hydrogen, and energy efficiency.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• Antiprotons are antiparticles of protons with the same mass but negative charge.
• Produced in high-energy collisions (particle accelerators or cosmic rays).
• Study helps understand antimatter, fundamental physics, and universe asymmetry.
• Applications in medical imaging and advanced research (e.g., CERN experiments).

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• Mineral water originates from underground sources rich in naturally dissolved salts like calcium, magnesium.
• Minerals dissolve through rock-water interaction over time (geochemical processes).
• Differs from purified water where minerals are artificially added.
• Regulated for safety and composition standards (BIS norms in India).

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• A neuroscience initiative/tool to study brain activity and mental health conditions.
• Uses AI and imaging techniques to map brain responses.
• Helps in early diagnosis of neurological disorders and stress-related conditions.
• Reflects growing integration of AI in healthcare research.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• First international-level study combining Ayurveda with standard TB therapy.
• Aims to improve treatment outcomes, immunity, and reduce side effects.
• Reflects evidence-based integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare.
• Supports WHO’s push for integrative medicine and India’s AYUSH diplomacy.