BAFTA AWARD FOR BEST CHILDREN'S & FAMILY FILM BOONG 

A Manipuri-language film produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani (Excel Entertainment), made cinematic history in late February 2026.

What are BAFTA Awards?

The BAFTA Awards are prestigious annual accolades presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) to honor excellence in film, television, and video games. Considered the British equivalent of the Oscars, the awards recognize both domestic and international talent, with winners receiving a distinctive bronze theatrical mask.

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, the film won the prestigious BAFTA Award for Best Children's and Family Film at the 79th edition in London. It is the first Indian film to ever win in this category, defeating global giants like Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch.

The story follows a young boy in Manipur who embarks on a journey to find his missing father as a gift for his mother. Following its historic win, the makers announced on March 1, 2026, that the film will have a grand theatrical re-release on March 6, 2026.

CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY AND ARTICLE 51A (G)

In a landmark judgment during the final week of March 2026, the Supreme Court of India significantly expanded the scope of corporate accountability by linking Article 51A(g) of the Constitution to corporate operations.

 Article 51A(g) traditionally mandates that citizens protect and improve the natural environment, the Court ruled that corporations—as legal entities enjoying the benefits of "legal personhood"—cannot be exempt from this Fundamental Duty.

What is CSR in India?

In India, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a statutory obligation under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. India was the first country to mandate CSR, requiring eligible companies to spend at least 2% of their average net profit on social development areas like education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

Key Highlights of the Ruling:

• Beyond Philanthropy: The Court observed that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not merely a charitable endeavor or a statutory compliance under the Companies Act; it is a constitutional obligation.
• The "Polluter Pays" Evolution: By invoking Article 51A(g), the Court transitioned from the "Polluter Pays" principle to a "Precautionary Prevention" mandate, requiring companies to integrate environmental protection into their core business strategy.
• Environmental Accountability: The ruling establishes that boards of directors are personally responsible for ensuring their supply chains do not violate ecological integrity.
• Fundamental Rights vs. Duties: The judgment reinforces that the Right to a Clean Environment (Article 21) is directly protected when corporations fulfill their duty to protect nature (Article 51A(g)).

This verdict is expected to lead to stricter ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) norms and may influence future litigation regarding climate change and industrial negligence in India.

Scheduled Caste convert to Christianity lose the protection -

In a significant clarification in late March 2026, the Supreme Court of India ruled that individuals of Scheduled Caste (SC) origin who convert to Christianity lose the protection afforded by the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

What is Atrocities act / SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. ?

The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is a powerful legislative tool designed to prevent crimes and discrimination against members of SC and ST communities.

 Key Features

• Creation of New Offenses: The Act defines specific crimes that go beyond the Indian Penal Code, such as forced labor, polluting water sources used by these communities, and denying access to public places. It also penalizes the intentional insult or intimidation with intent to humiliate in public view.
• Special Courts and Speedy Justice: To ensure quick redressal, the Act mandates the establishment of Special Courts and Exclusive Special Courts at the district level. These courts are designed to conduct trials on a day-to-day basis to avoid the delays often found in the regular judicial system.
• Bar on Anticipatory Bail: Under Section 18, the Act explicitly denies the provision of anticipatory bail to those accused of committing an atrocity. This is intended to prevent influential offenders from intimidating victims or witnesses before an investigation can properly begin.

The Court emphasized that SC status is inherently linked to the social disabilities arising from the Hindu fold (including Sikhism and Buddhism under the 1950 Order).

Key Legal Foundations:

• Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950: The Court reiterated that this order limits SC status to those professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism. Since Christianity is considered a "religiously neutral" or "egalitarian" faith by current legal standards, the convert ceases to be a "member of a Scheduled Caste" upon conversion.
• Trigger for the Act: For a person to invoke the Atrocities Act, they must legally belong to an SC or ST community at the time of the offense. The Court held that once the religious identity changes to one outside the 1950 Order, the statutory protection of the 1989 Act no longer applies.
• Distinction from ST Status: The Court clarified that Scheduled Tribes (ST) are "religion-neutral."
• An ST individual retains their status and protection under the Act regardless of conversion, unlike their SC counterparts.

This ruling underscores the rigid link between the 1950 Presidential Order and the applicability of protective criminal laws, sparking renewed debate over the "Scheduled Caste" definition.

OPERATION URJA SURAKSHA

Operation Urja Suraksha was launched by the Indian Navy on March 15, 2026, as a direct response to the escalating maritime threats in the West Asia region. Triggered by the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, the operation aims to secure India’s energy lifelines passing through the volatile Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

With over 80% of India’s LPG and a significant portion of its crude oil imports transiting this corridor, the blockade and mining of the Strait posed an existential threat to India’s energy security.

Under this mission, the Indian Navy deployed stealth destroyers and frigates (including INS Kolkata and INS Trikand) to provide "point-to-point" escort for Indian-flagged oil tankers and gas carriers.

Beyond physical protection, the operation integrates aerial surveillance via P-8I Poseidon aircraft and coordination with the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).

Protection of Critical Infrastructure: The operation focuses on the multi-layered security of nuclear power plants, petroleum refineries, and major hydroelectric dams using a dedicated wing of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

This ensures real-time monitoring of "dark shipping" and potential drone threats, maintaining the steady flow of fuel to Indian ports despite the regional war.

FIRST INDIAN TO EXERCISE THE "RIGHT TO DIE WITH DIGNITY

On March 11, 2026, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment in Harish Rana v. Union of India, marking the first time the judiciary practically applied the passive euthanasia framework established in the Common Cause (2018/2023) cases.

The Case: Harish Rana

Harish Rana was a 32-year-old engineering student who had been in a Persistent Vegetative State (PVS) for 13 years following a tragic fall in 2013.

 His life was sustained solely through Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration (CANH)—specifically a PEG feeding tube(percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) i)—with no cognitive awareness or hope of recovery. His family, after a decade of emotional and financial exhaustion, moved the court to allow him to die with dignity.

Key Judicial Interventions

The Bench, led by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan, broke new legal ground with several critical observations:

1. Redefining Medical Care: The Court ruled that CANH (Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration (CANH), /feeding tubes) is a "medical treatment" rather than "basic nursing care." This classification was crucial because it allowed the withdrawal of tubes to be treated as stopping a futile medical intervention rather than an act of starvation.
2. The "Best Interests" Test: The Court moved away from purely biological preservation, stating that when a treatment only prolongs an undignified existence without therapeutic benefit, it is in the patient’s "best interest" to let nature take its course.
3. Procedural Waiver: Recognizing the family’s long struggle, the Court waived the mandatory 30-day "reconsideration period," directing his immediate transfer to the Palliative Care unit at AIIMS, New Delhi.

Significance

This ruling transitioned passive euthanasia from a theoretical constitutional right under Article 21 into a functional clinical protocol.

 It provided legal immunity to doctors and established that "terminal illness" is not a prerequisite for withdrawing life support; irreversible PVS is sufficient grounds.

 Harish Rana passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, becoming the first Indian to exercise the "Right to Die with Dignity" through a court-approved withdrawal of life support.

DISCONTINUE OF THE FORTIFICATION OF RICE-

In a significant policy recalibration announced on February 27, 2026, the Union government decided to temporarily discontinue the fortification of rice distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other allied welfare schemes.

Fortification of Rice means?

Fortified rice is regular rice enhanced with essential micronutrients (iron, folic acid, vitamin B12) to combat malnutrition

Reasons for Suspension

The decision followed an evidence-based review, including a study by IIT Kharagpur, which evaluated the stability of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) under real-world conditions:

• Nutrient Degradation:

The study found that factors like moisture, temperature, relative humidity, and packaging material significantly impact the stability of added micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12).

• Storage Logistics:

Rice in the central pool is often stored for two to three years before distribution. Prolonged storage and routine handling led to micronutrient loss, reducing the effective shelf life and nutritional outcomes.

Key Clarifications-

• Entitlements Unchanged: The suspension does not reduce the quantity of food grains provided to beneficiaries under the PDS, ICDS, or the Mid-Day Meal scheme.

• Transitional Flexibility: States and Union Territories have been granted the flexibility to supply either fortified or non-fortified rice for the current Kharif Marketing Season (2025–26) based on logistical feasibility.

The government aims to resume nutrient intervention only after developing a more robust and effective delivery mechanism.

E20 (20% ethanol-blended petrol)

The Indian government has mandated the nationwide sale of E20 (20% ethanol-blended petrol) effective April 1, 2026. This policy, formalised in a February 17, 2026 notification, elevates E20 to the standard fuel grade across all states and Union Territories.

Key Highlights

Fuel Standard:

 All E20 petrol must meet a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95. This higher octane rating is designed to prevent "engine knocking" and improve performance in modern high-compression engines.

Economic Impact:

Since 2014, ethanol blending has saved India over ₹1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange and replaced approximately 245 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil imports.

Agricultural Boost:

The mandate supports farmers as "Urjadaatas" by creating a stable market for sugarcane and maize, with estimated payments to farmers reaching ₹40,000 crore this year alone.

Environmental Gains:

 E20 reduces tailpipe carbon emissions by roughly 30% compared to E10 fuel.

Vehicle Compatibility

Modern Vehicles:

 Most cars and two-wheelers manufactured between 2023 and 2025 are already E20-compliant.

Older Models:

 Pre-2023 vehicles may experience a modest 3–7% drop in fuel efficiency and potential wear on non-compatible rubber or plastic engine components.

 NCERT Textbook Controversy:

The NCERT textbook controversy involving the 2026 Class 8 Social Science curriculum has become a major national issue. Here is a concise breakdown of the situation:

The Core Issue

The Content:

 The controversy centers on a new chapter in the Class 8 textbook, Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Vol II), titled "The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society."

Controversial Claims:

The text included a section on "Corruption in the Judiciary," alleging that people experience corruption at various levels and citing over 1,600 complaints received via grievance systems between 2017–2021.

Lopsided Narrative:

The Supreme Court noted that while the book detailed judicial backlogs and corruption, it entirely omitted the judiciary’s role in protecting fundamental rights and constitutional morality.

Legal & Government Response

Supreme Court Intervention:

 A Bench led by CJI Surya Kant took suo motu cognizance, calling the content a "deep-rooted conspiracy" to defame the institution and mislead "impressionable minds."

Blanket Ban:

On February 26, 2026, the Court imposed a complete ban on the book's distribution, reprinting, and digital dissemination.

Seizure Orders:

Authorities were ordered to seize all physical and digital copies immediately. Of the 2.25 lakh copies printed, only 38 had been sold before the recall.

Accountability:

The Court issued show-cause notices for contempt to the NCERT Director and the School Education Secretary, stating "heads must roll" for the oversight.

Current Status

Apology:

The Union Government and NCERT have tendered an unconditional apology, attributing the inclusion to an "error of judgment."

Correction:

The authors responsible have been barred from future ministry work, and the chapter is being entirely rewritten for the next session.

The AI Impact Summit

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, concluded on February 19 as the first major global AI gathering hosted by the Global South.

The "Delhi Declaration":

World leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UN Chief António Guterres, adopted a framework emphasizing "Human-Centric AI."

 Guterres warned that AI must not be left to the "whims of a few billionaires," calling for open access to prevent a new digital divide.

India’s Sovereign Strategy:

 PM Modi unveiled the "MANAV" framework-

M – Moral and Ethical Systems: means AI must be built on ethical guidelines.

A – Accountable Governance: means Transparent rules and robust oversight.

N – National Sovereignty: means Data belongs to those who generate it.

Seven Chakras (Pillars):

1. Human Capital Development: Focuses on AI skill development, reskilling, and workforce transformation, leveraging India's high AI talent growth rate.
2. Inclusion for Social Empowerment: Ensures AI systems are accessible, prevent bias, and serve diverse communities and marginalized groups, utilizing platforms like BHASHINI (supporting 36+ languages).
3. Safe and Trusted AI: Addresses ethics, transparency, and accountability, including setting up the IndiaAI Safety Institute for risk management.
4. Resilience, Innovation, and Efficiency: Promotes sustainable, energy-efficient AI systems and infrastructure to mitigate environmental impact, with a goal to scale data capacity to 9.2 GW by 2030.
5. Science: Accelerates AI-driven scientific research and innovation, focusing on areas like health, climate, and agriculture to bridge the Global North-South research gap.
6. Democratizing AI Resources: Aims for equitable access to computational power, datasets, and models, reducing reliance on Big Tech through initiatives like IndiaAI Kosh.
7. AI for Economic Growth and Social Good: Leverages AI for tangible, measurable outcomes in key sectors like agriculture (increasing productivity by 30-50%) and healthcare, aligning with the "Sarvajan Hitaay, Sarvajan Sukhaay" (Welfare for All) vision.

India highlighted its $1.25 billion (₹10,372 crore) India AI Mission, which has already onboarded 38,000 GPUs to support startups and 12 indigenous foundation models.

Investment Surge:

 IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw estimated that the summit facilitated nearly $100 billion in new investment pledges toward India’s tech ecosystem.

Diplomatic Outcomes:

The summit marked the launch of the India-France "Year of Innovation" 2026. France praised India's digital public infrastructure (DPI) as a "civilisational force."

Structural shifts- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the official CSE 2026 Notification on February 4, 2026. This year brings several "structural" shifts—especially regarding who can take the exam and how they apply—rather than just changes to the syllabus.

Here are the key changes and highlights you need to know:

1. Stricter "Re-appearance" Rules

The most significant changes target candidates who are already in service.

IAS & IFS Officers Barred:

 If you are already appointed to the IAS or IFS and continue to be a member of that service, you are not eligible to appear in CSE 2026. This restriction applies even if you clear the Prelims but get appointed before the Mains.

IPS "No-Repeat" Rule:

 Candidates already in the IPS can appear again, but they are not allowed to opt for the IPS again. This is designed to prevent "seat blocking."

One-Time Improvement Chance:

Candidates allocated to IPS or Group 'A' services in 2026 get a one-time exemption to appear in CSE 2027. If they want to try again in 2028 or beyond, they must resign from their service first.

Digital & Security Enhancements

To curb impersonation and streamline the process, UPSC has modernized the application:

Live Photograph Requirement:

 While filling out the Common Application Form (CAF), you must now capture a live photo in addition to uploading a standard one.

Mandatory Face Authentication:

All candidates will undergo AI-enabled facial recognition and Aadhaar-linked authentication at the exam centers.

No Application Withdrawal:

Once you submit your application, you cannot withdraw it. Make sure you are certain before hitting submit.

Administrative Updates

Prabitha Setu Portal: The "Public Disclosure Scheme" (which shares scores of non-recommended candidates with other employers) has been renamed and updated as the Prabitha Setu Portal.

New Cadre Allocation Policy:

 A new grouping system has been introduced, replacing old geographical zones with four state groups and a "25-rank rotation cycle" to balance officer distribution across India.

The 4-Group System (Replacing Zones)-

Previously, states were divided into five geographical zones (e.g., North, South, East).

Now, all 25 state and joint cadres are arranged alphabetically and divided into four groups. This forces a mix of different regions into the same group.

@ Four Stars of Destiny

General M.M. Naravane was the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of India. The controversy surrounds his unpublished memoir, titled Four Stars of Destiny, which became a major political flashpoint in the Indian Parliament on February 2–4, 2026.

The Core Controversy

The memoir, originally slated for release in early 2024, has been stuck in a "review limbo" by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for over a year.

The controversy ignited when Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote leaked excerpts from the book during the Lok Sabha session.

Key sensitive issues revealed in the leaks:

The Agnipath Scheme:

 Naravane reportedly writes that the Agnipath recruitment model was a "bolt out of the blue"( a sudden and unexpected event or piece of news.) for the Navy and Air Force.

He suggests his original proposal was for a limited "Tour of Duty" (10% recruitment), which the PMO expanded into the 100% contractual Agnipath scheme against military preference.

In the context of General Naravane’s proposal and military recruitment, Tour of Duty (ToD) refers to a concept where civilians are allowed to serve in the armed forces for a short, fixed period—typically three years—rather than committing to a full 15-to-20-year career.

The 2020 Galwan/Ladakh Standoff:

 Excerpts describe a tense night on August 31, 2020, when Chinese tanks moved toward Indian positions at Rechin La. Naravane claims he was told, "Jo ucchit samjho woh karo" (Do what you deem appropriate), which the opposition interpreted as a "vacuum of leadership" at the political level during a crisis.

National Security vs. Free Speech:

The government argues that quoting from an unpublished, unverified manuscript risks national security and violates Rule 349 of the Lok Sabha, which forbids reading from books or magazines not related to House business.

Current Status

The Book: It is not officially banned but remains "under review" for classified information.

General Naravane’s Stance: He has maintained that his job was to write the book and it is now between the publisher (Penguin) and the MoD to resolve the clearance.

Parliamentary Impact: The discussion led to multiple adjournments in February 2026, as the government maintains that the "facts" in the leaked version are incorrect and lack authentication

Digital Governance: The 'Udai' Aadhaar Mascot

In January 2026, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched "Udai," the official mascot for Aadhaar, to humanize and simplify the world’s largest biometric ID system.

Purpose and Impact

Accessible Communication: 

Designed to be a "resident-facing companion," Udai simplifies complex technical processes like offline verification, biometric locking, and selective data sharing for a billion-plus users.

Participatory Governance:

 The mascot was born from a nationwide contest on the MyGov platform, receiving 875 entries.

 The design winner, Arun Gokul (Kerala), and the naming winner, Riya Jain (Bhopal), reflect a move toward citizen-led branding.

Strategic Goal: By personifying Aadhaar, UIDAI aims to bridge the digital literacy gap—especially in rural areas—and build trust as the platform integrates further into essential services like UPI and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

C-295 military transport aircraft

In January 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that the first "Made in India" C-295 military transport aircraft is on track to roll out from the Vadodara facility before September 2026.

 This milestone is a centerpiece of the ₹21,935 crore deal between the Ministry of Defence, Airbus, and Tata Advanced Systems.

Why it is called C-295:

## The Alphanumeric Breakdown

• C (CASA): Stands for the original manufacturer, CASA of Spain (now part of Airbus Defence and Space).
• 2 (Engines): Denotes that the aircraft is powered by two engines (specifically Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprops).
• 95 (Payload): Represents the aircraft's initial design target for its maximum payload: 9.5 tonnes.

Project Overview & Status

Production Split:

Of the 56 aircraft ordered to replace the ageing Avro-748 fleet, 16 are delivered in "fly-away" condition from Spain (all expected by August 2025), while 40 units are being manufactured entirely in India.

Manufacturing Hub:

 The Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, inaugurated in October 2024, serves as the Final Assembly Line (FAL). It is the first private-sector military aircraft assembly line in India.

Indigenization:

The project involves over 13,000 detailed parts manufactured across Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Bengaluru, with indigenous content reaching up to 78% in later units.

Strategic Impact:

 The program has created a robust aerospace ecosystem involving 37 Indian suppliers, generating approximately 10,000 jobs.

Once the IAF order is complete by 2031, the facility is expected to become an export hub for the C-295

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India on January 19, 2026, marked a historic turning point in the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit, characterized by high-level personal chemistry between PM Modi and the UAE President, resulted in 12 major pacts.

Key Highlights of the Visit

Trade Ambition:

The leaders set a bold new target to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, leveraging the existing CEPA(Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)) and new initiatives like "Bharat Mart" in Dubai to support Indian MSMEs.

Bharat Mart is a massive upcoming trade hub in Dubai, often described as India’s answer to China's "Dragon Mart." It is a joint initiative between India and the UAE,

Dholera Investment:

A landmark Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed for the development of the Dholera Special Investment Region in Gujarat. UAE investments will fund a new international airport, a greenfield port, and a smart urban township.

Strategic Defense Partnership:

India and the UAE signed an LoI to establish a formal Strategic Defence Partnership Framework, focusing on defense industrial collaboration, cyber security, and joint production.

Energy Security:

A binding 10-year agreement was finalized between HPCL and ADNOC Gas for the supply of 0.5 million tonnes of LNG annually to India, starting in 2028.

Technological Leap:

Both nations agreed to establish a supercomputing cluster in India and explored the concept of "Digital Embassies" to ensure data sovereignty.

Digital Embassies (often referred to as Data Embassies or Info Embassies) are secure, offshore data centers located in a foreign country that store a nation’s critical data, including population registers, financial systems, and essential government databases. 

Civil Nuclear Cooperation:

 Following India's new SHANTI Act, the two sides agreed to collaborate on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies.

A small modular reactor (SMR) is a type of nuclear fission reactor with a rated electrical power of 300 MWe or less.

GIFT City Presence:

 Major UAE entities, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and DP World((a global logistics leader)), announced the opening of offices in Gujarat’s GIFT City to facilitate global trade and ship leasing.

India signed a $3 billion deal to buy liquefied natural gas from the United Arab Emirates,

 January 19, 2026, India’s Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and the UAE’s ADNOC Gas signed a significant 10-year Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) agreement valued at approximately $3 billion. Under this deal, ADNOC will supply 0.5 million metric tonnes of LNG annually starting in 2028.

Pros

Energy Security:

The deal provides a stable, long-term supply of clean energy, helping India meet its goal of increasing the share of natural gas in its energy mix.

Strategic Diversification:

 By strengthening ties with the UAE—India's second-largest LNG supplier—New Delhi reduces over-reliance on any single source.( Qatar remains India's largest supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas)

Economic Integration:

This pact is part of a broader vision to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032 and deepens the strategic partnership involving defense and space.

Cons

Price Volatility:

While the volume is fixed, long-term contracts can sometimes lock in prices that may become unfavorable if global spot prices drop significantly.

Geopolitical Sensitivity:

Deepening energy and defense ties with the UAE requires careful diplomatic balancing, given the shifting alliances and rivalries within West Asia.