UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2026

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2026 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

 

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents

GS Paper 2/3 :

1. BRICS and Scientific Collaboration

 GS Paper 3:

2. Blur Over India’s Carbon Credit Plan: CCUS vs Carbon Farming Debate

 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Steps Taken to Curb Adulteration in Food Items

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Coconut Promotion Scheme

2. Appropriation Bill 2026

3. Economic Stabilisation Fund

4. Honeybee Attacks

5. High Cholesterol Helps Cancer Spread

 Mapping:

1. Port of Fujairah

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2026

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GS Paper 2/3 :

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BRICS and Scientific Collaboration

Source:  TH

Subject:  Multilateral Institution/Science and Technology

Context: Under India’s 2026 Presidency, the BRICS grouping is set to deepen its scientific partnerships under the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’.

• This follows the 17th annual summit in Rio de Janeiro, where members aimed to leverage expanded membership to address global digital divides and climate resilience.

About BRICS and Scientific Collaboration:

What it is?

• Scientific collaboration within BRICS is a strategic pillar aimed at establishing a multipolar world system by pooling the research and technological capacities of member states.
• It has evolved from a focus on basic, fundamental sciences toward innovation-driven ecosystems and technology transfers intended to reduce the Global South’s dependency on Western hegemony.

Initiatives Taken So Far:

• Strategic Frameworks: A 2015 Memorandum of Understanding established Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) as a core pillar, providing an institutional framework for joint research.
• Action Plans: The first BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-2020) launched programs focused on entrepreneurship networks and the role of women and youth in STI.
• Institutional Centers: The establishment of the BRICS Technology Transfer Centre (TTC) and the iBRICS initiative has created policy links for cross-border technology commercialization.
• Sectoral Agreements: Significant progress includes the 2021 intergovernmental agreement on space cooperation and the establishment of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks for ICT.

Need for Collaboration on Science and Tech in BRICS:

• Addressing Social Challenges: Collaboration is essential to tackle shared development issues in areas like energy, water, and health.

Example: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated joint efforts in vaccine research, biosecurity, and digital health.

• Reducing Technological Dependency: Member nations seek to build shared capacities to move away from Western technological reliance.

Example: The 2022 launch of BRICS+ signaled a move toward inclusive political and technical cooperation across the Global South.

• Economic Governance: STI cooperation allows members to coordinate strategies and influence global development finance.

Example: Members use the platform to amplify their collective voice in institutions like the New Development Bank.

• Governance of Emerging Tech: There is a critical need to establish equitable and development-oriented norms for new technologies.

Example: The 2025 Declaration on AI elevated artificial intelligence to a central pillar of multilateral governance.

• Countering Geopolitical Pressures: Joint STI efforts help members navigate global tensions, sanctions, and export controls.

Example: BRICS assumes a critical role in providing an alternative STI landscape amidst rising techno-nationalism.

Challenges Associated:

• Uneven Participation: The expansion to BRICS+ has highlighted disparities in how actively new members engage in joint calls.

Example: Of the most recent additions, only Egypt and Iran joined the call for proposals issued last December.

• Innovation Gaps: Most BRICS nations lag significantly behind global leaders in research expenditure and innovation indicators.

Example: Excluding China, the gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) is relatively lower across the group compared to nations like South Korea.

• Heterogeneity of Interests: Differences in economic development and scientific capacity make it difficult to align the interests of all members.

Example: Experts suggest BRICS+ may have to focus on paired links between specific members rather than group-wide projects.

• Infrastructure and Resource Limits: High-cost areas of research have seen much slower progress due to a lack of shared heavy infrastructure.

Example: Exploratory fields like mega-science projects and ocean or polar research have developed at a slower pace than ICT.

• Institutional Instability: The lack of a permanent managing body hinders long-term scientific planning and monitoring.

Example: The current system relies on a rotating leadership that changes annually with the presidency, which is not ideal for multi-year projects.

Way Ahead:

• Permanent Mechanism: Establish a central Secretariat, modeled after the EU’s Horizon Program, to manage funds and monitor long-term project outcomes.
• Mega-Science Projects: Develop large-scale, long-term scientific initiatives to foster deeper institutional cooperation among members.
• Inclusive Capacity Building: Focus the next decade on assessing and strengthening the National Innovation Systems (NIS) of newer BRICS+ members.
• Governance Research: Expand the framework beyond technical funding to include research into the impact and governance of emerging technologies.
• Scaling Impact: Shift from small-scale networking toward scaling projects in biotechnology, climate tech, and industrial innovation for direct societal relevance.

Conclusion:

While BRICS has successfully transitioned from basic science to socially relevant innovation, the current rotating framework must evolve to meet future long-term needs. India’s 2026 Presidency offers a pivotal opportunity to establish a more agile, permanent mechanism that can bridge the innovation gap within the expanded BRICS+ membership.

 

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2026 – GS Paper 3:

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Blur Over India’s Carbon Credit Plan: CCUS vs Carbon Farming Debate

Source:  TH

Subject:  Environment

Context: Union Budget 2026 announced a ₹20,000 crore carbon credit program based on the DST’s CCUS roadmap.

• This has created confusion between its focus on industrial decarbonisation and the parallel narrative of farmer income through soil-based carbon credits.

About  Blur Over India’s Carbon Credit Plan: CCUS vs Carbon Farming Debate:

What CCUS Targets?

• The Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) initiative specifically targets hard-to-abate industries where emissions are concentrated and technically difficult to eliminate through renewable energy The primary sectors identified for the large-scale deployment of these technologies include:
• Power and Refineries.
• Steel and Cement.
• Chemicals.

Why Agriculture is Not Included in CCUS?

• Diffuse Emission Sources: Unlike industrial point-source emissions from factory flues, agricultural emissions are spread across vast landscapes.
• Biological Mediation: Emissions in agriculture (primarily methane and nitrous oxide) are biologically mediated, making them unsuitable for mechanical capture technology.
• Technological Mismatch: CCUS is defined by capturing CO2 from concentrated gas streams, whereas agricultural solutions focus on drawing down existing atmospheric CO2.
• Strategic Distinction: The DST roadmap draws a clear line between preventing new industrial emissions (CCUS) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) through nature-based solutions like soil sequestration.

Key Opportunities:

• Industrial Decarbonization: CCUS provides a critical pillar for cleaning up sectors responsible for a quarter of India’s emissions.

Example: The ₹20,000 crore investment aims to capture CO2 from factories and either use it industrially or store it underground.

• New Rural Income Streams: Creating a trusted domestic carbon market for agriculture could unlock significant economic benefits for farmers.

Example: Farmers can earn credits by adopting regenerative practices that turn farms into climate solutions.

• Enhanced Soil Carbon Sequestration: India’s vast agricultural lands hold immense potential to act as a carbon sink.

Example: Practices such as agroforestry and biochar application can effectively draw down atmospheric CO2.

• Growth of Voluntary Carbon Markets: There is a rising global and domestic demand for nature-based carbon credits.

Example: Private sector initiatives are already piloting models that compensate farmers for enhancing soil organic carbon.

• Climate Resilient Farming: Transitioning to carbon-friendly practices aligns with long-term goals for soil health.

Example: The Agriculture Ministry has been exploring climate-resilient farming as a logical next step to traditional soil management.

Challenges Associated:

• Communication Gaps: The use of the familiar term carbon credit in the Budget has blurred the lines between distinct industrial and agricultural concepts.

Example: Conflicting reports have led the public to expect a funded farmer scheme from an outlay actually earmarked for heavy industry.

• High Implementation Costs: CCUS is a tech-heavy and expensive initiative that requires massive capital investment.

Example: The government has bet ₹20,000 crore over five years just to begin large-scale industrial deployment.

• Monitoring and Verification: Agricultural emissions are difficult to measure accurately compared to concentrated industrial sources.

Example: The soil narrative requires a robust institutional framework to be credible, which is currently distinct from the industrial roadmap.

• Policy Conflation: Existing frameworks do not clearly demarcate between preventing new emissions and removing existing atmospheric CO2.

Example: Critics argue that a structured carbon farming program would need entirely separate funding and policy from the CCUS initiative.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: There is a risk of public disappointment if farmers realize the current Budget outlay does not directly fund their carbon projects.

Example: The government must now work to clarify that the ₹20,000 crore is a bet on industrial decarbonization specifically.

Way Ahead:

• Clear Policy Demarcation: The government must explicitly separate smokestack (industrial) and soil (agricultural) initiatives to manage public and investor expectations.
• Dedicated Carbon Farming Framework: Develop a separate, well-funded policy and institutional framework specifically for agricultural carbon sequestration.
• Strengthen Communication: Close the communication gap by using precise terminology that distinguishes between CCUS technologies and voluntary carbon markets.
• Scale Industrial Deployment: Ensure the successful execution of the DST roadmap for hard-to-abate sectors to meet national net-zero goals.
• Promote Multi-Sectoral Ambition: Advance both industrial and agricultural fronts with equal vigor to forge a comprehensive and sustainable climate strategy.

Conclusion:

India’s climate strategy currently stands at a crossroads, balancing a heavy financial bet on industrial CCUS with a growing demand for nature-based carbon markets. While the ₹20,000 crore Budget outlay is strictly industrial, the intense interest in carbon farming signals a massive opportunity for a parallel agricultural policy.

 

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2026 – Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

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Steps Taken to Curb Adulteration in Food Items

Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reported large-scale action against food adulteration, with over 5.18 lakh samples tested in the last three years.

About Steps Taken to Curb Adulteration in Food Items:

What it is?

• Food adulteration refers to the degradation of food quality by adding harmful or inferior substances. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI regulates standards and enforcement to ensure safe food for consumers.

Steps Taken:

• Risk Based Inspection System (RBIS): Inspections are prioritized based on risk level of food businesses, ensuring stricter monitoring of high-risk categories.
• Large-scale Sampling & Testing: Over 5.18 lakh samples analyzed (2022–25) to detect adulteration across products like milk, spices, and oils.
• Penalties & Convictions: Enforcement actions include 88,192 penalties, 3,614 convictions, and cancellation of 1,161 licenses.
• Food Safety on Wheels (FSW): 305 mobile testing labs deployed across 35 States/UTs for instant, on-site adulteration checks.
• Surveillance & Random Inspections: Regular drives, audits, and surprise sampling conducted throughout the year.
• Consumer Awareness Initiatives: Programs like Eat Right Campus and Eat Right School promote safe food habits.

Relevance in UPSC Exam:

• GS Paper II (Governance):
  • Highlights the role of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in regulating food standards and showcases Centre–State coordination in enforcement under the Food Safety Act.
• GS Paper III (Economy & Agriculture):
  • Connects to food processing regulation, prevention of adulteration in supply chains, and ensuring quality standards for domestic consumption and exports.
• GS Paper IV (Ethics):
  • Emphasizes ethical responsibilities of businesses to ensure safe food and the duty of authorities to protect public health and consumer rights.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2026 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

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Coconut Promotion Scheme

Source:  PIB

Subject:  Government Schemes

Context: The Government of India highlighted India’s position as the largest global coconut producer (30.37%).

• Simultaneously, the Coconut Promotion Scheme announced in Union Budget 2026–27 is currently under formulation to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

About Coconut Promotion Scheme:

What it is?

• A central sector initiative aimed at enhancing coconut productivity, quality, and value addition across major coconut-growing regions.

Announced in:

• Union Budget 2026–27, under a broader ₹350 crore allocation for high-value crops (coconut, cashew, cocoa).

Aim:

• To increase production and productivity while improving farmers’ income and global competitiveness.

Key Features:

• Replantation & Rejuvenation: Replacement of old, senile, and low-yielding coconut trees with high-yielding varieties.
• Improved Varieties: Promotion of disease-resistant and climate-resilient coconut cultivars.
• Productivity Enhancement: Focus on better agronomic practices, irrigation, and nutrient management.
• Value Addition: Encouragement for processing, branding, and export of coconut-based products.
• Farmer Support: Strengthening livelihoods of coconut farmers through targeted interventions.
• Scheme Status: Currently under formulation; State/UT-wise fund allocation yet to be finalized.

India and coconut production stats:

 

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Appropriation Bill 2026

Source:  News on Air

Subject:  Polity

Context: Parliament has passed the Appropriation Bill 2026, with the Rajya Sabha returning it to the Lok Sabha after a discussion where Finance Minister defended the government’s budgeting as transparent and realistic.

About Appropriation Bill 2026:

What it is?

• An Appropriation Bill is a specialized piece of legislation that authorizes the government to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI) to meet its expenditures for a specific financial year.
• Without the passage of this Bill, the government cannot legally spend a single rupee from the CFI, even if the Budget has been presented.

Constitutional Article Associated:

• Article 114: This article mandates that no money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India except under appropriation made by law.
• Article 115 & 116: Related to Supplementary, Additional, or Excess grants and Votes on Account, respectively, which may also require subsequent Appropriation Bills.

Budgetary Process:

• Presentation: The Finance Minister presents the Annual Financial Statement (Budget).
• Discussion: General discussion takes place in both Houses.
• Voting on Demands for Grants: The Lok Sabha votes on the specific expenditure requests of various ministries.
• Introduction of the Bill: Once the Demands for Grants are voted upon, the Appropriation Bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha.
• Passage: After being passed by the Lok Sabha, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha. Since it is treated as a Money Bill, the Rajya Sabha has limited powers and must return it within 14 days.
• Presidential Assent: Once passed by both Houses (or returned by the Rajya Sabha), it receives the President’s assent to become an Act.

Features of the Appropriation Bill:

• Scope: It includes both voted expenditures (voted on by Lok Sabha) and charged expenditures (which are not voted upon, such as salaries of the President and Judges).
• Amendments: No amendment can be proposed to the Bill in either House of Parliament which would have the effect of varying the amount or altering the destination of any grant already voted upon.
• Classification: It is classified as a Money Bill under Article 110, meaning the Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend it; it can only make recommendations.

Significance:

• It ensures that the executive remains accountable to the legislature regarding how public money is spent.
• It provides the legal mandate for the government to execute its schemes and services, such as the Economic Stabilisation Fund mentioned in the recent session.

 

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Economic Stabilisation Fund

Source:  ANI

Subject:  Economy

Context: Finance Minister has announced an allocation of ₹57,381 crore for a new Economic Stabilisation Fund to help India navigate global headwinds, such as the West Asia conflict and supply chain disruptions.

About Economic Stabilisation Fund:

What it is?

• The Economic Stabilisation Fund is a specialized fiscal mechanism designed to provide the Central Government with the necessary headroom to respond to unanticipated global and domestic economic shocks.
• It acts as a financial buffer to absorb the impact of volatile external factors without derailing the national budget.

Launched by: The fund was introduced by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

Aim: The primary goal of the fund is to protect the Indian economy from global headwinds, including oil price shocks (such as the $100-per-barrel surge), energy shortages, and sudden supply chain disruptions arising from international conflicts.

How it Works?

• The government allocates specific sums (currently ₹57,381 crore) through Supplementary Demands for Grants.
• These funds are then utilized to offset extra expenditures caused by external crises.
• Crucially, the government manages these extra allocations alongside additional receipts to ensure that the overall fiscal deficit target (set at 4% of GDP for 2025-26) remains unaffected.

Key Features:

• Fiscal Headroom: It provides the government with the flexibility to spend on emergency measures without immediate legislative delays during a crisis.
• Targeted Response: Specifically designed to address unanticipated supply chain disruptions and unexpected shocks to sub-sectors of the Indian economy.
• Deficit Neutrality: The Minister asserted that the expenditure from this fund would not lead to missing the Centre’s fiscal deficit targets.
• Macroeconomic Shield: It builds upon the post-COVID-19 recovery framework to strengthen the country’s ability to absorb diverse economic shocks.
• Large-Scale Allocation: The initial corpus is significant, forming a major part of the ₹2.01 lakh crore net additional cash spending approved by the Lok Sabha.

Significance:

• Enables India to maintain its growth momentum even when global markets are volatile due to West Asia conflicts or U.S.-Iran tensions.
• Provides a cushion against oil shocks, ensuring that domestic fuel prices and energy supplies can be stabilized.

 

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Honeybee Attacks

Source:  IE

Subject:  Species in News

Context: Rising incidents of honeybee attacks across India, including fatalities in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, have raised public safety concerns.

About Honeybee Attacks:

What it is?

• A honeybee attack is a defensive mobilization by a colony in response to a perceived threat or external disturbance. While bees do not usually attack on their own, they act like soldiers to protect their hive, pursuing targets at speeds of up to 35 km per hour over considerable distances.

Species Behind the Attack:

• The Apis dorsata, commonly known as the giant rock bee, is responsible for most major incidents.
• These bees build large, open-air nests in elevated locations such as cliff faces, fort ramparts, and tall trees, with a single colony housing approximately 60,000 bees.

The Science Behind the Bee Sting:

• Defense Mechanism: Bees sting only when they sense a threat to the hive; however, the act of stinging is fatal for the bee itself.
• Pheromone Signaling: When a bee stings or is swatted, it releases pheromones—an odor-based chemical signal—that alerts and attracts more bees from the colony to the target.
• Triggers: Aggression peaks during summer when hives are at maximum strength. Common triggers include loud noises, bright colors, drones, and strong odors from perfumes, scented lotions, or incense.

Dangers:

• Toxic Shock: While a single sting causes localized swelling, hundreds of simultaneous stings can cause toxic shock in healthy adults.
• Anaphylaxis: In allergic individuals, even a few stings can trigger a life-threatening reaction characterized by throat swelling, dropped blood pressure, and breathing difficulties.
• Vulnerability: Risks are significantly higher for children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.

Treatment and Response:

• Immediate Action: Run immediately toward an enclosed space like a vehicle or room. If escape isn’t possible, cover your face and vital organs with thick clothing.
• Stinger Removal: Once safe, scrape the stingers out sideways using a fingernail or a card edge; do not pinch or pull them, as this may release more venom.
• Medical Care: Apply ice to reduce swelling. Seek emergency medical help immediately if the victim shows signs of dizziness, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.

 

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High Cholesterol Helps Cancer Spread

Source:  TH

Subject:  Science and technology

Context: A recent study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health discovered that high cholesterol levels in the nuclear envelope make the cell nucleus squishy, facilitating the spread of melanoma.

About High Cholesterol Helps Cancer Spread:

What is happening?

• It stores DNA and directs all cell activities, like a command hub.
• The nucleus is surrounded by a delicate membrane acting like a flexible shell.
• Excess cholesterol makes this shell softer and more deformable (squishy).

How does this help cancer spread?

• Easier movement: Softer nucleus allows cancer cells to squeeze through tight tissue gaps easily.
• Weak outer layer: High cholesterol makes the nuclear membrane fragile and prone to damage.
• DNA damage: Tears in the membrane expose DNA, causing mutations that worsen cancer.

Role of LBR (Lamin B Receptor):

• LBR protein location: It sits in the nuclear membrane and connects DNA to the nucleus wall.
• Dual function: It helps both in DNA attachment and cholesterol production inside the cell.

In cancer cells:

• Excess LBR production: Cancer cells overproduce LBR, increasing cholesterol inside the nucleus.
• Structural impact: This makes the nucleus softer and weaker, aiding cancer spread.
• Clinical link: Higher LBR levels are associated with more aggressive and severe cancers.

What happens in such cancer cells?

• Rapid growth: Cells divide uncontrollably due to accumulated genetic changes.
• Survival advantage: They adapt better to low nutrients and stressful environments.
• Enhanced spread: Softer structure helps them invade nearby tissues and distant organs.
• Frequent damage: Fragile nuclei tear often, increasing mutation rates further.

Treatment & Future Possibilities

• Targeting LBR: Blocking LBR may reduce cholesterol buildup and slow metastasis.
• Lowering cholesterol: Reduced cholesterol strengthens the nucleus and limits invasiveness.
• Statins effect: Cholesterol-lowering drugs are linked with slower cancer progression.

 

Facts for Prelims – 18th March 2026 Current Affairs Video

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2026 Mapping:

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Port of Fujairah

Source:  DD News

Subject:  Mapping

Context: Recent missile/drone attacks on Fujairah port and the Shah gas field in the UAE have disrupted oil loading and gas operations.

About Port of Fujairah:

What it is?

• A major deep-water, multipurpose port and global oil storage/bunkering hub serving as a critical export outlet for UAE’s hydrocarbons.

Located in: Fujairah Emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the eastern coast.

Sea Open to:

• Directly opens into the Gulf of Oman / Arabian Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

History:

• Construction began in 1978; became operational in 1983 as part of UAE’s economic diversification strategy.
• Gradually expanded into one of the largest oil storage and bunkering hubs globally.

Key Features:

• Strategic Bypass Route: Linked to Abu Dhabi via ADCOP pipeline, enabling crude export without passing through Hormuz.
• Massive Storage Capacity: Oil storage expanded from 0.55 million cbm (1994) to ~18 million cbm.
• Bunkering Hub: Among the top 3 global bunkering hubs, serving international shipping.
• Advanced Infrastructure: Over 9.5 km quay length, modern terminals for crude, refined products, and container cargo.
• High Maritime Activity: Around 12,000 vessels annually; ~174 anchorage positions.
• Integrated Industrial Zone: Hosts Fujairah Oil Industrial Zone (FOIZ) and multiple global oil companies.

Significance:

• Provides UAE an alternative export route outside Hormuz choke point.
• Connects Middle East energy flows to Asia, Africa, and global markets.

 

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