UPSC current affairs · Thursday

Current Affairs, 12 March 2026

12 issues picked from 129 PIB releases · about 2 minutes each · written by UPSC Grade, each fact checked against its PIB release or by a second model

How to readRead “Why in news” and “What it is” for every issue. Open For Prelims or For Mains for the exam you’re preparing for, then Test yourself at the foot of each card. Half the news questions in Prelims are answered from background, not the news itself.

In 60 seconds

e-Courts Mission Mode Project. e-Courts Phase III has digitized 660 crore pages, upgraded CIS to 4.0 and added AI tools.
Rare Earth Elements in India. India has big rare earth resources but lacks mid-stream and downstream industry; government pushes magnets, recycling, exploration.
Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. RDI Scheme's fund managers TDB and BIRAC opened calls for private deep-tech R&D funding.
International Solar Alliance (ISA). ISA Foundation Day: 125 member and signatory countries, new green hydrogen start-up challenge announced.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and EEZ Fishing Rules 2025. 707 EEZ access passes issued; PMMSY funds deep-sea vessels and trains fishers.
Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, NALSA and Lok Adalat. Lok Adalats settled crores of cases in 2016-2025; awards are final and binding under LSA Act.
PM-DevINE (Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region). 48 PM-DevINE projects sanctioned worth ₹6,044 crore; only three completed by February 2026.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). Jal Shakti details SCADA-IoT irrigation modernisation under PMKSY, including 32 M-CADWM pilot clusters.
Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan. Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan has trained about 20 lakh tribal grassroots leaders through a cascading model.
Digital Bharat Nidhi (Universal Service Obligation Fund). Digital Bharat Nidhi has paid ₹2,229 crore for Odisha's rural mobile towers.
Bharat 6G Vision and Telecom Technology Development Fund. Government backs 6G R&D through Bharat 6G Vision, spectrum roadmap and TTDF-funded projects.
Project Elephant and Elephant-Train Collisions. MoEFCC and WII prioritise 77 railway stretches and 705 structures to curb elephant-train collisions.

Scheme

e-Courts Mission Mode Project

GS2 JudiciaryPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 March 2026, the Law Ministry told the Rajya Sabha that over 660.36 crore pages of court records are digitized and 2,444 eSewaKendras are set up under the e-Courts Mission Mode Project.
What it is: The e-Courts Mission Mode Project is a national plan to computerize the district and subordinate courts and bring digital services to litigants, lawyers and judges. It runs in phases under the eCommittee of the Supreme Court, with the Department of Justice funding it. Its tools include the Case Information System, the National Judicial Data Grid and eSewaKendras.

Phase I: Started in 2011 with an outlay of ₹935 crore. It built basic computer infrastructure in courts.
Phase II: Ran from 2015 to 2023 with ₹1,670 crore. It brought the CIS, NJDG and eSewaKendras.
Phase III: Covers 2023–2027 with a budget of ₹7,210 crore. It aims at digital and paperless courts.
Live streaming: Four more High Courts (Uttarakhand, Calcutta, Telangana, Meghalaya) now live stream, making 11 in all.
CIS 4.0: The Case Information System has been upgraded to version 4.0 for faster, more transparent case management.

Don’t confuse with e-Courts vs Centrally Sponsored Scheme for judicial infrastructure: e-Courts builds digital systems; the separate CSS for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary funds court buildings and housing.

Don’t confuse with CIS vs NJDG: CIS is the case management software used by courts; NJDG is the online repository of case data drawn from courts.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Test yourselfMains

Source: PIB, Ministry of Law & Justice, 12 Mar, 12:48 IST · Release 285709

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Economy

Rare Earth Elements in India

GS3 Minerals and strategic resourcesGS2 International relationsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 March 2026, the Department of Atomic Energy told the Rajya Sabha that India has large but low-grade rare earth resources, and listed steps taken to build the value chain, including a ₹7,280 crore magnet scheme.
What it is: Rare earth elements (REE) are 17 metals used in magnets, electronics, defence and clean energy. India's REE sit mostly in monazite beach sands, which also carry thorium and so are radioactive. Atomic minerals are regulated by the Department of Atomic Energy, and exploration is done by its Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD).

Resource size: India holds the world's third largest rare earth resources, per USGS (January 2025).
Magnet scheme: The scheme for sintered rare earth permanent magnets aims at 6,000 MTPA capacity, with an outlay of ₹7,280 crore: ₹6,450 crore sales-linked incentive for five years and ₹750 crore capital subsidy.
National Critical Mineral Mission: Cabinet approved NCMM on 29 January 2025 to secure critical mineral supply across the value chain.
KABIL: Khanij Bidesh India Limited is a joint venture company under the Ministry of Mines to acquire overseas mineral assets.
Value chain gap: India has facilities from mining to oxide refining, but lacks intermediate industrial facilities for alloy and magnets.

Don’t confuse with Light vs heavy REE: India's monazite is rich in light REE; heavy REE (in xenotime) occur only in small amounts.

Don’t confuse with REE resources vs production: India has large resources but limited production because mid-stream and downstream industries are missing.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Department of Atomic Energy, 12 Mar, 15:52 IST · Release 285734

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme

GS3 Science and technology policyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 March 2026, in a Rajya Sabha written reply, the Science Minister outlined how the RDI Scheme and other missions push private-sector research. TDB and BIRAC have opened their first calls for proposals.
What it is: The RDI Scheme funds private-sector research and innovation in sunrise and strategic areas, to help turn deep science into products. Money flows through a Rs 1 lakh crore fund (RDIF) to second-level fund managers such as the Technology Development Board. These managers lend or invest in eligible technology enterprises (ETEs).

Who runs it: RDIF is managed by an Independent Business Unit housed within ANRF, under the Department of Science and Technology.
Who gets the money: SLFMs channel capital to Eligible Technology Enterprises working at Technology Readiness Level 4 and above.
Launch: The Rs 1 lakh crore scheme was launched by the Prime Minister in November 2025.
Approval chain: Proposals went to the ANRF Executive Council and then to the EGoS for approval, after evaluation and an Expert Advisory Committee interaction.
Private matching: SLFMs are expected to mobilise private capital equal to the RDIF contribution.
Matching funds rule: TDB releases RDI money only against matching funds the ETE raises from non-government sources.
Call to reopen: The call is paused only for now and will reopen after all proposals received till 30 September are assessed.
Form of funding: The support is given as Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCD), a debt instrument that can convert to equity, not a grant.
Technology readiness target: The project aims to raise the technology from TRL-4 and above to TRL-8.
Priority area: The project fits the RDI Fund's priority area of advanced and reusable launch vehicles and propulsion innovation within Space Technologies.
Full-system reusability: The project moves beyond recovering only the first stage towards reusing the whole system, to cut costs and space debris.
Earlier Agnikul work: Agnikul developed the Agnilet engine, a single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine made in-house.
Form of support: The money is given as Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCD), not a grant.
SAR vs optical: SAR can operate regardless of daylight and can image through cloud cover. Optical imaging is affected by cloud and illumination.
Technology readiness: The funding is meant to take the technology from TRL-6 to TRL-9, that is, from a demonstrated prototype to a proven system in operation.
Intended uses: The satellite is meant for surveillance, human and vehicle detection and target classification, in varied weather and light.
Fund managers: TDB and BIRAC are the designated Second-Level Fund Managers. They issued calls on 4 and 13 February 2026.
Eligibility: Start-ups, companies and industry-led R&D projects developing technologies at TRL 4 and above in strategic and sunrise sectors can get funding.
Mode: The scheme works at national level through a competitive, proposal-based mechanism.
NM-ICPS: The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems has an outlay of Rs 3,660 crore and 25 Technology Innovation Hubs.
Fund size and period: BIRAC will deploy Rs 2,000 crore over up to five years, with scope for expansion.
Approval and launch: The RDI initiative was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025 and launched in November 2025 under ANRF, anchored by DST.
Technology readiness and instruments: The fund backs technologies from TRL-4 to TRL-9 through equity, convertible instruments and long-term debt.
Link to BioE3: The fund complements the BioE3 Policy and targets biopharma, bio-industrial manufacturing, bioenergy, blue economy and biocomputation.
Bioeconomy target: India's bioeconomy is put at 165.7 billion dollars in 2024, with targets of 300 billion dollars by 2030 and 1 trillion dollars by 2047.
Fund size: The RDI Fund is a Rs 1 lakh crore initiative to catalyse private sector-led research and innovation.
Roles of the first fund managers: TDB handles projects across all sunrise and strategic sectors. BIRAC oversees biotechnology and allied areas.
Initial allocation: TDB and BIRAC get Rs 2,000 crore each in the first quarter, so the initial allocation is Rs 4,000 crore.
Approval route: The Empowered Group of Secretaries approved the two managers on 12 January, in line with the decision of the ANRF Executive Council.

Don’t confuse with RDIF vs ANRF: ANRF is the statutory research body; RDIF is the Rs 1 lakh crore fund run by a business unit inside it.

Don’t confuse with SLFM vs ETE: SLFMs are intermediaries that receive RDIF money; ETEs are the firms that finally receive funding.

Don’t confuse with RDIF vs SLFM: RDIF is the main fund; second-level fund managers like TDB take money from it and pass it on to ETEs.

Don’t confuse with Allocation vs disbursement: Allocation is what the fund sets aside; disbursement depends on ETEs raising matching funds and sending demand notices.

Don’t confuse with RDI Fund vs TDB: The RDI Fund is the Rs 1 lakh crore pool. TDB is one of the second-level fund managers that deploys money from it to firms.

Don’t confuse with TRL-4 vs TRL-8: TRL is a 1-9 scale of technology maturity. TRL-4 is lab validation of components, while TRL-8 is a complete, qualified system.

Don’t confuse with SAR vs EO imaging: SAR is active microwave imaging that works at night and through cloud. EO imaging is usually passive, relies on sunlight and is blocked by cloud.

Don’t confuse with RDI Scheme vs NM-ICPS: RDI funds private-sector R&D via fund managers; NM-ICPS is a DST mission funding hubs in academic institutions.

Don’t confuse with TDB vs BIRAC: Both are RDI fund managers; BIRAC focuses on biotechnology, TDB on commercialising indigenous technology.

Don’t confuse with RDI Scheme vs ANRF: ANRF is the body under which the RDI initiative runs. The RDI Scheme is the funding programme for private-sector research.

Don’t confuse with BIRAC vs DBT: BIRAC is the industry-research support agency linked to the Department of Biotechnology. It is the fund manager here, not the department.

Don’t confuse with RDI Fund vs Fund of Funds for Startups: The RDI Fund finances technology enterprises in research and innovation through second-level managers. The Fund of Funds for Startups (SIDBI-run) invests in startups through venture funds.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Why it matters

Provides long-term patient capital for high-risk private R&D, addressing a financing gap.
Supports technological sovereignty and reduces dependence on imported technology.
Gives long-tenor, low-cost finance to private deep-tech research, where risk keeps lenders away.
Strong response (about 330 proposals) shows demand for deep-science funding.
Gives long-term finance to private space firms for risky, capital-heavy technology that ordinary lenders avoid.
Reusable launchers can lower launch costs and space debris, strengthening India's position in the space economy.
Builds indigenous, all-weather, high-resolution Earth-observation capability for surveillance and civil use.
Shows the RDI Fund helping private firms through the late-stage gap between development and deployment.
Raises private R&D, which is low in India relative to GDP.
Supports strategic self-reliance in deep-tech, AI, biotech and energy transition.
Gives patient capital to long-gestation, high-risk biotech research that private lenders often avoid.
Helps move lab research to industrial-scale products and supports the BioE3 push.
Raises low private-sector R&D spending by sharing the risk of high-risk, long-gestation research.
Helps turn laboratory research into products by linking labs, startups and industry.

Problems

Private R&D spending in India is low, and investors may be wary of high-risk, long-gestation projects.
Matching private capital must be mobilised, and fund managers must be selected and monitored well.
Limited evaluation capacity: only about 150 projects assessed in seven months, causing a call closure.
Disbursal is slowed by the time ETEs need to raise matching funds.
Reusable launch technology is technically hard, especially controlled descent and restart, and carries high failure risk.
Debt-type support must be repaid or converted, which pressures start-ups with no early revenue.
Moving from TRL-6 to TRL-9 is costly and risky, and needs long testing and validation.
Commercial viability and demand for the data are uncertain.
Private firms may hesitate to take risk on long-gestation, uncertain research.
Capacity of fund managers to evaluate many proposals and track outcomes.
Risk of low private co-investment and slow deployment in high-risk deep-tech.
Biotech scale-up needs advanced infrastructure and regulatory clarity.
Private firms may be slow to take up high-risk research, and projects past TRL-4 may leave out early-stage research.
Guidelines have needed revision after stakeholder queries, which suggests clarity and speed are concerns.

Way forward

Onboard more fund managers and track outcomes such as products commercialised.
Link funding to industry-academia partnerships and clear transparency norms.
Add more fund managers and evaluation capacity, as DST/ANRF plans to assign more SLFMs.
Communicate call closures clearly to avoid misreading and keep investor confidence.
Tie disbursement to technical milestones and independent testing, with IN-SPACe and ISRO facilities support.
Track outcomes of RDI-funded projects publicly to judge whether they move technology from lab to market.
Link such funded projects to government demand, such as defence and agriculture users, to help commercialisation.
Track outcomes of RDI-funded projects so that later funding can be targeted better.
Use outcome-based monitoring and third-party evaluation of funded projects.
Link industry, academia and start-ups through ANRF missions and hubs.
Speed up approvals and align the fund with BioE3 biomanufacturing hubs.
Track outcomes by technology readiness level and publish deployment data.
Keep the process transparent and simple, and revise guidelines on feedback.
Track measurable outcomes for industry and society.

Put in your answer

RDI Fund example: TDB-DST's ₹63.84 crore OCD support to GalaxEye shows how the RDI Fund backs private strategic-technology projects.

RDI Scheme: Rs 1 lakh crore over six years to incentivise private R&D in strategic sectors.

NM-ICPS: Rs 3,660 crore mission with 25 hubs backing deep-tech start-ups.

Bioeconomy growth: India's bioeconomy rose from 28 billion dollars in 2012 to 165.7 billion dollars in 2024, according to BIRAC's MD.

BIRAC ecosystem: BIRAC reports more than 100 bio-incubation centres and over 10 lakh square feet of incubation space.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 12

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.The RDI Fund is managed by an Independent Business Unit housed within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
2.The first cohort of Second Level Fund Managers consists only of Alternative Investment Funds.
3.Second Level Fund Managers under the RDI Fund channel capital to enterprises working at Technology Readiness Level 4 and above.
4.Second Level Fund Managers are expected to mobilise private capital equal to the RDIF contribution.
5.Proposals from prospective fund managers are finally approved by the Executive Council of ANRF, with no further approval needed.
6.The RDI Scheme was launched in November 2025.
7.The RDI Scheme has a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore spread over six years.
8.The Technology Development Board and BIRAC are the Second-Level Fund Managers under the RDI Scheme.
9.The RDI Scheme funds only technologies at the earliest research stage, below TRL 4.
10.Under the RDI Scheme, funds are allocated to states on a state-specific quota basis.
11.The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems has established 25 Technology Innovation Hubs in academic institutions.
12.The Anusandhan National Research Foundation runs state-specific programmes for each state, including Jharkhand.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Science & Technology, 12 Mar, 16:08 IST · Release 285743

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

International relations

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

GS2 International organisationsGS3 Renewable energyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 11 March 2026, ISA Foundation Day was marked in New Delhi. The Union Minister said ISA now has 125 Member and Signatory countries, and the ISA announced a Green Hydrogen and Storage Start-up Challenge 2026.
What it is: The International Solar Alliance is a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation to scale up solar energy, launched by India and France at COP21 in Paris in 2015. It focuses on sunshine-rich countries, especially in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Small Island Developing States. It provides technical guidance, policy support and a platform to mobilise finance.

Launch: India and France jointly launched ISA at COP21 in Paris in 2015.
Legal status: ISA is a treaty-based intergovernmental platform.
Presidency: India is the President of the ISA Assembly.
Headquarters: ISA is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Strategic pillars: Four pillars: Catalytic Finance Hub; Global Capability Centre and Digitisation; Regional and Country-level Engagement; Technology Roadmap and Policy.

Don’t confuse with ISA vs IRENA: ISA focuses on solar energy, is headquartered in Gurugram and is treaty-based. IRENA covers all renewables and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, 12 Mar, 11:28 IST · Release 285698

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and EEZ Fishing Rules 2025

GS3 Agriculture and fisheriesGS2 SchemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 March 2026, the Fisheries Ministry told the Rajya Sabha that 707 access passes had been issued by 5 March 2026 under the EEZ fishing rules notified on 4 November 2025, and listed deep-sea fishing support under PMMSY.
What it is: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is the flagship scheme of the Department of Fisheries for fisheries and aquaculture development. It runs from 2020-21 and funds harbours, cold chains, insurance and climate-resilient fishing villages.

Outlay and start: PMMSY began in 2020-21 with an outlay of Rs 20,750 crore.
Fish production: India's fish production reached 183.93 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, with inland fisheries giving 75.57 percent.
Kisan Credit Card for fishers: The KCC facility was extended to fishers and fish farmers in 2018-19 for working capital.
Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages: The CRCFV programme builds fisheries infrastructure and promotes seaweed cultivation, artificial reefs and green fuel. Turtle Excluder Devices are a PMMSY component.
Seafood exports: Seafood exports rose from Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 62,408 crore in 2024-25.
Potential yield of EEZ: An Expert Committee estimated India's EEZ potential yield at 53.1 lakh tons.
Training nodal agency: NFDB is the nodal agency for the PMMSY training component, working with CIFNET.
PMMSY start: PMMSY has been implemented from 2020-21 and includes support for acquiring deep-sea vessels for traditional fishermen.
EEZ extent: India's EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.
Legal basis: The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025 were notified on 4 November 2025 under the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, EEZ and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976.
How it is issued: The pass is free and issued online via the ReALCRaft portal, built by NIC and the Department of Fisheries.
Export link: ReALCRaft is integrated with MPEDA for catch certificates and with the Export Inspection Council for health certificates.
Sea safety: One lakh free transponders are being fitted on fishing vessels; over 50,000 are installed.
Access Pass: A completely online, free-of-cost pass for authorised Indian vessels to fish in the EEZ, launched at Veraval, Gujarat.
EEZ Rules 2025: The 'Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ, 2025' Rules were notified on 4 November 2025, in line with the Budget 2025-26 announcement.
Foreign vessels: The Rules strictly prohibit entry of foreign fishing vessels into the Indian EEZ.
Fishing Harbour Cluster: Veraval has been designated a 'Fishing Harbour Cluster' under PMMSY.
Duty-free catch: Fish catch by any Indian vessel in the EEZ/high seas is duty-free as per Budget 2026.
VCSS rollout: The National Rollout Plan for VCSS covers one lakh mechanized and motorized marine fishing vessels in all 13 coastal states and UTs, with an outlay of Rs 364 crore.
ISRO role: VCSS is implemented with technical support from ISRO.
What VCSS does: It is a satellite-based two-way communication system giving weather alerts, No Fishing Zone alerts and IMBL geo-fencing, and it integrates with the Nabhmitra App.
Progress: More than 49,000 transponders have been installed so far.
Banned methods in EEZ: Bull trawling, pair trawling and artificial or LED lights for fishing are prohibited in the Indian EEZ. Purse seine fishing is not prohibited in the EEZ beyond territorial waters, on an Expert Committee's recommendation.
Enforcement: States and UTs enforce fishing rules under their Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts, including seizure, penalties and prosecution.

Don’t confuse with PMMSY vs Blue Revolution: The Blue Revolution scheme preceded PMMSY, which is the current flagship scheme from 2020-21.

Don’t confuse with Blue Revolution vs PMMSY: Blue Revolution was the earlier Centrally Sponsored Scheme; PMMSY (from 2020-21) is the later flagship Central sector scheme.

Don’t confuse with EEZ vs territorial sea: Territorial sea reaches 12 nautical miles with full sovereignty; EEZ reaches 200 nautical miles with sovereign rights over resources.

Don’t confuse with Territorial waters vs EEZ: Territorial waters extend up to 12 nautical miles; the EEZ lies from 12 to 200 nautical miles, where India has sovereign rights over resources.

Don’t confuse with ReALCRaft vs Access Pass: ReALCRaft is the online registration and licensing portal; the Access Pass is the permit for EEZ fishing issued through it.

Don’t confuse with EEZ vs territorial waters: Territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles with full sovereignty; the EEZ extends to 200 nautical miles with sovereign rights over resources.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Why it matters

Supports livelihoods of over 2.8 crore fishers and fish farmers.
Raises exports and value addition through post-harvest and cold-chain infrastructure.
Access passes bring larger vessels into a regulated system, helping track and manage EEZ fishing.
Deep-sea support shifts traditional fishers toward under-used EEZ resources.
Taps under-used EEZ resources such as tuna, raising fishers' incomes and seafood exports.
Gives a legal and traceable framework that supports conservation and compliance with international obligations.
Routes access through cooperatives and FFPOs, so small fishers gain from deep-sea fishing.
Opens under-used deep-sea resources such as tuna and raises fisher incomes.
Digital passes improve traceability and protect the EEZ from foreign vessels.
Transponders improve safety of fishers at sea and help stop accidental crossing of the IMBL.

Problems

Approved central share (Rs 9,189.79 crore) is well below the full outlay, and funds released lag approvals in many states.
Inland output dominates, leaving marine fisheries and coastal communities exposed to climate risk.
Actual EEZ catch is small against the 53.1 lakh tonne potential yield, and vessel costs are high.
Traditional fishers need skills and capital for deep-sea operations.
Deep-sea vessels, skills and capital are costly for small fishers, who may be crowded out by large operators.
Monitoring and enforcement across a vast EEZ is hard, with risks of overfishing and maritime boundary incidents.
Small fishers lack deep-sea vessels, capital and skills.
Overfishing and monitoring of far-off vessels are difficult.
Enforcement lies with states and rules differ across territorial waters, so harmful methods persist.
Small fishers may find it hard to maintain and use the devices.

Way forward

Speed up release of funds and project completion.
Expand insurance and credit coverage and climate-resilient livelihoods for coastal fishers.
Expand training and subsidised finance for deep-sea vessels.
Enforce monitoring of access passes while protecting fish stocks.
Expand training through CIFNET and FSI and finance cooperative-owned deep-sea vessels, including under PMMSY.
Strengthen vessel tracking, stock assessment and catch limits to keep harvesting sustainable.
Organise fishers into cooperatives and FFPOs and support vessel upgrades.
Expand training, transponder tracking and sustainable catch limits.
Harmonise state Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts and coordinate Coast Guard and state patrols.
Use transponder data for monitoring and stock management.

Put in your answer

Fish production: 183.93 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, 75.57% inland.

Seafood exports: Exports doubled from Rs 30,213 crore to Rs 62,408 crore between 2013-14 and 2024-25; value-added share rose from 2% to 11%.

EEZ potential yield: The Expert Committee put India's EEZ potential yield at 53.1 lakh tons.

Access passes issued: 707 access passes had been issued by 5 March 2026.

Fisher welfare data: Accident insurance cover is raised to ₹5 lakh, benefiting over 33 lakh fishers.

EEZ size: India's EEZ spans nearly 24 lakh sq km but is under-utilised.

Safety measures: Transponders for real-time tracking and PFZ advisories are cited as safety systems.

Banned practices: Bull trawling, pair trawling and LED-light fishing are prohibited in the EEZ.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 23

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025 were notified under the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976.
2.The National Fisheries Development Board is the nodal agency for the training component of PMMSY.
3.PMMSY has been implemented since 2020-21.
4.Access passes for EEZ fishing are applied for on the ReALCraft portal.
5.India's Exclusive Economic Zone extends up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline.
6.The Access Pass for fishing in the EEZ is issued free of cost through the ReALCRaft portal.
7.Traditional non-motorised fishing crafts are exempt from the Access Pass requirement.
8.The EEZ of India extends from the coastline up to 200 nautical miles.
9.The ReALCRaft portal is integrated with MPEDA and the Export Inspection Council for export-related certificates.
10.Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep together account for about 49% of India's EEZ.
11.PMMSY is a scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
12.The Access Pass for fishing in India's EEZ is issued through an online portal free of cost.
13.The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules were notified in November 2025.
14.Veraval has been designated a Fishing Harbour Cluster under PMMSY.
15.PMMSY was launched in 2020-21 and is implemented by the Department of Fisheries.
16.India's Exclusive Economic Zone extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.
17.The Vessel Communication and Support System is being implemented with technical support from ISRO.
18.The VCSS project is planned to cover one lakh marine fishing vessels in all coastal states and UTs.
19.VCSS is a one-way broadcast system that only sends weather alerts to fishers.
20.Purse seine fishing is prohibited in the Indian EEZ beyond territorial waters.
21.Enforcement against prohibited fishing is primarily done by State/UT governments under their Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts.
22.The Coast Guard and State Fisheries Departments conduct regular joint patrols to enforce fishing rules.
23.The Indian Exclusive Economic Zone extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, 12 Mar, 11:34 IST · Release 285703

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, NALSA and Lok Adalat

GS2 JudiciaryPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 March 2026, the Law Minister told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that Lok Adalats settled crores of cases from 2016 to Dec 2025. He also listed steps taken to cut court pendency.
What it is: DISHA (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice) is a Law Ministry scheme to widen access to justice, aligned with the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Its parts include Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu and legal literacy and awareness. NALSA, set up under the Act, runs free legal aid, Lok Adalats and related services from the Supreme Court down to the taluk level.

Legal Aid Defense Counsel System: LADCS is a Central Sector Scheme run through NALSA since FY 2023-24. It gives legal representation in criminal cases to those eligible under Section 12.
Legal services institutions: The structure runs from the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee to 38 High Court committees, 37 State authorities, 715 District authorities and 2,475 Taluk committees.
Constitutional basis: Article 39A, a Directive Principle, directs the State to ensure equal justice and free legal aid.
Status of award: A Lok Adalat award is deemed a civil court decree. It is final and binding, and no appeal lies against it.
National Lok Adalat: National Lok Adalats are held at the same time in all Taluks, Districts and High Courts on a fixed date.
Cases covered: Lok Adalats take up cases pending in court and also pre-litigation disputes.
NALSA head: The Chief Justice of India is the Patron-in-Chief of NALSA. The next senior-most Supreme Court judge is its Executive Chairman.

Don’t confuse with NALSA vs Supreme Court Legal Services Committee: NALSA is the apex body under the LSA Act. The SCLSC is a separate committee that gives legal aid in Supreme Court matters.

Don’t confuse with Tele-Law vs Nyaya Bandhu: Tele-Law gives pre-litigation advice by video. Nyaya Bandhu connects eligible people with pro bono advocates for court representation.

Don’t confuse with Lok Adalat vs Permanent Lok Adalat: Lok Adalats are held periodically and rely on consent. Permanent Lok Adalats are standing bodies for public utility services.

Don’t confuse with Article 39A vs Article 21: Article 39A is a Directive Principle on free legal aid. Article 21 (right to life) has been read to include speedy trial.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Law & Justice, 12 Mar, 12:52 IST · Release 285712

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

PM-DevINE (Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region)

GS2 Welfare schemesGS3 Regional developmentPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 March 2026, the Minister of State for DoNER told the Rajya Sabha that 48 PM-DevINE projects worth Rs 6,044.36 crore were sanctioned till 28 February 2026, and 3 are complete.
What it is: PM-DevINE is a Union scheme for infrastructure and social development in the eight North Eastern states. It was announced in Budget 2022-23 and funds projects that are proposed and carried out by state governments or agencies. It aims to fill gaps that other schemes leave.

Outlay and period: Cabinet approved ₹6,600 crore for four years, FY 2022-23 to 2025-26.
Sanctioned projects: By 28 February 2026, 48 projects worth Rs 6,044.36 crore were sanctioned, covering connectivity, power and social sectors.
Completed projects: Three projects worth Rs 176.11 crore are complete, in social and livelihood sectors.
Who implements: States and agencies propose and implement projects based on need and identified gaps.
Continuation: Continuation for the next Finance Commission cycle is decided under the prescribed appraisal and approval guidelines.
Nature of scheme: It is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Centre, under the Ministry of DoNER.
Objectives: The scheme seeks rapid and holistic development of the North-Eastern Region through infrastructure, social projects based on felt needs, livelihoods for youth and women, and filling development gaps.
Who executes: Projects under DoNER schemes are executed by implementing agencies of the State Governments, which hold primary responsibility for monitoring.
Monitoring tools: DoNER monitors through Field Technical Support Units, Project Quality Monitors and third-party inspection agencies. Reports go on the Poorvottar Vikas Setu portal, and progress is updated on the PM Gati Shakti Portal.

Don’t confuse with PM-DevINE vs NESIDS: Both fund North East development. PM-DevINE was announced in Budget 2022-23 as a Union scheme to fill gaps. NESIDS is a separate DoNER scheme for infrastructure.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry for Development of North-East Region, 12 Mar, 15:04 IST · Release 285718

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

GS3 Agriculture and irrigationPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 March 2026, the Jal Shakti Ministry told the Lok Sabha that PMKSY-AIBP projects use SCADA, and that 32 M-CADWM pilot clusters in 23 States/UTs are sanctioned.
What it is: PMKSY is the Centre's umbrella irrigation scheme, launched in 2015-16 to extend assured irrigation and improve on-farm water use efficiency. Its parts include AIBP for major and medium projects, and M-CADWM is a newer sub-scheme for piped, micro-irrigation based command area management. Water is a State subject, so the Centre gives technical help and partial funds.

Centre-State role: Irrigation is a State subject. The Centre gives only technical support and partial financial aid for identified projects.
Clusters: 32 clusters in 23 States/UTs are sanctioned under M-CADWM.
Technology: M-CADWM uses SCADA and IoT for water accounting and management, with pressurised piped networks and micro-irrigation.
Implementing ministry: PMKSY (Kisan Sampada) is run by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries as a Central Sector umbrella scheme.
Allocation 2024-25: The scheme's fund allocation for 2024-25 was ₹630 crore.
Form of assistance: Aid is given as grants-in-aid on a reimbursement basis to companies, firms, LLPs, cooperatives, FPOs/FPCs and SHGs.
Demand-driven: Applications are invited through Expression of Interest, and merit-based approval depends on availability of funds.
No State-wise funds: Funds are not allocated, sanctioned or released State-wise under any component.

Don’t confuse with PMKSY-AIBP vs M-CADWM: AIBP gives central assistance to States for identified irrigation projects. M-CADWM is a pilot sub-scheme for piped, micro-irrigation clusters.

Don’t confuse with Assured vs protected irrigation: M-CADWM models cover both areas of assured irrigation and areas of protected irrigation.

Don’t confuse with PMKSY (Krishi Sinchayee) vs PMKSY (Kisan Sampada): Krishi Sinchayee Yojana is the irrigation scheme (AIBP, Har Khet Ko Pani, watershed). Kisan Sampada Yojana is MoFPI's food processing and cold chain scheme.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 13

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.PMKSY was launched in 2015-16.
2.Under PMKSY the Centre plans, implements and manages irrigation projects in the States.
3.M-CADWM is a sub-scheme of PMKSY approved by the Cabinet in April 2025.
4.M-CADWM relies on open canal flow and avoids pressurised piped networks.
5.The approved outlay of M-CADWM is Rs 1600 crore, of which the State share is Rs 500 crore.
6.M-CADWM clusters have been sanctioned in 32 States/UTs.
7.SCADA and IoT are envisaged for water accounting and management under M-CADWM.
8.Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana is a Central Sector umbrella scheme implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
9.Mega Food Parks continue as an active component of the scheme.
10.Financial assistance under the scheme is given as grants-in-aid on a reimbursement basis.
11.Funds under the scheme are allocated to States in fixed shares each year.
12.Cooperatives, FPOs and Self Help Groups are among the entities eligible for assistance under the scheme.
13.Proposals under the scheme are selected through a fixed first-come allotment to every applicant, regardless of merit.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Jal Shakti, 12 Mar, 15:15 IST · Release 285720

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan

GS2 Welfare schemes for tribalsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 March 2026, the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs told Lok Sabha that Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan had mobilised about 20 lakh Adi Karmayogis as of February 2026.
What it is: Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan is a Ministry of Tribal Affairs programme for capacity building and leadership in tribal areas. It trains government functionaries, community leaders, women's collectives and tribal youth through a cascading structure. It places Gram Sabhas at the centre of village planning, and aims at last-mile governance in tribal villages.

Coverage: The programme targets about one lakh tribal villages across 30 States/UTs.
Training structure: Training runs in cascade: State, District and Block Master Trainers, leading to about 15 lakh Adi Karmayogis.
Village plans: Gram Sabhas approved 62,187 Tribal Village Vision 2030 Plans.
Adi Sewa Kendras: ASKs are village-level single-window centres for information, entitlement facilitation, grievance redressal support and convergence with line departments.
Adi Karmayogi Volunteers: AKVs are local tribal youth who support the day-to-day functioning of ASKs and help citizens access schemes.
Monitoring: The Ministry, States and district administrations monitor the programme weekly.
Reach: About 20 lakh Adi Karmayogis mobilised across 1 lakh villages, about 550 districts, 30 States/UTs (Feb 2026).
Cascading trainers: The cadre has State, District and Block Master Trainers (SMTs, DMTs, BMTs).
Community volunteers: Adi Saathis (6,79,309) and Adi Sahyogis (4,03,306) are registered on the portal for participatory planning and mobilisation.
Process Labs: Training runs through Regional, State, District and Block Process Labs, plus Village Workshops.
Village Action Plans: 62,187 Village Action Plans have been uploaded on the digital platform.

Don’t confuse with Adi Saathi vs Adi Sahyogi: Both are community-level volunteers registered on the portal; Adi Saathis are more numerous (6.79 lakh) than Adi Sahyogis (4.03 lakh).

Don’t confuse with Adi Karmayogi vs Mission Karmayogi: Adi Karmayogi targets tribal leadership and governance at the grassroots; Mission Karmayogi is the national civil services capacity-building programme.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, 12 Mar, 16:25 IST · Release 285749

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Digital Bharat Nidhi (Universal Service Obligation Fund)

GS3 Telecom and infrastructureGS2 GovernancePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 March 2026, the Communications Minister told the Rajya Sabha that ₹2,229.35 crore had been disbursed from Digital Bharat Nidhi for mobile services in rural Odisha, as of 28 February 2026.
What it is: Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) is the fund that replaced the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). It pays for telecom services in underserved rural, remote and urban areas. It is set up under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and is meant to give universal access to telecom services.

Mandate: DBN supports universal service by promoting access to and delivery of telecom services in underserved rural, remote and urban areas.
National tower projects: As on 28 Feb 2026, 34,780 towers were planned under 12 DBN-funded projects to connect 46,331 villages.
Odisha share: 5,182 towers are planned in Odisha to cover 7,157 villages.
Fifth Schedule districts: 4,470 of the towers are in 13 Odisha districts notified under the Fifth Schedule.
Legal basis: DBN is the successor to USOF and is provided for in the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Don’t confuse with Fifth vs Sixth Schedule: Fifth covers Scheduled Areas in states like Odisha; Sixth covers tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

Don’t confuse with USOF vs DBN: USOF was the earlier fund under the Telegraph Act; DBN is its successor under the 2023 Act.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Communications, 12 Mar, 18:35 IST · Release 285800

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Science and technology

Bharat 6G Vision and Telecom Technology Development Fund

GS3 Science and technologyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 March 2026, in a Rajya Sabha written reply, the Minister of State for Communications said 104 projects worth Rs 271 crore are approved under the TTDF for 6G R&D, as of February 2026.
What it is: Bharat 6G Vision is India's roadmap for research, development and deployment of 6G, including spectrum identification. The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) is a DoT scheme that funds indigenous telecom R&D by startups, academia and research bodies. 6G is being defined internationally by the ITU as IMT-2030.

TTDF 6G funding: As of February 2026, 104 projects worth Rs 271 crore are approved for 6G R&D.
IMT-2030: ITU-R M.2160-0 gives the framework and usage scenarios for IMT-2030, which is 6G.
TTDF purpose: TTDF is a DoT scheme that supports indigenous telecom R&D, including research, testbeds, innovation and commercialisation.
ITU: The ITU is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies, headquartered in Geneva.

Don’t confuse with ITU vs ITU-R: ITU is the parent UN agency; ITU-R is its Radiocommunication Sector, which handles spectrum and IMT standards.

Don’t confuse with IMT-2020 vs IMT-2030: IMT-2020 is the ITU term for 5G; IMT-2030 is for 6G.

Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Communications, 12 Mar, 18:50 IST · Release 285804

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Species and protected area

Project Elephant and Elephant-Train Collisions

GS3 Environment and biodiversityPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 10-11 March 2026, MoEFCC's Project Elephant Division and the Wildlife Institute of India held a national workshop at Dehradun on cutting elephant deaths on railway tracks. It reported 77 priority stretches and 705 recommended mitigation structures.
What it is: Project Elephant is a centrally sponsored scheme of the MoEFCC, launched in 1992. It protects elephants, their habitats and corridors, and addresses human-elephant conflict. Elephant-train collisions are one major source of unnatural elephant deaths, and they are worst where rail lines cut through corridors.

Workshop: The Project Elephant Division and WII held a two-day national workshop at WII, Dehradun, on 10-11 March 2026.
India's share of Asian elephants: India has more than 60% of the global Asian elephant population.
Priority stretches: Of 127 stretches assessed (3,452.4 km), 77 stretches covering 1,965.2 km across 14 states were prioritised for mitigation.
Mitigation package: The package totals 705 structures, including 65 new underpasses and 22 overpasses.
Technology: A Distributed Acoustic System-based intrusion detection system was piloted in Assam under North East Frontier Railway. An AI early-warning system with 12 cameras runs at Madukkarai, Tamil Nadu.
Legal status: The Asian elephant is in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is India's National Heritage Animal.

Don’t confuse with Project Elephant vs Project Tiger: Project Elephant (1992) covers elephants and their corridors. Project Tiger (1973) covers tiger reserves. Both are run by the MoEFCC.

Don’t confuse with Elephant reserve vs elephant corridor: An elephant reserve is a large landscape for elephants. A corridor is a narrow strip linking habitats, which is where rail lines often cause collisions.

Species and protected areas: 12 Prelims questions since 2013; they test legal status, location and the year of designation.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting conservation topic with numbers (77 stretches, 705 structures), but a workshop gives UPSC little to set a question on; species and places rarely reach Mains.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change., 12 Mar, 09:31 IST · Release 285694

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Quick facts

CSIR-CRRI and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India signed an R&D pact to use iron ore tailings in road construction.
Technology Development Board (DST) funded OrbitAID Aerospace to develop an on-orbit satellite docking and refuelling port (SIDRP, TRL-7).
V.O. Chidambaranar Port became the first Indian major port to launch a Digital Twin platform for port management.
National Council for Cement and Building Materials tied up with start-up TraceXero to develop carbon capture and utilisation for cement.

Source: PIB, 12 Mar

What we left out: 113 of 129 releases

Ceremonies and campaigns (5)
Speeches without a decision (7)
Research findings without policy (1)
Same issue as another release (45)
Routine progress updates (2)
Conferences and workshops (5)
Exhibitions and events (1)
Routine data (31)
Routine MoUs (4)
Routine contract awards (1)
Meetings and visits (3)
Visit schedules (3)
Awards and recognitions (1)
Other releases (4)

Practise the day’s news

In UPSC’s formats, inside each issue. The answer and why come after you choose.

1e-Courts Mission Mode ProjectMCQ · 5 true or false
2Rare Earth Elements in IndiaMCQ · 8 true or false · Mains
3Research Development and Innovation (RDI) SchemeMCQ · 12 true or false · Mains
4International Solar Alliance (ISA)MCQ · 7 true or false
5Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and EEZ Fishing Rules 2025MCQ · 23 true or false · Mains
6Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, NALSA and Lok AdalatMCQ · 6 true or false
7PM-DevINE (Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region)MCQ · 6 true or false
8Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)MCQ · 13 true or false
9Adi Karmayogi AbhiyanMCQ · 6 true or false
10Digital Bharat Nidhi (Universal Service Obligation Fund)MCQ · 6 true or false
11Bharat 6G Vision and Telecom Technology Development FundMCQ · 7 true or false

Mains question of the day

15 marks · 250 words

The Law Ministry has told Parliament that over 660 crore pages of court records are digitized and 2,444 eSewaKendras are set up under the e-Courts Mission Mode Project. In this light, discuss the objectives and phase-wise features of the project, and critically examine the challenges in using digital technology to improve access to justice and reduce pendency in India's courts.

From: e-Courts Mission Mode Project

Write and get it marked

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