EASE 9.0 Reforms Agenda
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Under the EASE 9.0 reforms agenda, Public Sector Banks (PSBs) will undertake key reforms to leverage technology, improve productivity and scale operations through new business models.
Key Highlights:
• The reforms aim to modernize PSBs and enhance their global competitiveness.
• They focus on technology adoption, improved infrastructure and collaborative banking solutions.
What Reforms will be Pursued under the EASE 9.0 Agenda
GCC Strategy and Leadership
• Public sector banks will implement a Global Capability Centre (GCC) strategy in FY 2026–27.
• A capacity-building roadmap will also be prepared.
• State Bank of India (SBI), which set up the first GCC among PSBs in Karnataka, will lead this initiative.
Technology Infrastructure Plans
• Banks will evaluate active-active data centre models for their five-year business plans.
• This will help ensure business continuity and operational resilience.
Collaborative Solutions
• Banks will work together to provide comprehensive banking solutions.
• Technologies such as blockchain, advanced risk assessment systems and fraud detection models will be integrated.
Background
EASE 9.0 Reforms
• The EASE 9.0 reforms were launched in February 2026 by the Department of Financial Services.
• The initiative aims to transform Public Sector Banks into globally competitive institutions aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
• It focuses on technology-driven modernization, resilience and operational excellence.
Core Structure – Four Foundational Pillars (R.I.S.E.)
Risk & Resilience
• Strengthening financial and credit risk management.
• Enhancing operational resilience and enterprise-wide risk oversight frameworks.
Innovation
• Integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI (GenAI), Machine Learning (ML), cloud architectures and microservices.
Socio-economic Impact
• Promoting inclusive banking and financial access for underserved groups, including gig and platform workers.
• Supporting broader economic development goals.
Excellence
• Improving operational efficiency, governance and customer-centric processes.
• Developing cost-effective next-generation banking operating models.
UPSC/BPSC
Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT)
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
The Supreme Court of India has asked the government to provide complete details about the cost, feasibility and infrastructure needed to introduce Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT) in government hospitals.
The direction came while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking better safety measures to prevent infections through blood transfusion.
Key Highlights:
• The PIL demands advanced testing of donated blood to prevent transfusion-transmitted infections.
Background
Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT)
• NAT is a highly sensitive molecular test used to screen donated blood.
• It detects infections by amplifying specific parts of viral RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) or DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid).
• NAT can detect infections at an early stage before antibodies are formed.
• It is mainly used to identify viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in blood samples.
UPSC/BPSC
Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI) 2026
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INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
StartupBlink released the Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI) 2026, which evaluates the business environment for innovation and startups by measuring factors like regulation, access to capital and infrastructure on a 0–100 score scale.
Key Highlights:
• It uses over 30 measurable indicators to calculate the score.
Methodology and Indicators
The index aggregates scores across several key pillars:
• Regulation and Government: Ease of starting and operating a business and level of regulatory barriers.
• Access to Capital & Financial Infrastructure: Availability of funding and credit conditions for businesses.
• Taxation: Tax incentives and overall tax environment for companies.
• Digital Infrastructure: Internet speed, connectivity and digital freedom.
• Global Mobility & Openness: International accessibility, governance stability.
IBEI Rankings 2026
• United States – Rank 1 (Score: 100)
• Singapore – Rank 2
• United Kingdom – Rank 3
India’s Performance
• India ranked 54th globally with a score of 55.035.
• India is ranked ahead of China, which is placed 85th.
UPSC/BPSC
India’s Export Performance
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
The Economic Survey 2025–26 highlighted India’s strong export growth, describing it as “the envy of the world” after the pandemic. The growth is supported by strong banking systems, high foreign exchange reserves and a stable current account.
Key Highlights
Overall Export Performance
• India’s total exports (goods and services combined) reached USD 720.76 billion between April 2025 and January 2026.
• This represents a 6.15% growth compared to the same period in the previous year, despite global economic uncertainties.
Export Diversification
• India ranks among the top 5 countries globally for export product diversity.
• It is also among the top 3 countries in terms of trade partner diversity, helping India manage global demand fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
Sectoral Performance
Petroleum Products
• India is the 7th-largest exporter of refined petroleum products globally.
• It is also among the top 5 refining nations in the world.
Electronic Goods
• Electronics exports rose from the 7th-largest export category in FY22 to the 3rd-largest in FY25.
• It is currently the fastest-growing export sector.
• Smartphone exports reached ₹1 lakh crore in the first five months of FY 2025–26, showing a 55% increase over the previous year.
Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals
• India ranks 11th globally in pharmaceutical exports with about 3% global market share.
• Medical device exports increased from USD 2.5 billion in FY21 to USD 4.1 billion in FY25.
Textile Exports
• India is the 6th-largest exporter of textiles and apparel globally with about 4% market share.
• Textile and apparel exports increased from USD 35.87 billion in FY24 to USD 37.75 billion in FY25.
Automobile Exports
• Automobile exports increased from 4,131 thousand units in FY21 to 5,357 thousand units in FY25.
• This reflects rising global demand for vehicles manufactured in India.
Defence Exports
• India’s defence exports reached a record ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024–25.
• In 2014, defence exports were less than ₹1,000 crore.
• Indian defence products are now exported to more than 100 countries, including the United States, France and Armenia.
• The government aims to reach ₹50,000 crore defence exports by 2029.
Services Exports
• India’s services exports reached a record USD 387.5 billion in FY25.
• The sector generated a trade surplus of USD 188.8 billion.
Trade Agreements and Global Partnerships
• In the last three years, India signed 9 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) covering 38 countries.
• These agreements provide zero-duty market access to economies representing about 70% of global GDP.
• The strategy aims to diversify trade partnerships and reduce dependence on a single market.
UPSC/BPSC
International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR)
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INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
A US submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena about 40 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s southern coast near Galle in the Indian Ocean.
The incident has brought the US–Israel–Iran conflict closer to the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and marked the first US torpedo sinking of an enemy ship since World War II.
Key Highlights
• It is the first time since World War II that a US submarine has sunk an enemy ship using a torpedo.
•Following the incident, Sri Lanka deployed naval vessels to rescue sailors in accordance with its obligations under the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention).
Background
International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR)
• The SAR Convention is an international agreement adopted in 1979.
• It was adopted under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
• The convention aims to ensure prompt rescue assistance to persons in distress at sea.
India and SAR
• India is a signatory to the SAR Convention (1979) and ratified it in 2001.
• In India, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) coordinates rescue operations in the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR).
• The Director General of the Indian Coast Guard serves as the National Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Authority (NMSARCA).
UPSC/BPSC
World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026
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INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
The 2nd edition of the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 will be held in New Delhi from 11 March to 13 March 2026, bringing together para-athletes from across the world.
Key Highlights:
• The international competition will feature around 257 athletes from eight countries.
• The event aims to promote para-athletics and provide international competitive exposure to athletes with disabilities.
Background
1st World Para Athletics Grand Prix (New Delhi – 2025)
• The first edition of the New Delhi World Para Athletics Grand Prix was held in 2025.
• India finished first in the medal tally, showing the strength of its para-athletics programme.
• Indian athletes won 134 medals in total.
• The medal tally included 45 gold, 40 silver and 49 bronze medals.
UPSC/BPSC
International Malaria Conference 2026
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
The International Malaria Conference 2026 concluded in New Delhi after three days of global discussions aimed at accelerating efforts toward malaria elimination.
Key Highlights:
• The conference was held from 7 March to 9 March 2026.
• It brought together scientists, policymakers, public health experts and researchers from several countries.
• The conference theme was “Discovery, Development and Delivery: Driving Malaria Elimination and Beyond.”
Background
India’s Malaria Elimination Target
• India aims to eliminate malaria by 2030.
• The target is part of the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME).
• The framework focuses on strengthening surveillance, prevention, treatment and vector control strategies.
UPSC/BPSC
World Obesity Atlas 2026
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
The World Obesity Atlas 2026, released by the World Obesity Federation on World Obesity Day (4 March), highlights a growing obesity-related public health concern in India and globally.
Key Highlights
Definition of Obesity
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to classify obesity:
• BMI 25 or above – Overweight
• BMI 30 or above – Obese
Global Situation
• China, India and the United States each have more than 10 million children living with obesity.
• China leads globally with about 62 million children with high BMI, including 33 million obese children.
• India ranks second, followed by the United States with 27 million children with high BMI and 13 million obesity cases.
• Globally, more than 200 million children aged 5–19 years living with overweight or obesity are concentrated in 10 countries.
• Among women aged 15–49 years, about 13.4% have high BMI and 4.2% are living with Type-2 diabetes.
India’s Situation
• In 2025, nearly 15 million children aged 5–9 years in India were overweight or obese.
• More than 26 million children aged 10–19 years were also affected.
• India has about 41 million children with high BMI, making it the second-highest globally.
• The number of Indian children with disease indicators linked to high BMI is expected to rise significantly between 2025 and 2040.
UPSC/BPSC
Hexagon of Alliances
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INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
Israel has proposed a new strategic framework called the “Hexagon of Alliances” amid rising geopolitical competition in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. The initiative aims to connect moderate and like-minded countries across the Indo-Pacific, Eastern Mediterranean, Gulf and Africa to address common security challenges.
Key Highlights
Objective of the Framework
• The Hexagon of Alliances aims to create a six-sided strategic network of partner nations.
• It is designed to counter two major security threats:
• Axis of Resistance led by Iran, which includes groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis and Iraqi militias.
• The emerging radical Sunni axis, including ISIS remnants and Muslim Brotherhood affiliated groups.
Key Partners
• India has been identified as a central pillar in the proposed alliance framework.
• Other core partners include Israel, Greece and Cyprus.
• Additional countries expected to join include Arab, African and Asian nations such as Ethiopia and the UAE.
Focus Areas of Cooperation
The alliance may focus on cooperation in the following areas:
• Defence and military coordination
• Intelligence sharing
• Technology cooperation
• Diplomatic coordination
• Regional security collaboration
UPSC/BPSC
India–Canada Strategic Reset
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Mains Related News
Why in News:
The Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, paid an official visit to India, marking a strategic reset in India–Canada relations after the diplomatic tensions of 2023–24.
The visit focused on economic cooperation, defence dialogue and strengthening bilateral partnerships.
Key Highlights
Relaunch of CEPA Negotiations
• India and Canada signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to resume negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
• Both countries aim to double bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030.
Civil Nuclear Cooperation
• India’s Department of Atomic Energy signed a USD 2.6 billion long-term contract with Canada’s Cameco for the supply of Uranium Ore Concentrates.
• This agreement supports India’s goal of achieving 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat vision.
Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Cooperation
• An MoU was signed to develop secure and resilient critical mineral supply chains aligned with the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan.
• Canada announced it will join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA).
Defence and Security
• Both countries agreed to establish the first India–Canada Defence Dialogue to strengthen strategic security cooperation.
Political and Diplomatic Engagement
• The India–Canada Parliament Friendship Group was established to strengthen parliamentary cooperation.
• India also announced support for Canada to join the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as a Dialogue Partner.
Private Sector Collaboration
• The India–Canada CEO Forum was reconstituted to promote private-sector cooperation and investment.
Innovation and Talent Development
• A trilateral MoU between India, Canada and Australia was signed under the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership to promote cooperation in emerging technologies.
• An MoU between AICTE and Canada’s Mitacs will provide 300 fully funded research internships for Indian students.
• A Joint Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence will be established at NIFTEM-K (Kundli)(Haryana) to develop advanced protein extraction and fortified food products.
Background
Significance of India–Canada Relations
• India and Canada share more than 75 years of diplomatic relations and upgraded ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2018.
• Canada has a large Indian diaspora of about 1.8 million people.
• In 2024, bilateral trade reached USD 30.9 billion, making India Canada’s 7th largest trading partner.
• Canadian pension funds have invested over USD 75 billion in India.
Major Canadian exports to India:
• Vegetables
• Mineral fuels and oils
• Wood pulp
• Fertilisers
• Paper and paperboard
Major Indian exports to Canada:
• Pharmaceuticals
• Machinery and electronics
• Precious stones and metals
• Iron and steel products
UPSC/BPSC
ONE LINER
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FACTUAL
1. Kharg Island in Iran handles nearly 90% of Iran’s oil exports and can load 7 million barrels per day. Located in the Persian Gulf, the island is a crucial energy hub and a major red line in the Israel–Iran conflict due to its impact on global oil supply.
2. India and New Zealand have initiated the discussions to expand bilateral sports cooperation as 2026. As the both country marks 100 years of sporting relations between the two countries.
3. The Mizoram State Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution requesting the inclusion of the Mizo language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. This resolution was introduced by State Education Minister Vanlalthlana.
4. India's cheetah population reaches 53 after Namibian cheetah Jwala gives birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park. (March 2026 data)
5. Uttar Pradesh launches Project GANGA to provide high-speed internet to 20 lakh rural households. The initiative will develop 8,000–10,000 digital entrepreneurs, create 1 lakh jobs, and expand digital connectivity across villages through partnership with the Hinduja Group.
6. IIT Bombay and Honeywell have partnered to establish the IIT Bombay–Honeywell Centre of Excellence for Future Skills and Innovation to train over 100,000 students in sustainability skills by 2030 through certificate programmes, research and industry academia collaboration
7. Indian Railways launches SHINE app on International Women’s Day 2026 to help women employees report sexual harassment at workplace. The platform allows confidential complaints through Human Resources Management System (HRMS.
8. NABARD has launched the National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge in collaboration with the Gates Foundation and Dalberg Advisors to strengthen India’s climate resilience. The competition offers a ₹15 lakh top prize for innovative climate data and forecasting solutions.
UPSC/BPSC
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