International Energy Agency (IEA)
INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
The International Energy Agency (IEA) plans to release a record 400 million barrels of emergency oil reserves due to rising tensions in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The move aims to stabilize global energy markets and prevent supply shortages.
Background
International Energy Agency (IEA)
• The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an intergovernmental organization.
• Its headquarters is located in Paris, France.
• The agency was established in 1974 after the global oil crisis.
• Its main objective is to promote energy security, economic development and sustainable energy policies among member countries.
• India is currently an Association country of the International Energy Agency (IEA) – International Energy Agency rather than a full member.
UPSC/BPSC
UIDAI Bug Bounty Program
National
Why in News:
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched its first structured Bug Bounty Program to strengthen the security of the Aadhaar digital ecosystem.
Key Highlights
• The initiative aims to identify vulnerabilities in UIDAI’s digital platforms.
• Ethical hackers and cybersecurity researchers will be invited to test UIDAI systems for potential security weaknesses.
• The program will help improve the security and resilience of Aadhaar-related digital services.
Background
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
• UIDAI is a statutory authority responsible for issuing the 12-digit Aadhaar number.
• It was established on 12 July 2016.
• The authority functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• It was created under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.
UPSC/BPSC
Microalgae-Based PureAir Tower
NATIONAL
Why in News:
New Delhi has deployed India’s first microalgae-based PureAir Tower along the Aerocity highway corridor as an innovative biotechnology solution to combat urban air pollution.
Key Highlights
• The tower uses microalgae-based biotechnology instead of conventional mechanical air filters.
• It aims to reduce urban air pollution and improve air quality in high-traffic areas.
• The project represents a sustainable and energy-efficient air purification approach.
Background
How the Microalgae Air Tower Works
• Unlike conventional smog towers, which rely on mechanical filtration, this system uses photosynthetic microalgae to purify air.
• The microalgae absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂), particulate matter and nitrogen oxides from the surrounding air.
• Through natural biological processes, these pollutants are converted into oxygen and algal biomass.
• The tower operates with very low energy consumption.
• It also produces no secondary filter waste, making it a sustainable air purification technology.
UPSC/BPSC
Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026
NATIONAL
Why in News:
The Chhattisgarh State Cabinet has approved the draft of the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 to prevent illegal religious conversions in the state.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting in Raipur chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Key Highlights
Objective of the Bill
• The bill aims to protect the constitutional right of individuals to practice and follow their religion freely.
Need for the Legislation
• The legislation seeks to address cases where people may be pressured, influenced or misled into changing their religion.
• The government believes the bill will ensure that religious conversions take place only through voluntary choice.
UPSC/BPSC
Indian Orchid Festival 2026
NATIONAL
Why in News:
The Indian Orchid Festival 2026 concluded successfully in Pakyong district of Sikkim.
Key Highlights
• The four-day festival attracted orchid growers, entrepreneurs, researchers and floriculture experts from across India.
• The event was organized by the ICAR–National Research Centre for Orchids (ICAR–NRCO).
• The theme of the festival was “Orchids for Beauty & Prosperity.”
Background
ICAR–National Research Centre for Orchids (ICAR–NRCO)
• It is a research institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• The centre focuses on research, conservation and promotion of orchids in India.
• It is located in Pakyong district of Sikkim.
UPSC/BPSC
Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Emission Standards
NATIONAL
Why in News:
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has notified specific emission standards for Green Ammonia and Green Methanol to accelerate the trade of green hydrogen derivatives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
Key Highlights
• The new standards define emission thresholds for green ammonia and green methanol production.
Emission Thresholds
Green Ammonia
• To qualify as green ammonia, total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions must not exceed 0.38 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kg of ammonia.
• The emissions are calculated as an average over the previous 12-month period.
Green Methanol
• For green methanol, emissions must not exceed 0.44 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kg of methanol.
• This is also calculated as an average over the preceding 12 months.
Background
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)
• The National Green Hydrogen Mission was approved in 2023.
• It aims to position India as a global hub for clean hydrogen production.
Targets by 2030
• 125 GW renewable energy capacity for hydrogen production.
• ₹8 lakh crore investment in the green hydrogen sector.
• Creation of around 6 lakh jobs.
• Reduction of fossil fuel imports by ₹1 lakh crore.
• Reduction of 50 million metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
Green Hydrogen
• Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind through the electrolysis of water.
• According to Government of India standards, hydrogen qualifies as green if emissions do not exceed 2 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg of hydrogen produced.
UPSC/BPSC
Mains News
India–Finland Strategic Partnership
Why in News:
The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, paid a State Visit to India as the Chief Guest at the 11th Raisina Dialogue. During the visit, India–Finland relations were upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability, along with renewed agreements on environmental cooperation.
Key Highlights
Digitalization, Technology and Innovation
• Joint Task Force on 6G: A task force was established to promote advanced 6G research, linking the University of Oulu (Finland) with the Bharat 6G Alliance.
• Joint Working Group on Digitalization: A cross-sectoral group was created to strengthen cooperation in High-Performance Computing (HPC), 5G, 6G, Quantum communication, Quantum computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Joint Research Calls: An implementation arrangement was set up between India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Business Finland to promote joint research initiatives.
• Indo-Finland Startup Corridor: The initiative will connect startup ecosystems by ensuring participation of Indian startups in Finland’s Slush event and Finnish startups in India’s Startup Mahakumbh.
Trade and Multilateral Cooperation
• Bilateral Trade Target: India and Finland aim to double bilateral trade by 2030, leveraging opportunities from the India–EU Free Trade Agreement.
• World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF): India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Finland’s SITRA (Finnish Innovation Fund) will co-host the WCEF in India in 2026.
Background
India–Finland Economic Relations
• In 2023–24, India’s exports to Finland were USD 582.65 million.
• Imports from Finland were USD 913.48 million.
• This resulted in a trade deficit of USD 330.83 million for India.
UPSC/BPSC
One Liner
1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth about ₹5,600 crore in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, focusing on clean energy infrastructure, petroleum manufacturing, highways, railways and rural connectivity.
2. Iran has withdrawn from the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
• FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association)
• Established: 1904
• Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
• Current President: Gianni Infantino
3.Veteran Tamil filmmaker Thakkali Srinivasan has passed away at the age of 72 in Bengaluru.
4. Indian para athlete Shailesh Kumar won a gold medal in the men’s high jump T63 category at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix held in New Delhi.
5. India’s women’s hockey team has qualified for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, which will be the 16th edition of the tournament, scheduled to be hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, with 16 national teams participating, and organized by the International Hockey Federation.
6. Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Indian Navy successfully tested the indigenous Air Droppable Container ADC-150 from the Boeing P‑8I Poseidon aircraft off the Goa coast between 21 February and 1 March 2026, capable of delivering 150 kg payloads including medical supplies, equipment and emergency stores to naval ships at sea.
7. Gujarat has launched the Lake and Air Watch initiative to monitor air quality and lake health across 17 municipal corporations and 152 municipal areas.
8. World Kidney Day 2026 will be observed on 12 March with the theme “Kidney Health for All – Caring for People, Protecting the Planet”.
9. India became the largest exporter of cotton products to the United States in 2025, surpassing China, with imports from India reaching 0.6 million tonnes while China’s exports declined to 0.5 million tonnes; globally, (India is the largest cotton producer with about 23% of world production, while China is the leading consumer and importer of cotton.)
10. The WHO Foundation and Novo Nordisk A/S have partnered to address childhood obesity in India through school-based health programmes, awareness campaigns and improved healthcare preparedness to prevent obesity-related diseases.(Novo Nordisk is headquartered in Bagsværd, Denmark.)
UPSC/BPSC
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