Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 12th March 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 12th March 2026

Global Security Standoff in the Strait of Hormuz

A major geopolitical development unfolded as the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution urging Iran to halt interference in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most crucial oil shipping routes.

The resolution received 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by outlining three key conditions for peace:

• Recognition of Iran’s rights
• War reparations
• Guarantees of non-aggression

This development highlights increasing tensions around one of the most strategically important maritime passages for global energy trade.

United States Launches Global Trade Investigations

The United States government has launched a broad trade investigation targeting 16 major trading partners, including India, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

This investigation allows the U.S. administration to examine alleged unfair trade practices and potentially impose retaliatory tariffs if violations are found.

The move signals a renewed push toward protecting domestic industries and could have significant implications for international trade relations.

Historic Supreme Court Decision on Passive Euthanasia

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India permitted passive euthanasia for a patient who had been in a coma for 12 years.

The judgment reaffirmed the constitutional principle established in the 2018 Common Cause case, recognizing the right to die with dignity under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

This decision strengthens the legal framework surrounding end-of-life care and patient autonomy in India.

Lok Sabha Rejects No-Confidence Motion Against the Speaker

The Lok Sabha rejected an opposition-led no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla through a voice vote.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Speaker’s impartiality and highlighted the productivity of the 18th Lok Sabha, describing it as one of the most efficient sessions in recent parliamentary history.

India Boosts Domestic Gas Production

To stabilize energy supply, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced a 25% increase in domestic gas production following the policy directive issued on 8 March 2026.

The move aims to reduce dependence on imports, particularly from Qatar, which is India’s largest supplier of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Strategic Naval Presence in Mauritius

India strengthened its maritime diplomacy as INS Trikand, a stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, participated in the 58th National Day celebrations of Mauritius.

The event featured:

• A Kamov-31 helicopter fly-past
• A ceremonial marching contingent
• Participation in events at Port Louis

This deployment highlights India’s growing strategic engagement in the Indian Ocean Region.

Karnataka High Court Protects Sharavathi Valley Sanctuary

The Karnataka High Court ordered a halt to ground-level activities in the Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary.

The decision temporarily pauses:

• The Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project
• Construction of the Kalkatte Bridge

The court emphasized environmental protection and conservation of the endangered lion-tailed macaque, one of the Western Ghats’ most vulnerable species.

Global Conference on Women in Agriculture

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems in New Delhi.

Organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the conference highlights the critical role of women in agriculture and aligns with global initiatives recognizing 2026 as the International Year focused on agricultural development and food systems.

India Hosts the 40th AAHAR Food Exhibition

Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 40th edition of the AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair in New Delhi.

The event showcases innovations in food processing, hospitality, and culinary industries. Notably, Italy is participating as the first-ever partner country, marking an important milestone in international collaboration.

Rashmika Mandanna Wins Best Actress Award

At the 2025 Gaddar Telangana Film Awards, actress Rashmika Mandanna won the Best Actress award for her performance in the romantic drama “The Girlfriend”, directed by Rahul Ravindran.

The film was praised for its emotional storytelling and strong character portrayal.

NASA Discovers Evidence of Ancient Water on Mars

Scientists analyzing 20 years of data from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter confirmed significant evidence of past water activity on Mars.

Researchers have now identified over 50 potential landing sites that could support future human missions to the Red Planet. This discovery strengthens the possibility of human exploration of Mars in the coming decades.