Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 13th March 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 13th March 2026

1. India Strengthens Global Security Cooperation

India reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability by co-sponsoring a resolution in the United Nations Security Council to support the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. The move aims to protect Indian diaspora interests and secure vital oil supply routes, particularly through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The resolution supports GCC members including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. India’s proactive diplomatic stance highlights its growing role in maintaining global security and protecting international energy routes.

2. West Asia Diplomacy and Energy Security

Following diplomatic discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Iranian authorities regarding regional safety, an important development occurred in India’s energy supply chain.

The Shenlong, a Liberian-flagged Suezmax oil tanker carrying over 1,35,000 metric tons of Saudi crude oil, safely arrived at Mumbai Port and docked at Jawahar Dweep. The successful arrival ensures uninterrupted crude supply and reinforces India’s strategic energy security amid rising tensions in West Asia.

3. Supreme Court Clarifies OBC Creamy Layer Criteria

In a significant judgment related to social justice policies, the Supreme Court ruled that parental income alone cannot determine the creamy layer status for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The Court clarified that factors such as:

• Parents’ employment hierarchy
• Level of social advancement
• Economic status beyond the ₹8 lakh threshold

must also be considered while identifying the creamy layer. This clarification refines the interpretation of the 1993 Office Memorandum and aims to ensure more equitable implementation of reservation policies.

4. Major Disaster Relief Assistance Approved

In response to recent natural disasters, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a High-Level Committee that approved ₹1,912 crore in additional central disaster relief assistance.

The funds will support recovery efforts in several states affected by floods and Cyclone Montha, including:

• Andhra Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Gujarat
• Himachal Pradesh
• Nagaland
• Jammu and Kashmir

This assistance will help rebuild infrastructure, support affected communities, and strengthen disaster management systems.

5. ISRO Achieves Cryogenic Engine Breakthrough

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another milestone by successfully conducting a ground test of the Cryogenic Engine-20.

Key highlights include:

• Thrust generated: 22 tonnes
• Test duration: 165 seconds
• Application: Upgrade of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)

This advancement plays a crucial role in India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, strengthening the country’s capabilities in advanced space technology.

6. Digital Language Transformation through AI

India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is transforming digital governance through the Bhasha Interface for India initiative.

By integrating Sarvam Artificial Intelligence models, the platform now:

• Processes 15 million AI inferences daily
• Supports 500 government websites
• Provides services in 36 Indian languages

This initiative significantly improves accessibility and inclusivity in digital public services across the country.

7. India Receives Global Recognition in Telecom Innovation

India’s Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) received international recognition at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Spain.

Its indigenous artificial intelligence tool Fraud Pro, designed to detect telecom fraud in real time, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Global Mobile Awards. This achievement highlights India’s growing leadership in telecom technology and cybersecurity innovation.

8. New Biodiversity Discovery in the Eastern Himalayas

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered two new species of lichen moths (Lepidoptera) in the Eastern Himalayas.

The findings were published in the international scientific journal Zootaxa, highlighting the region’s status as one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots. These discoveries contribute to global scientific understanding and emphasize the importance of conserving fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

9. Remembering the Historic Dandi March

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and the 78 freedom fighters who began the historic Salt March on 12 March 1930.

The march covered 385 kilometres from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi village, symbolizing resistance against the British colonial salt laws and becoming a turning point in India’s freedom struggle.

The remembrance highlights the enduring legacy of Gandhian non-violent resistance in shaping modern India.