The World Happiness Report 2026 has been released.
Finland ranked as the happiest country for the 9th consecutive year.
India ranked 116th out of 147 countries.
Top 10 Happiest Countries
Finland
Iceland
Denmark
Costa Rica
Sweden
Norway
Netherlands
Israel
Luxembourg
Switzerland
Unhappiest Countries
Bottom-ranked: Afghanistan
Key Factors Used in Ranking
GDP per capita
Life expectancy
Social support
Freedom to make life choices
Generosity
Perception of corruption
Who publishes the World Happiness Report?
Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford (lead publisher)
In partnership with:
Gallup
UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
An independent editorial board of experts
Major Findings
1. Social Media Impact
High usage linked to: Lower well-being, especially among teenagers
Teenage girls using >5 hours/day: Reported lower life satisfaction
2. Youth Happiness Decline
Decline observed in: USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
3. Why Finland Tops
High income with equitable distribution
Strong welfare state
High trust in institutions
Better life expectancy
4. Conflict and Happiness
Countries facing conflict: Lowest happiness levels
[2019] In the context of any country, which one of the following would be considered as part of its social capital? (a) The proportion of literates in the population (b) The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines (c) The size of population in the working age group (d) The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society
World Sparrow Day (March 20) highlights declining sparrow populations and their cultural significance, especially in Sikh tradition.
Sparrow: Ecological Importance
One of the most common birds in human settlements
Plays role in:
Insect control
Maintaining urban biodiversity
Decline linked to:
Urbanisation
Loss of nesting spaces
Pollution
‘Chidi’ in Sikh Tradition
Symbolism
Sparrow (‘chidi’) represents: Ordinary, weak, or downtrodden people
Spiritual Meaning
In Sikh philosophy: Even the weakest can become powerful through divine grace and courage
Cultural Expression
Sikh teachings, especially in: Guru Granth Sahib
Use nature imagery: Birds, animals, insects
Reflects rural Punjabi life and ethics
Famous Metaphor
Linked with Sikh ethos: “Making sparrows fight hawks”
Symbolises: Empowerment of the weak against the strong
Broader Insight
Sparrow is not just a bird but: A moral and spiritual metaphor
Shows connection between: Nature and religious philosophy
[2013] Consider the following Bhakti Saints: 1. Dadu Dayal 2. Guru Nanak 3. Tyagaraja Which among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi Dynasty fell and Babur took over? (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 2
Government data shows growth in the Index of Eight Core Industries slowed sharply to 2.3% in February 2026, a three-month low.
What are Core Sectors
Eight industries with high weight in IIP: Coal, Crude oil, Natural gas, Refinery products, Fertilisers, Steel, Cement, and Electricity
Key Findings
1. Sharp Slowdown
Growth declined from 4.7% (January) → 2.3% (February)
Broad-based slowdown across sectors
2. Best Performing Sectors
Cement: 9.3% growth (though slowing)
Steel: 7.2% growth
3. Weak Performing Sectors
Crude oil: –5.2% (6th month of decline)
Natural gas: –5% (20th month of decline)
Refinery products: –1%
Electricity: 0.5% (low growth)
Coal: 2.3% (slowed)
[2015] In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight? (a) Coal Production (b) Electricity generation (c) Fertilizer production (d) Steel production
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has proposed expanding its authority under the Electricity Act, 2003 and seeks recognition as the “Central Government” for all renewable energy matters.
Background
Currently, the Ministry of Power exercises primary control over the Electricity Act, including grid-connected renewable energy. The proposal by MNRE aims to redefine this institutional arrangement.
Key Demands by MNRE
Policy and Market Design
Authority to design renewable energy markets
Power to frame and notify bidding guidelines for renewable projects
Regulatory Role
Power to define tariff principles for the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission
Ability to guide the regulator on renewable energy issues
Monitoring Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs)
Oversight of compliance by distribution companies and large consumers
Addressing weak implementation by states
Institutional Coordination
Greater role in regulation-making by the Central Electricity Authority
Influence over national transmission planning
Current Status of Renewable Energy in India
Total installed capacity stands at about 520 GW
Non-fossil capacity is around 272 GW, more than half of total capacity
Renewable energy contributes about 263 GW
However, actual electricity generation from non-fossil sources is only about 25 percent
Government Target
India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, making efficient governance of the sector critical.
[2019] In India, which of the following review the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.? Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees Finance Commission Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission NITI Aayog Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 3 and 4 (c) 3, 4 and 5 (d) 2 and 5
The Supreme Court of India (March 2026) struck down the 3-month age cap for maternity leave for adoptive mothers under:
Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
Code of Social Security, 2020
What the Law Earlier Said
12 weeks maternity leave was allowed only if child < 3 months at adoption
Result: Most adoptive mothers could not qualify
Supreme Court Ruling
Adoptive mothers: Entitled to 12 weeks maternity leave regardless of child’s age
Held: “Motherhood cannot depend on child’s age”
Why SC Struck Down the Cap
1. Violation of Equality (Article 14)
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution
Court said: Distinction between mothers based on child’s age is: Artificial and unreasonable
Same caregiving responsibilities: Infant (2 months) vs child (4 months)
2. Violation of Right to Life & Dignity (Article 21)
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution
Includes:
Reproductive autonomy
Right to form a family (including adoption)
3. Law was “Illusory” in Practice
Adoption process (under Juvenile Justice Act, 2015):
Mandatory waiting periods
Legal procedures
Result: Child rarely available below 3 months
4. Importance of Child Bonding
Maternity leave ensures: Emotional bonding and Child’s adjustment in new family
Applies equally to: Adoptive mothers (even more critical)
5. Rejection of Government Argument
Govt suggested: Use crèche facilities
Court response:
Not universal (only for ≥50 employees)
Cannot replace maternal care
[2019] With reference to the Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017, consider the following statements: Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave. This act applies to all organisations with 20 or more employees. It has made it mandatory for every organisation with 100 or more employees to have a crèche. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Missile strikes on Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world’s largest LNG facility, amid West Asia conflict have raised concerns over global energy supply and India’s energy security.
What Happened
Iran targeted:
LNG facilities in Qatar (Ras Laffan)
Other energy sites in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
Earlier: Attack on South Pars Gas Field (world’s largest gas field)
Marks escalation from transport disruption → production disruption
Why Ras Laffan is Important
Accounts for ~20% of global LNG supply
Hub of:
LNG production
Liquefaction
Export infrastructure
Damage may cause long-term supply disruption
Impact on Global Energy
Brent crude: Jumped above $119/barrel
Natural gas prices: Sharp rise
Risk: From supply chain issue → full supply crisis
India’s Energy Dependence
1. LNG Dependence
~50% of gas demand met via imports
>40% LNG from Qatar
Most from Ras Laffan
2. Overall Energy Imports
Crude oil: ~88% import dependent
LPG: ~60%
Natural gas: ~50%
3. Strategic Chokepoint
Strait of Hormuz:
~50% of India’s crude imports
~60% LNG
~90% LPG
Immediate Impact on India
LNG supply cuts to industries
LPG supply concerns
Rising energy import costs
[2024] Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe . Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea . Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
India plans to extend its pulses import agreement with Myanmar for 5 more years (beyond 2025-26) to ensure food security amid global supply disruptions.
Background of the Agreement
Original MoU signed in 2021
Between: India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Myanmar’s Ministry of Commerce.
Import Commitments (2021–26)
Urad dal: 2.5 lakh tonnes/year
Tur dal: 1 lakh tonnes/year
New Developments
Extension proposed till 2030-31
Additional: +1 lakh tonnes Tur dal (2026-27)
Why Extension is Needed
1. Demand–Supply Gap
India’s pulses demand: 28–29 million tonnes
Domestic production: 24–25 million tonnes
Persistent import dependence
2. Falling Domestic Production
Tur: ↓ from 3.64 → 3.45 million tonnes
Urad: ↓ from 2.24 → 1.74 million tonnes
3. Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Due to geopolitical tensions: US–Israel–Iran conflict.
Risks to: Fuel supply, Fertilizer availability, and Food imports.
Role of Myanmar
Key supplier of pulses to India
Imports rising:
Tur: ↑ 44% (2025-26)
Urad: ↑ significantly
Significance
Food Security: Ensures stable supply of protein-rich pulses (dal)
Price Stability: Prevents inflation in essential commodities
Strategic Trade Diversification: Reduces risk from global disruptions
[2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements: Black gram (Urad) can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
[2012] The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern? The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Central Electricity Authority released midterm review of 20th Electric Power Survey (EPS).
About Central Electricity Authority:
The Central Electricity Authority of India advises the government on policy matters and formulates plans for the development of electricity systems.
It is a statutory organisation constituted under section 3 of Electricity Supply Act 1948, which has been superseded by section 70 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
Demand & Growth
Peak demand: 459 GW (2035-36)
Electricity need: 3,365 BU
Growth: ~5.6–6.4% CAGR
Capacity Expansion
From ~520 GW (2026) → 1,121 GW (2035-36)
Energy Mix:
Solar: 509 GW (45%)
Coal: 315 GW (28%)
Wind: 155 GW (14%)
Hydro: 77 GW
Others: small share
Non-fossil capacity ~70%
Key Insight
Solar leads in capacity
Coal dominates generation (51%) → ensures baseload power
Energy Storage Need
174 GW / 888 GWh
BESS: 80 GW
Pumped storage: 94 GW
Critical for renewable integration + grid stability
[2024] Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following? (a) Irrigation of terraced crop fields (b) Lift irrigation of cereal crops (c) Long duration energy storage (d) Rainwater harvesting system
The Levels and Trends in Child Mortality by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation highlights:
Global slowdown in reducing child deaths
India’s steady improvement in child and neonatal mortality
Global Scenario
4.9 million children died before age 5 (2024)
Includes 2.3 million newborns
Under-5 mortality:
↓ More than 50% since 2000
BUT progress slowed by >60% since 2015
2.1 million deaths (age 5–24 years)
Regional Distribution
Sub-Saharan Africa: Accounts for 58% of global under-5 deaths
India’s Performance
1. Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR)
1990: 57 per 1000 live births
2024: 17 per 1000
2. Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR)
1990: 127 per 1000
2024: 27 per 1000
3. Key Drivers of Improvement
Expanded immunisation coverage
Increase in institutional deliveries
Strengthening of public health systems
Targeted interventions:
Maternal & child healthcare
Nutrition programs
Key Observations
India is a major contributor to mortality reduction in South Asia
Demonstrates that: Low-cost interventions can significantly reduce deaths
Challenges Ahead
Slowing global progress
Persistent: Malnutrition and Infectious diseases
High neonatal share: Nearly half of under-5 deaths
[2023] Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojna: 1. It is a safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women. 3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women. 4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four
