UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 11 March 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 11 March 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 11 March 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Prioritising Natural Gas Supplies Amid West Asia Crisis

March 11, 2026
Prioritising Natural Gas Supplies

Prioritising Natural Gas Supplies Latest News

  • The ongoing conflict in West Asia and the disruption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have significantly affected Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplies to India. 
  • To manage the supply shock and protect essential consumer sectors, the Government of India has invoked emergency powers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to regulate and prioritise the allocation of natural gas.
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has issued an order diverting gas supplies to “priority sectors” such as households and transportation while curtailing supplies to certain industrial sectors.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption

  • The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. 
  • It is one of the most critical energy chokepoints in the world, as it handles about one-fifth of global liquid petroleum consumption and LNG trade.
  • Over 50% of India’s LNG imports from countries such as Qatar and the UAE transit through this route. Cargoes moving through the Strait account for about 30% of India’s total gas consumption.
  • With Iran warning ships against transit and attacks reported on vessels, maritime movement has nearly halted, disrupting LNG shipments to India.

India’s Dependence on Imported Gas

  • India’s energy system is significantly dependent on imported natural gas.
  • Out of the total gas demand of about 190 million standard cubic metres per day (mscmd), around 50% of this demand is met through LNG imports.
  • LPG imports meet nearly 60% of India’s requirement. Over 80% of LPG imports also pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Thus, geopolitical disruptions in West Asia have direct implications for India’s energy security.

Government Measures to Manage the Gas Shortage

  • Invocation of the Essential Commodities Act: The government used emergency powers to regulate gas distribution, ensuring essential sectors receive adequate supplies while shifting the shortage burden to non-priority sectors.
  • Four-tier priority allocation system: The MoPNG created a four-category priority system based on average gas consumption over the past six months.
    • Priority Category I – 100% supply, due to their direct impact on citizens - PNG (Piped Natural Gas) for households, CNG for the transport sector, gas used for LPG production, gas required for essential pipeline operations.
    • Priority Category II – 70% supply. Fertiliser plants - Gas allocation is strictly restricted for fertiliser production only, and units must certify compliance through the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC).
    • Priority Category III – 80% supply. Tea industries, manufacturing and other industrial consumers connected to the national gas grid.
    • Priority Category IV – 80% supply. Commercial and industrial consumers supplied through City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks.

Curtailment of Gas to Non-Priority Sectors

  • To divert gas to essential sectors, supply to following industrial users has been reduced -
    • Petrochemical units
    • Gas-based power plants
    • Domestic gas consumers from difficult blocks
    • Refineries, whose gas supply has been reduced to 65% of their recent average consumption
  • The public sector company GAIL has been tasked with managing these allocations.

Measures to Secure Supply

  • Increase in domestic LPG production:
    • The government directed refiners to maximise LPG output by using propane and butane streams. This has led to a 10% rise in LPG production.
    • Private companies such as Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) have also pledged to increase LPG output from the Jamnagar refining complex.
  • Prioritisation of domestic consumers:
    • India has over 33 crore domestic LPG consumers, making uninterrupted household supply a top priority.
    • Measures include:
      • Prioritising domestic LPG over commercial LPG users (e.g., hotels and restaurants).
      • Increasing the minimum refill booking gap from 21 days to 25 days to prevent hoarding.
      • Ensuring daily distribution of about 60 lakh LPG cylinders, unchanged from pre-crisis levels.
    • A three-member committee of oil marketing company executives has been formed to review requests from commercial LPG consumers and allocate supplies where feasible.
  • Diversifying LNG imports:
    • India is attempting to source LNG from alternative suppliers such as Norway and the United States.
    • However, diversification faces logistical constraints like shipping time from these countries is around two months, and LNG prices have surged from $6–8 per MMBtu to about $15 per MMBtu.
    • Despite higher costs, imports from distant markets become economically viable once prices exceed $10 per MMBtu.

Challenges and Way Ahead

  • Geopolitical vulnerability: Heavy dependence on West Asian energy supplies exposes India to disruptions during regional conflicts.
    • Diversification: India should expand LNG supply agreements with countries such as Australia, the U.S., and African producers to reduce reliance on West Asia.
  • Chokepoint risk: Reliance on the Strait of Hormuz makes India vulnerable to maritime security disruptions.
    • Creation of strategic gas reserves similar to petroleum reserves could cushion temporary disruptions.
  • Limited domestic gas production: Domestic gas output is insufficient to meet rising demand.
    • Encouraging exploration in deepwater, ultra-deepwater, and difficult basins can increase indigenous gas output.
  • Time lag in diversification: Alternative LNG imports from distant countries involve long shipping lead times.
    • India must strengthen partnerships through long-term contracts and multilateral energy cooperation.
  • Industrial disruption: Curtailing supplies to industries like petrochemicals and power plants may affect production and economic activity.
    • Accelerating solar, wind, and green hydrogen initiatives can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Conclusion

  • The disruption of LNG supplies due to the West Asia conflict highlights the fragility of global energy supply chains and India’s vulnerability to geopolitical shocks. 
  • The crisis underscores the urgent need for energy diversification, domestic production enhancement, and resilient supply chains to ensure long-term energy security for India.

Source: TH | IE

Prioritising Natural Gas Supplies FAQs

Q1: Why is the Strait of Hormuz strategically important for India’s energy security?

Ans: It accounts for about 30% of India’s natural gas consumption via imports, making it a critical energy chokepoint.

Q2: How has the Government of India used the Essential Commodities Act to manage the current natural gas shortage?

Ans: By regulating natural gas distribution and prioritising supply to essential sectors such as CNG for transport and LPG production.

Q3: What priority framework has the Government of India introduced for natural gas allocation during the crisis?

Ans: A four-tier priority system has been introduced giving 100% supply to households, transport, and LPG production, 70% to fertiliser plants, etc.

Q4: What steps has India taken to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply to households during the West Asia conflict?

Ans: The government prioritised domestic consumers, directed refiners to maximise LPG output, etc.

Q5: What structural challenge does the LNG supply crisis highlight for India’s energy sector?

Ans: It underscores India’s high dependence on imported LNG, highlighting the need for diversification and greater domestic production.

Fiscal Federalism and the Debate Over the 41% Tax Devolution

March 11, 2026
Fiscal Federalism

Fiscal Federalism Latest News

  • The Union government’s acceptance of the 16th Finance Commission’s recommendation to retain 41% tax devolution to States has sparked debate about the changing nature of fiscal federalism in India. 

Fiscal Federalism in India

  • Fiscal federalism refers to the distribution of financial powers and responsibilities between different levels of government in a federal system. 
  • In India, fiscal federalism determines how tax revenues are shared between the Union government and the States.
  • The Constitution provides a framework for fiscal relations through several provisions:
    • Articles 268-281: These articles govern taxation powers and revenue sharing between the Centre and the States.
    • Article 280: Provides for the establishment of the Finance Commission to recommend tax devolution and grants to States.
    • 7th Schedule: Divides taxation powers between the Union List and the State List.
  • Since the Union government collects a large portion of taxes, a mechanism is needed to distribute revenue fairly among States. The Finance Commission performs this role by recommending how the divisible pool of central taxes should be shared.
  • Over the years, tax devolution to States has increased. The 14th Finance Commission raised the States’ share to 42%, which was slightly reduced to 41% by the 15th Finance Commission after the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The 16th Finance Commission has now recommended continuing the 41% share of the divisible pool for States.

Understanding the Divisible Pool

  • The divisible pool refers to the portion of central tax revenues that is shared with States.
  • However, not all tax revenues are included in this pool. Certain components, such as cesses and surcharges, are excluded from sharing with States.
  • These taxes are levied by the Union government for specific purposes and are retained entirely by the Centre.
  • According to Finance Commission data, the share of the divisible pool in gross tax revenues has gradually declined:
    • During the 13th Finance Commission period, the divisible pool averaged 89.2% of gross tax revenues.
    • During the 14th Finance Commission period, it fell to 82.1%.
    • During the 15th Finance Commission period, it further declined to 78.3%. 
  • This trend suggests that although the States’ share is officially 41%, the actual amount transferred may be lower because the base itself has been shrinking.

Recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission

  • The 16th Finance Commission examined the fiscal position of both the Union and State governments and proposed several recommendations regarding tax sharing and fiscal discipline.
  • The Union government accepted several key recommendations, including:
    • Retaining 41% tax devolution to States
    • Accepting the horizontal distribution formula among States
    • Approving local body grants
    • Supporting the disaster management funding framework 
  • However, several structural reforms proposed by the Commission were deferred. These include:
    • Reform of Fiscal Responsibility Legislation (FRL) frameworks
    • Regulation of off-budget borrowings by States
    • Reforms in the power sector distribution companies (DISCOMs)
    • Rationalisation of subsidies
  • The Union government indicated that these issues would be examined separately at a later stage.

Structural Issues in State Finances

  • The Finance Commission’s analysis highlights growing fiscal stress in several States.
  • For instance:
    • Punjab’s debt-to-GSDP ratio reached 42.9% in 2023-24, along with a revenue deficit of 3.7% of GSDP.
    • Rajasthan’s liabilities stood at 37.9% of GSDP.
    • West Bengal recorded liabilities of 38.3% of GSDP.
    • Andhra Pradesh had liabilities of about 34.6% of GSDP. 
  • In some cases, borrowing is used primarily to meet revenue expenditure, such as salaries and interest payments, rather than to create productive capital assets.
  • Another concern is off-budget borrowing, where States borrow through government-controlled entities and repay the loans using public funds. This practice keeps liabilities outside official fiscal deficit figures.
  • The Finance Commission recommended tighter regulation of such borrowing practices, but implementation has been deferred.

Changes in the Horizontal Devolution Formula

  • The Finance Commission also revised the formula used to distribute funds among States.
  • Previously, a portion of transfers depended on tax and fiscal effort, which rewarded States that improved their tax collection efficiency relative to their economic capacity.
  • Under the new formula, this criterion has been replaced by a “contribution to GDP” indicator, which carries a weight of 10% in the allocation formula. 
  • This shift benefits economically stronger States such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
  • These States contribute significantly to the national GDP and already have relatively strong fiscal capacity.
  • On the other hand, poorer States such as Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, which rely more heavily on central transfers, may benefit less from this criterion.
  • Critics argue that this change weakens the principle of fiscal equalisation, which traditionally aimed to help less developed States.

Local Body Grants and Conditionalities

  • Another major component of the Finance Commission transfers involves grants to local governments.
  • The Sixteenth Finance Commission recommended Rs. 7,91,493 crore in grants for rural and urban local bodies. 
  • These grants are divided into two categories:
    • Basic grants - Provided to support essential services and administrative functions of local governments.
    • Performance grants - Provided only if certain conditions are met, such as:
      • Timely constitution of State Finance Commissions
      • Maintenance of audited accounts
      • Compliance with central data reporting systems
  • While these conditions aim to improve governance, some analysts argue that they may disproportionately affect States with weaker administrative capacity.
  • During the previous Finance Commission period, only about 62.6% of recommended urban local body grants were actually released, indicating implementation challenges.

Implications for India’s Fiscal Federalism

  • The recent developments reflect broader trends in India’s fiscal federal system.
  • Three key implications emerge:
    • Growing Centre-State asymmetry: Increasing reliance on cesses and surcharges allows the Union government to retain a larger share of tax revenues.
    • Shift in allocation principles: Greater weight to GDP contribution may favour richer States over poorer ones.
    • Delayed structural reforms: Important issues such as fiscal discipline rules and power sector reforms remain unresolved.
  • Together, these trends may gradually reshape fiscal relations between the Union and the States.

Source: TH

Fiscal Federalism FAQs

Q1: What is fiscal federalism?

Ans: Fiscal federalism refers to the distribution of financial powers and revenue sharing between the Union and State governments.

Q2: What is the divisible pool of taxes?

Ans: The divisible pool is the portion of central tax revenues that is shared with States based on Finance Commission recommendations.

Q3: What share of taxes has been recommended for States by the Sixteenth Finance Commission?

Ans: The Sixteenth Finance Commission recommended retaining the States’ share at 41% of the divisible pool.

Q4: Why is the 41% devolution sometimes called an “illusion”?

Ans: Because cesses and surcharges are excluded from the divisible pool, reducing the actual share of tax revenues transferred to States.

Q5: Why are Finance Commissions important in India?

Ans: Finance Commissions determine tax sharing and grants to States, ensuring balanced fiscal relations in the federal system.

Press Note 3 Relaxation: India Eases FDI Rules for China and Neighbouring Countries

March 11, 2026
Press Note 3 Relaxation

Press Note 3 Relaxation Latest News

  • The Union Cabinet has approved a partial relaxation of FDI restrictions under Press Note 3 (2020) for countries sharing land borders with India, including China. 
  • The easing allows limited investments in select manufacturing sectors such as capital goods, electronic capital goods, electronic components, and solar manufacturing inputs like polysilicon and ingot-wafer. 
  • However, FDI restrictions remain in place for strategic sectors, including semiconductors.

What is Press Note 3 (PN3)

  • Press Note 3 amended India’s FDI policy by stating that:
    • Any investment from countries sharing a land border with India must receive government approval.
    • Investments where the beneficial owner is from such countries also require approval.
    • This applies to investors from China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Afghanistan.
  • The objective was to prevent opportunistic takeovers of Indian companies and safeguard national security.

Background: Why Press Note 3 Was Introduced

  • In April 2020, the Government of India introduced Press Note 3 (PN3) amid concerns that foreign investors might exploit the economic slowdown during the Covid-19 pandemic to acquire distressed Indian companies.
  • The policy mandated prior government approval for any FDI from countries sharing land borders with India, including China.
  • The restrictions were reinforced after the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, when national security concerns increased.
  • Although the rule applied to all neighbouring countries, it was primarily aimed at Chinese investments, as China had been a major investor in Indian startups and technology firms.

Why the Government Has Eased the Restrictions

  • Several factors led to the decision to partially relax PN3 rules.
  • Need for Investment and Technology - India requires capital, technology transfer, and integration with global supply chains, particularly in manufacturing sectors such as electronics and solar components.
  • Recommendations from Policy Bodies - A high-level committee chaired by NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba recommended easing restrictions to boost investments.
  • Economic Survey Recommendation - The Economic Survey 2023-24 suggested that Chinese investments could strengthen India’s export competitiveness, especially in manufacturing.
  • Impact on Global Investors - The PN3 restrictions also affected global private equity and venture capital funds that had minor Chinese ownership stakes.
  • Supply Chain and Global Economic Pressures - Geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions—such as risks to energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz—have increased the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity.

Key Details of the New Relaxation

  • Limited Sectoral Opening - FDI from land-border sharing countries will now be allowed in selected manufacturing sectors such as: Capital goods; Electronic capital goods; Electronic components; Solar manufacturing inputs such as polysilicon and ingot-wafer.
    • However, strategic sectors such as semiconductors remain restricted.
  • Investment Threshold - Investments up to 10% beneficial ownership from land-border countries will be allowed through the automatic route.
  • Indian Ownership Requirement - The majority ownership and control must remain with Indian residents or Indian entities.
  • Faster Approval Process - The government has set a 60-day deadline for processing investment proposals.
  • Oversight Mechanism - A Committee of Secretaries (CoS) headed by the Cabinet Secretary will review and revise the list of sectors eligible for relaxation.
  • Beneficial Ownership Rules - Investments will be assessed based on beneficial ownership criteria aligned with anti-money laundering rules.

Potential Impact of the Policy Change

  • Boost to Manufacturing - The relaxation may attract new investments in electronics and renewable energy manufacturing, helping India expand domestic production.
  • Technology Transfer - Foreign investments could provide access to advanced technologies, improving India’s competitiveness in global markets.
  • Supply Chain Integration - Greater investment may help integrate Indian firms into global value chains, especially in electronics manufacturing.
  • Higher FDI Inflows - Relaxing restrictions may increase FDI inflows, supplement domestic capital and support economic growth.
  • Strategic Safeguards Maintained - By retaining restrictions in critical sectors such as semiconductors, the government seeks to balance economic openness with national security concerns.

Gradual Normalisation of India–China Economic Engagement

  • The move reflects a calibrated and cautious approach toward economic engagement with China.
  • Recent steps indicating gradual normalisation include:
    • Easing business visa processes for Chinese workers
    • Allowing joint ventures in electronics manufacturing, such as the partnership between Dixon Technologies and China’s Longcheer
    • Diplomatic efforts to stabilise relations, including resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and restoration of direct flights

Conclusion

  • The easing of Press Note 3 represents a carefully calibrated policy shift, aimed at attracting investment and strengthening manufacturing while maintaining strategic safeguards. 
  • It signals India’s effort to balance economic growth, supply chain resilience, and national security concerns in a changing global environment.


Source: IE | BS

Press Note 3 Relaxation FAQs

Q1: What is the Press Note 3 relaxation in India’s FDI policy?

Ans: The Press Note 3 relaxation allows limited foreign direct investment from land-border countries like China in selected manufacturing sectors while retaining restrictions in strategic industries.

Q2: Why was Press Note 3 originally introduced in 2020?

Ans: Press Note 3 was introduced to prevent opportunistic takeovers of Indian companies by investors from neighbouring countries during the Covid-19 economic slowdown.

Q3: What sectors are allowed under the Press Note 3 relaxation?

Ans: The Press Note 3 relaxation allows investments in sectors like capital goods, electronic components, and solar manufacturing inputs such as polysilicon and ingot-wafer.

Q4: Which sectors remain restricted despite the Press Note 3 relaxation?

Ans: Even after the Press Note 3 relaxation, strategic sectors such as semiconductors remain restricted due to national security considerations.

Q5: How can the Press Note 3 relaxation impact India’s economy?

Ans: The Press Note 3 relaxation may increase FDI inflows, boost manufacturing, enhance technology transfer, and integrate Indian firms into global supply chains while safeguarding strategic sectors.

CEC Removal Motion: Legal Provisions for Removing the Chief Election Commissioner

March 11, 2026
CEC Removal Motion

CEC Removal Motion Latest News

  • The Opposition is preparing to move a motion to impeach Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging biased conduct. 
  • The removal process will follow the same procedure as that for removing a Supreme Court judge, as provided under the law.

Opposition’s Allegations Against the CEC

  • The Opposition is drafting an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and is gathering the required signatures from MPs. 
  • The primary allegation is “biased conduct”, with the EC accused of targeting West Bengal during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, including the deployment of micro-observers in the state.

Process for Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

  • The removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is governed by Article 324(5) of the Constitution. 
  • It states that the CEC can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
  • The Article also provides that Election Commissioners can be removed only on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner. 
  • The removal process is subject to laws enacted by Parliament.

Legal Framework

  • Parliament enacted the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
  • Section 11 of this Act deals with the resignation and removal process.
  • It reiterates the constitutional provision that the CEC can only be removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge.

Grounds for Removal

  • The grounds for removal are the same as those applicable to Supreme Court judges under Article 124(4):
    • Proved misbehaviour, or
    • Incapacity

Parliamentary Procedure for Removal

  • The removal process follows the procedure laid down in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
  • Initiation of Motion - A motion for removal must be signed by: At least 100 members of the Lok Sabha, or At least 50 members of the Rajya Sabha.
  • Admission of Motion - The Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha may admit or reject the motion.

Inquiry by Investigation Committee

  • If the motion is admitted, a three-member inquiry committee is constituted to investigate the charges.
  • The committee must include:
    • One Supreme Court judge
    • One Chief Justice of a High Court
    • One distinguished jurist
  • The committee investigates the allegations and submits a report to the Speaker or Chairman.

Parliamentary Voting

  • If the committee finds the charges proved, the motion is taken up for voting in Parliament.
  • To succeed, the motion must be passed by:
    • A majority of the total membership of each House, and
    • A two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
    • Both Houses must pass the motion in the same session.

Final Order by the President

  • Once both Houses pass the motion, an address is sent to the President, who then issues an order removing the Chief Election Commissioner from office.

Source: IE | TH

CEC Removal Motion FAQs

Q1: What is the CEC removal motion in India?

Ans: The CEC removal motion is a parliamentary process to remove the Chief Election Commissioner under Article 324(5), following the same procedure used to remove a Supreme Court judge.

Q2: Under which constitutional provision is the CEC removal motion governed?

Ans: The CEC removal motion is governed by Article 324(5) of the Constitution, which states that the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge.

Q3: What are the grounds for a CEC removal motion?

Ans: A CEC removal motion can be initiated on the grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity, the same conditions required for removing a Supreme Court judge.

Q4: What parliamentary majority is required for a CEC removal motion to pass?

Ans: For a CEC removal motion to succeed, both Houses must pass it by a majority of the total membership and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

Q5: What happens after Parliament passes a CEC removal motion?

Ans: After Parliament approves the CEC removal motion, the President issues an order removing the Chief Election Commissioner from office following the constitutional procedure.

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