UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 19 March 2026

Coconut

March 19, 2026

Coconut Latest News

Recently the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare informed the Lok Sabha that India is the world’s largest producer of coconuts contributing to 30.37% of the Global coconut production.

About Coconut

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a large palm of the family Arecaceae.
It grows in the subtropical coastal regions of Asia (India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia) and Oceania.
It originated in Southeast Asia, and was transported throughout the Pacific either by migrating Indonesians and Polynesians.
Distribution in India: It is majorly grown in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, and West Bengal.
Uses: Coconuts are used as whole fruits or, conversely, by their parts: mesocarp fibers, milk, kernel (or flesh), husk.

Required Climatic Conditions for Coconut

Rainfall: 1000-3000 mm per year. Prefers evenly distributed rainfall
Temperature: Optimum 27°C with a diurnal variation of 6-7 0C Cold spells are more limiting than high temperatures. Light- Coconut palm requires maximum sunlight.
Altitude: Up to 600 m above mean sea level.
If temperature remains favourable, the palm grows well up to an altitude of 800 m.
Humidity: Needs warm and humid conditions
Soils: It is particularly adapted to the coastal light sandy and sandy loam type soils. Coconuts also thrive well in laterite soils.

Source: PIB

Coconut FAQs

Q1: Which part of the coconut is used to produce coconut oil?

Ans: Coconut flesh

Q2: What is the scientific name of the coconut palm?

Ans: Cocos nucifera

Autonomous District Councils

March 19, 2026

Autonomous District Council Latest News

Recently, the Meghalaya State Government has extended the term of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) for a period of six months..

About Autonomous District Council

The Autonomous District Councils being autonomous bodies under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian constitution provides a list of ten tribal areas in Assam (3), Meghalaya (3), Tripura (1) and Mizoram (3).
Each of these tribal areas constitutes an autonomous district. Each autonomous district has an Autonomous District Council (ADC).

Membership of Autonomous District Council

They have up to 30 members with a term of five years.
Out of 30, four are nominated by the governor and the remaining 26 are elected on the basis of adult franchise.
Tenure of Autonomous District Council: Five years from the date of their constitution.

Functions of Autonomous District Council

They makes laws on land, management of forests, except reserved forests, appointment of traditional chiefs and headmen,
They make rules regulating the inheritance of property, marriage, divorce, the constitution of village courts,
It can establish, construct or manage primary schools, dispensaries, markets, ferries, fisheries, roads and so on in the district.
It can also make regulations for the control of money lending and trading by non-tribals. But such regulations require the assent of the governor.

Revenue source of Autonomous District Council

Taxes on professions, trades, callings and employment; taxes on animals, vehicles and boats;
Taxes on the entry of goods into a market and sale therein, and tolls on passenger and goods carried on ferries; and taxes for the maintenance of school, dispensaries or roads.

Source: News On Air

Autonomous District Council FAQs

Q1: What is a key power of Autonomous District Councils?

Ans: Managing local resources and customs

Q2: Under which schedule of the Indian Constitution are Autonomous District Councils formed?

Ans: 6th Schedule

Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme

March 19, 2026

Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme Latest News

Recently, the union cabinet approved the ‘Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31’.

About Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme

It supports the installation of small hydro projects (1-25 MW capacity each) with a total capacity of 1,500 MW across the country.
Its special focus is on hilly and North-Eastern states that hold high untapped potential.
Time Period: FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31’

Key Features of Small Hydro Power Development Scheme

North East & Border Incentives: Higher central financial assistance (CFA) of ₹3.6 crore per MW (or 30% of cost, capped at ₹30 crore per project) for North Eastern states and international border districts.
General State Support: CFA of ₹2.4 crore per MW (or 20% of cost, capped at ₹20 crore per project) for other states.
DPR Pipeline: Allocation of ₹30 crore to support government agencies in preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for about 200 future projects.
Employment Generation: Expected to create 51 lakh person-days of employment during construction, plus long-term roles in operations and maintenance.
Indigenous Sourcing: Mandates 100% sourcing of plant and machinery from domestic manufacturers to boost the local industrial base.
The initiative emphasises environment-friendly "run-of-the-river" technology that generates power directly from the natural flow of rivers without large dams, minimising displacement, deforestation and ecological disruption.
Significance: SHP projects are environmentally sustainable, as they avoid large-scale land acquisition, deforestation, and displacement of communities.

Source: PIB

Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme FAQs

Q1: Which ministry is involved in the SHP Development Scheme in India?

Ans: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

Q2: What is the typical capacity range of Small Hydro Power projects?

Ans: 1-25 MW

IOS SAGAR

March 19, 2026

IOS SAGAR Latest News

Recently, the second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR commenced.

About IOS SAGAR

Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar is a maritime security cooperation initiative in the Southwest Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
It is the second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative.
It is designed as a unique operational engagement programme that enables naval personnel from Friendly Foreign Countries to train and sail together onboard an Indian Naval Ship.
Participating members: This Edition includes participation from 16 nations of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) of the Indian Ocean Region(IOR).
The initiative reflects the Government of India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and framework of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions.
Activities

- It involves professional training interactions at Indian Naval training establishments in Kochi.
- This phase will be followed by deployment onboard an Indian Naval Ship, where international participants will sail together with Indian Navy personnel and take part in operational activities at sea.

Source: PIB

IOS SAGAR FAQs

Q1: What does IOS SAGAR stand for?

Ans: Indian Ocean States Action for Growth and All Round Development

Q2: What is the primary focus of IOS SAGAR?

Ans: Regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean

Indian Wolf

March 19, 2026

Indian Wolf Latest News

Recently, an Indian wolf named Geeta at Pilikula Biological Park gave birth to seven pups.

About Indian Wolf

It is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf found in the Indian subcontinent and Southwest Asia.
Habitat: It prefers scrublands, semi-arid grasslands, and pastoral agro-ecosystems.
Behavior: Indian wolves generally live in smaller packs rarely exceeding 6-8 individuals.
They are also relatively less vocal and have rarely been known to howl and are territorial and hunt during the night.
Appearance: Intermediate in size between the Tibetan and Arabian wolves, but lacks a thick winter coat due to adaptation to warmer climates.
Distribution: Indian wolves are found in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Israel, Turkey, Iran, and Syria.
Threats: It faces a steady decline driven by habitat loss, shrinking prey base, and human persecution.

Conservation Status of Indian Wolf

IUCN: Vulnerable
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Source: TH

Indian wolf FAQs

Q1: What is the primary habitat of the Indian wolf?

Ans: Grasslands and scrublands

Q2: What is the scientific name of the Indian wolf?

Ans: Canis indica

Vietnam

March 19, 2026

Vietnam Latest News

Recently, a high-level bilateral meeting between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, and the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, was convened.

About Vietnam

Location: It is located in the eastern portion of mainland Southeast Asia.
Bordering Countries: It is bordered by China to the north, and Cambodia and Laos to the west.
Maritime Boundaries: It shares a border with South China Sea (East and South), Gulf of Thailand (Southwest).
It is roughly S-shaped, running for a distance of about 1,650 km in the north-to-south directions.
Capital City: Hanoi.

Geographical Features of Vietnam

Terrain: It is a country of tropical lowlands, rolling green hills, and densely forested mountains.
Major Rivers: Red River and Mekong River both drain into the South China Sea.
Major Mountain: Vietnam’s principal physiographic features are the Annamese Cordillera which extends generally from northwest to southeast in central Vietnam.
Highest Point: Vietnam’s highest point is Phan Xi Pang whose summit reaches 3,144 m
Climate: It is located in the tropical zone. Its climate is characterized by high temperature and humidity all year round.
Natural Resources: It is mainly abundant in antimony, phosphates, coal, manganese, rare earth elements, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits.

Source: PIB

Vietnam FAQs

Q1: What is the capital of Vietnam?

Ans: Hanoi

Q2: Which river is a major waterway in Vietnam?

Ans: Mekong River

Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna

March 19, 2026

Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna Latest News

Recently, the union Cabinet has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA).

About Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna

It aims to develop world-class industrial infrastructure, unlocking manufacturing potential and driving India’s growth story.
Target: Developing 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across the country.
Implementation: BHAVYA will be implemented in partnership with states and private sector players.

Features of Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna

Financial Scale: Total expenditure of ₹33,660 crore, providing up to ₹1 crore per acre for park development.
Plug-and-Play Ecosystem: Provides ready-built factory sheds, testing labs, and underground utilities to enable industries to move from "intent to production" with speed.
Infrastructure Scope: Covers core utilities, value-added facilities (warehousing), and social infrastructure such as worker housing.
Connectivity & Logistics: Aligned with PM GatiShakti principles for seamless multimodal connectivity; external infrastructure support is provided up to 25% of the project cost.
Sustainability Focus: Features green energy integration and a "no-dig" environment through integrated underground utility corridors for uninterrupted operations.
Selection Process: Projects are selected via a challenge mode, prioritizing states that implement investor-friendly reforms and effective single-window systems.

What is "Plug-and-Play" Industrial Infrastructure?

Plug-and-play infrastructure refers to industrial parks that are fully equipped with all necessary utilities and regulatory clearances before an investor arrives.

Source: PIB

Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna FAQs

Q1: What does "Audyogik" mean in Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna?

Ans: Industrial

Q2: Under which ministry is the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna implemented?

Ans: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Stockholm Water Prize

March 19, 2026

Stockholm Water Prize Latest News

Recently, Kaveh Madani has been named the 2026 recipient of the Stockholm Water Prize.

About Stockholm Water Prize

It is regarded as the world’s most prestigious award for water-related work.
It has been presented annually since 1991.
It is awarded by the Stockholm Water Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
Eligibility for Stockholm Water Prize

- The Prize is awarded to a person or organization who contributes to the conservation and protection of water resources, and to the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
- Everyone who has made extraordinary water-related achievements is eligible.
The prize is presented by H. M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, who is the official patron of the prize, at the awarding ceremony during World Water Week in August.
Nomination: Anyone can submit a nomination for the Stockholm Water Prize, however, self-nominations or nominations by persons with direct professional or family ties to the candidate are not permitted.

Source: DTE

Stockholm Water Prize FAQs

Q1: Who is the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize laureate?

Ans: Kaveh Madani

Q2: What is the Stockholm Water Prize?

Ans: An award for outstanding achievements in water conservation

Cotton Corporation of India

March 19, 2026

Cotton Corporation of India Latest News

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved Minimum Support Price (MSP) funding to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for the cotton season 2023–24.

About Cotton Corporation of India

It was established on 31st July 1970.
It is a Public Sector Undertaking under the Companies Act 1956.
Nodal Ministry: It works under the administrative control of Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
Functions:
- The major role of the CCI is to undertake price support operations, whenever the market prices of kapas fall below the minimum support prices (MSP) announced by Govt. of India, without any quantitative limit.
- Besides MSP operations, to fulfil the raw material requirement of the domestic textile industry particularly for lean season, CCI undertakes commercial purchase operations.
- It has PAN India presence through headquarters at Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra), 19 branches in all major cotton growing States.

Cotton cultivation

Cotton is a tropical and subtropical crop that requires warm conditions.
Cotton Cultivation Growing Requirements

- Temperature: The ideal temperature ranges in between 21°C to 30°C. It needs 210 frost-free days annually, as frost is highly damaging.
- Rainfall: The crop requires 50–100 cm of rainfall, ideally well-distributed.
- Soil: Cotton grows best in deep black soils (regur) of the Deccan Plateau, Malwa Plateau, and Gujarat. It also grows well in the alluvial soils of North India and red and lateritic soils in the South.
Major Cotton Growing states: Gujarat is the leading producer Telangana ranks second, followed by Maharashtra.

Source: PIB

Cotton Corporation of India FAQs

Q1: Which ministry is responsible for the Cotton Corporation of India?

Ans: Ministry of Textiles

Q2: What is the main objective of the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)?

Ans: To ensure fair prices for cotton farmers

Ethyl Chloroformate

March 19, 2026

Ethyl Chloroformate Latest News

Recently, India has launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of ethyl chloroformate from China after domestic producers alleged that the chemical was being sold in the Indian market at unfairly low prices.

About Ethyl Chloroformate

It is a colorless to yellowish liquid with a pungent odor.
Properties of Ethyl Chlorofomate
- It hydrolyses in the presence of water.
- It is very toxic by inhalation and corrosive to metals and tissue.
- Its vapors are heavier than air.
- It is highly flammable and emits fumes containing HCl on contact with moist air.
- It decomposes exothermically.
- It is slightly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether.
- It should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area in tightly closed containers away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials.
Uses:

- It was used in the synthesis of nitrile oxides.
- It is used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other specialty chemicals.
Health Impact: Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or short exposure to high concentrations may have adverse health effects from inhalation.

Source: TOI

Ethyl Chloroformate FAQs

Q1: What is Ethyl Chloroformate used for?

Ans: Production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other specialty chemicals.

Q2: What is the chemical formula of Ethyl Chloroformate?

Ans: C2H5OCOCl