Daily Current Affairs 25 March 2026 for UPSC Exam

Today's current affairs highlight critical developments across diverse sectors, crucial for competitive exam preparation. Topics range from significant Supreme Court rulings on social legislation and India's strategic defense advancements to ethical considerations in international conflict. 

We also explore initiatives promoting tribal heritage and environmental sustainability, alongside groundbreaking technological pursuits in AI chip manufacturing. Understanding these events provides a comprehensive overview of national and global progress.

Supreme Court Verdict on SC/ST Act and Religious Conversion

The Supreme Court of India recently addressed a case involving an individual of Scheduled Caste origin who converted to Christianity and subsequently claimed atrocities under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.

The Court clarified that the Constitutional Scheduled Castes Order 1950, specifically Clause 3, restricts its applicability to individuals practicing Hinduism. This order was later amended to include Sikhism in 1956 and Buddhism in 1990.

The ruling states that individuals who convert to religions other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, such as Christianity, cannot invoke the SC/ST Act 1989 for caste-based issues. This position aligns with previous judgments, including one by the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Sixth-Generation Fighter Program

India aims to develop its own sixth-generation fighter jets but currently lacks the necessary indigenous capabilities. Consequently, the nation is exploring participation in international programs such as the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) or the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

Key Features of Sixth-Generation Fighter Jets:

• Advanced Stealth Quality: Making them difficult to detect.

• Significant Role of AI.

• Advanced Weaponry: Including laser weapons for high-beam attacks.

• AI-driven systems.

• Drones: Often referred to as "Loyal Wingmen."

• Advanced Stealth Sensors: For covert operations and countering enemy threats.

• Direct High Energy Weapons: Such as laser beams and high-energy systems.

Global efforts in developing sixth-generation fighters include:

• USA: Developing the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft to replace the F-22 Raptor, with involvement from Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The FA-XX naval version is also being developed to replace FA-18 E/F Super Hornets.

• China: Working on the JX Hu Long Fire Dragon.

International Programs India is Exploring:

A. Global Combat Air Program (GCAP)

• Collaborators: UK, Italy, and Japan.

• Target: First fighter jet induction by 2035.

• Approach: Utilizes a "System of Systems" model, integrating various fighter jets, drones, and data networks into a centralized, integrated system.

• Key Features:

• Loyal Wingman Drones: Automatically operated.

• AI Sensors Fusion.

• Next-generation weapons: Including high-energy laser systems.

B. Future Combat Air System (FCAS)

• Collaborators: France, Germany, and Spain.

• Key Features:

• Focuses on next-generation fighter jet development.

• Incorporates a Combat Cloud: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence.

• Features Remote Carriers: Drones.

• Includes an Advanced Propulsion System: For high speed and extended flight duration.

Benefits for India from Joining a Sixth-Generation Program:

• Technological Advancement: Access to advanced technological know-how.

• Local Production Capability: Development of domestic manufacturing infrastructure.

• Enhanced Stealth Capability: Crucial for addressing geopolitical threats.

• Industrial Benefits: Promotion of local production and economic growth.

"No Quarter, No Mercy" for Enemies

The US Secretary of Defense's statement, "No Quarter, No Mercy for our enemies," made in reference to the conflict with Iran, implies denying quarter even to wounded or surrendering combatants. This stance appears to contravene established international conventions.

Such a declaration is in direct violation of several international legal frameworks:

• The Hague Regulations 1907: Article 23D explicitly forbids declaring that "no quarter will be given." "No quarter" means denying survival or showing no mercy to an enemy.

• Geneva Convention (Additional Protocols): Article 40 mandates that survivors should not be denied the right to live, rejecting the "no quarter, no mercy" principle for surrendering or incapacitated individuals.

• Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC): Article 8 classifies declaring "no quarter" as a war crime, applicable in both international and non-international armed conflicts.

Consequences and Concerns: This policy fundamentally undermines humanitarianism by denying protection to prisoners of war. It risks escalating conflicts into more brutal and dehumanized forms of warfare.

Bharat Tribes Fest

The Bharat Tribes Fest was organized by TRIFED and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in New Delhi, running from March 18 to 30, 2026.

Purpose of the Fest:

• To promote the traditions, food, and handicrafts of tribal communities.

• To provide international exposure to tribal arts, culture, and cuisine.

• To foster entrepreneurial development within tribal communities.

• To achieve the economic empowerment of tribal communities.

Key Features:

• Large-scale participation: Over 200 stalls, 78 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and 310 master tribal artisans showcased their skills.

• Cultural and Culinary Focus: The theme was "Forest to Plate," emphasizing how tribal communities utilize forest resources for unique cuisines and their nutritional value. The event featured approximately 120 cuisines and 400 artisans, alongside tribal dance and music performances.

Important Initiative:

• RIJHA (Revival of Indigenous Skills and Artisans): This initiative aims to integrate tribal textiles (such as Eri silk, Kotpad cotton, and Dongariya embroidery) with global fashion trends.

World Water Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to conserve water, highlighting its crucial role for sustainability.

Key Information:

• Date: Annually observed on 22 March.

• Main Focus: Conservation of fresh water and its sustainable utilization.

• Origin: First brought to attention at the United Nations Conference on Environment (Rio Summit) in 1992, it was officially recognized as World Water Day in 1993.

• Objective: To address global water challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure.

• Link to SDGs: Directly contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by 2030.

• 2024 Theme: "Water and Gender." This theme underscores inclusive growth and equality in water management.

• Slogan: "Where Water Flows, Equality Grows."

Significance:

• Raises awareness about the global water crisis.

• Promotes sustainable practices in water management.

• Encourages community participation in water conservation efforts.

• Supports inclusive development, including women's empowerment in water-related initiatives.

• Fosters global cooperation and effective water governance.

Ningol Won Initiative

The Ningol Won Initiative was recently launched by the Manipur Government.

Key Aspects:

• Meaning of "Ningol": In Manipuri society, "Ningol" refers to married women, recognized for their responsible management of resources.

• Purpose: To empower married women to conserve forest resources and biodiversity within Manipur.

• Launch Date: Coincided with the International Day of Forests 2026 (March 21).

• Context for Manipur:

• 74% of Manipur's geographical area consists of forest land.

• Tribal communities in Manipur are heavily dependent on forests for their livelihood and economy.

• Challenges Addressed: The initiative aims to tackle pressing issues such as poppy cultivation (contributing to drug use), frequent forest fires, and rampant illegal extraction/mining of resources.

• Future Plan: The program is slated for implementation across all 16 districts of Manipur to ensure sustainability, explore commercial crops like palm oil, and promote bamboo as a sustainable resource for infrastructure development.

Project Terafab

Project Terafab is a pioneering initiative by Elon Musk, representing a collaboration between his companies Tesla and SpaceX. 

Purpose: The project aims to address the global shortage and increasing demand for AI-based integrated chips (ICs).

Key Details:

• Location: An advanced technology fabrication unit established in Texas, Austin.

• Target: To produce AI chips capable of achieving one Terawatt of computing capacity. The project's name, "Terafab," is derived from this "terawatt" target. (Memory Tip: 'Tera' in Terafab refers to the 'Terawatt' computing capacity targeted, and 'fab' indicates a fabrication unit.)

• Collaborators: Tesla and SpaceX.

• Context: The current global supply of AI chips is largely reliant on a few manufacturers, notably TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) and Samsung. Project Terafab seeks to reduce this dependency and diversify production.

Future Vision:

• Initial Target: Develop chips with 10 to 20 Gigawatt computing capacity for Earth-based projects.

• Ultimate Target: Achieve 1 Terawatt computing capacity, specifically for advanced space exploration applications.