Daily filter — 16 March 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
📝 Reports & Indices · UPSC track
UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024: Final Reserve List Recommendation
UPSC has recommended an additional candidate from the reserve list for the Civil Services Examination, 2024.
- The UPSC announced results for the Civil Services Examination, 2024, on 22.04.2025.
- Initially, 1009 candidates were recommended for 1129 vacancies.
- A reserve list of 114 candidates was released on 28.10.2025.
- An additional 1 candidate (General Category) is now recommended from the reserve list.
💡 Remember: UPSC 2024 results (April 2025) led to initial 1009 recommendations, with 114 from reserve in Oct 2025, and 1 more now.
Source: UPSC · PIB PRID 2240866
🗳️ Polity & Governance · LAW track
MCC Implemented for Five States/UT General Elections
The Election Commission of India announced the schedule for General Elections in 5 States/UTs, activating the Model Code of Conduct.
- General Elections announced for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal.
- Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force on March 16, 2026.
- MCC applies to Central Government regarding these States/UTs.
- C-Vigil App and Call Centre number 1950 for MCC violation complaints.
- 5,173 Flying squads and 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams deployed.
- SUVIDHA module activated for public place allocations on ECINET.
💡 MCC applies to elections in 5 States/UTs, with C-Vigil and SUVIDHA aiding monitoring and compliance.
Source: Election Commission · PIB PRID 2240566
👨👩👧👦 Law & Judiciary · LAW track
CARA Strengthens Adoption Procedures and Child Protection Measures
The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has issued three Office Memorandums to reinforce adoption compliance and safeguard children's rights.
- CARA reiterated mandatory observance of procedures and timelines for declaring a child legally free for adoption.
- CARA issued policy for safekeeping and transfer of records to facilitate adoptees' root search under Regulation 47(2).
- CARA directed strict compliance with Section 74 of Juvenile Justice Act, prohibiting disclosure of child identity.
- Violations of Section 74 can lead to penal consequences under Section 74(3) of the Act.
💡 For the exam: CARA ensures ethical adoption (procedures, records, identity) under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and Adoption Regulations, 2022.
Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development · PIB PRID 2240443
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
CCI Conference Addresses Competition in Digital and AI Markets
The **Competition Commission of India (CCI)** organized its 11th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law on 16th March 2026.
- Shri Rajiv Gauba, Member, NITI Aayog, highlighted four pillars for well-functioning markets.
- CCI established a dedicated Digital Markets Division and completed an AI market study in October 2025.
- CCI implemented regulations for the 2023 amendment to the Competition Act, 2023, and a revised regulation on cost of production in 2025.
- The first settlement proposal in the Android Smart TV ecosystem was processed by CCI in 2025.
💡 Remember CCI's focus on digital, AI, and regulatory updates from 2023 to 2026 with key figures.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2240804
🏛️ Polity & Governance · LAW track
Parliamentary Committee reviews budget and governance reforms
The **Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee** presented its **161st Report** on **Demands for Grants (2026-27)**.
- The 161st Report was presented to Rajya Sabha on March 16, 2026.
- It reviewed Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances and Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare.
- The committee recommended including 'Use of Artificial Intelligence for Improving Governance' as a recurring theme.
- It also proposed an award for exemplary budget planning and fiscal discipline.
💡 The 161st Report emphasizes budget efficiency, AI in governance, and root cause analysis for grievances.
Source: Rajya Sabha Secretariat · PIB PRID 2240862
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Parliamentary Committee Reports on Justice Dept. Budget and Schemes
The **162nd Report** by the **Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice** reviewed the **Department of Justice's** performance and budget for **2026-27**.
- The Committee found Department of Justice budget allocation for 2026-27 lower than projections.
- It noted slow expenditure in several states under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary during 2025-26.
- The Committee reiterated that Gram Nyayalayas should function on all working days, not just one or two.
- Progress under the e-Courts Mission Mode Project was appreciated, urging expedited WAN connections.
- The DISHA Scheme, integrating Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu, and other programmes, was lauded.
💡 Remember the 162nd Report for its critical assessment of Justice Department's budget, infrastructure schemes, and the functioning of Gram Nyayalayas.
Source: Rajya Sabha Secretariat · PIB PRID 2240859
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Parliamentary Committee Reports on Legislative Department and ECI Demands
A Rajya Sabha Committee presented its 163rd Report on Demands for Grants for 2026-27, highlighting budgetary and policy recommendations.
- The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice presented its 163rd Report.
- The report covered Demands for Grants (2026-27) for the Legislative Department and Election Commission of India.
- Recommendations included strengthening budget forecasting and accelerating vacant post filling.
- The Committee also urged for regular review and repealing of obsolete laws.
💡 Remember: The 163rd Report addressed budgetary estimates (2026-27) and vacancies/obsolete laws for the Legislative Dept. and ECI.
Source: Rajya Sabha Secretariat · PIB PRID 2240857
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Parliamentary Panel Reviews Legal Affairs Department Demands for Grants
A parliamentary committee presented its 164th Report on the Demands for Grants for 2026-27 for the Department of Legal Affairs.
- The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice presented its 164th Report.
- The report pertains to the Demands for Grants (2026-27) of the Department of Legal Affairs.
- The report was presented on March 16, 2026, to both Houses of Parliament.
- The Committee noted a ₹87.385 crore shortfall in allocation for BE 2026–27.
- It recommended reviewing the adequacy of allocation for the Chennai Branch Secretariat.
- The Committee urged expeditious filling of Indian Legal Service (ILS) vacancies.
- It recommended timely issuance of Certificates of Practice to provisionally selected Notaries.
- The Committee advised expediting amendment to Rule 10 of the Notaries Rules, 1956.
- It recommended a proactive approach for the Law Commission of India to engage stakeholders.
💡 The 164th Report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice on Demands for Grants (2026-27) highlights budget shortfalls and recommends measures for the Department of Legal Affairs, ILS vacancies, Notaries, and the Law Commission of India.
Source: Rajya Sabha Secretariat · PIB PRID 2240853
📊 Polity & Governance · LAW track
Parliamentary Panel Urges Fiscal Discipline for Personnel Ministry
A Rajya Sabha Standing Committee presented its 160th Report, recommending improved budget formulation and expenditure management for the Department of Personnel and Training.
- The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee presented its 160th Report on March 16, 2026.
- The report focuses on Demands for Grants (2026-27) of the Department of Personnel and Training.
- Actual expenditure often fell short of Revised Estimates, for example, 25.34% short in 2025-26 as on 31.01.2026.
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC) utilized only 50.45% of funds by January 31, 2026, despite additional Revised Estimates.
- The committee recommended strengthening quarterly expenditure monitoring and adhering to Ministry of Finance guidelines.
💡 The 160th Report on DoPT's Demands for Grants (2026-27) highlighted fiscal shortfalls and called for better expenditure management and adherence to MoF guidelines.
Source: Rajya Sabha Secretariat · PIB PRID 2240722
🗳️ Polity & Governance · LAW track
ECI appoints Special Observer for Assam Assembly Election 2026
The Election Commission of India appointed a Special Observer for the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Assam, 2026.
- ECI appointed Shri Manjeet Singh, a retired IAS officer, as Special Observer.
- The appointment for Assam is made under Article 324 of the Constitution.
- Polling in Assam is scheduled for April 9, 2026, with counting on May 4, 2026.
💡 Remember Article 324 empowers ECI to appoint Special Observers for fair elections, like Shri Manjeet Singh for Assam 2026.
Source: Election Commission · PIB PRID 2240780
🌳 Environment · UPSC track
Green Credit Programme: Incentivizing Environmental Actions & Land Restoration
The **Green Credit Programme (GCP)**, launched under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, incentivizes voluntary environmentally positive actions.
- Green Credit Rules, 2023 were notified on October 12, 2023, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun is the Administrator of the programme.
- Credits are issued after five years of restoration, achieving 40% canopy density.
- Restored lands can meet Compensatory Afforestation requirements under Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) adhiniyam, 1980.
- A total of 4391 ha of degraded forest land has been selected across 12 states.
- Uttar Pradesh has 97 ha, Gujarat has 975 ha selected under the program.
💡 Remember GCP for green credit issuance, 5-year minimum restoration, and 40% canopy density under Environment (Protection) Act.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2240640
🌱 Environment · UPSC track
India Submits First National Report on Nagoya Protocol Implementation
India submitted its First National Report on the Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 27th February 2026.
- The report covers Nagoya Protocol implementation from 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025.
- India issued 12,830 Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) approvals during this period.
- ₹216.31 crore (USD 28.04 million) was mobilised via NBA approvals.
- Over 2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) have been established.
- India published 3,556 Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs).
💡 For the exam: Remember India's First National Report on the Nagoya Protocol (ABS) highlights 12,830 approvals and ₹216.31 crore mobilisation.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2240577