Daily filter — 26 March 2026
8 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes cognizance of 16 deaths from adulterated milk
The **NHRC** took *suo motu* cognizance of 16 deaths due to adulterated milk in Andhra Pradesh, issuing notices to state officials.
- The NHRC took *suo motu* cognizance of 16 deaths in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Deaths occurred since mid-February 2026 due to consumption of adulterated milk.
- The milk was reportedly adulterated with ethylene glycol, causing multi-organ failure.
- Notices were issued to the Chief Secretary and DGP for a report within two weeks.
- The report must cover health status, investigation, and compensation to next of kin.
💡 NHRC's *suo motu* cognizance for adulterated milk deaths in East Godavari highlights human rights and accountability.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2245532
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC probes 285 inmate deaths in Chhattisgarh jails
The **NHRC, India** took *suo motu* cognizance of 285 inmate deaths in **Chhattisgarh** jails over four years.
- 285 inmates died in Chhattisgarh jails over four years.
- Highest deaths recorded were 90 in 2022 and 66 between Jan 2025-Jan 2026.
- Reasons cited include suicide and chronic ailments by the state government.
- Notices issued to Chief Secretary and DG Prisons, Chhattisgarh.
- Report sought within two weeks on overcrowding and vacant doctor posts.
💡 NHRC probing 285 inmate deaths in Chhattisgarh jails, seeking data on overcrowding and medical staff within two weeks.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2245531
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Chhattisgarh Ropeway Accident
The **NHRC** responded to a ropeway accident in **Chhattisgarh**, where one died and 16 were injured.
- The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of a ropeway accident on 22nd March 2026.
- One woman died and 16 others were injured in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh.
- Notices were issued to the Chief Secretary and SP Mahasamund for a report within two weeks.
💡 Remember: NHRC's suo motu power covers human rights violations, demanding reports on victim status and compensation.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2245530
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
New LL.M. in Corporate Law and Management Launched
A two-year residential LL.M. in Corporate Law and Management was launched by **IICA** and **NLUJAA**.
- The program was launched on March 24, 2026, in New Delhi.
- It is a two-year, fully residential course with 54 credits.
- Academic sessions will begin on August 10, 2026.
- The program offers 60 seats per batch initially.
💡 Remember: IICA and NLUJAA offer a 2-year, 54-credit LL.M. with 60 seats.
Source: Ministry of Corporate Affairs · PIB PRID 2245675
🌾 Economy · UPSC track
India's Record Agricultural Output and Global Leadership (2024-25)
India achieved record foodgrain and horticulture production in 2024-25, showcasing its growing global agricultural prominence and economic resilience.
- India's foodgrain production reached a record 357.73 MMT in 2024-25.
- Total horticulture production was 362.08 MT in 2024-25, reflecting a shift to high-value crops.
- India ranks first globally in pulse production (25.68 MT) and millet production (18.59 MT) for 2024-25.
- India is the second-largest producer of rice (150.18 MT), wheat (117.94 MT), fruits (114.51 MT), and vegetables (219.67 MT) in 2024-25.
- Agricultural exports rose from USD 34.5 billion (FY20) to USD 51.1 billion (FY25).
💡 For the exam: Remember India is a top global producer (1st in pulses/millets, 2nd in rice/wheat/fruits/veg) with record 2024-25 output and increasing exports.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2245639
🗳️ Polity & Governance · LAW track
ECI Seizures Exceed Rs. 400 Crore in 2026 Elections
The Election Commission of India announced significant seizures of illicit inducements and effective complaint resolution for the 2026 General Elections.
- From February 26 to March 25, 2026, over Rs. 408.82 crores in illicit inducements were seized.
- Seizures include Rs 17.44 crores in cash and Rs. 167.38 crores in drugs.
- 70,944 complaints were lodged via C-Vigil App from March 15 to March 25.
- 95.8% of complaints were resolved within 100 minutes using the app.
- Over 5,173 Flying squads and 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams are deployed.
💡 Remember: Rs. 408.82 Crores seized, C-Vigil App handled 70,944 complaints with 95.8% resolved in 100 minutes for 2026 elections.
Source: Election Commission · PIB PRID 2245635
💧 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Sri Lankan Delegation Studies India's Jal Jeevan and Swachh Bharat Missions
A Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation visited India to study the successful implementation of the **Jal Jeevan Mission** and **Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen**.
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched in 2019, aims for piped water to all rural households.
- JJM 2.0, extended till December 2028, shifts to an O&M approach with an enhanced outlay.
- Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen (SBM-G), launched in 2014, achieved ODF status by 2019.
- SBM-G Phase II focuses on ODF Plus villages and comprehensive waste management.
- ₹12,000 incentive is provided for individual household toilet construction under SBM-G.
💡 For the exam: Remember JJM (2019) for water, SBM-G (2014) for sanitation, and their extended phases with community focus.
Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti · PIB PRID 2245589
⛏️ Economy · UPSC track
India Prioritizes Critical Mineral Exploration to Reduce Import Dependence
The **National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMET)** reviewed critical mineral exploration, aiming to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic value chains.
- India is scaling up exploration of critical minerals like lithium.
- The NMET meeting called for faster exploration and startup participation.
- Domestic supply chains are being developed in states like Maharashtra.
- Role of scientific institutions like CSIR–IMMT is crucial.
💡 For the exam: NMET is key to India's self-reliance in critical minerals through accelerated exploration and domestic value chains.
Source: Ministry of Science & Technology · PIB PRID 2245608