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📰 CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 MARCH 2026
🏛 Political / Governance
1. National Dental Commission (NDC)
Government of India constituted the National Dental Commission.
Effective from: 19 March 2026
Replaces: Dental Council of India (DCI)
Objective:
Modernize dental education & regulation
Streamline governance in dental practice
2. PRARAMBH 2026 Campaign
Launched by Government of India
Purpose:
Awareness for implementation of Income Tax Act, 2025
Effective date of Act: 1 April 2026
Key Features:
Digital tools (Website 2.0)
AI chatbot: Kar Saathi
Citizen-centric tax system
3. New Income Tax Rules 2026
Notified under Income Tax Act, 2025
Effective from: 1 April 2026
Key Objectives:
Improve transparency
Strengthen reporting standards
Simplify compliance system
4. Telangana Budget 2026
Presented by: Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka
Key Schemes:
Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme
Cashless health scheme
Aim:
Financial security
Healthcare access
💰 Economy / Business
5. Nd-Fe-B Magnet Pilot Plant
Inaugurated at ARCI, Hyderabad
Full form: Neodymium-Iron-Boron magnets
Importance:
Used in EVs, wind turbines, electronics
Critical for high-tech manufacturing
6. Airport Infrastructure Development
Expansion of greenfield & upgraded airports
Key Project:
Navi Mumbai International Airport (DB Patil Airport)
Aim:
Reduce congestion at Mumbai airport
7. HDFC Bank Chairman Resignation
Atanu Chakraborty resigned as part-time Chairman
Reason:
Ethical concerns over internal practices
Significance:
Highlights corporate governance issues
8. Liberties Clause in Shipping
Invoked due to West Asia conflict
Also called: Deviation Clause
Effect:
Cargo rerouting
Increased logistics cost
Supply chain disruptions
9. Accounting Education Reform
India hosts 55% of Global Capability Centres (GCCs)
Workforce projection (2030): 46 million
Demand:
Skills in global accounting frameworks (e.g., U.S. GAAP)
10. Women’s Financial Prosperity
Progress via JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile)
Issue:
Shift needed from access → prosperity
Based on:
Women’s Financial Prosperity Index
🌍 International Relations
11. 6th Generation Fighter Programs
India exploring participation in:
GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme)
FCAS (Future Combat Air System)
Aim:
Advanced air combat capability
Strategic global collaboration
12. West Asia Conflict Impact
Involving: U.S., Israel, Iran
Effects:
Shipping disruptions
Increased trade costs
Global supply chain stress
🔬 Science & Technology
13. Nd-Fe-B Magnet Technology
High magnetic strength
Applications:
Electric vehicles
Wind energy
Electronics
Significance:
Reduces import dependency
🛡 Defence & Security
14. India’s 6th Gen Fighter Plan
IAF considering:
GCAP or FCAS
Importance:
Future-ready defence capability
Tech collaboration
🌱 Environment & Climate
15. World Water Day 2026
Observed on: 22 March
Theme focus:
Water & gender equality
Issue:
Women disproportionately affected by water scarcity
16. Climate Change & Physical Activity
Study: The Lancet Global Health
Finding:
Rising heat may reduce physical activity by 2050
Impact:
Higher effect on India
Health risks due to inactivity
👥 Social Issues
17. Suraksha Sankalp Karyashala
Organized by:
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
NACO
Aim:
Strengthen HIV/AIDS response
Focus areas:
Haryana, Delhi
18. Financial Inclusion for Women
Achievements:
Near-universal bank account access
Challenge:
Ensuring actual financial empowerment
19. Chapchar Kut Festival
Celebrated in: Mizoram (Aizawl)
Significance:
Marks end of jhum cultivation
Spring festival
Features:
Traditional dances, music, cultural events
20. Indiramma Insurance Scheme
Announced in Telangana Budget
Benefits:
Financial protection
Health security
👔 Appointments
21. Director (Commercial), SAIL
Appointed: T.N. Natarajan
Experience:
32+ years in SAIL
22. Director (Personnel), NMDC
Appointed: Krishna Kumar Thakur
Background:
1998 batch IRPS officer
HR experience in Railways & PSUs

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*TODAY SHORT NOTES ON GENERAL SCIENCE(GS)*:Digestive System
The digestive system is responsible for the biochemical transformation of complex and large food particles into simpler forms, making them suitable for absorption and assimilation by the body. This breakdown process is catalyzed by specialized enzymes.

The entire process involves five main steps:

Ingestion: Taking food into the body, primarily through the mouth.
Digestion: The mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller molecules.
Absorption: The passage of digested nutrients from the digestive tract into the bloodstream or lymph.
Assimilation: The utilization of absorbed nutrients by the body's cells for energy, growth, and repair.
Egestion: The elimination of undigested waste materials from the body.
Here's a breakdown of the major organs involved and their functions:

Major Organs of the Digestive System
Mouth:

Function: Ingestion and mechanical chewing of food with the help of teeth. Humans are heterodonts, possessing four types of teeth in a pattern of 2:1:2:3.
Enzyme: Saliva, secreted by salivary glands, contains Ptyalin (salivary amylase), which begins the hydrolysis of starch into maltose.
Oesophagus:

Function: A long muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. Food is transported down the oesophagus through wave-like muscular contractions called peristalsis.
Stomach:

Function: A large muscular sac that stores food and performs initial protein digestion.
Secretions: Gastric glands in its wall secrete:
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl): Provides an acidic environment for enzyme activity and kills bacteria.
Pepsin: A protein-digesting enzyme in adults, breaking proteins into proteases and peptones.
Renin: An enzyme found in children, responsible for the coagulation of milk proteins (casein).
Mucin: Protects the stomach lining from the acidic gastric juice.
Small Intestine:

Parts: Divided into three sections: Duodenum, Jejunum, and Ileum.
Duodenum: Receives bile juice from the liver (which emulsifies fats and provides an alkaline medium) and pancreatic juice from the pancreas.
Pancreatic Juice Enzymes:
Amylopsin: Digests starch into maltose and glucose.
Trypsin: Digests proteins into proteases, peptones, peptides, and amino acids.
Steapsin (Lipase): Digests fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Ileum: Highly coiled and is the primary site for the absorption of nearly all digested material through finger-like projections called villi. Absorbed food is transported to the liver via the hepatic portal vein.
Intestinal Juice Enzymes (from glands lining the ileum):
Erepsin (Peptidase): Digests proteins and peptides into amino acids.
Maltase: Digests maltose into glucose.
Sucrase (Invertase): Digests sucrose into fructose and glucose.
Lactase: Digests lactose into glucose and galactose.
Large Intestine:

Parts: Consists of the Caecum, Colon, and Rectum.
Function: The walls absorb much of the remaining water and mineral salts from the undigested food, preventing water loss from the body.
Rectum: Temporarily stores the semi-solid waste (faeces) before it is passed out of the body through the anus.
Stages in Digestion Summary

10 LINEAR QUESTIONS ON DAMS

1. Which river is associated with the Srisailam Dam, located in Andhra Pradesh/Telangana?
Answer: Krishna River
2. In which state is the Sardar Sarovar Dam, built on the Narmada River, located?
Answer: Gujarat
3. The Bhakra Dam, a major hydroelectric project, is constructed on which river?
Answer: Sutlej River
4. Which dam in Jammu and Kashmir is built on the Jhelum River?
Answer: Uri Dam
5. On which river is the Maithon Dam located in Jharkhand?
Answer: Barakar River
6. The Tungabhadra Dam is a joint venture between which two states?
Answer: Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
7. Which river is associated with the Idukki Dam in Kerala?
Answer: Periyar River
8. The Gandhi Sagar Dam is located in Madhya Pradesh on which river?
Answer: Chambal River
9. Hirakud Dam, one of the longest dams in the world, is situated on which river in Odisha?
Answer: Mahanadi River
10. In which state is the Tehri Dam, one of India's tallest dams, located?
Answer: Uttarakhand

Current Affairs - 23 March 2026 (UPSC)

1. Political / Governance

1.1 UPSC IFoS 2025 Personality Test Schedule Released:
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) officially released the Personality Test Schedule for the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination 2025 on March 23, 2026. Interviews are scheduled to commence from April 6, 2026, and conclude on April 15, 2026.

1.2 EVM-VVPAT Randomization for April 2026 Assembly Elections:
The Election Commission of India has completed the first stage of EVM-VVPAT randomization across Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. This process is in preparation for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for April 2026. Randomization is a two-stage, software-driven process used to allocate voting machines to various constituencies and polling stations to ensure fairness.

1.3 Supreme Court on Mandatory Voting:
The Supreme Court of India recently raised concerns regarding mandatory voting during a poll-related hearing, coinciding with the announcement of the 2026 Assembly election schedule by the Election Commission. The right to vote in India is a statutory right, not a fundamental right.

1.4 National DMF Summit 2026:
The Ministry of Mines organized the National DMF Summit 2026, which is being held on March 23–24, 2026, at the SCOPE Convention Centre in New Delhi. The summit focuses on improving the utilization of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds in mining-affected regions, bringing together policymakers, administrators, and experts.

2. Economic / Business

2.1 Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0):
The Government of India has launched the CGSMFI-2.0, a specialized credit guarantee framework designed to inject ₹20,000 crore into the microfinance sector. Under this scheme, the government provides a guarantee to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) against potential losses from microfinance loans, aiming to enhance financial inclusion and support the microfinance sector.

2.2 Outlay for PM-KUSUM Scheme Doubled:
In the 2026–27 Budget, the outlay for the PM-KUSUM scheme has nearly doubled to ₹5,000 crore. This move is accompanied by the government's consideration of a National Agri-photovoltaics Mission, aiming to achieve 10 GW of capacity. This initiative positions Agri-photovoltaics (agriPV) as a primary solution to India's land-use conflict between food security and renewable energy targets.

2.3 RBI's Liquidity Management:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) infused over ₹25,000 crore of liquidity into the banking system through a 3-day variable rate repo (VRR) auction. This follows a prior infusion of ₹3.50 lakh crore through open market purchase (OMO) of government securities since January 2026, demonstrating RBI's active role in managing banking system liquidity.

2.4 Anti-Dumping Investigations:
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched anti-dumping investigations into the alleged dumping of ethyl chloroformate from China. Additionally, a separate investigation has been opened into imports of hexamine from China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. These duties aim to protect domestic industries from unfair pricing practices by foreign exporters.


3. International Relations

3.1 Iran War Escalation and Diego Garcia Island:
The U.K. condemned a "reckless Iranian ballistic missile attack" targeting the joint U.K.–U.S. military base on Diego Garcia. This incident marks a significant escalation in the 2026 Iran war. Diego Garcia Island is a tropical atoll hosting a critical overseas military base.

3.2 West Asia Crisis and India's Energy Dependence:
The ongoing West Asia crisis has disrupted energy supplies globally, highlighting India's heavy dependence on imported gas. This situation has revived discussions on past pipeline projects such as the Iran–Pakistan–India (IPI) and Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) pipelines, which were designed to transport natural gas to India.

3.3 India's BRICS Presidency in 2026:
India assumed the BRICS Presidency in 2026 under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," placing Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) at the forefront of the bloc's agenda. The expansion into BRICS+ and the 2025 BRICS Rio de Janeiro Declaration emphasize a shift towards deep-tech collaboration, governance, and technology transfer. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran) now represents about 49.5% of the global population and 40% of global GDP.



4. Science & Technology

4.1 Agri-photovoltaics (agriPV) and National Agri-photovoltaics Mission:
The government is considering a National Agri-photovoltaics Mission to achieve 10 GW of capacity, with a doubled outlay for the PM-KUSUM scheme in the 2026–27 Budget. This initiative aims to integrate solar power generation with agricultural activities, addressing land-use conflicts and promoting sustainable energy.


5. Sports

5.1 ICC Player of the Month February 2026:
Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan was announced as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026, following his outstanding performance as the highest run-scorer in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. India’s pace bowler Arundhati Reddy was named ICC Women’s Player of the Month for February 2026 for her key role in India’s historic T20I series win against Australia.

5.2 Youngest T20I Centurion:
Rwanda's 15-year-old cricketer Fanny Utagushimaninde made history by becoming the youngest centurion in Women’s T20 International cricket. She scored an unbeaten 111 runs off 65 balls against Ghana in the Nigeria Invitational Tournament.

5.3 Khelo India Tribal Games 2026:
The Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 are set to begin on March 25 in Chhattisgarh, continuing until April 3. The event will be hosted across Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Surguja, bringing together over 6,000 participants, including 2,300 athletes. This initiative promotes tribal sports and culture.

5.4 LeBron James NBA Record:
LeBron James broke the NBA record for most regular season games played, appearing in his 1,612th game for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Orlando Magic on March 22, 2026. This milestone surpasses the previous record of 1,611 games held by Robert Parish since 1997.


6. Environment & Climate

6.1 Chambal River Environmental Flows:
The Ministry of Environment has directed the Central Water Commission (CWC) to ensure environmental flows in the Chambal River. This directive aims to protect the endangered Ganges River Dolphin. The Chambal River is a perennial, rain-fed river in central and northern India, forming a vital part of the greater Gangetic basin.


7. Social Issues

7.1 Abortion Law in India:
The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment permitting a woman to terminate her 30-week pregnancy. This ruling, led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, prioritizes reproductive autonomy over fetal viability and sets a significant precedent by allowing termination beyond the 24-week statutory limit under specific circumstances.

7.2 Sarhul Festival 2026:
The President of India extended greetings on the Sarhul Festival 2026 on March 22. This sacred occasion for Adivasi communities, especially in Jharkhand and nearby regions, marks the beginning of a new agricultural season and reflects a deep bond between humans and nature, devoted to the worship of nature.

8. Defense & Security

8.1 Stealth Frigate 'Taragiri' Commissioning:
The Indian Navy is scheduled to commission the stealth frigate ‘Taragiri (F41)’ on April 3, 2026, at Visakhapatnam. This event marks a major milestone in India’s push towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous naval capability under Project 17A. Taragiri is designed with advanced stealth features and combat capabilities.

*🌱Living Organisms & Their Surroundings – Quick Revision Notes on General Science*
1. What is Life?
Basic unit of life: Cell
All organisms are made of cells capable of independent functions.
Known species: ~ 1.7–1.8 million
Scientific naming system:
Based on standardized rules like International Code for Botanical Nomenclature
Requires proper identification.
2. Environment
Definition: Surroundings affecting living organisms.
A. Biotic Components (Living)
Producers
Green plants (photosynthesis)
Consumers
Herbivores, Carnivores, Omnivores
Decomposers
Bacteria & fungi
Role: Mineralization, natural cleaning
Detritivores
Example: Earthworms
Convert organic matter → humus
B. Abiotic Components (Non-Living)
1. Temperature
Range: Below 0°C to >50°C
Affects distribution & physiology

Types of animals:
Poikilotherms: Cold-blooded (fish, amphibians)
Homotherms: Warm-blooded (birds, mammals)
2. Water (Precipitation)
Plant types:
Xerophytes → Dry (cactus)
Mesophytes → Moderate
Hydrophytes → Aquatic

Aquatic animals:
Stenohaline → Narrow salinity range
Euryhaline → Wide salinity range
3. Sunlight
Essential for photosynthesis
Animal activity:
Nocturnal → Night
Diurnal → Day
Vesperal → Evening
Auroral → Morning

Plants:
Sciophytes → Shade
Heliophytes → Sunlight

Water zones:
Littoral → Light reaches bottom
Limnetic → Open water
4. Soil (Edaphic Factors)
Soil Type Crops
Sandy Poor fertility
Clayey Pots
Loam/Alluvial Wheat, rice
Black soil Cotton
Gravel Tea, coffee
Coastal Coconut, palm
3. Ecology
Study of organism-environment interactions
Term coined by Ernst Haeckel
4. Ecological Hierarchy
Order:
Organism → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biome → Biosphere

Ecosystem coined by Arthur Tansley
5. Population Interactions
Interaction Description Example
Competition Same/different species Plants for sunlight
Predation Predator kills prey Lion–deer
Parasitism Parasite harms host Tapeworm
Commensalism One benefits Shark–sucker fish
Mutualism Both benefit Lichen
6. Adaptations
A. Behavioral
Hibernation → Winter sleep
Aestivation → Summer sleep
Diapause → Suspended development
B. Structural
Camouflage → Blend with environment
Mimicry → Resemble other species
Echolocation → Navigation via sound
7. Population Dynamics
Population Size Depends On:
Birth rate
Death rate
Immigration
Emigration
Age Structure:
Pre-reproductive
Reproductive
Post-reproductive
Population Shapes:
Expanding → Triangle
Stable → Bell
Declining → Urn
Growth Curves:
J-curve → Exponential
S-curve → Sigmoid (carrying capacity)
8. Environmental Issues
1. Anthropogenic Ecosystems
Man-made: aquariums, gardens
2. Biomagnification
Toxic substances increase at higher trophic levels
Examples:
DDT → Eggshell thinning
Mercury → Minamata disease
3. Biodiversity Loss (Evil Quartet)
Habitat loss & fragmentation
Invasive species
Co-extinction
Overexploitation

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Current Affairs – 24 March 2026

🏛 Political / Governance

Delhi's Green Budget 2026-27 Unveiled
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the Budget 2026-27 on March 24, 2026, with a financial outlay of ₹1,03,700 crore. This marks a 3.7% increase from the previous year. The budget is notably a "Green Budget," emphasizing environmental protection and addressing rising pollution concerns in the national capital.

GHADC Amendment on ST Certificate
The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in Meghalaya passed an amendment on March 24, 2026, making the Scheduled Tribe (ST) Certificate mandatory for individuals to contest council elections. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced this development, following regional tensions and controversy.

Jal Seva Aankalan Framework Operationalized
The Government of India has operationalized the 'Jal Seva Aankalan' framework under the Jal Jeevan Mission. It is a village-level assessment and monitoring system to evaluate rural tap water service delivery through community participation and digital reporting.


💰 Economic / Business

India Growth Forecast Cut by Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs reduced India’s GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 5.9%, down from 7%, citing rising oil prices, global supply disruptions, rupee pressure, and West Asia conflict risks including the Strait of Hormuz.

Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) Listed on BSE
The NHAI-sponsored Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) was listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange on March 24, 2026. It operates as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), similar to a mutual fund for infrastructure assets.

Full RoDTEP Rates Restored
The Government restored full Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) rates and value caps, removing the earlier 50% restriction to support exporters amid logistics disruptions.

Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) Capacity
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas informed the Rajya Sabha that India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves are operating at 64% capacity. These reserves act as a buffer against global oil shocks.

🌐 International Relations

International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026)
The United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. India hosted the Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) in New Delhi to promote reforms and recognize women’s contributions to agriculture.

🔬 Science & Technology

Model Context Protocol (MCP) Launched
The Government of India launched a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server—an open-source standard enabling AI tools to connect with the e-Sankhyiki portal for direct access to verified official statistical data.


🏅 Sports

Anahat Singh Wins India Open 2026 Squash Title
Anahat Singh won her second consecutive JSW Indian Open title (March 22, 2026), defeating Hana Moataz 3-1, highlighting her rising global prominence.


🌱 Environment & Climate

WMO Warns Earth's Climate is "Flashing Red"
The World Meteorological Organization warned that Earth’s climate system is “flashing red,” with a 65-year high energy imbalance due to global warming.

World Water Day Conclave 2026
The Ministry of Jal Shakti organized the conclave (March 22, 2026) with the theme "Industry for Water."
Key highlights:

Focus on circular water economy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)

Release of major water-related censuses and National Water Data Policy 2026

Industry commitments:

Water audits by 2027

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) by 2030

50% reduction in water footprint by 2030


UN theme: "Water and Gender"

UNESCO Advice on Aghanashini–Vedavathi River-Linking Project
UNESCO advised strict adherence to World Heritage norms for the project. The Aghanashini River is one of India’s most pristine free-flowing rivers.

Chokramudi Hills Restoration
Restoration of Chokramudi hills in Kerala led to ecological revival, including return of the Nilgiri tahr and blooming of the rare Neelakurinji.


👥 Social Issues

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2026
Observed on March 24, commemorating Robert Koch’s discovery of TB bacteria (1882).

WHO Theme: "Yes! We can End TB!"

India’s progress:

21% decline in TB incidence

92% treatment coverage (2024)

90% treatment success rate


Initiatives:

TB Mukt Bharat App

TB Mukt Urban Ward Initiative

100-day intensified campaign


Challenges:

28% of global TB deaths

~1 lakh missing cases annually

India missed its 2025 TB elimination target.

UN IGME 2025 Report on Child Mortality
The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation report shows:

Global slowdown in child survival progress since 2015

4.9 million under-5 deaths (2024)

2.3 million newborn deaths

Severe Acute Malnutrition caused ~5% deaths

India recognized as a global exemplar

India achieved 79% decline in Under-5 Mortality Rate

🏆 Awards & Honors

Kalpana Soren Receives International Honour
Kalpana Soren received the Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award at the BRICS CCI WE Summit 2026 in New Delhi for promoting women-led development and grassroots entrepreneurship.

Body Movements – Quick Revision Notes on General Science
1. Overview
Body movements range from cellular activities → whole organism locomotion.
Involve coordination of:
Muscles
Skeletal system
Nervous control
2. Types of Movement
Amoeboid Movement
By pseudopodia (protoplasmic streaming)
Involves microfilaments
Example: Amoeba
Ciliary Movement
Occurs in ciliated epithelium
Functions:
Removal of dust (trachea)
Movement of ova (female tract)
Flagellar Movement
Helps in swimming of spermatozoa
Also in sponges & protists (Euglena)
Muscular Movement
Movement of limbs, jaw, tongue
Responsible for locomotion
Based on muscle contraction
3. Muscular System
Origin: Mesoderm
Makes up 40–50% of body weight
Properties of Muscles
Excitability – respond to stimuli
Contractility – shorten forcefully
Extensibility – stretch
Elasticity – regain original length
4. Types of Muscles
1. Skeletal Muscle
Striated, voluntary
Attached to bones
Function: movement & posture
2. Visceral (Smooth) Muscle
Non-striated, involuntary
Found in internal organs
Function: movement of food & gametes
3. Cardiac Muscle
Striated, involuntary
Branched fibers
Present in heart
5. Muscle Contraction (Sliding Filament Theory)
Actin (thin) slides over Myosin (thick)
Steps:
Action potential → Ca²⁺ release
Ca²⁺ binds troponin → exposes active sites
Myosin head + ATP → cross-bridge formation
Actin pulled → sarcomere shortens
I-band ↓, A-band constant
ADP + Pi released
New ATP → cross-bridge breaks
Cycle repeats → contraction continues
Ca²⁺ pumped back → relaxation
Fatigue due to lactic acid accumulation
6. Muscle Fibers
Red Fibers
High myoglobin
More mitochondria
Aerobic
White Fibers
Low myoglobin
Fewer mitochondria
Anaerobic
7. Skeletal System
Framework of bones & cartilage
Humans: 206 bones
Types of Skeleton
Hydrostatic – fluid-based (earthworm)
Exoskeleton – outer covering (insects)
Endoskeleton – internal (humans, birds)
8. Human Skeleton Divisions
A. Axial Skeleton (80 bones)
Skull (22)
8 cranial + 14 facial
Includes hyoid & ear ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes)
Vertebral Column (26)
First vertebra: Atlas
Sternum (1)
Ribs (24)
B. Appendicular Skeleton (126 bones)
Upper Limb
Pectoral girdle: Clavicle (2), Scapula (2)
Arm: Humerus, Radius, Ulna
Carpals (16), Metacarpals (10), Phalanges (28)
Lower Limb
Pelvic girdle (2)
Femur, Tibia, Fibula, Patella
Tarsals (14), Metatarsals (10), Phalanges (28)
9. Joints
Point of contact between bones / cartilage
Act as fulcrum for movement
Types of Joints
Fibrous Joints
No movement
Example: skull sutures
Cartilaginous Joints
Limited movement
Example: between vertebrae
Synovial Joints
Freely movable
Types:
Ball & socket (shoulder)
Hinge (knee)
Pivot (atlas-axis)
Gliding (carpals)
Saddle (thumb)
10. Disorders
Myasthenia Gravis – autoimmune, muscle weakness
Muscular Dystrophy – genetic muscle degeneration
Tetany – low Ca²⁺ → spasms
Arthritis – joint inflammation
Osteoporosis – low bone density
Gout – uric acid crystal deposition
11. Neural Control
Nervous + endocrine systems ensure:
Coordination
Hormonal regulation
Homeostasis during movement

Current Affairs – 25 March 2026 (UPSC)

1. Political / Governance

Supreme Court Ruling on Scheduled Caste Status
The Supreme Court reaffirmed that Scheduled Caste (SC) status is exclusively for individuals professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism. Conversion to other religions (Christianity/Islam) leads to complete loss of SC benefits as per The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.

Reform Express Initiative Launched
The Union Railway Minister announced five reforms under the Reform Express initiative (2026) to modernize Indian Railways, improving cargo and passenger services with better efficiency and transparency.

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026
Key proposals:

Appointment of a “designated authority” to manage NGO assets if FCRA registration is cancelled

Expansion of “key functionary” definition (higher personal liability)

Mandatory prior Central approval for investigations

Reduction of maximum imprisonment from 5 years to 1 year


AI in Disaster Management
Government highlighted use of AI & ML across disaster cycle (preparedness to recovery) after Disaster Management (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Supreme Court Flags Bias Against Women in Armed Forces

Identified systemic gender bias

Upheld Permanent Commission (PC) & pension rights

Highlighted issues in ACR grading and career opportunities

Linked to Articles 14, 15, 16


Lok Sabha Passes Transgender Amendment Bill 2026

Passed on March 24, 2026

Redefines “transgender” by excluding sexual orientation and self-perceived identity


2. Economic / Business

RBI Liquidity Injection (VRR Auction)
RBI injected ₹55,837 crore via 3-day VRR auction (March 25, 2026).

S&P Raises India’s FY27 GDP Forecast

Growth raised to 7.1%

Driven by consumption, investment, exports

Risk: geopolitical tensions (Middle East)


RoDTEP Scheme Restored Fully

Export benefits reinstated

Supports exporters amid logistics costs

WTO-compliant scheme (launched 2021)


Biopharma SHAKTI Strategy

Boost domestic biologics & biosimilars

Encourages non-animal testing


India’s Orange Economy Initiatives

1. National AI Skilling Initiative

Partnership: Govt + Google + YouTube

15,000 professionals (AVGC sector)



2. MyWAVES Platform

Supports user-generated content (UGC)

Linked to Create in India Challenge



3. Advanced EPG Technology

Direct DD Free Dish access without set-top box


India Sports Industry Growth

Crossed $2 billion valuation (₹18,864 crore) in 2025

Source: WPP Media report “Sporting Nation: Building a Legacy”


3. International Relations

Russian Strike on Lviv UNESCO Site (Ukraine)

Drone strike damaged heritage zone near Bernardine monastery


India’s Energy Crisis (West Asia Conflict)

54% LPG & 30% LNG supplies disrupted

Strait of Hormuz affected


Philippines Energy Emergency

Declared by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (March 25, 2026)


Israel–Hezbollah Escalation

Focus on Southern Lebanon

Israel seeks zone up to Litani River

Linked to UNSC Resolution 1701


Threat to City of Tyre (Lebanon)

UNESCO site under bombardment

Historic Phoenician city


Asymmetric Warfare & GNSS Disruptions

1,600+ vessels affected in Persian Gulf

Example of electronic warfare


4. Science & Technology

Vayu Baan Project (IAF)

Helicopter-launched drone system

Autonomous deployment mid-flight


NASA Artemis Program Update

Lunar Gateway scrapped

Focus: Moon base & Mars missions

Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) Freedom planned (2028)


Akasha300 3D Printer for ISRO

Developed by Spacetime 4D

Delivered to LPSC (March 25, 2026)

Supports aerospace self-reliance


Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)

Solar + farming on same land

~50 pilot projects in India

Proposed under PM-KUSUM 2.0


National AI Skilling Initiative

AI training in AVGC sector

Two-phase structure (basic → advanced)



5. Environment & Climate

Threat to UNESCO Heritage Sites

Lviv (Ukraine) – damaged by drone strike

Tyre (Lebanon) – under bombardment


Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)

Resolves “food vs fuel” conflict

Benefits:

Water conservation

Crop protection

Extra farmer income

Supports 300 GW solar target & Net Zero 2070



6. Social Issues

SC Status Ruling

Limited to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist communities


Gender Bias in Armed Forces

SC ensured equality & fair promotions


Transgender Amendment Bill 2026

Redefines scope of transgender identity


National AI Skilling Initiative

Enhances digital employment opportunities




7. Defense & Security

Vayu Baan Project

Indigenous drone innovation


Asymmetric Warfare

GNSS disruptions highlight modern warfare challenges


Women in Armed Forces (SC Judgment)

Promotes gender integration

Improves military effectiveness



8. Appointments

OpenAI Appointment

Kiran Mani appointed as Managing Director (APAC)

Based in Singapore

Focus on Asia-Pacific expansion