Daily Current Affairs- 10th March 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 10th March 2026

As Opposition plans motion to impeach CEC, here is what the law says

In the News: The Opposition — led by the Trinamool Congress — began drafting an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on grounds of alleged "completely biased conduct", particularly related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. The removal process for a CEC follows the same procedure as that for removing a Supreme Court judge, as mandated by the Constitution and the CEC Act, 2023.

Key Points:

• Opposition's Contention: Initiated by Trinamool Congress, the motion alleges 'completely biased conduct' by CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The charge relates to the Election Commission deploying micro-observers to review decisions of the statutory authority only in West Bengal during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
• Constitutional Provision — Article 324(5): The CEC can only be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court. Election Commissioners can be removed only on the recommendation of the CEC.
• CEC Act, 2023 — Section 11: The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (passed in December 2023) reaffirms that the CEC shall not be removed except in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge.
• Process — Article 124(4) of the Constitution: A Supreme Court judge (and by extension, the CEC) can be removed by a Presidential order, passed after an address by each House of Parliament supported by: (i) a majority of total membership of that House, AND (ii) at least two-thirds of members present and voting — on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
• Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 — Section 3: A motion for removal must be signed by at least 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs. The Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) may admit or refuse the motion. If admitted, a 3-member committee is constituted comprising: (i) a Supreme Court judge, (ii) a Chief Justice of a High Court, and (iii) a distinguished jurist.
• Investigation & Final Steps: The committee investigates and submits its report to the Speaker/Chairman. If the judge/CEC is found guilty of misbehaviour or incapacity, the motion is taken up in the House. If passed, the address for removal is sent to the President, who then issues the removal order.

Explained: Why Kharg Island Matters to Global Oil Supply

In the News: As tensions escalate in the Israel–Iran conflict, global attention has turned to Kharg Island — a small but strategically critical island in the Persian Gulf that handles nearly 90% of Iran's crude oil exports and can load up to 7 million barrels per day. Despite military strikes elsewhere in the region, the island has remained untouched — widely considered a major red line due to its impact on global oil markets.

Key Points:

• Location & Geography: Kharg Island is located ~25 km off Iran's southwestern coast in the Persian Gulf. Though small in size, it serves as Iran's primary crude oil export terminal. Most of Iran's coastline is shallow, making it difficult for supertankers to dock — Kharg offers deep-water access, enabling efficient loading of massive oil tankers.
• Infrastructure: Oil infrastructure dates back to the 1960s, developed with assistance from American oil company Amoco. The terminal includes large storage tanks, extended deep-water jetties, residential areas for workers, and a small airstrip connecting it to mainland Iran. Underwater pipelines link the island directly to Iran's largest oilfields.
• Economic Importance to Iran: Nearly 90% of Iran's crude oil exports pass through Kharg Island, making it a critical lifeline for government revenue. The terminal can load up to 7 million barrels of crude oil per day onto tankers, making it one of the most critical energy hubs in West Asia.
• Why It Remains Untouched in Israel–Iran Conflict: Despite strikes on fuel depots and infrastructure in Tehran, Kharg Island has not been targeted. Analysts attribute this to the severe economic and geopolitical risks — an attack could disrupt global oil markets, escalate regional tensions, and trigger large-scale retaliation from Iran, potentially widening the conflict across the Middle East.
• Global Risks If Attacked: A strike on Kharg Island would severely disrupt Iran's oil export capacity and government revenues. Tehran could retaliate by targeting Gulf oil facilities or blocking the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world's most important energy trade routes — triggering global oil price spikes and wider economic instability.
• Strait of Hormuz Connection: The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil trade passes, could be targeted by Iran in retaliation, making Kharg Island's security a matter of global energy concern.

International Malaria Conference 2026 Ends With Big Health Goals

In the News: The International Malaria Conference (IMC) 2026, organised by ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR–NIMR) under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), concluded in New Delhi on March 9, 2026. Held from March 7–9, 2026, the three-day conference brought together scientists, public health experts, policymakers and researchers from India and across the world under the theme "Discovery, Development and Delivery: Driving Malaria Elimination and Beyond."

Key Points:

• About IMC 2026: Organised by ICMR–NIMR (Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Malaria Research). Held in New Delhi from March 7–9, 2026. Served as a platform for sharing scientific knowledge, strengthening global partnerships, and addressing emerging challenges in malaria control and elimination.
• Conference Theme: "Discovery, Development and Delivery: Driving Malaria Elimination and Beyond" — structured around three thematic pillars: Discovery, Development, and Delivery.
• Key Dignitaries: Dr. Anup Anvikar (Director, ICMR–NIMR) delivered the welcome address, stressing the need for collaboration among research institutions, national programmes and global partners. Dr. Tanu Jain (Director, NCVBDC – National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control) highlighted India's strategic efforts towards malaria elimination.
• Discovery Sessions: Focused on advances in parasite biology, transmission dynamics, and emerging molecular mechanisms influencing malaria persistence and drug resistance.
• Development Sessions: Highlighted innovations in malaria diagnostics, research tools, and surveillance technologies. Early-career researchers presented through turbo talks and poster presentations, fostering the next generation of malaria researchers.
• Delivery Sessions: Focused on translating scientific discoveries into practical public health interventions. Topics included residual malaria transmission, vaccine research advances, and community-based strategies for malaria control.
• Youth & Research Engagement: Students and young researchers interacted with leading scientists, mentors and industry experts, gaining insights into research translation, innovation and career opportunities in malaria research and public health.

India’s Cheetah Population Reaches 53 After Jwala’s Five Cubs at Kuno National Park

In the New:  Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that India's cheetah population has reached 53 individuals after Namibian cheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. This is the 10th successful cheetah litter in India, raising the total number of Indian-born cheetah cubs to 33. The Minister called it a "historic and heart-warming moment" for India's wildlife conservation journey.

Key Points

• Cheetah Population Milestone: India's cheetah population has crossed 53, including adult cheetahs relocated from Africa and cubs born in India under Project Cheetah.
• About Jwala: Jwala is a Namibian cheetah residing at Kuno National Park. With this litter, she becomes a successful third-time mother, indicating that habitat conditions at Kuno are increasingly suitable for breeding.
• 10th Successful Litter: Jwala's five cubs represent the 10th successful cheetah litter born on Indian soil since the launch of Project Cheetah, with Indian-born cubs now totalling 33.
• Other Recent Births: Cheetah Gamini (originally from South Africa) also recently gave birth to four cubs — her second successful litter since arriving in India.
• New Cheetahs from Botswana: On February 28, 2026, India received 9 cheetahs from Botswana (6 females, 3 males), placed in quarantine enclosures at Kuno National Park for health monitoring and acclimatisation before gradual release.
• About Project Cheetah: Launched to restore cheetahs to India's grassland ecosystems after the species was declared extinct in India in 1952. Cheetahs were first relocated from Namibia and later from South Africa to Kuno National Park to rebuild a viable population.
• Role of Kuno National Park: Located in Madhya Pradesh, Kuno is the central hub for cheetah conservation in India. It offers large grassland ecosystems suitable for hunting, reproduction, and adaptation. Monitoring is carried out through radio collars and field observation by wildlife biologists, veterinarians, and forest departments.

Nagauri Paan Methi Registered as Community Farmers’ Variety

In the News: The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPVFRA) has officially registered "Nagauri Paan Methi" as a Community Farmers' Variety, as announced in the February 2026 issue of the Plant Variety Journal. The registration grants statutory ownership and legal protection to the farming community of Nagaur district, Rajasthan, recognising generations of farmers who have conserved and developed this unique crop in the region's arid agro-ecology.

Key Points

• About Nagauri Paan Methi: Scientifically known as Trigonella corniculata L., it is a traditional fenugreek variety native to the arid agro-ecology of Nagaur district, Rajasthan. It was earlier misidentified as "Kasuri Methi" — registration restores its authentic identity in domestic and global markets.
• Registration under PPV&FR Act: Registered under the PPV&FR Act, 2001. The farming community of Nagaur district is the legal custodian. Application was represented by Geeta Devi, a woman farmer and Pradhan of Panchayat Samiti, Mundwa, formally acknowledging collective innovation and conservation by local farmers.
• About PPVFRA: Operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. It protects the rights of plant breeders and farmers in India under the PPV&FR Act, 2001.
• Protection from Biopiracy & Seed Exploitation: Protects against biopiracy and unauthorised commercial use. Safeguards farmers from spurious/substandard seeds. Community becomes eligible for benefit-sharing if the variety's genetic resources are used in research or commercial products.
• Women Farmers & Community Rights: 2026 is the International Year of Women Farmers (declared by FAO). Registration highlights the role of women farmers in conserving traditional varieties and empowers rural communities involved in seed preservation.
• GI Tag & Export Opportunities: Registration paves the way for future Geographical Indication (GI) tagging, which could enhance market identity and secure premium prices. Already included in Schedule-I of the Spices Board of India, with support from DBT Biotech Kisan Hub and NABARD's AEFC programme.

India-New Zealand Plan Major Sports Partnership as 100 Years of Sporting Ties Approach

In the News: Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi with New Zealand's sports delegation led by Chris Bishop (Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation). The meeting focused on expanding bilateral sports cooperation as 2026 marks 100 years of India–New Zealand sporting ties and launching the India–New Zealand Centenary Sports Cooperation Programme 2026.

Key Points:

• Historical Background: Sporting ties began in 1926 when the Indian Army hockey team toured New Zealand — one of the earliest sporting exchanges between the two nations. 2026 marks the centenary (100 years) of this milestone.
• Delegations: India: Shri Hari Ranjan Rao (Secretary, Sports), officials from Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, SAI, Indian Olympic Association, and national sports federations. New Zealand: Chris Bishop, Patrick John Rata (NZ High Commissioner), Ross Taylor (former cricketer), Raelene Castle (CEO, Sport New Zealand), and representatives from Hockey NZ, Athletics NZ, and Paralympics NZ.
• Centenary Sports Cooperation Programme 2026: A year-long initiative to commemorate 100 years of sporting ties, focusing on sports development, high-performance training, innovation, and people-to-people engagement.
• Priority Sports: Rugby, Rowing, Canoeing, Sailing, Athletics, and Cycling — chosen for New Zealand's expertise and India's growing interest in these disciplines.
• Sports & Culture Week: Proposed India–New Zealand Sports and Culture Week to be hosted across cities in both countries, celebrating indigenous sporting traditions and cultural heritage.
• High-Performance Collaboration: Joint training camps, coaching exchanges, and knowledge sharing in sports science, analytics, and athlete performance systems. New Zealand's coach development framework may be integrated into NIS Patiala's curriculum.
• Joint Working Group: Both countries agreed to form a Joint Working Group to oversee implementation, nominate nodal officers, and establish a monitoring mechanism with periodic reviews.