Forest ServicesDaily Current Affairs — 16 March 2026
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
India’s Expanding Data Centre Ecosystem
Context India’s total data centre capacity has increased from about 375 MW in 2020 to around 1500 MW by 2025, indicating rapid expansion driven by digitalisation, cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI). What are Data centre? A data centre is a physical facility that centralizes an organizations IT operations and equipment to store, process, and manage vast amounts of data.
India Emerged as a Global Hub for semiconductor design and R&D
In Context As per Industry estimates, India has emerged as a global hub for semiconductor design and Research Development. Semiconductors They are also called chips or integrated circuits, which are tiny electronic circuits made mainly from silicon. They contain millions or billions of components like transistors, diodes, capacitors, and resistors that work together to process and control electrical signals.
Thorium can Power India’s 100 GWe by 2047 Mission
Context The SHANTI Act 2025 represents a watershed moment for India’s atomic energy programme; however, resolving the challenges of thorium utilisation is urgent. India’s Thorium Reserves India has one of the largest reserves of thorium in the world. Together, Kerala and Odisha account for over 70% of India’s thorium.
Failure of Atomic Clock Cripples ISRO’s NavIC
Context India’s indigenous navigation satellite system Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) has suffered a setback after the failure of the IRNSS-1F satellite due to malfunction of its last operational rubidium atomic clock. About Atomic clock An Atomic Clock is a highly precise time-keeping device that measures time based on the natural vibration frequency of atoms, usually cesium or rubidium atoms. It is considered the most accurate time-keeping technology, capable of maintaining accur
Supreme Court’s Push for Crop Diversification
Context Recently, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union Government to revisit its agricultural policy framework and develop better incentives to encourage farmers to diversify from wheat and paddy to pulses especially in North India. Issues Highlighted by the Court Lack of Adequate MSP Incentives: Farmers often prefer wheat and paddy because government procurement is strong for these crops. However, pulse farmers rarely receive effective MSP support, reducing their incentive to cultivate
UPSC’s New Rule on Appointment of State DGPs
Context The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has revised the rules for the empanelment of the State Director General of Police and Head of Police Force. Key Changes in the Rule Prior approval of the Supreme Court required for delay: State governments must now obtain permission from the Supreme Court of India if there is any delay in sending the list of eligible DGP-rank officers to the Union Public Service Commission. Three-month advance submission rule: States must send proposals at least