Forest ServicesDaily Current Affairs — 18 March 2026
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
CARA Issues Nationwide Directions to Strengthen Adoption Procedures
Context The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has issued three important Office Memorandums to all State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs) to reinforce compliance with adoption procedures. CARA Directions Aim: To strengthen transparency, accountability and child protection within the adoption ecosystem. First Memorandum: No orphan or abandoned child can be declared legally free for adoption without the completion of due inquiry.
Uncertainty Around India’s Carbon Credit Plan
Context The ₹20,000 crore carbon credit programme announced in Union Budget 2026 led to widespread debate, whether the allocation is meant for industrial decarbonisation (CCUS) or farmer-based carbon credit generation through sustainable agriculture. About Carbon Credit Programme Under the Union Budget 2026-27, the Union government announced a Rs 20,000 crore outlay over the next five years through a dedicated scheme for Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilisation (CCUS). The scheme will support CCU
Protest Rallies in Ladakh over Statehood, Sixth Schedule demands
Context Protest rallies were held in Ladakh recently for Statehood status and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. Background Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019 without a Legislative Assembly after Article 370 of the Constitution was struck down by the Parliament. A year later, the region comprising Buddhist-dominated Leh and Muslim-dominated Kargil districts erupted in protests, demanding constitutional safeguards such as statehood for Ladakh, inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitutio
Parliamentary Committees as Watchdogs of Fiscal Governance
Context A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance report has criticized the Ministry of Planning and NITI Aayog for underutilisation of funds and poor financial management, with spending falling below 36% in FY24 and FY25. What are Parliamentary Standing Committees? Parliamentary Standing Committees (PSCs) are permanent committees of Parliament constituted to examine, scrutinise, and oversee the functioning of the executive.
West Asia Conflict Takes a Toll on Medical Tourism Industry in India
Context India’s state-of-the-art healthcare has attracted patients from across the world over the last few decades, but the travel disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia are creating new challenges. What is Medical Tourism? Medical tourism refers to the practice of traveling to another country or region for medical treatment, procedures, or health-related services.