Daily Current Affairs — 13 March 2026
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Need for Thermal Independence For India
Context Escalating tensions in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz that have increased energy prices and reduced gas availability for Indian industries underscores the urgent need for thermal independence. About Industrial / Thermal Heat Industrial heat refers to thermal energy used in manufacturing processes, such as heating, drying, smelting, and chemical reactions. For decades, this heat has been produced by burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and LPG.
Labour Codes and the Informality Challenge in India
Context The Economic Survey 2025-26 presents an optimistic assessment of India’s labour reforms and highlights the potential of the new labour codes to increase formalisation, employment generation and economic growth. India’s Labour Codes India has consolidated 29 labour laws into four comprehensive labour codes to simplify regulations and improve labour market efficiency. The Code on Wages, 2019 aims to standardise wage regulation through the introduction of a National Floor Wage.
Doux Commerce and the Changing Nature of Global Trade
Context Looking at the flurry of tariffs, export controls, and “Buy National” mandates, it is clear that the era of “gentle trade” has expired. Idea of Doux Commerce The phrase doux commerce was popularised by Montesquieu, it means “gentle commerce.” The theory suggested that trade softens human behaviour and reduces conflict. If countries become economically interdependent, the cost of war becomes too high.
Atmanirbharta and Strategic Autonomy in an Era of Big-Power Rivalry
Context Recent geopolitical developments and the strategic use of trade, energy, finance and technology by major powers highlight the importance of self-reliance in critical sectors for safeguarding national security and foreign policy autonomy. Historical Incidents of India’s External Dependencies Food Dependence: In the 1960s, India relied heavily on food imports under the PL‑480 Food Aid Program of the United States. The droughts of 1965–67 exposed this vulnerability and highlighted the polit
Women in Political Leadership
Context Recent data released during the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) highlights the persistent under-representation of women in political leadership worldwide. Key Findings It shows women hold just 22.4% of cabinet posts and 27.5% of parliamentary seats worldwide. Only 28 countries are currently led by a woman, while 101 countries have never had a female head of state or government.