UPSC Daily Current Affairs| One Liners 26-02-2026

One Liners 26-02-2026

Social Issues

Tribal Women’s Inheritance Rights

The Supreme Court reaffirmed that the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, does not apply to Scheduled Tribes.

• Highlight – Need for a distinct legislative framework to promote gender parity in tribal inheritance while maintaining tribal identity.
• Issue – Tribal women’s inheritance rights are denied by customary laws and are excluded from the protections of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956.
• Preceding inconsistency – Courts occasionally granted inheritance rights to 'Hinduised' tribal women, resulting in legal uncertainty.
• Supreme Court Verdict in Nawang v. Bahadur (October 2025)
  • The Hindu Succession Act, 1956, cannot be applied to Scheduled Tribes under any circumstances.
  • The Supreme Court overturned the High Court order that permitted 'Hinduised' tribal daughters to inherit under the Hindu Succession Act.
  • Only Parliament possesses the authority to extend the Hindu Succession Act to tribal communities.
  • The Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional validity of Section 2(2) of the Hindu Succession Act, which excludes Scheduled Tribes.

Economy

Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS)

• Target – Establishment of 32,752 PACS during 2024–25 and 2025–26.
• Achievement – 8,710 PACS have been formed, representing 27% of the overall target.
• Top States – Odisha (1,543), Rajasthan (1,387), Uttar Pradesh (1,099), Madhya Pradesh (621), Uttarakhand (621), Gujarat (525), Assam & Chhattisgarh (469 each).
• Diversified Functions as per Model Bye-laws
  • Agriculture – Provision of short-term credit, agricultural inputs, and distribution of fertilisers and pesticides through PMKSK.
  • Seeds – Production and distribution facilitated by Bharat Beej (BBSSL).
  • Farm support – Operation of Custom Hiring Centres for agricultural machinery.
  • Allied sectors – Engagement in dairy and fisheries activities.
• Digital & Public Services
• Over 51,000 PACS function as Common Service Centres (CSCs), providing access to more than 300 electronic services, including banking and insurance.
• Authorised to run PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), manage piped water supply schemes, and operate fuel outlets & LPG distributorships.

Bharat Taxi – Cooperative Ride-Hailing Platform

• Model – Cooperative-led, inspired by the Amul model.
• Profit Sharing
  • 80% of profits to drivers (based on kilometres driven).
  • 20% retained as cooperative capital.
• Driver Benefits
  • Guaranteed minimum base rate per kilometre.
  • Option to become co-owners (₹500 share).
  • Driver representatives on the Board of Directors.
• Features
  •  ‘Saarathi Didi’ option – Women passengers can prioritise female drivers.
  • Diversification – Drivers empowered with ownership and profit-sharing.
  • Timeline – Profits redirected to drivers after ~3 years.

National Arogya Fair 2026

• Held at – Shegaon, Buldhana district, Maharashtra.
• Organized by – Ministry of Ayush & All India Ayurvedic Congress.
• Objectives
  • Promote Ayush systems of medicine among the public.
  • Provide free health services (check-ups, consultations, medicines).
  • Create livelihood opportunities for farmers via medicinal plant cultivation and agroforestry.
  • Showcase Ayush research, practices, and products.

National SC-ST Hub-Mega Awareness Programme

• Held at – Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Organized by – Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME).
• Objectives
  • To disseminate information on the National SC-ST Hub Scheme and other MSME initiatives.
  • To promote entrepreneurship and strengthen the MSME ecosystem in Arunachal Pradesh.

Environment

Ethanol Blending

The government has mandated the sale of petrol with up to 20% ethanol and a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95.

• Mandated across – All States and Union Territories.
• Effective from – April 1, 2026.
• Notification by – Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• Directive – Oil companies must sell petrol blended with up to 20% ethanol and having minimum RON 95, as per BIS specifications.
• Vehicle impact –
  • Most vehicles made from 2023–25 onward are E20-compatible.
  • Older vehicles may face 3–7% mileage drop and wear on rubber/plastic parts.
  • Ethanol has high octane (~108 RON), improving knock resistance.
  • The insistence on minimum RON 95 is to prevent engine damage.
• Benefits –
  • Reduces oil imports and emissions.
  • Supports farmers by boosting demand for sugarcane, maize, and surplus grains.
  • Saves foreign exchange (₹1.40 lakh crore since 2014–15).

Ethanol

• Ethanol (ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol) is a clear, colourless liquid produced naturally by plant fermentation or via ethylene hydration.
• Properties – Easily dissolves in water and organic compounds, making it highly versatile.
• Uses –
  • Beverages – Ingredient in beer, wine, brandy.
  • Personal Care – Acts as an astringent and preservative.
  • Industrial – Solvent in paints, varnishes; blended with gasoline to improve vehicle performance.
  • Food Industry – Distributes food colouring, enhances flavour in extracts.

Birdwatching Workshop in Wayanad

• Title – Basics of Birdwatching
• Venue – Thennal Jungle Camp, Kattikulam, Wayanad from February 28 to March 1, 2026.
• Audience – Open to beginners and experienced birders
• Activities
  • Guided bird walks in natural habitats.
  • Classroom sessions on bird identification and conservation.
  • Interactive discussions on local bird species and ecosystems.
  • Emphasis on bird behaviour, habitat awareness, and responsible nature observation.

Health

Acute Renal Failure (ARF) / Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

• It is characterized by a rapid decline in kidney function, typically occurring within 48 hours.
• Impact – The condition results in the kidneys failing to filter waste, regulate fluid levels, and maintain electrolyte balance.
• Reversibility is possible if the damage is not severe; otherwise, the condition may progress to permanent loss of kidney function.
• Causes
  • Trauma or accidents injuring the kidneys.
  • Severe blood loss reduces kidney perfusion.
  • Drugs or toxins/poisons damaging kidney tissue.
  • Underlying medical conditions (e.g., infections, obstruction).

Nation-wide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme