UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 19 March 2026

India’s Demographic Transition: From Dividend to Ageing Challenge

Context

A recent report titled “Unravelling India’s Demographic Future: Population Projections for States and Union Territories, 2021–2051” highlights that India is undergoing a structural demographic transition, which has significant implications for governance, economy, and social sectors.

Key Demographic Trends in India

Declining Fertility: India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to near replacement level of 2.1, reflecting a transition towards population stabilisation.

Slowing Population Growth: India’s population is projected to increase from about 1.35 billion in 2021 to 1.59 billion by 2051, indicating a steady but slowing growth trajectory.

Morality in Warfare

Context

Iran has accused the United States and Israel of conducting the deadly missile attack on the school in Iran's south on the first day of the war.

Morality in War

Morality in War is a complex issue that examines whether ethical principles can exist during armed conflict and how they should guide behavior.

Just War Theory: The principles of a Just War originated with classical Greek and Roman philosophers like Plato and Cicero and were added to by Christian theologians like Augustine and Thomas Aquinas.

Levels and Trends in Child Mortality

Context

The United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME) Report 2025 was released recently.

Major Highlights

Child Mortality: An estimated 4.9 million children died before turning 5 years old in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns.

Newborn deaths account for nearly half of all under-five deaths, reflecting slower progress in preventing deaths around the time of birth.

Most of these deaths were preventable with proven, low-cost interventions and access to quality healthcare.

India’s Power Sector: Progress and Reforms

Context

India’s power sector has transitioned from a deficit-driven system to a more reliable and capacity-sufficient system due to sustained investments, policy reforms, and institutional strengthening over the past decade.

Key Achievements of Power Sector

India’s installed power capacity reached 520.51 GW as of January 2026, with the power shortage declining from 4.2% in FY14 to 0.03% till December 2025.

Per capita electricity consumption increased to 1,460 kilowatt-hours in 2024–25, reflecting rising energy access and economic activity.

DISCOMs recorded a profit of ₹2,701 crore in FY25, reversing earlier financial losses.

National Vaccination Day

Context

India marked National Vaccination Day (March 16) to highlight achievements in immunisation.

About

Vaccination has played a transformative role in improving public health in India. The country has eradicated smallpox (1977) and eliminated polio (last case in 2011), yaws, and maternal & neonatal tetanus.

It has significantly reduced child mortality and the burden of diseases such as measles-rubella and tuberculosis.

India emerged as the “pharmacy of the world” during COVID-19, administering over 200 crore vaccine doses and supplying vaccines globally. Notably, India contributes nearly 60% of global vaccine production.

News In Short 19-03-2026

Context

Recent scientific research has highlighted that adipose tissue (fat) is not merely a passive storage site for excess calories but an active metabolic and endocrine organ.

What is Fat (Adipose Tissue)?

Adipose tissue is a specialised connective tissue responsible for storage of excess energy in the form of fat, regulation of metabolism through hormone secretion and protection and insulation of vital organs.

It functions as an endocrine organ by releasing hormones such as:

Leptin: Regulates appetite and energy balance