March 25, 2026 - Current Affairs

The Judicial Push for Environmental CSR

Context

By invoking Article 51A (g), the judiciary underscored that the right to conduct business is inseparably linked to the responsibility to restore the planet.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

CSR is a business model that encourages companies to operate in ways that enhance society and the environment while still being accountable to their stakeholders and the public.

CSR includes four categories: environmental impacts, ethical responsibility, philanthropic endeavors, and financial responsibilities.

CSR in India: Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 provides that certain companies must mandatorily contribute a certain amount towards CSR activities.

Supreme Court on Women in Armed Forces

Context

The Supreme Court of India, upheld the right of women officers in the Armed Forces to permanent commission (PC) and equal career opportunities.

Background

Women were historically inducted into the Armed Forces through the Short Service Commission (SSC) with limited tenure and restricted career progression.

In earlier judgments like the Babita Puniya case in 2020, the Supreme Court directed that women officers in the Army be granted permanent commission (PC) as well as command postings in all services other than combat.

Cost Concerns Delay Safer Building Codes Despite Himalayan Threats

Context

India’s earthquake safety codes are under scrutiny after the government withdrew updated building standards backed by a decade of scientific research.

Background

A decade of government-backed studies involving experts in seismology, geology, and structural engineering clearly indicate:

Existing seismic hazard assessments are outdated or conservative.

Potential earthquake damage to residential buildings, bridges and dams.

India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves Under Stress Amid Global Uncertainty

Context

As of March 2026, nearly one-third (about 36%) of India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) remain unfilled, raising concerns amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

What are Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs)?

SPRs are emergency stockpiles of crude oil maintained by governments to tackle supply disruptions and price shocks.

The idea emerged after the 1973 Oil Crisis, when oil supply disruptions exposed the vulnerability of import-dependent economies.

In India, SPRs are managed by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited, a special purpose vehicle under the Oil Industry Development Board.

Lok Sabha refers Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill to Joint Parliamentary Committee

Context

The Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha and referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed examination.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Decriminalisation of Corporate Offences: The Bill proposes to shift several minor procedural violations from criminal liability to monetary penalties. This aims to reduce litigation burden and improve the business environment.

Rationalisation of Penalties: Penalties are proposed to be made proportionate to the nature and severity of the default.

News In Short 25-03-2026

In News

The Israel–Hezbollah escalation has refocused attention on the Litani River region, as Israel pushes for a buffer zone up to the river amid threats to nearby Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

About Litani River

The Litani River (longest river flowing entirely within Lebanon) is a major freshwater resource and a strategically important river in southern Lebanon.

It originates in the Beqaa Valley (fertile intermontane basin in eastern Lebanon).

It flows southward, roughly parallel to the Syrian border, and then turns west to drain into the Mediterranean Sea near Tyre.