March 27, 2026 - Current Affairs

Need For Stronger Regulation of Transboundary E-Waste Trade

Context

Thailand seized 284 tonnes of US imported e-waste falsely labelled as scrap metal, highlighting concerns over transboundary hazardous waste and “exporting pollution.”

What is E-Waste?

E-waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic devices such as computers, circuit boards, mobile phones, and appliances.

It contains hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants.

Improper disposal leads to soil contamination, water pollution, and health hazards.

Single-use Plastic Rules 84% of Surveyed Sites in 4 Cities

Context

About 84% of 560 locations surveyed across four cities in India continue to use single-use plastic items banned across the country three years ago.

Major Findings

A field study was conducted at specific locations across Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Guwahati, and Mumbai in 2025.

Bhubaneswar recorded the highest availability of banned single-use plastic items at 89% closely followed by Delhi at 86%, Mumbai at 85%, and Guwahati at 76%.

Sectoral variations: Thin plastic carry bags, disposable plastic cutlery, cups, plates, and straws were widely found across informal markets and small commercial establishments.

India’s Resilient Production Systems in Agriculture

Context

India’s agricultural sector continues to play a pivotal role in sustaining rural livelihoods, ensuring economic resilience, and safeguarding national food security.

Agricultural Sector in India

Agriculture and allied activities account for nearly one-fifth of the country’s gross value added at current prices, employ approximately 46.1% of the workforce, and support close to 55% of the population.

Over the past five years, the sector has achieved an average annual growth rate of around 4.4% at constant prices.

In 2024-25, India recorded foodgrain output of 357.73 million metric tonnes (MMT), marking an increase of 25.43 million metric tonnes (MMT) over the preceding year.

Cabinet Approves India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (2031-2035)

Context

The Union Cabinet approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031–2035 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are country-specific climate action plans submitted under the Paris Agreement.

They outline targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.

NDCs are revised periodically to enhance ambition.

Ecological Risks of Microplastics

Context

A recent study found that Chennai's beaches have fewer microplastics than many global counterparts yet the risk to marine life remains significant.

What are Microplastics?

Definition: Microplastics are tiny plastic particles or fibres smaller than 5 millimetres, many of which are invisible to the human eye.

Scale of Pollution: Around 2.7 million tonnes of microplastics entered the environment in 2020, and this figure is projected to double by 2040, indicating a rapidly growing environmental threat.

News In Short 27-03-2026

Context

The Supreme Court called on the Union government to examine the need for a formal law recognising paternity leave for all fathers, adoptive or biological.

About

Paternity leave is leave granted to a male employee (father) to take care of his newborn or adopted child and support the mother after childbirth.

India does not have a universal paternity leave law.

However, under the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 male government employees are entitled to 15 days of paternity leave, which they can take within six months of their child’s birth or adoption.