Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The government has restricted the use of sugar-based ethanol for petrol blending in the 2026-27 supply year, prioritizing domestic sugar supplies while continuing the blending program.
Key points
- Oil marketing companies barred ethanol from sugarcane juice, sugar syrup, and B-heavy molasses in the latest tender.
- The move aims to protect domestic sugar availability.
- Incentive for maize-based ethanol has been reduced.
- Tender allows bids for ethanol from maize, broken rice, surplus FCI rice, and C-heavy molasses.
- The nationwide petrol-blending program aims for 20% ethanol blending.
Background & context
India's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme aims to reduce crude oil imports, cut vehicular emissions, and support the agricultural sector. The program has historically relied on both food grain and sugarcane-based ethanol.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The ethanol supply year 2026-27 begins in November.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Economy, Agriculture, Food Processing Industry, Internal Security (impact on oil imports).
Why in news?
The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with states and Union Territories for not responding to the Centre regarding the implementation of its judgment on menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right under Article 21.
Key points
- The apex court declared menstrual hygiene as part of the fundamental right to life and personal liberty (Article 21).
- States and UTs were directed to report on the implementation of the judgment.
- Most states and UTs have failed to respond to the Centre's queries.
- The court questioned how the fundamental right would be given effect if it remains only on paper.
Background & context
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The Supreme Court has, over time, expanded its interpretation to include various aspects of dignity and well-being, such as the right to health, clean environment, and now, menstrual health and hygiene.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court's judgment on menstrual hygiene as a facet of Article 21 was delivered on January 30, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity (Fundamental Rights, Judiciary), Social Justice (Health, Women's Rights).
Why in news?
A Bengaluru-based hospital performed India's first paediatric kidney transplant using a two-way donor swap between two families with blood-group incompatible donors.
Key points
- The transplant involved a 15-year-old boy and a 21-year-old adult male.
- Families had willing donors, but blood-group incompatibility prevented direct donation.
- Alliance for Paired Donation (APKD) software was used to facilitate the swap.
- This method overcomes ABO blood-group and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) incompatibility in living donation.
- The procedure reduces the chances of re-transplants and improves outcomes.
Background & context
Kidney transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage renal disease. Blood-group incompatibility and tissue matching are significant challenges. Kidney-Paired Donation (KPD) programs aim to solve these issues by facilitating exchanges between incompatible donor-recipient pairs.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The procedure facilitated by the Alliance for Paired Donation (APKD) software enables kidney exchanges.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Social Justice (Healthcare, Medical Advancements), GS Paper III: Science and Technology (Medical Innovations).