CA FROM FEB TO MARCH

MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS

February & March 2026

Coverage Period: 1 February 2026 – 31 March 2026

Prepared On: 03 March 2026

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. National Affairs
2. International Affairs
3. Sports & Events
4. Science & Technology
5. Important Days
6. Exam Highlights

1. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

• GST Collections for February 2026 reached ₹1.83 lakh crore indicating strong economic activity.
• India hosted the AI Impact Summit 2026 focusing on ethical AI governance and global cooperation.
• Khurda–Balangir railway project advanced towards completion improving Odisha connectivity.
• Nine cheetahs translocated to Kuno National Park under wildlife conservation initiatives.
• EPFO maintained interest rate at 8.25% for FY26.

2. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

• Middle East geopolitical tensions escalated affecting global oil prices.
• India called for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic resolution.
• Global markets experienced volatility due to energy supply concerns.
• Munich Security Conference discussed global stability and security challenges.

3. SPORTS & EVENTS

• ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 held across India and Sri Lanka.
• Women’s Senior One Day Trophy conducted in February 2026.

4. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

• Total Lunar Eclipse observed in March 2026.
• Expansion of national cancer screening and digital health initiatives.

5. IMPORTANT DAYS (FEB–MAR 2026)

Date	Occasion
1 Feb	India Coast Guard Day
2 Feb	World Wetlands Day
4 Feb	World Cancer Day
11 Feb	International Day of Women & Girls in Science
21 Feb	International Mother Language Day
28 Feb	National Science Day
8 Mar	International Women’s Day
20 Mar	International Day of Happiness
21 Mar	World Forestry Day

6. EXAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Strong GST performance reflects economic resilience.
• AI governance emerged as a major policy theme.
• Middle East crisis impacted global oil markets.
• Major international sports events conducted successfully.
• Important observance days are frequently asked in competitive exams.

Monthly Current Affairs — February & March 2026 | Prepared on: 03 March 2026

Solar Energy: Boon or Emerging Waste Crisis?

Version 1: Full Essay Format

Solar energy has emerged as one of the most significant pillars of the global transition toward clean and sustainable development. As nations commit to emission reduction targets under the Paris Agreement, solar power is widely recognized as a critical tool in combating climate change. However, while solar energy offers immense environmental and economic benefits, a growing concern is surfacing regarding the management of end-of-life solar panels. This raises an important question: Is solar energy purely a boon, or could it develop into an emerging waste crisis?

Undoubtedly, solar energy is a boon in the fight against global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized the urgent need for rapid decarbonization of the energy sector. Solar power generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions during operation, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It enhances energy security, lowers air pollution, and creates employment opportunities in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance sectors.

For developing countries such as India, solar expansion strengthens energy independence while supporting economic growth. Declining photovoltaic costs over the past decade have made solar energy one of the most affordable sources of electricity generation globally. Thus, from a climate and development perspective, solar energy is transformative.

However, the sustainability of solar energy must be evaluated across its entire lifecycle. Most photovoltaic panels have a lifespan of approximately 20–30 years. As global installations increase exponentially, millions of panels will reach end-of-life stages in the coming decades.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in collaboration with the International Energy Agency (IEA-PVPS), projected that global solar panel waste could reach up to 78 million tonnes by 2050. This alarming projection indicates that without adequate recycling infrastructure, solar waste could become a significant environmental burden.

Solar panels contain valuable materials such as glass, aluminum, and silicon, but certain types also include trace amounts of hazardous substances such as lead and cadmium. Improper disposal in landfills could result in soil and groundwater contamination. Additionally, informal dismantling practices in developing countries may pose occupational health risks.

Recognizing these risks, the European Union included photovoltaic panels under its Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, mandating producer responsibility and structured recycling mechanisms. Similarly, policymakers in India are exploring Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks to address future photovoltaic waste.

The solution lies in adopting a circular economy approach. Panels should be designed for easy disassembly and material recovery. Investment in recycling technologies can recover up to 90–95% of valuable components, transforming waste into economic opportunity. Early regulatory planning can prevent solar waste from escalating into a crisis.

In conclusion, solar energy remains a powerful boon for climate mitigation and sustainable development. However, without lifecycle management and forward-looking waste policies, it risks creating a secondary environmental challenge. The future of solar energy depends not only on expansion but also on responsible end-of-life management.

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Version 2: Key Points Format (Blog Notes)

• Solar Energy as a Boon:
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Supports decarbonization targets under the Paris Agreement.
  • Enhances energy security and reduces fossil fuel dependence.
  • Creates employment and economic opportunities.
  • Declining installation costs increase accessibility.
• Emerging Waste Concern:
  • Solar panels have a 20–30 year lifespan.
  • IRENA projects up to 78 million tonnes of PV waste by 2050.
  • Risk of soil and groundwater contamination from improper disposal.
  • Landfill pressure and resource inefficiency.
  • Health risks from informal recycling practices.
• Global Policy Response:
  • EU WEEE Directive mandates producer responsibility.
  • Countries developing recycling infrastructure.
  • Emerging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks.
• Way Forward:
  • Adopt circular economy principles.
  • Design panels for recyclability.
  • Develop large-scale recycling plants.
  • Promote second-life applications.
  • Integrate lifecycle assessment into renewable policy.
• Conclusion:
  • Solar energy is environmentally beneficial but requires responsible waste management.
  • Proactive regulation can prevent a future waste crisis.

 

 

From Global Warming to Global Boiling: A Planet on High Alert

In July 2023, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, declared that the era of “global warming” had ended and the era of “global boiling” had begun. This statement reflected mounting scientific evidence that the planet is heating faster and more dangerously than anticipated. The phrase symbolizes a shift from gradual temperature rise to extreme, destabilizing climate events affecting every continent.

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Scientific Foundation of the Crisis

The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) confirms that global surface temperature has risen approximately 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. The report states unequivocally that human activity—primarily fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial processes—is the dominant cause of this warming.

Scientific agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have reported that recent years rank among the hottest ever recorded. Ocean temperatures have also reached unprecedented highs, intensifying hurricanes and disrupting marine ecosystems.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in its Emissions Gap Report, warns that current global commitments are insufficient to limit warming to 1.5°C. Without stronger emission reductions, the world risks surpassing critical tipping points.

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Global Policy Response

The Paris Agreement was adopted to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C. Countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining emission reduction targets. However, implementation gaps remain substantial.

According to the World Bank, climate change could push over 100 million people into poverty by 2030 if urgent action is not taken.

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Countries on Climate Alert

As extreme heatwaves, floods, and wildfires intensify, several countries have formally declared climate emergencies or issued national alerts.

Countries Declaring Climate Emergency

• United Kingdom declared a climate emergency in 2019 and legally committed to net-zero emissions by 2050.

• Canada declared a national climate emergency and introduced carbon pricing policies.

• France strengthened renewable energy laws following record heatwaves.

• Australia integrated climate risk into national disaster planning after severe bushfires.

Countries Facing Severe Heat Alerts

• India has issued repeated heatwave warnings through the India Meteorological Department. Several states have activated Heat Action Plans as temperatures crossed 45°C.

• Spain and Italy have declared emergency heat alerts during extreme summer conditions.

• The United States has faced record heatwaves, hurricanes, and wildfires, prompting federal climate resilience measures.

Small Island Nations at Existential Risk

Nations such as:

• Maldives

• Tuvalu

• Kiribati

have repeatedly warned that rising sea levels threaten their territorial survival.

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Visible Signs of “Global Boiling”

1. Record-breaking heatwaves across Asia, Europe, and North America.

2. Intensified wildfires in Canada and Australia.

3. Accelerated glacier melting and sea-level rise.

4. Ocean heatwaves damaging coral reefs.

5. Climate-induced displacement and migration.

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India’s Position and Response

India faces significant climate vulnerability due to monsoon dependency and population density. The government has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change promotes renewable energy expansion, emission intensity reduction, and sustainable development pathways.

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The Critical Decade Ahead

Climate scientists emphasize that this decade is decisive. Every fraction of a degree matters. Delayed action increases adaptation costs and raises the risk of crossing irreversible tipping points, including polar ice collapse and ecosystem degradation.

The transition from “global warming” to “global boiling” signals urgency. Incremental reforms are insufficient; structural transformation in energy, industry, transport, and agriculture is essential.

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Conclusion: A Planet at a Crossroads

The scientific consensus is clear. International institutions such as the IPCC and UNEP warn of escalating risks. Countries across continents—from the United Kingdom and Canada to India and small island nations—are raising alarms.

“Global boiling” is not a metaphor; it reflects a measurable climatic shift. The future of the Earth depends on collective global action, strong policy implementation, technological innovation, and sustainable human behaviour.

Humanity still possesses the knowledge and tools to reverse the trajectory. Whether the coming decades mark ecological collapse or sustainable transformation depends on decisions taken today.

Climate Change and the Future of the Earth

Climate change has emerged as the defining global challenge of the 21st century. It is no longer confined to scientific debates but is visible in rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, melting glaciers, devastating floods, severe heatwaves, and increasingly intense cyclones. The future of the Earth depends upon how effectively humanity addresses this crisis through scientific understanding, policy commitment, and sustainable development.

Scientific Evidence and Global Warming

The scientific basis of climate change is firmly established. According to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global surface temperature has already increased by approximately 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. The report clearly states that human influence on the climate system is “unequivocal.” Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, industrialization, and unsustainable agriculture are the primary drivers of this warming.

The IPCC further warns that limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires rapid, deep, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors. Failure to achieve this target may lead to irreversible damage to ecosystems, increased sea-level rise, and extreme weather events.

Global Policy Response

Recognizing the seriousness of the crisis, the international community adopted the Paris Agreement in 2015. The agreement aims to keep global temperature rise well below 2°C and preferably limit it to 1.5°C. Countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining their emission reduction targets.

However, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in its Emissions Gap Report, has warned that current national commitments are insufficient to meet the 1.5°C target. There exists a significant gap between pledged reductions and the emission cuts actually required. This highlights the urgency for stronger implementation mechanisms and international cooperation.

Impact on Developing Countries

Developing nations are particularly vulnerable to climate change despite contributing relatively less to historical emissions. According to the World Bank, climate change could push millions of people into extreme poverty by disrupting agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods.

In a country like India, climate variability affects monsoon patterns, agricultural productivity, and water availability. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall in recent decades.

India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, as announced under its climate commitments. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has outlined strategies to reduce emission intensity, expand renewable energy capacity, and promote sustainable development.

Odisha’s Vulnerability and Response

The state of Odisha is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its long coastline and exposure to cyclones. Events such as Cyclone Fani (2019) and Amphan (2020) caused massive destruction, underscoring the growing intensity of extreme weather phenomena.

Odisha’s State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) emphasizes disaster preparedness, climate-resilient agriculture, coastal zone management, and community awareness. The state has strengthened early warning systems and evacuation mechanisms, demonstrating how adaptation strategies can reduce human casualties even when disasters intensify.

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Addressing climate change requires a dual approach: mitigation and adaptation.

Mitigation measures include transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, promoting electric mobility, increasing forest cover, and improving energy efficiency. Investment in green hydrogen, carbon capture technologies, and sustainable urban planning can significantly reduce emissions.

Adaptation strategies involve building climate-resilient infrastructure, developing drought-resistant crop varieties, conserving water resources, and strengthening disaster management systems. For vulnerable regions like coastal Odisha, embankment strengthening and mangrove restoration are essential protective measures.

Role of Education and Governance

Education plays a vital role in combating climate change. Climate literacy must be integrated into school curricula to foster environmental responsibility among students. Awareness campaigns, community participation, and behavioural change can contribute significantly to emission reduction efforts.

Effective governance ensures policy implementation. Transparent monitoring systems, interdepartmental coordination, and financial support for green initiatives are critical. Climate-sensitive planning must be embedded into all sectors, including agriculture, transport, industry, and urban development.

The Future of the Earth

If global temperatures continue to rise unchecked, the world may face food insecurity, freshwater shortages, biodiversity loss, and large-scale displacement of populations. However, the future is not predetermined. Scientific innovation, international cooperation, responsible governance, and sustainable lifestyles can alter the trajectory.

Climate change presents not only a challenge but also an opportunity to redefine development models. A shift toward a green economy can create employment, reduce pollution, and enhance long-term resilience.

Conclusion

Climate change is a global crisis backed by strong scientific evidence from the IPCC and reinforced by warnings from UNEP and the World Bank. International agreements such as the Paris Agreement provide a framework, while national and state-level initiatives, including India’s net-zero commitment and Odisha’s climate action plan, demonstrate practical steps forward.

The future of the Earth depends on immediate, collective, and sustained action. If humanity acts decisively today, it can secure a sustainable and equitable planet for future generations. Failure to act, however, may result in irreversible consequences that compromise the very foundation of life on Earth.

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The National Education Policy 2020: A Vision for India's Future

1. Introduction

Begin by stating that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was approved by the Union Cabinet on July 29, 2020. Mention that it replaces the National Policy on Education of 1986. The core objective is to transform the Indian education system to meet the demands of the 21st century, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). It aims to make India a "global knowledge superpower" through an education system rooted in Indian ethos.

2. Restructuring School Education

Highlight the shift from the traditional 10+2 system to a new pedagogical structure: 5+3+3+4. Explain this breakdown:

• Foundational Stage (5 years): Ages 3-8, bringing early childhood care and education (ECCE) into formal schooling. Focus on play-based learning.
• Preparatory Stage (3 years): Ages 8-11, grades 3 to 5. Focus on discovery and interactive learning.
• Middle Stage (3 years): Ages 11-14, grades 6 to 8. Introduction of vocational education (including internships) and experiential learning in various subjects.
• Secondary Stage (4 years): Ages 14-18, grades 9 to 12. Multidisciplinary study, greater critical thinking, and flexibility in subject choices.

Emphasize the focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) by Grade 3.

3. Transformation in Higher Education

Discuss the move towards multidisciplinary undergraduate education. A key feature is the Multiple Entry and Exit Options, allowing students to earn certificates, diplomas, or degrees depending on their duration of study. Mention the establishment of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) to facilitate credit transfer. Briefly touch upon the formation of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) as an overarching regulatory body (excluding medical and legal education).

4. Teacher Empowerment and Technology Integration

Explain that the policy places teachers at the center of the reform. The minimum degree qualification for teaching will be a 4-year integrated B.Ed. degree by 2030. Discuss the focus on continuous professional development for teachers. Next, mention the creation of the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) to enhance learning, assessment, and administration through technology, preparing students for an AI-driven world.

5. Conclusion

Summarize that NEP 2020 is a comprehensive framework aiming for holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary education. Conclude by stating that while the policy's vision is progressive and forward-looking, its ultimate success relies entirely on meticulous, coordinated, and adequately funded implementation by both the central and state governments.