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Daily Current Affairs from The Hindu – 18 March 2026 PDF: LPG Crisis, NMDC, Iron Ore & HSV (UPSC Prelims Notes)

 The Hindu – 18 March 2026 



1. Electrification of Cooking (LPG Crisis & Energy Security)



4

Background

  • India is heavily dependent on energy imports:

    • Crude oil → ~88% import dependent

    • LPG → ~60% import dependent

  • LPG imports largely come from West Asia (Persian Gulf region).

  • Geopolitical tensions (e.g., Strait of Hormuz disruptions) threaten supply chains.

Importance for UPSC

  • Links with:

    • Energy security

    • Climate change commitments

    • Fiscal burden (subsidies)

    • Current geopolitical developments

Key Facts

  • Annual LPG import cost → ~$26.4 billion

  • LPG connections → ~332 million

  • ~37% households still rely on biomass fuels

LPG vs Electric Cooking

  • Efficiency:

    • LPG → 40–55%

    • Electric (Induction) → 85–90%

  • Monthly Cost:

    • LPG → ₹900–1100

    • Electric → ₹620–640

Advantages of Electric Cooking

  • Reduces import dependency

  • Enhances energy security

  • Supports renewable energy use

  • Eliminates indoor air pollution

  • Safer (no open flame)

Challenges

  • Peak electricity demand (morning/evening)

  • Grid stress (India peak ~248 GW in 2025)

  • Inadequate infrastructure:

    • Smart meters

    • Reliable supply

  • Indian cooking requires multi-burner setups

Solutions

  • Automated Demand Response (ADR)

  • Rooftop solar with battery storage

  • Peer-to-peer energy trading

  • Grid and distribution upgrades

Government Initiatives

  • PM Surya Ghar Yojana → rooftop solar + free electricity

  • National Efficient Cooking Programme

  • BEE Star Labelling

2. NMDC and Iron Ore Production

4

About NMDC

  • Full form: National Mineral Development Corporation

  • Established: 1958

  • Type: Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE)

  • Ministry: Ministry of Steel

  • Headquarters: Hyderabad

  • Status: Navratna (since 2008)

Key Achievement

  • Produced 50 million tonnes of iron ore (2025–26)

  • First Indian company to reach this milestone

Functions

  • Largest iron ore producer in India

  • Also mines:

    • Copper

    • Limestone

    • Gypsum

    • Diamonds

  • Operates India’s only mechanised diamond mine (Panna, MP)

Importance

  • Supports steel industry

  • Boosts infrastructure development

  • Strengthens mineral security

Navratna Status

  • Given to high-performing PSUs

  • Provides financial and operational autonomy

3. Iron Ore – Key Concepts and Facts

4

Definition

  • Natural rock/mineral containing iron oxides

  • Primary raw material for iron and steel production

Types of Iron Ore

  • Hematite → most widely used, high quality

  • Magnetite → highest iron content

  • Taconite → low-grade ore

India’s Position

  • 4th largest producer globally

  • Contributes ~7% of global production

  • Self-sufficient in iron ore

Major Producing States

  • Odisha (largest producer)

  • Chhattisgarh

  • Karnataka

  • Jharkhand

  • Goa

Important Mining Areas

  • Odisha:

    • Keonjhar

    • Mayurbhanj

  • Chhattisgarh:

    • Bailadila mines

Uses

  • 98% used in steel production

  • Steel used in:

    • Infrastructure

    • Transport

    • Machinery

Economic Importance

  • Backbone of industrial development

  • Enhances exports and regional development

Steel Sector

  • India → 2nd largest producer globally

  • Contribution → ~2% of GDP

4. Prison Health Crisis in India


4

Core Issue

  • Overcrowding in prisons leading to a public health crisis

Key Data

  • Occupancy rates exceed 160% in some states

  • Total inmates → ~5.7 lakh

  • Psychologists → ~25

Structural Issues

  • High proportion of undertrial prisoners

  • Delays in judicial process

  • Poor infrastructure:

    • Ventilation

    • Sanitation

    • Medical care

Health Risks

  • Tuberculosis → 5 times higher risk

  • Spread of:

    • HIV

    • Skin diseases

    • Viral infections

Constitutional Aspect

  • Article 21 → Right to Life and Health

  • Applies to prisoners as well

Causes of Overcrowding

  • Judicial delays

  • Limited use of bail

  • Lack of alternative sentencing

Solutions

  • Fast-track courts

  • Improve prison infrastructure

  • Increase medical staff

  • Ensure hygiene and ventilation

  • Implement prison reform policies

5. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

4

Nature

  • Common viral infection

  • Caused by Herpesviridae family

Types

  • HSV-1 (Oral herpes)

    • Affects lips and mouth

    • Spread via oral contact

  • HSV-2 (Genital herpes)

    • Affects genital areas

    • Sexually transmitted

Transmission

  • Skin-to-skin contact

  • Contact with infected sores

  • Oral or sexual contact

Symptoms

  • Painful blisters

  • Fever and fatigue

  • Body pain

Key Feature

  • Remains latent in body for life

  • Can reactivate

Complications

  • Encephalitis

  • Meningitis (rare)

Treatment

  • Antiviral drugs (e.g., Acyclovir)

  • No permanent cure

Final Prelims Revision Points

  • LPG import dependency → ~60%

  • Induction efficiency → 85–90%

  • NMDC → Navratna PSU under Ministry of Steel

  • Iron ore rank → 4th globally

  • Largest producing state → Odisha

  • Iron ore usage → 98% in steel

  • Prison issue → Overcrowding + health crisis

  • HSV → HSV-1 (oral), HSV-2 (genital)

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