09 MARCH 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

UPSC GS Paper-2: Governance & Social Development

IMPAct 4 Nutrition Platform

⭐ Why in the News

NITI Aayog and UNICEF India have signed a Statement of Intent to strengthen collaborative efforts for improving maternal and child nutrition in Aspirational Districts and Blocks across India.

⭐ Definition

The IMPAct4Nutrition platform (I4N) stands for Initiative to Mobilize Private Action for Nutrition.

⭐ Nature of the Platform

It functions as a knowledge and resource network on nutrition, connecting the business community with national nutrition initiatives, particularly supporting the POSHAN Abhiyaan movement.

⭐ Year of Launch

The IMPAct4Nutrition platform was launched in 2019.

⭐ Core Objective

The initiative aims to encourage businesses to contribute actively to improving nutrition awareness and promote healthy lifestyle practices among communities.

⭐ Institutional Partners

The platform was incubated by UNICEF India and is supported by several partner organisations including:

• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

• NASSCOM

• Tata Trusts

• Sight and Life

• CSRBOX

⭐ Alignment with National Programme

The initiative is aligned with POSHAN Abhiyaan, a flagship programme launched in 2018 to combat malnutrition and improve nutritional outcomes in India.

⭐ Corporate Engagement

The platform encourages corporates and CSR partners to participate in and support nutrition-related initiatives and interventions.

⭐ Knowledge Sharing Role

It serves as a central knowledge hub that facilitates the sharing of research insights, data, and best practices related to nutrition.

UPSC GS Paper-3: Science & Technology / Urban Governance

⭐ G-SPIDER Robot

⭐ Why in the News

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation has recently deployed an AI-enabled G-SPIDER robot for cleaning urban canals.

⭐ Developer

The G-SPIDER robotic system has been developed by Genrobotic Innovations.

⭐ Nature of the System

G-SPIDER is an automated robotic platform specifically designed for canal and drainage cleaning operations, reducing the need for human entry into hazardous environments.

⭐ Operational Purpose

The robot is designed to operate in complex and unsafe canal environments, where manual cleaning would otherwise expose workers to serious health and safety risks.

⭐ Key Features

• Performance in Water Conditions:

The robot can function efficiently even during high water levels and continuous water flow within canals.

• Robotic Architecture:

It uses Cable-Driven Parallel Robotics architecture, enabling stable movement and flexibility in confined spaces.

• Artificial Intelligence Integration:

The system is equipped with AI-based vision and sensor technologies that enhance waste detection and cleaning efficiency.

• Mechanical Structure:

The robot incorporates a five-degree-of-freedom robotic mechanism, enabling precise positioning and controlled movement during cleaning operations.

UPSC GS Paper-3: Environment & Biodiversity

⭐ Sambar Deer

⭐ Why in the News

The Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has recently reported the presence of sambar deer in Chamba district.

⭐ Taxonomic Identity

The sambar deer, scientifically known as Rusa unicolour, is one of the largest deer species found in Asia.

⭐ Native Range

The species is native to the Indian subcontinent, southern China, and several regions of Southeast Asia.

⭐ Recognised Subspecies

Different regional forms of sambar deer are identified, including the large Indian sambar and the relatively smaller Malayan sambar.

⭐ Geographic Distribution

Sambar deer are widely distributed across:

• India

• Pakistan

• Sri Lanka

• Myanmar

• Southern China

• Taiwan

• The Philippines

• Malaysia

• Borneo

• Sumatra

• Java

⭐ Physical Characteristics

• Body Size:

Sambar deer are large animals, standing approximately 1.2 to 1.4 metres at the shoulder.

• Largest Oriental Deer:

They are regarded as the largest deer species in the Oriental region, with adult males sometimes weighing up to about 550 kilograms.

• Body Colouration:

The body is covered with a coarse, hairy coat that varies from yellowish-brown to dark grey.

• Underbody Colour:

The underside of the body usually appears darker and chestnut-coloured.

• Hair Characteristics:

The coat is generally long and coarse, with males having longer hair around the neck region.

• Tail Features:

The species has a long black tail, with the underside typically white in colour.

• Sexual Dimorphism:

Male sambar deer are generally larger and darker than females and possess antlers.

⭐ Antler Characteristics

Male sambar deer develop antlers that can grow up to about 42 inches in length, usually with three to four tines, and these antlers are shed periodically.

⭐ Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, the sambar deer is classified as Vulnerable.