10 MARCH 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

UPSC GS Paper-2: Governance / Social Development

⭐ Khelo India Tribal Games

⭐ Why in the News

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports recently announced that the first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games will be held from 25 March to 6 April 2026.

⭐ Nature of the Event

The Khelo India Tribal Games are organised under the Khelo India Scheme, which aims to promote sports participation and talent development across India, particularly among tribal communities.

⭐ Medal Sports

The competition will include seven medal disciplines, namely:

• Athletics

• Football

• Hockey

• Weightlifting

• Archery

• Swimming

• Wrestling

⭐ Demonstration Sports

Along with medal events, two demonstration sports will also be showcased:

• Mallakhamb

• Kabaddi

⭐ Host State

The first edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games will be hosted by Chhattisgarh, making it the first state to organise a national-level sporting event exclusively for tribal athletes.

⭐ Participation

Athletes representing various States and Union Territories across India are expected to participate in the event.

⭐ Organising Bodies

The event will be organised jointly by:

• Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

• Sports Authority of India (SAI)

• Indian Olympic Association (IOA)

• Various National Sports Federations

• Chhattisgarh State Organising Committee

⭐ Mascot of the Games

The official mascot of the event is named “Morveer.”

⭐ Meaning of the Mascot Name

The name Morveer originates from two Chhattisgarhi words:

• Mor – meaning mine or our own

• Veer – meaning bravery or valour

⭐ Khelo India Scheme

• Nature of the Scheme:

The Khelo India Programme is a flagship Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.

• Core Objective:

It aims to increase mass participation in sports while simultaneously promoting excellence in competitive sports.

• National Importance Status:

The Khelo India Games were declared an “Event of National Importance” in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Act, 2007.

UPSC GS Paper-2: International Organisations / Social Justice

⭐ Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

⭐ Why in the News

The Minister of State for Women and Child Development is scheduled to participate in the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations Headquarters.

⭐ Institutional Status

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

⭐ Establishment

The commission was established through a resolution adopted by ECOSOC on 21 June 1946.

⭐ Global Role

It serves as the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women worldwide.

⭐ Role within the United Nations System

The commission operates within the United Nations framework and works to advance women’s political, economic, civil, social, and educational rights.

⭐ Mandate and Responsibilities

The CSW plays a key role in advancing women’s rights, documenting the realities of women’s lives globally, and shaping international standards on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

• Expansion of Mandate:

In 1996, ECOSOC expanded the commission’s mandate to strengthen its role in international gender policy and governance.

• Monitoring the Beijing Framework:

The commission was entrusted with monitoring and reviewing the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

⭐ Gender Mainstreaming Role

The commission is also responsible for ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into policies, programmes, and activities across the United Nations system.

⭐ Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action

Adopted by 189 countries, this declaration represents the most comprehensive global framework for achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls.

⭐ Membership Structure

The commission consists of 45 member states at any given time.

• Election Process:

Members are elected by ECOSOC based on the principle of equitable geographical representation.

• Tenure of Members:

Each member state serves a four-year term on the commission.

UPSC GS Paper-3: Science & Technology / Health

⭐ Syphilis

⭐ Why in the News

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has certified Denmark for successfully eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

⭐ Nature of the Disease

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is both preventable and curable.

⭐ Cause

The disease is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum.

⭐ Modes of Transmission

• Sexual Contact:

Syphilis is primarily transmitted through direct sexual contact with an infected person.

• Contact with Sores or Rashes:

Infection can occur when skin or mucous membranes come into contact with syphilis sores or rashes.

• Mother-to-Child Transmission:

The infection can pass from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth, a condition known as congenital syphilis.

• Rare Transmission through Breastfeeding:

In certain cases, transmission may also occur during breastfeeding if infectious lesions are present.

⭐ Symptoms of Syphilis

• Stage-wise Progression:

The disease develops in multiple stages over time.

• Initial Symptom:

It typically begins with a painless sore (chancre) at the site of infection.

• Common Locations:

These sores usually appear on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.

• Swollen Lymph Nodes:

The infection may also lead to enlargement of nearby lymph nodes.

• Delayed Symptoms:

Many infected individuals may remain asymptomatic for years.

• Recurring Symptoms:

Symptoms may disappear and later reappear as the disease progresses.

• Severe Complications:

If untreated, syphilis can eventually damage vital organs such as the heart, brain, and nervous system.

⭐ Impact during Pregnancy

If syphilis during pregnancy remains untreated or inadequately treated, it can lead to serious adverse birth outcomes in approximately 50–80% of cases, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital infection.

⭐ Treatment

• Antibiotic Therapy:

Syphilis can be effectively cured with antibiotics, especially when detected early.

• Common Medication:

Penicillin is the most widely used and effective drug for treating the infection.