The US announced a 100% ad valorem duty on the import of patented pharmaceuticals and associated ingredients.

• This will not include generic drugs “at this time,” having a limited impact on India.
• The US is India’s largest market for pharmaceutical exports, accounting for an almost 40% share. 

About Ad Valorem Duty

• An ad valorem tariff is a customs duty calculated as a percentage of the total value of imported goods. 
• Unlike fixed-fee tariffs, which are based on weight or quantity, these tariffs fluctuate depending on the declared value of the product. 
• These tariffs are widely used to regulate trade, protect domestic industries, and generate government revenue.

Union Minister unveils India’s roadmap to reduce dependency on imported petroleum, ammonia, and fertilizers, highlighting the coal gasification incentive scheme.

About Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme

• Approved:  in 2024 with an outlay of ₹8,500 crore to promote coal and lignite gasification projects in public and private sectors.
• Objective: To reduce dependence on imported petroleum, ammonia and fertilisers by promoting production of syngas and value-added products from coal.
•  Categories:
  • Category I: PSU-led projects
  • Category II: Private and PSU projects
  • Category III: Demonstration and small-scale projects

Two successive western disturbances are likely to affect northwest India.

About Western Disturbances (WDs)

• Origin and Formation: WDs forms over the Mediterranean Sea region due to interactions between contrasting air masses.
• WDs are embedded within the mid-latitude Subtropical Westerly Jet (SWJ), which guides their eastward movement.
• Season and Area of Impact: Boreal winter (December to March), impacting western Himalaya, as well as to surrounding areas of north India, Pakistan, and the Tibetan Plateau. 
• Significance for India: Crucial for Rabi crops (e.g., wheat, mustard), replenishing glaciers in the Himalayan region, etc.
• Associated Weather hazards: Heavy snowfall, hailstorms, fog, cloudbursts, avalanches, frost, and cold waves.

India and United Nations conducted review of UN Development Partnership Fund operations.

About UNDPF

• Overview: Launched in 2017 with $150 million, led by Government of India.
• Objective: Supports Global South in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and shared prosperity.
• Approach: supports Southern-owned and led, demand-driven and country-led sustainable development projects.
• Focus Areas:  Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
• Implementation: managed by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) and executed by UN agencies with partner governments.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Price Index rose to 128.5 points in March 2026, driven by higher energy costs amid Middle East tensions.

 FAO Food Price Index

• A measure published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) tracking monthly changes in international prices of a basket of food commodities.
• Base year: 2014–16.
• Composition: Includes five major commodity groups—cereals, vegetable oils, dairy, meat and sugar.

China issues draft rules to regulate digital humans. 

• Rules mandate clear labelling and banning services that could mislead children or fuel addiction.

About Digital Human

• Digital Humans are AI-powered virtual avatars that simulate human conversation using voice, facial expressions, and body language.
• Use Cases: Client services, education, healthcare, and advisory roles.

A U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran during an ongoing conflict.

• F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
  • Unlike the fifth-generation F-35, the F-15E entirely lacks stealth technology,
• Other aircraft/helicopter used includes the US’s A-10 Warthog, F-18, and F-22 fighters,Blackhawk helicopters, as well as Iran’s Yak-130, among others.
• Key drones used include Iran’s Shahed-136 and the U.S.’s LUCAS drone, etc. 

Under Delhi Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan, 2026, entry of non-BS-VI, non-CNG and non-electric goods vehicles will be restricted from November 1 to curb vehicular pollution.

About Bharat Stage Emission Standards

• Norms set by to regulate air pollutants from internal combustion engines, including motor vehicles, based on European regulations (Euro norms), first introduced in 2000.
• Implementation: Standards and timelines are set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• BSVI: Implemented nationwide from April 2020 to significantly curb vehicular pollution.
  • India moved from BS-IV to BS-VI, skipping BS-V to adopt stricter norms directly.
  • Sulphur content reduced from 50 ppm (BS-IV) to 10 ppm
  • Significant reduction in PM and NOx emissions
  • Introduction of advanced technologies like DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Karnataka has the most number of women self-help groups (SHGs) to have undergone training as drone pilots under the Namo Drone Didi Yojana (NDDY).

About NDDY

• Type of Scheme: Central Sector Scheme.
• Outlay: ₹1,261 crore.
• Time period: 2023-24 to 2025-26.
• Objective: to empower women by hand holding them into a sustainable business model where they can increase their income by more than Rs 1 Lakh, and transforming the modern farming ecosystem with drone technology.