APPSC Daily Current Affairs 24th March 2026
Relevance: APPSC Group 1& 2 – Indian History (Medieval), Art & Culture (Inscriptions and Memorial Stones)
For Prelims:
- Hero Stone (Veeragallu), Telugu Script, Vira-gotra, Medieval Inscriptions, Cattle Raid Tradition
For Mains:
- Memorial Culture, Social History through Inscriptions, Rural Warfare Traditions, Cultural Practices in Medieval South India
Why in News?
A 14th-century hero stone inscription has been discovered at Vemavaram village in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh by the Archaeological Society of India.
What are Hero Stones?
- Hero stones (Veeragallu) are memorial stones erected in honour of warriors who died in battle or while performing acts of bravery.
- Common in South India, especially during the medieval period.
- Often depict themes such as:
- Cattle raids and protection
- Village defence
- Sacrifice in warfare
They serve as important sources for reconstructing local history and social practices.
Key Findings of the Discovery
- Location: Vemavaram village, Marripudi mandal, Prakasam district
- Period: 14th Century (Medieval period)
- Script: Telugu script
Inscription Details
- Commemorates three warriors:
- Amnayavira
- Tipurayavira
- Mummayavira
- Identified as sons of Bhokkana of Vira-gotra
Theme
- Warriors died while rescuing cattle
- Reflects a common motif in hero stones of the period
Historical and Cultural Context
- Cattle raids were significant in agrarian societies as cattle represented wealth and livelihood.
- Protection of cattle was considered an act of valour and social duty.
- Hero stones reflect:
- Clan identities (e.g., Vira-gotra)
- Local conflicts and defence mechanisms
- Social honour attached to sacrifice
Significance of the Discovery
1. Source of Local History
- Provides insights into regional socio-political conditions
- Highlight’s role of local warriors and clans
2. Cultural Understanding
- Demonstrates traditions of honouring bravery and sacrifice
3. Linguistic Value
- Telugu script inscription helps trace language evolution and usage
4. Archaeological Importance
- Adds to database of medieval inscriptions in South India
Challenges in Preservation
- Weathering and erosion of inscriptions
- Lack of awareness at local level
- Threat from urbanisation and land use changes
Way Forward
- Documentation and digitisation of inscriptions
- Community participation in heritage conservation
- Inclusion in local tourism and educational programmes
- Strengthening archaeological surveys
Conclusion
The discovery of the 14th-century hero stone inscription in Prakasam district provides valuable insights into the social, cultural, and historical fabric of medieval Andhra Pradesh, highlighting traditions of bravery, community values, and regional identity.
CARE MCQ
With reference to Hero Stones in India, consider the following statements:
I. Hero stones were erected to commemorate the bravery of individuals who died in acts of valour.
II. The recently discovered hero stone in Prakasam district records warriors who died in a temple ritual.
III. Hero stones often depict themes related to cattle protection in medieval South India.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation
- Statement I – Correct:
Hero stones were erected to honour individuals who died in acts of bravery. - Statement II – Incorrect:
The inscription records warriors who died while rescuing cattle, not in a temple ritual. - Statement III – Correct:
Cattle protection is a common theme in medieval hero stones.
Additional Information
- Hero stones are also known as Veeragallu (Kannada) and Nadukal (Tamil)
- They are important sources for micro-level historical reconstruction
- Found widely in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra
Relevance: GS Paper III – Economy – Energy Security, Infrastructure
For Prelims:
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR), ISPRL, Underground Caverns, Crude Oil Imports, IEA Norms, Strait of Hormuz, ADNOC
For Mains:
- Energy Security, Supply Shock Buffer, Import Dependence, Strategic Storage, Geopolitical Risk, Oil Market Stabilisation, Energy Diplomacy
Why in News?
India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) are currently only about 64% filled, with 3.37 million tonnes stored out of 5.33 million tonnes capacity, raising concerns amid West Asia conflict and disruptions in global oil supply chains.
What are Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR)?
- The concept of dedicated strategic reserves was first mooted in 1973, after the first oil crisis
- Government-maintained emergency crude oil stockpiles
- Designed to act as a buffer against short-term supply disruptions
Global Usage Examples
- Gulf War (1991)
- Hurricane Katrina (2005)
- Russia–Ukraine conflict (2022)
Used to stabilise markets and ensure supply continuity
Status of India’s SPR
Capacity and Current Storage
- Total capacity: 5.33 million tonnes (MMT)
- Current stock: 3.37 MMT (~64%)
- SPR levels are dynamic, depending on consumption and market conditions
Coverage
- At full capacity → ~9.5 days of crude oil requirement
Locations of SPR
| Location | Capacity |
| Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | 1.33 MMT |
| Mangalore, Karnataka | 1.5 MMT |
| Padur, Karnataka | 2.5 MMT |
- Stored in underground rock caverns
- Managed by Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL)
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)
- Statutory Status:
PNGRB is a statutory regulatory body established under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006. - Nature of Functions:
The Board performs quasi-judicial functions and operates in a manner similar to a tribunal, with powers equivalent to those of a Civil Court. - Objectives:
- Safeguard the interests of consumers
- Regulate activities in the petroleum and natural gas sector (excluding crude oil exploration and production)
- Promote fair competition among entities
- Ensure adequate and uninterrupted supply of petroleum and natural gas across the country
- Regulatory Scope:
The Board oversees operations related to:- Refining
- Storage
- Transportation (including pipelines)
- Distribution
- Marketing of petroleum and natural gas
- Dispute Resolution Role:
- Adjudicates disputes between entities or individuals involved in petroleum and gas activities
- Handles complaints related to:
- Retail service obligations
- Display of prices
- Pipeline access and tariff issues
- City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks
- Can issue orders, directions, or refer matters for further investigation
- Appeal Mechanism:
Appeals against PNGRB decisions lie with the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL), established under the Electricity Act, 2003. Top of FormBottom of Form
India’s Overall Oil Stock Position
- Current Total National capacity for storage of crude oil and petroleum products (including commercial stocks): ~74 days (it is still lower than what the IEA recommends)
- Government estimate: enough for ~8 weeks (~56 days) during crisis
- Still below IEA recommended 90 days
Global Context and IEA Norms
- IEA recommends minimum 90 days of net import coverage
- IEA recently released 400 million barrels globally due to crisis
- Countries like USA, China, Japan maintain large reserves
India is not a full member of the grouping but an associate member
Geopolitical Dimension: Strait of Hormuz
- Around 2.5–2.7 million barrels/day (≈50% of imports) pass through Strait
- Long-term average: ~40%
- Current West Asia conflict has disrupted this key chokepoint
Highlights India’s high vulnerability to external shocks
Expansion Plans and Policy Status
In July 2021, the government had approved the establishment of two more commercial-cum-strategic petroleum reserves
- Chandikhol (Odisha): 4 MMT
- Padur expansion: 2.5 MMT
Proposed but Pending
- Bikaner
- Rajkot
Additional ~6 MMT capacity planned but not finalised
Commercial Dimension of SPR
- SPRs also serve economic and strategic purposes
Key Features
- Ability to release oil during price spikes
- Refill during low-price cycles
Leasing Model
- Example:
- UAE’s ADNOC allowed to store 750,000 tonnes in Mangaluru SPR
Benefits
- Reduces freight cost for exporters
- Enhances India’s role in global oil markets
- Provides strategic leverage
Key Concerns
1. Low Reserve Levels
- Only 64% capacity filled
2. Limited Coverage
- SPR alone covers <10 days of demand
3. High Import Dependence
- India imports >88% of crude oil
4. Delayed Infrastructure Expansion
- Phase-II and additional projects not yet implemented
5. Geopolitical Risks
- Heavy reliance on West Asia and Hormuz route
6. Below Global Standards
- Total reserves below IEA benchmark (90 days)
Way Forward
- Accelerate SPR expansion projects (Phase-II and new sites)
- Increase reserve capacity towards 90-day benchmark
- Diversify crude import sources (Russia, Africa, Americas)
- Strengthen energy diplomacy and supply agreements
- Integrate SPR with commercial storage and trading strategy
- Promote renewable energy transition to reduce dependence
Conclusion
India’s partially filled Strategic Petroleum Reserves highlight structural weaknesses in its energy security framework. In an era of increasing geopolitical instability, strengthening SPR capacity is essential to ensure energy resilience, economic stability, and strategic autonomy.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Consider the following activities: (UPSC/2025)
I. Production of crude oil
II. Refining, storage and distribution of petroleum
III. Marketing and sale of petroleum products
IV. Production of natural gas
How many of the above activities are regulated by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board in our country?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All the four
Answer: b)
Explanation
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) regulates downstream activities in the petroleum and natural gas sector.
Statement-wise analysis:
- I. Production of crude oil (Incorrect)
- Not regulated by PNGRB
- Falls under upstream sector (handled by Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas / other agencies)
- II. Refining, storage and distribution of petroleum (Correct)
- These are downstream activities
- Clearly regulated by PNGRB
- III. Marketing and sale of petroleum products (Correct)
- PNGRB regulates these activities
- IV. Production of natural gas (Incorrect)
- Also, an upstream activity
- Explicitly excluded from PNGRB’s mandate
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) in India, consider the following statements:
I. India’s SPRs currently provide more than 30 days of crude oil supply coverage.
II. SPRs are designed to protect against short-term disruptions in oil supply.
III. India meets more than 80% of its crude oil requirement through imports.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation
- Statement I – Incorrect:
India’s SPRs cover only about 9.5 days of crude oil requirement, not 30 days. - Statement II – Correct:
SPRs act as a buffer against short-term supply shocks. - Statement III – Correct:
India imports over 88% of its crude oil requirement.
Additional Information
- IEA recommends 90 days of oil reserves
- India currently has about 74 days (including commercial stocks)
- SPRs are stored in underground caverns for safety and efficiency
Relevance: GS Paper II – Health, Governance & Social Sector
For Prelims:
- Tuberculosis (TB), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pulmonary TB, World Tuberculosis Day, NTEP, Nikshay Portal, UDST, UHC
For Mains:
- Public Health Governance, Integrated Healthcare, Social Determinants of Health, Universal Health Coverage, SDGs, Health System Reforms
Why in News?
- World Tuberculosis Day (March 24, 2026) has highlighted the continued global burden of tuberculosis (TB).
- TB remains a major public health challenge, despite being preventable and curable.
- Growing policy emphasis on shifting from disease-specific approaches to integrated, person-centred healthcare.
- Focus on addressing social, economic, and biological factors influencing TB transmission and outcomes.
World Tuberculosis Day: Historical Context and Contemporary Relevance
World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 24 to commemorate the discovery of the TB-causing bacterium by Robert Koch in 1882, a milestone that laid the foundation for modern TB diagnosis and treatment.
The day serves multiple purposes in the contemporary context:
- It raises awareness about TB as a major public health issue
- It promotes early diagnosis and treatment
- It seeks to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with the disease
- It mobilises governments, communities, and stakeholders for collective action
Theme for 2026
“Yes! We Can End TB:”
Tuberculosis: Nature, Transmission and Global Burden
Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads through the air when infected individuals cough or sneeze. Although it primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), it can also impact other organs.
Despite advancements in medical science, TB continues to be a major global health challenge:
- More than 10 million people fall ill annually
- Over 1 million deaths occur each year
- It remains the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent
A striking feature of TB epidemiology is that nearly one-fourth of the global population is infected, although only a small proportion develops active disease. The risk is highest within the first two years of infection.
Without treatment, TB has a mortality rate of nearly 50%, but with proper treatment lasting 4–6 months, about 90% of patients can be cured.
This paradox highlights that TB persists not due to lack of medical solutions, but due to systemic, social, and access-related gaps
Global Commitments and the End TB Agenda
Recognising the seriousness of the TB epidemic, the international community has committed to eliminating TB by 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the WHO End TB Strategy.
Political commitment has strengthened over time:
- UN High-Level Meetings on TB were held in 2018 and 2023
- A follow-up meeting is scheduled for 2028
The WHO’s Global TB Reports, published annually since 1997, provide a comprehensive assessment of the epidemic based on data from over 99% of the global population, ensuring evidence-based policymaking.
The Core Problem: Limits of Disease-Specific Approach
A major limitation of traditional TB control strategies is their disease-centric nature, where TB is treated in isolation from other health and social conditions.
However, in reality, TB rarely occurs as a standalone disease. Patients often face multiple overlapping challenges:
- Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension
- Chronic respiratory conditions
- Undernutrition
- Social and economic vulnerabilities
For instance, a TB patient with uncontrolled diabetes may experience delayed recovery and poor treatment outcomes. This interconnectedness makes it clear that treating TB alone is insufficient.
The need of the hour is a person-centred approach, which focuses on the overall well-being of the individual rather than a single disease.
Interconnected Nature of TB and Social Determinants
TB is deeply embedded in a network of biological, social, and behavioural determinants:
- Biological: Diabetes weakens immunity, increasing TB susceptibility
- Nutritional: Undernutrition reduces resistance to infection
- Behavioural: Smoking and alcohol use exacerbate disease progression
- Socio-economic: Poverty and overcrowded living conditions facilitate transmission
These factors interact in complex ways, creating a cycle of vulnerability where disease and deprivation reinforce each other.
Integration of TB and Diabetes Care
Recognising diabetes as a major risk factor, India’s National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) introduced bidirectional screening:
- TB patients are screened for diabetes
- Diabetes patients are screened for TB
Evidence from a large cohort study in Chennai showed that:
- 34% of TB patients had diabetes
- Among them, 41% had poor glycaemic control
This highlights the importance of integrating diabetes management into TB care, including:
- Regular blood sugar monitoring
- Dietary and lifestyle counselling
- Holistic clinical management
Integration with Respiratory Diseases
Another critical area of integration is with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) such as asthma and COPD.
Many individuals presenting with TB-like symptoms do not have TB but suffer from other respiratory conditions. A pilot study found that among 26,000 people screened for TB, nearly 3,000 were diagnosed with COPD or asthma.
This demonstrates that integrated screening can:
- Improve diagnostic accuracy
- Enhance healthcare efficiency
- Address broader respiratory health issues
Role of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Universal Health Coverage is central to TB elimination, as it ensures that all individuals can access healthcare services without financial hardship.
In the context of TB, UHC enables:
- Early diagnosis
- Free and timely treatment
- Continuous follow-up care
Without UHC, even the best medical interventions fail to reach those most in need
Government Initiatives in India
India has adopted an ambitious target of eliminating TB by 2025, ahead of the global deadline. This has led to the launch of several key initiatives:
- National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP): Provides free diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring
- Nikshay Portal: Digital platform for tracking patients and ensuring treatment adherence
- Nikshay Poshan Yojana: Financial support (₹1000/month) for nutritional needs
- PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Encourages community participation and patient adoption
- Active Case Finding (ACF): Door-to-door screening in vulnerable populations
- Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST): Ensures appropriate treatment for drug-resistant TB
- Private Sector Engagement: Integrates private healthcare providers into TB control efforts
These initiatives reflect a shift towards a multi-dimensional strategy combining medical, nutritional, and social support
Importance of Awareness and Social Mobilisation
World TB Day plays a crucial role in strengthening public awareness and community participation. It helps:
- Educate people about symptoms and prevention
- Encourage early testing and treatment
- Reduce stigma and discrimination
- Promote treatment adherence
- Mobilise NGOs and community groups
TB elimination is as much a social challenge as it is a medical one
Challenges in TB Control
Despite progress, several challenges persist:
- Fragmented and vertical health programmes
- High burden of comorbidities
- Social stigma leading to delayed diagnosis
- Resource and manpower constraints
- Rising drug-resistant TB
These challenges highlight the limitations of existing approaches and the need for systemic reform.
Towards Integrated, Person-Centred Care
Integrated healthcare offers a way forward by addressing multiple conditions simultaneously and ensuring continuity of care.
Such an approach can:
- Reduce diagnostic delays
- Minimise multiple healthcare visits
- Improve treatment outcomes
- Enhance patient experience
- Optimise health system efficiency
Conclusion
Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health challenge not because it is incurable, but because it is deeply intertwined with social, economic, and health system factors.
A transition from disease-specific interventions to person-centred, integrated healthcare is essential to effectively combat TB. This approach recognises that health is multidimensional and that sustainable solutions require addressing the broader determinants of disease.
Ultimately, ending TB is not just about curing infection, but about building resilient, inclusive, and equitable health systems
UPSC PYQ
Q. With reference to Tuberculosis (TB), consider the following statements: (CDS-I, 2018)
Statement I: A person may suffer from tuberculosis if she/he frequently visits crowded places.
Statement II: Bacteria of tuberculosis spread through droplets by sneezing or coughing.
Which of the following is correct?
A. Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
B. Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Answer: A
Explanation
- Statement I – Correct
- Crowded places increase the risk of TB transmission because more people share the same air.
- Poor ventilation leads to accumulation of infectious particles.
- Statement II – Correct
- TB spreads through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
- These droplets contain Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.
- Link between Statement I and II
- In crowded and poorly ventilated areas, infected droplets remain suspended in air for longer periods.
- This increases the probability of inhalation by healthy individuals.
- Hence, Statement II correctly explains Statement I.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Tuberculosis (TB):
- Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Tuberculosis affects only the lungs and does not spread to other parts of the body.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
Explanation
- Statement 1 is correct: TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: TB primarily affects the lungs but can also infect abdomen, glands, bones, and nervous system.
