March 2026 was dominated by the US–Israel war with Iran and its shock to oil and shipping. At home, India released a new GDP series, the 16th Finance Commission report was tabled and the Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia for the first time.

In this compilation: 31 major items, grouped by GS theme · 10-question quiz at the end.

Timeline: key events of March 2026

Places in news, March 2026

Polity & Governance

1. 16th Finance Commission keeps states' share at 41%

• The vertical share of states in central taxes stays at 41%.
• The horizontal formula for sharing among states was changed.
• It proposed a "grand bargain" to fold cesses and surcharges into the divisible pool.

Why it matters for UPSC: Article 280, cesses outside the divisible pool and Centre–state fiscal ties.

Syllabus: GS2 – Fiscal federalism

2. SC allows first passive euthanasia (Harish Rana case)

• In Harish Rana v. Union of India (2026), the Court allowed withdrawal of life support.
• It is the first actual use of the 2018 Common Cause judgment on dying with dignity.
• The 2023 order simplified the living-will process.

Why it matters for UPSC: Article 21 and medical ethics (also GS4).

Syllabus: GS2 – Right to life

3. SC: SC status only for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists

• In Chinthada Anand v. State of Andhra Pradesh (2026), the Court said a person of any other religion cannot be recognised as SC.
• This follows the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, as amended in 1956 and 1990.
• The Balakrishnan Commission is studying SC status for converts.

Why it matters for UPSC: Dalit Christians and Muslims debate.

Syllabus: GS2 – Social justice