Parliament replies digest (9-13 Mar 2026): Iran, insurance, Russia
Next story · 13 MarFood safety regulatory reforms approved
What happened
- About 9,000 Indians were in Iran; advisories were issued on 5 and 14 January, 23 and 28 February and 3 March 2026 [MEA, Rajya Sabha reply].
- Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is mandatory for ECR workers going to ECR countries; it gives ₹10 lakh cover for a ₹275 (two years) or ₹375 (three years) premium [MEA, Rajya Sabha reply].
- Lines of Credit are governed by the IDEAS scheme of DEA and run through Exim Bank [MEA, Rajya Sabha reply].
Background
- The second part of the Budget Session began on 9 March [MEA].
Why it matters
- Two schemes are worth learning from this week: PBBY for emigrant workers and IDEAS for Lines of Credit.
How to use this in Mains
- As per MEA (2026-03-13): about 9,000 Indians were in Iran; advisories were issued on 5 and 14 January, 23 and 28 February and 3 March 2026.
- Two schemes are worth learning from this week: PBBY for emigrant workers and IDEAS for Lines of Credit.
Quotable data pointPravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is mandatory for ECR workers going to ECR countries; it gives ₹10 lakh cover for a ₹275 (two years) or ₹375 (three years) premium.
MEA: RS Q2314 Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana, 12 Mar 2026
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: PBBY, IDEAS. · Mains: protection of emigrant workers.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
PBBY insurance cover
Answer (c) & explanation
MEA (Parliament reply).
Go deeper
ExplainerRajya Sabha (Council of States): Composition, Election, Special Powers and the Debate on its Role (UPSC Notes + PYQs)ExplainerIndian Diaspora: Size and Spread, Remittances, Soft Power, Government Policy and Challenges (UPSC Notes)
Official source: MEA: RS Q2314 Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana, 12 Mar 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending