NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Kerala Police Launches ‘Nirbhaya Nisha initiative’ to
Enhance Night Safety for Women in Kerala: Kerala Police has launched the Nirbhaya
Nisha initiative to enhance women’s safety during night travel across
Kerala.The initiative provides rapid police assistance between 9 PM and 5 AM to
ensure timely support for women travelling at night.Women can seek immediate
help through the 112 emergency helpline, enabling quick response from the
police.
2. Samriddhi Kendra Launched Under BharatNet
Rural Digital Initiative: Union Minister of Communications and Development of
North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated the Samriddhi Kendra
in Umri village of Guna district, Madhya Pradesh, under the Samriddh Gram Phygital
Services Pilot Initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The
centre represents an integrated “phygital” model that combines physical service
infrastructure with digital platforms to deliver essential services in rural
areas. The initiative aims to demonstrate how high-speed connectivity under the
BharatNet programme can transform village-level service delivery and support
rural socio-economic development. The Samriddhi Kendra functions as a one-stop
service hub located in the Panchayat Bhawan of Umri village. The centre
provides multiple services by combining digital technology with on-ground
facilitation. These services include education and skill development,
agriculture support, healthcare and telemedicine, e-governance services,
financial inclusion and e-commerce platforms. The model seeks to simplify
access to essential services for rural citizens while strengthening digital
participation in everyday governance and economic activities.
3. DRI Busts Illegal Alprazolam Manufacturing
Unit in Andhra Pradesh: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently
uncovered a clandestine facility involved in the illegal production of
Alprazolam in Andhra Pradesh. The seizure highlights ongoing efforts
by Indian authorities to curb the illegal manufacturing and trafficking of
psychotropic substances. Alprazolam is a widely prescribed medication for
mental health conditions but is strictly regulated due to its potential for
misuse and dependency. Alprazolam is a
psychotropic substance regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. It belongs to a class of medicines known as
benzodiazepines, which act as tranquillising agents and are commonly used in
the treatment of anxiety-related disorders.Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS)
depressants, meaning they slow down brain activity and produce a calming
effect. Due to their therapeutic properties, they are prescribed by medical
professionals but must be used under strict medical supervision.
4. National Dialogue Held to Tackle Online
Crimes Against Women and Children: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan
inaugurated the National Dialogue on Online Crimes Against Women and Children
(OCWC) in New Delhi, highlighting the growing need for stronger coordination
and institutional capacity to address cyber offences targeting vulnerable
groups. The event was organised by the Indian
Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs and brought together
representatives from government agencies, law enforcement bodies, digital
platforms, academia and civil society to discuss strategies for combating
online crimes. Addressing the gathering, the Home Secretary noted that the
rapid expansion of digital technologies has increased the risk of cyber
offences, particularly those targeting women and children. He emphasised the
importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms across states and Union
Territories to effectively address these crimes. Mohan urged states to
establish specialised units dedicated to investigating online offences against
vulnerable groups and to ensure swift and coordinated responses.
5. Posthumous Padma Shri Highlights Legacy of
Kurumba Artist Kitna: The
announcement of a Padma Shri for tribal artist Krishnan Raghavan, known by his
pen name ‘Kitna’, has drawn national attention to the fragile legacy of Kurumba
painting in the Nilgiris. Krishnan, who belonged to the Alu Kurumba tribal
community, received the honour posthumously earlier this year. While the
recognition celebrated his contribution to preserving an ancient art form, it
also raised concerns about the survival of the tradition he dedicated his life
to protecting. Kurumba painting is believed to be a prehistoric art form more
than 3,000 years old. Historically, these paintings were created on rocks and
in caves across the Nilgiri hills. Early documented references to Kurumba
paintings on dwelling structures date back to the period between 1871 and 1872.
The art reflects the cultural life, rituals and traditions of the Alu Kurumba
people, a subgroup of the Kurumba tribe. The Kurumbas are classified as a
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), a category used by the Indian
government for tribal communities that face extreme social and economic
marginalisation.
6. PM Modi Launches ₹23,550 Crore Projects in
Assam’s Silchar: Prime
Minister Narendra Modi launched infrastructure projects worth ₹23,550 crore in
Silchar, Assam, aimed at transforming the Barak Valley
into a major trade and logistics gateway in Northeast India. Addressing a
public gathering in Ramnagar near Silchar, the Prime Minister emphasised that
improved connectivity would strengthen the region’s integration with national
and international markets, particularly in Bangladesh, Myanmar and other South
Asian countries. The largest project announced was the
₹22,864-crore Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor. The 166.8-kilometre
greenfield, four-lane access-controlled expressway will be developed as part of
National Highway-06 by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development
Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).The corridor will pass through Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi
Hills and West Jaintia Hills districts in Meghalaya before
entering Assam’s Cachar district. The project will involve extensive
tunnelling through hilly terrain and is targeted for completion by 2030. Once
operational, the expressway is expected to reduce travel time between Guwahati
and Silchar from around nine hours to nearly five hours.
7. PM Modi Inaugurates
Fully Automated Haldia Bulk Terminal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
inaugurated the Haldia Bulk Terminal, a fully automated dry bulk handling
facility developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) at
the Haldia Dock Complex of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. The project
marks a major addition to India’s eastern maritime infrastructure and is
expected to improve cargo handling efficiency along the Hooghly river. The terminal
has an annual handling capacity of 4 million metric tonnes (MMTPA). It is
recognised as India’s first fully automated dry bulk cargo facility on
the Hooghly river. The terminal is designed to handle coal and other bulk
commodities that support key industries such as power generation, steel and
aluminium production.Situated on the western bank of the Hooghly river within
the Haldia Dock Complex, the facility is expected to strengthen cargo movement
across the eastern maritime corridor and support industrial supply chains in
eastern India.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. National Conference on Cold Water
Fisheries: The
Department of Fisheries, Government of India, organised the National Conference
on Cold Water Fisheries at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre
(SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The conference brought together
policymakers, researchers, industry experts and stakeholders to discuss
strategies for sustainable development of India’s cold water fisheries sector.
The event was held under the guidance of Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and
attended by senior leaders including the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and
Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Cold water fisheries
represent a unique segment of India’s aquaculture sector, primarily found in
high-altitude and mountainous regions. These fisheries thrive in the Himalayan
states of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal
Pradesh and Sikkim, along with parts of the Northeast and the Western Ghats.
Spread across more than 5.33 lakh square kilometres of mountainous terrain,
these ecosystems include rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs that provide
favourable conditions for cold water fish species. Over 278 species of cold
water fish have been identified in India, making the sector significant for
biodiversity conservation, nutrition security and rural livelihoods.
2. Yoga Mahotsav 2026 Marks Countdown to 12th
International Day of Yoga: The
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav,
inaugurated Yoga Mahotsav–2026 in New Delhi, formally launching the 100-day
countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) to be celebrated in 2026.
Organised by the Ministry of Ayush, the event aims to promote the global
movement of Yoga as a tool for holistic health, well-being and mental balance.
Over the past eleven editions, the International Day of Yoga has witnessed
expanding participation across the world, reflecting its growing importance in
preventive healthcare and lifestyle management. During the event, the Minister
unveiled “10 Yoga Protocols for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Target
Groups”. These protocols have been developed to address health challenges
across different age groups and physiological conditions. They are designed to
help individuals strengthen physical health, improve mental resilience and take
a proactive approach to disease prevention. The initiative aligns with India’s
broader vision of preventive and holistic healthcare, where Yoga and
traditional wellness practices play a central role.
3. Zydus’ Desidustat Gets China Approval for
CKD Anaemia Treatment: Zydus Lifesciences has received marketing approval
in China for its drug Desidustat, used to
treat anaemia in patients suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The
approval was granted by China’s drug regulator, the National Medical
Products Administration (NMPA), marking a significant step for the
Ahmedabad-based pharmaceutical company as it enters one of the world’s largest
healthcare markets. The NMPA has approved
Desidustat for the treatment of renal anaemia in adult CKD patients who are not
on dialysis. The drug will be commercialised in China through CMS International
Development and Management Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of China Medical
System Holdings.Zydus
had granted an exclusive licence for the therapy to the Chinese company in
2020. Following successful clinical trials and regulatory evaluation, the
approval now enables the partners to launch the drug in the Chinese market.
4. Myiophanes kempi Rediscovered in Andaman
Limestone Caves: Researchers have
rediscovered “Myiophanes kempi”, a rare cave-dwelling assassin bug, in
limestone caves of the Andaman Islands after nearly a century. The insect
had not been recorded since its first scientific description in 1924. The
rediscovery highlights the ecological importance of subterranean habitats and
the hidden biodiversity present in cave ecosystems. Such
findings also emphasise the need for continued exploration and conservation of
fragile underground environments.
“Myiophanes kempi” is a slender-bodied assassin bug belonging to the Reduviidae
family. Members of this family are known for their predatory behaviour and are
commonly referred to as assassin bugs due to their method of capturing prey.The
species was first described in 1924 by British entomologist William Edward
China. Early records identified the insect from Siju Cave in Meghalaya, making
it one of the few cave-adapted insects documented from the Indian subcontinent
during the early twentieth century.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Indian Army and Ladakh Forest Department sign MoU to
protect wildlife: On World Wildlife Day, the Indian Army and the Forest, Ecology and
Environment Department of Ladakh signed an MoU to protect the fragile
ecosystem and wildlife of Ladakh.The agreement focuses on conserving species
such as the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, Bharal, Ibex, Marmot, and
Black-necked Crane under the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program.A
Joint Snow Leopard Conservation Cell will be established to monitor
conservation efforts and promote sustainable development and biodiversity
protection in Ladakh’s high-altitude ecosystems.
2. Indian Army Participates in National
Additive Manufacturing Symposium 2026: The Indian Army participated in the National Additive
Manufacturing Symposium 2026 held in New Delhi, joining representatives from
government institutions, academia and industry. The event focused on the
expanding role of additive manufacturing in strengthening India’s manufacturing
ecosystem and enhancing strategic defence capabilities. The symposium served as
an important platform for stakeholders to discuss how emerging technologies can
support innovation, efficiency and self-reliance in defence production. The
Ministry of Defence stated that the symposium enabled the Indian Army to engage
with national stakeholders and explore opportunities for accelerating the
adoption of additive manufacturing technologies. Discussions highlighted the
importance of collaborative innovation between government agencies, academic
institutions and industry partners. Such cooperation is considered essential
for building a resilient manufacturing ecosystem capable of supporting future
defence requirements.
SPORTS
1. Iran Withdraws from FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran announced
its withdrawal from the FIFA World Cup 2026, one of the biggest
international football tournaments.The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly
hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Gujarat Launches ‘Lake and Air Watch’ Initiative to
Monitor Urban Lakes and Air Quality in Real Time : Gujarat has launched
the ‘Lake and Air Watch’ initiative under the Gujarat Urban
Development Mission (GUDM) to monitor lake health and air quality in real
time across cities.The programme, introduced by the Urban Development and Urban
Housing Department, aims to tackle urban environmental challenges such as
polluted lakes, declining groundwater recharge and rising air pollution.The
initiative will use satellite technology to track indicators like lake area
changes, waste accumulation and algae growth, generating alerts to enable
timely conservation and restoration of urban water bodies.
2. C-DOT Showcases Telecom Innovations at
Samarth Incubation Demo Day: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) organised a Demo Day in
New Delhi for 18 startups participating in
the second cohort of the Samarth incubation programme. Held at the NBCC
Convention Hall, the event showcased innovative technological solutions
developed by startups working in fields such as telecommunications,
cybersecurity, artificial
intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT),
5G and 6G technologies, and quantum technologies. The initiative reflects
India’s efforts to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship in the telecom
and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors. Launched in March
2025, the Samarth incubation programme aims to nurture emerging startups in
telecom and ICT by providing financial support, infrastructure and mentorship.
The programme is organised into two cohorts of six months each, supporting up
to 18 startups per cohort and a total of 36 startups overall. The initiative is
implemented with the support of Software
Technology Parks of India (STPI)
and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs), which collaborate with C-DOT to guide
participating startups.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Assam Disburses ₹3,600 Crore to 40 Lakh Women Under
Orunodoi 3.0 Through DBT: The government of Assam transferred ₹9,000 each to 40 lakh
women under Orunodoi 3.0, marking a major welfare initiative for women beneficiaries.Around
₹3,600 crore was disbursed through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT), making it one of
the largest single-day welfare fund transfers in the state.
2. RBI Launches Pilot ‘Awareness Program on Digital
Payments’ in Maharashtra During Digital Payments Awareness Week: Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) launched a pilot programme titled “Awareness Program on Digital
Payments” to promote safe and wider adoption of digital payments across
India.The pilot programme was conducted in Maharashtra in partnership with CSC
e-Governance Services India Ltd during the Digital Payments Awareness Week
(March 9–13, 2026).The initiative aims to reach 10 lakh participants in rural
and semi-urban areas through in-person awareness sessions conducted by Village
Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs).
3. Bank of Baroda Launches ‘bob Women Sapphire Savings
Account’ with ₹10 Lakh Cancer Care Coverage for Women: Bank of
Baroda launched a special savings account for
women named bob Women Sapphire Savings Account to promote
financial inclusion and empowerment.The account is designed to provide
exclusive banking benefits along with healthcare and lifestyle privileges for
women customers.It also offers ₹10 lakh cancer care coverage for women account
holders aged 18 to 60 years.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. KSRTC Wins PSU Award for ‘Dhwani Spandana’
Accessibility Initiative: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)
has been honoured with the Governance Now 12th PSU National Award in the
“Excellence in Innovation” category for its accessibility initiative titled
“Dhwani Spandana.” The award recognises the corporation’s efforts to improve
public transport accessibility for visually impaired passengers. The
recognition was presented during the Governance Now Awards ceremony held in New
Delhi. The Dhwani Spandana initiative introduces an onboard bus identification
and navigation system designed specifically to assist visually impaired commuters.
The system enables passengers with visual disabilities to identify buses and
navigate their journeys more independently. By providing audio-based assistance
and clear identification mechanisms, the initiative helps passengers board the
correct bus and travel with greater confidence.
2. R. Vairamuthu Awarded 2025 Jnanpith Honour
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