NATIONAL UPDATES:
Safdarjung Hospital Launches India’s First Online
Critical Care Follow-Up Clinic for ICU Patients: Safdarjung
Hospital will launch India’s first online critical care follow-up
clinic for ICU-discharged patients to receive medical guidance from home.The
service will be available through the e-Sanjivani OPD portal every Tuesday and
Thursday from 10 AM to 11 AM.Patients and their families can log in online to
consult doctors, ensuring continuous post-ICU care and better recovery
monitoring.
Department of Posts Launches ‘24 Speed Post’ with
Next-Day Guaranteed Delivery in Six Major Cities: Department of Posts has
launched the ‘24 Speed Post’, offering next-day (D+1) guaranteed
delivery for urgent consignments, inaugurated by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.In the
first phase, the service will be available in six major cities: Delhi,
Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, enhancing fast
logistics in metro regions.The service includes OTP-based secure delivery,
real-time tracking with SMS alerts, free pickup, BNPL facility, and money-back
guarantee, strengthening premium services of India Post.
PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Fully Automated Haldia
Bulk Terminal at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port: PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated
the Haldia Bulk Terminal, a fully automated dry bulk handling facility at
the Haldia Dock Complex.The terminal is part of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port and
is India’s first fully automated dry bulk cargo handling facility on the
Hooghly River.It has been developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone
Limited, boosting efficiency in cargo operations and maritime infrastructure.
PM Modi Virtually Inaugurates 120 MW Lower Kopili
Hydroelectric Project in Assam: Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the
120 MW Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project in Assam, located in
Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong districts.The project is a run-of-river hydropower
project built in the Kopili River basin, enhancing clean energy generation.It
has been developed by Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited with financial
support from the Asian Development Bank under the Assam Power Sector Investment
Program.
Himachal Pradesh Govt Signs MoU with National Dairy
Development Board to Boost Dairy Sector and Milk Processing Capacity: The Government of Himachal
Pradesh signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development
Board to strengthen the dairy sector and boost milk processing
capacity.The agreement, led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, aims to introduce
world-class technology and improve dairy infrastructure, including
bio-products.The initiative will support the Dagwar dairy project, enhance
computerised quality control, and generate employment opportunities for
farmers.
Govt Appoints Kompella Venkata Ramana Murty as Whole-Time
Member of SEBI: The
Government has appointed Kompella Venkata Ramana Murty as Whole-Time
Member (WTM) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India for a three-year
term.A 1991-batch IDAS officer, Murty previously served as Additional
Controller General of Defence Accounts and had also been a part-time member of
SEBI representing the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.The SEBI board, headed by
Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, consists of a chairman, four whole-time members,
and four part-time members.
16 March – National Vaccination Day: National Vaccination Day, also
called National Immunisation Day, is observed every year on March
16 in India to promote the importance of immunisation and vaccines for
preventing diseases.The day commemorates the first oral polio vaccine dose
administered in 1995 and aims to raise awareness about vaccination against
vaccine-preventable diseases like polio, tuberculosis, measles, mumps, and
rubella.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
15 March -World Consumer Rights Day: World
Consumer Rights Day is observed every year on March 15 to raise
awareness about consumer rights and promote fair practices in the marketplace.Theme
2026 – Safe Products, Confident ConsumersThe day highlights issues such as
consumer protection, product safety, digital rights, and ethical business
practices globally.
Force
Majeure Invoked Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions: Several Gulf energy
producers have recently declared force majeure on oil and gas shipments
following disruptions in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This development has significant
implications for global energy supply chains, highlighting the importance of
contractual safeguards in times of unforeseen crises. Force majeure refers to
extraordinary events that prevent parties from fulfilling contractual
obligations. The term originates from French, meaning “superior force.” It is
closely linked to the concept of an “act of God,” denoting events beyond human
control for which no party can be held responsible. Such provisions are
commonly included in contracts to address unforeseen contingencies.
Göbekli
Tepe Mystery Challenges Origins of Civilisation: Göbekli Tepe, located in
present-day Turkey, is regarded as the world’s oldest
known temple complex, dating back to around 9600 BCE. Built nearly 12,000 years
ago, the site predates agriculture, pottery and urban settlements. Its
discovery has fundamentally reshaped understanding of early human civilisation,
suggesting that organised religious activity may have preceded settled life.
The site consists of massive circular structures made of large T-shaped
limestone pillars, many weighing several tonnes. These pillars are intricately
carved with depictions of animals such as foxes, lions and birds. Remarkably,
the builders were hunter-gatherers, not settled agricultural communities,
indicating a high level of social organisation and cooperation even in
pre-agricultural societies.
Neanderthal
‘Factory’ Discovery Rewrites Human Evolution: Archaeologists have uncovered compelling
evidence of a highly organised Neanderthal activity site dating back nearly
125,000 years in present-day Germany. The discovery at Neumark-Nord near
Leipzig suggests that Neanderthals systematically processed animal bones for
fat extraction, challenging long-standing assumptions about their cognitive and
survival capabilities. Excavations at the lakeside site revealed thousands of
animal bones broken in a consistent pattern. The bones were first cracked open
to extract marrow and then further crushed and heated to obtain grease. This
repeated method indicates a deliberate and systematic approach rather than
random scavenging. Such behaviour reflects an advanced understanding of
resource utilisation.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
India
Eyes European Sixth-Gen Fighter Jet Collaboration: India is considering
joining one of Europe’s major sixth-generation fighter aircraft programmes—Future
Combat Air System (FCAS) or Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)—as part of its
strategy to enhance future air combat capabilities. A Parliamentary panel has
recommended evaluating such partnerships to accelerate access to advanced
aerospace technologies while complementing domestic defence initiatives. FCAS
is a collaborative project led by France, Germany and Spain, aimed at developing a networked combat
ecosystem that integrates a next-generation fighter with drones and digital
warfare systems. GCAP, led by the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan, focuses on building a stealth
sixth-generation fighter expected to enter service by the mid-2030s. Both
programmes represent cutting-edge advancements in air combat design and
integration.
SPORTS
Uniqlo Appoints Jasprit Bumrah as Brand Ambassador for
India: Uniqlo has appointed Jasprit Bumrah as its
brand ambassador for India.Uniqlo is a subsidiary of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
and is a leading global apparel retailer from Japan.
Sina
Ruppenthal Sets Guinness Record for Strength Feat: German strongwoman Sina
Ruppenthal has gained global attention after setting a remarkable Guinness
World Record by lifting and throwing 10 men in just 37.44 seconds. The feat,
performed during a television programme in Munich in August 2025, has recently
gone viral, drawing widespread admiration for both her physical prowess and
technical precision. The record was achieved on the show “Die große Show der
Weltrekorde,” where Ruppenthal demonstrated extraordinary strength and
efficiency. Each participant had to be lifted and thrown over her shoulder in a
controlled and safe manner. Completing all 10 throws within 37.44 seconds
required not only brute force but also precise coordination, endurance, and
speed. The performance stood out for its seamless execution and consistency.
Kalinga
Stadium Hosts National Para Athletics Championship: Kalinga Stadium in
Bhubaneswar is set to host the National Para Athletics Championship from 19 to
21 March 2026, bringing together top para-athletes from across India. The
event, organised by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) in collaboration
with the Odisha government, highlights the growing
prominence of para sports and aims to promote inclusivity and excellence in
athletics. The championship will witness participation from 1,460 athletes
representing 28 states, along with teams from the Border Security
Force (BSF) and the Services
Sports Control Board (SSCB). A total of 145 medal events will be conducted over
the three-day competition, making it one of the largest para athletics events
in the country.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Maharashtra Govt Signs MoU with Wadhwani AI to Boost
AI-Driven Public Health Services: The Government of Maharashtra
signed an MoU with Wadhwani AI to deploy AI technologies in public health
programmes like tuberculosis control, maternal & child health, and primary
healthcare.The agreement was signed under the guidance of Devendra Fadnavis to
enhance diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and healthcare service delivery.The
initiative aims to make public health services more technology-driven,
efficient, and accessible across the state.
Progerinin
Therapy Offers Hope for Rare Progeria Disorder: A recent agreement
between Sentynl Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Zydus Lifesciences, and South Korea’s PRG S&T marks a significant step
towards developing Progerinin, an oral drug aimed at treating
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS). This rare genetic disorder leads
to accelerated ageing in children and remains one of the most severe paediatric
conditions with no definitive cure so far. HGPS, commonly known as progeria, is
an extremely rare genetic disease affecting approximately one in four million
live births worldwide. Children with this condition appear normal at birth but
begin to exhibit rapid ageing symptoms within the first two years. Despite
severe physical deterioration, cognitive and motor development generally remain
unaffected, making the disease particularly distressing.
Butis
bargabhimae: New Estuarine Fish Discovered in Bengal: Scientists in West Bengal have identified a new species of
estuarine fish named “Butis bargabhimae”, marking a notable addition to India’s
aquatic biodiversity. The discovery was made in the Rupnarayan River near
Tamluk, a region known for its rich ecological and cultural heritage. This
finding highlights the importance of estuarine ecosystems as hotspots of unique
and often unexplored species. The newly identified species was discovered in
the Rupnarayan River, a tributary of the Hooghly River in West Bengal. Estuarine environments, where
freshwater meets seawater, provide a dynamic habitat that supports diverse
aquatic life. The identification of “Butis bargabhimae” underlines the
ecological significance of such transitional zones in sustaining specialised
species.
BANKING AND FINANCE
RBI Imposes ₹3.1 Lakh Penalty on Cashfree Payments India
Private Ltd for Regulatory Violations: Reserve Bank of
India imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on Cashfree Payments India Private
Ltd for non-compliance with regulatory directions.The penalty was due to
an impermissible debit from an escrow account, as identified by the RBI.
India’s WPI Inflation Rises to 2.13% in February 2026: India’s Wholesale Price Index
(WPI)-based inflation rose to 2.13% in February 2026, marking an 11-month
high.It recorded the fourth consecutive monthly increase, rising from 1.81% in
January 2026.WPI data is released by the Office of the Economic Adviser under
the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of
Commerce and Industry.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
Naman Awards 2026: BCCI to honour Rahul Dravid, Mithali
Raj, Roger Binny with Lifetime Achievement Awards: The
Board of Control for Cricket in India hosted the Naman Awards
2026 in New Delhi to honour excellence across international, domestic, and
age-group cricket.
Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid received the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honour of the BCCI.Mithali Raj was honoured with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women for her outstanding contribution to women’s cricket.Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana received the Best International Cricketer (Men & Women) awards for the 2024–25 season.The awards also recognised top domestic performers like Ira Jadhav, Shafali Verma, Ayush Mhatre, and Harsh Dubey, along with the Mumbai Cricket Association for best performance.A major highlight was the felicitation of five ICC trophy-winning Indian teams, marking a historic celebration of India’s global cricketing success.
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