Daily GK Update- 1st March, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Petroleum Ministry Mandates Nationwide Sale of E20 Petrol with Minimum RON 95 from April 2026: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has mandated the nationwide sale of E20 petrol (up to 20% ethanol blending) with a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95 across all States and Union Territories from 1 April 2026 to enhance cleaner fuel usage.The Ethanol Blended Programme, launched in January 2003 with an initial 5% blending target, has gradually expanded to higher levels of blending to boost India’s energy security and support farmers and the agricultural economy.

 

2. ESIC Launches 75th Foundation Year Celebrations, Unveils Commemorative Coin and Swasthya Rath Initiative: The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation commenced its 75th Foundation Year celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, marking over seven decades of dedicated social security and healthcare service to workers and their families across India.Established in 1952 with about 1.2 lakh beneficiaries and a single dispensary, ESIC has expanded significantly and now serves over 15 crore beneficiaries through a network of 166 hospitals, 17 medical colleges, and nearly 1,600 dispensaries nationwide.To commemorate the Platinum Jubilee (ESIC@75), a special commemorative coin was released along with the launch of the ESIC@75 Coffee Table Book, highlighting the Corporation’s milestones, legacy, and transformative initiatives.

 

3. Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches Rail Tech Policy and e-RCT Digitisation Under Indian Railways’ 52 Reforms Initiative: Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the Rail Tech Policy and announced the complete digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) under Indian Railways’ “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative, promoting technology-driven governance and administrative reforms.The Rail Tech Policy aims to engage startups, innovators, industries, and institutions through a simplified selection process and a dedicated Rail Tech Portal, enabling single-stage proposal submissions to accelerate innovation in railways.Key focus areas include AI-based Elephant Intrusion Detection Systems (EIDS), fire detection in coaches, drone-based broken rail detection, solar-powered coaches, and AI-driven dispute resolution systems, with Indian Railways offering up to 50% development funding support and long-term scaling opportunities for successful solutions.

 

4. PM Narendra Modi Launches Nationwide Free HPV Vaccination Drive for 14-Year-Old Girls from Ajmer: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign from Ajmer to protect 14-year-old girls from cervical cancer.The campaign will use Gardasil, a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 & 18 (which cause cervical cancer) and types 6 & 11. The vaccination will be voluntary and free of cost at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and district hospitals.Cervical cancer is the second-most common cancer among women in India, with around 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths annually, making this campaign a major public health initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

 

5. President Droupadi Murmu Becomes First Indian President to Fly in Attack Helicopter Prachand: President Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian President to fly in an attack helicopter, undertaking a 25-minute sortie in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand near the India–Pakistan border from Jaisalmer Air Force Station.During the historic flight, she acted as co-pilot, flew over the Pokhran firing range, and delivered a message praising the armed forces while emphasizing the significance of indigenous defence capabilities.

 

6. Sikkim’s Pakyong Airport to Be Renamed After Freedom Fighter Trilochan Pokhrel: Sikkim’s Pakyong Airport will be renamed after freedom fighter Trilochan Pokhrel, the state’s first independence activist, as announced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.Trilochan Pokhrel, also known as “Gandhi Pokhrel”, actively participated in the Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India movements led by Mahatma Gandhi.

 

7. Meghalaya Issues Advisory After Suspected Meningococcal Deaths: The Meghalaya government has issued a public health advisory following the deaths of two Agniveer trainees from suspected meningococcal bacterial infection at the Assam Regimental Centre (ARC) in Shillong. Over 30 trainees are currently under medical observation, with close contacts quarantined as a precautionary measure. Authorities have stated that no new suspected cases have been detected and the situation remains under control. The advisory, issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department, confirmed that the East Khasi Hills District Surveillance Unit has initiated an epidemiological investigation. Measures include case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory review and strengthened surveillance.The Army has enforced isolation of close contacts at the Military Hospital Shillong. Masking and restricted movement protocols continue at the training centre. Civil and military health authorities are coordinating to prevent wider transmission.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NSE IX Soft Launches Global Access Platform to Enable Indian Investors to Trade in US and Global Markets: The NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) has soft-launched a Global Access platform, enabling Indian investors to directly trade in international equities, debt instruments, and ETFs, thereby connecting domestic investors with global capital markets.The platform will initially provide access to the US markets, with plans to expand to nearly 30 international markets—including G-7 nations—over the next three to six months, offering broader global diversification opportunities.The initiative operates under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) of the Reserve Bank of India, allowing resident individuals to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for overseas investments.

2. Sri Lanka’s First Blue Bond Listed on NSE IX at GIFT City : Sri Lanka’s first-ever Blue Bond, a LKR 3 billion issuance by DFCC Bank, has been dually listed on the NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City, marking the first blue bond admitted for trading within India’s IFSC jurisdiction.The dual listing was enabled through an MoU between NSE IX and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), strengthening cross-border capital market collaboration and promoting innovative financial products across jurisdictions.The Blue Bond aims to finance sustainable marine resource use, clean drinking water supply, aquatic pollution control, and ocean-based economic activities, reflecting growing global focus on environmentally responsible and impact-driven investments.

 

3. Amondawa Tribe Lives Without Concept of Time : Deep within Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, the Amondawa tribe lives without a conventional understanding of time as defined by modern civilisation. Researchers have found that the indigenous community has no linguistic or cultural equivalent for words such as “time”, “week”, “month” or “year”. Their daily lives are structured around natural cycles rather than clocks or calendars.A study by scholars from the University of Portsmouth, published in the journal “Language and Cognition”, examined how the tribe conceptualises events and existence.The Amondawa language contains no terms referring to measurable units of time. While members can describe sequences of events, they do not treat time as an abstract, independent dimension.Professor Chris Sinha of the University of Portsmouth clarified that the tribe is not “without time”. Instead, it does not conceptualise time in the linear and quantified manner typical of industrial societies. Sunrise, sunset and seasonal rhythms guide daily routines.

 

4. Yuan Dynasty Porcelain Shipwreck Found off Singapore: A 14th-century shipwreck discovered in the waters off Singapore has revealed a vast cargo of blue-and-white Yuan Dynasty porcelain, offering fresh insights into maritime trade during the Mongol Empire. The vessel, believed to have been sailing from China to Temasek, the historic settlement located on the site of modern-day Singapore, dates back roughly 650 years. The findings were published in the “Journal of International Ceramic Studies” in June 2025. The investigation was led by marine archaeologist Michael Flecker of Heritage SG, a subsidiary of the Singapore National Heritage Board. Over four years, divers recovered around 3.5 metric tonnes of ceramic shards from the shallow but hazardous site. Strong currents and extremely poor visibility limited dives to roughly once every four weeks.About 136 kilograms of the recovered material comprised Yuan Dynasty porcelain, including several intact or nearly intact pieces. The vessel itself had largely disintegrated, though it is believed to have been a Chinese junk, a common sailing ship of the period.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Air Force Showcases Full-Spectrum Combat Power in Exercise ‘Vayushakti-26’ at Pokhran Range: The Indian Air Force conducted Exercise ‘Vayushakti-26’ at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, showcasing full-spectrum air combat capabilities, operational synergy, and advanced technological prowess in a simulated live combat theatre.For the first time, the exercise followed a defined operational storyline integrating offensive air strikes, air defence operations, special forces missions, and humanitarian assistance—highlighting the IAF’s role as a multi-domain, integrated force and the nation’s first responder.

 

2. INS Anjadip, Built with Indigenous SAIL Steel, Set to Join Indian Navy Fleet : Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) supplied the entire quantity of approximately 3,500 tonnes of special-grade indigenous steel for INS Anjadip, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), strengthening India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.INS Anjadip is the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) corvette to join the Indian Navy, following INS Arnala and INS Androth in 2025, and is part of the indigenous programme to replace the ageing Abhay-class vessels.The steel was sourced from SAIL’s integrated plants at Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela, highlighting India’s robust domestic supply chain and reinforcing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat through reduced import dependence in defence projects.

 

3. US-Israel Strikes Raise Iran Regime Change Question: The United States and Israel have launched coordinated strikes against Iran, targeting key political and military leadership. Among the reported targets were Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The operation has sharply escalated tensions in West Asia and triggered retaliation from Tehran, raising questions over whether regime change is the ultimate objective. Israel termed its campaign “Operation Lion’s Roar”, while Washington called its involvement “Operation Epic Fury”. Strikes reportedly hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as well as military facilities in Kermanshah, Qum, Isfahan, Tabriz, Karaj and the naval base at Kenarak.Iranian media reported explosions across multiple cities. While the whereabouts of Khamenei remain unclear, sources indicated that he had been moved to a secure location. Several senior commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards were reportedly killed. In response, Iran launched missile barrages targeting Israel and US installations in the region.

 

4. INS Anjadip Commissioned into Indian Navy Fleet: INS Anjadip, the fourth vessel under the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Chennai Port on 27 February 2026. The ceremony was presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and hosted by Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. Senior naval officers, shipbuilders and civilian dignitaries attended the event.Named after the historic Anjadip Island off Karwar, the vessel strengthens India’s coastal defence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.INS Anjadip reflects India’s push towards self-reliance in defence production, with over 80 per cent indigenous content. The ship has been built under the ASW-SWC programme involving Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding, Kattupalli.The induction marks a significant milestone in the Navy’s capability expansion and aligns with the broader objective of strengthening maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

SPORTS

 

1. Jammu & Kashmir Clinch Maiden Ranji Trophy Title: Jammu & Kashmir scripted history by winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title, defeating eight-time champion Karnataka at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium. On the fifth day, the visitors asserted complete dominance, sealing the championship in emphatic fashion and marking a transformative moment in Indian domestic cricket.Entering the final day with a massive 477-run lead and six wickets in hand, Jammu & Kashmir left no room for doubt. Their disciplined approach reflected authority built from the very first session of the match.Resuming with a commanding advantage, Jammu & Kashmir batted 56 overs on the final day, adding 156 runs without losing a wicket before the match was drawn and the title confirmed.Karnataka’s resistance faded gradually despite their reputation as a powerhouse of Indian cricket. The home side, chasing shadows throughout the contest, endured a comprehensive defeat in their own backyard.

 

2. Football for Schools Initiative Expands Across India : Union Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region, Dr Sukanta Majumdar, presided over a football distribution programme at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya in Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal, under the Football for Schools (F4S) initiative. The programme is being implemented by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).The event marked a significant step in promoting grassroots sports participation among school students.Nearly 1,700 FIFA footballs have been distributed across Dakshin Dinajpur district, covering around 250 schools. Across West Bengal, more than 87,000 footballs are being supplied, benefiting lakhs of students.The distribution drive aims to strengthen sports infrastructure in schools and ensure wider access to quality sporting equipment, particularly in government-run institutions.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Casebook on AI and Gender Empowerment Launched at India AI Impact Summit 2026: The Casebook on AI and Gender Empowerment was launched at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, underscoring India’s commitment to inclusive, ethical, and gender-responsive artificial intelligence development.The casebook was developed by the Government of India under the IndiaAI Mission of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in partnership with UN Women and supported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), featuring 23 impactful AI solutions promoting gender equality from over 50 countries.

 

2. UIDAI Partners with Google to Display Authorised Aadhaar Centres on Google Maps Nationwide : The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with Google to display authorised Aadhaar Centres on Google Maps, improving accessibility, transparency, and convenience for residents across India.Users will be able to identify centres based on specific services such as adult enrolment, child enrolment, address/mobile updates, along with details on accessibility features (divyang-friendly infrastructure), parking availability, and operating hours.

The collaboration will cover over 60,000 verified Aadhaar Centres, including Aadhaar Seva Kendras (ASKs), and in the next phase, UIDAI will utilise Google Business Profile to manage centre information and respond directly to public feedback for a more responsive service ecosystem.

 

3. Micron Opens World’s Largest Semiconductor Clean Room in Gujarat: India took a major step in its semiconductor ambitions as Micron Technology commenced operations at its advanced memory ATMP facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The plant shipped its first finished DRAM module to Dell Technologies, marking the country’s entry into high-end semiconductor assembly and testing.Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the facility, which represents India’s first advanced memory Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) site.The Sanand unit houses a 500,000 square foot raised-floor clean room — the largest single semiconductor assembly clean room of its kind worldwide. Engineered specifically for Gujarat’s soil and climate conditions, the structure mitigates moisture-related risks.The clean room is rated Class 1000, allowing no more than 1,000 particles per cubic metre. Air is circulated 120 times per hour, significantly higher than pharmaceutical standards. This ensures protection of delicate integrated circuits and gold bonding wires that are thinner than fractions of a human hair.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IRFC Raises USD 400 Million Equivalent ECB from SMBC and MUFG via GIFT City Branches: Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) has raised an External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) of JPY equivalent to USD 400 million by signing a loan agreement with a consortium of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and MUFG Bank through their GIFT City branches.This marks IRFC’s second ECB transaction in FY 2025–26, following its earlier USD 300 million equivalent borrowing in December 2025, strengthening its diversified global funding strategy.The five-year unsecured loan is benchmarked to the Tokyo Overnight Average Rate (TONAR), and the proceeds will be utilised to finance railway sector projects, including those with forward and backward linkages, in accordance with ECB guidelines.

 

2. IIFL Home Finance Secures $300 Million ADB Loan to Boost Affordable and Green Housing for Women: IIFL Home Finance has secured a $300 million loan from the Asian Development Bank to expand access to affordable housing finance in India.The loan proceeds will be on-lent as mortgages primarily to women in low-income communities across peri-urban, urban, and lagging states, promoting financial inclusion and women’s empowerment.Over 25% of the loan amount is earmarked for financing green-certified affordable homes, supporting sustainable and climate-resilient housing development.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Catherine O’Hara Wins SAG Award Posthumously for The Studio: Late Hollywood actor Catherine O’Hara was honoured with a standing ovation at the SAG-AFTRA Screen Actors Guild Awards after winning Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role in “The Studio”. The award was presented posthumously following her passing in January at the age of 71. The emotional moment marked one of the most poignant highlights of the ceremony, as peers celebrated her lasting impact on television comedy. O’Hara’s co-star Seth Rogen accepted the award on her behalf. As he took the stage, the audience rose in tribute to the veteran performer. Rogen reflected on her generosity, discipline and creative brilliance. He noted that she deeply respected fellow actors and valued recognition from her peers. He described her commitment to excellence, revealing that she would frequently send revised versions of scenes before shooting days. According to him, her suggestions consistently elevated not only her character but the entire show. Her dedication, he said, demonstrated that artistic genius and kindness can coexist.