Daily GK Update- 2nd March, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. President Murmu Launches Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium: President Droupadi Murmu will launch the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, replacing and expanding the earlier Ladli Scheme.Under the previous Ladli Scheme, ₹11,000 (institutional birth) and ₹10,000 (home birth) were deposited, along with ₹5,000 at key stages such as admission to Classes 1, 6, 9, passing Class 10, and admission to Class 12.The revamped scheme significantly enhances financial assistance and broadens its vision to ensure greater support for girl children.The scheme is applicable to Delhi-resident families (minimum 3 years) with annual income up to ₹1.20 lakh, and is inspired by the vision of Narendra Modi to promote daughters’ education, dignity, and self-reliance.

 

2. India and Israel Partner to Boost Blue Economy with Technology-Driven Fisheries and Aquaculture Initiatives: India and Israel signed an MoU to boost India’s blue economy and coastal livelihoods through technology-driven, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices.The agreement promotes professional collaboration via Indo–Israel Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and technical cooperation, including setting up an oceanarium in India.Key focus areas include advanced Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), water reuse, automation, climate-resilient farming, and strengthening aquatic disease management.Over Rs. 275 Crore Released to Jharkhand under XV Finance Commission to Strengthen Rural Governance: The Union Government released over 275 crore under the XV Finance Commission to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions and Rural Local Bodies in Jharkhand.The 2nd installment of Untied Grants for FY 2024–25 will benefit 24 District Panchayats, 253 Block Panchayats, and 4,342 Gram Panchayats across the state.

 

3. CGA Launches Government Bank Manual and Dashboard to Strengthen Governance and Efficiency: CGA T.C.A. Kalyani launched the Government Bank Manual and Government Bank Dashboard to enhance governance and efficiency in banks handling government transactions.The Government Bank Manual provides standardised procedures, reporting obligations, reconciliation timelines, and compliance requirements to reduce ambiguity and operational risk.

The Government Bank Dashboard enables real-time, data-driven monitoring of government banking functions, tracking KPIs like remittance timelines, reconciliation status, and transaction success rates.These initiatives institutionalize uniform procedures, reinforce accountability, and pave the way for digital integration, cybersecurity, advanced analytics, and capacity building in government banking operations.

 

4. PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Micron’s ATMP Facility in Sanand: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Semiconductor Assembly, Test and Packaging (ATMP) facility of Micron Technology in Sanand, marking the start of commercial production and shipment of India-made semiconductor memory modules.The facility strengthens India’s role in the global semiconductor value chain and symbolises a crucial technology partnership between India and the United States, especially in chips and AI sectors.Under Semiconductor Mission 2.0, a pan-India semiconductor ecosystem is emerging—from Sanand to Noida and Assam—signaling India’s shift from software strength to hardware manufacturing leadership.

 

5. Larsen & Toubro Secures ₹1,000–2,500 Crore Contract to Build LIGO Observatory in Maharashtra: Larsen & Toubro secured a contract from India’s Department of Atomic Energy to construct the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) in Aundha, Hingoli district, Maharashtra.The ₹1,000–2,500 crore project includes high-precision civil infrastructure, an 8 km ultra-high vacuum beam tube, and advanced vacuum equipment.Scheduled for completion in 48 months, the interferometer-based observatory will detect gravitational waves and is set to become one of India’s flagship mega science projects.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Welcomes Nine Cheetahs from Botswana to Kuno National Park: Bhupender Yadav announced the arrival of nine cheetahs (six females and three males) from Botswana to Kuno National Park.The new arrivals have strengthened the population under Project Cheetah, boosting India’s wildlife conservation efforts.With this addition, India now has a total of 48 cheetahs, including 28 India-born cubs, indicating a growing and thriving population.

 

2. Denmark Becomes First EU Country to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis: Denmark became the first European Union country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis, as certified by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The validation by WHO’s Regional and Global committees confirmed Denmark met all targets from 2021–2024, including low transmission rates and high prenatal testing and treatment coverage.Denmark’s success is attributed to low HIV and syphilis rates among pregnant women, routine testing, and effective treatment, reducing mother-to-child transmission to zero.

 

3. UAE Launches World’s First Sovereign Financial Cloud to Strengthen Secure Digital Finance: The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) launched the world’s first Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure (SFCSI) to strengthen secure and regulated digital finance in the UAE.Developed in partnership with Core42 (a subsidiary of G42), the platform provides a secure, AI-powered cloud environment exclusively for the UAE’s financial sector.The sovereign cloud ensures data sovereignty by keeping critical financial data within national jurisdiction, embedding regulatory controls and cybersecurity safeguards directly into its architecture.

 

4. 1 March – World Civil Defence Day: World Civil Defence Day is observed every year on 1 March to recognise and honour civil defence organisations and volunteers who help protect people from disasters, emergencies, and risks through preparedness and response efforts.Theme 2026 – Managing Environmental Risk for a Resilient Future: A Civil Defense PerspectiveThe day highlights the importance of disaster prevention, risk reduction, public safety education, and emergency response training, encouraging communities to be more resilient and prepared.

 

5. 1 March – Zero Discrimination Day: Zero Discrimination Day is observed every year on 1 March to promote equality and stand against all forms of discrimination worldwide.The day was launched by UNAIDS to highlight the importance of inclusion, compassion, peace, and the right of every individual to live with dignity.

 

6. 3 March – World Wildlife Day: World Wildlife Day is observed every year on 3 March to raise awareness about the conservation of wild animals and plants.Theme 2026 –  Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and LivelihoodsThe day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, marking the adoption of CITES in 1973.It highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation and supports global efforts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

 

7. 3 March – World Hearing Day: World Hearing Day is observed every year on 3 March to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care globally.Theme 2026 – From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all childrenThe day is organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to encourage early detection and prevention of hearing impairment.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 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. US President Donald Trump defended the operation as necessary to eliminate imminent threats and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He accused Tehran of decades of hostility, support for militant groups and backing attacks against American and Israeli interests.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed similar sentiments, stating that joint action would create conditions for the Iranian people to “take their destiny into their own hands”. Both leaders publicly urged Iranians to challenge their leadership, signalling that the objective may extend beyond military deterrence.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Jammu & Kashmir Clinch First-Ever Ranji Trophy Title: Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji cricket team won their first-ever Ranji Trophy title, defeating eight-time champions Karnataka at Hubballi.The team ended a 67-year wait for the prestigious domestic First-Class cricket title with a dominant performance.Jammu and Kashmir secured the crown with a massive 291-run first-innings lead, extending their overall advantage to 633 runs to seal the historic victory.

 

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.The Football for Schools Programme has now been implemented across 33 States and Union Territories, achieving nationwide coverage. Approximately 9.80 lakh FIFA footballs are being distributed across the country, reaching over 1.5 lakh schools.These include PM SHRI Schools, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools. More than 7 lakh footballs are being supplied across nearly 625 districts through nodal institutions such as Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Gitchak nakana: New Subterranean Fish Found in Assam: In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers have identified a new genus and species of subterranean fish, “Gitchak nakana”, from a dug-out well in western Assam. The discovery marks the first aquifer-dwelling, or phreatobitic, fish recorded from Northeast India. The findings were published in the journal “Scientific Reports”, a Nature Portfolio publication, underscoring the global importance of the discovery. The research was led by Ralf Britz of the Senckenberg Naturhistorische Sammlungen Dresden, in collaboration with Wimarithy K. Marak of Assam Don Bosco University and other national and international scientists.The fish was collected on three separate occasions from the same well in a village at the foothills of the Shillong Plateau near the Brahmaputra Valley. Its habitat within a groundwater aquifer makes it exceptionally rare, as fewer than 10 per cent of the world’s known subterranean fishes inhabit such environments.

 

2. 12th-Century Yadava Pillar Found in Wardha: The stone fragments are carved from locally available black basalt. A finely sculpted lotus motif stands out, reflecting advanced craftsmanship despite the hardness of the material. The carvings are characteristic of the Hemadpanti architectural style associated with Yadava rule during the 12th and 13th centuries.Hemadpanti architecture is known for its use of large stone blocks fitted together without lime mortar, relying on precision interlocking techniques. The style is widely seen in medieval temples across Maharashtra and parts of Vidarbha, reflecting a distinctive regional school of temple construction.Panchsheel Thul during a study of ancient Mandir sites along the riverbank. What initially appeared to be ordinary stones drew attention due to intricate carvings. A subsequent joint inspection with researcher Pravin Kadu confirmed architectural features consistent with the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty of the 12th century.The researchers believe the pillar may have been part of a sabhamandap (assembly hall) or positioned in front of the garbhagriha (sanctum). Another fragment appears to represent the pedestal or base of a main structural pillar, suggesting the presence of a substantial temple complex in the area.

 

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 facility assembles and tests DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and NAND flash memory. DRAM serves as working memory for computers, smartphones and data centres, while NAND supports non-volatile storage in SSDs and other devices.Operations follow a wafer-in to finished-product-out model. Wafers sourced from Micron’s global fabrication plants are thinned, diced into chips, assembled, tested and mounted onto modules before final quality checks and shipment.The total planned investment across two phases stands at $2.7 billion. Production is expected to reach tens of millions of integrated circuits this year, scaling close to one billion units annually by 2027. While exports will form a large share, domestic demand will also be served.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Imposes Rs 11.50 Lakh Penalty on Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services: Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited was imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 11.50 lakh by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) due to violations found during the annual inspection for FY ending March 31, 2025.The company disclosed the penalty to the stock exchange under SEBI’s Regulation 30 for material events, as per listing obligations.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Catherine O’Hara Wins SAG Award Posthumously for The Studio: O’Hara won the award amid strong competition. Fellow nominees included Kathryn Hahn for “The Studio”, Jenna Ortega for “Wednesday”, Jean Smart for “Hacks”, and Kristen Wiig for “Palm Royale”. The category reflected the strength of contemporary television comedy, making her win particularly significant.The recognition added to O’Hara’s distinguished career in television and film. She had earlier received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for “The Studio”, reaffirming her continued relevance decades into her career.O’Hara was no stranger to major honours. In 2021, she won SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series and for Comedy Ensemble for “Schitt’s Creek”. Her portrayal in that series remains one of the most celebrated performances in modern television comedy.