NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Raisina
Science Diplomacy Initiative Debuts in New Delhi: The inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI)
was held on 5 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as part of the Raisina
Dialogue. The initiative was jointly launched by the Office of the Principal
Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and the Observer Research
Foundation (ORF). It brought together leading scientists, diplomats, innovators
and policy experts from around the world to discuss the growing role of science
diplomacy in addressing global challenges and technological transformations.Around
80 participants from international organisations, academia, research
institutions and policy circles attended the closed-door discussions designed
to encourage open exchange of ideas. The initiative was chaired by Principal
Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood and co-chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman,
President of the International Science Council, Prof. Marilyne Andersen,
Director General of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator, and Dr. Vijay
Chauthaiwale of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Foreign Affairs Department.The opening remarks emphasised the
increasing importance of science and technology in shaping national development
strategies, economic competitiveness and global security priorities.
Participants noted that science diplomacy has become a critical tool for
fostering international cooperation while navigating geopolitical shifts.
2. Gujarat
Launches herSTART 5.0 to Support Women Entrepreneurs: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the fifth
edition of the her START programme for women entrepreneurs at Gujarat University
in Ahmedabad. The event also marked the inauguration of a new research park
aimed at strengthening the state’s innovation ecosystem. The programme, run by
the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council, focuses on
supporting women-led startups through incubation, mentorship and market
access.During the event, the Chief Minister also announced that the
university’s convention centre would be named Vidyagauri Nilkanth Sabhapuram in
honour of Vidyagauri Nilkanth, widely regarded as the first Gujarati woman
graduate. The initiative reflects the state government’s emphasis on promoting
women’s participation in entrepreneurship and innovation.The
her START programme has been designed to encourage women entrepreneurs by
providing institutional support, networking opportunities and guidance for
business development. Through structured incubation and mentorship programmes,
women-led startups receive assistance in developing business models, securing
investment and expanding market access.The fifth edition of herSTART aims to
further strengthen the participation of women in the startup ecosystem. The
programme launch formed part of a broader set of initiatives described by
organisers as a “development triveni,” highlighting the integration of
entrepreneurship, research and innovation at Gujarat University.
3. Chhattisgarh’s
Korea District Leads Community Water Conservation Initiative: Korea district in Chhattisgarh has
emerged as a notable example of community-led water conservation through the
‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative. The programme encourages farmers to
voluntarily allocate a small portion of their land for groundwater recharge and
sustainable water management. Implemented under the Aawa Paani Jhoki movement,
the initiative promotes participatory water conservation practices aimed at
improving long-term water security in rural areas.The programme encourages
farmers to dedicate five per cent of their agricultural land to build small
recharge ponds and terraced pits. These structures capture rainwater during the
monsoon season and allow it to gradually seep into the ground, helping
replenish local groundwater reserves.The initiative focuses on decentralised
water conservation directly within agricultural fields. Farmers construct small
recharge structures such as ponds and pits that collect rainwater, preventing
runoff and increasing groundwater infiltration. This approach has helped retain water that
would otherwise flow away during heavy monsoon rainfall. The stored water
gradually infiltrates the soil, improving soil moisture levels and
reducing soil erosion. The method also supports sustainable farming by
ensuring better water availability during dry periods.
4. Vinai
Kumar Saxena Appointed New Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh: A major administrative reshuffle has
taken place in India’s Union Territories as Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta resigned from
his position after serving less than a year in office. Vinai Kumar Saxena,
currently serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, has been appointed as
the new Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. Meanwhile, Kavinder Gupta has been reassigned as the
Governor of Himachal Pradesh. The changes come amid a broader series
of gubernatorial appointments across several states and Union Territories. Kavinder Gupta had assumed office as the third
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh in July 2025. His tenure followed that of
Brigadier BD Mishra, who had taken charge in February 2024. Mishra himself
succeeded RK Mathur, the first Lieutenant Governor appointed after the
reorganisation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir in
2019.
Ladakh
became a Union Territory without a legislative assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation
Act, 2019 came into force. Since then, the region has been administered by a
Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President of India.
5. RN
Ravi Appointed West Bengal Governor Ahead of Assembly Elections: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has been
appointed as the new Governor of West Bengal following the sudden resignation
of CV Ananda Bose. The change comes just months before the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, drawing
political attention across the country. Bose had served as the Governor of West
Bengal since 2022, and his unexpected resignation has triggered debate over the
timing of the leadership change. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
confirmed the appointment of Ravi and criticised the Union government for not
consulting the state government before the decision. Ravindra Narayan Ravi is a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1976 batch of the Kerala cadre. He holds
a postgraduate degree in Physics. During his long career in national security
and intelligence, he served in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and
the Intelligence Bureau (IB). His work largely focused on internal security and
strategic intelligence matters.In 2014, Ravi was appointed Chairman of the
Joint Intelligence Committee under the Prime Minister’s Office, a key body
responsible for analysing intelligence inputs for national security
decision-making.
6. Jalna
Celebrates 138th Hatti Risala Procession on Dhulivandan : The historic Hatti Risala procession in
Jalna, Maharashtra, completed its 138th year with vibrant celebrations during
Dhulivandan, the day following the Holi festival. The annual event drew large
crowds as residents gathered along the city’s main streets to witness the
traditional procession. Known for its cultural significance and festive spirit,
the procession reflects the deep-rooted heritage of the region and continues to
remain a major symbol of community participation and harmony. The highlight of
the procession is a decorated elephant carrying symbolic representations of a
king and his prime minister. As the procession moves through the city, sweets
known as revdis are distributed among the crowd from atop the elephant.
Participants dressed in traditional attire accompany the procession while
rhythmic drum beats and the scattering of dry colours add to the festive
atmosphere. The event creates a lively spectacle that blends tradition,
celebration, and local customs.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. World
Obesity Atlas 2026 Warns of Rising Childhood Obesity in India: Childhood obesity in
India has reached alarming levels, according to the World Obesity Atlas 2026
released on March 4 to mark World Obesity Day. The report estimates that nearly
15 million children aged five to nine and over 26 million adolescents aged 10
to 19 in India were overweight or obese in 2025. The findings highlight a
growing public health challenge and indicate that global efforts to curb
childhood obesity are falling short of targets. The report, published by
the World Obesity Federation, shows that more than 200 million school-age
children worldwide aged five to 19 living with overweight or obesity are
concentrated in just ten countries. India ranks second globally after China in the number of
children with high Body Mass Index (BMI).China leads with around 62 million children with high BMI
and 33 million living with obesity. India follows with about 41 million
children with high BMI, including 14 million classified as obese. The United States ranks
third, with approximately 27 million children with high BMI and 13 million with
obesity.
2. Adani
Group Partners UNESCO For World Engineering Day 2026: The Adani Group has been named an
official partner for the World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development
(WED) 2026. The international observance is recognised by UNESCO and delivered by the World
Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO). This marks the first time an
Indian organisation has been selected by WFEO as a partner for this global
platform that celebrates the role of engineers in sustainable development.
World Engineering Day highlights the critical role of engineering in achieving
the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By partnering for the
2026 edition, the Adani Group will help showcase engineering innovations that
support sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital
transformation. The recognition also signals the growing influence of Indian
engineering capabilities on the global stage.
3. India
Promotes Sustainable Tourism Vision at ITB Berlin 2026: Union Minister for
Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasised India’s commitment to
building globally competitive, sustainable, and community-focused tourism
destinations under the Vision 2047 framework. Addressing the UN Tourism
Minister’s Summit at ITB Berlin 2026, he outlined India’s strategy for
responsible and inclusive tourism growth. The minister stated that the
country’s tourism policy is guided by the principle of “Growth with
Responsibility”, aligning economic expansion with environmental protection and
cultural preservation. The government aims to transform India into a leading
global tourism hub while ensuring sustainability and local participation. The
minister highlighted that tourism development in India is not only focused on
increasing visitor numbers but also on strengthening local economies and
protecting heritage assets. The approach emphasises balanced development that
integrates infrastructure expansion with conservation of cultural landmarks and
fragile ecosystems.
4. India–Canada
Strategic Reset: The
Prime Minister of Canada's visit to India marked a reset in India–Canada
relations after the 2023–24 diplomatic tensions. Major outcomes included
restarting CEPA trade negotiations, a USD 2.6 billion uranium supply
deal with Cameco, cooperation on critical minerals and clean energy, the
launch of the first India–Canada Defence Dialogue, and initiatives
in innovation, research internships, and food technology.India and Canada
share strong economic and diaspora ties (1.8 million Indians in Canada) and aim
to double trade to $50 billion by 2030. However, issues
like Khalistani extremism, trade barriers, and visa delays remain
challenges. Stronger security cooperation, early trade agreements, and
Indo-Pacific collaboration can help rebuild trust and deepen the
partnership.Defense and Security: The two nations announced the
establishment of the first-ever India-Canada Defence Dialogue to
foster strategic security discussions. Political and Diplomatic
Ties: The India-Canada Parliament Friendship Group was
established to enhance political networking.
5. India's
Export Surge: Overall Export Performance: India's total exports (goods
and services combined) reached an estimated USD 720.76
billion between April 2025 and January 2026. This marks a growth
of 6.15% compared to the same period the previous year, achieved
despite global uncertainties.Export Diversification: India ranks among
the top 5 globally for export product
diversity and top 3 for trade partner diversity, helping it
better withstand global demand fluctuations and supply
chain disruptions.Export Promotion Mission (EPM): It was
approved with a total outlay of Rs 25,060 crore for FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31
to strengthen the export ecosystem, improve access to affordable
trade finance, and enhance global market readiness. The scheme operates through
two sub-schemes i.e., Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha. Key EPM Interventions for
export boost include: Trading Partners and Trade Agreements: In the last 3
years, India signed 9 free trade
agreements (FTAs) covering 38 countries, granting it
zero-duty access to markets representing ~70% of global GDP. This strategy
aims to diversify trade ties and reduce dependence on any single
market.
6. World
Obesity Atlas 2026 : The World
Health Organization (WHO) defines Obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that
poses health risks, with a Body
Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or above classified as
overweight and 30 or above as obese.Health Consequences (2025-2040): Cases of
BMI-related hypertension are expected to increase from 2.99 million
to 4.21 million, hyperglycaemia (high blood
sugar) from 1.39 million to 1.91 million, high triglycerides from 4.39 million to 6.07 million, and metabolic
dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) from 8.39 million to 11.88 million.Preventable
Risk Factors: Key contributors include 74% of adolescents (11-17
years) failing to meet physical activity recommendations,
only 35.5% receiving school meals, 32.6% of infants (1-5
months) experiencing sub-optimal breastfeeding, and children aged
6-10 consuming up to 50 ml of sugary drinks daily..Global Trends and
Warnings: The world is set to miss the 2025 target to halve childhood
obesity rise (now extended to 2030). Currently, 20.7% of
children aged 5-19 worldwide are overweight/obese (up from 14.6%
in 2010), with projections of 507 million affected children by
2040 and over 57 million showing early cardiovascular disease signs.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. US
Torpedo Sinks Iranian Warship in Indian Ocean: A US submarine
torpedoed and sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena about 40 nautical miles off
Sri Lanka’s southern coast near Galle in the Indian Ocean, bringing the US-Israel-Iran
Conflict closer to the Indian
Ocean Region (IOR) and marking the first US torpedo
sinking of an enemy ship since World
War II. India is a signatory to the SAR, 1979,
ratified in 2001. In India, the Indian Coast Guard
(ICG) coordinates rescue operations in the Indian Search and Rescue
Region (ISRR), with the Director General ICG serving as the National
Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Authority (NMSARCA). The ICG also
operates INDSAR, a voluntary ship reporting system that helps track
vessels and respond quickly to maritime distress
situations.About: A torpedo is a self-propelled underwater
missile designed to destroy ships or submarines. Unlike naval mines,
torpedoes actively travel through water, track targets, and detonate at
the most destructive point, often beneath a ship’s hull.Working: Modern
torpedoes use electric batteries or thermal propulsion systems and
can travel at speeds above 50 knots for distances exceeding 50 km. They use
sophisticated guidance systems, onboard sensors, and computers to
track targets and maintain optimal attack depth.
2. IAEA–Iran
Dispute Over Alleged Natanz Strike: The UN nuclear watchdog International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held an
emergency meeting in Vienna at the request of Russia and
Iran following the military engagement between the US-Israel bloc and
Iran. IAEA’s
Assessment: The IAEA stated there is no current indication of
damage to Iran’s nuclear installations (including Bushehr and
the Tehran research reactor) and confirmed that radiation levels in the
region remain normal.Iran’s Contradictory Claim: Iran alleged that US
and Israeli airstrikes targeted the Natanz uranium enrichment
facility.The IAEA was established in 1957 within
the United Nations system, following US President Dwight D.
Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” speech (1953) at the UN General
Assembly. The IAEA Statute was approved by 81 countries in 1956,
with India as a founding member. As of December 2025, the agency has
181 member states.The organization operates as the world’s “Atoms for
Peace” agency, tasked with promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy while
preventing its diversion for military purposes. Headquartered
in Vienna, Austria, IAEA functions as the global nuclear watchdog,
conducting nuclear safeguards, inspections, and promoting nuclear safety
and peaceful applications in energy, medicine, and agriculture.
3. ALH
Mk-III and Shtil Missiles : The Ministry of Defence signed contracts
worth Rs 5,083 crore to procure six Advanced
Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III for
the Indian Coast Guard from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited,
and Shtil Surface-to-Air Missile System along with missile holding
frames for the Indian Navy from JSC
Rosoboronexport, Russia. Acquisition of ALH Mk-III: This contract
falls under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and
Manufactured) category.The ALH Mk-III are twin-engine vehicles that
strengthen maritime security operations such as protection of offshore
installations, fishermen, and the marine environment, while
supporting Make
in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat through
participation of over 200 MSMEs and generating about 65 lakh man-hours of
employment. Shtil Surface-to-Air Missile System: It is a ship-based
medium-range air defence system designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters,
UAVs, and anti-ship missiles targeting naval vessels. Developed by Russian
defence industries, it is derived from the Buk Missile
System family. The system uses a Vertical Launch System (VLS),
enabling rapid, all-weather interception of multiple aerial threats and
integration with naval radar and fire-control systems. For the Indian
Navy, it strengthens layered maritime air defence and enhances the
survivability of frontline warships in the Indian
Ocean Region.
SPORTS
1. Flying
Axar Patel, brainy Jasprit Bumrah take India to World Cup final: On a night when batsmen - Sanju Samson for India and
Jacob Bethell for England- hit the high notes, it was a fielding effort that
was the difference between the two teamsTwo acts of sporting greatness deflated
England and revealed India’s desperation to win.The target of 254 to enter the
T20 World Cup final demanded English captain Harry Brook do what he does. The
flat pancake at Wankhede demanded Jasprit Bumrah do
what he does. But Axar Patel ensured he didn’t have to do it alone – with
an act of athleticism that will long be recalled, the kind that embeds itself
straight into viral reels. Unbelievably, he would better it when the chase
tightened with another breathtaking effort.On the night when batsmen from both
teams repeatedly hit high notes, Axar delivered a match-winning performance
with his hands, feet and eyes. Despite scoring 253, India won by just 7
runs.Before Flying Axar and Brainy Bumrah, it was Sanju Samson who set up the
game with a 42-ball 89, an innings of grace, maturity, and inspiration. It
still might not have been enough. Jacob Bethell conjured an impeccable knock –
startlingly assured shot selections, purposeful targeting of bowlers, and a calmness
that smoothed all that aggression. It needed repeated interventions by Axar and
Bumrah to keep Bethell just out of reach of a dream finish.
2. Has
Lakshya Sen turned the corner in dealing with lost leads? Li Shifeng quarters
at All England, will tell: How Lakshya Sen goes from leading 17-11, 19-14 to losing
the second set 21-23, is in the realms of speculation or snakes-and-ladder on a
badminton court. That’s effectively a net 4-11 points from a very advantageous
position straight into the ditch.But like a good doctor would tell you, they
can’t keep the rains from raining down, they can only arm you with a sturdy
umbrella. So what India’s shuttler-in-need-of-Sherlock and his massively varied
coaching team have done is try to respond to these familiar lapses by staying
solid in the third. NG Ka Long Angus must’ve expected Sen to crumble after one
of his usual blunderings took the All England Round 2 into the decider. Because
he had slumped at the Olympics (twice), and myriad other tournaments. But Sen
played an absolutely laser-focussed third set, to win 21-19, 21-23, 21-10 and
defeat the opponent from Hong Kong, aged 31, ranked 29 to reach quarterfinals.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. IISc
Launches Brain Co-Processors Moonshot for Stroke Rehabilitation: The Indian Institute of
Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has launched an ambitious “moonshot” project to
develop brain co-processors that integrate neuromorphic hardware with
artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance or restore brain function. The
initiative is supported by the Pratiksha Trust, founded by Infosys co-founder
Kris Gopalakrishnan and Sudha Gopalakrishnan. A memorandum of understanding
formalising the partnership was signed at IISc in the presence of senior
institutional leaders and researchers.The project seeks to develop advanced neural
technologies capable of decoding brain signals, processing them using AI
systems and sending corrective signals back to the brain. Researchers believe
the innovation could significantly improve cognitive rehabilitation, especially
for stroke survivors who experience loss of motor functions.Brain co-processors
are an emerging class of neurotechnology designed to augment or restore the
brain’s natural functions. The IISc initiative aims to develop both implantable
and non-invasive devices capable of recording neural activity, interpreting the
signals through AI algorithms and delivering feedback through neural
stimulation or neurofeedback.These systems will function as closed-loop devices
that continuously interact with the brain. By analysing neural patterns and
sending corrective signals, the technology may help patients regain lost
abilities such as coordinated movement, goal-directed reaching and grasping.
2. IBM
Launches Sangam Infrastructure Innovation Centre in India: echnology company IBM has launched its first
Infrastructure Innovation Centre in India at its India Systems Development Lab
(ISDL) campus. Named the Sangam Infrastructure Innovation Centre, the facility
aims to strengthen India’s role as a hub for advanced infrastructure
engineering and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. The centre is expected to support
both Indian enterprises and global markets by accelerating the development of
secure and scalable AI-driven systems.The new facility will operate as a
collaborative engineering hub where IBM’s systems architects and infrastructure
specialists work with industry partners to design next-generation technology
solutions. It reflects the company’s long-term strategy to expand its research
and development capabilities in India while supporting the growing demand for
enterprise AI infrastructure.The Sangam
Infrastructure Innovation Centre will bring together IBM engineers, enterprise
clients, independent software vendors, global system integrators and global
capability centres under a single collaborative environment. The objective is
to jointly design and develop AI-enabled infrastructure solutions suited for
complex enterprise environments.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. ₹13,000 Crore Bio-Pharma SHAKTI and Chemical Parks Announced: Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers J. P. Nadda highlighted the government’s strategic push towards strengthening India’s bio-pharmaceutical and chemical sectors through major budgetary provisions. Addressing a post-Budget webinar on “Sustaining and Strengthening Economic Growth”, he emphasised that the ₹13,000 crore allocation for Bio-Pharma SHAKTI and the establishment of three dedicated chemical parks reflects a long-term investment in India’s industrial and healthcare future. The initiative aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat and aims to enhance India’s global competitiveness in high-value pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing. The minister noted that India has already established itself as the “pharmacy of the world” through large-scale production of affordable generic medicines. However, the global pharmaceutical landscape is rapidly shifting towards biologics. By 2035, nearly 40 percent of medicines worldwide are expected to be biologics. Additionally, patents worth around 300 billion dollars are set to expire by 2030, creating major opportunities in the biosimilars market. To capitalise on this transition, the government has launched the BioPharma Mission with a budget of ₹10,000 crore to be utilised over the next five years.
