Daily GK Update- 10th March, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Karnataka Launches ₹100 Crore ‘Chief Minister’s Krishi Vistara’ Scheme: The Karnataka government has launched the ‘Chief Minister’s Krishi Vistara’ Scheme in the Karnataka Budget 2026–27 to help increase farmers’ income.The scheme has an outlay of ₹100 crore for three years and aims to strengthen post-harvest activities and market linkages for farmers.

 

2. Sarbananda Sonowal Lays Foundation for India’s First Riverine Lighthouses on the Brahmaputra River: Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stones for India’s first riverine lighthouses from Lachit Ghat along the Brahmaputra River (National Waterway 2).Four lighthouses will be built at Pandu, Silghat, Biswanath Ghat, and Bogibeel, enabling 24-hour navigation on inland waterways and improving river transport safety.The ₹84 crore project is a joint initiative of the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships and the Inland Waterways Authority of India, with 20-metre tall solar-powered lighthouses also planned as tourism landmarks.

 

3. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Launches Phase-2 of ‘Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme’ in Delhi: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the second phase of the ‘Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme’ in Delhi to strengthen youth engagement with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.The programme is organised through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) and will see participation from over 10,000 students from more than 35 colleges across the national capital through dialogues, interactive sessions, and engagement activities.The initiative has already reached 274 universities and colleges across 22 States and Union Territories, mobilising nearly 20,000 youth, with participation facilitated through the MY Bharat digital platform.

 

4. Ministry of Panchayati Raj Launches ‘Say No To Proxy Sarpanch’ Campaign to Empower Women Leaders in Panchayats: Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched a nationwide social media campaign “Say No To Proxy Sarpanch” to stop the practice of male relatives exercising power on behalf of elected women sarpanches.The campaign targets the issue of “Sarpanch Pati”, where husbands or male relatives take decisions instead of elected women representatives in village governance.

The initiative was launched around International Women’s Day and aims to empower women leaders and strengthen democratic participation in Panchayati Raj institutions.

 

5. Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi Reappointed as Drugs Controller General of India: Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi has been reappointed as the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) with approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.He will continue to serve at the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the national regulatory body for pharmaceuticals and medical devices in India.The DCGI heads CDSCO and is responsible for ensuring drug quality, approving new drugs, and regulating clinical trials across India.

 

6. Amit Shah Addresses 57th Raising Day of Central Industrial Security Force at Mundali: Amit Shah addressed the 57th Raising Day ceremony of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Mundali.CISF Raising Day is celebrated on March 10 every year to mark the establishment of the force in 1969, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.CISF provides security to airports and key installations across India, and has also been designated as the nodal agency for drone security and port security in the country.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bhavitha Mandava Becomes First Indian House Ambassador for Chanel: Bhavitha Mandava became the first Indian House Ambassador for Chanel, marking a major milestone for Indian representation in global luxury fashion.She also made history as the first Indian model to open a Chanel fashion show in New York City.Bhavitha Mandava studied architecture at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University before beginning her successful career in international modelling.

 

2. International Malaria Conference 2026 Concludes in New Delhi: The International Malaria Conference (IMC) 2026 concluded in New Delhi after three days of scientific discussions and global engagement aimed at accelerating malaria elimination efforts. Organised by the ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research under the Indian Council of Medical Research, the conference was held from March 7 to March 9, 2026. It brought together scientists, policymakers, public health experts and researchers from India and several other countries to discuss innovative strategies for malaria control and elimination. The conference was organised under the theme “Discovery, Development and Delivery: Driving Malaria Elimination and Beyond.” The event served as a platform for sharing scientific knowledge, strengthening partnerships and addressing emerging challenges in malaria research and public health. Experts highlighted the importance of sustained research, improved health systems and international collaboration in achieving global malaria elimination goals.

 

3. HRW Accuses Israel of Using White Phosphorus in Lebanon: Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of unlawfully using white phosphorus munitions over residential areas in southern Lebanon during recent military operations. The allegation comes amid escalating tensions along the Israel–Lebanon border following renewed clashes involving Hezbollah. According to the rights group, the use of such munitions in populated areas poses serious risks to civilians and may violate international humanitarian law. The New York-based organisation stated that Israeli forces fired artillery shells containing white phosphorus over the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor on March 3, 2026. HRW reported that it verified and geolocated several images showing airburst white phosphorus munitions exploding above residential areas. The images also reportedly showed civil defence workers responding to fires in homes and vehicles within the town, indicating damage to civilian property.

 

4. US Considers Seizing Iran’s Kharg Island to Disrupt Oil Exports: The United States is reportedly considering the possibility of capturing Iran’s Kharg Island, a move aimed at restricting Tehran’s oil revenues amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The island is Iran’s primary oil export hub and a vital component of its energy infrastructure. Discussions within the US administration indicate that targeting this strategic location could weaken Iran’s financial capacity and reduce its ability to sustain military activities during the ongoing conflict. Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf, serves as Iran’s main oil export terminal. A significant portion of the country’s crude oil shipments passes through facilities on the island, making it one of the most critical nodes in Iran’s energy supply chain. Because of this central role, control or disruption of the island’s operations could severely limit Iran’s ability to export oil and generate revenue from global energy markets.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. RM Nachammai Becomes First Woman At Helm Of Functional Nuclear Power Plant: RM Nachammai became the first woman Chief Superintendent of a functional nuclear power plant under Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.She has taken charge of Units 3 and 4 at Kaiga Generating Station, overseeing operations, maintenance, and engineering support of the reactors.Her appointment marks a major milestone for women’s leadership in India’s nuclear energy sector as the country aims to reach 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047.

 

2. G. George, Hero of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Dies at 95: G. George, a hero of the Indo‑Pakistani War of 1965 and recipient of the Vir Chakra, passed away at the age of 95 in Kottayam, Kerala.He served in the Indian Army Corps of Signals, which is responsible for maintaining secure and reliable battlefield communication during military operations.During the 1965 war, George was honoured for his bravery and dedication in maintaining crucial communication lines despite heavy enemy attacks.

 

3. India Remains World’s Second-Largest Arms Importer: SIPRI Report: India continues to be the world’s second-largest arms importer despite a marginal decline in defence imports in recent years, according to a new report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report highlights shifting patterns in India’s defence procurement as the country gradually diversifies suppliers and pushes for greater self-reliance in military production. While imports declined by around 4 per cent between 2016–20 and 2021–25, India still remains heavily dependent on foreign suppliers for key defence platforms and technologies. The SIPRI report notes that India’s arms imports saw a modest decline between the two reporting periods. This reduction is largely attributed to the government’s efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing through initiatives such as “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in the defence sector. Increased indigenous production of equipment, including missiles, artillery systems, and naval platforms, has slightly reduced dependence on foreign procurement. However, India continues to import advanced systems such as fighter aircraft, air defence systems, and specialised military technology.

 

SPORTS

 

1. LeBron James Breaks National Basketball Association All-Time Field Goal Record: LeBron James broke the all-time field goal record in the National Basketball Association, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.James achieved 15,838 career field goals in his 23rd NBA season, overtaking Abdul-Jabbar’s previous record of 15,837 field goals set during his 20-year NBA career.

 

2. Smriti Mandhana Becomes First Cricketer to Get Her Own Barbie Doll by Mattel Ahead of International Women’s Day: Smriti Mandhana became the first cricketer to receive her own Barbie doll, recognising her achievements and influence in women’s cricket.The doll was created by Mattel as part of its initiative to celebrate inspiring and trailblazing women across different fields.The announcement was made ahead of International Women’s Day, highlighting Mandhana’s role as a global role model encouraging young girls to pursue sports.

 

3. India and New Zealand Plan Expanded Sports Cooperation in Centenary Year: India and New Zealand have initiated discussions to expand bilateral sports cooperation as 2026 marks 100 years of sporting relations between the two countries. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level ministerial meeting in New Delhi with a New Zealand sports delegation to explore new avenues of collaboration in sports development, training and innovation. The dialogue highlighted sports diplomacy as an important component of the broader India–New Zealand partnership. The year 2026 commemorates the centenary of sporting ties between the two nations, tracing back to the Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand in 1926. That historic visit marked one of the earliest sporting engagements between India and New Zealand and laid the foundation for long-standing sporting exchanges. Building on this legacy, both sides are exploring initiatives to deepen engagement between their sporting institutions and athletes.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Rare Marine Amphipod Stenothoe lowryi Discovered in Indian Waters: Marine science researchers from Berhampur University have recorded the presence of a rare shrimp-like marine amphipod species in Indian waters for the first time. The discovery was made at Arjyapalli in Odisha’s Ganjam district during a field survey of rocky coastal habitats. The species, identified as “Stenothoe lowryi”, was previously reported only from Malaysia, and its distribution in other regions had remained largely unknown until now. The discovery was led by Shesdev Patro, Assistant Professor in the Department of Marine Science at Berhampur University. The research was carried out under the Mukhyamantri Research Innovation Extramural Programme (MRIEP) funded by the Odisha State Higher Education Council for the 2024–25 academic year. During fieldwork conducted in January last year, researchers collected eight specimens from rocky coastal habitats at Arjyapalli. Detailed analysis later confirmed the specimens as “Stenothoe lowryi”, marking the first recorded occurrence of this species in Indian waters.

 

2. Scientists Discover New Ancient Reptile Species Sonselasuchus Cedrus: Scientists have identified a new ancient reptile species that lived in what is now the United States around 225–201 million years ago during the Late Triassic period. The discovery was made by palaeontologists from the University of Washington and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle. Fossils of the species were found in Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park, a region known for rich deposits of fossilised wood and prehistoric remains. The research provides new insights into the evolution of early archosaurs and the diversity of reptile species that existed alongside early dinosaurs. The newly identified reptile species has been named “Sonselasuchus cedrus”. Fossil remains were recovered from Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, an area famous for its well-preserved Triassic fossils. Since 2014, researchers have collected nearly 950 fossil specimens linked to this species. The large number of fossils enabled scientists to study its anatomy in detail and reconstruct aspects of its life history and evolutionary traits.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Baroda Raises ₹10,000 Crore Through India’s First Domestic Green Infrastructure Bond Issue: Bank of Baroda raised ₹10,000 crore by issuing Series I Long-Term Green Infrastructure Bonds, becoming the first bank in India to issue a domestic Green Infrastructure Bond.The bond issue received strong investor demand with bids worth ₹16,415 crore, over three times the base issue size of ₹5,000 crore, and was priced at a 7.10% coupon rate.According to Debadatta Chand, the funds will support green and sustainable infrastructure projects, strengthening India’s ESG-focused financing and clean growth transition.

 

2. L&T Finance Ltd. Launches ‘Spoorthi’ Programme to Empower Women Entrepreneurs: L&T Finance Ltd. launched the ‘Spoorthi’ programme on the occasion of International Women’s Day to empower women entrepreneurs by providing financial support.The initiative offers Home Loans and Loan Against Property (LAP) to women who are individually or jointly running businesses, helping them purchase property or expand their businesses.Under the Spoorthi programme, benefits include home loan and LAP tenors up to 25 years, industrial LAP up to 12 years, and relaxed eligibility norms with higher debt-to-income ratios to improve financial access.

 

3. DEG and Citigroup Provide $76 Million Co-Financing to Shriram Finance Ltd to Boost Inclusive and Green Financing in India: DEG and Citigroup have announced a $76-million co-financing package for Shriram Finance Ltd to promote economic inclusion, rural development, and climate-aligned mobility across India.Under the financing arrangement, DEG will provide a €40 million loan (about $46 million) while Citi will extend a ₹260 crore loan, with Citi acting as the lead arranger and coordinator of the deal.The funds will support MSMEs, electric vehicle (EV) financing, women borrowers, and underserved customers, helping expand access to formal credit in India.