NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NITI Aayog Signs Statement of Intent with UNICEF India
to Strengthen Health and Nutrition in Aspirational Districts: NITI Aayog signed
a Statement of Intent (SOI) with UNICEF India to strengthen health
and nutrition interventions in Aspirational Districts and Blocks across
India.The partnership aims to improve maternal and child nutrition outcomes in
underserved regions by combining the expertise and institutional capacities of
both organisations.The agreement was signed by Rohit Kumar and Arjan de Wagt,
focusing on data-driven strategies to enhance healthcare delivery and nutrition
services at the grassroots level.Ministry
of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Signs MoU with Bajaj Auto Limited to
Boost Automotive Skills Training: The Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship, through the Directorate General of Training, signed
a Flexible Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bajaj Auto Limited.The
partnership aims to provide industry-integrated training to youth in advanced
automotive manufacturing systems at facilities in Maharashtra and Uttarakhand.
2. Punjab Launches Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojna to
Provide Monthly Financial Aid to Women: The Punjab Government launched the Mukh
Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojna in the 2026–27 Budget on International
Women’s Day to provide financial assistance to women across the state.Under the
scheme, eligible women will receive ₹1,000 per month, while women from the
Scheduled Caste (SC) community will get ₹1,500 per month, directly transferred
to their bank accounts.The scheme, a pre-poll promise of the Aam Aadmi Party,
aims to help women manage household expenses and children’s education, with the
state allocating ₹9,300 crore for FY 2026–27.
3. Cabinet approves extension of Jal Jeevan Mission up to
December 2028: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, approved
the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission till December 2028, with the
scheme being restructured to shift focus from infrastructure creation to
improved water service delivery.The Cabinet enhanced the total outlay of the
Jal Jeevan Mission to ₹8.69 lakh crore, including ₹3.59 lakh crore central
assistance, and approved a national digital framework “Sujalam Bharat” to
digitally map drinking water supply systems in villages.The Cabinet Committee
on Economic Affairs cleared several infrastructure projects, including a 31.42
km connectivity corridor to Noida International Airport (Jewar Airport) and
major railway line expansion projects, aimed at improving transport
connectivity and logistics efficiency across the region.
4. 11 March 2026 – No Smoking Day: No Smoking Day is
observed every year on the second Wednesday of March. This year, it falls
on 11 March in 2026.The day encourages smokers to quit smoking and
promotes healthier lifestyles through awareness campaigns and public
initiatives.It was first observed in 1984 in the United Kingdom and is now
supported by health organisations worldwide to reduce tobacco consumption.
5. 7 March – Jan Aushadhi Diwas: Jan Aushadhi
Diwas is observed every year on 7 March to raise awareness of
affordable generic medicines and promote the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri
Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).Week-long celebrations are organised
across India from 1 March to 7 March, and in 2026, the programme was flagged
off on 1 March in the National Capital Region (NCR) to increase awareness about
the scheme.The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, launched in
November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of
Chemicals and Fertilisers, provides quality medicines at affordable prices
through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs).
6. AAHAR
2026 Food and Hospitality Fair Inaugurated in New Delhi: Union Commerce and
Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 40th edition of
the AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair in New Delhi. The event is
being organised jointly by the Ministry
of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) from 10
to 14 March 2026. The exhibition serves as a major platform for the food
processing, hospitality and agriculture sectors to showcase products,
technologies and trade opportunities. AAHAR is one of Asia’s prominent exhibitions dedicated to
food processing, hospitality and allied industries. The fair brings together
domestic and international exhibitors, buyers, entrepreneurs and policymakers
to promote trade and business collaborations. In addition to
business-to-business engagements, the exhibition will also open to the general
public from the evening of 13 March until the following day.
7. Supreme
Court Allows Passive Euthanasia in Harish Rana Case: The Supreme Court of
India has permitted passive
euthanasia in the Harish Rana case, reigniting debate on end-of-life medical
decisions. The ruling highlights the legal and ethical distinction between
passive euthanasia—allowing a patient to die by withdrawing life-sustaining
treatment—and active euthanasia, which involves deliberate intervention to end
life. While India’s legal system recognises passive euthanasia under strict
safeguards, active euthanasia continues to remain illegal. Passive euthanasia refers to withholding or withdrawing
medical treatments that keep a patient alive when recovery is considered
impossible. It is usually applied in cases involving terminal illness or
irreversible medical conditions. Examples include switching off life-support
machines, removing feeding tubes, not administering life-prolonging medication,
or avoiding surgeries intended only to extend life temporarily. In such cases,
death occurs due to the underlying illness rather than a direct medical act by
doctors.Courts in India allow passive euthanasia only under strict guidelines.
These include medical board approval, consent from family members, and judicial
oversight to ensure that the decision reflects the patient’s best interests and
dignity.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Balendra “Balen” Shah Set to Become Nepal’s Next Prime
Minister: Balendra
“Balen” Shah, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is set
to become Nepal’s next Prime Minister after strong results in the
parliamentary elections.The 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician earlier served
as the Mayor of Kathmandu and rose to national prominence through
anti-establishment politics. The election followed the 2025 Gen Z Protests in
Nepal, which led to the fall of the government led by KP Sharma Oli; the RSP,
founded on 1 July 2022, has since emerged as a major political force in Nepal.
2. 10 March – International Day of Women Judges: International Day of
Women Judges is observed every year on 10 March to highlight the
importance of gender equality and women’s participation in judicial systems
worldwide.The day aims to promote the full and equal participation of women in
the judiciary, encouraging more women to pursue careers as judges and legal
professionals.
3. Global
Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems Begins in New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Global
Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems 2026 in New Delhi. The three-day
international conference will be held at the Indian Council
of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Convention Centre with the theme “Driving Progress, Attaining New Heights.” The
event aims to highlight the critical role of women in agriculture and promote
inclusive growth within the global agri-food sector.The conference is being
organised to recognise and strengthen the contribution of women in agriculture
and food systems. It seeks to provide a global platform for discussions on
empowering women farmers and addressing gender gaps in agricultural production,
technology access, and decision-making.Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will also attend the inaugural session,
reflecting the government’s focus on promoting inclusive agricultural
development. According to ICAR Director General Dr M. L. Jat, the event is
being organized during the United Nations-declared International Year for Women
Farmers in 2026. The theme “Driving Progress, Attaining New Heights” aligns
with the global effort to recognise the role of women farmers in ensuring food
security and sustainable agriculture.The conference aims to highlight the
challenges faced by women in the agricultural sector and explore ways to
strengthen their participation in farming, agribusiness, and rural
entrepreneurship.
4. Iran
Heritage Sites Damaged Amid US–Israel Bombing Strikes: Several historic monuments and UNESCO-listed heritage sites in Iran have reportedly suffered damage
following recent US and Israeli military strikes. Although the missiles did not
directly hit the cultural landmarks, shockwaves from nearby explosions and
falling debris caused structural damage to delicate architectural features such
as glass panels, tiles, and stonework. UNESCO
confirmed that at least four culturally significant locations were affected by
the military operations. Among them is the Qajar-era Golestan Palace in Tehran,
a renowned architectural complex known for its ornate mirror halls, decorative
tiles, and historic gardens.The blast impact reportedly shattered windows,
damaged archways, and broke portions of the palace’s iconic mirrored ceilings.
Other affected monuments include the 17th-century Chehel Sotoun Palace in
Isfahan and the Masjed-e Jame, one of Iran’s oldest Friday
mosques and an important example of Persian Islamic architecture.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth to Become Next Vice Chief of Army
Staff from April 1: Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth will take charge as the Vice Chief of Army
Staff (VCOAS) from 1 April 2026 in New Delhi, while the current VCOAS Lt Gen PP
Singh will become the Western Army Commander on the same day.Lt Gen VMB
Krishnan will assume charge as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief
(GOC-in-C) of Eastern Army Command, and Lt Gen Sandeep Jain will take over as
the Southern Army Commander from 1 April 2026.
2. Exercise Lamitiye 2026 Between India and Seychelles
Begins to Strengthen Defence Cooperation: The 11th edition of Exercise Lamitiye
2026 between India and Seychelles is being conducted from 9–20
March 2026 at the Seychelles Defence Academy to strengthen military
cooperation.The Indian contingent includes personnel from the Assam Regiment,
along with participation from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, including
INS Trikand and a Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft.The biennial exercise
LAMITIYE (meaning “Friendship” in Creole) aims to enhance joint operational
capabilities, peacekeeping cooperation, and interoperability between the armed
forces of both countries.
3. Sheshnaag-150
Swarm Drone Boosts India’s Unmanned Warfare Capability: India is advancing its
unmanned warfare capabilities with the development of the Sheshnaag-150, a
long-range swarming attack drone currently undergoing testing. Developed by
Bengaluru-based defence startup Newspace Research Technologies, the drone
represents India’s effort to build cost-effective and flexible unmanned systems
similar to those increasingly used in modern conflicts. The system completed
its maiden flight about a year ago and is being evaluated as part of India’s
evolving strategy in drone warfare. Modern conflicts have highlighted the
strategic impact of relatively inexpensive drones. Platforms such as Iran’s Shahed-136 and the United States’ LUCAS unmanned aerial vehicle have
demonstrated that low-cost drones can deliver significant battlefield effects
by striking infrastructure, military vehicles and logistics networks. These
systems allow armed forces to conduct precision strikes without deploying
expensive fighter aircraft or missiles. India’s Sheshnaag-150 aims to replicate
this cost-effective capability through indigenous technology and swarm-based
operations.
4. NATO
Launches Cold Response Arctic Military Exercise: The North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) has launched its biennial Arctic military exercise named “Cold
Response,” beginning on 9 March and continuing until 19 March 2026. The drills
are being conducted amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Arctic region, particularly following
recent discussions surrounding Greenland’s strategic importance. The exercise
places renewed emphasis on the role of civilian support in military operations,
highlighting the growing integration of civilian infrastructure and services
into modern defence strategies. Cold Response is designed to test NATO’s ability to conduct military
operations in harsh Arctic environments. The drills simulate collective defence
scenarios, allowing allied forces to practice coordination, mobility and
logistics under extreme weather conditions. A key objective of the exercise is
to ensure that NATO forces can respond effectively to potential security threats
in the polar region, which has gained strategic importance due to its natural
resources and emerging shipping routes.
SPORTS
1. Chhattisgarh to Host First Khelo India Tribal Games
2026: The
first Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 will be held from 25 March to 6
April 2026 in Chhattisgarh. The Games will be organised across three
cities — Raipur, Jagdalpur and Surguja.The event will feature seven medal
sports — athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming and
wrestling, while Mallakhamb and Kabaddi will be included as demonstration
sports.The Games will be organised jointly by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports, Sports Authority of India, Indian Olympic Association, National Sports
Federations and the Chhattisgarh state organising committee.
2. Vijay
Dahiya Appointed Gujarat Titans Assistant Coach for IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans have
appointed former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya as assistant coach
ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The move
strengthens the franchise’s coaching staff as preparations intensify for the
new edition of the tournament. Dahiya brings extensive experience from both
international cricket and domestic coaching circuits, adding depth to the
Titans’ support structure. Vijay Dahiya represented India as a
wicketkeeper-batter in the early 2000s. He played 19 One Day Internationals and
two Test matches for the national side. Known for his dependable wicketkeeping
and calm batting in the lower order, Dahiya also enjoyed a strong domestic
career with Delhi. His performances in domestic cricket
earned him recognition as a technically sound and disciplined cricketer.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Gurudongmar
Lake Tourism Revives After 2023 South Lhonak GLOF: Tourism to Gurudongmar
Lake in North Sikkim has begun to recover after more than two years of
disruption caused by the South Lhonak Lake glacial
lake outburst flood (GLOF) in October
2023. The disaster had severely damaged road infrastructure and washed away
several bridges, cutting off access to the region. With the reopening of the
Chungthang–Lachen road and the inauguration of the newly constructed 400-foot
Taram Chu bridge, authorities have resumed issuing tourist permits for travel
towards Lachen, the key base for visitors heading to the high-altitude lake.
Gurudongmar Lake is located at an altitude of nearly 17,000 feet in North
Sikkim, close to the India–China border. It is among the highest lakes in India
and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The lake is considered both a
natural and spiritual landmark, drawing tourists as well as pilgrims.
Travellers usually reach the lake through Lachen, a mountain village that
serves as the main transit point for tourism in the region.
2. Rare
Oarfish Sighting Reported Near Cabo San Lucas Coast: Two giant oarfish were
recently spotted near the shoreline of Cabo San Lucas, a coastal city in Mexico, in a rare marine encounter that has
attracted widespread attention. Beachgoers first noticed one oarfish struggling
close to the shore and attempted to guide it back into deeper waters. While
assisting the first fish, another oarfish was spotted nearby, making the
incident even more unusual. Oarfish are deep-sea creatures that are rarely seen
near the ocean surface, making such sightings noteworthy for both scientists
and the public. Oarfish are among the most mysterious fish species in the
ocean. They usually inhabit deep ocean layers at depths of around 3,000 feet
(approximately 900 metres), where sunlight barely penetrates. These fish have extremely
long, ribbon-like bodies with a silvery appearance and a striking red dorsal
crest extending from the head along the back. Oarfish can grow up to about 30
feet (9 metres) in length, making them the longest bony fish known in the
world’s oceans.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of
India Approves Registration for Allianz Jio Reinsurance and Kiwi General
Insurance: The Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) approved the certificate
of registration for Allianz Jio Reinsurance and Kiwi General Insurance
during its 134th meeting.Allianz Jio Reinsurance is an equal joint venture
between Jio Financial Services and Allianz Group, incorporated in September
2025, to operate in the reinsurance business.The regulator also discussed the
new regulatory framework after the enactment of the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha
(Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025, which amended the Insurance Act, 1938
and IRDA Act, 1999, and approved drafting of new regulations for stakeholder
consultation.
2. State Bank of India Launches $500 Million Social Loan Facility to Promote Women’s Empowerment: State Bank of India (SBI) launched a $500 million syndicated social term loan facility with a greenshoe option, aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, on the eve of International Women’s Day.The initiative supports the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) financing framework and aims to reduce the gender gap while enhancing social impact.According to C. S. Setty, Chairman of State Bank of India, the loan aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal – SDG 5: Gender Equality, focusing on empowering women and promoting inclusive growth.
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