NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NBA Forms Expert
Committee to Combat Invasive Alien Species and Protect India’s Biodiversity: The National
Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has constituted an Expert Committee on
Invasive Alien Species to address ecological, agricultural, and
socio-economic threats posed by such species in India.The decision follows a
National Green Tribunal (NGT) suo motu case and recommendations from the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to conduct a
comprehensive study and form a dedicated expert body.The Committee will prepare
a national list of invasive alien species, identify high-risk species, and
recommend management strategies, control measures, and policy guidelines under
the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (amended in 2023).Chaired by Dhananjai
Mohan, the committee includes experts from key institutions like ZSI, BSI,
ICAR, WII, and will function for two years to strengthen biodiversity
conservation and ecosystem resilience.
2. Narendra Modi Becomes
India’s Longest-Serving Elected Leader: Narendra Modi has become India’s
longest-serving head of an elected government, completing 8,931 days in office.
This tenure includes his
service as Chief Minister of Gujarat (2001–2014) and as Prime Minister of India
(since 2014).He surpassed the previous record of 8,930 days held by Pawan
Kumar Chamling.
3. Third North-East
India Film Festival 2026 begins in Imphal: The 3rd North-East India Film
Festival has begun at TanthaPolis Cinema Lamphel in Imphal, Manipur.The
two-day festival will showcase nine films from the North-East, including films
from Manipur, Assam, and Meghalaya.
The event aims to promote a
vibrant and inclusive film industry and encourage appreciation of cinema as an
art form.
4. Revanth Reddy
Launches ₹9,000 Crore Rythu Bharosa Disbursement for Farmers: Telangana CM, A. Revanth Reddy
announced ₹9,000 crore under the Rythu Bharosa to be deposited in farmers’
accounts in three instalments within 45 days.The first instalment was released
by the Telangana government during the inauguration of an Oil Palm factory at
Narmetta.The scheme mainly benefits farmers with up to one acre of land,
providing financial assistance for agricultural activities.
5. South Indian Bank
Appoints Jose Joseph Kattoor as New Non-Executive Chairman: South Indian Bank has
appointed Jose Joseph Kattoor as Non-Executive Part-Time Chairman (Independent
Director) for a three-year term starting March 23, 2026.He succeeds V J Kurian
after RBI approval; Kattoor has been serving as an Independent Director since
July 18, 2024.
6. Lok Sabha Passes
Transgender Rights Amendment Bill 2026: The Lok Sabha
has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026,
amid strong protests from opposition parties and LGBTQIA+ activists. The
legislation seeks to modify the framework governing recognition of transgender
identity and strengthen provisions related to welfare and protection, but has
sparked debate over its approach to identity certification. The Bill introduces
a revised process for recognising transgender identity. Individuals must apply
to the District Magistrate for an official certificate of identity. The
certification will now be granted based on recommendations from a designated
medical board, headed by a Chief Medical Officer or Deputy Chief Medical
Officer. The government states that this mechanism aims to streamline
identification and ensure targeted delivery of welfare benefits.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Yamaha Music India
Private Ltd Appoints A. R. Rahman as Brand Ambassador: Yamaha
Music India Private Ltd has appointed music legend A. R. Rahman as
its brand ambassador.It is the Indian arm of Japan’s Yamaha Corporation.
2. 21 March –
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: The International Day for
the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed every year on
March 21 to promote equality and end all forms of racial discrimination
worldwide.Theme 2026 – Mobilizing political will: 60 years of
commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial
DiscriminationThe day commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre (1960) in South
Africa, a key event in the fight against apartheid, where peaceful protestors
were killed during a demonstration.The observance is supported by the United
Nations and aims to encourage awareness, education, and action to build a
society free from discrimination and racial inequality.
3. 21 March –
International Nowruz Day: International
Nowruz Day is celebrated every year on 21 March to mark the
beginning of the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring, symbolising
renewal and rebirth.It is recognized by the United Nations and celebrated
across countries in regions like Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia,
promoting peace, cultural diversity, and harmony.
4. 21 March – World Down
Syndrome Day: World
Down Syndrome Day is observed every year on 21 March to raise
awareness about Down syndrome and promote the rights, inclusion, and well-being
of people with the condition.The date 21/3 symbolizes the triplication of the
21st chromosome, which is the genetic cause of Down syndrome.It is supported by
the United Nations and encourages people worldwide to wear different socks as a
symbol of diversity and inclusion.
5. 21 March – World Day
for Glaciers: World
Day for Glaciers is observed on 21 March to raise awareness
about the importance of glaciers and their role in maintaining the global
climate and water cycle.The day highlights the rapid melting of glaciers due to
climate change, which poses serious threats to sea levels, freshwater
availability, and ecosystems.
6. 22 March – Bihar
Diwas: Bihar Diwas is
celebrated every year on 22 March to mark the formation of the state
of Bihar in 1912, when it was separated from the Bengal Presidency during
British rule.The day highlights Bihar’s rich history, culture, and heritage,
including its contributions to education, politics, and ancient civilizations
like Magadh.
7. 22 March – World
Water Day: World
Water Day is observed every year on 22 March to highlight the
importance of freshwater and promote sustainable management of water resources.
Theme 2026 – Water and Gender It was established by the United Nations in
1993 to raise awareness about the global water crisis and scarcity issues. The
day focuses on ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water and achieving
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – clean water and sanitation for all.
8. Litani River Bridge Strike Highlights
Strategic Importance:
Recent Israeli airstrikes have destroyed the
Qasmiyeh Bridge, a crucial crossing over Lebanon’s Litani River along the
southern coastal highway. The incident underscores the strategic and economic
importance of the river, which plays a vital role in Lebanon’s water resources,
agriculture and infrastructure connectivity. The Litani River is the longest
river entirely within Lebanon. It originates near Baalbek in a low divide and
flows southwest through the fertile Bekaa Valley,
situated between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges. Near Marjayoun,
the river takes a sharp westward turn, carving a deep gorge through the Lebanon
Mountains before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea south of Sidon.
9. Pakistan Tops Global Pollution List, India
Ranks Sixth:
The latest World Air Quality Report 2025 has identified Pakistan as the most polluted
country globally, followed by Bangladesh and Tajikistan, while India ranks sixth.
The report, released by Swiss air quality technology firm IQAir, highlights
worsening global air quality and underscores the growing public health
challenge posed by pollution. According to the report, the five most polluted
countries are Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. India
occupies the sixth position, reflecting persistent air quality concerns despite
policy interventions. In contrast, countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom rank much lower on the
pollution scale, at 120th and 110th positions respectively, indicating
relatively better air quality standards.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. CAPF Umbrella Bill 2026 Aims to Reform
Force Administration: The Union Government is set to introduce
the Central Armed Police Forces (General
Administration) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha. The
proposed legislation seeks to establish a unified legal framework governing
recruitment, deputation, promotions and service conditions across all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
At present, CAPFs such as the CRPF, BSF, ITBP and SSB are governed by separate
Acts, leading to fragmented service regulations. The absence of a unified
framework has resulted in administrative challenges and frequent litigation on
service-related issues. The proposed bill aims to streamline these provisions
and ensure consistency in governance
2. Panama Canal Sees Surge in LNG Traffic
Amid War:
The Panama Canal is
operating at full capacity, handling between 36 and 38 vessels daily, as global
shipping patterns shift בעקבות the ongoing West Asia conflict. The
closure of key maritime routes and rising energy demand have positioned the
canal as a critical alternative for global trade, particularly for liquefied
natural gas (LNG) shipments. The ongoing conflict involving Iran has
disrupted major global shipping routes, notably the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal. With the Strait of Hormuz closed and vessels
avoiding the Suez route, shipping companies are increasingly rerouting through
the Panama Canal. This
has led to a surge in demand, especially from LNG carriers transporting energy
supplies from the United States to
global markets.
SPORTS
1. Ria Solanki Wins Shot Put Gold at Para
Athletics:
Ria Solanki, a 19-year-old para-athlete from
Meerut, has secured a gold medal in shot put at the national para-athletics
championship held in Bhubaneswar. Her achievement stands as a powerful example
of determination and resilience, overcoming both physical disability and
financial hardship. Born without her left hand below the elbow, Ria Solanki
began training in shot put in 2018. Despite limited resources, she remained
committed to her sport. Her family faced severe financial challenges, often
struggling to provide even basic nutrition required for athletic training. Yet,
her perseverance and focus helped her rise steadily in the field of
para-athletics.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India Discovers New Cockroach Species
Using DNA Taxonomy:
India has recorded a major scientific
breakthrough with the discovery of a new cockroach species, Neoloboptera
peninsularis, using advanced DNA-led taxonomy. The finding by the Zoological
Survey of India (ZSI) marks a significant shift from traditional classification
methods to modern, integrative approaches in biodiversity research. The new
species was identified using an integrative taxonomy approach that combines
morphological analysis, genitalic study, DNA barcoding and phylogenetic
assessment. This marks the first time in over 267 years of cockroach research
in India that such a comprehensive scientific framework has been applied to
establish a new species with high precision.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Nirmala Sitharaman
Launches ‘PRARAMBH 2026’ to Promote Awareness of New Income Tax Act 2025: Union
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched ‘PRARAMBH 2026’, a nationwide
awareness campaign by the Income Tax Department to educate citizens about
the Income Tax Act, 2025, effective from April 1, 2026.The campaign will run
across print, TV, radio, digital, and social media, and will provide guidance
materials, FAQs, tutorials, and multilingual content in 10 regional languages,
along with Hindi and English.She also unveiled Income Tax Website 2.0 and
emphasised a simple, stable, and technology-driven tax system to encourage
voluntary compliance and citizen-centric reforms. An AI chatbot ‘Kar Saathi’,
workshops, and support through Aaykar Seva Kendras have been introduced to
assist taxpayers and spread awareness under the PRARAMBH initiative.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Karnataka Grameena Bank Wins National SHG Linkage Award: Karnataka Grameena Bank has been honoured with the National Award for Outstanding Performance in Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage for 2024–25 by the Union Ministry of Rural Development. The recognition highlights the bank’s significant contribution to rural economic empowerment and financial inclusion, particularly through strengthening SHG-based credit systems. The award was presented at the National Conference on Financial Literacy and Capacity Building, alongside the 25th Central Level Coordination Committee meeting held in Hyderabad. The honour reflects the bank’s sustained efforts in promoting inclusive banking and empowering rural communities through structured financial support mechanisms.
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