NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Ram Mohan Naidu Announces ₹58 Crore Development Plan
for Arasavalli Sri Surya Narayana Swamy Temple Under PRASAD Scheme: Ram
Mohan Naidu announced a comprehensive development plan for Arasavalli
Sri Surya Narayana Swamy Temple under the PRASAD Scheme to enhance
pilgrim facilities.A total of ₹58 crore development plan has been prepared,
including modern kitchen, dining halls, accommodation, and better connectivity;
₹4 crore has already been sanctioned for the Indrapushkarini temple tank
modernisation.
2. Manipur Launches ‘Ningol Van Initiative’ to Boost
Forest Conservation & Women Participation: The Manipur Government launched the
“Ningol Van Initiative” on the occasion of International Day of Forests to
strengthen forest conservation and promote community participation.The
initiative focuses on enhancing women’s participation in biodiversity protection
and sustainable practices, with plans to expand similar programmes across all
districts.
3. 23 March – Martyrs’ Day: March 23 is observed
as Martyrs’ Day (Shaheed Diwas) in India to honour the sacrifice of
three great freedom fighters.It commemorates the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh,
Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, who were executed by the British in
1931.The day reminds the nation of their courage, patriotism, and contribution
to India’s freedom struggle.
4. Gujarat
Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026: Gujarat has become the second Indian state
after Uttarakhand to
pass a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, establishing a common legal
framework for personal laws across communities. The legislation, approved by
the state assembly on March 24, seeks to regulate marriage, divorce,
succession, and live-in relationships uniformly, irrespective of religion. The
move reflects the government’s emphasis on legal uniformity, gender justice,
and social harmony. The law mandates compulsory registration of marriages and
divorces, with penalties of up to ₹10,000 for non-compliance. It introduces
strict legal procedures for divorce, allowing only court-sanctioned separation.
Practices such as polygamy have been banned, while coercive or fraudulent
marriages can attract imprisonment of up to seven years. The bill also permits
remarriage without conditions after divorce and prohibits practices like halala
in certain communities.
5. KV
Ramana Murty Appointed SEBI Whole-Time Member: The Government of India
has appointed Kompella Venkata Ramana Murty as a whole-time member of the Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
for a tenure of three years. The appointment, notified on March 25, 2026,
reinforces the regulatory body’s leadership with an experienced administrator
possessing strong financial oversight credentials. Murty’s induction comes at a
time when India’s capital
markets are witnessing rapid
expansion and increasing regulatory complexity. Kompella Venkata Ramana Murty
brings extensive experience from the public financial administration domain.
Prior to this appointment, he served as the Additional Controller General of
Defence Accounts under the Ministry of Defence. In this role, he handled
high-value financial management, auditing, and accountability mechanisms within
one of the largest government spending departments. His expertise in public
finance is expected to strengthen SEBI’s regulatory efficiency.
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. Elon Musk Announces ‘Terafab’ Project to Build AI
Chips with Terawatt-Scale Power Near Austin: Elon Musk has launched
the Terafab project to manufacture advanced chips for AI, robotics, and
data centres, including future space-based applications. The facility will
be located near Austin, Texas.The facility will be set up near Austin and aims
to produce one terawatt of computing power annually.One terawatt equals one
trillion watts, which is nearly comparable to the total power generation
capacity of the United States.
2. 23 March – World Meteorological Day: 23 March is observed
as World Meteorological Day every year to highlight the importance of
meteorology and weather-related services.Theme 2026 – Observing Today,
Protecting TomorrowThe day commemorates the establishment of the World
Meteorological Organisation in 1950.It aims to raise awareness about climate
change, weather forecasting, and disaster risk reduction worldwide.
3. 24 March – World Tuberculosis (TB) Day: March 24 is observed
as World Tuberculosis (TB) Day every year to raise awareness about
tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease.Theme 2026 – Yes! We can end
TB!The day commemorates the discovery of the TB bacterium by Robert Koch in
1882.The day is supported by organizations like the World Health Organization
(WHO) to eliminate TB as a public health threat.
4. 25 March – International Day of the Unborn Child: International Day of the
Unborn Child is observed every year on March 25 to recognise and
value the life of unborn children.It highlights the importance of protecting
life before birth and raising awareness about ethical and moral values.The day
is observed in many countries through prayers, awareness campaigns, and
discussions.It is associated with the Feast of the Annunciation, which
commemorates the announcement of the birth of Jesus.
5. Iran
Appoints Zolghadr as Security Council Chief: Iran has appointed Mohammad Bagher
Zolghadr as the new head of its Supreme National Security Council (SNSC),
replacing senior leader Ali Larijani who was recently killed in ongoing
regional conflict. The development comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia,
where military escalation has significantly reshaped Iran’s political and security leadership.
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr is a veteran figure within Iran’s political and
security establishment. A former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Corps (IRGC), he currently serves as Secretary of the Expediency Discernment
Council, a body that advises the Supreme Leader on policy matters. Over the
years, Zolghadr has held several key positions, including deputy interior
minister for security affairs during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency. He has
also worked within Iran’s judiciary, focusing on strategic security and crime
prevention.
6. 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.
7. Philippines
Declares Energy Emergency Amid West Asia Crisis: The Philippines has declared a national energy
emergency in response to escalating tensions in West Asia, citing an “imminent
danger” to its fuel supply. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the
decision as global oil markets face volatility and supply disruptions triggered
by the ongoing conflict, raising concerns over energy security and economic
stability. The declaration comes amid sharp fluctuations in global oil prices
and uncertainty in supply chains due to geopolitical tensions. The Philippine
government warned that these developments could significantly impact domestic
fuel availability and economic activities. The move aims to pre-empt shortages
and ensure uninterrupted access to essential energy resources.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Rashtriya Raksha University Signs MoU with Sashastra
Seema Bal to Boost National Security Training and Accreditation: Rashtriya
Raksha University and Sashastra Seema Bal Academy signed an MoU
in New Delhi to strengthen national security training and bridge the gap
between academic research and field requirements.Under the agreement, RRU will
provide academic accreditation for SSB training programmes and both
institutions will exchange faculty expertise, training tools, and
facilities.The collaboration will offer hands-on training, modern labs, and
tech-driven curriculum, enhancing border surveillance and internal security
capabilities.
2. Indian Navy to Commission INS Taragiri Stealth Frigate
on April 3 in Visakhapatnam: The Indian
Navy will commission INS Taragiri, an indigenous stealth
frigate, on April 3, 2026. The commissioning ceremony will be held in
Visakhapatnam and will be presided over by Rajnath Singh.INS Taragiri is the
fourth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A), showcasing India’s advanced
naval capabilities.It is the third vessel built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding
Ltd (MDL) under this project.
3. 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. Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh Clinch Singles Titles at
Indian Open Squash in Dominant Fashion: Anahat Singh won
the Women’s Singles title at the Indian Open Squash, defeating Hana Moataz
3-1 to successfully defend her title.Anahat delivered a dominant performance
throughout the tournament, losing only one game across the entire event.In
Men’s Singles, Abhay Singh defeated Veer Chotrani 3-0 in an all-Indian final to
clinch the title convincingly.
2. Japan Clinch Third AFC Women’s Asian Cup Title, Defeat
Australia in Final: Japan won
their third AFC Women’s Asian Cup title, defeating host Australia in the
final of the 21st edition.Maika Hamano scored the only goal of the match,
securing victory for Japan.Japan had previously won the tournament in 2014 and
2018, reaffirming their dominance in Asian women’s football.
3. National
Indoor Athletics Championships Begin in Bhubaneswar: The inaugural National Indoor Athletics
Championships has commenced at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, marking a
significant milestone for track and field sports in India. The two-day event
aims to strengthen the country’s indoor athletics ecosystem and provide
athletes with early-season competitive exposure. The championships have
attracted 278 entries, including 97 women participants, reflecting growing
interest in indoor athletics. Competitions are being held across senior and
under-20 categories, offering a platform for both emerging and experienced athletes
to showcase their talent.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. UNESCO
Flags Concerns Over Aghanashini River Linking Project: The United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has raised concerns over the proposed
Aghanashini–Vedavathi river-linking project, urging India to adhere strictly to
World Heritage conservation norms. The response came after a representation by
environmental activists highlighting ecological risks associated with the
project in the sensitive Western Ghats region. UNESCO emphasised that any
infrastructure or river-linking project must comply with international
guidelines under the World Heritage Convention, 1972. It stated that
development activities in ecologically fragile areas should not disturb
environmental balance and must follow sustainable practices. The organisation
reiterated that protection of natural heritage sites is the responsibility of member
states.
2. Indian
Study Explains Formation of Titanium-Rich Lunar Basalts: A new study by
researchers from IIT-Kharagpur and the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL),
Ahmedabad, has provided fresh insights into the formation of titanium-rich
basalts on the Moon. Published in “Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta”, the
research addresses a long-standing puzzle in planetary science regarding why
lunar volcanic rocks contain unusually high levels of titanium dioxide compared to Earth. Unlike Earth’s volcanic rocks, which typically
contain less than 2% titanium dioxide (TiO₂), some lunar basalts exhibit
concentrations as high as 18%. These rocks originated from ancient lava flows
formed billions of years ago. Scientists have struggled to explain how such
high titanium levels formed under lunar conditions, making this study a
significant advancement in understanding the Moon’s geological evolution.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Axis Bank Partners with DP World Professional Golf
Tour of India to Boost Professional Golf in India: Axis
Bank has partnered with the DP World Professional Golf Tour of
India as its official banking partner.The collaboration aims to promote
the growth of professional golf in India and strengthen sporting excellence and
community engagement.Under this partnership, Axis Bank will support all
tournaments this season, enhancing player opportunities, tournament experience,
and fan engagement.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Kaveh Madani Wins 2026 Stockholm Water Prize for
Outstanding Contributions to Water Science: Kaveh Madani, Director of the
United Nations University Institute for Water Environment and Health, has
been named the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize laureate, one of the most
prestigious awards in the field of water.The award is presented by the
Stockholm Water Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of
Sciences.The prize includes a cash award of 1 million Swedish Krona along with
a crystal sculpture.
2. Kalpana Soren Honoured with Women Empowerment Award: Kalpana Soren, Gandey MLA and wife of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has been conferred the ‘Women Empowerment Trailblazers Award’ at the BRICS CCI WE Annual Women Summit and Felicitation 2026 held in New Delhi. The award recognises her contributions towards promoting women’s empowerment and inclusive development. The honour was presented by the Women Empowerment Vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the summit at Hyatt Regency. The award acknowledges leaders who have significantly contributed to advancing gender equality and strengthening the role of women in socio-economic development.
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