Daily GK Update- 7th March, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Andhra Pradesh Launches Project HANUMAN to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict: Pawan Kalyan, Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, launched Project HANUMAN on World Wildlife Day to tackle increasing human–wildlife conflict in the state.The initiative was launched at the Andhra Pradesh Special Police 6th Battalion Parade Grounds in Mangalagiri, located in Guntur district.Project HANUMAN (Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife) focuses on rapid response teams, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and technology-based monitoring to protect both people and wildlife in forest-bordering regions.

 

2. Amit Shah Unveils Mascots ‘Pragati’ and ‘Vikas’ for India’s First Digital Census 2027: Amit Shah launched mascots Pragati and Vikas for Census 2027, symbolising equal participation of female and male enumerators in India’s first fully digital census.The upcoming Census 2027 will be conducted for the first time using digital tools, allowing citizens to complete self-enumeration through a secure web portal in 16 languages before the door-to-door survey begins.Four digital systems were introduced to support the census process, including the Houselisting Block Creator App, HLO Mobile Application, Self-Enumeration Portal, and Census Management and Monitoring System for real-time tracking.The nationwide exercise will be conducted in two phases—the Houselisting and Housing Census (2026) and Population Enumeration (February 2027)—with over 30 lakh enumerators and officials deployed across India.

 

3. PM Modi Inaugurates Two New Delhi Metro Corridors and Launch Phase-V Expansion Projects in Delhi: PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated two new Delhi Metro corridors—Majlis Park to Maujpur-Babarpur (Pink Line) and Deepali Chowk to Majlis Park (Magenta Line)—to strengthen public transport connectivity in the national capital.The 12.3-km Majlis Park–Maujpur-Babarpur stretch includes eight elevated stations, extending the Pink Line to about 71.56 km and making Delhi home to India’s first fully operational Ring Metro.The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for three new corridors under Delhi Metro Phase-V, including Ramakrishna Ashram Marg–Indraprastha Central Vista, Aerocity–IGI Airport Terminal-1, and Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj, aimed at reducing congestion and improving connectivity across the NCR.

 

4. Karnataka Plans Social Media Ban for Children Below 16: The Karnataka government has proposed a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 as part of its 2026–27 state budget. Chief minister Siddaramaiah announced the move while presenting his 17th budget in the state assembly, stating that the measure aims to reduce the harmful effects of excessive mobile phone use among minors. The proposal reflects growing concern among policymakers about the impact of digital platforms on children’s mental health, education, and overall development. During the budget presentation, Siddaramaiah stated that the government intends to prohibit social media access for children below 16 years to prevent negative behavioural and psychological effects associated with increased smartphone usage. The government believes thestep will help protect young users from online risks and encourage healthier learning and social habits.The proposal formed part of a wider state budget focused on technology-driven development, infrastructure expansion, and innovation-led growth. The Karnataka government estimated the total expenditure for the financial year 2026–27 at Rs 4,48,004 crore.

 

5. Census 2027 to Be India’s First Fully Digital Census : India has taken a significant step towards conducting its first fully digital population census with the soft launch of new digital tools and mascots for Census 2027. Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the initiatives in New Delhi, signalling the beginning of preparations for what is expected to be the world’s largest enumeration exercise. The census will involve more than three million enumerators, supervisors and officials across the country and will introduce several technology-driven processes to improve accuracy, efficiency and transparency. The government introduced four advanced digital platforms developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to modernise census operations. These tools are designed to streamline data collection, improve monitoring of field activities and reduce dependence on paper-based processes.The Houselisting Block Creator (HLBC) Web Application will use satellite imagery and web-mapping technology to create standardised houselisting blocks for better geographical coverage. The HLO Mobile Application will allow enumerators to collect housing data through a secure offline mobile interface and upload it once connectivity becomes available.Another key platform is the Self-Enumeration Portal, which allows households to voluntarily submit census details online before the door-to-door survey. The Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) Portal will serve as a centralised dashboard to track census activities in real time at district, state and national levels.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. World’s Largest Acidic Geyser Erupts Again in Yellowstone National Park After Six Years: World’s largest acidic geyser, Echinus Geyser, located in Yellowstone National Park, USA, erupted again after remaining dormant for about six years since 2020.The geyser’s acidic water is formed by a mix of acidic gases and neutral water, giving it red-colored deposits due to iron, aluminium, and arsenic compounds.

 

2. 5 March – International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness: International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is observed every year on 5 March to raise awareness about the importance of eliminating weapons of mass destruction and promoting global peace.The day highlights the need to prevent the spread of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, encouraging countries to strengthen international cooperation and disarmament efforts.The observance was established by the United Nations to educate people, especially youth, about the dangers of arms proliferation and the importance of building a safer and more secure world.

 

3. 8 March – International Women’s Day: International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on 8 March to recognise the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide.Theme 2026 – Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and GirlsThe day also highlights the importance of gender equality and women’s rights, encouraging action to remove discrimination and empower women globally.United Nations officially began celebrating International Women’s Day in 1975, which was also declared as the International Women’s Year.

 

4. US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s 2025 Tariffs: The United States Supreme Court has struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump in 2025, ruling that the President lacked constitutional authority to impose such taxes without approval from Congress. The landmark 6–3 judgment is being widely viewed as a significant affirmation of the rule of law and the constitutional separation of powers in the United States. The Court held that tariffs are essentially taxes and that the US Constitution grants the power of taxation exclusively to the legislature. In 2025, President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs of around 10 percent on imports from nearly every country. The administration justified the move using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977, claiming that the law allowed the President to declare an economic emergency and impose tariffs globally.The policy aimed to pressure trading partners such as the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea into renegotiating trade agreements. Economists estimated that the tariffs generated more than 175 billion dollars in revenue for the US government. However, critics argued that the move exceeded presidential authority and undermined established trade policy mechanisms.

 

5. 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.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Ministry of Defence Signs ₹5,083 Crore Defence Deals for ALH Mk-III Helicopters and Shtil Missiles for Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy: The Ministry of Defence signed defence contracts worth ₹5,083 crore for acquiring six Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Shtil Surface-to-Air Missile System for the Indian Navy.A ₹2,901 crore contract for the helicopters was signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which will enhance maritime surveillance, offshore security, and protection of fishermen and marine environments.Another ₹2,182 crore contract was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport (Russia) for Shtil surface-to-air missiles, strengthening the air defence capabilities of Indian Navy warships and highlighting the strong India–Russia defence partnership.

 

2. Operation Sankalp: India Monitors West Asia Security Situation: India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in parts of West Asia following the recent escalation of regional tensions. The Indian government has placed naval assets deployed under Operation Sankalp on standby to respond to potential humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) requirements. Defence officials stated that the developments are being continuously tracked, and updates are being shared with relevant government departments to enable timely decision-making if the situation deteriorates. Under Operation Sankalp, two Indian Navy warships — a frigate and a destroyer — are currently deployed in the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman. These vessels have been stationed in the region since 2019 primarily to conduct anti-piracy operations and ensure the safety of commercial shipping. The deployment aims to safeguard Indian-flagged merchant vessels and maintain maritime security along vital international sea lanes.Officials noted that the ships remain fully capable of shifting roles if required. In the event of a regional crisis, these naval platforms could be quickly tasked with humanitarian assistance, evacuation operations, and disaster relief missions. The Indian Navy has considerable operational experience in conducting such emergency missions across the Indian Ocean region.

 

SPORTS

 

1. India women’s national cricket team nominated for Laureus World Team of the Year Award 2026: The India women’s national cricket team has been nominated for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award 2026 after winning their first-ever Women’s Cricket World Cup title.India has become the first women’s cricket team ever to be shortlisted for the prestigious Laureus award in the World Team of the Year category.The nomination places the team among notable Indian athletes previously recognised at the Laureus Awards, including Vinesh Phogat (2019), Neeraj Chopra (2022), and Rishabh Pant (2025).Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar won the Laureus Sporting Moment Award (2020) for his iconic victory lap following India’s triumph in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.The winners will be announced at the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony at Cibeles Palace, Madrid, Spain.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Tripura Launches State Innovation Mission Under Atal Innovation Mission 2.0 to Boost Startups and Innovation: Tripura launched the State Innovation Mission under Atal Innovation Mission 2.0 of NITI Aayog to promote innovation, startups, and entrepreneurship as part of the state’s long-term development strategy.The mission was launched at the Hapania International Exhibition Centre in Agartala in the presence of Manik Saha, Suman Bery, Jitendra Singh, and V. K. Saraswat.The initiative will be delivered through the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT) and will include the launch of T-NEST, an incubation centre to support startups and promote the “Make from Tripura” concept.

 

2. India Pushes WTO Technology Transfer Agenda Ahead of MC14: India has proposed a draft ministerial declaration at the World Trade Organization (WTO) seeking stronger commitments on the transfer of advanced technologies to developing and least developed countries. The proposal was circulated ahead of the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled to take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 26 to 29 March. New Delhi argues that technology gaps limit the ability of developing economies to compete effectively in global trade and benefit fully from international markets. In a communication submitted to the WTO on 2 March, India suggested establishing a structured and time-bound framework to facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies. The proposal particularly emphasises environmentally sound technologies, which are crucial for sustainable development and climate-related commitments.

India has urged WTO members to agree on mechanisms that improve access to such technologies for developing countries. According to the proposal, the WTO’s Working Group on Trade and Transfer of Technology should initiate focused discussions on barriers faced by developing members in accessing, adapting and utilising advanced technologies.

 

3. Skyroot’s Vikram-1 Set to Become India’s First Private Orbital Rocket: India’s private space sector is preparing for a major milestone as Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace readies the launch of Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital rocket. The mission marks a significant step in India’s growing commercial space ecosystem, driven by startups aiming to provide affordable and flexible satellite launch services. Skyroot, founded by former ISRO engineers Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka in 2018, seeks to position itself in the niche market of dedicated launches for small satellites. Vikram-1 is a seven-storey launch vehicle, approximately 75 feet tall, designed to carry satellites weighing up to 300 kg into orbit. The rocket is part of Skyroot’s Vikram series of launch vehicles and is named after Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme. The rocket features an all-carbon composite structure and advanced propulsion systems. Its three stages—Kalam-1200, Kalam-250, and Kalam-125—use solid propellants, while the upper orbit adjustment module employs a 3D-printed liquid engine called Raman-2.The rocket’s components are being integrated and tested at Skyroot’s Max-Q headquarters in Hyderabad. The initial launch is expected from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SEBI Removes 1.2 Lakh Misleading Finfluencer Posts; Deploys ‘Sudarshan’ AI Tool for Digital Surveillance: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) removed over 1.2 lakh misleading social media posts linked to unregistered financial influencers (finfluencers) to protect investors.

SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey announced that SEBI has introduced an in-house AI tool “Sudarshan” to strengthen digital surveillance in financial markets.The “Sudarshan” AI system helps SEBI track misleading financial content online, monitor unregistered finfluencers, and detect violations of SEBI regulations.

 

2. Axis Bank Partners with Tesla to Offer Tailored EV Financing Solutions in India: Axis Bank has partnered with Tesla to become its preferred financing partner, offering customised loan solutions and a better financing experience for Tesla electric vehicle buyers in India.Under the partnership, customers purchasing Tesla EVs can access vehicle loans with a tenure of up to 10 years, helping reduce monthly EMI and providing flexible schemes suited to different financial profiles.

 

3. NHA and ESIC Sign MoU to Integrate Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana with ESI Scheme: National Health Authority (NHA) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) with the ESI Scheme.National Health Authority is the implementing agency of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the flagship health insurance scheme of the Government of India.Under this integration, workers covered under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation scheme will be able to receive treatment in empanelled government and private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana across India.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Sunil Bharti Mittal Receives GSMA Lifetime Achievement Award at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona: Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from GSMA at the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona.The rare honour recognised Mittal’s contribution to transforming the global telecom industry and expanding connectivity worldwide; the award ceremony was attended by Felipe VI, Pedro Sánchez, and Salvador Illa.