Daily GK Update- 15th March, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kerala Police Launches ‘Nirbhaya Nisha initiative’ to Enhance Night Safety for Women in Kerala: Kerala Police has launched the Nirbhaya Nisha initiative to enhance women’s safety during night travel across Kerala.The initiative provides rapid police assistance between 9 PM and 5 AM to ensure timely support for women travelling at night.Women can seek immediate help through the 112 emergency helpline, enabling quick response from the police.

 

2. Samriddhi Kendra Launched Under BharatNet Rural Digital Initiative: Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated the Samriddhi Kendra in Umri village of Guna district, Madhya Pradesh, under the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The centre represents an integrated “phygital” model that combines physical service infrastructure with digital platforms to deliver essential services in rural areas. The initiative aims to demonstrate how high-speed connectivity under the BharatNet programme can transform village-level service delivery and support rural socio-economic development. The Samriddhi Kendra functions as a one-stop service hub located in the Panchayat Bhawan of Umri village. The centre provides multiple services by combining digital technology with on-ground facilitation. These services include education and skill development, agriculture support, healthcare and telemedicine, e-governance services, financial inclusion and e-commerce platforms. The model seeks to simplify access to essential services for rural citizens while strengthening digital participation in everyday governance and economic activities.

 

3. DRI Busts Illegal Alprazolam Manufacturing Unit in Andhra Pradesh: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently uncovered a clandestine facility involved in the illegal production of Alprazolam in Andhra Pradesh. The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to curb the illegal manufacturing and trafficking of psychotropic substances. Alprazolam is a widely prescribed medication for mental health conditions but is strictly regulated due to its potential for misuse and dependency. Alprazolam is a psychotropic substance regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. It belongs to a class of medicines known as benzodiazepines, which act as tranquillising agents and are commonly used in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders.Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, meaning they slow down brain activity and produce a calming effect. Due to their therapeutic properties, they are prescribed by medical professionals but must be used under strict medical supervision.

 

4. National Dialogue Held to Tackle Online Crimes Against Women and Children: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan inaugurated the National Dialogue on Online Crimes Against Women and Children (OCWC) in New Delhi, highlighting the growing need for stronger coordination and institutional capacity to address cyber offences targeting vulnerable groups. The event was organised by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs and brought together representatives from government agencies, law enforcement bodies, digital platforms, academia and civil society to discuss strategies for combating online crimes. Addressing the gathering, the Home Secretary noted that the rapid expansion of digital technologies has increased the risk of cyber offences, particularly those targeting women and children. He emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms across states and Union Territories to effectively address these crimes. Mohan urged states to establish specialised units dedicated to investigating online offences against vulnerable groups and to ensure swift and coordinated responses.

 

5. Posthumous Padma Shri Highlights Legacy of Kurumba Artist Kitna: The announcement of a Padma Shri for tribal artist Krishnan Raghavan, known by his pen name ‘Kitna’, has drawn national attention to the fragile legacy of Kurumba painting in the Nilgiris. Krishnan, who belonged to the Alu Kurumba tribal community, received the honour posthumously earlier this year. While the recognition celebrated his contribution to preserving an ancient art form, it also raised concerns about the survival of the tradition he dedicated his life to protecting. Kurumba painting is believed to be a prehistoric art form more than 3,000 years old. Historically, these paintings were created on rocks and in caves across the Nilgiri hills. Early documented references to Kurumba paintings on dwelling structures date back to the period between 1871 and 1872. The art reflects the cultural life, rituals and traditions of the Alu Kurumba people, a subgroup of the Kurumba tribe. The Kurumbas are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), a category used by the Indian government for tribal communities that face extreme social and economic marginalisation.

 

6. PM Modi Launches ₹23,550 Crore Projects in Assam’s Silchar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched infrastructure projects worth ₹23,550 crore in Silchar, Assam, aimed at transforming the Barak Valley into a major trade and logistics gateway in Northeast India. Addressing a public gathering in Ramnagar near Silchar, the Prime Minister emphasised that improved connectivity would strengthen the region’s integration with national and international markets, particularly in Bangladesh, Myanmar and other South Asian countries. The largest project announced was the ₹22,864-crore Shillong–Silchar High-Speed Corridor. The 166.8-kilometre greenfield, four-lane access-controlled expressway will be developed as part of National Highway-06 by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).The corridor will pass through Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills districts in Meghalaya before entering Assam’s Cachar district. The project will involve extensive tunnelling through hilly terrain and is targeted for completion by 2030. Once operational, the expressway is expected to reduce travel time between Guwahati and Silchar from around nine hours to nearly five hours.

 

7. PM Modi Inaugurates Fully Automated Haldia Bulk Terminal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Haldia Bulk Terminal, a fully automated dry bulk handling facility developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) at the Haldia Dock Complex of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. The project marks a major addition to India’s eastern maritime infrastructure and is expected to improve cargo handling efficiency along the Hooghly river. The terminal has an annual handling capacity of 4 million metric tonnes (MMTPA). It is recognised as India’s first fully automated dry bulk cargo facility on the Hooghly river. The terminal is designed to handle coal and other bulk commodities that support key industries such as power generation, steel and aluminium production.Situated on the western bank of the Hooghly river within the Haldia Dock Complex, the facility is expected to strengthen cargo movement across the eastern maritime corridor and support industrial supply chains in eastern India.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries: The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, organised the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, industry experts and stakeholders to discuss strategies for sustainable development of India’s cold water fisheries sector. The event was held under the guidance of Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and attended by senior leaders including the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Cold water fisheries represent a unique segment of India’s aquaculture sector, primarily found in high-altitude and mountainous regions. These fisheries thrive in the Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, along with parts of the Northeast and the Western Ghats. Spread across more than 5.33 lakh square kilometres of mountainous terrain, these ecosystems include rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs that provide favourable conditions for cold water fish species. Over 278 species of cold water fish have been identified in India, making the sector significant for biodiversity conservation, nutrition security and rural livelihoods.

 

2. Yoga Mahotsav 2026 Marks Countdown to 12th International Day of Yoga: The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, inaugurated Yoga Mahotsav–2026 in New Delhi, formally launching the 100-day countdown to the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) to be celebrated in 2026. Organised by the Ministry of Ayush, the event aims to promote the global movement of Yoga as a tool for holistic health, well-being and mental balance. Over the past eleven editions, the International Day of Yoga has witnessed expanding participation across the world, reflecting its growing importance in preventive healthcare and lifestyle management. During the event, the Minister unveiled “10 Yoga Protocols for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Target Groups”. These protocols have been developed to address health challenges across different age groups and physiological conditions. They are designed to help individuals strengthen physical health, improve mental resilience and take a proactive approach to disease prevention. The initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of preventive and holistic healthcare, where Yoga and traditional wellness practices play a central role.

 

3. Zydus’ Desidustat Gets China Approval for CKD Anaemia Treatment: Zydus Lifesciences has received marketing approval in China for its drug Desidustat, used to treat anaemia in patients suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The approval was granted by China’s drug regulator, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), marking a significant step for the Ahmedabad-based pharmaceutical company as it enters one of the world’s largest healthcare markets. The NMPA has approved Desidustat for the treatment of renal anaemia in adult CKD patients who are not on dialysis. The drug will be commercialised in China through CMS International Development and Management Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of China Medical System Holdings.Zydus had granted an exclusive licence for the therapy to the Chinese company in 2020. Following successful clinical trials and regulatory evaluation, the approval now enables the partners to launch the drug in the Chinese market.

 

4. Myiophanes kempi Rediscovered in Andaman Limestone Caves: Researchers have rediscovered “Myiophanes kempi”, a rare cave-dwelling assassin bug, in limestone caves of the Andaman Islands after nearly a century. The insect had not been recorded since its first scientific description in 1924. The rediscovery highlights the ecological importance of subterranean habitats and the hidden biodiversity present in cave ecosystems. Such findings also emphasise the need for continued exploration and conservation of fragile underground environments. “Myiophanes kempi” is a slender-bodied assassin bug belonging to the Reduviidae family. Members of this family are known for their predatory behaviour and are commonly referred to as assassin bugs due to their method of capturing prey.The species was first described in 1924 by British entomologist William Edward China. Early records identified the insect from Siju Cave in Meghalaya, making it one of the few cave-adapted insects documented from the Indian subcontinent during the early twentieth century.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army and Ladakh Forest Department sign MoU to protect wildlife: On World Wildlife Day, the Indian Army and the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department of Ladakh signed an MoU to protect the fragile ecosystem and wildlife of Ladakh.The agreement focuses on conserving species such as the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, Bharal, Ibex, Marmot, and Black-necked Crane under the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program.A Joint Snow Leopard Conservation Cell will be established to monitor conservation efforts and promote sustainable development and biodiversity protection in Ladakh’s high-altitude ecosystems.

 

2. Indian Army Participates in National Additive Manufacturing Symposium 2026: The Indian Army participated in the National Additive Manufacturing Symposium 2026 held in New Delhi, joining representatives from government institutions, academia and industry. The event focused on the expanding role of additive manufacturing in strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem and enhancing strategic defence capabilities. The symposium served as an important platform for stakeholders to discuss how emerging technologies can support innovation, efficiency and self-reliance in defence production. The Ministry of Defence stated that the symposium enabled the Indian Army to engage with national stakeholders and explore opportunities for accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies. Discussions highlighted the importance of collaborative innovation between government agencies, academic institutions and industry partners. Such cooperation is considered essential for building a resilient manufacturing ecosystem capable of supporting future defence requirements.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Iran Withdraws from FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran announced its withdrawal from the FIFA World Cup 2026, one of the biggest international football tournaments.The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Gujarat Launches ‘Lake and Air Watch’ Initiative to Monitor Urban Lakes and Air Quality in Real Time : Gujarat has launched the ‘Lake and Air Watch’ initiative under the Gujarat Urban Development Mission (GUDM) to monitor lake health and air quality in real time across cities.The programme, introduced by the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, aims to tackle urban environmental challenges such as polluted lakes, declining groundwater recharge and rising air pollution.The initiative will use satellite technology to track indicators like lake area changes, waste accumulation and algae growth, generating alerts to enable timely conservation and restoration of urban water bodies.

 

2. C-DOT Showcases Telecom Innovations at Samarth Incubation Demo Day: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) organised a Demo Day in New Delhi for 18 startups participating in the second cohort of the Samarth incubation programme. Held at the NBCC Convention Hall, the event showcased innovative technological solutions developed by startups working in fields such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), 5G and 6G technologies, and quantum technologies. The initiative reflects India’s efforts to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship in the telecom and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors. Launched in March 2025, the Samarth incubation programme aims to nurture emerging startups in telecom and ICT by providing financial support, infrastructure and mentorship. The programme is organised into two cohorts of six months each, supporting up to 18 startups per cohort and a total of 36 startups overall. The initiative is implemented with the support of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs), which collaborate with C-DOT to guide participating startups.

 

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Assam Disburses ₹3,600 Crore to 40 Lakh Women Under Orunodoi 3.0 Through DBT: The government of Assam transferred ₹9,000 each to 40 lakh women under Orunodoi 3.0, marking a major welfare initiative for women beneficiaries.Around ₹3,600 crore was disbursed through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT), making it one of the largest single-day welfare fund transfers in the state.

 

2. RBI Launches Pilot ‘Awareness Program on Digital Payments’ in Maharashtra During Digital Payments Awareness Week: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a pilot programme titled “Awareness Program on Digital Payments” to promote safe and wider adoption of digital payments across India.The pilot programme was conducted in Maharashtra in partnership with CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd during the Digital Payments Awareness Week (March 9–13, 2026).The initiative aims to reach 10 lakh participants in rural and semi-urban areas through in-person awareness sessions conducted by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs).

 

3. Bank of Baroda Launches ‘bob Women Sapphire Savings Account’ with ₹10 Lakh Cancer Care Coverage for Women: Bank of Baroda launched a special savings account for women named bob Women Sapphire Savings Account to promote financial inclusion and empowerment.The account is designed to provide exclusive banking benefits along with healthcare and lifestyle privileges for women customers.It also offers ₹10 lakh cancer care coverage for women account holders aged 18 to 60 years.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. KSRTC Wins PSU Award for ‘Dhwani Spandana’ Accessibility Initiative: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has been honoured with the Governance Now 12th PSU National Award in the “Excellence in Innovation” category for its accessibility initiative titled “Dhwani Spandana.” The award recognises the corporation’s efforts to improve public transport accessibility for visually impaired passengers. The recognition was presented during the Governance Now Awards ceremony held in New Delhi. The Dhwani Spandana initiative introduces an onboard bus identification and navigation system designed specifically to assist visually impaired commuters. The system enables passengers with visual disabilities to identify buses and navigate their journeys more independently. By providing audio-based assistance and clear identification mechanisms, the initiative helps passengers board the correct bus and travel with greater confidence.

 

 

2. R. Vairamuthu Awarded 2025 Jnanpith Honour

: Renowned Tamil poet, lyricist and writer R. Vairamuthu has been selected for the 60th Jnanpith Award for the year 2025, India’s highest literary recognition. The announcement was made by Bharatiya Jnanpith in March 2026. The award honours his outstanding contribution to Tamil literature, marked by emotional depth, cultural richness and a distinctive poetic voice developed over several decades. The decision was taken by the Bharatiya Jnanpith Selection Committee chaired by noted writer Pratibha Ray. The committee included eminent scholars and writers such as Madhav Kaushik, Damodar Mauzo, Suranjan Das, A. Krishna Rao, Prafulla Shiledar, Kesubhai Desai, Janaki Prasad Sharma, K. Srinivas Rao and Maheshwar. The panel recognised Vairamuthu’s enduring influence on modern Tamil writing and his ability to blend literary creativity with social reflection.

Daily GK Update- 14th March, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gujarat Launches ‘Lake and Air Watch’ Initiative to Monitor Urban Lakes and Air Quality in Real Time: Gujarat has launched the ‘Lake and Air Watch’ initiative under the Gujarat Urban Development Mission (GUDM) to monitor lake health and air quality in real time across cities.The programme, introduced by the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, aims to tackle urban environmental challenges such as polluted lakes, declining groundwater recharge and rising air pollution.The initiative will use satellite technology to track indicators like lake area changes, waste accumulation and algae growth, generating alerts to enable timely conservation and restoration of urban water bodies.

 

2. Assam Disburses ₹3,600 Crore to 40 Lakh Women Under Orunodoi 3.0 Through DBT: The government of Assam transferred ₹9,000 each to 40 lakh women under Orunodoi 3.0, marking a major welfare initiative for women beneficiaries.Around ₹3,600 crore was disbursed through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT), making it one of the largest single-day welfare fund transfers in the state.

 

3. Kerala Police Launches ‘Nirbhaya Nisha initiative’ to Enhance Night Safety for Women in Kerala: Kerala Police has launched the Nirbhaya Nisha initiative to enhance women’s safety during night travel across Kerala.The initiative provides rapid police assistance between 9 PM and 5 AM to ensure timely support for women travelling at night.Women can seek immediate help through the 112 emergency helpline, enabling quick response from the police.

 

4. Indian Orchid Festival 2026 Concludes in Pakyong District, Sikkim: The Indian Orchid Festival 2026 concluded at Pakyong District, Sikkim.The festival was organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Research Centre for Orchids (ICAR-NRCO).The theme of the festival was “Orchids for Beauty & Prosperity.”

 

5. Parthanil Ghosh Appointed MD & CEO of HDFC ERGO General Insurance, to Succeed Anuj Tyagi : HDFC ERGO General Insurance Board has approved the appointment of Parthanil Ghosh as the new Managing Director & CEO, effective 16 April, subject to regulatory approvals.He will succeed Anuj Tyagi, who resigned on 16 January 2026 to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.Ghosh joined the company in 2016 after the merger with L&T General Insurance and has been serving as Executive Director since 1 May 2025.

 

6. India Overtakes China as Top Cotton Product Supplier to US: India has emerged as the largest supplier of cotton products such as apparel and home textiles to the United States in 2025, surpassing China for the first time in recent years. The development reflects changing global trade patterns driven by tariffs, supply chain diversification, and regulatory concerns affecting Chinese exports. According to the latest global market analysis by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), India’s cotton product exports to the US reached around 0.6 million tonnes in 2025. China’s cotton product exports to the United States fell significantly in 2025. Imports from China dropped to about 0.5 million tonnes, continuing a long-term decline that began after peaking in 2010. The reduction has been influenced by several rounds of US tariffs on Chinese goods, which ranged from 10 per cent to as high as 125 per cent.These tariffs, along with regulatory measures and geopolitical tensions, have prompted American firms to reduce dependence on Chinese suppliers. As a result, many retailers have diversified their sourcing to other textile-producing countries.

 

7. Supreme Court Rules Income Alone Cannot Define OBC Creamy Layer: The Supreme Court has ruled that parental income alone cannot be used as the sole criterion to determine whether a candidate belongs to the ‘creamy layer’ within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The judgment emphasised that the status and category of the parents’ employment must also be considered while deciding eligibility for reservation benefits. The ruling could significantly impact the evaluation of creamy layer status, particularly for children of employees in public sector undertakings (PSUs) and private organisations. A bench of Justices P. S. Narasimha and R. Mahadevan stated that the determination of creamy layer status should not rely only on income thresholds. Instead, the nature and status of the parents’ employment must also be taken into account.The court noted that the policy framework for identifying the creamy layer recognises social advancement through professional status. Therefore, both employment hierarchy and financial indicators must be considered together to determine whether a candidate falls within the creamy layer.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. ZSI Discovers Two New Lichen Moth Species in Eastern Himalayas: Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered two new species of lichen moths in the eastern Himalayan region, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the area. The newly identified species — “Caulocera hollowayi” and “Asura buxa” — were formally described by Indian researchers and published in the international taxonomic journal “Zootaxa” on March 2, 2026. The discovery contributes to expanding scientific knowledge of India’s insect diversity, particularly within the Lepidoptera group. The two newly documented species were identified from specimens collected in different parts of the eastern Himalayas. “Caulocera hollowayi” was discovered from samples collected near Golitar in Sikkim, while “Asura buxa” was identified from specimens found in Panijhora in West Bengal.The research was conducted by a team of Indian scientists including Navneet Singh from ZSI Kolkata, Santosh Singh from the Central Zone Regional Centre of ZSI in Jabalpur, and Srishti Bhattacharya, a senior research fellow at ZSI. The formal naming of these species recognises them as previously unknown to science and enables accurate global classification.

 

2. India Co-Sponsors UN Resolution Condemning Iran Attacks: India has co-sponsored a resolution at the United Nations Security Council condemning attacks carried out by Iran against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan. The resolution called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and warned against threats to close the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The development highlights India’s diplomatic stance amid rising tensions in West Asia and reflects its strategic interests in the Gulf region. The 15-member United Nations Security Council adopted the resolution with 13 votes in favour and none against. Two permanent members, China and Russia, abstained from voting. At the time of the vote, the United States held the presidency of the council.The resolution strongly condemned what it described as “egregious attacks” by Iran on the territories of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. It stated that such actions constitute a breach of international law and pose a serious threat to international peace and security.

 

3. Assam’s GI-Tagged Joha Rice Exported to UK and Italy: Assam has achieved a major milestone in promoting its agricultural products globally with the export of its Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Joha rice to the United Kingdom and Italy. A consignment of 25 metric tonnes of the aromatic rice was dispatched from Guwahati, marking the first large-scale export of the traditional variety to European markets. The initiative reflects growing international demand for India’s indigenous and specialty agricultural products. The export was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Assam agriculture department. The shipment aims to strengthen direct market linkages between local producer groups and international buyers.Officials stated that the rice will first be transported by road from Guwahati to Kolkata before being shipped to European destinations. The export demonstrates Assam’s ability to meet international quality standards while opening new markets for its traditional crops.

 

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.

 

5. New Flying Reptile Found in 100-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Vomit: Scientists have discovered a new species of flying reptile after analysing a rare fossilised regurgitate, commonly referred to as dinosaur vomit. The specimen, dated to about 100 million years ago, was recovered from the Romualdo Formation in brazil/">Brazil’s Araripe Basin. Named “Bakiribu waridza”, the species represents the first extinct animal to be scientifically described entirely from fossilised regurgitated material. The discovery was made in the Santana Group geological formation, a fossil-rich region in northeastern Brazil known for preserving ancient organisms in exceptional detail. Researchers found bones belonging to two individuals of the newly identified pterosaur species along with four fossilised fish inside the regurgitated material. The findings were documented in a study published in the journal “Scientific Reports”, highlighting an unusual preservation process rarely seen in palaeontology.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. United States and South Korea Launch ‘Freedom Shield’ Joint Military Exercise Amid Regional Tensions: The United States and South Korea began a large joint military exercise called Freedom Shield, involving thousands of troops.Around 18,000 South Korean troops are participating in the exercise, which will continue until March 19, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.

 

2. Indian Army and Ladakh Forest Department sign MoU to protect wildlife: On World Wildlife Day, the Indian Army and the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department of Ladakh signed an MoU to protect the fragile ecosystem and wildlife of Ladakh.The agreement focuses on conserving species such as the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, Bharal, Ibex, Marmot, and Black-necked Crane under the Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program.A Joint Snow Leopard Conservation Cell will be established to monitor conservation efforts and promote sustainable development and biodiversity protection in Ladakh’s high-altitude ecosystems.

 

3. India Builds First Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding Centre in Andhra: India has taken a major step towards strengthening its maritime and defence manufacturing capabilities with the foundation of the world’s first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre in Andhra Pradesh. The facility is being developed by Mumbai-based Sagar Defence Engineering at the Juvvaladinne fishing harbour in Nellore district, marking a significant milestone in indigenous maritime technology development. The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated 29.58 acres of land at the Juvvaladinne fishing harbour for the project. The location offers direct sea access, enabling the construction, launch, testing, and deployment of maritime vessels from the same site.The initiative aligns with the state government’s broader vision to develop advanced manufacturing infrastructure along the coastline and strengthen India’s marine technology ecosystem. Officials expect the project to boost domestic defence production and enhance maritime innovation.

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. Lakshya Sen Finishes Runner-Up at All England Open Badminton Championships After Loss to Lin Chun-Yi: India’s Lakshya Sen finished runner-up in the Men’s Singles at the All England Open Badminton Championships after losing the final.He was defeated by Lin Chun-Yi of Chinese Taipei in straight games 15–21, 20–22.The final match was played at Utilita Arena, where Sen fought back strongly in the second game but narrowly lost 22–20.

 

2. Iran Withdraws from FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran announced its withdrawal from the FIFA World Cup 2026, one of the biggest international football tournaments.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. C-DOT’s AI Fraud Detection Tool Recognised at Mobile World Congress: India’s Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) received global recognition at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, for its indigenous artificial intelligence-based fraud detection solution called “Fraud Pro”. The innovation was shortlisted as a top finalist at the Global Mobile Awards (GLOMO) in the category of Best Network Security and Fraud Prevention. The recognition highlights India’s growing capabilities in developing advanced telecom technologies and cybersecurity solutions. Fraud Pro is an AI-powered security solution developed by C-DOT to detect and prevent fraud in telecom networks. The system uses advanced analytics and artificial intelligence algorithms to identify suspicious patterns in network activity.By analysing large volumes of telecom data in real time, the solution can detect potential threats such as financial fraud, identity misuse, and suspicious communication patterns. This enables telecom operators to respond quickly and protect both networks and users from cyber threats.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s Retail Inflation Rises to 3.21% in February 2026: Consumer Price Index (CPI) Data: India’s retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), stood at 3.21% in February 2026, compared to 2.75% in January 2026, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.The rural inflation rate was 3.37%, while urban inflation stood at 3.02%, under the revised CPI series with 2024 as the base year.The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) inflation was 3.47%, while housing inflation stood at 2.12% for February 2026.

 

2. RBI Launches Pilot ‘Awareness Program on Digital Payments’ in Maharashtra During Digital Payments Awareness Week: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a pilot programme titled “Awareness Program on Digital Payments” to promote safe and wider adoption of digital payments across India.The pilot programme was conducted in Maharashtra in partnership with CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd during the Digital Payments Awareness Week (March 9–13, 2026).The initiative aims to reach 10 lakh participants in rural and semi-urban areas through in-person awareness sessions conducted by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs).

 

3. Bank of Baroda Launches ‘bob Women Sapphire Savings Account’ with ₹10 Lakh Cancer Care Coverage for Women: Bank of Baroda launched a special savings account for women named bob Women Sapphire Savings Account to promote financial inclusion and empowerment.The account is designed to provide exclusive banking benefits along with healthcare and lifestyle privileges for women customers.It also offers ₹10 lakh cancer care coverage for women account holders aged 18 to 60 years.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Veteran Actor-Filmmaker Amol Palekar to Receive 2026 META Lifetime Achievement Award: Veteran actor-filmmaker Amol Palekar will be honoured with the 2026 META Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long influence in Indian theatre and cinema.The 21st edition of the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META), established by the Mahindra Group and produced by Teamwork Arts, will be held in New Delhi from March 19–25, 2026, showcasing prominent stage productions.