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.

 

Daily GK Update- 13th March, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Railways Launches ‘SHINE’ App to Empower Women and Report Workplace Harassment: Indian Railways has launched a customised mobile application “SHINE” (Sexual Harassment Incident Notification for Empowerment) to help women employees report sexual harassment complaints at the workplace.The SHINE app was launched on the occasion of International Women’s Day (8 March 2026), aiming to strengthen safety and empowerment for women staff in the railway system.The app allows complaints through the Human Resources Management System (HRMS) and can also be used to report incidents involving visitors, contractual staff, students, and others, ensuring confidential and faster grievance redressal.

 

2. NITI Aayog Releases Second Edition of Fiscal Health Index 2026 to Assess Financial Performance of Indian States: Suman Bery, Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, and Nidhi Chhibber, CEO of NITI Aayog, released the second edition of the “Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2026” in New Delhi.The Fiscal Health Index provides a data-driven assessment of the fiscal performance of Indian states, helping evaluate fiscal soundness, guide reforms, and support evidence-based policymaking.The 2026 edition expanded coverage from 18 major states to include 10 North-Eastern and Himalayan states, which are evaluated separately due to structural differences.The report highlights key priorities such as enhancing revenue mobilisation, improving capital expenditure quality, rationalising committed expenditure, and strengthening fiscal management to ensure long-term macroeconomic stability in India.

 

3. Kirti Vardhan Singh Represents India at Chile Presidential Inauguration as José Antonio Kast Takes Office: Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, arrived in Santiago, Chile to represent India at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.During the visit, India aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Chile in areas such as trade, critical minerals, energy, and people-to-people ties.José Antonio Kast became the President of Chile, succeeding Gabriel Boric, who served as President from 2022 to 2026.

 

4. Nashik Municipal Corporation Becomes Maharashtra’s First to List Green Municipal Bond on National Stock Exchange: Nashik Municipal Corporation became Maharashtra’s first urban local body to list its Green Municipal Bond public issue on the National Stock Exchange.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rang the ceremonial bell at the NSE in Mumbai to mark the occasion, celebrating this historic milestone in urban finance.The Green Municipal Bond initiative will mobilise resources for public welfare projects, strengthen Nashik’s urban infrastructure, and support preparations for the upcoming Nashik Kumbh Mela.

 

5. Shiv Pratap Shukla Sworn in as 5th Governor of Telangana, Replaces Jishnu Dev Varma: Shiv Pratap Shukla took oath as the Governor of Telangana at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan.The oath of office was administered by Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court.He replaced Jishnu Dev Varma, who was transferred as Governor of Maharashtra, and became the 5th Governor of Telangana since the state was formed in 2014.

 

6. Rare Blue-and-White Flycatcher Spotted on Gujarat’s Pavagadh Hill : A rare sighting of a male blue-and-white flycatcher has been reported from Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat, drawing attention from bird watchers and forest officials. The small migratory bird, known for its striking royal blue upperparts, black face and breast, and white belly, was photographed by a team of forest officials during a field visit to collect tree seeds in the forest area. The unexpected observation highlights the occasional appearance of rare migratory species outside their usual routes. The bird was spotted on March 8 near the Maachi area of Pavagadh Hill when forest officials, accompanied by a botany expert, were conducting fieldwork. Range Forest Officer Jayesh Dumadiya moved to a quiet spot to observe birds and noticed a blue-and-white bird drinking water nearby. Surprisingly, the bird remained calm despite human presence, allowing him to capture photographs and record videos before it flew into the dense forest.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Piyush Goyal Inaugurates 40th AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair in New Delhi: Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, inaugurated the 40th edition of the AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair in New Delhi.The event is jointly organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).Italy is the Country Partner for the 40th AAHAR International Food and Hospitality Fair.

 

2. Donald Trump Announces $300 Billion ‘America First Refining’ Project with Reliance Industries in the US: Donald Trump, President of the United States, announced a $300 billion partnership with Reliance Industries to establish a new oil refinery project called “America First Refining.”The project aims to build the first major new oil refinery in the United States in nearly 50 years, marking a significant development in the country’s energy sector.The refinery will be located at the Port of Brownsville in Texas, United States.With an estimated value of $300 billion, the project is being described as one of the largest investment initiatives in U.S. history.

 

3. Pieter Elbers Steps Down as IndiGo CEO; Rahul Bhatia to Oversee Operations Temporarily: Pieter Elbers has stepped down as the CEO of IndiGo with immediate effect, following operational challenges faced by the airline in December 2025.InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, the parent company of IndiGo, announced that Managing Director Rahul Bhatia will temporarily oversee the airline’s management until a new CEO is appointed.Pieter Elbers had taken charge as CEO of IndiGo in September 2022, after a long and distinguished career with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

 

4. Meta Acquires AI Agent Social Network Moltbook : Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has reportedly acquired Moltbook, an experimental social networking platform designed for artificial intelligence agents. The acquisition highlights the intensifying competition among global technology companies to secure advanced AI talent and tools. Moltbook had earlier attracted attention after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly joked about the platform while discussing the future of autonomous AI agents. Moltbook is a Reddit-style social platform where AI-powered bots interact with each other. These agents exchange code snippets, discuss projects, and reference their human creators. The platform emerged as a small experiment in January 2026 but quickly gained attention within the technology community as discussions around autonomous AI agents intensified. The idea behind Moltbook is to create an ecosystem where AI programs can communicate, collaborate, and improve their capabilities.

 

5. Roopkund Lake: The Mystery of India’s Himalayan Skeleton Lake: High in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand lies Roopkund Lake, one of India’s most mysterious and intriguing locations. Situated at an altitude of about 5,020 metres, this small glacial lake is surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks and harsh mountain terrain. Roopkund has gained global attention because hundreds of human skeletons have been discovered around its icy waters. The unusual combination of natural beauty and unexplained remains has fascinated scientists, historians and trekkers for decades. Roopkund Lake lies between the prominent Himalayan peaks of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The lake itself is relatively small, measuring less than 40 metres in diameter, and remains frozen for most of the year due to the extremely cold climate. During a brief period in summer when the ice melts, human bones and skulls become visible in the clear water and along the lake’s edges. This striking sight is the reason the lake is popularly known as “Skeleton Lake”.

 

6. World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan Expands Through PACS Network: The Government of India is implementing the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector to strengthen rural storage infrastructure and improve foodgrain management. The initiative focuses on developing modern storage facilities at the level of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and other cooperative institutions. The programme aims to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance farmers’ access to storage and improve the efficiency of the agricultural supply chain. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies are selected for the programme based on specific financial and operational criteria. The societies must be identified and approved by District Cooperative Development Committees (DCDC). Selection is prioritised in locations identified by agencies such as the Food Corporation of India (FCI), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF), where there is a significant demand or storage gap. In addition, the PACS must have a positive net worth over the previous two financial years, must not be bank defaulters and should have recorded profits for at least three consecutive years. The proposed godown should preferably have a minimum storage capacity of 500 metric tonnes.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO and Indian Navy Successfully Conduct In-Flight Trials of Indigenous ADC-150 Air Droppable Container from P-8I Aircraft: DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted four in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container (ADC-150) from the P-8I aircraft off the coast of Goa.The ADC-150 is designed to deliver up to 150 kg payload, enabling quick supply of critical equipment, medical aid, and stores to naval ships deployed in deep sea during emergencies.The system was developed with contributions from Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (Visakhapatnam), Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (Agra) for the parachute system, and Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (Bengaluru) for flight clearance.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Anant Rana Creates History by Completing Ironman New Zealand Triathlon in 11 Hours 50 Minutes: Anant Rana created history by completing the Ironman New Zealand triathlon in 11 hours and 50 minutes in Taupo, becoming one of the notable Indian athletes to finish the challenging endurance event.The triathlon included 3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling, and a 42 km marathon run, which he successfully completed within the 17-hour time limit.The 33-year-old athlete from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, associated with the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation, finished swimming in 1h 28m, cycling in 6h 19m, and the marathon in 3h 46m.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. AIIMS New Delhi and ISRO Sign MoU to Collaborate on Space Medicine Research: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an MoU to collaborate on research in space medicine.The collaboration will focus on ground-based and space-based research in areas such as human physiology, cardiovascular regulation, musculoskeletal health in microgravity, microbiome, genomics, and behavioural health to support India’s human spaceflight programme.

 

2. Devon Island: Earth’s Closest Natural Laboratory for Mars Exploration: Scientists searching for ways to sustain human life on Mars are studying one of the most remote places on Earth—Devon Island in Nunavut, Canada. Known as the world’s largest uninhabited island, this Arctic landscape provides conditions strikingly similar to those found on Mars. Its barren terrain, freezing temperatures and extreme isolation make it a valuable testing ground for future space exploration technologies and survival strategies. Devon Island is considered one of the most Mars-like environments on Earth. The island is a polar desert, meaning it experiences extremely low temperatures, minimal precipitation and almost no vegetation. One of its most significant features is the Haughton Impact Crater, a massive 20-kilometre-wide crater formed by a meteorite impact. Its rocky surface and barren surroundings closely resemble Martian landscapes, making it ideal for testing scientific equipment intended for use on the Red Planet.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI and MUFG Bank Sign Strategic Partnership to Strengthen India–Japan Economic Corridor: State Bank of India (SBI) and Japan’s MUFG Bank signed a strategic partnership agreement to enhance bilateral financial collaboration and strengthen the India–Japan economic corridor.The agreement aims to facilitate cross-border capital flows, create synergistic financing opportunities, and support sustainable economic growth across two of Asia’s largest economies.

The partnership will support Japanese corporates expanding in India and Indian enterprises pursuing international growth, including entry into Japan and other global markets.

 

2. PhonePe Limited Launches RuPay ‘On-The-Go’ Card to Promote Contactless Public Transport Payments: PhonePe Limited launched the RuPay ‘On-The-Go’ Card, a National Common Mobility Card for contactless payments in public transport.The card supports the Government of India’s “One Nation One Card” initiative, aiming to create a single interoperable transit payment system.

 

Daily GK Update- 12th March, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Madurai Airport Declared as an International Airport by the Union Cabinet: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, approved the declaration of Madurai Airport in Madurai, Tamil Nadu as an International Airport.Madurai Airport, situated in the famous temple city of Madurai, is among the oldest airports in Tamil Nadu, enhancing its role in domestic and international connectivity.

 

2. Uttar Pradesh Signs MoU with OneOTT Intertainment Ltd to Expand High-Speed Broadband under ‘Project Ganga’: The Uttar Pradesh government signed an initial pact with OneOTT Intertainment Ltd, a subsidiary of the Hinduja Group, to expand high-speed broadband connectivity across the state under ‘Project Ganga’.The MoU, signed between the State Transformation Commission and OneOTT Intertainment Ltd, aims to provide high-speed internet to over 20 lakh households in the next two to three years.Under Project Ganga (Government Assisted Network for Growth and Advancement), the initiative is expected to benefit nearly one crore people and promote technology-driven employment opportunities for youth in the state.

 

3. NITI Aayog Partners with Tata Electronics Private Limited to Boost Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing in India: NITI Aayog partnered with Tata Electronics Private Limited to promote the growth of electronics manufacturing in India, supporting the country’s industrial development goals.The partnership aligns with government initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, aiming to strengthen domestic capabilities in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.

 

4. NHAI Signs MoU with Commercial Vehicle Aggregator Platforms to Enhance Safety and Efficiency on National Highways: The National Highways Authority of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with commercial vehicle aggregator platforms to enhance commuting ease, safety, and efficiency for commercial vehicle drivers and fleet operators on National Highways in New Delhi.Under the agreement, aggregator platforms will integrate the Rajmargyatra App and a dedicated Call 1033 feature, enabling timely safety communication and one-click access to the National Highway Helpline.The initiative will also include Vishisht Saarthi commercial driver recognition to encourage safe driving, along with Jan Bhagidari – Driver-Led Reporting, allowing geo-tagged reporting of National Highway issues to be integrated with the Rajmargyatra ecosystem for centralized resolution.

 

5. Kavinder Gupta Sworn in as the 30th Governor of Himachal Pradesh: Kavinder Gupta took oath as the 30th Governor of Himachal Pradesh at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Shimla.The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

 

6. Jishnu Dev Varma Sworn in as the New Governor of Maharashtra: Jishnu Dev Varma was sworn in as the Governor of Maharashtra at Darbar Hall, Lok Bhavan, Mumbai. The oath was administered by Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.

Varma succeeded Acharya Devvrat, who was holding additional charge as Maharashtra Governor

 

7. Gujarat Launches ‘Lake and Air Watch’ for Urban Environmental Monitoring: Gujarat is strengthening its efforts toward sustainable urban development with the launch of the ‘Lake and Air Watch’ initiative under the Gujarat Urban Development Mission (GUDM). The programme aims to monitor lake health and air quality in real time across cities. Introduced under the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department of the state government, the initiative supports the broader vision of building environmentally resilient and future-ready cities as part of India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ mission. Rapid urbanisation has created multiple environmental challenges in cities, including polluted lakes, declining groundwater recharge and deteriorating air quality. Urban lakes are increasingly affected by pollution, siltation and reduced water quality, while densely populated areas face rising levels of air pollution. The ‘Lake and Air Watch’ initiative seeks to tackle these issues by integrating monitoring systems across departments, enabling faster and coordinated responses.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Malaria Conference 2026 Held in New Delhi: The International Malaria Conference 2026 was held in New Delhi and organised by the ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research under the Indian Council of Medical Research.The conference focused on accelerating global efforts for malaria control and elimination, with the theme: “Discovery, Development and Delivery: Driving Malaria Elimination and Beyond.”India aims to eliminate malaria by 2030 under the National Framework for Malaria Elimination, highlighting the country’s commitment to public health goals.

 

2. Mojtaba Khamenei Appointed as the Third Supreme Leader of Iran: Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran by Iran’s Assembly of Experts, succeeding his father, Ali Khamenei.His appointment followed the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in airstrikes earlier in the conflict, creating the vacancy for the country’s highest authority.The leadership transition marks only the third time in the Islamic Republic’s history that a new Supreme Leader has been named since its establishment in 1979, highlighting continuity amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

 

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 organised 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. 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.

 

5. 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. The South Lhonak Lake GLOF in October 2023 caused widespread destruction across North Sikkim. Several bridges collapsed and large stretches of road were damaged, disrupting transportation and isolating communities in the Lachen belt. Tourism activity came to a near halt as access to Gurudongmar Lake became impossible. The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of Himalayan infrastructure to climate-induced hazards such as glacial lake outburst floods.

 

6. HRW Accuses Israel of Using White Phosphorus in Lebanon: Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of unlawfully using white phosphorus munitions over residential areas in southern Lebanon during recent military operations. The allegation comes amid escalating tensions along the Israel–Lebanon border following renewed clashes involving Hezbollah. According to the rights group, the use of such munitions in populated areas poses serious risks to civilians and may violate international humanitarian law. The New York-based organisation stated that Israeli forces fired artillery shells containing white phosphorus over the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor on March 3, 2026. HRW reported that it verified and geolocated several images showing airburst white phosphorus munitions exploding above residential areas. The images also reportedly showed civil defence workers responding to fires in homes and vehicles within the town, indicating damage to civilian property. White phosphorus is a chemical substance that ignites immediately when exposed to oxygen. Militaries often use it to produce smoke screens, illuminate battlefields, or mark targets during operations. However, when used as an incendiary weapon, it can cause severe burns, respiratory damage, organ failure, and potentially death. Because the substance burns intensely and spreads quickly, its use in populated areas is highly controversial and subject to restrictions under international humanitarian law.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Centre Approves ₹117.54 Crore Renovation of Kolkata Bascule Bridge: The Union Government has approved the renovation of the historic Bascule Bridge at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal cleared the project with an estimated cost of ₹117.54 crore. The renovation aims to modernise the decades-old bridge and improve cargo and vehicular movement within the Kolkata Dock System, a key maritime hub in eastern India. The proposal for the bridge’s renovation was submitted by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, and examined by the Delegated Investment Board (DIB). The board, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, reviewed the proposal during a meeting held on February 16, 2026. After appraisal, the project received approval to proceed with the planned modernisation works.

 

2. DRDO and Navy Test Indigenous ADC-150 Air Droppable Container: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy have successfully conducted four in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container (ADC-150). The trials were carried out from the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1, 2026. Conducted under various extreme release conditions, the successful tests mark a significant step toward strengthening India’s naval logistics capabilities during operations at sea. The ADC-150 is an indigenously designed container developed to deliver payloads of up to 150 kilograms from aircraft to naval vessels deployed far from the coastline. The system allows rapid delivery of essential supplies such as critical equipment, spare parts, medicines and emergency stores. This capability is particularly useful for ships operating in deep seas that require urgent logistical support during missions or distress situations.

 

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.

 

SPORTS

 

1. BCCI Announces Record ₹131 Crore Cash Reward for Suryakumar Yadav and India’s T20 World Cup-Winning Team: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a record ₹131 crore cash reward for Suryakumar Yadav and the T20 World Cup-winning Indian team following their historic triumph in Ahmedabad. This reward is the highest ever in Indian cricket, surpassing the ₹125 crore awarded to Rohit Sharma and his team after winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados two years ago. For context, India’s Champions Trophy-winning team received ₹58 crore, and last year’s Women’s World Cup-winning team was awarded ₹51 crore, highlighting the scale of the new reward.

 

2. India and New Zealand Plan Expanded Sports Cooperation in Centenary Year: India and New Zealand have initiated discussions to expand bilateral sports cooperation as 2026 marks 100 years of sporting relations between the two countries. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level ministerial meeting in New Delhi with a New Zealand sports delegation to explore new avenues of collaboration in sports development, training and innovation. The dialogue highlighted sports diplomacy as an important component of the broader India–New Zealand partnership. The year 2026 commemorates the centenary of sporting ties between the two nations, tracing back to the Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand in 1926. That historic visit marked one of the earliest sporting engagements between India and New Zealand and laid the foundation for long-standing sporting exchanges. Building on this legacy, both sides are exploring initiatives to deepen engagement between their sporting institutions and athletes.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. FSI Halts AI-Based Anavaran Deforestation Alert System: The Forest Survey of India (FSI), the central agency responsible for monitoring the country’s forest resources, has stopped issuing fortnightly deforestation alerts through its AI-based Anavaran portal. The system, which provided near-real-time alerts on forest cover loss using satellite data and machine learning, has not been updated since November 2025. Active monitoring through the portal reportedly ceased in January 2026, halting the regular alerts that were previously sent to states every 15 days for targeted field inspections. The Anavaran-Deforestation Alert System was operational from January 2024 and used satellite imagery and advanced algorithms to detect changes in forest cover. The portal analysed before-and-after images to identify new patches of deforestation and sent precise location alerts to state forest departments. The system relied on Google Earth Engine for data processing and was designed to strengthen real-time monitoring of deforestation across India. Despite its operational use for nearly two years, officials say the portal functioned only as a pilot project and its effectiveness is currently under review.

 

2. ESA’s Proba-3 Mission Faces Setback After Losing Contact with Coronagraph: The European Space Agency’s ambitious Proba-3 mission to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere has encountered a major technical setback after losing contact with one of its two spacecraft. The mission aims to capture detailed images of the Sun’s corona by creating artificial solar eclipses in space. Scientists are now investigating an anomaly that caused the Proba-3 Coronagraph spacecraft to lose attitude control, interrupting communication with mission control. The problem began in mid-February 2026 when an onboard anomaly triggered a progressive loss of attitude control in the Coronagraph spacecraft. Attitude control refers to a satellite’s ability to maintain its orientation in space. Due to this failure, the spacecraft’s solar panels stopped facing the Sun, preventing it from generating sufficient power. As a result, the onboard battery rapidly discharged, forcing the satellite to enter survival mode where only essential systems remain active and communication with Earth is halted.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Named Strongest Indian Bank with AAA+ Brand Rating: State Bank of India (SBI) has been named the strongest Indian bank and the 16th strongest globally, earning the AAA+ brand strength rating, highlighting its reputation, customer trust, and brand resilience in the global banking sector.HDFC Bank remains India’s most valuable banking brand, valued at $12.4 billion, despite a 7% YoY decline, and improved its global brand strength ranking, reflecting strong customer confidence and influence.ICICI Bank showed a 19% YoY increase in brand value to $5.5 billion and improved its global rank to 76th, indicating a strong growth trajectory among Indian private sector banks.

 

2. NABARD Launches National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), in collaboration with the Gates Foundation and Dalberg Advisors, has launched the National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge to strengthen India’s climate resilience framework for rural regions. The initiative aims to build foundational technological layers of a National Climate Stack that will integrate diverse climate datasets and enable more effective climate intelligence for agriculture, rural finance, and public planning.

India is increasingly facing climate-related risks such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, and cyclones, which pose serious threats to agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Although climate data availability has improved over the years, forecasting and risk management systems remain fragmented across different platforms. The new initiative aims to bridge these gaps by creating interoperable and accessible climate data systems. The National Climate Stack seeks to integrate multiple climate datasets and models into a unified technological framework. According to NABARD Chairman Shaji K V, the challenge lies in the fact that climate data currently exists across isolated platforms and websites, limiting its effective use. The proposed stack aims to bring together these data streams into a seamless system that can support predictive analysis and real-time decision-making. The initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of using digital technology to build resilient rural ecosystems.