Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 10&11 March, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
10&11 March, 2026

National Affairs

1. SIPRI Report 2025

Source: Mint

Context:

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute released its report “Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2025”, highlighting global arms trade patterns for the period 2021–2025.

Key Findings:

• India remained the second-largest arms importer in the world, accounting for 8.2% of global arms imports during 2021–2025.
• Ukraine became the largest arms importer, receiving 9.7% of global arms transfers due to the ongoing war with Russia.
• Saudi Arabia ranked third, accounting for 6.8% of global arms imports.

Top Arms Exporting Countries

The leading global arms exporters during the period were:

1. United States
2. France
3. Russia

Global Arms Trade Trends

• Global arms transfers increased by nearly 10% during 2021–2025.
• The increase is largely attributed to heightened geopolitical tensions and rising defence procurement worldwide.

2. LaBL 2.0 (Lighting a Billion Lives 2.0)

Source: Times of India

Context:

The The Energy and Resources Institute launched LaBL 2.0 (Lighting a Billion Lives 2.0) in New Delhi to scale up decentralised renewable energy solutions and promote sustainable rural livelihoods.

What is LaBL 2.0?

• LaBL 2.0 is a next-generation Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE) programme designed to expand clean energy access in rural and underserved areas.
• It builds upon the earlier Lighting a Billion Lives initiative launched in 2008, which aimed to provide solar lighting solutions to off-grid communities.

Objectives

• Expand clean and decentralised renewable energy access in rural regions.
• Promote green livelihoods and rural entrepreneurship.
• Encourage women-led energy enterprises.
• Integrate climate finance, carbon markets, and sustainable development goals (SDGs) into grassroots energy projects.

Key Features

1. Expansion of Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE)
   • Promotes solar and other clean energy technologies in off-grid and remote areas.
2. Green Livelihood Creation
   • Encourages productive energy use for small businesses, agriculture, and rural enterprises.
3. Women-led Entrepreneurship
   • Focuses on empowering women as clean energy entrepreneurs and community leaders.
4. Carbon Accounting and Climate Impact
   • Uses Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems to measure emissions reduction and climate benefits.
5. Finance-ready Models
   • Connects decentralised energy projects with climate finance and carbon credit markets to attract investment.

3. Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

Context:

The Commission on the Status of Women is holding its annual session at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where governments, UN agencies, and civil society organisations review global progress on gender equality.

What is the CSW?

• The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• It functions as a commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
• CSW is the largest annual UN forum focused on women’s rights and gender equality.

Established:

• 1946, through ECOSOC Resolution 11(II) of 21 June 1946.

Secretariat Support:

• Provided by UN Women, the UN body responsible for advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Objectives:

• Promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls globally.
• Develop international standards and policy frameworks supporting women’s rights.
• Monitor and review progress on global commitments related to gender equality.

4. SheLeadsBharat – Shakti Walk Initiative

Source: PIB

Context:

The Ministry of Women and Child Development organised the #SheLeadsBharat – Shakti Walk at Kartavya Path to mark International Women’s Day in 2026.

What is #SheLeadsBharat – Shakti Walk?

• #SheLeadsBharat is a national campaign celebrating women’s leadership and contributions to nation-building.
• The Shakti Walk is a flagship event under this campaign, symbolising the empowerment and achievements of women across various sectors in India.

Objectives

• Promote women’s empowerment and leadership across social, economic, and political spheres.
• Celebrate Nari Shakti (women power) and recognise women’s role in India’s development.
• Align with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

5. Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

Source: The Hindu

Context:

Opposition parties from the INDIA bloc, led by the All India Trinamool Congress, are reportedly planning to move an impeachment motion against Gyanesh Kumar.

What is the Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner?

The removal of the CEC is a constitutional and quasi-judicial process designed to safeguard the independence of the Election Commission of India.
To protect the integrity of the electoral system, the CEC enjoys security of tenure similar to that of a judge of the Supreme Court of India.

Constitutional Provision

• Article 324(5) states that the Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge.

Grounds for Removal

A CEC can be removed only on two grounds:

1. Proved Misbehavior – such as corruption, abuse of office, or violation of official conduct.
2. Incapacity – physical or mental inability to discharge duties.

Procedure for Removal

1. Initiation of Motion
   • A removal motion must be signed by:
     • At least 100 members of the Lok Sabha, or
     • At least 50 members of the Rajya Sabha.
   • It is then submitted to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
2. Investigation
   • If admitted, a three-member inquiry committee is formed to investigate the charges.
3. Parliamentary Approval
   • If the committee finds the charges valid, the motion is taken up for voting.
   • It must be passed by a Special Majority, meaning:
     • A majority of the total membership of the House, and
     • Two-thirds of the members present and voting.
4. Presidential Order
   • After both Houses pass the motion in the same session, the matter is sent to the President of India, who issues the formal order removing the CEC.

6. Proba-3 Mission

Context:

The European Space Agency recently lost contact with the Coronagraph spacecraft, one of the two satellites of the Proba-3, after an anomaly caused a power failure and pushed the satellite into survival mode.

What is the Proba-3 Mission?

• Proba-3 is the world’s first precision formation-flying space mission designed to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere (corona) with high precision.
• It was launched in December 2024 by ESA aboard PSLV-C59 of the Indian Space Research Organisation.

Objective

• To create an artificial solar eclipse in space in order to observe the Sun’s faint corona.
• Normally, the corona is difficult to study because the bright solar disk overwhelms its light.

Key Features

1. Twin-Spacecraft Configuration
   • The mission consists of two satellites:
     • Coronagraph – carries the imaging instrument.
     • Occulter – blocks the Sun’s bright disk.
2. Precision Formation Flying
   • The satellites fly about 150 metres apart with millimetre-level accuracy, functioning as a single virtual instrument.
3. Artificial Solar Eclipse
   • The Occulter casts a precise shadow on the Coronagraph, blocking direct sunlight and enabling clear observation of the corona.
4. Autonomous Navigation
   • Uses lasers, cameras, and cold-gas thrusters for automatic coordination and position control without continuous ground commands.

7. India–Uzbekistan Launch Pharma–Nutraceutical Corridor

Source: Business Standard

Context:

India and Uzbekistan have launched a structured pharmaceutical and nutraceutical trade corridor to expand access to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the wider Eurasian healthcare market.

About the Initiative:

• The corridor is aimed at tapping a $7–10 billion Eurasian healthcare market by strengthening pharmaceutical and nutraceutical trade.
• It is a policy-backed platform designed to facilitate regulatory alignment, investment flows, and market entry for global manufacturers, particularly Indian companies.
• The initiative brings together Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health, Nutrify Today, and Pharma Eurasia.

Key Objectives:

• Create an institutional framework for trade cooperation in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
• Enable regulatory coordination and streamlined approvals for products entering CIS markets.
• Promote joint ventures, partnerships, and supply-chain integration between Indian manufacturers and Eurasian distributors.
• Facilitate investment and commercial collaboration in the healthcare sector.

8. Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS 2.0)

Source: NCRB Dashboard / News Reports

Context:

In March 2026, Uttarakhand ranked first in India in the implementation of the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS 2.0), scoring 93.46 on the ICJS/CCTNS Progress Dashboard released by the National Crime Records Bureau with data up to January 2026.

Top States in ICJS 2.0 Implementation

1. Uttarakhand – 93.46
2. Haryana – 93.41
3. Assam – 93.16
4. Sikkim – 91.82
5. Madhya Pradesh – 90.55

About ICJS 2.0

• The Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) is a national platform designed to digitally integrate all pillars of the criminal justice system.
• It enables real-time data sharing between different agencies involved in criminal investigations and trials.

Key Components Integrated Under ICJS

• Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems – Police
• e-Courts – Judiciary
• e-Prisons – Jail administration
• e-Prosecution – Prosecutors
• e-Forensics – Forensic labs

Digital Reform in Uttarakhand

• The state implemented a “One Data, One Entry” system, ensuring that information entered once in the system is automatically accessible to all relevant agencies, improving efficiency and transparency.

Banking/Finance

1. RBI Tightens Banks’ Dividend Payout Norms

Source: Financial Express

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India has issued final guidelines tightening dividend distribution by banks, linking payouts to capital strength and asset quality to ensure financial stability.

Key Provisions of the New Guidelines

1. Dividend Cap
   • Banks can distribute a maximum of 75% of their net profit as dividends in a financial year.
2. Adjusted Profit Calculation
   • Dividend eligibility will be based on Adjusted Profit After Tax (PAT).
   • Adjusted PAT will be calculated by deducting 50% of net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) from the net profit.
   • Earlier proposals suggested deducting 100% of NPAs, which has now been relaxed.
3. Restrictions on Exceptional Income
   • Banks cannot declare dividends from exceptional or non-recurring income, as such gains are considered temporary.

Capital Adequacy Conditions

Banks must meet the following requirements before declaring dividends:

• Maintain required regulatory capital levels, including Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) ratio.
• Ensure capital levels remain above regulatory requirements even after dividend distribution.
• Have positive adjusted PAT in the relevant financial year.

For foreign banks operating in India in branch mode, dividend remittance is allowed only if they have positive net profit.

RBI’s Position on Industry Requests

The RBI rejected several suggestions from banks:

• Using current year CET1 ratio instead of the previous year’s ratio.
• Allowing dividends from exceptional income.
• Postponing implementation until the adoption of expected credit loss (ECL) norms.

2. RBI Allows NBFCs and ARCs to Include Quarterly Profits in Capital Base

Source: Financial Express

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India has clarified regulatory norms allowing Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to include quarterly profits in their capital base, resolving long-standing ambiguity in capital calculation.

What Has Changed?

Earlier, most NBFCs and ARCs relied only on audited annual financial statements (typically as of March 31) to calculate:

• Net owned funds
• Tier-1 capital

Due to regulatory uncertainty, quarterly profits were generally not included in capital calculations, limiting their ability to expand lending and investment activities during the year.

Under the revised RBI directions:

• Quarterly profits can now be recognised as part of net worth and Tier-1 capital.
• This provides additional capital headroom for business expansion.

Conditions for Recognising Quarterly Profits

To ensure prudential safeguards, the RBI has imposed strict conditions:

1. Audit / Limited Review Requirement
   • Quarterly financial statements must undergo audit or limited review by statutory auditors.
2. Dividend Adjustment
   • Recognised profits must be adjusted for dividends.
   • The calculation requires deducting the average dividend paid during the previous three financial years.

Why the Change Matters

The reform is expected to:

• Provide greater capital flexibility to NBFCs and ARCs.
• Expand lending capacity and investment activity during the financial year.
• Support asset reconstruction activities, especially in the distressed-asset market.
• Align regulatory treatment across different segments of the financial sector.

3. RBI Conducts ₹50,000 Crore OMO Purchase

Source: The Hindu

Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted Open Market Operations (OMO) to purchase ₹50,000 crore worth of Government Securities (G-Secs) to ease liquidity in the banking system amid global economic uncertainty and rising oil prices.

What is an Open Market Operation (OMO)?

Open Market Operations are a monetary policy tool used by the RBI to regulate liquidity in the economy by buying or selling government securities in the open market.

• OMO Purchase: RBI buys government securities → increases liquidity in the banking system.
• OMO Sale: RBI sells government securities → absorbs excess liquidity.

Purpose of the OMO Purchase

The latest OMO purchase was undertaken to:

• Inject liquidity into the financial system.
• Stabilize bond yields and financial markets amid global uncertainty.
• Counter liquidity pressures arising from advance tax payments, GST outflows, and foreign exchange interventions.

4. Bank of Baroda Raises ₹10,000 Crore Through Green Infrastructure Bonds

Context:

In March 2026, Bank of Baroda raised ₹10,000 crore through Series-I long-term Green Infrastructure Bonds, becoming the first bank in India to issue domestic green bonds specifically for infrastructure financing.

What is a Green Bond?

A green bond is a fixed-income financial instrument used to raise funds for projects that have environmental or climate benefits. The money raised through these bonds is specifically earmarked for environmentally sustainable activities.

Financial Terms

• The annual cut-off coupon rate was fixed at 7.1%.
• The issue achieved a “greenium”, meaning the bonds were issued at a slightly lower yield due to strong demand for green investments.

About the Green Bond Issuance

• The bonds have a tenure of 7 years.
• They were issued through the Electronic Book Provider platform of the National Stock Exchange of India in Mumbai.
• The base issue size was ₹5,000 crore, with an additional greenshoe option of ₹5,000 crore.

Credit Ratings

The bonds received ‘AAA’ (Stable) ratings from:

• CARE Ratings
• ICRA

These ratings indicate high safety and strong credit quality.

Use of Funds

The funds raised will finance projects under BoB’s Green Financing Framework, including:

• Renewable energy projects
• Sustainable infrastructure development
• Other environmentally friendly initiatives

5. No Minimum Balance Penalty for Jan Dhan Accounts

Source: BS

Context:

The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Parliament that Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts (BSBDAs), including those opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, are not subject to penalties for failing to maintain a minimum balance.

Key Points:

• Around 720 million Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts (BSBDAs) are currently operational in India.
• These include accounts opened under the Jan Dhan Yojana, which aim to expand financial inclusion.
• Such accounts are designed as zero-balance savings accounts, meaning account holders are not required to maintain a minimum balance.

What is a BSBD Account?

A Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) is a no-frills savings bank account introduced by the Reserve Bank of India to promote financial inclusion by providing basic banking services to all sections of society, especially low-income and unbanked individuals.

Purpose of BSBDA Accounts:

• Ensure universal access to banking services.
• Provide financial services to unbanked and vulnerable populations, including low-income households and small depositors.
• Promote financial inclusion by enabling access to savings, credit, insurance, and government benefits.

6. FDI Policy Relaxation under Press Note 3

Source: Indian Express

Context:

The Union Cabinet has approved changes to Press Note 3 (2020), easing restrictions on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from countries sharing a land border with India, including China. The move aims to boost investment flows and strengthen India’s integration with global supply chains.

What is Press Note 3?

Press Note 3, issued in April 2020 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, mandates that FDI from countries sharing land borders with India must receive prior government approval, irrespective of sector or investment size.

• Countries covered include:
  China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.
• The rule also applies if the beneficial owner of an investment is from any of these countries, even if the investment is routed through another nation.

Why was Press Note 3 introduced?

• Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) to prevent opportunistic takeovers of Indian companies when valuations were depressed.
• It also reflected security concerns following the India–China border tensions and the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.

Key Changes in the Revised Framework

1. Automatic Route for Small Stakes
   • Investments from land-bordering countries below 10% ownership and without controlling interest can now be allowed through the automatic route.
2. Definition of Beneficial Ownership
   • The revised policy introduces a clear threshold of at least 10% ownership to determine beneficial ownership.
3. Faster Approval Timeline
   • Investment proposals in selected sectors must be processed within 60 days, reducing delays in approvals.
4. Focus on Manufacturing and Technology Sectors
   • Fast-track approvals will apply to sectors such as:
     • Electronic components
     • Capital goods manufacturing
     • Solar manufacturing value chains (polysilicon, ingot-wafer).

7. RBI Caps Bank Dividend Payout at 75% of Profit After Tax

Source: Business Standard

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India has issued revised guidelines on dividend declaration by banks, linking payouts to capital adequacy and asset quality. The new framework caps dividend payouts at 75% of Profit After Tax (PAT) and will come into effect from FY27.

Key Provisions of the New Norms

1. Dividend Cap

• Banks can distribute dividends up to 75% of PAT for the relevant financial year.

2. Link with Capital Adequacy

• Dividend eligibility depends on the Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) ratio, a key measure of a bank’s capital strength.
• Banks with CET1 levels just above the regulatory minimum cannot declare dividends.
• Banks with stronger capital buffers may distribute up to 100% of adjusted PAT, but still within the overall 75% PAT cap.

3. Adjusted PAT Calculation

Adjusted PAT =
PAT – 50% of Net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) as on March 31 of the financial year.

This adjusted figure determines the maximum dividend that can be paid.

Additional Conditions

Before declaring dividends, banks must ensure:

• Compliance with regulatory capital requirements even after payout.
• No RBI-imposed restrictions on dividend distribution.
• Consideration of factors such as:
  • Divergence in asset classification and provisioning identified by RBI.
  • Observations in statutory auditors’ reports.
  • Current and projected capital position.
  • Long-term growth and expansion plans.

Restrictions on Dividend Sources

Dividends cannot be paid from certain income sources, including:

• Extraordinary or exceptional income
• Unrealised gains from fair valuation (Level-3 financial instruments)
• Profits affected by audit qualifications or overstatement of earnings

Norms for Foreign Banks

Foreign banks operating in India in branch mode may remit profits to their head offices without prior approval if:

• They meet regulatory eligibility conditions.
• Their accounts have been audited.

Any excess remittance must be returned immediately.

Agriculture

1. Gender, Agriculture and Climate Change

Source: The Hindu

Context:

With 2026 declared the “International Year of the Woman Farmer” by the Food and Agriculture Organization, attention has turned to the crucial role women play in agriculture and the need to strengthen their resilience to climate change.

Role of Women in Agriculture

• Women constitute about 64% of India’s agricultural workforce and perform nearly 70% of farm tasks.
• Around 80% of rural women are engaged in agriculture-related activities.
• According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, women’s participation includes:
  • 75% in crop production
  • 79% in horticulture
  • 51% in post-harvest operations
  • 95% in animal husbandry and fisheries

However, their contributions remain under-recognised and under-compensated.

Key Challenges Faced by Women Farmers

1. Limited Land Ownership
   • Only 13.9% of agricultural landholdings are in the name of women.
   • This restricts access to schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Kisan Credit Card, and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
2. Decision-Making Gap
   • Women perform most farm labour, but men often control decisions regarding crop choices, input purchases, and income utilisation.
3. Climate Change Vulnerability
   • Climate impacts such as heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather disproportionately affect rural women.
   • Women often have less access to climate information, technology, and decision-making platforms, reducing their adaptive capacity.
4. Feminisation of Agriculture
   • Male migration from rural areas has increased the responsibilities of women in farming and household management.

Government Initiatives for Women Farmers

Several initiatives aim to strengthen women’s participation in agriculture:

• Reduced stamp duty on land registration for women
• 30% reservation for women under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation
• Namo Drone Didi Scheme to promote drone use in agriculture
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihood Mission

Under DAY-NRLM:

• About 10 crore households have been mobilised into 91 lakh self-help groups (SHGs).
• These SHGs are organised into 5.35 lakh village organisations and over 33,000 cluster-level federations.

Livelihood and Capacity Building Initiatives

• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana promotes sustainable agriculture practices among women farmers.
• More than 2 lakh Community Resource Persons (CRPs) — including Krishi Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis, Matsya Sakhis, and Madhu Sakhis — provide grassroots agricultural extension support.

Facts To Remember

1. India’s cheetah population hits 53 with new litter at Kuno

India’s cheetah population has crossed 50 since the launch of the Centre’s reintroduction programme for the species, after a Namibian cheetah gave birth to five cubs at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, taking the total tally to 53.

2. Now, Rajasthan Assembly passes Bill to repeal two-child norm for ULB elections

A day after scrapping the two-child norm for panchayat elections, the Rajasthan Assembly on Tuesday passed a Bill for removing the restriction preventing individuals with more than two children from contesting the urban local body (ULB) elections. The provision for disqualification existed in the State for the last three decades.

3. PM Inaugurates Infrastructure Projects Worth ₹33,500 Crore in New Delhi

In March 2026, Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects worth ₹33,500 crore in New Delhi, including metro expansion and housing redevelopment initiatives.

4. PM Narendra Modi Launches Development Projects Worth ₹33,500 Crore in New Delhi

Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹33,500 crore in New Delhi. The projects include expansion of the Delhi Metro Pink and Magenta Lines costing about ₹18,300 crore. The Majlis Park–Maujpur Babarpur corridor expanded the Pink Line to about 71.56 km forming a circular network.

5. Finland President Alexander Stubb Visits India

Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, paid a state visit to India from 4–7 March 2026 at the invitation of Narendra Modi. The visit elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership for Digitalisation and Sustainability. He held meetings with Droupadi Murmu and C. P. Radhakrishnan during the visit. Stubb also attended the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi as the Chief Guest.

6. Romania Ratifies Framework Agreement of International Solar Alliance

Romania ratified the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance by submitting its instrument of ratification to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Romania had earlier signed the agreement in December 2023. With this step, Romania officially became a member of the solar alliance. The move strengthens global cooperation in solar energy development.

7. Government Sets Up 17-Member Committee for SEZ Policy Reforms

The Government of India constituted a 17-member committee to recommend reforms in the Special Economic Zones policy in India. The panel includes representatives from NITI Aayog, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. The committee will submit a concept paper within six months. Its aim is to formulate a new SEZ 2.0 policy to boost exports.

8. NITI Aayog and Tata Electronics Partner to Boost Electronics Manufacturing

NITI Aayog partnered with Tata Electronics to strengthen India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem. The collaboration focuses on scaling production, improving supply chains and integrating India into global value chains. Over the past decade, India’s electronics production has increased nearly six times. The partnership is expected to support semiconductor and component manufacturing growth.

9. Bank of Baroda Raises ₹10,000 Crore Through Green Infrastructure Bonds

Bank of Baroda became the first Indian bank to raise ₹10,000 crore through domestic green infrastructure bonds. The seven-year bonds were issued on the National Stock Exchange of India platform. The issuance received bids worth ₹16,415 crore showing strong investor demand. The funds will be used to finance renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure projects.

10. HDFC Bank and Swiggy Launch Two New Co-Branded Credit Cards

HDFC Bank partnered with Swiggy to launch two co-branded credit cards named Swiggy BLCK and Swiggy Ornge. The cards offer cashback on food delivery, travel, shopping and daily spending. Customers can apply through the Swiggy mobile application or bank platforms. The cards also provide benefits such as Swiggy One membership and discounts on partner platforms.

11. Mojtaba Khamenei Appointed Supreme Leader of Iran

Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed the Supreme Leader of Iran by the Assembly of Experts. He succeeded interim leader Alireza Arafi after the death of Ali Khamenei. With this appointment, he became the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. The Assembly of Experts is responsible for selecting and supervising the Supreme Leader.

12. RBI Approves Ketan Merchant as Interim CEO of Fino Payments Bank

Reserve Bank of India approved the appointment of Ketan Merchant as interim CEO of Fino Payments Bank. He previously served as the bank’s Chief Financial Officer. The appointment will be valid for up to four months under the Banking Regulation Act. The bank is also preparing to transition into a Small Finance Bank.

13. ISRO and ESA Sign Agreement on Earth Observation Missions

Indian Space Research Organisation and European Space Agency signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in Earth observation missions. The collaboration will focus on calibration, validation and scientific studies for satellite data. It supports global climate monitoring and environmental research. The partnership will also contribute to the upcoming FLEX satellite mission.

14. India Wins ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

India national cricket team won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by defeating New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs. The final was held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. India secured its third T20 World Cup title after earlier wins in 2007 and 2024. The tournament featured 20 teams and was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

15. Vir Chakra Awardee K.G. George Passes Away

K. G. George, a Vir Chakra awardee and veteran of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, passed away at the age of 95 in Kerala. He served in the Corps of Signals of the Indian Army. During the war, he established a crucial communication link under enemy fire. For his bravery and dedication, he was awarded the Vir Chakra.

16. International Women’s Day 2026 – March 8

United Nations observes International Women’s Day every year on 8 March. The theme for 2026 was “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The UN first observed the day in 1975 during International Women’s Year. The global celebration highlights women’s achievements and promotes gender equality.

17. Goa Presents ₹30,195 Crore Budget for FY27

Pramod Sawant presented the ₹30,195 crore budget for FY2026–27 in the Goa Legislative Assembly. The budget projects a revenue surplus of ₹1,666 crore and a fiscal deficit of ₹3,895 crore. Major allocations were made for healthcare, education, tourism and infrastructure development. The budget also introduced a Climate Change Fund to support environmental initiatives.

18. 11th Raisina Dialogue Held in New Delhi

Narendra Modi inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi from 5–7 March 2026. Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, attended as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address. The conference was organised by Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs. The theme of the event was “Saṁskāra – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement.”

19. Jal Mahotsav 2026 Launched in Gujarat

C. R. Patil launched Jal Mahotsav 2026 in Navsari district of Gujarat. The campaign is organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to promote community participation in rural water management. It is observed from 8 March to 22 March, concluding on World Water Day. The initiative supports sustainability of water infrastructure under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

20. India and Uzbekistan Launch Pharma–Nutraceutical Corridor

India and Uzbekistan launched a pharma–nutraceutical corridor to expand access to the CIS and Eurasian healthcare markets. The partnership involves Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health, Nutrify Today and Pharma Eurasia. The corridor aims to promote regulatory alignment, trade facilitation and joint ventures. It will be commercially launched at Pharma Eurasia 2026 in Tashkent.

21. AIIMS and ISRO Sign MoU for Space Medicine Research

All India Institute of Medical Sciences signed an MoU with Indian Space Research Organisation to advance space medicine research. The collaboration will study the effects of microgravity, radiation and isolation on astronauts. It also focuses on astronaut health monitoring and specialized medical training. The partnership supports medical preparedness for future Indian human spaceflight missions.

21. India–Seychelles Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE 2026 Begins

India and Seychelles commenced the 11th edition of the joint military exercise LAMITIYE-2026 at the Seychelles Defence Academy in Victoria. The 12-day exercise includes participation from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, marking India’s first tri-service participation. Indian naval ship INS Trikand and an IAF C-130 aircraft are deployed for the drills. The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments and UN peacekeeping interoperability.

22. FATF Adds Kuwait and Papua New Guinea to Grey List

The Financial Action Task Force added Kuwait and Papua New Guinea to its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, also known as the Grey List. The decision was taken during the FATF plenary meeting held in Mexico City. Countries on the Grey List have strategic deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. With this addition, the number of countries under monitoring has increased to 22.

23. NATO Conducts Arctic Military Exercise ‘Cold Response 2026’

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization launched the biennial Arctic military exercise Cold Response 2026 across Finland and Norway. The exercise involves around 25,000 troops from 14 NATO countries, including the United States and Denmark. It focuses on improving coordination between civilian institutions and military forces during crises. The drills are part of NATO’s broader Arctic Sentry initiative to strengthen security in the polar region.

24. PhonePe Launches RuPay ‘On-The-Go’ NCMC Card

PhonePe launched the RuPay ‘On-The-Go’ card, a National Common Mobility Card designed for seamless digital transit payments. The card supports contactless tap-and-pay transactions across metros, buses, trains and toll plazas. It stores value directly on the chip with a maximum balance of ₹2,000 and supports offline payments. The card was initially launched at the Hyderabad Metro to support the “One Nation One Card” initiative.

25. IRDAI Approves Allianz Jio Reinsurance and Kiwi General Insurance

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India granted certificates of registration to Allianz Jio Reinsurance Limited and Kiwi General Insurance Limited to start operations in India. Allianz Jio Reinsurance is a joint venture between Allianz Group and Jio Financial Services. Kiwi General Insurance is backed by WestBridge Capital and industry veteran Neelesh Garg. The approvals expand India’s insurance sector and increase the number of general insurers to 35.

26. India’s First Amphibious Surveillance Drone ‘AVATAAR’ Unveiled

AquaAirX Autonomous Systems introduced AVATAAR, India’s first amphibious surveillance drone capable of operating both in air and underwater. The drone supports intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in maritime environments. It features sensors such as imaging sonar, Doppler velocity logger and AI-assisted navigation systems. The system has achieved Technology Readiness Level-6, indicating successful prototype testing in operational environments.

27. George Russell Wins Australian Grand Prix 2026

George Russell of the Mercedes‑AMG Petronas Formula One Team won the 2026 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. The race marked the opening round of the 2026 Formula One World Championship season. Russell secured victory from pole position ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli, while Charles Leclerc finished third. The win marked Russell’s sixth Formula One Grand Prix victory.

28. International Day of Women Judges 2026 – March 10

The United Nations observes the International Day of Women Judges every year on 10 March to promote equal participation of women in judicial systems. The 2026 theme is “Women Judges on the Bench and Beyond: Protecting Access to Justice.” The day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2021. It highlights the importance of gender equality and representation in the judiciary.

29. Punjab Budget 2026-27 Presented by Harpal Singh Cheema

Harpal Singh Cheema presented the ₹2.60 lakh crore Punjab Budget for FY27 in the state legislative assembly. The budget projects a fiscal deficit of 4.08% of GSDP and capital expenditure of ₹18,381 crore. Major allocations include education, social welfare, agriculture and healthcare sectors. The government also announced funds to commemorate the 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas.