Daily Current Affairs: 1 April 2026

Dr Thomas Pucadyil Appointed Director of Biotechnology Research Innovation Council-National Centre for Cell Science (BRIC-NCCS)

[Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council - National Centre for Cell Science]

Key Updates:

• Dr Thomas Pucadyil has been appointed as the Director of the Biotechnology Research Innovation Council-National Centre for Cell Science (BRIC-NCCS) in Pune.
• Prior to this appointment, Dr Pucadyil served as a Professor in the Department of Biology at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune.
• He will assume the charge from Dr Manisha Inamdar, who had been serving as the interim director of the institution.
• Dr Pucadyil was awarded the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology in 2018 and is a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS).
• His scientific research focuses on understanding membrane integrity-disrupting proteins in cells.
• BRIC-NCCS is located within the campus of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and hosts the National Cell Repository which distributes animal cell lines to research institutions in India.
• The institute also hosts the Department of Biotechnology (DBT)-funded National Centre for Microbial Research (NCMR), which maintains the third-largest microbial collection in the world.

Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Suriname’s ex-President and investigator of 1982 political killings, dies at 67.

[Suriname]

Key Updates:

• Chandrikapersad Santokhi served as President of Suriname from 2020 to 2025.
• He previously held the post of Minister of Justice and Police from 2005 to 2010.
• As a police commissioner, Santokhi led the probe into the December 1982 killings of 15 political opponents.
• He chaired the Progressive Reform Party from 2011 after Ramdien Sardjoe’s resignation.
• Suriname’s economic stabilisation during his presidency was partly supported by an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
• His austerity measures included phasing out fuel, water and electricity subsidies, triggering protests in February 2023.
• Voters denied him a second term in the May 2025 general election.

William Walsh Appointed CEO of IndiGo

[IndiGo]

Key Updates:

• IndiGo has announced the appointment of William Walsh as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• He succeeds Pieter Elbers, who stepped down from the position of CEO on 11 March.
• William Walsh currently serves as the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
• His tenure at IATA concludes on 31 July 2026, and he is expected to join IndiGo by 3 August 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
• He has previously served as the CEO of British Airways and the International Airlines Group (IAG).
• The IAG portfolio includes airlines such as Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Level, and Vueling.
• In his new role, he will oversee the overall management and strategic direction of the airline, focusing on operational performance and network strategy.
• The appointment was confirmed by IndiGo Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta and Managing Director (MD) Rahul Bhatia.

Nitish Kumar announces ex gratia after Nalanda temple stampede.

[Bihar]

Key Updates:

• Eight women died in the stampede at Maa Sheetla Mandir in Maghra village, Nalanda district, Bihar.
• The incident occurred during Tuesday morning prayers when overcrowding and inadequate security triggered the stampede.
• Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sanctioned Rs 6 lakh ex gratia for each deceased’s next of kin, comprising Rs 4 lakh from the Disaster Management Department and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
• Bihar Sharif Assistant Superintendent of Police Noorul Haque confirmed the death toll and stated that rescue operations were underway.

Vijaypat Singhania, former Raymond chairman and Padma Bhushan awardee, passed away at 87 in Mumbai.

[Raymond]

Key Updates:

• Vijaypat Singhania died in Mumbai at the age of 87.
• He was the former chairman of Raymond Group and led the company for around two decades until 2000.
• He transferred his entire 37 per cent stake in Raymond to his son Gautam Singhania.
• Singhania held the world record for the highest altitude reached in a hot air balloon.
• He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan award.
• His last rites will be performed on Sunday as announced by a company spokesperson.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reports Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth at 5.2% for February 2026

[Index of Industrial Production]

Key Updates:

• India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) expanded 5.2% year-on-year in February 2026, up from 4.8% in January 2026.
• Manufacturing sector grew 6.0% in February 2026, contributing the largest share to overall industrial growth.
• Mining output rose 3.1% and electricity generation increased 2.3% during February 2026.
• IIP stood at 159.0 in February 2026, compared with 151.1 in February 2025.
• Among 23 NIC two-digit manufacturing groups, 14 recorded positive growth in February 2026.
• Basic metals grew 13.2%, motor vehicles and trailers 14.9%, and machinery and equipment 10.2% in February 2026.
• Infrastructure and construction goods grew 11.2%, capital goods 12.5%, and intermediate goods 7.7% in February 2026.
• Consumer durables rose 7.3%, while consumer non-durables contracted 0.6% in February 2026.
• Cumulative industrial production for April–February 2025–26 remains broadly in line with the previous year.
• February 2026 data is based on quick estimates with a weighted response rate of 88.64% and will undergo revisions.

ICRA projects India GDP growth at 6.5% for FY27 amid West Asia conflict

[Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency]

Key Updates:

• ICRA forecasts India’s GDP growth to moderate to 6.5% in FY27 from 7.6% in FY26.
• The projection assumes average crude oil price at USD 85 per barrel in FY27.
• ICRA expects India’s current account deficit (CAD) to widen to 1.7% of GDP in FY27 from 1% in FY26.
• Elevated energy prices and concerns around energy availability due to the West Asia conflict are cited as key downside risks.
• ICRA anticipates an extended pause on policy rates by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) through FY27.

Government data shows India’s April–February fiscal deficit at Rs 12.53 lakh crore, 80.4% of FY26 aim

Key Updates:

• India’s fiscal deficit for April–February was Rs 12.53 lakh crore, equal to 80.4% of the FY26 budget estimate.
• Total receipts up to February stood at Rs 27.92 lakh crore, 82.0% of the revised estimate.
• Total expenditure for the period was Rs 40.45 lakh crore, 81.5% of the revised estimate.
• Tax revenue reached Rs 21.45 lakh crore, 80.2% of the budget target.
• Non-tax revenue stood at Rs 5.81 lakh crore, 87.0% of the estimate, boosted by transfers from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Revenue expenditure was Rs 31.15 lakh crore, 80.5% of the revised estimate.
• Capital expenditure totalled Rs 9.29 lakh crore, 84.8% of the budgeted target.
• Interest payments during April–February were Rs 10.65 lakh crore.
• Revenue deficit for the period was Rs 3.89 lakh crore, 73.8% of the full-year estimate.
• Primary deficit stood at Rs 1.87 lakh crore, 65.9% of budget estimates.
• Major subsidies amounted to Rs 3.90 lakh crore, 91% of revised estimates, with food subsidy at Rs 1.93 lakh crore and fertiliser subsidies near full-year targets.
• Petroleum subsidy spending was Rs 8,823 crore, 58% of estimates.

Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) targets India as global pharma innovation hub by 2026

Key Updates:

• India Pharma 2026 will be held on 13-14 April at Federation House, New Delhi.
• The 9th edition is organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA).
• Theme of the event is 'Discover in India: Leapfrogging Life-Sciences Innovation'.
• Conference will focus on drug discovery, complex generics and biosimilars.
• FICCI, established in 1927, represents over 2.5 lakh companies across sectors.

Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) releases Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2025

[Periodic Labour Force Survey]

Key Updates:

• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for persons aged 15 years and above stood at 59.3% in 2025.
• LFPR for males was 79.1% and for females 40.0%.
• Workforce Participation Rate (WPR) for persons aged 15 years and above was 57.4%.
• WPR for males was 76.6% and for females 38.8%.
• Unemployment rate (UR) for persons aged 15 years and above was 3.1% in 2025.
• Rural unemployment rate was 2.4% and urban unemployment rate was 4.8%.
• Youth unemployment rate (15–29 years) declined from 10.3% in 2024 to 9.9% in 2025.
• Share of self-employed workers declined from 57.5% in 2024 to 56.2% in 2025.
• Share of regular wage/salaried employment increased to 23.6% in 2025.
• Share of employment in agriculture declined from 44.8% in 2024 to 43.0% in 2025.
• Share of employment in manufacturing increased from 11.6% to 12.1%.
• Share of employment in services increased from 12.2% to 13.1%.
• 44.4% of females cited childcare and domestic responsibilities as the main reason for not participating in the labour force.
• 69.8% of males cited education as the main reason for not being in the labour force.
• Average years of formal education for persons aged 15 years and above was 10.0 years.
• 67.8% of the population had attained at least secondary education.
• Only 4.2% of persons aged 15–59 years had received formal vocational or technical training.
• 25.0% of persons aged 15–29 years were not in employment, education or training (NEET).
• Total number of employed persons aged 15 years and above was estimated at 61.6 crore.

Gyan Bharatam Mission launched for manuscript preservation and digitisation

Key Updates:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Gyan Bharatam Mission to preserve and digitise ancient manuscripts using modern technology.
• The mission involves digitisation, scientific preservation and archiving of manuscripts.
• Citizens are encouraged to upload manuscripts kept in personal custody under the mission.

Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 introduce four-stream segregation and digital monitoring

Key Updates:

• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 on 27 January 2026 to replace the 2016 framework.
• Rules come into force on 1 April 2026 and mandate four-stream segregation at source: Wet waste (biodegradable), Dry waste (recyclable), Sanitary waste, and Special care waste.
• Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR) makes large institutions, hotels and residential complexes accountable for collection, segregation, transport and environmentally sound disposal of their waste.
• A centralised online portal enables real-time digital tracking of collection, transportation, processing and disposal of waste to improve compliance and reporting.
• Cement plants and waste-to-energy units must raise Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) substitution from the current 5% to 15% within six years.
• Urban and rural local bodies, State and Union Territory governments and central ministries are assigned clearly defined responsibilities and graded land-allocation criteria for faster setting up of waste-processing facilities.

Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026 to declare Amaravati as state capital

[Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

• The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026 will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on 1 April 2026.
• The bill seeks to amend section 5 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014 to designate Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh.
• The amendment clarifies that Amaravati includes all areas notified under the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority Act 2014.
• The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed a resolution on 28 March 2026 requesting the Centre to enact the amendment.
• The proposed amendment will be effective retrospectively from 2 June 2024.

Amrit Sarovar campaign creates 70,000 water bodies nationwide.

[Tripura]

Key Updates:

• The Amrit Sarovar campaign has led to the creation of 70,000 water bodies across the nation.
• Nearly 5 million artificial water harvesting structures have been built under the eleven-year-old water conservation campaign.
• Vangmun village in Tripura's Jampui Hills has installed rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in almost every house.
• Over 1,200 farmers in Koriya district of Chhattisgarh have built small recharge ponds and soak pits in their fields.
• 400 families in Mudhigunta village of Mancherial district, Telangana, constructed soak pits in their homes improving groundwater levels and reducing waterborne diseases.

National PNG Drive 2.0 extended till 30 June 2026 to sustain PNG expansion momentum

[Nagaland]

Key Updates:

• The Government has extended the National PNG Drive 2.0 till 30th June 2026 to sustain momentum in PNG expansion across the country.
• City gas distribution entities have been directed to speed up domestic PNG connections.
• During March, more domestic PNG connections were given than in any previous month since the drive began.

India takes delivery of fifth stealth frigate Dunagiri under Project 17A

Key Updates:

• Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) delivered the stealth frigate Dunagiri (Yard 3023) to the Indian Navy on 31 March 2026.
• Dunagiri is the fifth Nilgiri-class frigate built under Project 17A and was constructed in 80 months compared to 93 months for the first ship of the class.
• The warship is equipped with BrahMos supersonic surface-to-surface missile, MF-STAR radar, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount, and close-in weapon systems.
• Dunagiri uses a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system with Controllable Pitch Propellers and an Integrated Platform Management System.
• The frigate attains 75% indigenous content and its construction involved over 200 MSMEs, generating direct employment for about 4,000 personnel and indirect employment for more than 10,000 personnel.
• Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), the vessel was built using the Integrated Construction philosophy under supervision of the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata).

India inducts fourth ASW SWC 'Agray' built by GRSE on 30 March 2026

Key Updates:

• The Indian Navy inducted 'Agray', the fourth Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) on 30 March 2026.
• 'Agray' is designed for shallow coastal waters and carries over 80% indigenous content under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• The vessel uses waterjet propulsion, making it the largest Indian naval warship with this technology.
• It is equipped with Lightweight Torpedoes, Indigenous Rocket Launchers, and advanced shallow water SONAR systems.
• The ASW SWCs are built in compliance with classification standards of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
• 'Agray' is the fourth of eight ASW SWCs planned under the programme to enhance coastal defence in the Indian Ocean Region.

Indian Armed Forces conduct tri-service 'Ex Dweep Shakti' amphibious exercise

Key Updates:

• Exercise Dweep Shakti was conducted from 24 to 28 March by the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
• The tri-service exercise executed coordinated amphibious assaults, maritime dominance operations and complex beach landing drills.
• Next-generation equipment and drones were employed during the high-intensity drills.
• The exercise validated integrated capability for rapid response along coastal and island defence operations.

Indian Army signs first-ever Capital Procurement Contract via GeM Portal

[Indian Army]

Key Updates:

• Indian Army executed its first capital procurement contract through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
• Contract covers supply of 93 Telescopic Handlers under Buy (Indian) category.
• Contract signed with M/s JCB India Ltd at total cost of Rs 25.90 Cr.
• Procurement aims to compress timelines while maintaining procedural integrity.
• Move reinforces Government’s push towards Aatmanirbharta in defence and promotes Indian industry participation.
• GeM portal was developed in five months based on recommendations of a Group of Secretaries.

Science City of Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) inks MoU with CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR)

[Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research]

Key Updates:

• The Science City of Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) signed an MoU with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) on 30 March 2026.
• The collaboration aims to strengthen science popularisation and promote joint research in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy.
• SCAP CEO Venkateswarlu Kesineni and CSIR-NIScPR director Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam signed the agreement.

India Pharma 2026 to position India as global life-sciences innovation hub

Key Updates:

• India Pharma 2026, 9th edition, will be held on 13-14 April at Federation House, New Delhi.
• Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) are jointly organising the event.
• Theme of the conference is “Discover in India: Leapfrogging Life-Sciences Innovation”.
• Event will focus on drug discovery, complex generics and biosimilars to shift sector from volume-based to value-led growth.
• FICCI, established in 1927, represents over 2.5 lakh companies across sectors.

Anuvadini AI partners with Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to translate Ayurveda research into 13 regional languages

Key Updates:

• Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ayush Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with Anuvadini AI, a platform developed by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the Ministry of Education.
• Anuvadini AI will translate CCRAS's research outputs and educational materials into 13 regional languages, including Hindi.
• CCRAS operates a network of 30 institutes across 25 states in India.
• The collaboration aims to expand public access to evidence-based Ayurveda knowledge across India and reduce misinformation.

Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve to assume control of 652.20 sq km buffer notified area from April 1

[Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve]

Key Updates:

• Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) in Maharashtra’s Gondia will take control of the buffer notified area from April 1.
• The decision was made through a government resolution on December 24 last year.
• The buffer notified area measures 652.20 square kilometres.
• After the transfer, NNTR’s total size will rise to 1305.88 square kilometres.
• The transfer is expected to boost managerial efficiency, curb man-animal conflicts, and allow year-round safaris in the buffer zone.
• Plans include new safari gates, home stay facilities, and adventure sports facilities.

U.N. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) COP15 adds 40 species to global protection list

[Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals]

Key Updates:

• The U.N. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) COP15 summit concluded in Campo Verde, Brazil, with representatives from 132 countries and the European Union.
• CMS Parties approved listing 40 new species for international protection, including the snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica), great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), and giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis).
• A pre-summit report found 49 percent of CMS-catalogued species show declining numbers and nearly one in four are threatened with global extinction.
• CMS-listed countries are legally bound to protect at-risk species, conserve and restore habitats, remove migration barriers, and cooperate with other range states.
• A major U.N. assessment released during the summit warned migratory freshwater fish populations are in freefall due to habitat destruction, overfishing, and water pollution.

Varkala selected in UN’s inaugural 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste initiative

Key Updates:

• Varkala in Kerala is among the 20 cities chosen for the inaugural 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste initiative led by the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste with support from UN-Habitat and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
• The selected cities are Accra (Ghana), Bologna (Italy), Chefchaouen (Morocco), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Dehiwala City (Sri Lanka), Florianopolis (Brazil), Gaziantep (Turkey), George Town (Malaysia), Hangzhou City (China), Iloilo City (Philippines), Kisumu (Kenya), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Lilongwe (Malawi), San Fernando (Philippines), San Francisco (United States), Sanya City (China), Suzhou City (China), Varkala (India), Yokohama (Japan), and Zapopan (Mexico).
• The initiative recognises cities demonstrating ambitious and innovative approaches to reducing waste, advancing circular economy solutions, and building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban systems.
• International Day of Zero Waste is observed annually on 30 March and is jointly facilitated by UNEP and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
• This year’s International Day of Zero Waste focuses on food waste, with around 60 per cent of food waste occurring at the household level and nearly 19 per cent of all food available to consumers wasted every year.
• Humanity generates more than 2.1 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, making cities critical in tackling the waste crisis and its impacts on climate, biodiversity, public health, and livelihoods.

MoEFCC designates CMLRE's Bhavasagara as National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) designated the Bhavasagara Referral Centre of the Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE) as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• The Kochi-based repository holds over 3,500 taxonomically identified and geo-referenced specimens of marine invertebrates and vertebrates.
• As a National Repository, Bhavasagara will serve as the official custodian for newly discovered deep-sea species in Indian waters and provide authenticated specimens for research.
• The facility aligns with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) and supports India’s blue economy and marine governance objectives.

Andhra Pradesh to unveil India's first open-access quantum computer in Amaravati

[Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

• Andhra Pradesh (AP) will launch India's first open-access quantum computer on 14 April 2026 at the SRM University campus in Amaravati.
• The quantum computer is a collaborative initiative between SRM University and Qubit Force to provide research and testing access to students and researchers.
• The state government has established the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) to facilitate indigenous quantum hardware manufacturing, system integration, and algorithm development.
• AP is the first state in India to implement a dedicated quantum computing policy, with the State Quantum Computing Mission currently operating from Medha Towers in Vijayawada.
• The project aligns with the National Quantum Mission (NQM) and aims to position AP as one of the top five global quantum hubs by 2030.
• International Business Machines (IBM), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) are partnering with the state to establish these computing capabilities.
• The initiative involves participation from central institutions including the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
• Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed stakeholders to achieve domestic manufacturing of quantum computing hardware within the next two years.

WWF India and MoEFCC mark Earth Hour 20th anniversary with nationwide awareness drive

[World Wide Fund for Nature]

Key Updates:

• WWF India and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organised Earth Hour outreach in Gwalior on 28 March.
• Activities were held under WWF-India’s Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP).
• Nameeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, MoEFCC, and Lipika Roy, Joint Director, attended the programme.
• Trainees of the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) on “Nature Conservator cum Eco-Tourism Guide” participated.
• An awareness campaign and exhibition took place at The Scindia School, Gwalior.
• The initiative continued at Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Gwalior, with Dr. Chandra Shekhar Barua present.
• Lights were symbolically switched off from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to promote energy conservation.
• Earth Hour began in 2007 and now spans over 190 countries.
• In India, activities include clean-up drives, tree plantation, biodiversity walks, cycling campaigns and sustainability workshops.
• Dr. G. Areendran, Director – Tech for Conservation, WWF-India, stressed youth engagement and capacity building.
• Students from more than 15 States and Union Territories conveyed Earth Hour messages and pledged sustainable lifestyles.
• GSDP students nationwide joined the unified switch-off to support Mission LiFE and the Save Energy theme.
• Iconic monuments, heritage sites and government buildings across India switched off lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

UNESCO reports 273 million children out of school; UNEP flags 50% decline in protected migratory species

[UNESCO]

Key Updates:

• UNESCO's 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report states 273 million children and young people are out of school worldwide.
• One in six school-age children are excluded from education and only two in three complete secondary school.
• Progress in school participation has slowed across most regions since 2015, with conflict and population growth as key drivers.
• Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected by the slowdown in educational participation.
• The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) reported Russia launched nearly 1,000 drones and dozens of missiles at Ukrainian cities during 23-24 March.
• The 23-24 March attacks killed at least six people, injured almost 100, and damaged residential areas, medical facilities, and energy infrastructure.
• Targets included a monastery in Lviv and a maternity hospital in Ivano-Frankivsk region.
• More than 15,000 civilian killings have been confirmed since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine over four years ago.
• 3.7 million people are internally displaced in areas controlled by the Kyiv government.
• The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre report nearly half of migratory species requiring protection are declining.
• Species threatened by extinction have risen to 24% from 22% two years earlier.
• UNEP's Elizabeth Maruma Mrema stated protecting migratory species depends on coordinated international action.
• Environmental multilateralism works and is essential for protecting migratory species that cross borders and oceans.

European Space Agency (ESA) launches first Celeste satellites from New Zealand to test LEO navigation layer for Galileo

[European Space Agency, New Zealand]

Key Updates:

• The European Space Agency (ESA) launched the first two Celeste satellites aboard a Rocket Lab Electron launcher from New Zealand on 28 March at 10:14 CET.
• The satellites separated into a quasi-polar low Earth orbit at 510 km and signal acquisition has been confirmed for both spacecraft.
• Celeste is an in-orbit demonstration mission to assess a complementary LEO layer for Galileo and aims to enable an operational PNT constellation from 2030.
• The current IOD phase plans 11 satellites in orbit plus one ground spare, totalling 12 satellites to be launched by end-2027.
• The next nine satellites, scheduled for launch by end-2027, will occupy a 560 km quasi-polar orbit with larger, more advanced payloads and extended frequencies.
• Two parallel industry consortia lead development: GMV Spain with OHB Germany, and Thales Alenia Space France with Thales Alenia Space Italy, involving over 50 entities.

Jannik Sinner beats Jiří Lehečka to win 2026 Miami Open

Key Updates:

• Jannik Sinner defeated Jiří Lehečka 6-4, 6-4 in the men’s singles final of the 2026 Miami Open on 29 March.
• The victory gave Sinner the rare 'Sunshine Double' after also winning Indian Wells earlier in 2026.
• The match was delayed 90 minutes at the start and halted again for 80 minutes in the second set due to rain.
• Sinner extended his ATP Masters 1000-level winning streak to 34 consecutive sets.
• The final was played in Florida, United States of America.

Kimi Antonelli wins Japanese Grand Prix to become youngest F1 championship leader

Key Updates:

• Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes won the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on 29 March 2026.
• Antonelli became the youngest driver in Formula One history to lead the world championship standings at 19 years old.
• Oscar Piastri of McLaren finished second and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari third.
• George Russell of Mercedes, who started the day leading the championship, finished fourth.
• Lando Norris of McLaren was fifth, Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari sixth, Pierre Gasly of Alpine seventh, and Max Verstappen of Red Bull eighth.
• The next race is the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May 2026 after Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races were cancelled due to war in the Middle East.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 moved in Lok Sabha

[Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code]

Key Updates:

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moved the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
• The Bill is the seventh amendment since the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) came into force in 2016 and the first since 2021.
• The Bill proposes a creditor-initiated, largely out-of-court resolution framework with a 150-day deadline.
• The new framework allows unrelated financial creditors and the debtor to reach an informal rescue plan, with National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) limited to affirming moratorium and approving the plan.
• Between April and December 2025, average resolution time rose to 764 days, against the IBC stipulation of 330 days including litigation time.
• The Bill includes a framework aligned with a model United Nations (UN) law for faster resolution of cross-border and corporate group insolvency cases.

Mahavir Jayanti observed on March 31, 2026

Key Updates:

• Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, who was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
• Lord Mahavira was born in 599 BC into a royal family of the Kshatriya caste in Kundalpur, Vaishali, Bihar.
• At the age of 30, Lord Mahavira renounced worldly life to pursue a spiritual path.
• The five great vows of Lord Mahavira include Nonviolence, Truth, Asteya (not taking what is not yours), Celibacy, and Aparigraha (non-possession).
• The philosophy of live and let live is a central teaching of Lord Mahavira, emphasizing compassion for every living being.
• Lord Mahavira taught that internal traits such as anger, greed, pride, and hatred are the real enemies of an individual.
• The teachings of Lord Mahavira state that every soul is pure, knowledgeable, and blissful by nature.

Global Buddhist Peace Meet held on 25 March 2026

[Telangana]

Key Updates:

• The Global Buddhist Peace Meet commenced on 25 March 2026 at Buddhavanam in Telangana.
• The conference was organised by Buddhavanam, a unit of the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation, in association with the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
• Telangana Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao inaugurated the international event.
• The primary objective of the meet is to showcase Buddhavanam as a Buddhist Heritage Theme Park to the global community.
• The event aims to encourage Buddhist nations to establish monasteries and educational institutions at the site to attract pilgrims from India and South-East Asia.
• Delegates from leading Buddhist nations participated in the sessions to present scholarly papers.

International Day of Zero Waste observed on 30 March

Key Updates:

• International Day of Zero Waste is observed annually on 30 March.
• The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2022.
• It is facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat.
• The observance promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns and raises awareness of the global waste crisis.