Daily Current Affairs: 12 March 2026

Prof Hermann Kulke passes away at 87; Padma Shri awardee and global voice of Odisha history.

Key Updates:

• Prof Hermann Kulke, eminent historian and Indologist, died on Tuesday at the age of 87.
• He was born in Berlin in 1938 and held the position of Professor Emeritus of South and Southeast Asian History at Kiel University in Germany.
• He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2010 for his contributions to Indology and Odisha studies.
• Kulke was a founding member and coordinator of the first two Orissa Research Projects of the German Research Council.
• He completed his PhD in Indology on the temple city of Chidambaram from Freiburg University in 1967.
• He earned his D.Litt on Gajapati Kingship and the Jagannath Cult from Heidelberg University in 1975.
• Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo condoled his death and highlighted his pioneering research on Odisha’s heritage.

Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) appoints Dr Renu Swarup as Conference Chair.

Key Updates:

• Dr Renu Swarup, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, has been appointed Conference Chair for GCWAS–2026.
• Dr Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has been appointed Co-Chair of GCWAS–2026.
• Dr Raj S. Paroda, Chairman of Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), will serve as Chief Patron of GCWAS–2026.
• Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, is one of the Patrons of GCWAS–2026.
• Dr T. Mohapatra, Chairperson of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), is also a Patron of GCWAS–2026.
• Dr Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), is another Patron of GCWAS–2026.

Veteran Tamil Filmmaker Thakkali Srinivasan Passes Away at 72

[Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

• Veteran Tamil filmmaker, producer, composer, and actor Thakkali Srinivasan passed away at the age of 72 in Bengaluru on 10 March 2026.
• He produced several landmark Tamil films including Ivargal Varungala Thoongal, Manasukul Mathappu, Nalaya Manithan, Jenma Natchathiram, Athisiya Manithan, and Witness.
• He directed the horror film Jenma Natchathiram, which was a remake of the Hollywood film The Omen, and also composed the music for the project.
• He directed the thriller Aduthathu, inspired by Agatha Christie's novel And Then There Were None, featuring actors Nassar, Sriman, Vaiyapuri, Ilavarasu, Aarthi, and Meenal.
• He portrayed the antagonist in the film Soora Samharam, starring Kamal Haasan, and directed the murder mystery Asokavanam.
• In his later years, he dedicated himself to philanthropy by running an ashram and living with his adopted children.

Giriraj Singh releases report on India's textile recycling market.

Key Updates:

• Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh released the report titled 'Mapping of Textile Waste Value Chain in India'.
• The report projects India's textile recycling market to reach USD 3.5 billion by 2030.
• The report estimates the market could generate around one lakh green jobs.
• India generates approximately 70.73 lakh tonnes of textile waste annually.
• Panipat is emerging as a major hub for mechanical textile recycling.

Biren Singh Engti passed away at 81, former Union Minister and five-time Lok Sabha MP.

Key Updates:

• Biren Singh Engti, veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister, died at the age of 81 in a private hospital in Guwahati.
• He represented the Diphu constituency in Lok Sabha five times.
• Engti served as chief executive member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.
• He served under the Rajiv Gandhi government.
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi condoled his death.

Revised GDP series raises FY27 fiscal deficit ratio to 4.46% and debt-to-GDP to 57.5%

Key Updates:

• The new GDP series (FY23 base) pegs FY26 nominal GDP at ₹345.47 lakh crore, 3.3% lower than the budget estimate based on the old series.
• With a 10% nominal growth assumed for FY27, the targeted fiscal deficit of ₹16.96 lakh crore equals 4.46% of GDP against the budgeted 4.31%.
• The FY26 fiscal deficit target becomes 4.51% of GDP instead of 4.36% unless the absolute deficit is cut.
• The FY24 and FY25 fiscal deficit ratios are revised upwards to 5.7% and almost 4.95% of GDP from 5.5% and 4.8% respectively.
• The debt-to-GDP ratio for FY27 is now estimated at 57.5%, 1.9 percentage points higher than the budgeted 55.6%.
• ICRA chief economist Aditi Nayar stated the consolidation path to FY31 is relatively steeper under the new series.
• India Ratings chief economist DK Pant said fiscal consolidation and nominal growth rates must be stronger than previously assumed to meet targets.

Reliance Industries partners America First Refining in $300 billion Texas refinery project

[Reliance Industries]

Key Updates:

• Reliance Industries will invest in America First Refining’s planned $300 billion oil refinery at the Port of Brownsville, Texas, the first new US refinery in 50 years.
• US President Donald Trump announced the project on Truth Social, calling it the biggest investment in US history and thanking Reliance as India’s largest privately held energy company.
• The refinery is expected to supply domestic US fuel markets, boost global energy exports, create thousands of jobs, and deliver billions of dollars in economic impact to South Texas.
• Trump claimed the facility will be the cleanest refinery in the world and attributed the investment to America First Agenda policies of streamlined permits and lower taxes.
• Reliance Industries has not confirmed Trump’s claim; its shares rose 2% to Rs 1,434 on BSE the following day.

Union Cabinet approves 60-day timeline for FDI approvals from Land Bordering Countries in critical manufacturing sectors.

Key Updates:

• Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi amended FDI guidelines for countries sharing land border with India (LBCs).
• Beneficial Ownership (BO) definition now aligns with Prevention of Money Laundering Rules 2005 and applies at investor entity level.
• Non-controlling LBC Beneficial Ownership up to 10 percent allowed under automatic route subject to DPIIT reporting.
• LBC investment proposals in capital goods, electronic components, polysilicon and ingot-wafer manufacturing to be decided within 60 days.
• Cabinet Secretary’s Committee may revise the list of specified manufacturing sectors eligible for expedited clearance.
• Majority shareholding and control of investee entity must remain with resident Indian citizen(s) and/or resident Indian entity(ies) owned and controlled by resident Indian citizen(s) at all times.
• Changes stem from Press Note 3 (PN3) dated 17 April 2020 that mandated government route for LBC investments to curb opportunistic takeovers during COVID-19 pandemic.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) caps bank dividend payouts at 75% of Profit After Tax (PAT)

[Reserve Bank of India]

Key Updates:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued revised prudential norms for dividend declaration and profit remittance, effective from Financial Year (FY) 2026-27.
• The revised framework applies to commercial banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Payment Banks (PBs), Local Area Banks (LABs), and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
• The RBI has capped the dividend payout ratio at 75% of the Profit After Tax (PAT) for the relevant financial year.
• A new metric called Adjusted PAT has been introduced, calculated by deducting 50% of a bank's net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) from the PAT as of March 31.
• Dividend eligibility is linked to capital adequacy levels, specifically the Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) ratio for commercial banks.
• Banks must report dividend declaration details to the Department of Supervision of the RBI within a fortnight of the declaration.
• Distributable profits exclude exceptional income, unrealised gains from Level-3 financial instruments, and profits affected by modified audit opinions.

Bank of Baroda (BoB) launches bob Women Sapphire Savings Account with ₹10 lakh cancer cover

[Bank of Baroda]

Key Updates:

• Bank of Baroda (BoB) has introduced the bob Women Sapphire Savings Account, a premium savings product designed specifically for women.
• The account mandates a Monthly Average Balance (MAB) of ₹1 lakh and includes a complimentary cancer care coverage plan worth ₹10 lakh for women aged between 18 and 60 years.
• It features the bob Bhoomi RuPay Select Debit Card, which provides benefits such as domestic airport lounge access, gym memberships, and Over-the-Top (OTT) subscriptions.
• Health and wellness benefits include free online doctor consultations for up to six family members, a 15% concession on medicines, and a 20% concession on pathology tests.
• The account offers a 50% waiver on home loan processing fees and a 20% discount on locker charges up to a maximum of ₹500.
• Account holders are eligible for the BOBCARD Tiara Credit Card, featuring a 50% first-year fee waiver in the form of reward points and unlimited domestic airport lounge access.

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (Axis Max Life) and Saarathi Finance Partner for MSME Credit Protection

[Axis Max Life Insurance]

Key Updates:

• Axis Max Life Insurance Limited (Axis Max Life) has entered into a strategic partnership with Saarathi Finance to bridge the credit gap for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• The collaboration integrates the Group Credit Life Secure insurance product into the lending framework of Saarathi Finance to ensure financial continuity for entrepreneurs.
• The initiative aligns with the national vision of achieving Insurance for All by 2047 and enhancing financial inclusivity for MSMEs.
• Sumit Madan serves as the Managing Director of Axis Max Life, while Vivek Bansal is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Saarathi Finance.

PayU and GoKwik Partner to Launch India's First Integrated Conversion-to-Completion Stack for D2C Brands

[PayU]

Key Updates:

• PayU and GoKwik have entered into a strategic partnership to launch India's first Integrated Conversion-to-Completion stack specifically for the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) sector.
• The collaboration combines GoKwik's conversion intelligence with the payments infrastructure of PayU to address revenue leakage caused by checkout drop-offs and payment failures.
• PayU is a fintech platform regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) that empowers over 4.5 lakh businesses and supports more than 100 online payment methods.
• GoKwik is an e-commerce enablement platform that serves over 15,000 brands and maintains a network of more than 200 million shoppers.
• The integrated solution aims to simplify the commerce stack for digital-first Indian brands by improving transaction success rates and reducing operational complexity.

Essential Commodities Act invoked to prioritise domestic LPG and natural gas supply

Key Updates:

• The Central Government invoked the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act) to ensure uninterrupted supply of domestic cooking gas amid Middle East conflict disrupting oil and gas supply.
• Priority sectors for 100 per cent of past six-month average natural gas consumption are: Domestic Piped Natural Gas supply, Compressed Natural Gas for transport, LPG production including LPG shrinkage requirements, Pipeline compressor fuel, other essential pipeline operational requirements.
• Fertilizer plants must receive natural gas supply at 70 per cent of their past six-month average consumption, subject to operational availability.
• Tea industries, manufacturing and other industrial consumers via the national gas grid, and all City Gas Distribution industrial and commercial consumers must receive 80 per cent of their past six-month average gas consumption, subject to operational availability.
• Oil refining companies were ordered to absorb LNG supply disruption impact by reducing gas allocation to refineries to approximately 65 per cent of past six-month consumption, subject to operational feasibility.
• All natural gas producers, importers, transporters, marketers or distributors must furnish information on production, imports, stocks, allocation, supply and consumption to the Central Government or authorised officer.
• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas directed oil refineries to maximise LPG production and divert extra output specifically for domestic use.
• A 25-day inter-booking period for consumers was introduced to prevent hoarding and black marketing.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy: Union Cabinet eases norms for bordering countries

Key Updates:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the easing of FDI norms for all countries sharing land borders with India.
• The decision involves the amendment of Press Note 3 of 2020, which previously mandated prior government approval for investments from bordering nations in any sector.
• The target countries sharing land borders with India include China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.
• China currently ranks 23rd in India's FDI equity inflow with a 0.32 per cent share, totalling 2.51 billion United States Dollar (USD) from April 2000 to December 2025.
• In the 2024-25 fiscal year, India's exports to China were 14.25 billion USD and imports were 113.45 billion USD, resulting in a trade deficit of 99.2 billion USD.
• During the April-January 2025-26 period, India's exports to China rose to 15.88 billion USD, while imports reached 108.18 billion USD.
• Following military tensions in June 2020, India banned over 200 Chinese mobile apps, including TikTok, WeChat, and Alibaba's UC browser.

PB-SHABD platform free access extended till March 2027

[Prasar Bharati]

Key Updates:

• Prasar Bharati extended free access to its PB-SHABD (Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination) platform until March 2027.
• PB-SHABD was launched in March 2024 and delivers daily news content in video, audio, text and photograph formats.
• The platform taps Prasar Bharati’s network of over 1,500 reporters, correspondents and stringers backed by 60 round-the-clock editing desks.
• Around 1,000 news stories are published daily, covering agriculture, technology, foreign affairs, political developments and governance updates.
• Content is generated by Regional News Units across India and the central headquarters, and is available in all major Indian languages.
• All material is logo-free and credit-free, allowing media organisations to use it without attribution.
• Registered media outlets can access the service through shabd.prasarbharati.org.

Cabinet clears ₹3,630.77 crore for Jewar airport road connectivity

[Jewar International Airport]

Key Updates:

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the revised total capital cost of ₹3,630.77 crore for greenfield connectivity to Jewar international airport.
• The 31.42 km project corridor will provide direct high-speed connectivity from South Delhi, Faridabad and Gurugram to the airport in Uttar Pradesh.
• About 11 km of the project will be developed as an elevated highway between DND-Ballabhgarh Bypass and Jewar International Airport at an additional cost of ₹689.24 crore.
• The Government of Haryana has agreed to bear ₹450 crore of the elevated corridor cost.
• The corridor intersects the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, the Yamuna Expressway, and the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) to enable multimodal transport convergence.
• The airport has received an aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and is expected to start operations soon.

Madurai Airport Granted International Status by Union Cabinet

[Madurai Airport]

Key Updates:

• The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to declare Madurai airport as an international airport to boost global connectivity.
• Madurai will become the third international airport in Tamil Nadu once the status change is implemented.
• Union Information and Broadcasting Minister (MIB) Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision to support the region's industrial clusters and its role as an educational and healthcare hub.
• The upgrade is expected to enhance connectivity to pilgrimage sites including Meenakshi Amman temple, Koodal Azhagar temple, Thirupparankundram Murugan temple, Palamudhircholai Murugan temple, and Rameswaram.
• The policy aims to attract international pilgrims and businesses while supporting trade and economic activity in the surrounding areas.
• The MIB stated that several airlines have shown interest in expanding international operations from the airport.
• Madurai airport is among the oldest airports in Tamil Nadu and currently handles domestic flights.

Gujarat launches 'Lake and Air Watch' initiative with ₹10 crore outlay for real-time air and lake monitoring

[Gujarat]

Key Updates:

• Gujarat Urban Development Mission (GUDM) will launch the 'Lake and Air Watch' initiative under the state’s Urban Development and Urban Housing Department.
• Air quality monitoring stations will be installed in 17 municipal corporations and 152 municipal areas to provide real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) information.
• The initiative has an estimated provision of Rs 10 crore to strengthen environmental protection and promote sustainable urban development.
• Satellite technology will analyse lake areas, waste presence and algae growth, and timely alerts will be issued for conservation action.
• An integrated digital platform will consolidate lake health and air quality data at the state level through a centralised dashboard with maps, trends and alerts.

Sashakt Panchayat - Netri Abhiyan and Nirbhay Raho Initiative: ₹4,35,236 Crore Allocated for Rural Bodies

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) organised a national conference in Delhi to commemorate the first anniversary of the Sashakt Panchayat - Netri Abhiyan.
• The Nirbhay Raho initiative was launched under the Nirbhaya Scheme to enhance women's safety and leadership in rural governance.
• The initiative aims to provide capacity building and legal rights training to 14.5 lakh elected women representatives.
• A total of 17.5 lakh male representatives will be sensitised on gender equality as part of the programme.
• The financial allocation for rural bodies has been increased to ₹4,35,236 crore for the 2026-31 period.
• The conference showcased the Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled SabhaSaar platform designed to improve inclusive local governance.

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) receives Rs 1.51 lakh crore additional outlay with digital mapping

Key Updates:

• Union Cabinet approved an additional Rs 1.51 lakh crore for Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) till 2028.
• Total scheme outlay till 2028 set at Rs 8.70 lakh crore, with Centre’s share of Rs 3.59 lakh crore including Rs 2.08 lakh crore allocated in 2019.
• National digital framework ‘Sujalam Bharat’ will map the drinking water supply system from source to tap.
• Every village will be assigned a unique Sujal Gaon/Service Area ID under the new digital framework.
• Gram Panchayats and Village Water & Sanitation Committees will certify works and declare ‘Har Ghar Jal’ only after confirming in-village operation and maintenance mechanisms.

PM Gati Shakti Plan: ₹4,474 crore multitracking projects approved for West Bengal and Jharkhand

[West Bengal, Jharkhand]

Key Updates:

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved two railway multitracking projects worth ₹4,474 crore.
• The projects will add fourth lines on the Sainthia–Pakur and Santragachi–Kharagpur routes, adding about 192 km across West Bengal and Jharkhand.
• Proposed by the Ministry of Railways (MoR), the works are scheduled for completion by 2030–31 under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
• The expansion will benefit around 5,652 villages with a combined population of nearly 1.47 crore people.
• Freight movement is expected to rise by about 31 million tonnes annually, saving an estimated six crore litres of oil and cutting carbon emissions by nearly 28 crore kg.
• Tourist spots gaining better rail access include Bolpur-Shantiniketan, Nandikeshwari Temple, Tarapith, Patachitra Gram, Dhadika Forest, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Rameshwar Kund.

Mission Karmayogi partners with Coursera for Civil Servant Upskilling

[Coursera]

Key Updates:

• Edtech firm Coursera has partnered with India's Mission Karmayogi to provide upskilling for civil servants and government officials.
• Coursera will utilise the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform to deliver a curated collection of courses focused on advanced competencies.
• The partnership aims to equip officials with targeted, role-based skills to enhance the design and delivery of public administration programmes.
• Chhavi Bhardwaj serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Karmayogi Bharat.

Uttarakhand FY 2026-27 Budget of Rs 1.11 lakh crore through GYAN Model

[Uttarakhand]

Key Updates:

• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presented the state budget of Rs 1.11 lakh crore for Financial Year 2026-27.
• The budget was presented on the first day of the session after the Governor's address, a first in state history.
• The GYAN model targets poor, youth, farmers (annadata), and women as four key development pillars.
• Annapurti Scheme allocation is Rs 1,300 crore.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) allocation is Rs 298.35 crore and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) is Rs 56.12 crore.
• Rs 25 crore is allocated for housing for economically weaker sections.
• Free travel in Transport Corporation buses for designated passengers gets Rs 42 crore.
• Cooking gas subsidy provision is Rs 43.03 crore.
• Social security pensions (Divyang Pension, Teelu Rauteli Pension, others) receive Rs 167.05 crore.
• Disaster-affected family rehabilitation fund is Rs 25 crore.
• Chief Minister Self-Employment Scheme allocation is Rs 60 crore.
• Migration Prevention Scheme gets Rs 10 crore.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Rural Skill Development Scheme allocation is Rs 62.29 crore.
• Assistance to non-government colleges is Rs 155.38 crore.
• Shiksha Mitras honorarium provision is Rs 10 crore.
• Chief Minister Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Scheme receives Rs 10 crore.
• Trout Promotion Scheme allocation is Rs 39.90 crore.
• Mission Apple gets Rs 42 crore.
• Incentive for milk producers is Rs 32 crore.
• Deendayal Upadhyay Cooperative Farmers Welfare Scheme allocation is Rs 42.50 crore.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana receives Rs 160.13 crore.
• Millet Mission allocation is Rs 12 crore.
• Farmers' Pension Scheme gets Rs 12.06 crore.
• Nanda Gaura Scheme allocation is Rs 220 crore.
• Pradhan Mantri Matritva Vandana Yojana receives Rs 47.78 crore.
• Chief Minister Mahalakshmi Kit Scheme gets Rs 30 crore.

Tata Advanced Systems selects Ramco Systems to digitise IAF C-130J MRO facility

[Tata Advanced Systems, Ramco Systems, Indian Air Force]

Key Updates:

• Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has chosen Ramco Systems’ integrated aviation MRO platform to power the digital backbone of its upcoming defence maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for the Indian Air Force’s Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
• Ramco Systems will deploy modules covering contract and quote management, maintenance planning, hangar and component maintenance, supply chain management, engineering and quality, and customer billing.
• The software suite includes Ramco’s mobile applications, e-publications, digital task cards and resource planning and optimisation tools for real-time shopfloor data access.
• The facility will specialise in maintaining the Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules fleet and will interface with TASL’s enterprise resource planning system.
• Ramco Systems shares traded at Rs 427.90 on BSE, up 5.94% as of 11:45 AM Monday.

India Unveils Defence Forces Vision 2047 Roadmap for Future-Ready Military

Key Updates:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the document titled Defence Forces Vision 2047: A Roadmap for a Future-Ready Indian Military in New Delhi on Tuesday.
• The roadmap envisages the transformation of the military into an integrated, multi-domain, and agile force capable of deterring adversaries and responding to conflicts.
• The vision document was released eight months after a military conflict between India and Pakistan that occurred from May 7 to 10.
• A central pillar of the vision is the emphasis on jointness and synergy among the services to promote coordination in planning, operations, and capability development.
• The plan prioritises Aatmanirbharta in defence by promoting the development of indigenous technologies and strengthening domestic defence manufacturing.
• The roadmap outlines prioritised capability goals across short-, medium-, and long-term timelines to build a world-class defence force by India’s independence centenary.
• The document advocates for a whole-of-nation approach that integrates military strength with diplomatic, technological, and economic power to safeguard national interests.
• The vision aims to contribute to the goal of a strong and resilient Viksit Bharat by establishing a technologically advanced and combat-ready military.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy conduct in-flight release trials of ADC-150 from P8I aircraft

[Defence Research and Development Organisation, Indian Navy]

Key Updates:

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy jointly conducted four successful in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container ADC-150 from the P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1.
• The ADC-150 is indigenously designed to deliver a 150 kg payload and enhances naval operational logistics capabilities for quick response to naval vessels under distress.
• Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, is the nodal laboratory for the activity.
• Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, developed the parachute system.
• Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Bengaluru, provided the flight clearance and certification.
• Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, provided the instrumentation support for the trials.
• The ADC-150 system for the P8I aircraft was developed and qualified in a short timeframe to meet Indian Navy requirements.
• All developmental flight trials have been completed successfully and the system is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon.

Deloitte opens ConnectSafe cybersecurity facility in Bengaluru

[Deloitte]

Key Updates:

• Deloitte opened ConnectSafe, a 4,500 sq ft cybersecurity facility in Bengaluru.
• The facility is claimed to be India’s first to focus on safeguarding human lives and critical infrastructure rather than only data protection.
• It simulates real-world cyber-threat scenarios across automotive, MedTech, industrial and consumer ecosystems.
• Organisations can test and validate security controls without disrupting live operations.
• The facility will also be accessible to researchers, cyber experts, academic institutions, students and governments.

NASA’s 1,300-pound Van Allen Probe A re-enters Earth’s atmosphere over eastern Pacific after 14-year mission

[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]

Key Updates:

• NASA’s Van Allen Probe A, launched in August 2012, re-entered Earth’s atmosphere at 6:37 a.m. ET on Wednesday over the eastern Pacific Ocean region confirmed by the U.S. Space Force.
• The probe and its twin Van Allen Probe B were designed to explore Earth’s Van Allen radiation belts and lasted nearly seven years instead of the planned two-year mission.
• Mission ended in 2019 when the probes ran out of fuel and could no longer orient toward the sun.
• Probe A’s re-entry was accelerated by the current active solar cycle increasing atmospheric drag, advancing the expected 2034 re-entry date.
• Probe B is not expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere until the 2030s.

Karnataka High Court halts on-ground work for Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project

[Karnataka]

Key Updates:

• The Karnataka High Court directed that no work or activities related to the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project and Kalkatte Bridge construction be carried out in the forest without the court’s permission.
• A Division Bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Poonacha passed the interim order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by Akhilesh Chipli, Ravindranath Shanbhogue, and Manohar Kumar CB.
• Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty stated that the petition was premature as the matter is with the National Wildlife Board and no approval has been granted to the project so far.
• Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, representing the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited, contended that there is no impediment in Section 29 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in carrying out non-forest activities in a sanctuary.
• The bench noted that the Sharavathi valley sanctuary was declared inter alia for preservation of lion-tailed macaques, and disruption of habitat of such endangered species would prima facie mitigate one of the principal purposes of declaring the sanctuary.

Route to Lachen, gateway to Gurudongmar Lake, reopens in Sikkim after June 2025 landslide damage

[Sikkim]

Key Updates:

• The road from Chungthang to Lachen in North Sikkim reopened after a newly constructed 400-foot bridge was inaugurated last week.
• North Sikkim District Magistrate Anant Jain stated that only one vehicle is allowed to cross the bridge at a time due to single-lane width.
• Tourist permits for Gurudongmar Lake, located at about 17,000 feet, are being issued again with nearly 90 per cent processed online from the Third Mile office.

Smriti Mandhana retains top spot in women’s ODI rankings, Jemimah slips to 12th

[International Cricket Council]

Key Updates:

• Smriti Mandhana retained the top spot in the latest women’s ODI batting rankings released on Tuesday.
• Harmanpreet Kaur remained static at eighth spot in the same rankings.
• Jemimah Rodrigues slipped to 12th position after India lost the three-match ODI series 0-3 against Australia.
• New Zealand skipper Melie Kerr jumped five places to 11th in the ODI bowler rankings after taking seven wickets in the second match against Zimbabwe in Dunedin.
• Melie Kerr also climbed one place to fifth in the ODI all-rounder rankings.
• Brooke Halliday rose eight places to 11th in the ODI batter rankings after scoring 157* from 117 balls in the series opener against Zimbabwe.
• Maddy Green moved up four spots to equal 22nd in the ODI batter rankings after scoring 67 in the first match and an unbeaten 27* in the second match.
• Hasini Perera of Sri Lanka rose 15 spots to 28th in the T20I batter rankings following an unbeaten half-century in the third match against West Indies.
• Imesha Dulani of Sri Lanka climbed 17 rungs to equal 72nd in the T20I batter rankings after an unbeaten 34* in the same match.
• Kavisha Dilhari of Sri Lanka moved up three spots to 21st in the T20I bowler rankings and two places to 11th in the T20I all-rounder rankings.
• Afy Fletcher of West Indies climbed four rungs to seventh in the T20I bowler rankings after taking three wickets in the final two games against Sri Lanka.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosts Sunrisers Hyderabad to open IPL 2026

[Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad]

Key Updates:

• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the first phase of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to be held from 28 March to 12 April 2026.
• Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
• The first phase of the tournament will feature 20 matches across 10 venues: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.
• Gujarat Titans (GT) appointed former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya as Assistant Coach for the upcoming IPL 2026 season.
• Vijay Dahiya represented India in 19 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Tests and previously coached Delhi to the Ranji Trophy title in the 2007-08 season.
• GT, who won the IPL title in their inaugural 2022 campaign, also recently appointed former Australia player Matthew Hayden as Batting Coach.
• The tournament schedule includes four double-headers, with afternoon matches starting at 03:30 PM IST and evening matches at 07:30 PM IST.

No Smoking Day 2026 observed on March 11

Key Updates:

• No Smoking Day 2026 is observed on March 11, the second Wednesday of March.
• The theme for 2026 is 'A Smoke-Free Life Starts With A Smoke-Free Day'.
• No Smoking Day was first launched in 1984 in the United Kingdom.

No-trust motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla defeated during Budget Session 2026

Key Updates:

• A no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was defeated on Wednesday during the Budget Session of Parliament.
• The motion was introduced by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and backed by more than 50 MPs, enabling its formal discussion.
• 118 Opposition MPs signed the motion, alleging that Om Birla displayed partisan behaviour and failed to maintain impartiality.
• BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, presiding, allowed the motion and allotted 10 hours for debate.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Speaker, stating that even the Supreme Court could not judge the ruling of the Speaker.
• Amit Shah also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying, "When sessions come, he plans foreign trips. So, how will he speak here from abroad?"

Supreme Court allows passive euthanasia for patient in 13-year vegetative state on March 11, 2026

Key Updates:

• The Supreme Court (SC) of India permitted the withdrawal of artificial life support for Harish Rana, marking a historic first for a patient in a permanent vegetative state (PVS).
• The decision was delivered by a bench comprising Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice K V Viswanathan.
• The court classified Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration (CANH) as a medical treatment rather than basic sustenance, allowing its withdrawal under specific legal requirements.
• The SC directed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, to admit the patient to its palliative care department to implement the end-of-life care plan.
• The ruling follows the 2018 landmark judgment in the Common Cause vs Union of India case, which recognised the legality of passive euthanasia for terminally ill patients.
• The SC urged the Central Government to enact comprehensive legislation addressing end-of-life care to prevent decisions influenced by financial distress or socio-economic vulnerability.
• The court directed Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) of all districts to prepare and maintain a panel of registered medical practitioners for nomination to secondary medical boards.

40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair inaugurated on 11 March 2026

Key Updates:

• The 40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair was inaugurated on 11 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Italy is the partner country for the 40th edition, marking the first time the fair has featured a partner country.
• The event is organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and spans an area of 125,000 square metres.
• The fair features 1,800 participants, including 155 international participants from 17 countries.
• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal noted that India is the seventh largest exporter of agricultural produce globally.
• India’s annual food and agricultural exports have reached nearly ₹5 lakh crore, exceeding USD 55 billion.
• The official AAHAR digital app was introduced to facilitate QR-enabled interactions, B2B networking, and hall navigation.
• The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry will provide support to exporters under the Export Promotion Mission.
• India has concluded nine Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) over the past three and a half years, providing preferential market access to 38 countries.

ASSOCHAM and ICCC sign MoU to strengthen India-Canada business collaboration

[ASSOCHAM, India-Canada Business Collaboration]

Key Updates:

• The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and the Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) signed an MoU on Monday during the India-Canada Business Roundtable held in New Delhi.
• The MoU provides a framework for collaboration to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation between members of both organisations.
• Both organisations will facilitate exchange of information on trade policies, economic laws, and investment opportunities in India and Canada.
• Joint initiatives under the MoU include trade missions, business delegations, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, and workshops.
• Notable attendees included Anil K Agarwal (Past President & Chairman, ASSOCHAM International Council), Kam Rathee (Chair of the Advisory Board, ICCC), Prashant Srivastava (President, ICCC), Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra (Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Education), Ed Jager (Trade Commissioner, High Commission of Canada to India), and Nina Tangri (Associate Minister of Small Business, Government of Ontario).