Daily Current Affairs: 24 March 2026

Arundhati Reddy and Sahibzada Farhan won ICC Player of the Month for February.

[International Cricket Council]

Key Updates:

• Arundhati Reddy was named ICC Player of the Month for February for her performances in the T20I series in Australia.
• Reddy took 4/22, 2/30 and 2/35 and finished as the leading wicket-taker with eight wickets at an average of 10.87 and economy of 7.25.
• India won the three-match T20I series against Australia 2-1.
• Sahibzada Farhan was named ICC Player of the Month for February for his performances in the men's T20 World Cup.
• Farhan scored 383 runs in seven T20Is at an average of 76.60 and strike rate of 160.25.
• He became the first player to register two centuries in a single edition of the T20 World Cup, against Namibia and Sri Lanka.

Amit Shah Pays Tributes to Guru Angad Dev on Jyoti Jyot Day

Key Updates:

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tributes to the second Sikh Guru, Guru Angad Dev, on his Jyoti Jyot Day.
• Guru Angad Dev developed the Gurmukhi script, which helped spread the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev widely.
• He strengthened the traditions of langar and sangat, promoting service, equality, and brotherhood.
• Amit Shah highlighted that Guru Angad Dev's ideals and teachings continue to guide society and inspire generations.

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions 2.0 introduced to facilitate credit flow.

Key Updates:

• The Government of India launched Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0) on 21 March 2026.
• The scheme provides guarantee cover through National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) to Banks and Financial Institutions against losses on loans to NBFC-MFIs and MFIs.
• Guarantee coverage is 80% for small, 75% for medium and 70% for large NBFC-MFIs/MFIs.
• Guarantee fee is 0.50% per annum on sanctioned amount in first year and on outstanding amount thereafter.
• Interest rate cap is EBLR or MCLR + 2% per annum on loans by MLIs to NBFC-MFIs or MFIs.
• On-lending to small borrowers must be at 1% below the average lending rate of the past 6 months.
• The scheme is valid till 30 June 2026 or until Rs 20,000 crore of loans are guaranteed, whichever is earlier.
• Approximately 36 lakh MFI borrowers are expected to benefit from the scheme.

Ravindra Jadeja appointed as brand ambassador of City Union Bank.

[City Union Bank]

Key Updates:

• City Union Bank appointed Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja as its primary brand ambassador on 16 March 2026.
• The two-year agreement was executed in association with Baseline Ventures India Private Limited.
• The announcement was made under Regulation 30 read with Schedule III of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
• The disclosure was submitted to National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) under scrip code CUB and to Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) under scrip code 532210.
• City Union Bank is a private sector bank headquartered in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.

Datta Meghe, four-time Lok Sabha MP and veteran BJP leader, passed away at 89.

Key Updates:

• Datta Meghe died on Sunday evening at the age of 89.
• He was elected to the Lok Sabha four times from Nagpur, Ramtek and Wardha constituencies.
• He served as a Rajya Sabha member from 2002 to 2008.
• Meghe began his political career with the Congress, later joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999, and switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014.
• He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters and grandchildren; his son Sandeep Meghe is the Hingna MLA and another son Sagar Meghe is a former MLC.

Commerce Department data shows China overtakes Netherlands as India’s third-largest export market

[China, Netherlands]

Key Updates:

• China became India’s third-largest export destination in February, overtaking the Netherlands.
• Exports to China grew 32.4 per cent to $1.67 billion in February, mainly due to a low base.
• Exports to the Netherlands fell sharply by 31.3 per cent to $1.29 billion in February.
• The United States (US) remained India’s largest export destination, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• Shipments to the US declined nearly 13 per cent year-on-year to $6.89 billion in February.
• Exports to the UAE dipped marginally by 0.3 per cent to $3.25 billion in February.
• Exports to Germany and Hong Kong grew by 4 per cent and 32.1 per cent, respectively, in February.
• Overall merchandise exports declined 0.81 per cent year-on-year to $36.61 billion in February.
• Exports to seven of India’s top 10 destinations contracted during February.

Ministry of Coal (MoC) achieves 1 billion tonne coal production for second consecutive year

Key Updates:

• India achieved the landmark of 1 billion tonne (BT) coal production on 20 March 2026.
• This achievement marks the second consecutive year that the country has reached the 1 BT coal production milestone.
• The Ministry of Coal (MoC) reported that the sustained output has supported the power sector in maintaining record coal inventories at thermal plants.
• The production milestone aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 to enhance domestic production capabilities and drive sustainable economic development.
• The landmark was achieved despite heightened uncertainties in global energy markets resulting from the West Asia crisis.

Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) sign MoU to strengthen geospatial tools for wildlife and forest conservation.

Key Updates:

• Forest Survey of India (FSI) and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Saturday.
• The MoU aims to strengthen the use of geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and AI/ML-based tools in forest fire management, wildlife conservation, and decision support systems.
• The signing took place during the 90th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) chaired by Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav in Dehradun.
• SC-NBWL is a statutory body constituted under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, and advises the government on conservation and protection of wildlife and forests.
• The committee considered proposals across sectors such as roads, drinking water supply, transmission lines, defense, irrigation, and other infrastructure.
• The committee noted the status of key national initiatives relating to species recovery, habitat management, and institutional strengthening.
• The committee deliberated on the dependence of nomadic and pastoral communities on Protected Areas and emphasized balanced approaches for conservation goals while considering traditional practices and socio-economic dependencies.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves Jose Joseph Kattoor as South Indian Bank Chairman

[South Indian Bank]

Key Updates:

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sanctioned the appointment of former RBI Executive Director Jose Joseph Kattoor as non-executive part-time chairman of South Indian Bank on 3 February 2026.
• Kattoor’s chairmanship is effective 23 March 2026 for a three-year term.
• He served at RBI from 1991 to 2023 and led departments including enforcement, corporate strategy, currency, and human resources.
• Kattoor has been an independent director on South Indian Bank’s board since 18 July 2024.

Kotak Mahindra Capital Company (KMCC) divests 30.99% stake in Infina Finance for ₹1,293.91 crore.

[Kotak Mahindra Bank, Infina Finance]

Key Updates:

• Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited (KMCC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank, signed definitive agreements on 21 March 2026 to sell 30.99% of its holding in Infina Finance Private Limited.
• KMCC will transfer 9.90% stake (2,17,899 equity shares) to Derive Trading and Resorts Private Limited and Bright Star Investments Private Limited for ₹413.35 crore.
• KMCC will sell 12.10% stake (2,66,321 equity shares) to the estate of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala through its trusts for ₹505.20 crore.
• KMCC will divest 8.99% stake (1,97,870 equity shares) to existing shareholder KF Trust for ₹375.35 crore.
• Post-transaction, KMCC’s stake in Infina will drop to 19%, and Infina will cease to be an associate company of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
• The transactions are expected to complete on or before 31 March 2026, subject to customary conditions precedent.

Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 mandates IPS dominance in senior CAPF leadership

Key Updates:

• The Centre will introduce the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on 23 March 2026.
• The Bill replaces fragmented rules of CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB with a single unified administrative framework.
• At least 50 per cent of Inspector General posts will be reserved for IPS officers on deputation.
• A minimum 67 per cent of Additional Director General posts will be reserved for IPS officers on deputation.
• The posts of Special Director General and Director General will be filled exclusively by IPS deputationists.
• All current recruitment rules in the Second Schedule stay valid until amended, preventing administrative vacuum.
• The Bill explicitly states it involves no expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.

Assam government proposes new Reserved Forest adjacent to Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary to boost habitat connectivity.

[Assam]

Key Updates:

• The Assam government has proposed the creation of a new Reserved Forest adjacent to Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonitpur district.
• Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra river in Assam.
• The sanctuary is part of the Laokhowa–Burachapori ecosystem and lies between Kaziranga National Park to the east and Orang National Park to the west.
• Vegetation includes wet alluvial grasslands, riparian forests, semi-evergreen forests, and supports species such as Hollong, Mekai, Dhuna, Udiyam, Nahar, and Samkothal.
• Fauna includes the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, wild buffalo, hog deer, wild pig, elephants, Bengal Florican, Black-necked Stork, Mallard, Teal, and Whistling Duck.
• The proposed Reserved Forest aims to improve habitat continuity, reduce fragmentation, and facilitate wildlife movement across protected areas in the Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem.

Delhi govt–IIT Madras MoU to test 'smog-eating' photocatalytic coatings on roads

Key Updates:

• Delhi government signed a six-month collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) on 13 March to evaluate photocatalytic coatings that break down nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• The project is funded by the Delhi government and led by Professor Somnath C Roy of IIT Madras.
• Laboratory testing will precede field trials in Delhi; specific trial locations are yet to be decided.
• Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) surfaces will be assessed for their ability to dismantle pollutants under sunlight.
• Deployment modes under study include mixing TiO₂ into concrete and asphalt, applying it as coatings, and developing rooftop or streetlight-mounted panels.

National District Mineral Foundation Summit 2026 to boost development in mining-affected districts

Key Updates:

• Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy inaugurated the two-day National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Summit 2026 at SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi.
• The Summit titled Effective Utilisation of District Mineral Funds for ADP/ABP Areas is organised by the Ministry of Mines (MoM).
• Union Minister of State for Coal & Mines Satish Chandra Dubey and Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Piyush Goyal, attended the event.
• The Summit aims to strengthen inter-governmental coordination and identify policy reforms for improving effective and outcome-oriented utilisation of DMF funds in mining-affected districts, particularly in Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) areas.
• Senior officials from Central Ministries, State Governments, District Administrations, NITI Aayog, and other stakeholders are participating to deliberate on challenges, best practices, and reform measures related to DMF planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• A Concept Note was shared with DMF States, 306 DMF districts in ADP/ABP areas, and NITI Aayog in January 2026, followed by a virtual national consultation and state-level deliberations.
• States submitted summarised inputs highlighting key challenges, actionable recommendations, and examples of effective DMF-funded interventions, which informed a Comprehensive Final Note serving as the principal reference document for Summit deliberations.
• The Summit will focus on effective fund utilisation in ADP/ABP areas, covering governance, transparency, convergence, impact assessment, and performance, with presentations by State representatives, NITI Aayog, and BiSAG-N.
• A DMF Exhibition on the sidelines showcases successful projects and best practices funded through DMF resources across States, featuring initiatives in health, nutrition, water supply, education, skill development, livelihoods, renewable energy, and infrastructure.

First Bharat Electricity Summit (BES) concludes with focus on clean energy transition

Key Updates:

• The maiden Bharat Electricity Summit (BES) concluded at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, with over 35,000 exhibition attendees, 28 States/Union Territories, 200+ exhibiting companies including 80+ Start-ups, 6,000+ delegates, 300+ speakers, and 100+ conference sessions.
• India has crossed over 50% non-fossil fuel capacity and targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
• Union Power Minister Manohar Lal announced that the next edition of BES will be held in 2028 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Three reports were released: Rating Regulatory Performance of States and Union Territories 2025 by Power Foundation of India; Ash Generation and Utilisation at coal/lignite-based Grid Connected thermal power stations for 2024-25 by Central Electricity Authority (CEA); and Establishing a Sodium-ion Battery Ecosystem in India by Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).

Rare Earth Magnet Pilot Plant at ARCI Hyderabad to boost indigenous Nd-Fe-B magnet production.

[Telangana]

Key Updates:

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has set up a pilot plant for manufacturing neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) rare earth permanent magnets at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) in Hyderabad.
• DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar inaugurated the facility on Friday in the presence of scientists, industry representatives and officials from related institutions.
• The plant adopts an end-to-end process from strip-cast alloy production to finished sintered magnets aimed at supporting domestic manufacturing capabilities.
• The facility will serve as a platform for technology validation, process optimisation and scaling up of indigenous innovations for commercial manufacturing.

RRU and SSB Academy sign MoU to enhance national security training

Key Updates:

• Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Academy signed an MoU in New Delhi to enhance National Security Training and Accreditation.
• RRU, an Institution of National Importance, will provide academic accreditation for training programmes conducted at the SSB Academy.
• Both institutions will exchange faculty expertise, pedagogical tools, and specialised training facilities.
• RRU will offer SSB personnel hands-on training through its laboratories and field-based workshops.
• The collaboration aims to modernise SSB’s training curriculum with technology-driven solutions for border surveillance and internal security.

Himachal Pradesh Budget 2026-27: ₹54,928 crore outlay with ₹500 crore for pending works

[Himachal Pradesh]

Key Updates:

• Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented a ₹54,928 crore budget for 2026-27 in the state assembly.
• The budget is about ₹4,000 crore less than the previous year’s ₹58,514 crore.
• Discontinuation of the revenue deficit grant (RDG) will cause an annual loss of ₹8,105 crore to the state.
• A provision of ₹500 crore has been made to complete 300 pending works identified by the state government.

United States proposes naval coalition to reopen Strait of Hormuz after Iranian attacks

Key Updates:

• Iran has struck more than a dozen ships in the 21-nautical-mile-wide Strait of Hormuz since hostilities began two weeks ago.
• US President Donald Trump publicly called on China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to send warships to secure the strait.
• Trump later extended the invitation to all countries that receive oil through the strait and specifically asked NATO member states to join, threatening consequences for non-participation.
• UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said Britain is 'intensively looking' at what it can do to help reopen the maritime passage.
• Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated Japan has 'not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships'.
• France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs confirmed France will not send ships, maintaining a defensive posture.
• South Korea, which imports 70 percent of its oil from the Gulf, said it was 'closely monitoring' and exploring measures to ensure safe energy transport.
• Australia confirmed it will not send naval ships to assist in reopening the strait.
• Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers have been allowed by Iran to sail through the strait, while a Turkish-owned vessel was similarly granted passage after direct negotiations.
• Fourteen more Turkish vessels are awaiting clearance from Tehran.
• France and Italy are reportedly in talks with Iranian officials to negotiate passage for their vessels, though no official confirmation has been given.

Israel Destroys Litani River Bridges and Targets Infrastructure in Lebanon

Key Updates:

• Israeli air strikes destroyed two bridges over the Litani River in southern Lebanon to obstruct the Hezbollah armed group from transporting weapons and fighters.
• The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the strikes were a direct action against the use of Lebanese state infrastructure for militant activities.
• United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 conflict, mandates that armed groups are barred from operating south of the Litani River.
• The Zrarieh Bridge was specifically identified as one of the river crossings damaged during the aerial bombardment.
• Israeli forces targeted the Al Qard Al Hassan organisation, alleging it serves as a financial wing for Hezbollah military operations.
• Recent strikes in central Beirut resulted in 12 fatalities and 27 injuries, with total casualties in Lebanon reaching 968 since 2 March.
• The military escalation has led to the displacement of over one million people from southern Lebanon, eastern regions, and the Dahieh suburb of Beirut.

United States Lawmakers Introduce Keep Innovators in America Act on 23 March 2026

[United States]

Key Updates:

• United States (US) lawmakers introduced the Keep Innovators in America Act to formally codify the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme into law.
• The bipartisan bill was introduced by US Representatives Sam Liccardo, Jay Obernolte, and Raja Krishnamoorthi to provide statutory backing for the post-study work programme.
• The OPT programme currently allows international students on F-1 visas to work in the US for 12 months, while Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduates are eligible for a two-year extension.
• According to the Open Doors survey for 2024-25, a total of 3,63,019 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions.
• Participation in the OPT programme among Indian students surged to approximately 1,43,740, making them the largest cohort of international students in the US.
• The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) stated that international students contribute more than $40 billion annually to the US economy and support hundreds of thousands of jobs.

India and Bhutan sign MoU on Postal Cooperation during 19-22 March 2026 visit

[Bhutan]

Key Updates:

• Secretary (Posts), Ministry of Communications, Government of India and Secretary, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Royal Government of Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Postal Cooperation on 19-22 March 2026.
• The MoU provides a structured framework for collaboration between India Post and Bhutan Post in postal operations, technology development, capacity building, logistics connectivity, philately, and knowledge exchange.
• The UPU-UPI cross-border remittance initiative will be launched to integrate the Universal Postal Union (UPU) PosTransfer system with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for affordable remittance services between India and Bhutan.
• Bhutanese postal officials will attend training programmes in India at the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National Postal Academy and other Department of Posts training centres.
• India and Bhutan agreed to share experience on digital postal systems and the Digital Address Code for improved logistics and service delivery.
• Bhutan Post was invited to participate in philatelic exhibitions organised in India to continue cultural exchange.

Indian Navy frigate INS Nilgiri joins Exercise Kakadu 2026 sea phase in Australia

[Australia]

Key Updates:

• INS Nilgiri is participating in the sea phase of Exercise Kakadu 2026 in Australia during its deployment to the Western Pacific.
• Exercise Kakadu is a multilateral maritime exercise hosted by Australia that brings together navies from across the Indo-Pacific region.
• The exercise aims at strengthening interoperability, cooperation and maritime understanding among participating navies.
• The Indian Navy will commission its latest stealth frigate Taragiri (F41) on 3 April 2026.
• Taragiri, built under Project 17A by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, has over 75 per cent indigenous content.
• The 6,670-tonne Taragiri is equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

World Meteorological Day 2026 observed with theme Observing today, protecting tomorrow

[World Meteorological Organization]

Key Updates:

• World Meteorological Day is observed annually on March 23 to commemorate the formal establishment of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
• The theme for World Meteorological Day 2026 is Observing today, protecting tomorrow.
• The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) that coordinates global weather and climate activities.
• The first-ever World Meteorological Day was celebrated in 1961, eleven years after the establishment of the WMO in 1950.
• The WMO facilitates international collaboration for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and the sharing of crucial weather data between countries.
• The organisation supports research on climate change, water resources, and environmental monitoring while promoting technological innovations like satellite technology and supercomputers.
• The WMO provides data that assists governments in disaster preparedness, helps farmers with crop strategies, and enables safer operations for airlines and fishermen.

Elon Musk unveils Terafab project to produce AI chips for Earth and space

Key Updates:

• Elon Musk announced the Terafab manufacturing facility near Austin, Texas to produce AI, robotics and data-centre chips.
• Terafab targets one terawatt of computing power per year, equivalent to slightly less than total US power generation capacity.
• Tesla and SpaceX will jointly run Terafab; Musk cited no initial investment figure, though earlier US media reports estimate $20-25 billion.
• The facility will design, manufacture, test and refine chips on-site, aiming for 100-200 gigawatts on Earth and one terawatt in space.
• Musk said global suppliers Samsung, TSMC and Micron cannot expand fast enough to meet Tesla and SpaceX demand.

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovers new cockroach species Neoloboptera peninsularis in Deccan plateau

Key Updates:

• Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Prof. Ramkrishna More College have identified a new cockroach species named Neoloboptera peninsularis in the Deccan plateau.
• The species was recorded from agricultural landscapes in Nathachi Wadi, Daund, near Pune, where it lives in decomposing leaf litter and beneath palm shrubs.
• Neoloboptera peninsularis is characterised by a yellowish-brown glossy body, fully developed wings, asymmetrical cerci, and a whip-like male genital component.
• Prior to this finding, only two species within the genus Neoloboptera had been documented in India, with the last one described in 1995.
• The research team, led by Shabnam Ansari and Dr K P Dinesh, employed an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological analysis with modern DNA sequencing.
• The study provides the first DNA barcode for the genus, addressing the Darwinian shortfall regarding evolutionary relationships.
• The discovery addresses the Linnaean shortfall concerning species diversity and the Wallacean shortfall regarding species distribution in the Deccan peninsula.
• Genetic analysis conducted during the study indicated several distinct undocumented lineages in Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Japan retrieves rare earth-rich sediment from 6,000 m below Pacific near Minamitorishima

[Japan]

Key Updates:

• Japan recovered rare earth-rich sediment from nearly 6,000 m below the Pacific Ocean near Minamitorishima island south of Tokyo using the deep-sea research vessel Chikyu.
• Surveys in the 2010s indicated the area could hold more than 16 million tonnes of rare earth resources.
• The collected samples are undergoing analysis to determine exact concentration and composition of rare earth elements.
• Japan relies heavily on imports for rare earth elements and views the deep-sea project as part of its strategy to diversify supply sources and strengthen economic security.

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) researcher discovers new mangrove crab species Chhapgarus ngankeeae along India’s west coast.

[Goa]

Key Updates:

• Chhapgarus ngankeeae, a new marine crab species, was identified from preserved specimens collected in Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
• Sameer Kumar Pati of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) found the species by re-examining crabs previously misidentified as Pseudograpsus intermedius.
• The holotype was collected from beneath a stone in the muddy backwaters of the Galgibag River in Goa.
• The crab measures about 1.6 cm across its squarish, brown, hairy shell and has a uniquely V-shaped constriction on the hard tip of the male first gonopod.
• The species name honours the late marine biologist Dr Ngan Kee Ng of the National University of Singapore for her contributions to brachyuran crab taxonomy.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR–IVRI) produces five Sahiwal calves using OPU–IVF–ET technology

Key Updates:

• ICAR–IVRI at Izatnagar, Bareilly achieved the first-ever birth of five healthy Sahiwal calves between 28 February and 4 March 2026 through ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up, in vitro fertilisation, and embryo transfer (OPU–IVF–ET).
• The donor Sahiwal cow yields over 12 litres of milk per day and the proven bull used has a maternal lineage lactation yield of approximately 3,320 kg.
• Average oocyte recovery under non-stimulated conditions reached 13.14 in Sahiwal, 14.5 in Tharparkar cattle, and 4.5–5.5 in Murrah buffalo.
• Blastocyst production rates exceeded 47% in cattle and 42% in buffalo, benchmarks comparable to leading global laboratories.
• ICAR–IVRI initiated the focused programme during 2022-23 to standardise OPU–IVF–ET protocols for Sahiwal cattle, Tharparkar cattle, and Murrah buffalo.

Monarch butterfly spring migration from Mexico shows encouraging population rebound

Key Updates:

• Monarch butterflies begin northward migration from central Mexico as spring starts.
• First wave crosses into Texas, then spreads through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Missouri.
• Subsequent generations reach Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin.
• Eastern branch moves through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Mid-Atlantic states.
• Western monarchs overwinter on California coast and migrate inland through California, Nevada, Arizona and Pacific Northwest.
• Recent monitoring shows monarch populations have increased compared to previous seasons after years of decline.

Fanny Utagushimaninde scripts history with debut T20I century

Key Updates:

• Rwanda batter Fanny Utagushimaninde scored 111 runs on her Women’s T20I debut against Ghana in the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament.
• At 15 years and 223 days she became the youngest T20I centurion, breaking Uganda’s Prosscovia Alako record set at 16 years 233 days in 2019.
• She became the first woman to score a T20I century on debut, surpassing Karen Rolton’s 96 not out against England in 2005.
• Rwanda posted 210/3 in 20 overs and won by 122 runs, restricting Ghana to 88/8.
• Belise Murekatete took three wickets for Rwanda while Marie Bimenyimana and Henriette Ishimwe picked one wicket each.

LeBron James surpasses Robert Parish for most games played in NBA history

[United States]

Key Updates:

• LeBron James set the NBA all-time record with 1,612 games played.
• Stephen Curry has played 1,065 regular-season games and 155 playoff games, totalling more than 1,200 official games.
• James is in his 23rd NBA season and has appeared in 49 games this season, averaging 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

Anahat Singh wins JSW Indian Open squash title

Key Updates:

• Anahat Singh defeated Egyptian World No 29 Hana Moataz 11-5, 11-6, 9-11, 11-6 to clinch her second straight JSW Indian Open title.
• The 18-year-old Indian won the final played at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) court.
• Abhay Singh defeated compatriot Veer Chotrani 11-9, 11-8, 11-4 to secure the men’s title.

Ria Solanki wins gold in shot put at national para-athletics championship

Key Updates:

• Ria Solanki, 19, won gold in shot put at the national para-athletics championship in Bhubaneswar.
• She was born without her left hand below the elbow and began training in shot put in 2018.
• Her mother Sakshi works as a housemaid in Meerut and the family faced severe financial constraints to support her training and nutrition.

Sahibzada Farhan wins ICC Men's Player of the Month for February 2026

[International Cricket Council]

Key Updates:

• International Cricket Council (ICC) named Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026.
• Farhan scored 383 runs in seven matches (six innings) at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka at an average of 76.60.
• He hit two centuries and two half-centuries and finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer.
• Farhan became the first batter to score two centuries in a single edition of the men’s T20 World Cup, with tons against Namibia and Sri Lanka.
• He broke Virat Kohli’s longstanding record for most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition.
• Farhan reached a career-high second position in the ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings after scoring a century against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.
• He shared a record 176-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman, the highest for any wicket in T20 internationals.
• Last Pakistan male player to win the monthly ICC award was Haris Rauf in November 2024.

Sikkim to host 49th Yonex Sunrise Junior National Badminton Championship 2026

[Sikkim]

Key Updates:

• Sikkim will host the 49th Yonex Sunrise Junior National Badminton Championship Individual & Team – U-19 2026 from 14th to 21st November.
• The Badminton Association of India (BAI) is organising the championship.
• Jacob Khaling, President of the Badminton Association of Sikkim, stated that this is the first time Sikkim has been chosen to host the prestigious national-level event.

Shaheed Diwas observed on March 23 and January 30 in India

Key Updates:

• Shaheed Diwas is observed annually on March 23 to honour the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar.
• The three revolutionaries were executed by the British government on March 23, 1931, for their role in the Indian freedom struggle.
• India also observes Shaheed Diwas on January 30 to mark the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.
• The historical background of the March 23 observance is linked to the 1928 protests against the Simon Commission, which lacked Indian representation.
• Lala Lajpat Rai, popularly known as Punjab Kesari, died after sustaining injuries during a police lathi charge in Lahore while protesting the Simon Commission.
• Bhagat Singh defined revolution as an inalienable right of mankind and freedom as an imperishable birthright of all.

World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People observed on March 20

Key Updates:

• World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People is celebrated annually on March 20.
• The day was established by the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ) in 2001.
• ASSITEJ was founded in Paris in 1965 to connect theatre companies and professionals involved in theatre for children and young people.
• The campaign promotes the message 'Take a child to the theatre, today, so they can see, hear, feel, think and imagine.'
• Theatre for young audience (TYA) became a distinct branch in the early 20th century with the emergence of dedicated children's theatres.
• Events on the day include performances, workshops, seminars, webinars, and media events organised by ASSITEJ centres, theatres, schools, and artists worldwide.

World Down Syndrome Day 2026 observed on March 21 with theme "Together Against Loneliness"

Key Updates:

• World Down Syndrome Day 2026 will be observed on March 21.
• The global theme for 2026 is "Together Against Loneliness".
• The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF) is based in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.