NATIONAL AFFAIRS
GoI Launches RELIEF Scheme to Support Indian Exporters Amid West Asia Conflict
In March 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) announced the launch of a new initiative, Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme to support Indian exporters impacted by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Key Highlights:
- Purpose: The RELIEF initiative is a time-bound and targeted measure aimed at mitigating the impact of rising logistics costs, higher insurance premiums, and war-related risks affecting export consignments moving to or through the Gulf region.
- Financial Outlay: The scheme will be implemented with a financial outlay of Rs 497 crore under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM). A dashboard-based monitoring system will be introduced to track claims and fund utilisation in real time.
- Implementing Agency: ECGC Ltd. (Formerly Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd.), wholly owned by Government of India (GoI), has been designated as the nodal and implementing agency responsible for verification, claim processing, disbursement, and monitoring.
CEA Midterm Review of 20th Electric Power Survey: India's Power Capacity to Reach 1,121 GW by 2035-36
In March 2026, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the apex power planning body under the Ministry of Power (MoP), released the midterm review of the 20th Electric Power Survey (EPS) titled 'National Generation Adequacy Plan (2026-27 to 2035-36)' at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi (Delhi).
The Projection: India's installed power generation capacity is projected to rise from around 520 GW (as of 31 January 2026) to 1,121 GW by 2035–36, with peak electricity demand expected to reach 459 GW (CAGR: 5.58%) and total electricity requirement increasing to 3,365 billion units (BU) (CAGR: 6.41%) between FY25 and FY36.
India Power Sector Outlook (2035–36):
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Generation | Rises to 3,596 BU |
| Net Generation | Nearly doubles from 1,725 BU to around 3,450 BU |
| Non-fossil Capacity | 786 GW (~70%) |
| Non-fossil Generation Share | Nearly 49% by 2035–36 |
Projected Energy Mix by 2035–36:
| Source | Capacity (GW) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Photovoltaic (PV) | 509 GW | 45% |
| Coal | 315 GW | 28% |
| Wind | 155 GW | 14% |
| Hydropower | 77 GW | 7% |
| Nuclear | 22 GW | Smaller share |
| Gas | 20 GW | Smaller share |
| Biomass | 16 GW | Smaller share |
| Small Hydro | 6 GW | Smaller share |
NIRYAT Data for FY25: Tamil Nadu Becomes Top Textile Exporter
In March 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), released the National-Import-Export Record for Yearly Analysis of Trade (NIRYAT) data for Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25).
As per the report, Tamil Nadu (TN) has emerged as India's top state in textile exports, registering exports worth USD 7,997.17 million (21.84% of India's overall exports).
Key Findings:
| Rank | State | Textile Exports (FY25) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tamil Nadu | USD 7,997.17 million |
| 2nd | Gujarat | USD 5,646.01 million |
| 3rd | Maharashtra | USD 3,831.28 million |
- Total Textile Exports (India): USD 36,610 million in FY25
- About NIRYAT: A dedicated platform launched by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in 2022, providing real-time comprehensive data on foreign trade.
BPCL Launches India's 1st LPG ATM in Gurugram, Haryana
In March 2026, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), launched India's 1st Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at Central Park Flower Valley in Sector 33, Sohna, in Gurugram, Haryana.
The launch was part of BPCL's pilot project branded as 'BharatGas Insta LPG', which aims to test automated gas distribution in urban areas.
About India's 1st LPG ATM:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Quick, safe, and round-the-clock access to LPG, particularly during global supply shortages amid West Asia war crises |
| Cylinder Type | Lightweight composite cylinder weighing about 15 kg (vs conventional iron cylinders weighing nearly 31 kg) |
| Capacity | Maximum of 10 cylinders; auto-alert to nearest gas agency when stock falls below 2 cylinders |
Digital Process: Registered BharatGas customers enter their registered mobile number, verify via One Time Password (OTP), scan the barcode or Quick Response (QR) code on their empty cylinder, and complete payment digitally through Unified Payments Interface (UPI) or debit card.
Indian Army Conducts Exercise 'Amogh Jwala' at Babina Field Firing Ranges, UP
The Southern Command of Indian Army (IA) successfully conducted Exercise 'Amogh Jwala' from March 6 to 18, 2026 at the Babina Field Firing Ranges in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
The 13-day long military exercise aimed to validate the IA's preparedness for mechanised warfare in a multi-domain operational environment.
About Amogh Jwala:
- Key Achievement: Successful demonstration of the deployment of mechanised forces with newly inducted Apache attack helicopters, fighter aircraft, drone and counter-drone systems, and network-enabled battlefield platforms.
- Key Technologies Used: Advanced surveillance systems, precision firepower, and real-time communication networks to enhance battlefield transparency and decision-making.
- Integration of Advanced Technologies: Effective integration of Electronic Warfare (EW), Air Defence (AD), and night-fighting capabilities, reflecting the rising combat edge of a networked and future-ready force.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Forbes World's Billionaires List 2026: Elon Musk Tops Globally; Mukesh Ambani Leads in India
In March 2026, Forbes released its 40th annual World's Billionaires List 2026, featuring a record 3,428 billionaires, with Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, retaining the top spot for the second consecutive year with a net worth of about USD 839 billion, while Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), ranked as India's richest with USD 99.7 billion.
Top 3 Global Billionaires:
| Rank | Name | Company | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Elon Musk | Tesla & SpaceX | USD 839 billion |
| 2nd | Larry Page | Alphabet (Google) | USD 257 billion |
| 3rd | Sergey Brin | Alphabet Inc. (Google) | USD 237 billion |
Key Highlights:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Billionaires | 3,428 (including 390 new entrants) |
| Combined Net Worth | USD 20.1 trillion (up from USD 16.1 trillion in 2025) |
| Top Country | USA — 989 billionaires |
| 2nd Country | Mainland China — 539 billionaires |
| 3rd Country | India — 229 billionaires |
| Women Billionaires | 481 (14% of total, up from 13.4% in 2025) |
| Richest Woman | Alice Walton (Walmart heir) — USD 134 billion (2nd consecutive year) |
WTO Global Trade Outlook 2026: Merchandise Trade Growth to Slow to 1.9%
In March 2026, the World Trade Organization (WTO) released its Global Trade Outlook and Statistics – March 2026 report, projecting global merchandise trade growth to slow sharply to 1.9% in 2026 from 4.6% in 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia, normalization of AI-related demand, and effects of earlier tariff-driven front-loading of shipments.
Key Findings:
| Parameter | 2025 | 2026 (Projected) | 2027 (Projected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Trade Growth | 4.6% | 1.9% | 2.6% |
| Combined Goods & Services Trade | 4.7% | 2.7% | — |
| Commercial Services Trade | 5.3% | 4.8% | 5.1% |
| Global GDP Growth | 2.9% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
BANKING & FINANCE
AIC Launches 'Krishi Sakhi' to Empower Women Farmers
In March 2026, the Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC), a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), launched 'Krishi Sakhi', a year-long programme aimed at empowering women farmers and enhancing their participation in agriculture and crop insurance.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations (UN's) designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Key Details:
- Awareness Campaign: AIC will launch structured month-wise activities across its head office and regional offices.
- Key Objectives: Create sustained awareness, promote participation of women in agriculture and crop insurance, and recognise their contribution towards strengthening the agricultural sector.
- Key Interventions: Publication of articles and interviews, as well as awareness campaigns on sanitation and hygiene in rural communities, particularly targeting women farmers and households.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Professor Kaveh Madani Named 2026 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate
On 18 March 2026, Kaveh Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), was named the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate at a ceremony held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France during the 2026 World Water Day (March 22) event.
At 44, Kaveh Madani became the youngest recipient in the prize's 35-year history, and the first UN official as well as the first former politician to receive the award.
About Kaveh Madani:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Current Role | Director, UNU-INWEH |
| Recognition | Honoured for contributions to water governance and crisis management, shifting global focus from infrastructure-based solutions to governance-driven approaches |
| Key Contribution | Highlighted that weak governance is a key cause of water crises |
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran Conferred Honorary Knighthood by UK
In March 2026, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons (the holding company of the Tata Group), was conferred the Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by the United Kingdom (UK) government for his contribution to strengthening India–UK business relations.
The honour was presented by Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, at the British High Commissioner's residence in New Delhi (Delhi), on behalf of King Charles III.
About the KBE (Civil Division) Honour:
- Overview: An honorary knighthood awarded to foreign nationals for pre-eminent service in business, public life, culture, and international relations.
- Title Rule: UK nationals use the title 'Sir' or 'Dame', while non-UK recipients add 'KBE' as a suffix to their name.
Previous Indian Recipients of KBE:
| Recipient | Year |
|---|---|
| Jamshed Irani | 1997 |
| Ravi Shankar | 2001 |
| Ratan Tata | 2009 (elevated to GBE in 2014) |
| Lakshmi Niwas Mittal | 2015 |
| Sunil Bharti Mittal | 2025 |
SPORTS
India to Host World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha
In March 2026, the World Athletics Council (WAC) awarded India the hosting rights for the 22nd edition of the World Indoor Athletics Championships (WIAC 2028), which will be held at Kalinga Indoor Athletics Stadium (KIAS) in Bhubaneswar (Odisha), during the meeting held in Torun (Poland).
About WIAC 2028:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organized By | World Athletics (WA) |
| First Edition | 1985 in Paris, France |
| Significance | India will host WIAC for the first time, becoming the 4th Asian nation after Japan, Qatar, and China |
| 21st Edition | Torun, Poland (20–22 March 2026) |
| 23rd Edition | Awarded to Astana, Kazakhstan (2030) |
| Vision | Aligns with India's ambitions to host the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2030 and Olympic Games (OG) 2036 |
IMPORTANT DAYS AT A GLANCE
International Day of Happiness – March 20
The United Nations (UN's) International Day of Happiness is observed annually on 20 March to emphasize the importance of happiness and well-being as essential components of human life and public policy.
2026 Theme: "Caring and Sharing"
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| UN Resolution | 2012 — UNGA adopted Resolution A/RES/66/281, supported by all 193 member states |
| First Observance | 20 March 2013 |
| 2026 Report | World Happiness Report (WHR) 2026 released by Wellbeing Research Centre (WRC), University of Oxford (UK) in partnership with Gallup Inc (GI) and UN-SDSN |
| WHR 2026 Rankings | Finland — 1st (9th consecutive year); India — 116th |
French Language Day – March 20
The United Nations (UN's) French Language Day is observed annually on 20 March to promote multilingualism, cultural diversity, and the equal recognition of the UN's six official languages.
Background:
- Origin: The date commemorates the anniversary of the establishment of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) on 20 March 1970 in Niamey, Niger. The ACCT became the Intergovernmental Agency of La Francophonie in 1998 and was later renamed the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) in 2005.
UN Language Days:
| Language | Date |
|---|---|
| French | 20 March |
| Chinese | 20 April |
| English | 23 April |
| Spanish | 23 April |
| Russian | 6 June |
| Arabic | 8 December |
World Oral Health Day – March 20
World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is observed annually on 20 March to raise awareness about the importance of oral health and reduce the burden of oral diseases on individuals, health systems, and economies.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Declared | 2007 (initially observed on 12 September, marking the birth anniversary of FDI founder Dr. Charles Godon) |
| Campaign Theme (2024–2026) | "A Happy Mouth is…A Happy Mind" — highlights the link between oral health and overall well-being, including mental health |
| Led By | FDI World Dental Federation (Federation Dentaire Internationale – FDI) |
STATE NEWS
Chandigarh University UP Launches CoE in Smart Healthcare to Strengthen AI Integration
In March 2026, Chandigarh University (CU) in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India's first private Artificial Intelligence (AI)-augmented multidisciplinary university, launched a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Smart Healthcare to strengthen the state's vision of AI in healthcare and governance.
About CoE in Smart Healthcare:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Headed by Dr. Thipendra P. Singh, Professor of AI and Pro Vice Chancellor; supported by Minister of State (MoS) Aseem Arun (IC), Department of Social Welfare, UP |
| Infrastructure | Powered by advanced Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) systems with 168 Gigabyte (GB) memory using NVIDIA Blackwell architecture |
Key Functions:
- Testbed for smart city healthcare solutions
- Support five AI startups over the next two years
- Facilitate hospital-based validation of technologies
- Strengthen UP's healthcare ecosystem through AI-driven integration
Training Initiative: The University launched the Artificial Intelligence Ethics Training Programme (AIETP) in collaboration with upGrad, aiming to train 1.50 lakh youth in 5 years.
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