National Affairs

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth ₹33,500 crore in New Delhi, Delhi.

The projects include major metro expansion corridors, housing redevelopment projects, and a virtual foundation stone for the Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport in Kota, Rajasthan.

Metro Expansion:
PM Modi inaugurated two new sections of the Pink Line and Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro.

Project Cost:
The total cost of the Delhi Metro expansion projects is around ₹18,300 crore.

Key Highlight:
With the inauguration of the Majlis Park–Maujpur Babarpur corridor, the Delhi Metro Pink Line has expanded to around 71.56 km, completing circular metro connectivity across the city.

General Pool Residential Accommodation:
PM Modi also launched redevelopment works under the GPRA programme.

Objective:
The GPRA redevelopment aims to modernise ageing government housing colonies in New Delhi.

Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport:
PM Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for the Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport in Rajasthan.

Finland President Alexander Stubb Visits India from March 4–7, 2026

President of Finland Alexander Stubb paid a four-day State Visit to India from 4 to 7 March 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This was Alexander Stubb’s first visit to India in his current capacity.

Purpose of Visit:
The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation in:

• Digitalisation
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Trade
• Green technologies
• Multilateral cooperation

Bilateral Discussions:
PM Narendra Modi and President Alexander Stubb held discussions on trade, innovation, digital technologies, sustainability, and global forums.

Key Meetings:
During his visit, President Stubb met:

• President Droupadi Murmu
• Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan
• External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar

Raisina Dialogue 2026:
President Alexander Stubb attended the 11th Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi as the Chief Guest and keynote speaker.

Theme:
“Samskara – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement”

Strategic Partnership:
India and Finland elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership for Innovation and Sustainability.

Focus Areas of Partnership:

• Digital Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Quantum Computing
• Green Hydrogen
• 6G Technology

Uttarakhand Ranks First in ICJS 2.0 Implementation

Uttarakhand secured the first position in India in the implementation of the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System 2.0.

The state scored 93.46 on the latest ICJS / CCTNS Progress Dashboard released by the National Crime Records Bureau, with data up to January 2026.

Top 5 States:

Key Reason:
The achievement was attributed to the close monitoring of the implementation of India’s three new criminal laws by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

New Criminal Laws Implemented:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam

Digitalisation under ICJS 2.0:
Uttarakhand implemented the ‘One Data, One Entry’ mechanism.

Integrated Systems:

• Police – CCTNS
• Courts – e-Courts
• Jails – e-Prisons
• Prosecution – e-Prosecution
• Forensic Labs – e-Forensics

Romania Ratifies International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement

Romania formally ratified the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance in March 2026.

Instrument of Ratification Submitted By:
Sena Latif, Ambassador of Romania

Received By:
P. S. Gangadhar, Joint Secretary and Head of Depository, Ministry of External Affairs

Background:
In December 2023, ISA announced that Romania had signed the Framework Agreement and joined as the 118th member country.

Ratification:
Romania completed the ratification by depositing its Instrument of Ratification, thereby officially becoming a member of the alliance.

Government Sets Up 17-Member Committee for SEZ Policy Reforms

The Government of India constituted a 17-member committee to suggest broader reforms in the policy framework for Special Economic Zones.

The move aims to revive exports amid global trade uncertainty and support the creation of a modern SEZ 2.0 policy.

Committee Composition:
The committee includes representatives from:

• Commerce Department
• Customs Department
• NITI Aayog
• DPIIT
• CBIC
• Directorate General of Export Promotion
• Export Promotion Council for SEZs
• Two Development Commissioners
• Department of Economic Affairs

Timeline:
The committee will submit a concept paper and recommendations within six months.

Key Task:
The panel will undertake a background study to review the integration of existing export promotion schemes with SEZs.

Objective:
The reforms will help formulate a broad-based and comprehensive SEZ 2.0 policy.

NITI Aayog and Tata Electronics Partner to Boost Electronics Manufacturing

NITI Aayog collaborated with Tata Electronics Private Limited to drive India’s electronics manufacturing growth.

The collaboration was formalised during a meeting between Suman Bery, Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, and the Tata Electronics team led by Randhir Thakur, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TEPL.

Focus Areas:

• Scaling electronics production
• Strengthening supply chains
• Enhancing India’s participation in global value chains
• Supporting semiconductor and electronics manufacturing

Scheme Support:
The Union Budget 2026–27 enhanced the outlay for the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to ₹40,000 crore.

India’s Progress:
Over the last 11 years, India’s electronics sector has:

• Increased production nearly six times
• Generated around 2.5 million jobs
• Emerged as a global manufacturing hub

Role of TEPL:
Tata Electronics is a major player in:

• Semiconductor testing
• Mobile components
• Electronics components manufacturing
• Large-scale technology investment and innovation

Banking & Finance

Bank of Baroda Becomes First Indian Bank to Raise ₹10,000 Crore Green Infrastructure Bonds

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

The issuance supports India’s sustainable finance ecosystem and strengthens BoB’s Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives.

Bond Details:

Platform:
The bonds were placed on the Electronic Book Provider platform of the National Stock Exchange of India.

Investor Response:
The issue received bids of over 3 times the base size, showing strong investor confidence.

Ratings:
The bonds received AAA stable ratings from:

• CARE Ratings
• ICRA

Purpose:
The proceeds will finance eligible green projects under BoB’s Green Financing Framework, including:

• Renewable energy
• Sustainable infrastructure
• Climate-friendly infrastructure projects

Swiggy and HDFC Bank Launch Two Co-Branded Credit Cards

HDFC Bank and Swiggy launched two new co-branded credit cards in March 2026.

Cards Launched:

• Swiggy BLCK HDFC Bank Credit Card
• Swiggy Ornge HDFC Bank Credit Card

These cards focus on rewards across food delivery, quick commerce, travel, lifestyle, and daily spending.

Background:
The new cards expand the existing Swiggy-HDFC co-branded credit card portfolio launched in 2023.

Rollout:
The cards will be rolled out in phases and can be applied through:

• Swiggy app
• HDFC Bank digital platforms

Swiggy BLCK HDFC Bank Credit Card

Target Segment:
Higher lifestyle spending customers

Benefits:

• 10% cashback on Swiggy transactions
• Up to 5% cashback on select entertainment, travel and e-commerce platforms
• 1% cashback on other eligible transactions
• 3-month Swiggy One BLCK membership

Swiggy Ornge HDFC Bank Credit Card

Target Segment:
Daily shoppers

Benefits:

• 5% cashback on Swiggy transactions
• Cashback on select everyday categories such as travel and ride-hailing
• 1% cashback on other transactions
• 12-month Swiggy One BLCK membership

Annual Savings:
Both cards offer maximum annual savings of up to ₹48,000.

Partner Platform Benefits:

• 19% off plus 5% cashback on hotel bookings through Cleartrip
• 5% discount plus 5% cashback across Nykaa apps

Existing Cardholders:
Existing cardholders of the original Swiggy-HDFC credit card will continue to receive cashback benefits across more than 30 digital platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra.

Appointments & Resignations

Mojtaba Khamenei Appointed Supreme Leader of Iran

Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran by the Assembly of Experts in March 2026.

He became the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Background:
The appointment followed the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in airstrikes.

Constitutional Body:
The decision was taken by the Assembly of Experts, the constitutional body responsible for appointing and supervising the Supreme Leader.

Predecessor:
He succeeded Iranian cleric Alireza Arafi, who served as interim Supreme Leader.

RBI Approves Ketan Merchant as Interim CEO of Fino Payments Bank

The Reserve Bank of India approved the appointment of Ketan Merchant, Chief Financial Officer of Fino Payments Bank, as the interim Chief Executive Officer of the bank.

He will perform the duties of the Managing Director and CEO under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Tenure:
The appointment is for a period not exceeding four months from the date of RBI approval.

Predecessor:
He succeeded Rishi Gupta, MD and CEO of Fino Payments Bank, who stepped aside after being arrested in connection with alleged GST violations.

Interim CFO:
The board also approved Anup Agarwal as the interim Chief Financial Officer for up to four months, effective from 6 March 2026.

Transition to Small Finance Bank:
In December 2025, RBI granted in-principle approval to Fino Payments Bank to convert into a Small Finance Bank.

Timeline:
The bank has 18 months to complete the transition.

Science & Technology

ISRO and ESA Sign Agreement for Earth Observation Missions

The Indian Space Research Organisation and the European Space Agency virtually signed a new agreement to strengthen cooperation in Earth observation missions.

Agreement Title:
“ESA–ISRO Arrangement concerning Joint Calibration and Validation Activities and Scientific Studies for Earth Observation Missions”

Signatories:

• M. Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary, ISRO
• Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes, ESA

Objective:
The agreement aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of satellite data used for:

• Climate monitoring
• Environmental research
• Earth science
• Disaster management

Background:
ISRO–ESA cooperation began in 1978 and was renewed in 2002.

Areas of Existing Cooperation:

• Earth observation
• Navigation systems
• Ground station support
• Human spaceflight
• Chandrayaan missions
• Aditya missions
• Deep-space communications

Key Mission Supported:
The agreement supports ESA’s upcoming Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) mission.

About FLEX:
FLEX is an Earth Explorer satellite designed to monitor global vegetation health by measuring chlorophyll fluorescence.

Sports

India Wins ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

The India men’s national cricket team won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final.

Final Venue:
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Date:
8 March 2026

Key Achievement:
India won its third ICC T20 World Cup title.

Previous Titles:

• 2007
• 2024
• 2026

Historic Record:
India became the first team to successfully defend the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title.

About ICC T20 World Cup 2026:

Prize Pool:
The ICC allocated a total prize pool of USD 13.5 million.

Prize Money:

Obituary

1965 War Hero and Vir Chakra Awardee K.G. George Passes Away

Lance Havildar retired K.G. George, a Vir Chakra awardee from the 1965 India–Pakistan War, passed away in Kottayam, Kerala, at the age of 95.

He was born in February 1931.

About K.G. George:

Service:
He served in the Corps of Signals of the Indian Army.

About Corps of Signals:
The Corps of Signals is the communication arm of the Indian Army and was established on 15 February 1911.

Bravery in 1965 War:
During the 1965 India–Pakistan War, K.G. George risked his life to establish a vital communication link between the Brigade Headquarters and forward battalions during an enemy attack.

Award:
He was awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award.

Retirement:
He retired from the Indian Army as a Lance Havildar.

Legacy:
He is remembered for his courage, devotion to duty, and contribution to India’s military history.

Important Days

International Women’s Day 2026 – March 8

International Women’s Day is observed every year on 8 March to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

The day also recognises women’s contributions across national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, and political divisions.

2026 Observance:
8 March 2026 marked the 51st year of the United Nations’ official observance of International Women’s Day.

Theme 2026:
“Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”

Background:

UN Recognition:
The United Nations began observing International Women’s Day in 1975, which was designated as International Women’s Year.

UNGA Resolution:
In December 1977, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 8 March as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.

2026 Global Event:
The United Nations is hosting the global commemoration at its Headquarters in New York, USA.

Linked Forum:
The observance is being held alongside the Commission on the Status of Women 70, from 9 to 19 March 2026.

Event in India:
Nationwide celebrations were organised in New Delhi in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu.

Important Days at a Glance

State News

Goa CM Pramod Sawant Presents ₹30,195 Crore Budget for FY27

Goa Chief Minister and Finance Minister Pramod Sawant presented his 7th budget worth ₹30,195 crore for FY 2026–27 in the Goa Legislative Assembly in Panaji, Goa.

The budget focuses on healthcare, education, infrastructure, tourism, employment generation, and climate action.

Key Financial Indicators:

FRBM Compliance:
The fiscal deficit remains within the limits prescribed under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003.

Major Allocations:

Budget Focus Areas:

• Healthcare strengthening
• Tourism development
• Employment generation
• Infrastructure expansion
• Drinking water supply
• Smart power infrastructure
• Climate resilience
• Sustainable development in Goa