National Affairs

11th Raisina Dialogue Held in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue on 5 March 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi.

The three-day global conference was held from 5–7 March 2026 and was organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Chief Guest:
Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, attended the inaugural session as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address.

Theme 2026:
“Saṁskāra – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement”

About Raisina Dialogue:
The Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics.

Focus Areas:

• Global strategic issues
• Technological disruptions
• Economic security
• International relations
• Emerging geopolitical challenges

Previous Edition:
The 10th Raisina Dialogue was held from 17–19 March 2025 in New Delhi.

Key Launches:

Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative:
The inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) was held on 5 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Water Governance Report:
Bisleri International collaborated with ORF to launch a report titled:

“A Vision of Water Governance for Viksit Bharat@2047”

Union Minister C.R. Patil Launches Jal Mahotsav 2026 in Gujarat

Union Minister C.R. Patil, Ministry of Jal Shakti, launched Jal Mahotsav 2026 on March 8, 2026, from Rahej village, Gandevi Block, Navsari district, Gujarat.

The nationwide campaign is being organised by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Special Observance:
The launch coincided with International Women’s Day, which was observed as ‘Sujalam Shakti Diwas’ to highlight the role of women in rural water management.

Duration:
Jal Mahotsav is observed annually from March 8 to March 22, culminating on World Water Day.

Tagline:
“गाँव का उत्सव, देश का महोत्सव”
“Village’s Festival, Nation’s Festival”

Jal Arpan Diwas:
The campaign began with Jal Arpan Diwas, symbolising the handing over of rural drinking water assets to Gram Panchayats.

Objective:
The campaign aims to strengthen Jan Bhagidari, or community participation, and ensure long-term sustainability of water infrastructure under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Implementation Levels:

• National Level
• State Level
• District Level
• Gram Panchayat Level

India and Uzbekistan Launch Pharma-Nutraceutical Corridor for Eurasian Market

India and Uzbekistan jointly launched a structured Pharma-Nutraceutical Corridor in March 2026.

The corridor is designed to expand access to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and wider Eurasian healthcare market, estimated to be worth USD 7–10 billion.

Partnership:
The corridor was formalised through a partnership between:

• Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan
• Nutrify Today, Bengaluru-based nutraceutical platform
• Pharma Eurasia, Tashkent-based trade and exhibition platform

Purpose:
The Indo-CIS Pharma-Nutraceutical Corridor is a policy-backed platform to promote:

• Regulatory alignment
• Trade facilitation
• Investment
• Commercial engagement
• Healthcare market access

Commercial Launch:
The corridor will be commercially activated at Pharma Eurasia 2026, scheduled from 20–22 May 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Operational Focus:

• Regulatory harmonisation
• Supply chain digitisation
• Investment facilitation
• Joint ventures
• Research and Development collaboration
• Trade matchmaking
• Market entry support

AIIMS and ISRO Sign MoU to Advance Space Medicine Research

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an MoU to strengthen research in space medicine.

The agreement aims to develop healthcare solutions for astronauts participating in future Indian space missions.

Signatories:

• M. Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi
• Dinesh Kumar Singh, Director, Human Space Flight Centre, ISRO

Objective:
The MoU aims to promote:

• Research in space medicine
• Medical education
• Capacity building
• Astronaut healthcare systems

Focus Areas:

• Physiological effects of space travel
• Psychological effects of long-duration missions
• Impact of microgravity
• Radiation exposure
• Isolation during space missions

Key Areas of Collaboration:

• Microgravity research
• Astronaut health monitoring
• Space radiation studies
• Psychological health assessment
• Specialised medical training
• Medical support systems for astronauts

Significance:
The collaboration will support India’s human spaceflight ambitions and help build a strong space medicine ecosystem.

International Affairs

SIPRI Report 2025: India Remains World’s 2nd Biggest Arms Importer

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its report titled ‘Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2025’ in March 2026.

According to the report, India remained the world’s second-largest arms importer during 2021–2025.

Top Arms Importers:

Top Arms Exporters:

• United States of America
• France
• Russia

Global Trend:
Global arms transfers increased by nearly 10% during 2021–2025 due to geopolitical tensions and increased defence procurement.

Regional Distribution:
Europe became the largest arms-importing region, accounting for 33% of global arms imports, up from 12% earlier.

India’s Defence Links:

• India was the largest recipient of French arms, accounting for 24% of France’s exports
• India was also the largest destination for Russian arms exports, accounting for 48%

Significance:
The report highlights India’s continued defence modernisation and diversified arms procurement partnerships.

India and Seychelles Begin Exercise LAMITIYE 2026

The Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces commenced the 11th edition of Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE 2026 in March 2026.

The exercise is being conducted at the Seychelles Defence Academy, Victoria, Seychelles.

Duration:
9 March to 20 March 2026

Key Highlight:
LAMITIYE 2026 marks the first tri-service participation of the Indian Armed Forces in this exercise.

Indian Participation:

• Indian Army personnel from Assam Regiment
• Indian Navy
• Indian Air Force

Assets Deployed:

• INS Trikand, Talwar-class frigate
• IAF C-130 transport aircraft

Focus Areas:

• Sub-Conventional Operations
• Semi-Urban Environments
• Interoperability
• United Nations Peacekeeping Operations

Significance:
The exercise strengthens defence cooperation and operational coordination between India and Seychelles.

FATF Adds Kuwait and Papua New Guinea to Grey List

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) added Kuwait and Papua New Guinea to its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, commonly known as the Grey List.

The decision was taken during the 5th FATF Plenary meeting held from February 9 to February 13, 2026, in Mexico City, Mexico.

FATF Presidency:
The plenary was held under the presidency of Elisa de Anda Madrazo of Mexico.

Total Grey List Countries:
With the latest additions, the total number of countries on the list reached 22.

Reason for Inclusion:
FATF noted strategic deficiencies in the countries’ systems to counter:

• Money laundering
• Terrorist financing
• Proliferation financing

About Grey List:
The Grey List identifies countries with weaknesses in their Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing frameworks.

NATO Begins Arctic Military Exercise Cold Response 2026

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) commenced its biennial Arctic military exercise Cold Response 2026 on March 9, 2026.

The exercise is being conducted across Northern Norway and Finland.

Duration:
March 9 to March 19, 2026

Objective:
The exercise aims to strengthen NATO’s presence and operational readiness in the Arctic region.

Part of:
Cold Response has now become part of Arctic Sentry.

Participation:
Nearly 25,000 troops from 14 NATO countries are participating.

Major Participants:

• United States of America
• Denmark
• Norway
• Finland
• Other NATO countries

Focus Area:
The exercise focuses on the role of civilians in supporting military operations.

Norway’s Total Defence Focus:
The Government of Norway declared 2026 as the year of ‘Total Defence’, focusing on readiness of:

• Civilians
• Businesses
• Public institutions
• Military support systems

Banking & Finance

PhonePe Launches RuPay ‘On-The-Go’ NCMC Card

PhonePe Limited launched the RuPay On-The-Go Card, a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) for contactless public transport payments in India.

The launch supports the Government of India’s ‘One Nation One Card’ initiative.

Purpose:
The card enables interoperable digital payments across public transport and mobility systems.

Contactless Payments:
The card supports tap-and-pay transactions at NCMC-enabled services such as:

• Metro
• Buses
• Trains
• Toll plazas
• Parking facilities

Offline Payment Feature:
The card supports offline payments without internet connectivity.

Balance Limit:
Maximum stored value: ₹2,000

Offline Transaction Limit:
Up to ₹500

Purchase and Recharge:
The card can be issued instantly after OTP verification and can be purchased or recharged using:

• UPI
• Cash
• Debit cards
• Credit cards

Initial Launch:
The card was first launched at Hyderabad Metro ticket counters in partnership with L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited.

Interoperability:
The card can also be used in NCMC-enabled transport systems in:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Bengaluru

IRDAI Grants Approval to Allianz Jio Reinsurance and Kiwi General Insurance

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) granted Certificates of Registration to Allianz Jio Reinsurance Limited and Kiwi General Insurance Limited.

The approvals were issued during the 134th Board Meeting of IRDAI held in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Allianz Jio Reinsurance Limited

Structure:
Allianz Jio Reinsurance is a 50:50 joint venture between:

• Allianz Group, Munich, Germany
• Jio Financial Services Limited

Role:
It will operate as a domestic reinsurer and provide risk coverage to insurance companies in India.

Domestic Reinsurer Landscape:
Apart from the state-owned GIC Re, Valueattics Re is the only other domestic reinsurer in India.

Kiwi General Insurance Limited

Backed By:

• WestBridge Capital
• Neelesh Garg, former CEO of Tata AIG General Insurance

Business Area:
Kiwi General Insurance will provide general insurance services in India.

General Insurer Count:
With this approval, the total number of general insurers in India increased to 35, including 7 Standalone Health Insurers.

Key Highlight:
This is the first instance where a majority stakeholder in a health insurance company, WestBridge Capital, has been permitted to establish a general insurance company.

Nashik Municipal Corporation Lists Maharashtra’s First ULB Green Municipal Bond

The Nashik Municipal Corporation listed Maharashtra’s first public issue of Urban Local Body Green Municipal Bonds on the National Stock Exchange on March 9, 2026.

The listing ceremony was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Bell Ringing Ceremony:
The traditional bell was rung by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with NSE Managing Director Ashishkumar Chauhan.

Fund Utilisation:
The funds raised will be used for sustainable urban infrastructure projects, including:

• Renewable energy
• Waste management
• Clean transportation
• Sustainable water management
• Climate resilience projects

Green Bond Requirement:
Unlike general municipal bonds, 100% of funds raised through green municipal bonds must be used for environmentally sustainable projects.

Significance:
The initiative supports India’s broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047.

Important Precedents:

Awards & Recognitions

Bokaro Steel Plant Receives BIS Certification for Four New Steel Grades

Bokaro Steel Plant, a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited, received certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards for four new steel grades.

New Steel Grades Certified:

• ISC 440 LA
• ISC 470 LA
• ISC 510 LA
• ISC 550 LA

Key Benefit:
The certification allows Bokaro Steel Plant to expand production of High Strength Low Alloy cold-rolled steel.

Certification Expansion:
Earlier, BIS certification covered steel grades only up to ISC 410.

The new grades are now included under IS 513 Part 2.

Significance:
The approval will improve product credibility and expand applications across:

• Infrastructure
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• High-value steel products

Special Electrical Steel Production:
Bokaro Steel Plant also produced around 1,100 tonnes of 0.5 mm thick IS 18316 LS Grade Non-Grain Oriented Electrical Steel for the first time.

Applications of NGO Electrical Steel:

• Electric motors
• Generators
• Transformers
• Hybrid vehicle rotors
• Electric vehicle rotors

Science & Technology

AquaAirX Unveils India’s First Amphibious Surveillance Drone ‘AVATAAR’

Deep-tech startup AquaAirX Autonomous Systems introduced AVATAAR, India’s first amphibious drone capable of operating both in the air and underwater.

AVATAAR Full Form:
Amphibious Vehicle for Autonomous Tactical Aerial & Aquatic Reconnaissance

Purpose:
The drone supports Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions in maritime and coastal environments.

Dual-Domain Operation:
AVATAAR can operate in:

• Air
• Underwater environments

It can transition between both environments within seconds.

Key Features:

• Imaging sonar
• Doppler Velocity Logger
• Acoustic communication modem
• LED lights and cameras
• Ultra-Short Baseline navigation system
• AI-assisted navigation
• Mission control software

Operational Capability:
The drone can collect real-time data even in low-visibility underwater conditions.

Technology Readiness:
AVATAAR has achieved Technology Readiness Level 6, meaning a functional prototype has been tested in operational environments.

Significance:
The system strengthens India’s maritime surveillance, underwater inspection, and coastal security capabilities.

Sports

George Russell Wins Australian Grand Prix 2026

George Russell of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team won the 2026 Australian Grand Prix on 8 March 2026.

The race was held at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Australia and marked the opening race of the F1 World Championship 2026 season.

Podium Finishers:

Key Highlight:
George Russell secured victory from pole position, leading a 1–2 finish for Mercedes.

Kimi Antonelli:
Kimi Antonelli finished second on his full-season debut for Mercedes.

Career Milestone:
The victory marked:

• George Russell’s 6th F1 Grand Prix win
• Mercedes’ 132nd Grand Prix victory
• Mercedes’ 61st one-two finish

2026 Formula One Regulation Changes

The 2026 F1 season introduced major technical regulation changes.

Hybrid Power System:
The new rules introduced a 50:50 power split between:

• Internal Combustion Engine
• Electric Power Unit

Important Days

International Day of Women Judges 2026 – March 10

The United Nations International Day of Women Judges is observed every year on 10 March.

The day promotes the full and equal participation of women in judicial systems and recognises the contribution of women judges in strengthening justice, rule of law, and gender equality.

2026 Observance:
10 March 2026 marked the 5th observance of the day.

Theme 2026:
“Women Judges on the Bench and Beyond: Protecting Access to Justice”

Background:

UN Resolution:
The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/75/274 on 28 April 2021, designating 10 March as the International Day of Women Judges.

Introduced By:
The resolution was introduced by Qatar.

First Observance:
The first International Day of Women Judges was observed on 10 March 2022.

Role of UNODC:
The resolution recognised the role of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and its Global Judicial Integrity Network in promoting women’s representation in judicial systems.

Important Days at a Glance

State News

Punjab FM Harpal Singh Cheema Presents ₹2.60 Lakh Crore Budget for FY27

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema presented the State Budget for FY 2026–27 in the Punjab Legislative Assembly at Chandigarh.

Total Budget Outlay:
₹2,60,437 crore

GSDP Projection:
Punjab’s GSDP for FY27 is projected at ₹9,80,635 crore, showing 10% growth over the Revised Estimate of FY26.

Key Financial Indicators:

Major Allocations:

Other Key Announcements:

Guru Ravidas Anniversary:
₹100 crore allocated to commemorate the 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas as a state-level celebration.

Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana:
₹313 crore allocated for the scheme, which will facilitate pilgrimage for around 7.15 lakh citizens.