Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates

Pondicherry University Signs MoU with CCPD to Advance Disability Rights and InclusionIn March 2026, Pondicherry University (PU), Puducherry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) to strengthen institutional ties in the domains of disability rights, accessibility, and inclusive education.Key Details of MoU:Objective: The MoU aims to advance accessibility and inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in higher education through joint research, internships, academic exchanges, capacity building, conferences, and structured academic engagement in disability rights and policy.Support: Pondicherry University promotes inclusive education through free education and fee waivers for PwD students, the Higher Education for Persons with Special Needs (HEPSN) unit, and specialized programmes such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Disability Rehabilitation and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) coaching.Significance: The MoU will promote accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in Indian educational institutions.

06 Mar, 2026

Pondicherry University Signs MoU with CCPD to Advance Disability Rights and InclusionIn March 2026, Pondicherry University (PU), Puducherry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) to strengthen institutional ties in the domains of disability rights, accessibility, and inclusive education.Key Details of MoU:Objective: The MoU aims to advance accessibility and inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in higher education through joint research, internships, academic exchanges, capacity building, conferences, and structured academic engagement in disability rights and policy.Support: Pondicherry University promotes inclusive education through free education and fee waivers for PwD students, the Higher Education for Persons with Special Needs (HEPSN) unit, and specialized programmes such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Disability Rehabilitation and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) coaching.Significance: The MoU will promote accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in Indian educational institutions.

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Indian Army and Ladakh Administration Sign MoU for Wildlife and Ecology ProtectionOn 3rd March 2026, the Indian Army’s (IA’s) Fire and Fury Corps (14 Corps) and the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department of the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Leh, Ladakh, on the occasion of World Wildlife Day (3 March 2026).The agreement aims to preserve the fragile high-altitude ecology and conserve iconic wildlife species under the framework of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) programme.About Ladakh Wildlife Conservation MoU:Species: The initiative prioritizes protection of key species including Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Ibex, Himalayan Marmot, and Black-necked Crane across the cold desert ecosystem of Ladakh.Cell: A joint Snow Leopard Conservation Cell (SLCC) will be established to monitor endangered species, coordinate conservation efforts, and support research-based wildlife protection.Key Role: The IA will integrate eco-friendly practices such as waste management, afforestation, water conservation, and protection of flora and fauna while safeguarding borders in high-altitude regions.GSLEP: It is an international partnership of 12 snow leopard range countries established to achieve the goals of the Bishkek Declaration on Snow Leopard Conservation.

06 Mar, 2026

Indian Army and Ladakh Administration Sign MoU for Wildlife and Ecology ProtectionOn 3rd March 2026, the Indian Army’s (IA’s) Fire and Fury Corps (14 Corps) and the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department of the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Leh, Ladakh, on the occasion of World Wildlife Day (3 March 2026).The agreement aims to preserve the fragile high-altitude ecology and conserve iconic wildlife species under the framework of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) programme.About Ladakh Wildlife Conservation MoU:Species: The initiative prioritizes protection of key species including Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Ibex, Himalayan Marmot, and Black-necked Crane across the cold desert ecosystem of Ladakh.Cell: A joint Snow Leopard Conservation Cell (SLCC) will be established to monitor endangered species, coordinate conservation efforts, and support research-based wildlife protection.Key Role: The IA will integrate eco-friendly practices such as waste management, afforestation, water conservation, and protection of flora and fauna while safeguarding borders in high-altitude regions.GSLEP: It is an international partnership of 12 snow leopard range countries established to achieve the goals of the Bishkek Declaration on Snow Leopard Conservation.

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MoC&F Observes ‘Janaushadhi Saptah 2026’ from March 1 to 7, 2026The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers (MoC&F) is observing ‘Janaushadhi Saptah 2026’ from 1 to 7 March 2026 to promote awareness about the affordability and quality of generic medicines under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).The week-long campaign will conclude with the observance of the 8th Janaushadhi Diwas on 7 March 2026.About Janaushadhi Saptah 2026:Organiser: The event is being organised by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), MoC&F.Theme: The theme for 2026 is “जन औषधि सस्ती भी, भरोसेमंद भी, सेहत की बात, बचत के साथ” (Jan Aushadhi – affordable and trustworthy, good health with savings).Event: During the observance, several activities including health camps, awareness programmes, pamphlet distribution, and outreach campaigns were organised.Network: Under PMBJP, over 18,000 PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) are operational across India, with a target to expand to 25,000 by 31 March 2027 to strengthen last-mile access to affordable medicines.

06 Mar, 2026

MoC&F Observes ‘Janaushadhi Saptah 2026’ from March 1 to 7, 2026The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers (MoC&F) is observing ‘Janaushadhi Saptah 2026’ from 1 to 7 March 2026 to promote awareness about the affordability and quality of generic medicines under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).The week-long campaign will conclude with the observance of the 8th Janaushadhi Diwas on 7 March 2026.About Janaushadhi Saptah 2026:Organiser: The event is being organised by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), MoC&F.Theme: The theme for 2026 is “जन औषधि सस्ती भी, भरोसेमंद भी, सेहत की बात, बचत के साथ” (Jan Aushadhi – affordable and trustworthy, good health with savings).Event: During the observance, several activities including health camps, awareness programmes, pamphlet distribution, and outreach campaigns were organised.Network: Under PMBJP, over 18,000 PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) are operational across India, with a target to expand to 25,000 by 31 March 2027 to strengthen last-mile access to affordable medicines.

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Union Minister Amit Shah Launches 4 Digital tools and mascots ‘Pragati’ & Vikas’ for Census-2027 in New DelhiIn March 2026, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), soft-launched four digital tools and formally unveiled the mascots “Pragati” (female) and “Vikas” (male) for Census-2027 in New Delhi, Delhi.The event marks a key milestone in preparations for India’s first fully digital census.Launch of Mascots and Digital Tools:Mascots: The mascots Pragati and Vikas represent the equal participation of women and men in achieving India’s national mission of becoming a developed nation by 2047.Digital Tools: The four newly launched soft digital tools: Houselisting Block Creator (HLBC) Web Application(app), House Listing Officer (HLO) Mobile App, Self-Enumeration (SE) Portal, and Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) Portal, are designed to facilitate and streamline enumeration operations throughout India.They have been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), the premier R&D organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

06 Mar, 2026

Union Minister Amit Shah Launches 4 Digital tools and mascots ‘Pragati’ & Vikas’ for Census-2027 in New DelhiIn March 2026, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), soft-launched four digital tools and formally unveiled the mascots “Pragati” (female) and “Vikas” (male) for Census-2027 in New Delhi, Delhi.The event marks a key milestone in preparations for India’s first fully digital census.Launch of Mascots and Digital Tools:Mascots: The mascots Pragati and Vikas represent the equal participation of women and men in achieving India’s national mission of becoming a developed nation by 2047.Digital Tools: The four newly launched soft digital tools: Houselisting Block Creator (HLBC) Web Application(app), House Listing Officer (HLO) Mobile App, Self-Enumeration (SE) Portal, and Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) Portal, are designed to facilitate and streamline enumeration operations throughout India.They have been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), the premier R&D organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

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National Security Day 2026 – March 4 National Security Day (NSD), also known as Rashtriya Suraksha Diwas, is observed across India every year on 4 March to honor and express gratitude to the Indian security forces including the Police, Military, Paramilitary forces, Guards, Commandos, and all personnel dedicated to safeguarding the nation and ensuring the safety of its citizens.The first NSD in India was observed on March 4, 1972.About National Security Council (NSC) of India:Establishment: The National Security Council (NSC) was established on 19 November 1998 by former Prime Minister (PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a federal institutional and consultative body for national security decision-making.Structure: The NSC is chaired by the PM with the National Security Advisor (NSA) serving as Secretary and operates as a three-tier system within the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

05 Mar, 2026

National Security Day 2026 – March 4 National Security Day (NSD), also known as Rashtriya Suraksha Diwas, is observed across India every year on 4 March to honor and express gratitude to the Indian security forces including the Police, Military, Paramilitary forces, Guards, Commandos, and all personnel dedicated to safeguarding the nation and ensuring the safety of its citizens.The first NSD in India was observed on March 4, 1972.About National Security Council (NSC) of India:Establishment: The National Security Council (NSC) was established on 19 November 1998 by former Prime Minister (PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a federal institutional and consultative body for national security decision-making.Structure: The NSC is chaired by the PM with the National Security Advisor (NSA) serving as Secretary and operates as a three-tier system within the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

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World Hearing Day 2026 – March 3World Hearing Day (WHD), observed annually across the globe on March 3, raises awareness about hearing loss and promotes ear and hearing care, serving as a call to action to tackle related challenges.March 3, 2026 marks the observance of the 20th WHD.2026 Theme: The World Health Organization (WHO) sets the official theme for WHD, which this year is “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children”.Background:Beijing Declaration : The First International Conference on Prevention and Rehabilitation of Hearing Loss in Beijing (China) adopted the Beijing Declaration, leading to the creation of International Ear Care Day to promote global hearing care.First Observation: The inaugural International Ear Care Day was held on 3rd March 2007, with the date chosen because the numbers 3 and 3 resemble the shape of ears.Renaming : In 2016, the day was renamed World Hearing Day to reflect its broader mission of raising awareness about hearing loss.

05 Mar, 2026

World Hearing Day 2026 – March 3World Hearing Day (WHD), observed annually across the globe on March 3, raises awareness about hearing loss and promotes ear and hearing care, serving as a call to action to tackle related challenges.March 3, 2026 marks the observance of the 20th WHD.2026 Theme: The World Health Organization (WHO) sets the official theme for WHD, which this year is “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children”.Background:Beijing Declaration : The First International Conference on Prevention and Rehabilitation of Hearing Loss in Beijing (China) adopted the Beijing Declaration, leading to the creation of International Ear Care Day to promote global hearing care.First Observation: The inaugural International Ear Care Day was held on 3rd March 2007, with the date chosen because the numbers 3 and 3 resemble the shape of ears.Renaming : In 2016, the day was renamed World Hearing Day to reflect its broader mission of raising awareness about hearing loss.

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World Wildlife Day 2026 – March 3 The United Nations (UN’s) World Wildlife Day (WWD) is observed annually on 3rd March to honor and raise awareness about the world’s wild fauna (animals) and flora (plants). It highlights the importance of wildlife conservation and its vital role in sustaining ecosystems.2026 Theme: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”.Background:Declaration: On 20th December 2013, during its 68th session, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3rd March as WWD through Resolution 68/205.First Observance: The first-ever WWD was celebrated globally on March 3, 2014.Significance: March 3rd was selected to mark the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.Implementation: The CITES Secretariat, in collaboration with relevant UN organizations, coordinates and supports the implementation of WWD worldwide.

05 Mar, 2026

World Wildlife Day 2026 – March 3 The United Nations (UN’s) World Wildlife Day (WWD) is observed annually on 3rd March to honor and raise awareness about the world’s wild fauna (animals) and flora (plants). It highlights the importance of wildlife conservation and its vital role in sustaining ecosystems.2026 Theme: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”.Background:Declaration: On 20th December 2013, during its 68th session, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3rd March as WWD through Resolution 68/205.First Observance: The first-ever WWD was celebrated globally on March 3, 2014.Significance: March 3rd was selected to mark the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.Implementation: The CITES Secretariat, in collaboration with relevant UN organizations, coordinates and supports the implementation of WWD worldwide.

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Veteran Journalist & Former Diplomat H.K. Dua Passes AwayIn March 2026, renowned journalist, former diplomat and parliamentarian, Hari Krishan (HK) Dua passed away at the age of 88 in New Delhi, Delhi. He was born on July 01, 1937.He was honored by the Government of India (GoI) in 1998 with Padma Bhushan, India’s 3rd highest civilian honor in the ‘Literature and Education’(Journalism) category.About HK Dua:Journalism Career: During his illustrious journalistic career which spans more than 40 years, he has held senior editorial positions at some of the famous print media houses in India like: served as the Editor of The Hindustan Times (HTI) (1987-94); Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express (1994-96); and The Tribune (2003-09); and Editorial Advisor, The Times of India (TOI) (1997-98).Diplomat Career: He had also worked as the Media Advisor to two Prime Ministers (PMs): Atal Bihari Vajpayee and H.D. Deve Gowda.In addition, he also served as Ambassador of the GoI to Denmark (2001-2003).Nominated to Rajya Sabha: He was also nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Parliament (from 2009 to 2015). During his term, he actively participated in debates on issues like foreign affairs and national security.

05 Mar, 2026

Veteran Journalist & Former Diplomat H.K. Dua Passes AwayIn March 2026, renowned journalist, former diplomat and parliamentarian, Hari Krishan (HK) Dua passed away at the age of 88 in New Delhi, Delhi. He was born on July 01, 1937.He was honored by the Government of India (GoI) in 1998 with Padma Bhushan, India’s 3rd highest civilian honor in the ‘Literature and Education’(Journalism) category.About HK Dua:Journalism Career: During his illustrious journalistic career which spans more than 40 years, he has held senior editorial positions at some of the famous print media houses in India like: served as the Editor of The Hindustan Times (HTI) (1987-94); Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express (1994-96); and The Tribune (2003-09); and Editorial Advisor, The Times of India (TOI) (1997-98).Diplomat Career: He had also worked as the Media Advisor to two Prime Ministers (PMs): Atal Bihari Vajpayee and H.D. Deve Gowda.In addition, he also served as Ambassador of the GoI to Denmark (2001-2003).Nominated to Rajya Sabha: He was also nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Parliament (from 2009 to 2015). During his term, he actively participated in debates on issues like foreign affairs and national security.

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New Genus & Species of Blind Miniature Fish ‘Gitchak nakan’Discovered in AssamIn March 2026, a group of international researchers from Germany, India and Switzerland, discovered a new genus and species of blind, aquifer-dwelling (phreatobitic) fish named ‘Gitchak nakan’, living in a hand-dug well in a village in Assam.The discovery of new fish species was published in the Nature Portfolio journal Scientific Reports, one of the world’s leading scientific journals.Key Details:Significance: This discovery marks the 1st record of an aquifer-dwelling fish species from the North-East (NE) India and the eastern Himalayan region.Name: The newly discovered fish species has been named ‘Gitchak nakan’, derived from Garo language to describe its physical appearance.The word ‘Gitchak’ means red, while ‘na-tok’ and ‘kana’ refer to the absence of eyes.Genus Family: As per the researchers, the new species belongs to a new genus within the Cobitidae family.Physical Features: This miniature fish which grows maximum of 2 centimeters (cm) in size, has a translucent body and lacks any skin pigment which gives it a striking, bright red color in appearance.The most unusual feature of this species is the complete absence of a skull roof , with the brain covered only by skin rather than bone.

05 Mar, 2026

New Genus & Species of Blind Miniature Fish ‘Gitchak nakan’Discovered in AssamIn March 2026, a group of international researchers from Germany, India and Switzerland, discovered a new genus and species of blind, aquifer-dwelling (phreatobitic) fish named ‘Gitchak nakan’, living in a hand-dug well in a village in Assam.The discovery of new fish species was published in the Nature Portfolio journal Scientific Reports, one of the world’s leading scientific journals.Key Details:Significance: This discovery marks the 1st record of an aquifer-dwelling fish species from the North-East (NE) India and the eastern Himalayan region.Name: The newly discovered fish species has been named ‘Gitchak nakan’, derived from Garo language to describe its physical appearance.The word ‘Gitchak’ means red, while ‘na-tok’ and ‘kana’ refer to the absence of eyes.Genus Family: As per the researchers, the new species belongs to a new genus within the Cobitidae family.Physical Features: This miniature fish which grows maximum of 2 centimeters (cm) in size, has a translucent body and lacks any skin pigment which gives it a striking, bright red color in appearance.The most unusual feature of this species is the complete absence of a skull roof , with the brain covered only by skin rather than bone.

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Two New Earthworm Species Discovered in Silent Valley National Park, KeralaIn March 2026, researchers discovered two new species of moniligastrid earthworms named ‘Moniligaster girishi’ and ‘Drawida reynoldsi’ in Silent Valley National Park, located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) of the Western Ghats, Kerala. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Zootaxa.With these discoveries, the total number of recognised moniligastrid earthworm species in India has increased to 95, of which 70 species are found in the Western Ghats.About Two New Earthworm Species:Moniligaster girishi: Collected from the tropical wet evergreen forest near Chembotti. It belongs to the gravelyi species-group and is distinguished by a unique single undivided spermathecal atrial gland and a specific prostatic capsule.It is named in honor of P. Girish Kumar, a scientist at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).Drawida reynoldsi: Collected from the montane grasslands between Sispara and Anginda. It belongs to the robusta species-group and is characterized by a sausage-like prostatic capsule and a large, erect spermathecal atrium.It is named in honour of John Warren Reynolds, a renowned Canadian earthworm specialist.Significance: Kerala has the highest diversity of these earthworms, with 43 species (30 Drawida and 13 Moniligaster).

05 Mar, 2026

Two New Earthworm Species Discovered in Silent Valley National Park, KeralaIn March 2026, researchers discovered two new species of moniligastrid earthworms named ‘Moniligaster girishi’ and ‘Drawida reynoldsi’ in Silent Valley National Park, located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) of the Western Ghats, Kerala. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Zootaxa.With these discoveries, the total number of recognised moniligastrid earthworm species in India has increased to 95, of which 70 species are found in the Western Ghats.About Two New Earthworm Species:Moniligaster girishi: Collected from the tropical wet evergreen forest near Chembotti. It belongs to the gravelyi species-group and is distinguished by a unique single undivided spermathecal atrial gland and a specific prostatic capsule.It is named in honor of P. Girish Kumar, a scientist at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).Drawida reynoldsi: Collected from the montane grasslands between Sispara and Anginda. It belongs to the robusta species-group and is characterized by a sausage-like prostatic capsule and a large, erect spermathecal atrium.It is named in honour of John Warren Reynolds, a renowned Canadian earthworm specialist.Significance: Kerala has the highest diversity of these earthworms, with 43 species (30 Drawida and 13 Moniligaster).

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