March 2026 Week 1 Current Affairs (1–7 March)

PM Modi inaugurates ₹7,100 crore worth of projects in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry — 1 March 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on 1 March 2026, inaugurating, dedicating to the nation, and laying foundation stones for development projects cumulatively valued at over ₹7,100 crore. In Puducherry, projects worth over ₹2,700 crore were launched, including the flagging off of electric buses under the PM e-Bus Seva Initiative, the inauguration of an Integrated Command and Control Centre under the Smart City Mission, and the dedication of the 750-acre Karasur-Sedarapet Industrial Estate — which houses a Pharma Park, Textile Park, IT Park, an IIT Madras R&D centre, and JIPMER healthcare facilities.

For the first time, Puducherry was included under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, previously available only to states. Other major projects include the NIT Karaikal’s Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block, modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at JIPMER, and new infrastructure at Pondicherry University. In Madurai, projects worth over ₹4,400 crore were announced, focused on connectivity — including four-laning of NH-332A (Marakkanam–Puducherry), reducing travel time by 50%, and NH-87 (Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram), cutting travel time by 40%. Eight railway stations were redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and a fourth suburban rail line between Chennai Beach and Chennai Egmore was dedicated to the nation.

Major governor reshuffle: 9 new governors and LGs appointed — 6 March 2026

President Droupadi Murmu appointed 9 new governors and Lieutenant Governors on 6 March 2026 in a significant administrative reshuffle ahead of state elections. Key changes included: Syed Ata Hasnain appointed as Governor of Bihar; Jishnu Dev Varma (former Telangana Governor) appointed as Governor of Maharashtra; Shiv Pratap Shukla transferred as Governor of Telangana; Kavinder Gupta appointed Governor of Himachal Pradesh; Nand Kishore Yadav appointed Governor of Nagaland; and Taranjit Singh Sandhu (former Indian Ambassador to the US) appointed as Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Vinai Kumar Saxena was shifted as Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.

New Seed Act 2026 and Revised Pesticide Act 2026 announced

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced two landmark agricultural legislative reforms in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand during the first week of March 2026 — the New Seed Act 2026 and the Revised Pesticide Act 2026. The New Seed Act replaces the Seeds Act of 1966, aiming to modernise seed quality regulation, introduce traceability mechanisms, protect farmers’ rights over traditional varieties, and align India’s seed sector with international standards. The Revised Pesticide Act replaces the Insecticides Act of 1968, introducing stricter safety norms, better regulation of hazardous chemicals, and provisions for farmer compensation in case of pesticide damage.

Rajasthan renames three towns; Soundala village becomes caste-free

The Rajasthan government approved the renaming of three towns as part of its cultural heritage initiative: Mount Abu → Aburaj, Kaman → Kamvan, and Jahazpur → Yagyapur. Separately, Soundala village in Maharashtra — located approximately 350 km from Mumbai — made national headlines by passing a unanimous gram sabha resolution declaring itself a caste-free village, prohibiting caste-based discrimination in all social and administrative matters. It is considered a model initiative for social reform at the grassroots level.

SBI ranked strongest Indian bank globally — 16th worldwide, 7th in Asia-Pacific

The Brand Finance Banking 500 Report 2026 ranked the State Bank of India (SBI) as the strongest Indian bank globally, securing the 16th position worldwide and the 7th position in Asia-Pacific, with an AAA+ brand strength rating — the highest possible tier in brand valuation. Brand Finance is a leading independent brand valuation consultancy. The AAA+ rating reflects SBI’s massive customer base, government backing, financial stability, digital transformation investments, and growing global footprint. SBI is India’s largest public sector bank and the largest bank in the country by assets, branch network, and deposit base.

SEBI deploys in-house AI system ‘Sudarshan’ for financial market surveillance

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) deployed an in-house Artificial Intelligence system named ‘Sudarshan’ during the first week of March 2026 to strengthen digital surveillance of financial content across online platforms. The AI system has already helped remove more than 1.20 lakh misleading social media posts by unregistered financial influencers, protecting retail investors from illegal investment advisory services. Sudarshan can scan vast volumes of audio, video, and text content across multiple platforms and languages to detect financial advisory violations, enabling faster regulatory action. SEBI reiterated that only SEBI-registered entities are legally permitted to provide investment advisory services in India. SEBI was established on 12 April 1988 as an executive body and granted statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992, under the Ministry of Finance.

Bank of Baroda raises ₹10,000 crore through Green Infrastructure Bonds; Haryana Budget 2026-27

Bank of Baroda (BoB) raised ₹10,000 crore through its Series I Long-Term Green Infrastructure Bonds during the first week of March 2026, aimed at financing sustainable infrastructure in India. The bond issue drew extraordinary investor interest — attracting bids worth ₹16,415 crore, more than three times the base issue size of ₹5,000 crore — demonstrating strong market demand for green finance instruments. The bonds carry a coupon rate of 7.10% and a seven-year maturity period, issued through the NSE’s Electronic Debt Bidding platform. Separately, Haryana Chief Minister and Finance Minister Nayab Singh Saini presented the Haryana Budget 2026-27 with a total outlay of ₹2,23,658 crore, representing a 10.28% increase over the revised estimate of ₹2,02,816 crore for 2025-26.

Central Warehousing Corporation celebrates 70th Foundation Day; ADB-MOHFL affordable housing deal

The Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) celebrated its 70th Foundation Day at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, during the first week of March 2026. CWC was established in 1957 under the Warehousing Corporations Act, 1962, and provides scientific storage of agricultural produce and other commodities across India. Additionally, Motilal Oswal Home Finance Limited (MOHFL) signed a USD 100 million debt financing agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to expand affordable housing finance, particularly for low and middle-income families, across India.

DRDO successfully conducts three consecutive flight trials of VSHORADS

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence, successfully conducted three consecutive flight trials of the indigenously developed Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) in March 2026. VSHORADS is a man-portable, shoulder-fired missile system designed to neutralise low-flying threats such as helicopters, drones, and fixed-wing aircraft flying at short ranges and low altitudes. The successful consecutive trials demonstrate the system’s reliability and bring it closer to induction into the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. DRDO Chairman is Dr. Samir V. Kamat. VSHORADS is developed under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and is expected to replace ageing MANPAD systems currently in service.

Chungthang–Lachen Axis and Taram Chu Bridge restored in North Sikkim

Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth inaugurated the restored Chungthang–Lachen Axis and the 400-foot Bailey Suspension Bridge over Taram Chu in North Sikkim during the first week of March 2026. Both critical infrastructure pieces were damaged during the devastating flash floods and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) that struck Sikkim in October 2023. The restoration is significant for national security as the Chungthang–Lachen Axis is a critical road corridor connecting Indian Army forward positions and civilians in the high-altitude Lachen valley near the China border. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) accomplished the restoration under challenging terrain and climatic conditions.

Iranian Navy vessel IRIS Lavan permitted to dock in Kochi — 7 March 2026

The Government of India permitted the Iranian Navy vessel IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi port on 7 March 2026 on humanitarian grounds, amid the ongoing 2026 Iran war in which Iran faced military attacks. India’s decision to allow the Iranian vessel to dock while maintaining its formal non-aligned position in the conflict reflected India’s established foreign policy principle of humanitarian engagement regardless of geopolitical alignment. India has historically maintained warm ties with Iran through energy trade and the Chabahar Port development project.

PM Modi inaugurates Micron Technology’s semiconductor ATMP facility — Sanand, Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Micron Technology’s Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) semiconductor facility in Sanand, Gujarat — a landmark achievement in India’s push for semiconductor self-sufficiency. This is India’s first semiconductor ATMP facility set up by an international chipmaker on Indian soil. Micron Technology is one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies, specialising in memory and storage chips. The facility marks the beginning of India’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Gujarat’s semiconductor sector received investment proposals worth over ₹1,600 crore from Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia at the Gujarat Semiconnect Conference held in Gandhinagar during the same week.

IISc launches ‘moonshot’ AI brain co-processor project; Varanasi sets Guinness record

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, launched a major “moonshot” research project to develop AI-enabled brain co-processors — neuromorphic hardware integrated with AI algorithms designed to decode brain signals, process them, and send corrective neural feedback to the brain. The project is supported by Pratiksha Trust, founded by Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan and Sudha Gopalakrishnan. The primary goal is to aid cognitive rehabilitation for stroke survivors who have lost motor function due to cerebral artery damage. Separately, Varanasi created a Guinness World Record for the largest mega plantation campaign on 2 March 2026, with thousands of participants planting saplings simultaneously across the city.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) celebrates 25th Foundation Day

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) celebrated its 25th Foundation Day at India Habitat Centre during the first week of March 2026. BEE was established on 1 March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, under the Ministry of Power. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar unveiled the BEE@25 commemorative logo, launched the BEE Star Label Mobile Application — which helps consumers verify and compare energy ratings of appliances — and introduced the Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) Portal to streamline compliance reporting for energy-intensive industries.

Hurun Rich List 2026 — India becomes world’s 3rd largest hub for billionaires

The Hurun Global Rich List 2026, released on 7 March 2026, confirmed that India has become the world’s third-largest hub for billionaires, surpassing several developed economies. India now hosts more billionaires than any country except the United States and China. This milestone reflects India’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, the rise of technology and pharmaceutical conglomerates, expanding domestic consumption, and the wealth creation enabled by India’s booming capital markets. The Hurun Report is a globally respected publication that annually tracks and ranks high-net-worth individuals worldwide.

US allows India to continue buying Russian oil until 4 April 2026

The United States announced on 4 March 2026 that it would allow India to continue purchasing Russian oil until 4 April 2026, providing a temporary waiver from broader sanctions pressure on Russia-linked energy trade. This decision came in the context of the India-USA interim trade framework signed in February 2026, which reduced US tariffs on Indian goods to 18% in exchange for India’s commitment to gradually shift away from Russian oil purchases. The waiver gave India additional time to arrange alternative oil supply arrangements from US, Norwegian, and other suppliers. India has been one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began.

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrates 7 years of SWAYATT initiative; India-Canada relations improving

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated 7 years of the SWAYATT initiative on 7 March 2026. SWAYATT stands for Startups, Women and Youth Advantage Through eTransactions — a dedicated initiative within GeM to promote procurement from startups, women-led enterprises, and self-help groups. GeM was launched on 9 August 2016 and has transformed government procurement by bringing transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity to public purchasing. Separately, signs of thaw appeared in India-Canada relations during this week, with both sides signalling willingness to restore full diplomatic operations and improve bilateral ties that had deteriorated sharply following the 2023 Nijjar controversy.

India welcomes 9 cheetahs from Botswana to Kuno National Park — 2 March 2026

India welcomed 9 new cheetahs from Botswana to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on 2 March 2026, strengthening the country’s ambitious Cheetah Reintroduction Programme. Cheetahs had been declared extinct in India in 1952. The current reintroduction effort — the world’s first inter-continental large carnivore translocation project — began in September 2022 with 8 Namibian cheetahs, followed by 12 South African cheetahs in February 2023. This new batch of 9 from Botswana further expands the founder population. Kuno National Park, also known as Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh, and was selected for its suitable grassland and prey base.

World Wildlife Day 2026 — 3 March; Tamil Nadu inaugurates India’s first Dark Sky Park

World Wildlife Day is observed globally on 3 March every year, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on 3 March 1973. The day promotes awareness of wildlife conservation and the need to combat illegal wildlife trade. The 2026 theme for World Wildlife Day was focused on connecting people and planet through digital innovation in wildlife conservation. Separately, Tamil Nadu Forest Minister R.S. Rajakannappan inaugurated India’s first Dark Sky Park at Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest, Kolli Hills in Namakkal district — positioning Tamil Nadu as an emerging astro-tourism destination, ideal for stargazing and amateur astronomy due to minimal light pollution in the area.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 — India progresses dominantly through the week

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, ran from 7 February to 8 March 2026. During the first week of March, India progressed through the knockout stages, ultimately reaching the final to be held on 8 March 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. 20 nations competed across 55 matches at 5 Indian and 3 Sri Lankan venues. Bangladesh had withdrawn, with Scotland replacing them per ICC regulations. The tournament was captained by Suryakumar Yadav, coached by Gautam Gambhir. India would go on to defeat New Zealand by 96 runs in the final on 8 March, claiming their third T20 World Cup title — making them the first team to win it three times, first to defend, and first to win on home soil.

ASMITA League launched across 250 locations; Women in Sports — International Women’s Day week

A nationwide ASMITA League was organised across 250 locations across India during the first week of March 2026, timed to coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March. ASMITA League is a grassroots sports initiative specifically designed to promote women’s participation in competitive sports at the district and block levels, targeting girls and young women from rural and semi-urban areas. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader mission to create a sports culture among women and identify talent for national teams. Mattel also unveiled its Barbie Dream Team featuring Serena Williams and Smriti Mandhana on 6 March 2026, celebrating women in sports globally.

1 March — Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) + Zero Discrimination Day

Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) is observed globally on 1 March every year to raise awareness about self-harm and self-injury as a serious mental health concern, reduce stigma, and encourage those affected to seek help. The orange awareness ribbon is the symbol for SIAD. Zero Discrimination Day is also observed on 1 March, promoted by UNAIDS to champion everyone’s right to live a full and productive life with dignity, free from discrimination — particularly focused on HIV/AIDS-related discrimination. The 2026 theme emphasised equal access to healthcare for all.

3 March — World Wildlife Day + World Hearing Day

World Wildlife Day is observed on 3 March to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. It was designated by the UN General Assembly in December 2013, choosing 3 March to coincide with the signing of CITES in 1973. World Hearing Day is also observed on 3 March every year, organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise awareness about how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care. WHO estimates that over 1.5 billion people globally live with some degree of hearing loss, with this number projected to rise significantly by 2050.

4 March — National Safety Day + International Day of Happiness (20 March — upcoming)

National Safety Day is observed on 4 March every year in India, marking the founding of the National Safety Council (NSC) on 4 March 1966. The day launches a National Safety Week (4–10 March) to promote safety culture in workplaces, industries, roads, and homes. NSC functions under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The 2026 theme emphasised technology-driven safety solutions in Indian industries. National Safety Week 2026 carried the theme of integrating safety with emerging industrial technologies including AI and robotics.

8 March — International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is observed globally on 8 March every year to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and to call for gender equality. The United Nations began formally recognising International Women’s Day in 1975. The 2026 theme was “Accelerate Action” — calling for faster progress toward gender equality in all spheres. In India, the week was marked by the ASMITA League launch, President Murmu’s inauguration of women-centric welfare schemes in Delhi, and a special focus on the role of women soldiers in the armed forces ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup final coinciding with the date.