Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates

Civil Accounts Day 2026 – March 1Civil Accounts Day is observed annually on March 1 in India to mark the foundation day of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), functioning under the Department of Expenditure(DoE), Ministry of Finance (MoF).March 1, 2026 marks the 50th Civil Accounts Day.Role of ICAS in Public Financial Management:Reform: The Government of India(GoI) initiated a major reform in Public Financial Management in 1976.Establishment of ICAS: As a result, the ICAS was established to handle government accounts and financial management.ICAS was carved out from the Indian Audit & Accounts Service (IA & AS), initially through an Ordinance amending the CAG’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Amendment Act, 1976.Enactment of Act: Later, the Departmentalisation of Union Accounts (Transfer of Personnel) Act, 1976 was passed by Parliament and assented to by the President of India on 8th April 1976, with effect retroactive from 1st March 1976, marking the foundation of ICAS.

04 Mar, 2026

Civil Accounts Day 2026 – March 1Civil Accounts Day is observed annually on March 1 in India to mark the foundation day of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), functioning under the Department of Expenditure(DoE), Ministry of Finance (MoF).March 1, 2026 marks the 50th Civil Accounts Day.Role of ICAS in Public Financial Management:Reform: The Government of India(GoI) initiated a major reform in Public Financial Management in 1976.Establishment of ICAS: As a result, the ICAS was established to handle government accounts and financial management.ICAS was carved out from the Indian Audit & Accounts Service (IA & AS), initially through an Ordinance amending the CAG’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Amendment Act, 1976.Enactment of Act: Later, the Departmentalisation of Union Accounts (Transfer of Personnel) Act, 1976 was passed by Parliament and assented to by the President of India on 8th April 1976, with effect retroactive from 1st March 1976, marking the foundation of ICAS.

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World Seagrass Day 2026 – March 1The United Nations (UN’s) World Seagrass Day is observed annually on 1 March worldwide to raise global awareness about the vital role of seagrass ecosystems in preserving marine biodiversity, maintaining ocean health, and supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation.1 March 2026 marks the observance of the 4th World Seagrass Day.Background:Resolution: On 23 May 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/76/265 declaring 1 March as World Seagrass Day.First Observance: The first World Seagrass Day was observed globally on 1 March 2023.Organisers: The UNGA invited the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to facilitate the observance of World Seagrass Day, which is co-organised by key global bodies including International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), UN-Oceans, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Ramsar Secretariat (RS), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Commonwealth Secretariat (CS).

04 Mar, 2026

World Seagrass Day 2026 – March 1The United Nations (UN’s) World Seagrass Day is observed annually on 1 March worldwide to raise global awareness about the vital role of seagrass ecosystems in preserving marine biodiversity, maintaining ocean health, and supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation.1 March 2026 marks the observance of the 4th World Seagrass Day.Background:Resolution: On 23 May 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/76/265 declaring 1 March as World Seagrass Day.First Observance: The first World Seagrass Day was observed globally on 1 March 2023.Organisers: The UNGA invited the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to facilitate the observance of World Seagrass Day, which is co-organised by key global bodies including International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), UN-Oceans, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Ramsar Secretariat (RS), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Commonwealth Secretariat (CS).

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Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Releases Book ‘Mahatma: A Great Communicator’ in New DelhiIn March 2026, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Labour & Employment(MoL&E) and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports(MYAS), released the book titled “Mahatma: A Great Communicator” at a function held at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat, in New Delhi, Delhi.The book was authored by Dr Dhiraj Kakadia, Additional Director General(DG) of Akashvani.About Book:Theme: The book examines the life of Mahatma Gandhi, focusing on the impact of his communication skills during India’s freedom struggle.Objective: The book seeks to create public awareness and encourage individuals to learn from the life of Mahatma Gandhi and incorporate his ideals into their daily lives.Publication: It has been published by Navajivan Trust in three languages—Hindi, English and Gujarati.

04 Mar, 2026

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Releases Book ‘Mahatma: A Great Communicator’ in New DelhiIn March 2026, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Labour & Employment(MoL&E) and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports(MYAS), released the book titled “Mahatma: A Great Communicator” at a function held at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat, in New Delhi, Delhi.The book was authored by Dr Dhiraj Kakadia, Additional Director General(DG) of Akashvani.About Book:Theme: The book examines the life of Mahatma Gandhi, focusing on the impact of his communication skills during India’s freedom struggle.Objective: The book seeks to create public awareness and encourage individuals to learn from the life of Mahatma Gandhi and incorporate his ideals into their daily lives.Publication: It has been published by Navajivan Trust in three languages—Hindi, English and Gujarati.

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VP CP Radhakrishnan Releases 16 publications on renowned Tamil scholars, heritage, architecture & cultureIn March 2026, Vice President (VP) Chandrapuram Ponnusami (C.P.) Radhakrishnan released 16 books published by the Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) at Uparashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, Delhi.Of the total publications released, 14 are based on the Tamil language and remaining two are in Hindi (01) and English (01).Key Details of Publications:Tamil Titles: The publications include wide spectrum of Tamil titles such as: Rameswaram, a spiritual link between North and South India; Ramanujar, the life and philosophy of Sri Ramanuja; the historic Nadukal tradition; the ancient port town Arikaimedu, Bakthi Ilakkiyam, Iyarkai Velanmai, Pazhanthamizhan Isai Karuvigal, Tamizhaga Naattar Deivangal, Pudhiya Ariviyal Thozhilnutpangal, Bankim Chandra Chatterji, Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thanjavur Peruvudayar Koil, Manimegalai, and Mahavidwan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai.The Tamil book on Rameswaram details the temple’s sacred sites, architecture, sculptures, and deities, referencing the Puranas and literary sources.Book on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee: VP also released a book on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, written by S.K. Bose, in 3 different languages i.e. in English, Hindi and Tamil.The book explores the life and times of Bankim Chandra and his exemplary contribution to the Indian literary movement.

04 Mar, 2026

VP CP Radhakrishnan Releases 16 publications on renowned Tamil scholars, heritage, architecture & cultureIn March 2026, Vice President (VP) Chandrapuram Ponnusami (C.P.) Radhakrishnan released 16 books published by the Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) at Uparashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, Delhi.Of the total publications released, 14 are based on the Tamil language and remaining two are in Hindi (01) and English (01).Key Details of Publications:Tamil Titles: The publications include wide spectrum of Tamil titles such as: Rameswaram, a spiritual link between North and South India; Ramanujar, the life and philosophy of Sri Ramanuja; the historic Nadukal tradition; the ancient port town Arikaimedu, Bakthi Ilakkiyam, Iyarkai Velanmai, Pazhanthamizhan Isai Karuvigal, Tamizhaga Naattar Deivangal, Pudhiya Ariviyal Thozhilnutpangal, Bankim Chandra Chatterji, Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thanjavur Peruvudayar Koil, Manimegalai, and Mahavidwan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai.The Tamil book on Rameswaram details the temple’s sacred sites, architecture, sculptures, and deities, referencing the Puranas and literary sources.Book on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee: VP also released a book on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, written by S.K. Bose, in 3 different languages i.e. in English, Hindi and Tamil.The book explores the life and times of Bankim Chandra and his exemplary contribution to the Indian literary movement.

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Veteran Congress Leader and Former Union Minister KP Unnikrishnan Passed AwayIn March 2026, Veteran politician and former Union Minister KP Unnikrishnan passed away at the age of 90 in Kozhikode, Kerala. Born on September 20, 1936, in Koyilandy, Kozhikode, he was a prominent figure in Indian parliamentary history for over three decades.Early Life and Background:Journalism: Before his entry into active politics, KP Unnikrishnan began his professional journey in journalism. He was significantly associated with the Mathrubhumi daily, a leading Malayalam newspaper.Politics: He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in the 1960s. By 1962, he had secured a position as a member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), marking the start of his long-standing political career.Committees: Beyond his legislative duties, he contributed to fiscal oversight as a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) between 1980 and 1982. The PAC is a parliamentary committee that examines the appropriation accounts of the Government of India and the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

04 Mar, 2026

Veteran Congress Leader and Former Union Minister KP Unnikrishnan Passed AwayIn March 2026, Veteran politician and former Union Minister KP Unnikrishnan passed away at the age of 90 in Kozhikode, Kerala. Born on September 20, 1936, in Koyilandy, Kozhikode, he was a prominent figure in Indian parliamentary history for over three decades.Early Life and Background:Journalism: Before his entry into active politics, KP Unnikrishnan began his professional journey in journalism. He was significantly associated with the Mathrubhumi daily, a leading Malayalam newspaper.Politics: He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in the 1960s. By 1962, he had secured a position as a member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), marking the start of his long-standing political career.Committees: Beyond his legislative duties, he contributed to fiscal oversight as a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) between 1980 and 1982. The PAC is a parliamentary committee that examines the appropriation accounts of the Government of India and the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

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TIME Women of the Year 2026: Safeena Husain founder of Educate Girls Features Among 16 Global LeadersIn March 2026, Safeena Husain, the founder of the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) Educate Girls, was featured on the TIME Women of the Year 2026 list, alongside fellow Indian-origin leaders Reshma Kewalramani and Reshma Saujani, recognizing their impactful contributions to education, biotechnology, and social advocacy toward a more equitable world.The distinguished list includes actor and singer-songwriter Teyana Taylor; actor Lucy Liu; singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile; actor Sheryl Lee Ralph; filmmaker Chloé Zhao; and Olympic gold medallist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.TIME will honor the 2026 TIME Women of the Year honorees at the Women of the Year Leadership Forum and the Women of the Year Gala on 10 March 2026 in Los Angeles, the United States of America (USA).About Safeena Husain & Educate Girls:Founder: Safeena Husain founded Educate Girls in 2007 to address the issue of out-of-school girls in rural, remote, and tribal communities of India affected by poverty and gender bias.Expansion: The initiative expanded from a few villages in Rajasthan to over 30,000 villages across 12 states, becoming one of India’s largest community-driven programmes for girls’ education.Recognition: In 2025, Educate Girls became the first Indian organisation to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, regarded as Asia’s highest honour for community leadership.

04 Mar, 2026

TIME Women of the Year 2026: Safeena Husain founder of Educate Girls Features Among 16 Global LeadersIn March 2026, Safeena Husain, the founder of the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) Educate Girls, was featured on the TIME Women of the Year 2026 list, alongside fellow Indian-origin leaders Reshma Kewalramani and Reshma Saujani, recognizing their impactful contributions to education, biotechnology, and social advocacy toward a more equitable world.The distinguished list includes actor and singer-songwriter Teyana Taylor; actor Lucy Liu; singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile; actor Sheryl Lee Ralph; filmmaker Chloé Zhao; and Olympic gold medallist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.TIME will honor the 2026 TIME Women of the Year honorees at the Women of the Year Leadership Forum and the Women of the Year Gala on 10 March 2026 in Los Angeles, the United States of America (USA).About Safeena Husain & Educate Girls:Founder: Safeena Husain founded Educate Girls in 2007 to address the issue of out-of-school girls in rural, remote, and tribal communities of India affected by poverty and gender bias.Expansion: The initiative expanded from a few villages in Rajasthan to over 30,000 villages across 12 states, becoming one of India’s largest community-driven programmes for girls’ education.Recognition: In 2025, Educate Girls became the first Indian organisation to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, regarded as Asia’s highest honour for community leadership.

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India INX GA partners HSBC IBU to Expand Overseas Investment Access via GIFT CityIn March 2026, India INX Global Access IFSC Limited (India INX GA), subsidiary of India International Exchange (India INX), entered into a strategic partnership with HSBC International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit (HSBC IBU) to expand structured access to global investment products for Indian investors through Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).The partnership operates under a referral model, enabling HSBC IBU clients to utilize the India INX GA platform for international portfolio diversification within a regulated framework.About Partnership between India INX GA–HSBC IBU:Structure: India INX GA, registered as a Global Access Provider (GAP) with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), facilitates overseas investments through the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) under a regulated referral model.Access: Eligible investors can invest in foreign equities, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), and other permitted securities across more than 135 exchanges in 33 countries within the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limit of USD 250,000 per Financial Year (FY).Impact: The partnership strengthens GIFT City’s ecosystem, complements the platform launched by National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) International Exchange (NSE IX), and enhances India’s capacity to offer compliant and transparent global investment channels.

04 Mar, 2026

India INX GA partners HSBC IBU to Expand Overseas Investment Access via GIFT CityIn March 2026, India INX Global Access IFSC Limited (India INX GA), subsidiary of India International Exchange (India INX), entered into a strategic partnership with HSBC International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Banking Unit (HSBC IBU) to expand structured access to global investment products for Indian investors through Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).The partnership operates under a referral model, enabling HSBC IBU clients to utilize the India INX GA platform for international portfolio diversification within a regulated framework.About Partnership between India INX GA–HSBC IBU:Structure: India INX GA, registered as a Global Access Provider (GAP) with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), facilitates overseas investments through the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) under a regulated referral model.Access: Eligible investors can invest in foreign equities, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), and other permitted securities across more than 135 exchanges in 33 countries within the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) limit of USD 250,000 per Financial Year (FY).Impact: The partnership strengthens GIFT City’s ecosystem, complements the platform launched by National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) International Exchange (NSE IX), and enhances India’s capacity to offer compliant and transparent global investment channels.

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RBI and Japan’s BoJ Renew Bilateral Swap Arrangement for USD 75 BillionIn February 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank of Japan (BoJ), acting as the agent of the Minister of Finance, Japan, have signed the third Amendment and Restatement Agreement of the Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) for up to USD 75 billion.The renewed BSA became effective from 28 February 2026, aiming to strengthen bilateral financial cooperation and enhance economic stability between the two countries.Background:Origin: The BSA between India and Japan was initially signed in October 2018 and the first restatement occurred in 2022. The current 2026 amendment represents the third such restatement, reaffirming the long-term commitment to mutual financial assistance.Nodal Agencies: The RBI manages the Indian side, while the BoJ executes the agreement on behalf of the Japanese Ministry of Finance.

04 Mar, 2026

RBI and Japan’s BoJ Renew Bilateral Swap Arrangement for USD 75 BillionIn February 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank of Japan (BoJ), acting as the agent of the Minister of Finance, Japan, have signed the third Amendment and Restatement Agreement of the Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) for up to USD 75 billion.The renewed BSA became effective from 28 February 2026, aiming to strengthen bilateral financial cooperation and enhance economic stability between the two countries.Background:Origin: The BSA between India and Japan was initially signed in October 2018 and the first restatement occurred in 2022. The current 2026 amendment represents the third such restatement, reaffirming the long-term commitment to mutual financial assistance.Nodal Agencies: The RBI manages the Indian side, while the BoJ executes the agreement on behalf of the Japanese Ministry of Finance.

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Union MoS Raksha Khadse Announces Nationwide ASMITA Athletics League to Mark International Women’s DayIn March 2026, Union Minister of State(MoS) Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Ministry of or Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), announced a special nationwide edition of the Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action(ASMITA) League to mark International Women’s Day(March 8).About ASMITA League:Background: ASMITA leagues, launched in 2021, have already organised more than 2,600 events across 34 sports in over 550 districts and 700 cities, engaging over 300,000 women athletes nationwide.Mission: The initiative is part of the Khelo India Mission’s gender-neutral effort to boost women’s participation in sports and identify talent from the grassroots.It is supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), State and District Sports Associations, Khelo India Centres, MY Bharat, and National Centres of Excellence(NCoE). Events : Under this programme, the MYAS will organise athletics competitions at approximately 250 locations across India, featuring 100 metre(m), 200 m, and 400 m races for girls and women in three age categories: U-13, 13–18, and 18+ years.

04 Mar, 2026

Union MoS Raksha Khadse Announces Nationwide ASMITA Athletics League to Mark International Women’s DayIn March 2026, Union Minister of State(MoS) Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Ministry of or Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), announced a special nationwide edition of the Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action(ASMITA) League to mark International Women’s Day(March 8).About ASMITA League:Background: ASMITA leagues, launched in 2021, have already organised more than 2,600 events across 34 sports in over 550 districts and 700 cities, engaging over 300,000 women athletes nationwide.Mission: The initiative is part of the Khelo India Mission’s gender-neutral effort to boost women’s participation in sports and identify talent from the grassroots.It is supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), State and District Sports Associations, Khelo India Centres, MY Bharat, and National Centres of Excellence(NCoE). Events : Under this programme, the MYAS will organise athletics competitions at approximately 250 locations across India, featuring 100 metre(m), 200 m, and 400 m races for girls and women in three age categories: U-13, 13–18, and 18+ years.

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India’s First AI-Driven Skill Census ‘Saksham’ Launched in Mumbai, MaharashtraIn March 2026, Ashish Shelar, Minister of Information Technology (IT) & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, formally launched ‘Saksham Skill Census’, India’s 1st-of-its kind Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered skill census, at RD National College, Bandra West in Mumbai, Maharashtra.The survey aims to evaluate the skills of youth aged 18–40 years to improve their employability.About Saksham Skill Survey: Conducted by: As per the Maharashtra government, the survey will be conducted by Sapio Analytics over the next few months.Coverage: The new survey is estimated to cover 55,000 houses in the H-West ward of Mumbai.Hyperlocal Skill Mapping: The survey will use advanced AI technology and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, dividing areas into hyperlocal regions.Enumerators will conduct AI-based door-to-door surveys to study each candidate’s educational qualification, skill interest and the need for necessary training for employment.Key Target: The state government aims to train 15,000 candidates by 2027, with 5,000 becoming self-reliant through jobs or entrepreneurship.

04 Mar, 2026

India’s First AI-Driven Skill Census ‘Saksham’ Launched in Mumbai, MaharashtraIn March 2026, Ashish Shelar, Minister of Information Technology (IT) & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, formally launched ‘Saksham Skill Census’, India’s 1st-of-its kind Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered skill census, at RD National College, Bandra West in Mumbai, Maharashtra.The survey aims to evaluate the skills of youth aged 18–40 years to improve their employability.About Saksham Skill Survey: Conducted by: As per the Maharashtra government, the survey will be conducted by Sapio Analytics over the next few months.Coverage: The new survey is estimated to cover 55,000 houses in the H-West ward of Mumbai.Hyperlocal Skill Mapping: The survey will use advanced AI technology and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, dividing areas into hyperlocal regions.Enumerators will conduct AI-based door-to-door surveys to study each candidate’s educational qualification, skill interest and the need for necessary training for employment.Key Target: The state government aims to train 15,000 candidates by 2027, with 5,000 becoming self-reliant through jobs or entrepreneurship.

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