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ZSI Discovers Two New Species of Lichen Moths in Eastern HimalayasIn March 2026, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) announced the discovery of two new species of lichen moths: ‘Caulocerahollowayi S. Singh, N. Singh & Bhattacharya, 2026’ and ‘Asura buxa Bhattacharya, S. Singh & N. Singh’, 2026 from the Eastern Himalayas, enhancing India’s biodiversity records.The findings were published in Zootaxa, an international taxonomic journal.About New Species of Lichen Moths:Discovery Locations: Caulocerahollowayi was identified from specimens collected near Golitar in Sikkim, while Asura buxa was discovered in Panijhora, West Bengal (WB).Etymology: The species were named by the scientists Navneet Singh (ZSI, Kolkata, WB), Santosh Singh (Central Zone Regional Centre, ZSI, Jabalpur(Madhya Pradesh, MP)), and Srishti Bhattacharya (UGC Senior Research Fellow, ZSI), who formally described and identified them in the study.Scientific Characteristics: The species were identified based on external morphology such as wing colouration, fascia patterns, and structural differences in genitalia. Unique features include distinct body scales, bristle patterns (chaetotaxy), and specialised appendages.Pollution Indicator: Lichen moths serve as vital indicators of air pollution. Their caterpillars feed primarily on lichens, which are highly sensitive to atmospheric quality.
ZSI Discovers Two New Species of Lichen Moths in Eastern HimalayasIn March 2026, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) announced the discovery of two new species of lichen moths: ‘Caulocerahollowayi S. Singh, N. Singh & Bhattacharya, 2026’ and ‘Asura buxa Bhattacharya, S. Singh & N. Singh’, 2026 from the Eastern Himalayas, enhancing India’s biodiversity records.The findings were published in Zootaxa, an international taxonomic journal.About New Species of Lichen Moths:Discovery Locations: Caulocerahollowayi was identified from specimens collected near Golitar in Sikkim, while Asura buxa was discovered in Panijhora, West Bengal (WB).Etymology: The species were named by the scientists Navneet Singh (ZSI, Kolkata, WB), Santosh Singh (Central Zone Regional Centre, ZSI, Jabalpur(Madhya Pradesh, MP)), and Srishti Bhattacharya (UGC Senior Research Fellow, ZSI), who formally described and identified them in the study.Scientific Characteristics: The species were identified based on external morphology such as wing colouration, fascia patterns, and structural differences in genitalia. Unique features include distinct body scales, bristle patterns (chaetotaxy), and specialised appendages.Pollution Indicator: Lichen moths serve as vital indicators of air pollution. Their caterpillars feed primarily on lichens, which are highly sensitive to atmospheric quality.
ZSI Discovers Two New Species of Lichen Moths in Eastern HimalayasIn March 2026, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) announced the discovery of two new species of lichen moths: ‘Caulocerahollowayi S. Singh, N. Singh & Bhattacharya, 2026’ and ‘Asura ...
Gujarat Achieves Milestone with First Sounding Rocket Launch at DholeraIn March 2026, Gujarat achieved a major milestone in the space sector with the successful launch of its first sounding rocket at Bavaliyari village near Dholera, Gujarat, marking the state’s entry into India’s growing private space technology ecosystem.Key Details of Launch:Conducting Agency: The test was carried out by Ahmedabad-based startup Omspace Rocket and Exploration Private Limited (OSRE).Launch & Performance: The single-stage sub-orbital rocket was launched from a temporary facility and successfully reached an altitude of nearly 3 kilometres(km).Payload: The rocket carried a mini-satellite for weather data collection and was built using carbon fibre and advanced composites under the Make in India initiative.Policy Support & Approval: The launch was carried out with approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) and supported by the Gujarat Spacetech Policy 2025–2030.
Gujarat Achieves Milestone with First Sounding Rocket Launch at DholeraIn March 2026, Gujarat achieved a major milestone in the space sector with the successful launch of its first sounding rocket at Bavaliyari village near Dholera, Gujarat, marking the state’s entry into India’s growing private space technology ecosystem.Key Details of Launch:Conducting Agency: The test was carried out by Ahmedabad-based startup Omspace Rocket and Exploration Private Limited (OSRE).Launch & Performance: The single-stage sub-orbital rocket was launched from a temporary facility and successfully reached an altitude of nearly 3 kilometres(km).Payload: The rocket carried a mini-satellite for weather data collection and was built using carbon fibre and advanced composites under the Make in India initiative.Policy Support & Approval: The launch was carried out with approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) and supported by the Gujarat Spacetech Policy 2025–2030.
Gujarat Achieves Milestone with First Sounding Rocket Launch at DholeraIn March 2026, Gujarat achieved a major milestone in the space sector with the successful launch of its first sounding rocket at Bavaliyari village near Dholera, Gujarat, marking ...
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2025 Sahitya Akademi Awards: Honouring Literary Excellence in 24 Indian LanguagesIn March 2026, the Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters under the Ministry of Culture, announced the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025, recognising literary excellence in 24 Indian languages.About Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025:Award Composition: The 2025 awardees include 8 books of Poetry, 6 Short Stories, 4 Novels, 2 Essays, 2 Memoirs, 1 Autobiography, and 1 Literary Criticism.Prize: Each winner receives a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. The plaque was originally designed by the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.2025 Winners: Several distinguished writers and former diplomats are among this year’s recipients:English: Navtej Sarna (Former Ambassador) for his novel “Crimson Spring”.Hindi: Mamta Kalia for her memoir “Jeete Jee Allahabad”.Tamil: Sa Tamilselvan for his work of literary criticism “Thamiz Sirukathaiyin Thadangal”.Bengali: Prasun Bandyopadhyay for the poetry collection “Shrestha Kabita”.Sanskrit: Sadhu Bhadreshdas (Mahamahopadhyay) for “Prasthanacatustaye Brahmaghosah”.
2025 Sahitya Akademi Awards: Honouring Literary Excellence in 24 Indian LanguagesIn March 2026, the Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters under the Ministry of Culture, announced the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025, recognising literary excellence in 24 Indian languages.About Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025:Award Composition: The 2025 awardees include 8 books of Poetry, 6 Short Stories, 4 Novels, 2 Essays, 2 Memoirs, 1 Autobiography, and 1 Literary Criticism.Prize: Each winner receives a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. The plaque was originally designed by the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.2025 Winners: Several distinguished writers and former diplomats are among this year’s recipients:English: Navtej Sarna (Former Ambassador) for his novel “Crimson Spring”.Hindi: Mamta Kalia for her memoir “Jeete Jee Allahabad”.Tamil: Sa Tamilselvan for his work of literary criticism “Thamiz Sirukathaiyin Thadangal”.Bengali: Prasun Bandyopadhyay for the poetry collection “Shrestha Kabita”.Sanskrit: Sadhu Bhadreshdas (Mahamahopadhyay) for “Prasthanacatustaye Brahmaghosah”.
2025 Sahitya Akademi Awards: Honouring Literary Excellence in 24 Indian LanguagesIn March 2026, the Sahitya Akademi, India’s National Academy of Letters under the Ministry of Culture, announced the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025, recognis...
BCCI Naman Awards 2026: Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid, Mithali Raj Win Lifetime Achievement AwardsIn March 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) presented its annual Naman Awards 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi, honouring outstanding performances and contributions in Indian cricket for the 2024–25 season.Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid were conferred with the highest honour of BCCI, Colonel (Col.) C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, while Mithali Raj received the Lifetime Achievement Award (Women) for her contribution to women’s cricket.Highlights of BCCI Awards and Honours 2026:Polly Umrigar: Shubman Gill won the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) after scoring 983 runs in Tests and 490 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs).Women Award: Smriti Mandhana was named Best International Cricketer (IC) (Women) for the fifth time, scoring 434 runs in the Women’s ODI World Cup (WWC) and setting a record with five ODI centuries in 2025.Domestic: Shafali Verma won the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy (JDT) for Best Woman Cricketer in Senior Domestic One Day (SDOD) cricket for 2024–25.Debut: Harshit Rana (Men) and N Sree Charani (Women) received awards for Best International Debut.Bowling: Deepti Sharma emerged as the highest wicket-taker in Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs).
BCCI Naman Awards 2026: Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid, Mithali Raj Win Lifetime Achievement AwardsIn March 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) presented its annual Naman Awards 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi, honouring outstanding performances and contributions in Indian cricket for the 2024–25 season.Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid were conferred with the highest honour of BCCI, Colonel (Col.) C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, while Mithali Raj received the Lifetime Achievement Award (Women) for her contribution to women’s cricket.Highlights of BCCI Awards and Honours 2026:Polly Umrigar: Shubman Gill won the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) after scoring 983 runs in Tests and 490 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs).Women Award: Smriti Mandhana was named Best International Cricketer (IC) (Women) for the fifth time, scoring 434 runs in the Women’s ODI World Cup (WWC) and setting a record with five ODI centuries in 2025.Domestic: Shafali Verma won the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy (JDT) for Best Woman Cricketer in Senior Domestic One Day (SDOD) cricket for 2024–25.Debut: Harshit Rana (Men) and N Sree Charani (Women) received awards for Best International Debut.Bowling: Deepti Sharma emerged as the highest wicket-taker in Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs).
BCCI Naman Awards 2026: Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid, Mithali Raj Win Lifetime Achievement AwardsIn March 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) presented its annual Naman Awards 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi, honouring outstanding performanc...
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Reliance Signs USD 3 billion Green Ammonia Supply Deal with South Korea’s Samsung C&TIn March 2026, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) signed a binding long-term Supply and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Samsung C&T Corporation, South Korea, for the supply of green ammonia over a 15-year period starting from the second half of Financial Year 2028-29(FY29).This deal, valued at over USD 3 billion, is one of the world’s largest off-take agreements for green fuel.Key Details of Agreement:Supply Mechanism: Under this SPA, RIL will supply green ammonia produced through a fully integrated clean energy ecosystem established in India.Significance: This partnership marks the first in a series of global offtake agreements supporting RIL’s clean energy expansion.Alignment: Aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) aims to build a competitive clean-energy platform and achieve net-zero emissions by 2035.
Reliance Signs USD 3 billion Green Ammonia Supply Deal with South Korea’s Samsung C&TIn March 2026, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) signed a binding long-term Supply and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Samsung C&T Corporation, South Korea, for the supply of green ammonia over a 15-year period starting from the second half of Financial Year 2028-29(FY29).This deal, valued at over USD 3 billion, is one of the world’s largest off-take agreements for green fuel.Key Details of Agreement:Supply Mechanism: Under this SPA, RIL will supply green ammonia produced through a fully integrated clean energy ecosystem established in India.Significance: This partnership marks the first in a series of global offtake agreements supporting RIL’s clean energy expansion.Alignment: Aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) aims to build a competitive clean-energy platform and achieve net-zero emissions by 2035.
Reliance Signs USD 3 billion Green Ammonia Supply Deal with South Korea’s Samsung C&TIn March 2026, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) signed a binding long-term Supply and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Samsung C&T Corporation, South Korea, for the su...
Shriram General Insurance Launches ‘Shri Health Suraksha 2.0’ with Enhanced Coverage FeaturesIn March 2026, Shriram General Insurance Company (SGIC) launched Shri Health Suraksha 2.0, an upgraded health insurance plan designed to provide flexible and comprehensive medical coverage while reducing out-of-pocket expenses.About Shri Health Suraksha 2.0:Coverage Benefits: The new health insurance plan addresses gaps in traditional policies by removing restrictions and offering benefits such as unlimited restoration of the sum insured within a policy year and a cumulative bonus of up to 250% for claim-free years.Zero Co-payment: The policy eliminates room rent capping, allowing policyholders to choose hospital rooms, including Intensive Care Unit (ICU), without financial restrictions, and offers zero co-payment, ensuring the insurer covers the full admissible claim amount.Medical Coverage: It also provides coverage for ambulance and air ambulance expenses up to the sum insured, along with inclusion of medical consumables and AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) treatments.
Shriram General Insurance Launches ‘Shri Health Suraksha 2.0’ with Enhanced Coverage FeaturesIn March 2026, Shriram General Insurance Company (SGIC) launched Shri Health Suraksha 2.0, an upgraded health insurance plan designed to provide flexible and comprehensive medical coverage while reducing out-of-pocket expenses.About Shri Health Suraksha 2.0:Coverage Benefits: The new health insurance plan addresses gaps in traditional policies by removing restrictions and offering benefits such as unlimited restoration of the sum insured within a policy year and a cumulative bonus of up to 250% for claim-free years.Zero Co-payment: The policy eliminates room rent capping, allowing policyholders to choose hospital rooms, including Intensive Care Unit (ICU), without financial restrictions, and offers zero co-payment, ensuring the insurer covers the full admissible claim amount.Medical Coverage: It also provides coverage for ambulance and air ambulance expenses up to the sum insured, along with inclusion of medical consumables and AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) treatments.
Shriram General Insurance Launches ‘Shri Health Suraksha 2.0’ with Enhanced Coverage FeaturesIn March 2026, Shriram General Insurance Company (SGIC) launched Shri Health Suraksha 2.0, an upgraded health insurance plan designed to provide flexible and...
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World Bank Approves USD 300 Million Loan to UP for Clean Air TransitionIn March 2026, the World Bank(WB) signed an agreement to provide a loan of approximately USD 300 million to Uttar Pradesh (UP) to support the state’s Clean Air Plan and facilitate a clean air transition.Key Details of Loan:Signatories: The agreement was signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs(DEA), Ministry of Finance(MoF); B Chandrakala, Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Clean Air Management Authority and Secretary of Forest, Environment and Climate Change on behalf of the Government of UP; and Paul Procee, Acting Country Director, India on behalf of the WB.Loan Tenure: The loan has a maturity of 10 years, including a grace period of 2 years, and will receive support from the multi-donor Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).Regional Context: The program is part of the WB’s Regional Air Quality Management Program in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF), a global air pollution hotspot.
World Bank Approves USD 300 Million Loan to UP for Clean Air TransitionIn March 2026, the World Bank(WB) signed an agreement to provide a loan of approximately USD 300 million to Uttar Pradesh (UP) to support the state’s Clean Air Plan and facilitate a clean air transition.Key Details of Loan:Signatories: The agreement was signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs(DEA), Ministry of Finance(MoF); B Chandrakala, Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Clean Air Management Authority and Secretary of Forest, Environment and Climate Change on behalf of the Government of UP; and Paul Procee, Acting Country Director, India on behalf of the WB.Loan Tenure: The loan has a maturity of 10 years, including a grace period of 2 years, and will receive support from the multi-donor Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).Regional Context: The program is part of the WB’s Regional Air Quality Management Program in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills (IGP-HF), a global air pollution hotspot.
World Bank Approves USD 300 Million Loan to UP for Clean Air TransitionIn March 2026, the World Bank(WB) signed an agreement to provide a loan of approximately USD 300 million to Uttar Pradesh (UP) to support the state’s Clean Air Plan and facilitate...
Indian Navy Participates in USA-Led Multinational Exercise ‘Sea Dragon 2026’ in GuamIn March 2026, the Indian Navy(IN) participated in the two-week multinational Exercise Sea Dragon 2026, a United States of America(USA)-led multinational Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise being held at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, the USA.About Sea Dragon 2026:Overview: Exercise Sea Dragon is an annual multinational maritime exercise hosted by the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet, focusing on ASW training.Participation: The 2026 edition includes forces from the IN, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), and the United States Navy (USN), highlighting strong Indo-Pacific cooperation.Planning Phase: The exercise begins with tabletop planning sessions, where participating forces align strategies, integrate technologies, and coordinate mission tactics.
Indian Navy Participates in USA-Led Multinational Exercise ‘Sea Dragon 2026’ in GuamIn March 2026, the Indian Navy(IN) participated in the two-week multinational Exercise Sea Dragon 2026, a United States of America(USA)-led multinational Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise being held at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, the USA.About Sea Dragon 2026:Overview: Exercise Sea Dragon is an annual multinational maritime exercise hosted by the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet, focusing on ASW training.Participation: The 2026 edition includes forces from the IN, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), and the United States Navy (USN), highlighting strong Indo-Pacific cooperation.Planning Phase: The exercise begins with tabletop planning sessions, where participating forces align strategies, integrate technologies, and coordinate mission tactics.
Indian Navy Participates in USA-Led Multinational Exercise ‘Sea Dragon 2026’ in GuamIn March 2026, the Indian Navy(IN) participated in the two-week multinational Exercise Sea Dragon 2026, a United States of America(USA)-led multinational Anti-Submari...
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GoI Granted Approval to Set Up Rs 1,250 Crore SEZ IT park in Puducherry In March 2026, the Government of India (GoI) granted its approval to the Puducherry Government for setting up a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for the Information Technology (IT) sector, spanning 21.30 acres of government-owned land near Thattanchavady.The newly approved SEZ project to be developed at a cost of Rs 1,250 crore, aims to transform Union Territory (UT) into a top destination for IT companies and global investors.About SEZ IT Park:Infrastructure: Nearly 70% of the area will be dedicated to ‘Plug-and-Play’ offices where companies can move and start working immediately while, the remaining 30% of the land will be used for social infrastructure like: houses for employees, a shopping complex, a medical centre, a bank and even a fire station.Eco-friendly Design: The SEZ will be designed eco-friendly, featuring green buildings, smart waste management system, and modern utility networks.Potential Outcome: This newly approved SEZ is expected to generate 30,000 jobs and is also expected to export services worth Rs 10,000 crore over the next 10 years.
GoI Granted Approval to Set Up Rs 1,250 Crore SEZ IT park in Puducherry In March 2026, the Government of India (GoI) granted its approval to the Puducherry Government for setting up a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for the Information Technology (IT) sector, spanning 21.30 acres of government-owned land near Thattanchavady.The newly approved SEZ project to be developed at a cost of Rs 1,250 crore, aims to transform Union Territory (UT) into a top destination for IT companies and global investors.About SEZ IT Park:Infrastructure: Nearly 70% of the area will be dedicated to ‘Plug-and-Play’ offices where companies can move and start working immediately while, the remaining 30% of the land will be used for social infrastructure like: houses for employees, a shopping complex, a medical centre, a bank and even a fire station.Eco-friendly Design: The SEZ will be designed eco-friendly, featuring green buildings, smart waste management system, and modern utility networks.Potential Outcome: This newly approved SEZ is expected to generate 30,000 jobs and is also expected to export services worth Rs 10,000 crore over the next 10 years.
GoI Granted Approval to Set Up Rs 1,250 Crore SEZ IT park in Puducherry In March 2026, the Government of India (GoI) granted its approval to the Puducherry Government for setting up a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for the Information Technolo...
India Post Launched ‘24 Speed Post’ with Next-Day Delivery from March 17, 2026 in Six CitiesThe Department of Posts (DoP) also known as India Post, under the Ministry of Communications, launched the ‘24 Speed Post’ premium express service to provide next-day (D+1) guaranteed delivery for urgent and time-sensitive consignments across six major cities in its initial phase, with regulations effective from 17 March 2026.In the first phase, the service covers six metro cities—New Delhi (Delhi), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN), Kolkata (West Bengal, WB), Bengaluru (Karnataka) and Hyderabad (Telangana).About India Post ‘24 Speed Post’ Services:Services: The services offered include ‘24 Speed Post’ (D+1) for next-day document delivery, ‘48 Speed Post’ (D+2) for two-day document delivery, and ‘24 Speed Post Parcel’ (D+1) for next-day parcel delivery up to 5 kilogram (kg).Technology: The service uses dedicated processing windows and priority air transmission supported by digital logistics systems.Features: Key features include One-Time Password (OTP)-based secure delivery, end-to-end tracking with Short Message Service (SMS) alerts, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), Application Programming Interface (API) integration, free bulk pickup and money-back guarantee.
India Post Launched ‘24 Speed Post’ with Next-Day Delivery from March 17, 2026 in Six CitiesThe Department of Posts (DoP) also known as India Post, under the Ministry of Communications, launched the ‘24 Speed Post’ premium express service to provide next-day (D+1) guaranteed delivery for urgent and time-sensitive consignments across six major cities in its initial phase, with regulations effective from 17 March 2026.In the first phase, the service covers six metro cities—New Delhi (Delhi), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN), Kolkata (West Bengal, WB), Bengaluru (Karnataka) and Hyderabad (Telangana).About India Post ‘24 Speed Post’ Services:Services: The services offered include ‘24 Speed Post’ (D+1) for next-day document delivery, ‘48 Speed Post’ (D+2) for two-day document delivery, and ‘24 Speed Post Parcel’ (D+1) for next-day parcel delivery up to 5 kilogram (kg).Technology: The service uses dedicated processing windows and priority air transmission supported by digital logistics systems.Features: Key features include One-Time Password (OTP)-based secure delivery, end-to-end tracking with Short Message Service (SMS) alerts, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), Application Programming Interface (API) integration, free bulk pickup and money-back guarantee.
India Post Launched ‘24 Speed Post’ with Next-Day Delivery from March 17, 2026 in Six CitiesThe Department of Posts (DoP) also known as India Post, under the Ministry of Communications, launched the ‘24 Speed Post’ premium express service to provide ...
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