Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates

Asia-Africa Agri Alliance Launched to to Boost Trade InvestmentIn March 2026, senior ambassadors, diplomats, policymakers, and agribusiness leaders from over ten nations formally launched the Asia Africa Agri Alliance (AAAA), a new institutional platform, in New Delhi(Delhi) to strengthen trade, agricultural cooperation, investment, and technology exchange between Asia and Africa.This initiative aims to create a structured framework for trade partnerships and policy alignment across the agri-food value chain.About Asia Africa Agri Alliance (AAAA):Establishment: The AAAA has been established as a Section 8 Not-for-Profit Organisation (NPO) under the Companies Act, 2013.Purpose: To create structured frameworks for trade partnerships, policy alignment, technology exchange, and investment mobilisation across the agri-food value chain.Key Pillars: The alliance will facilitate cooperation in five major areas:Trade and Market Access; Technology and Innovation Transfer; Investment and Finance; Policy, Standards and Agriculture Diplomacy and Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange.

18 Mar, 2026

Asia-Africa Agri Alliance Launched to to Boost Trade InvestmentIn March 2026, senior ambassadors, diplomats, policymakers, and agribusiness leaders from over ten nations formally launched the Asia Africa Agri Alliance (AAAA), a new institutional platform, in New Delhi(Delhi) to strengthen trade, agricultural cooperation, investment, and technology exchange between Asia and Africa.This initiative aims to create a structured framework for trade partnerships and policy alignment across the agri-food value chain.About Asia Africa Agri Alliance (AAAA):Establishment: The AAAA has been established as a Section 8 Not-for-Profit Organisation (NPO) under the Companies Act, 2013.Purpose: To create structured frameworks for trade partnerships, policy alignment, technology exchange, and investment mobilisation across the agri-food value chain.Key Pillars: The alliance will facilitate cooperation in five major areas:Trade and Market Access; Technology and Innovation Transfer; Investment and Finance; Policy, Standards and Agriculture Diplomacy and Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange.

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MoHFW Approves Major Reforms to Boost Ease of Doing Business and Strengthen Food Safety FrameworkIn March 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) approved key regulatory reforms to improve Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) while strengthening the food safety framework in India.These reforms, effective from 1st April 2026, balance administrative simplification with a robust food safety framework.Key Regulatory Reforms:Perpetual Validity: Registrations and licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will now have perpetual validity, eliminating the need for periodic renewals and reducing compliance burden for Food Business Operators (FBOs).Turnover Threshold: The turnover limit for basic registration has been increased from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore, while State licensing applies up to Rs 50 crore, beyond which Central licensing is required.Street Vendors: Street food vendors registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 will be deemed registered under FSSAI, benefiting over 10 lakh vendors by removing dual registration requirements.

18 Mar, 2026

MoHFW Approves Major Reforms to Boost Ease of Doing Business and Strengthen Food Safety FrameworkIn March 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) approved key regulatory reforms to improve Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) while strengthening the food safety framework in India.These reforms, effective from 1st April 2026, balance administrative simplification with a robust food safety framework.Key Regulatory Reforms:Perpetual Validity: Registrations and licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will now have perpetual validity, eliminating the need for periodic renewals and reducing compliance burden for Food Business Operators (FBOs).Turnover Threshold: The turnover limit for basic registration has been increased from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore, while State licensing applies up to Rs 50 crore, beyond which Central licensing is required.Street Vendors: Street food vendors registered under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 will be deemed registered under FSSAI, benefiting over 10 lakh vendors by removing dual registration requirements.

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India Submits First National Report on Nagoya Protocol Implementation to CBDThe Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in partnership with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), has submitted India’s First National Report (NR1) on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, which is officially known as “Nagoya Protocol, on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS)” to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 27th February 2026. The report was prepared in accordance with Article 29 of the Protocol on Monitoring and Reporting.About NR1 on Implementation of Nagoya Protocol:Coverage: The report covers the period from 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025. Global Leadership: So far, India published 3,556 Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) on the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Clearing-House which reflects high compliance with global reporting standards.These approvals were granted in accordance with Article 17 of the Nagoya Protocol, representing over 60% of the global total and demonstrating India’s leadership in transparency and compliance.ABS Approvals: A total of 12,830 ABS approvals were issued, of which 5,913 were granted by the NBA for entities under Section 3(2) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 for research work and intellectual property, and 6,917 by State Boards for commercial utilisation. Financial Support: Total funds released through NBA approvals reached Rs 216.31 crore, with an additional Rs 51.96 crore (USD 6.56 million)generated through State-level approvals.

18 Mar, 2026

India Submits First National Report on Nagoya Protocol Implementation to CBDThe Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in partnership with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), has submitted India’s First National Report (NR1) on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, which is officially known as “Nagoya Protocol, on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS)” to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 27th February 2026. The report was prepared in accordance with Article 29 of the Protocol on Monitoring and Reporting.About NR1 on Implementation of Nagoya Protocol:Coverage: The report covers the period from 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025. Global Leadership: So far, India published 3,556 Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) on the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Clearing-House which reflects high compliance with global reporting standards.These approvals were granted in accordance with Article 17 of the Nagoya Protocol, representing over 60% of the global total and demonstrating India’s leadership in transparency and compliance.ABS Approvals: A total of 12,830 ABS approvals were issued, of which 5,913 were granted by the NBA for entities under Section 3(2) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 for research work and intellectual property, and 6,917 by State Boards for commercial utilisation. Financial Support: Total funds released through NBA approvals reached Rs 216.31 crore, with an additional Rs 51.96 crore (USD 6.56 million)generated through State-level approvals.

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India merchandise and services exports rise 5.79% to USD 790.86 billion in April–October: MoCIIn March 2026, the Department of Commerce (DoC) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) reported that India’s cumulative exports (merchandise and services combined) for April-February 2025-26 reached an estimated USD 790.86 Billion (Bn), registering a growth of 5.79%.April-February 2025-26:Exports: The merchandise exports during April-February 2025-26 were USD 402.93 Bn, compared to USD 395.66 Bn the previous year.The estimated value of service exports for the same period is USD 387.93 Bn as compared to USD 351.93 Bn a year ago.Imports: India’s total imports for April-February 2025-26 are estimated at USD 900.51 Bn, registering a growth of 7.37%.The merchandise imports during April-February 2025-26 were USD 713.53 Bn, compared to USD 657.46 Bn the previous year.

18 Mar, 2026

India merchandise and services exports rise 5.79% to USD 790.86 billion in April–October: MoCIIn March 2026, the Department of Commerce (DoC) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) reported that India’s cumulative exports (merchandise and services combined) for April-February 2025-26 reached an estimated USD 790.86 Billion (Bn), registering a growth of 5.79%.April-February 2025-26:Exports: The merchandise exports during April-February 2025-26 were USD 402.93 Bn, compared to USD 395.66 Bn the previous year.The estimated value of service exports for the same period is USD 387.93 Bn as compared to USD 351.93 Bn a year ago.Imports: India’s total imports for April-February 2025-26 are estimated at USD 900.51 Bn, registering a growth of 7.37%.The merchandise imports during April-February 2025-26 were USD 713.53 Bn, compared to USD 657.46 Bn the previous year.

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International Day of Action for Rivers 2026 – March 14The International Day of Action for Rivers, previously known as International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water and Life, is annually observed across the globe on 14 March to highlight the importance of rivers in sustaining ecosystems, supporting livelihoods and ensuring water security.14 March 2026 marks the 29th observance of the International Day of Action for Rivers.2026 Theme: The theme for 2026 is “Protect Rivers, Protect People.”Background:Origin: The International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water and Life was established in March 1997 during the International Meeting of People Affected by Dams (IMPAD) held in Curitiba, Brazil, an idea that originated from the Movement of People Affected by Large Dams (MAB) annual meeting.Declaration: During the first IMPAD, participants adopted the International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water, and Life, and representatives from 20 countries including Taiwan, Brazil, Chile, Lesotho, Argentina, Thailand, Russia, France, Switzerland, and the United States of America (USA), designated 14 March, aligning it with Brazil’s Day of Action Against Large Dams.Observance: The first International Day of Action for Rivers was observed on 14 March 1998.

17 Mar, 2026

International Day of Action for Rivers 2026 – March 14The International Day of Action for Rivers, previously known as International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water and Life, is annually observed across the globe on 14 March to highlight the importance of rivers in sustaining ecosystems, supporting livelihoods and ensuring water security.14 March 2026 marks the 29th observance of the International Day of Action for Rivers.2026 Theme: The theme for 2026 is “Protect Rivers, Protect People.”Background:Origin: The International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water and Life was established in March 1997 during the International Meeting of People Affected by Dams (IMPAD) held in Curitiba, Brazil, an idea that originated from the Movement of People Affected by Large Dams (MAB) annual meeting.Declaration: During the first IMPAD, participants adopted the International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water, and Life, and representatives from 20 countries including Taiwan, Brazil, Chile, Lesotho, Argentina, Thailand, Russia, France, Switzerland, and the United States of America (USA), designated 14 March, aligning it with Brazil’s Day of Action Against Large Dams.Observance: The first International Day of Action for Rivers was observed on 14 March 1998.

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International Day of Mathematics 2026 – March 14International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is observed annually across the world on 14 March to highlight the importance of mathematics in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), climate change, energy, and sustainable development.14 March 2026 marks the 7th observance of the IDM.2026 Theme: “Mathematics and Hope”.Background:UNESCO Proclamation: The 40th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 2019 proclaimed 14 March as the IDM through Resolution 40C/30.The first IDM was celebrated on 14 March 2020.Organising Bodies: The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is coordinated by UNESCO’s International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) and the International Mathematical Union (IMU) with support from several international and regional organisations.Observance in India: India observes National Mathematics Day annually on 22 December to commemorate the birth anniversary of renowned mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.

17 Mar, 2026

International Day of Mathematics 2026 – March 14International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is observed annually across the world on 14 March to highlight the importance of mathematics in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), climate change, energy, and sustainable development.14 March 2026 marks the 7th observance of the IDM.2026 Theme: “Mathematics and Hope”.Background:UNESCO Proclamation: The 40th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 2019 proclaimed 14 March as the IDM through Resolution 40C/30.The first IDM was celebrated on 14 March 2020.Organising Bodies: The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is coordinated by UNESCO’s International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) and the International Mathematical Union (IMU) with support from several international and regional organisations.Observance in India: India observes National Mathematics Day annually on 22 December to commemorate the birth anniversary of renowned mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.

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Former Pakistan Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed Announces Retirement from International CricketIn March 2026, former Pakistan cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed announced his retirement from international cricket, concluding a career that spanned nearly two decades (2007–2023)About Sarfaraz Ahmed:Career Span: Sarfaraz Ahmed made his international debut for Pakistan in 2007, while his final appearance came in a Test match against Australia at Perth, Australia in 2023.Matches Played: During his international career, Sarfaraz Ahmed played 54 Test matches, 117 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 61 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), totaling 232 matches, and scored 6,164 runs, including 6 centuries and 35 half-centuries across formats.Wicketkeeper: He recorded 315 catches and 56 stumpings across international formats.Achievements: He captained Pakistan in 100 international matches, leading the team to the No.1 T20I ranking, a record 11 consecutive T20I series wins, and the International Cricket Council(ICC) Champions Trophy 2017 title, after earlier winning the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2006 as captain.

17 Mar, 2026

Former Pakistan Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed Announces Retirement from International CricketIn March 2026, former Pakistan cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed announced his retirement from international cricket, concluding a career that spanned nearly two decades (2007–2023)About Sarfaraz Ahmed:Career Span: Sarfaraz Ahmed made his international debut for Pakistan in 2007, while his final appearance came in a Test match against Australia at Perth, Australia in 2023.Matches Played: During his international career, Sarfaraz Ahmed played 54 Test matches, 117 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 61 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), totaling 232 matches, and scored 6,164 runs, including 6 centuries and 35 half-centuries across formats.Wicketkeeper: He recorded 315 catches and 56 stumpings across international formats.Achievements: He captained Pakistan in 100 international matches, leading the team to the No.1 T20I ranking, a record 11 consecutive T20I series wins, and the International Cricket Council(ICC) Champions Trophy 2017 title, after earlier winning the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2006 as captain.

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Mayank Chakraborty Becomes India’s 94th Grandmaster In March 2026, Mayank Chakraborty, a 17-year-old International Master (IM) from Guwahati(Assam), created history by becoming India’s 94th Grandmaster (GM) and the first-ever Grandmaster from the North East region of India.He achieved this milestone at the First Hotels Young Talents Tournament held in Stockholm, Sweden.Achievement of Grandmaster Title:Final GM Norm: Mayank Chakraborty secured his third and final GM norm at the 8th GM Tournament by finishing first with a score of 7/9 points.Tournament Performance: During the tournament, he won six games, drew two, and lost one, finishing half a point ahead of Aksel Bu Kvaloy of Norway to clinch the title.FIDE Rating Requirement: Along with achieving three GM norms, he also crossed the mandatory 2500 rating of the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), thereby fulfilling all criteria required for the Grandmaster title.

17 Mar, 2026

Mayank Chakraborty Becomes India’s 94th Grandmaster In March 2026, Mayank Chakraborty, a 17-year-old International Master (IM) from Guwahati(Assam), created history by becoming India’s 94th Grandmaster (GM) and the first-ever Grandmaster from the North East region of India.He achieved this milestone at the First Hotels Young Talents Tournament held in Stockholm, Sweden.Achievement of Grandmaster Title:Final GM Norm: Mayank Chakraborty secured his third and final GM norm at the 8th GM Tournament by finishing first with a score of 7/9 points.Tournament Performance: During the tournament, he won six games, drew two, and lost one, finishing half a point ahead of Aksel Bu Kvaloy of Norway to clinch the title.FIDE Rating Requirement: Along with achieving three GM norms, he also crossed the mandatory 2500 rating of the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), thereby fulfilling all criteria required for the Grandmaster title.

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India Tops Medal Table at World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 with 208 Medals in New Delhi India topped the medal standings at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix (WPAGP) 2026 – New Delhi leg, the second stop of the 13th Grand Prix season, winning 208 medals (75 gold, 69 silver, and 64 bronze) at the three-day event held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi(Delhi), from 11–13 March 2026.Russia finished second with 35 medals (15 gold, 14 silver, and 6 bronze), while Bosnia & Herzegovina secured third place with 3 medals (1 gold, 2 silver, and 0 bronze).About World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026:Organizer: It is organised by World Para Athletics (WPA), a division of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) with support from the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).Events: The competition featured more than 90 track and field events across various classification categories for para-athletes.The competition featured track events (100 meters (m), 200 m, 400 m, and 800 m races), field events (long jump, high jump, javelin throw, shot put, and discus throw), as well as wheelchair racing and other adapted athletics events.Qualification Pathway: The World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026, served as a key qualifying event, offering classification and performance opportunities for the 2026 World Para Athletics Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

17 Mar, 2026

India Tops Medal Table at World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 with 208 Medals in New Delhi India topped the medal standings at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix (WPAGP) 2026 – New Delhi leg, the second stop of the 13th Grand Prix season, winning 208 medals (75 gold, 69 silver, and 64 bronze) at the three-day event held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi(Delhi), from 11–13 March 2026.Russia finished second with 35 medals (15 gold, 14 silver, and 6 bronze), while Bosnia & Herzegovina secured third place with 3 medals (1 gold, 2 silver, and 0 bronze).About World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026:Organizer: It is organised by World Para Athletics (WPA), a division of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) with support from the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).Events: The competition featured more than 90 track and field events across various classification categories for para-athletes.The competition featured track events (100 meters (m), 200 m, 400 m, and 800 m races), field events (long jump, high jump, javelin throw, shot put, and discus throw), as well as wheelchair racing and other adapted athletics events.Qualification Pathway: The World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026, served as a key qualifying event, offering classification and performance opportunities for the 2026 World Para Athletics Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

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New Plant Species ‘Osbeckia zubeengargiana’ Discovered in Manas NP, Named After Zubeen GargIn March 2026, researchers from Gauhati University discovered a new plant species, Osbeckia zubeengargiana, in the grassland ecosystems of Manas National Park(NP), a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site, in Assam.The species was named after Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg, and the discovery was published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa.About Osbeckia zubeengargiana:Research Work: It was documented during floristic surveys conducted between 2021 and 2025, in Baksa district (Assam).Genus Family: The newly identified species, Osbeckia zubeengargiana, belongs to the Melastomataceae family.Key Features: The species exhibits similarities with Osbeckia rostrata but differs in several morphological traits like: leaf structure, flower arrangement, hypanthium shape and seed size.The researchers described the new plant species as a perennial erect shrub that can grow a maximum 3.5 metres(m) in height and produces distinctive pink tetramerous flowers.The plant typically flowers and bears fruit between mid-September and January.Significance: The discovery enriches the botanical diversity of Assam and contributes to scientific knowledge of the genus Osbeckia, which is widely distributed across Southeast Asia including several endemic species in Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats.

17 Mar, 2026

New Plant Species ‘Osbeckia zubeengargiana’ Discovered in Manas NP, Named After Zubeen GargIn March 2026, researchers from Gauhati University discovered a new plant species, Osbeckia zubeengargiana, in the grassland ecosystems of Manas National Park(NP), a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site, in Assam.The species was named after Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg, and the discovery was published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa.About Osbeckia zubeengargiana:Research Work: It was documented during floristic surveys conducted between 2021 and 2025, in Baksa district (Assam).Genus Family: The newly identified species, Osbeckia zubeengargiana, belongs to the Melastomataceae family.Key Features: The species exhibits similarities with Osbeckia rostrata but differs in several morphological traits like: leaf structure, flower arrangement, hypanthium shape and seed size.The researchers described the new plant species as a perennial erect shrub that can grow a maximum 3.5 metres(m) in height and produces distinctive pink tetramerous flowers.The plant typically flowers and bears fruit between mid-September and January.Significance: The discovery enriches the botanical diversity of Assam and contributes to scientific knowledge of the genus Osbeckia, which is widely distributed across Southeast Asia including several endemic species in Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats.

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