Language:
Daily Current Affairs & GK
Latest updates for SSC, Banking, Railways & State Exams
Advertisement
PhonePe Launches ‘RuPay On-The-Go’ NCMC Card for Seamless Digital Transit PaymentsIn March 2026, PhonePe Limited launched the RuPay ‘On-The-Go’ Card, a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) designed for contactless payments across public transport systems in India, supporting the Government of India(GoI)’s ‘One Nation One Card’ initiative for a single interoperable transit payment system.About RuPay ‘On-The-Go’ Card:Contactless Payments: The card enables tap-and-pay transactions at NCMC-enabled services such as metro, buses, trains, toll plazas and parking facilities, and supports offline payments without internet connectivity.Balance : The prepaid card stores value directly on its chip with a maximum balance of Rs 2,000 and supports offline transactions up to Rs 500, enabling quick and secure payments for commuters.Purchase & Recharge: The card can be issued instantly after One-Time Password (OTP) verification, and can be purchased or recharged using Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cash, or debit/credit cards.Launch & Expansion: The card was initially launched at Hyderabad Metro ticket counters in Hyderabad, Telangana, in partnership with L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (LTMRHL).It is fully interoperable and can also be used at NCMC-enabled transport systems in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai (Maharashtra), Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN), and Bengaluru (Karnataka).
PhonePe Launches ‘RuPay On-The-Go’ NCMC Card for Seamless Digital Transit PaymentsIn March 2026, PhonePe Limited launched the RuPay ‘On-The-Go’ Card, a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) designed for contactless payments across public transport systems in India, supporting the Government of India(GoI)’s ‘One Nation One Card’ initiative for a single interoperable transit payment system.About RuPay ‘On-The-Go’ Card:Contactless Payments: The card enables tap-and-pay transactions at NCMC-enabled services such as metro, buses, trains, toll plazas and parking facilities, and supports offline payments without internet connectivity.Balance : The prepaid card stores value directly on its chip with a maximum balance of Rs 2,000 and supports offline transactions up to Rs 500, enabling quick and secure payments for commuters.Purchase & Recharge: The card can be issued instantly after One-Time Password (OTP) verification, and can be purchased or recharged using Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cash, or debit/credit cards.Launch & Expansion: The card was initially launched at Hyderabad Metro ticket counters in Hyderabad, Telangana, in partnership with L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (LTMRHL).It is fully interoperable and can also be used at NCMC-enabled transport systems in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai (Maharashtra), Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN), and Bengaluru (Karnataka).
PhonePe Launches ‘RuPay On-The-Go’ NCMC Card for Seamless Digital Transit PaymentsIn March 2026, PhonePe Limited launched the RuPay ‘On-The-Go’ Card, a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) designed for contactless payments across public transport sys...
NATO Commences Biennial Arctic Military Exercise ‘Cold Response’ Across Finland and NorwayOn March 09 2026, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) commenced its biennial Arctic military exercise named ‘Cold Response 2026’ across Northern Norway and Finland.The military exercise will continue till March 19, 2026, focusing on the role of civilians in supporting military operations.Key Details of Cold Response:Objective: This military exercise has now officially become part of Arctic Sentry, The NATO aims to bolster its presence in the polar region.Key Participants: The exercise is expected to witness the participation of nearly 25,000 troops from 14 NATO countries including 4,000 from the United States of America (USA) and Denmark.Focus Areas: The Government of Norway has declared 2026 the year of ‘total defence, which focuses on strengthening the readiness of civilians, businesses, and public institutions to face war and other crises.
NATO Commences Biennial Arctic Military Exercise ‘Cold Response’ Across Finland and NorwayOn March 09 2026, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) commenced its biennial Arctic military exercise named ‘Cold Response 2026’ across Northern Norway and Finland.The military exercise will continue till March 19, 2026, focusing on the role of civilians in supporting military operations.Key Details of Cold Response:Objective: This military exercise has now officially become part of Arctic Sentry, The NATO aims to bolster its presence in the polar region.Key Participants: The exercise is expected to witness the participation of nearly 25,000 troops from 14 NATO countries including 4,000 from the United States of America (USA) and Denmark.Focus Areas: The Government of Norway has declared 2026 the year of ‘total defence, which focuses on strengthening the readiness of civilians, businesses, and public institutions to face war and other crises.
NATO Commences Biennial Arctic Military Exercise ‘Cold Response’ Across Finland and NorwayOn March 09 2026, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) commenced its biennial Arctic military exercise named ‘Cold Response 2026’ across Northern Norwa...
Sponsored Advertisement
FATF Adds Kuwait, Papua New Guinea to Increased Monitoring ListThe Financial Task Force (FATF) placed Kuwait, and New Guinea to its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, which is often referred to as ‘Grey List’, thereby bringing the total number of the countries in the list to 22.The decision was taken during the 5th FATF Plenary meeting under the Presidency of Elisa de Anda Madrazo (Mexico) from February 09 to February 13, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico.Key Details:Key Reasons: The agency noted strategic deficiencies in these countries to curb money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.Grey List: The Grey list identifies countries with strategic deficiencies in their Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) system.
FATF Adds Kuwait, Papua New Guinea to Increased Monitoring ListThe Financial Task Force (FATF) placed Kuwait, and New Guinea to its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, which is often referred to as ‘Grey List’, thereby bringing the total number of the countries in the list to 22.The decision was taken during the 5th FATF Plenary meeting under the Presidency of Elisa de Anda Madrazo (Mexico) from February 09 to February 13, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico.Key Details:Key Reasons: The agency noted strategic deficiencies in these countries to curb money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.Grey List: The Grey list identifies countries with strategic deficiencies in their Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) system.
FATF Adds Kuwait, Papua New Guinea to Increased Monitoring ListThe Financial Task Force (FATF) placed Kuwait, and New Guinea to its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, which is often referred to as ‘Grey List’, thereby bringing the tot...
India and Seychelles Begin Joint Military ‘Exercise LAMITIYE 2026’ in SeychellesIn March 2026, the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) commenced the 11th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘LAMITIYE-2026’ at the Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Victoria, Seychelles.The exercise is scheduled to be held for 12 days from 9 March to 20 March 2026.About Exercise LAMITIYE-2026:Tri-Service: LAMITIYE-2026 marks the first tri-service participation of the Indian Armed Forces in the exercise.Participation: The exercise involves the Indian Armed Forces including personnel from the Assam Regiment (AR) along with participation from the Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Air Force (IAF).IN’s Indian Navy Ships (INS) Trikand warship (Talwar-class frigate) and IAF C-130 transport aircraft are deployed for the exercise.Operations: The exercise focuses on Sub-Conventional Operations (SCO) in Semi-Urban Environments (SUE) and enhances interoperability in United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operations.
India and Seychelles Begin Joint Military ‘Exercise LAMITIYE 2026’ in SeychellesIn March 2026, the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) commenced the 11th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘LAMITIYE-2026’ at the Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Victoria, Seychelles.The exercise is scheduled to be held for 12 days from 9 March to 20 March 2026.About Exercise LAMITIYE-2026:Tri-Service: LAMITIYE-2026 marks the first tri-service participation of the Indian Armed Forces in the exercise.Participation: The exercise involves the Indian Armed Forces including personnel from the Assam Regiment (AR) along with participation from the Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Air Force (IAF).IN’s Indian Navy Ships (INS) Trikand warship (Talwar-class frigate) and IAF C-130 transport aircraft are deployed for the exercise.Operations: The exercise focuses on Sub-Conventional Operations (SCO) in Semi-Urban Environments (SUE) and enhances interoperability in United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operations.
India and Seychelles Begin Joint Military ‘Exercise LAMITIYE 2026’ in SeychellesIn March 2026, the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) commenced the 11th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘LAMITIYE-2026’ at the Seychelles...
Sponsored Advertisement
SIPRI Report 2025: India Remains World’s 2nd Biggest Arms Importer after UkraineIn March 2026, the Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report titled ‘Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2025’ which highlighted that India remained the world’s second-largest arms importer during 2021–2025, accounting for 8.2% of global arms imports, after Ukraine.Ukraine emerged as the largest global arms importer, receiving 9.7% of total international arms transfers during the period while Saudi Arabia ranked 3rd with 6.8% of global arms importer.The United States of America (USA), France, and Russia were the top 3 global arms exporters during this period.Global Arms Trends:Global Rise: Global arms transfers increased by almost 10% during the same period due to heightened geopolitical tensions and expanded defence procurement.Regional Distribution: Europe emerged as the largest arms-importing region, accounting for 33% of global imports (up from 12%) over the last five years, as countries nearly tripled their purchases to support Russia–Ukraine War.India Links: India remained the largest recipient of French arms (24% of France’s exports) and the largest destination for Russian arms exports (48%), highlighting India’s diversified defence partnerships.
SIPRI Report 2025: India Remains World’s 2nd Biggest Arms Importer after UkraineIn March 2026, the Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report titled ‘Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2025’ which highlighted that India remained the world’s second-largest arms importer during 2021–2025, accounting for 8.2% of global arms imports, after Ukraine.Ukraine emerged as the largest global arms importer, receiving 9.7% of total international arms transfers during the period while Saudi Arabia ranked 3rd with 6.8% of global arms importer.The United States of America (USA), France, and Russia were the top 3 global arms exporters during this period.Global Arms Trends:Global Rise: Global arms transfers increased by almost 10% during the same period due to heightened geopolitical tensions and expanded defence procurement.Regional Distribution: Europe emerged as the largest arms-importing region, accounting for 33% of global imports (up from 12%) over the last five years, as countries nearly tripled their purchases to support Russia–Ukraine War.India Links: India remained the largest recipient of French arms (24% of France’s exports) and the largest destination for Russian arms exports (48%), highlighting India’s diversified defence partnerships.
SIPRI Report 2025: India Remains World’s 2nd Biggest Arms Importer after UkraineIn March 2026, the Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report titled ‘Trends in International Arms Transfers, ...
AIIMS and ISRO Sign MoU to Advance Space Medicine Research in IndiaIn March 2026, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance medical research related to human spaceflight and develop healthcare solutions for astronauts participating in future Indian space missions.The MoU was signed by M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, New Delhi, and Dinesh Kumar Singh, Director of the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of ISRO.Key Details of MoU:Objective: The primary objective of the agreement is to promote research, education, and capacity building in space medicine.Focus: The collaboration will focus on studying the physiological and psychological effects of space travel on astronauts, including the impact of microgravity, radiation exposure, and isolation during long-duration missions.Key Areas of Collaboration: The MoU focuses on microgravity research, astronaut health monitoring, space radiation studies, psychological health assessments, and specialized medical training, aimed at understanding the effects of space travel on human health and developing medical support systems for astronauts.
AIIMS and ISRO Sign MoU to Advance Space Medicine Research in IndiaIn March 2026, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance medical research related to human spaceflight and develop healthcare solutions for astronauts participating in future Indian space missions.The MoU was signed by M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, New Delhi, and Dinesh Kumar Singh, Director of the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of ISRO.Key Details of MoU:Objective: The primary objective of the agreement is to promote research, education, and capacity building in space medicine.Focus: The collaboration will focus on studying the physiological and psychological effects of space travel on astronauts, including the impact of microgravity, radiation exposure, and isolation during long-duration missions.Key Areas of Collaboration: The MoU focuses on microgravity research, astronaut health monitoring, space radiation studies, psychological health assessments, and specialized medical training, aimed at understanding the effects of space travel on human health and developing medical support systems for astronauts.
AIIMS and ISRO Sign MoU to Advance Space Medicine Research in IndiaIn March 2026, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance medical rese...
Sponsored Advertisement
India and Uzbekistan Launches Pharma-Nutraceutical Corridor for Eurasian MarketIn March 2026, India and Uzbekistan jointly launched a structured pharmaceutical and nutraceutical corridor designed to expand access to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the wider Eurasian healthcare market, estimated to be worth USD 7–10 billion.About Pharma-Nutraceutical Corridor:Partnership: The trade corridor was formalised through a partnership between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Nutrify Today, Bengaluru(Karanataka)-based nutraceutical platform), and Pharma Eurasia, a trade and exhibition platform headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.Purpose: The Indo–CIS Pharma-Nutraceutical Corridor is a policy-backed platform to promote regulatory alignment, trade facilitation, investment, and commercial engagement between India and the CIS/Eurasian region.Commercial Launch: The corridor will be commercially activated at Pharma Eurasia 2026, a major industry exhibition scheduled from 20–22 May 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.Operational Focus: The corridor will support companies through regulatory harmonisation, supply chain digitisation, investment facilitation, joint ventures, Research and Development (R&D) collaboration, and trade matchmaking to enable seamless market entry and commercialisation.
India and Uzbekistan Launches Pharma-Nutraceutical Corridor for Eurasian MarketIn March 2026, India and Uzbekistan jointly launched a structured pharmaceutical and nutraceutical corridor designed to expand access to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the wider Eurasian healthcare market, estimated to be worth USD 7–10 billion.About Pharma-Nutraceutical Corridor:Partnership: The trade corridor was formalised through a partnership between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Nutrify Today, Bengaluru(Karanataka)-based nutraceutical platform), and Pharma Eurasia, a trade and exhibition platform headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.Purpose: The Indo–CIS Pharma-Nutraceutical Corridor is a policy-backed platform to promote regulatory alignment, trade facilitation, investment, and commercial engagement between India and the CIS/Eurasian region.Commercial Launch: The corridor will be commercially activated at Pharma Eurasia 2026, a major industry exhibition scheduled from 20–22 May 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.Operational Focus: The corridor will support companies through regulatory harmonisation, supply chain digitisation, investment facilitation, joint ventures, Research and Development (R&D) collaboration, and trade matchmaking to enable seamless market entry and commercialisation.
India and Uzbekistan Launches Pharma-Nutraceutical Corridor for Eurasian MarketIn March 2026, India and Uzbekistan jointly launched a structured pharmaceutical and nutraceutical corridor designed to expand access to the Commonwealth of Independent St...
Union Minister C.R. Patil Launches Jal Mahotsav 2026 in Gujarat to Promote Rural Water ManagementOn March 8, 2026, Union Minister Chandrakant Raghunath (C.R.) Patil, Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), launched Jal Mahotsav 2026, a nationwide campaign of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS),MoJS, from Rahej village, Gandevi Block, Navsari district, Gujarat.The launch of Jal Mahotsav 2026 coincided with International Women’s Day (8 March), which was observed as ‘Sujalam Shakti Diwas’, highlighting the important role of women in rural water management.About Jal Mahotsav 2026:Duration: Observed annually from March 8 to March 22 (culminating on World Water Day).The campaign commenced with the observance of Jal Arpan Diwas, symbolising the handing over of rural drinking water assets to Gram Panchayats (GPs) to strengthen community ownership of water infrastructure under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).Objective: To strengthen Jan Bhagidari (community participation) and ensure the long-term sustainability of water infrastructure under the JJM.Tagline: “गाँव का उत्सव, देश का महोत्सव” (Village’s Festival, Nation’s Festival).Multi-Level Implementation: The campaign is structured across four administrative levels: National Level,State Level, District Level and Gram Panchayat Level.
Union Minister C.R. Patil Launches Jal Mahotsav 2026 in Gujarat to Promote Rural Water ManagementOn March 8, 2026, Union Minister Chandrakant Raghunath (C.R.) Patil, Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), launched Jal Mahotsav 2026, a nationwide campaign of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS),MoJS, from Rahej village, Gandevi Block, Navsari district, Gujarat.The launch of Jal Mahotsav 2026 coincided with International Women’s Day (8 March), which was observed as ‘Sujalam Shakti Diwas’, highlighting the important role of women in rural water management.About Jal Mahotsav 2026:Duration: Observed annually from March 8 to March 22 (culminating on World Water Day).The campaign commenced with the observance of Jal Arpan Diwas, symbolising the handing over of rural drinking water assets to Gram Panchayats (GPs) to strengthen community ownership of water infrastructure under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).Objective: To strengthen Jan Bhagidari (community participation) and ensure the long-term sustainability of water infrastructure under the JJM.Tagline: “गाँव का उत्सव, देश का महोत्सव” (Village’s Festival, Nation’s Festival).Multi-Level Implementation: The campaign is structured across four administrative levels: National Level,State Level, District Level and Gram Panchayat Level.
Union Minister C.R. Patil Launches Jal Mahotsav 2026 in Gujarat to Promote Rural Water ManagementOn March 8, 2026, Union Minister Chandrakant Raghunath (C.R.) Patil, Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), launched Jal Mahotsav 2026, a nationwide campaign of ...
Sponsored Advertisement
11th Raisina Dialogue Held in New Delhi from 5–7 March, 2026The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue was held from 5–7 March 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi. The Dialogue was inaugurated by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, while President of Finland Alexander Stubb attended the inaugural session as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address.The three-day global conference was organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI).The Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, focusing on global strategic issues, technological disruptions, and economic security shaping international relations.Theme of Raisina Dialogue 2026:The theme of the 11th Raisina Dialogue was “Saṁskāra – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement.” The discussions focused on how technological disruptions, strategic competition, and economic security are transforming global politics and governance.The discussions were structured across six thematic pillars:Contested Frontiers: Power, Polarity, and Periphery.Repairing the Commons: New Groups, New Guardians, New Avenues.White Whale: The Pursuit of Agenda 2030.The Eleventh Hour: Climate, Conflict, and the Cost of Delay.Tomorrowland: Towards a Tech-topia.Trade in the Time of Tariffs: Recovery, Resilience, Reinvention.Inauguration: The inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) was held on 5 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as part of the Raisina Dialogue.
11th Raisina Dialogue Held in New Delhi from 5–7 March, 2026The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue was held from 5–7 March 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi. The Dialogue was inaugurated by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, while President of Finland Alexander Stubb attended the inaugural session as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address.The three-day global conference was organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI).The Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, focusing on global strategic issues, technological disruptions, and economic security shaping international relations.Theme of Raisina Dialogue 2026:The theme of the 11th Raisina Dialogue was “Saṁskāra – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement.” The discussions focused on how technological disruptions, strategic competition, and economic security are transforming global politics and governance.The discussions were structured across six thematic pillars:Contested Frontiers: Power, Polarity, and Periphery.Repairing the Commons: New Groups, New Guardians, New Avenues.White Whale: The Pursuit of Agenda 2030.The Eleventh Hour: Climate, Conflict, and the Cost of Delay.Tomorrowland: Towards a Tech-topia.Trade in the Time of Tariffs: Recovery, Resilience, Reinvention.Inauguration: The inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) was held on 5 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as part of the Raisina Dialogue.
11th Raisina Dialogue Held in New Delhi from 5–7 March, 2026The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue was held from 5–7 March 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi. The Dialogue was inaugurated by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, while President of Finland Alexa...
International Women’s Day 2026 – March 8International Women’s Day (IWD) of the United Nations (UN) is annually observed worldwide on 8 March to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to recognise their contributions across all divisions, including national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, and political.8 March 2026 marks the 51st year of the United Nations’ (UN) official observance of IWD.2026 Theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”Background:Recognition: The UN began observing IWD in 1975, which was designated as International Women’s Year.Resolution: In December 1977, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 8 March as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.2026 Events: Global Event: UN is hosting the global commemoration at its Headquarters in New York, United States of America (USA), alongside the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), the world’s largest annual forum on gender equality and women’s rights held from 9–19 March 2026.Event in India: Nationwide celebrations were organised in New Delhi (Delhi) in the presence of Droupadi Murmu, President of India.
International Women’s Day 2026 – March 8International Women’s Day (IWD) of the United Nations (UN) is annually observed worldwide on 8 March to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to recognise their contributions across all divisions, including national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, and political.8 March 2026 marks the 51st year of the United Nations’ (UN) official observance of IWD.2026 Theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”Background:Recognition: The UN began observing IWD in 1975, which was designated as International Women’s Year.Resolution: In December 1977, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 8 March as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.2026 Events: Global Event: UN is hosting the global commemoration at its Headquarters in New York, United States of America (USA), alongside the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), the world’s largest annual forum on gender equality and women’s rights held from 9–19 March 2026.Event in India: Nationwide celebrations were organised in New Delhi (Delhi) in the presence of Droupadi Murmu, President of India.
International Women’s Day 2026 – March 8International Women’s Day (IWD) of the United Nations (UN) is annually observed worldwide on 8 March to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to recognise their contr...
Sponsored Advertisement