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Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Announces New Seed Act 2026 and Revised Pesticide Act 2026 in Mussoorie, UttarakhandOn March 1, 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare(MoAFW), announced two landmark legislative reforms: the New Seed Act 2026 and a Revised Pesticide Act 2026.These reforms, unveiled in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, are designed to modernize the regulatory framework of Indian agriculture by ensuring input quality and protecting farmers from substandard products.About New Seed Act 2026:Transparency: The act introduces mandatory registration for all seed companies. The seed packets will now feature unique Quick Response(QR) codes.Penalty: Fines have been increased to a maximum of Rs 30 lakh, accompanied by possible imprisonment for deliberate offences.About Revised Pesticide Act 2026:Legislation: The Revised Pesticide Act 2026 is set to replace the Insecticides Act, 1968, modernizing the regulatory framework for pesticides in India.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Announces New Seed Act 2026 and Revised Pesticide Act 2026 in Mussoorie, UttarakhandOn March 1, 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare(MoAFW), announced two landmark legislative reforms: the New Seed Act 2026 and a Revised Pesticide Act 2026.These reforms, unveiled in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, are designed to modernize the regulatory framework of Indian agriculture by ensuring input quality and protecting farmers from substandard products.About New Seed Act 2026:Transparency: The act introduces mandatory registration for all seed companies. The seed packets will now feature unique Quick Response(QR) codes.Penalty: Fines have been increased to a maximum of Rs 30 lakh, accompanied by possible imprisonment for deliberate offences.About Revised Pesticide Act 2026:Legislation: The Revised Pesticide Act 2026 is set to replace the Insecticides Act, 1968, modernizing the regulatory framework for pesticides in India.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Announces New Seed Act 2026 and Revised Pesticide Act 2026 in Mussoorie, UttarakhandOn March 1, 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare(MoAFW), announced two landmar...
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to TN and and Puducherry on March 1, 2026On March 1, 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Tamil Nadu (TN) and Union Territory (UT) Puducherry to inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, and lay foundation stones for multiple infrastructure and development projects worth over Rs 7,100 crore, with a focus on regional connectivity and public welfare.Infrastructure Projects: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, and laid the foundation stone of multiple projects worth over Rs 4,400 crore in Madurai, TN, aimed at enhancing connectivity, improving mobility, and accelerating regional economic growth.National Highway Projects:Marakkanam-Puducherry (NH-332A): Four-laning project with an investment of over Rs 2,100 crore; expected to cut travel time by 50% and strengthen connectivity to Mamallapuram, Kalpakkam Atomic Power Station, and Auroville.Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram (NH-87): Four-laning project with an investment of over Rs 1,800 crore; will reduce travel time by around 40 per cent and enhance access to Madurai, Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi, and Indian Naval Station (INS) Parundu.Outlay: PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 2,700 crore across infrastructure, education, health, mobility, and industrial sectors in Puducherry.
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to TN and and Puducherry on March 1, 2026On March 1, 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Tamil Nadu (TN) and Union Territory (UT) Puducherry to inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, and lay foundation stones for multiple infrastructure and development projects worth over Rs 7,100 crore, with a focus on regional connectivity and public welfare.Infrastructure Projects: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, and laid the foundation stone of multiple projects worth over Rs 4,400 crore in Madurai, TN, aimed at enhancing connectivity, improving mobility, and accelerating regional economic growth.National Highway Projects:Marakkanam-Puducherry (NH-332A): Four-laning project with an investment of over Rs 2,100 crore; expected to cut travel time by 50% and strengthen connectivity to Mamallapuram, Kalpakkam Atomic Power Station, and Auroville.Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram (NH-87): Four-laning project with an investment of over Rs 1,800 crore; will reduce travel time by around 40 per cent and enhance access to Madurai, Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi, and Indian Naval Station (INS) Parundu.Outlay: PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 2,700 crore across infrastructure, education, health, mobility, and industrial sectors in Puducherry.
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to TN and and Puducherry on March 1, 2026On March 1, 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Tamil Nadu (TN) and Union Territory (UT) Puducherry to inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, and lay foundation st...
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World Civil Defence Day 2026 – March 1World Civil Defence Day (WCDD), also known as World Civil Protection Day, is observed globally every year on 1 March to mark the entry into force of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) Constitution and to honour civil defence personnel.1 March 2026 marks the 37th observance of WCDD.Theme 2026: “Managing Environmental Risks for a Resilient and Sustainable Future”Background:Establishment: WCDD was formally instituted by the ICDO during its 9th General Assembly on 18 December 1990 in Geneva, Switzerland.First Observance: The inaugural WCDD was held on 1 March 1990 under the aegis of the United Nations (UN).Constitution: The date 1 March marks the entry into force of the ICDO Constitution in 1972, although it was originally adopted on 17 October 1966, establishing ICDO as an intergovernmental organization for civil defence coordination.Strengthening Initiatives: In 2012, ICDO formally inaugurated Civil Defence Day (CDD) to enhance global protection awareness.
World Civil Defence Day 2026 – March 1World Civil Defence Day (WCDD), also known as World Civil Protection Day, is observed globally every year on 1 March to mark the entry into force of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) Constitution and to honour civil defence personnel.1 March 2026 marks the 37th observance of WCDD.Theme 2026: “Managing Environmental Risks for a Resilient and Sustainable Future”Background:Establishment: WCDD was formally instituted by the ICDO during its 9th General Assembly on 18 December 1990 in Geneva, Switzerland.First Observance: The inaugural WCDD was held on 1 March 1990 under the aegis of the United Nations (UN).Constitution: The date 1 March marks the entry into force of the ICDO Constitution in 1972, although it was originally adopted on 17 October 1966, establishing ICDO as an intergovernmental organization for civil defence coordination.Strengthening Initiatives: In 2012, ICDO formally inaugurated Civil Defence Day (CDD) to enhance global protection awareness.
World Civil Defence Day 2026 – March 1World Civil Defence Day (WCDD), also known as World Civil Protection Day, is observed globally every year on 1 March to mark the entry into force of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) Constitutio...
Zero Discrimination Day 2026 – March 1 Zero Discrimination Day (ZDD) is observed annually across the globe on 1 March to celebrate diversity, advocate equality and inclusion, and raise awareness about the harmful effects of discrimination across all genders, ages, ethnicities, religions, disabilities, and sexual orientations.March 1, 2026, marks the 12th observance of ZDD.2026 Theme: “People First”Background:Launch: In 2013, UNAIDS, Joint United Nations Programme on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome(AIDS), launched the Zero Discrimination Campaign (ZDC) on World AIDS Day (1 December) to promote global equality and inclusion.Global Advocate: The campaign was introduced under Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, as UNAIDS Global Advocate for Zero Discrimination, using the hashtag #zerodiscrimination.First Observance: The inaugural Zero Discrimination Day was observed on 1 March 2014, led by Michel Sidibé, Executive Director (ED), UNAIDS, in Beijing, China.Symbol: The butterfly is the official symbol, representing transformation toward a world where everyone can live with dignity.
Zero Discrimination Day 2026 – March 1 Zero Discrimination Day (ZDD) is observed annually across the globe on 1 March to celebrate diversity, advocate equality and inclusion, and raise awareness about the harmful effects of discrimination across all genders, ages, ethnicities, religions, disabilities, and sexual orientations.March 1, 2026, marks the 12th observance of ZDD.2026 Theme: “People First”Background:Launch: In 2013, UNAIDS, Joint United Nations Programme on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome(AIDS), launched the Zero Discrimination Campaign (ZDC) on World AIDS Day (1 December) to promote global equality and inclusion.Global Advocate: The campaign was introduced under Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, as UNAIDS Global Advocate for Zero Discrimination, using the hashtag #zerodiscrimination.First Observance: The inaugural Zero Discrimination Day was observed on 1 March 2014, led by Michel Sidibé, Executive Director (ED), UNAIDS, in Beijing, China.Symbol: The butterfly is the official symbol, representing transformation toward a world where everyone can live with dignity.
Zero Discrimination Day 2026 – March 1 Zero Discrimination Day (ZDD) is observed annually across the globe on 1 March to celebrate diversity, advocate equality and inclusion, and raise awareness about the harmful effects of discrimination across all ...
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Jammu & Kashmir Clinches First Ranji Trophy Title 2025-26The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) cricket team won its first-ever Ranji Trophy title 2025-26 by defeating eight-time champions Karnataka in the final held at Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Rajnagar Stadium, Hubballi, Karnataka on 28th February 2026.J&K clinched the championship with a commanding 291-run first-innings lead in a drawn five-day final, becoming the 19th team to win the trophy since their 1959–60 debut.About Ranji Trophy 2025-26:Match Summary: J&K posted 584 runs in the first innings (Shubham Pundir 121) and bowled out Karnataka for 293 (Auqib Nabi 5/54), while second-innings centuries from Qamran Iqbal (160*) and Sahil Lotra (101) extended the lead to 633 runs, securing the title on first-innings advantage after a draw.Tournament Star: Auqib Nabi was named Player of the Tournament with 62 wickets, emerging as the season’s leading wicket-taker.Top Scorer: Abdul Samad was J&K’s highest run-scorer with 748 runs at an average of 57.
Jammu & Kashmir Clinches First Ranji Trophy Title 2025-26The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) cricket team won its first-ever Ranji Trophy title 2025-26 by defeating eight-time champions Karnataka in the final held at Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Rajnagar Stadium, Hubballi, Karnataka on 28th February 2026.J&K clinched the championship with a commanding 291-run first-innings lead in a drawn five-day final, becoming the 19th team to win the trophy since their 1959–60 debut.About Ranji Trophy 2025-26:Match Summary: J&K posted 584 runs in the first innings (Shubham Pundir 121) and bowled out Karnataka for 293 (Auqib Nabi 5/54), while second-innings centuries from Qamran Iqbal (160*) and Sahil Lotra (101) extended the lead to 633 runs, securing the title on first-innings advantage after a draw.Tournament Star: Auqib Nabi was named Player of the Tournament with 62 wickets, emerging as the season’s leading wicket-taker.Top Scorer: Abdul Samad was J&K’s highest run-scorer with 748 runs at an average of 57.
Jammu & Kashmir Clinches First Ranji Trophy Title 2025-26The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) cricket team won its first-ever Ranji Trophy title 2025-26 by defeating eight-time champions Karnataka in the final held at Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA...
Senior Iranian Cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi Named As Country’s Interim Supreme Leader after Ayatollah Ali KhameneOn March 1, 2026, senior cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi was appointed as Iran’s interim Supreme Leader following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint United States (US)-Israel airstrike.Iran Interim Leadership:Activation: Article 111 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran mandated a three-member Interim Leadership Council to exercise his powers temporarily until the Assembly of Experts appoints a successor.Composition: The council comprises President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice (CJ) Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as the jurist member from the Guardian Council, selected by the Expediency Discernment Council (EDC).About Ayatollah Alireza Arafi:Clerical: Born in 1959, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi is a senior Shia cleric holding the rank of Mujtahid, with expertise in religious jurisprudence and governance.Institutional: He serves as Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of Experts (AoE) and has been a member of the Guardian Council (GC) since 2019, overseeing leadership selection, candidate vetting, and legislative review.Academic: He previously headed Al-Mustafa International University and currently directs Iran’s national network of Islamic Seminaries, managing clerical education domestically and internationally.
Senior Iranian Cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi Named As Country’s Interim Supreme Leader after Ayatollah Ali KhameneOn March 1, 2026, senior cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi was appointed as Iran’s interim Supreme Leader following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint United States (US)-Israel airstrike.Iran Interim Leadership:Activation: Article 111 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran mandated a three-member Interim Leadership Council to exercise his powers temporarily until the Assembly of Experts appoints a successor.Composition: The council comprises President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice (CJ) Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as the jurist member from the Guardian Council, selected by the Expediency Discernment Council (EDC).About Ayatollah Alireza Arafi:Clerical: Born in 1959, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi is a senior Shia cleric holding the rank of Mujtahid, with expertise in religious jurisprudence and governance.Institutional: He serves as Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of Experts (AoE) and has been a member of the Guardian Council (GC) since 2019, overseeing leadership selection, candidate vetting, and legislative review.Academic: He previously headed Al-Mustafa International University and currently directs Iran’s national network of Islamic Seminaries, managing clerical education domestically and internationally.
Senior Iranian Cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi Named As Country’s Interim Supreme Leader after Ayatollah Ali KhameneOn March 1, 2026, senior cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi was appointed as Iran’s interim Supreme Leader following the killing of Ayatoll...
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Bharti Airtel, Google Partners to Launch Secure RCS Messaging in IndiaIn February 2026, Bharti Airtel, a leading Indian telecommunications service provider, and Google partnered to provide a secure and interactive messaging experience for millions of users in India.The initiative represents a world-first collaboration between a Telecom Service Provider (TSP) and a global technology platform to apply telecom-grade accountability to Over-the-Top (OTT) messaging.Key Details:Integration: This partnership combines Airtel’s network intelligence with Google’s Rich Communications Services (RCS) platform to enhance communication quality and strengthen digital safety.Protection: The platform employs Artificial Intelligence(AI)-powered spam filters to perform real-time identity validation of business senders.It significantly reduces digital fraud by filtering malicious domains through multi-tiered threat detection layers and throttling suspicious message traffic.Experience: Users can access RCS messaging via the Google Messages application(app) on Android smartphones. The service supports high-quality media sharing, message reactions, and interactive elements.
Bharti Airtel, Google Partners to Launch Secure RCS Messaging in IndiaIn February 2026, Bharti Airtel, a leading Indian telecommunications service provider, and Google partnered to provide a secure and interactive messaging experience for millions of users in India.The initiative represents a world-first collaboration between a Telecom Service Provider (TSP) and a global technology platform to apply telecom-grade accountability to Over-the-Top (OTT) messaging.Key Details:Integration: This partnership combines Airtel’s network intelligence with Google’s Rich Communications Services (RCS) platform to enhance communication quality and strengthen digital safety.Protection: The platform employs Artificial Intelligence(AI)-powered spam filters to perform real-time identity validation of business senders.It significantly reduces digital fraud by filtering malicious domains through multi-tiered threat detection layers and throttling suspicious message traffic.Experience: Users can access RCS messaging via the Google Messages application(app) on Android smartphones. The service supports high-quality media sharing, message reactions, and interactive elements.
Bharti Airtel, Google Partners to Launch Secure RCS Messaging in IndiaIn February 2026, Bharti Airtel, a leading Indian telecommunications service provider, and Google partnered to provide a secure and interactive messaging experience for millions of...
MoSPI releases New GDP Series: FY26 Growth Seen at 7.6%In February 2026, the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the new series of Annual and Quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with a new base year 2022-23, replacing previous series with base year of 2011-12. The NSO has released Second Advanced Estimates (SAE) of Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26), quarterly estimates from Q1 of FY23 to Q3 of FY26 and also annual estimates of FY23, FY24 and FY25.As per the estimate, India’s real GDP or GDP at Constant Prices is expected to grow by 7.6% at Rs 322.58 lakh crore (Cr) in FY26, higher than the First Advance Estimate(FAE) of 7.4% for FY25.Annual Estimates for FY26Nominal GDP: Nominal GDP or GDP at Current Prices is estimated to attaina level of Rs 345.47 lakh Cr in the FY26, against Rs 318.07 lakh Cr in FY25, showing a growth rate of 8.6%.Real Gross Value Added (GVA): It is estimated at Rs 294.40 lakh Cr in the year 2025-26, against Rs 273.36 lakh Cr in FY25, registering a growth rate of 7.7%.Nominal GVA: Nominal GVA is projected to reach Rs 313.61 lakh Cr in FY 26, up from Rs 288.54 lakh Cr in FY25, reflecting a growth rate of 8.7%.
MoSPI releases New GDP Series: FY26 Growth Seen at 7.6%In February 2026, the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the new series of Annual and Quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with a new base year 2022-23, replacing previous series with base year of 2011-12. The NSO has released Second Advanced Estimates (SAE) of Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26), quarterly estimates from Q1 of FY23 to Q3 of FY26 and also annual estimates of FY23, FY24 and FY25.As per the estimate, India’s real GDP or GDP at Constant Prices is expected to grow by 7.6% at Rs 322.58 lakh crore (Cr) in FY26, higher than the First Advance Estimate(FAE) of 7.4% for FY25.Annual Estimates for FY26Nominal GDP: Nominal GDP or GDP at Current Prices is estimated to attaina level of Rs 345.47 lakh Cr in the FY26, against Rs 318.07 lakh Cr in FY25, showing a growth rate of 8.6%.Real Gross Value Added (GVA): It is estimated at Rs 294.40 lakh Cr in the year 2025-26, against Rs 273.36 lakh Cr in FY25, registering a growth rate of 7.7%.Nominal GVA: Nominal GVA is projected to reach Rs 313.61 lakh Cr in FY 26, up from Rs 288.54 lakh Cr in FY25, reflecting a growth rate of 8.7%.
MoSPI releases New GDP Series: FY26 Growth Seen at 7.6%In February 2026, the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the new series of Annual and Quarterly Gross Domestic Product...
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India, European Union to grant each other Most Favoured Nation status for 5 yearsOn 27th February 2026, the Government of India and the European Union (EU) agreed to grant each other Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status for a period of five years, starting from the date the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) enters into force.About the India-EU MFN Provision:Duration: MFN status is granted for five years from entry into force, subject to a fourth-year Joint Committee review and automatic termination unless mutually extended.Exceptions: MFN excludes benefits arising from Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA), recognition and licensing measures under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), and sensitive agricultural products such as soya, beef, sugar, rice, and dairy.About India- EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA):Finalisation: The India–EU FTA, relaunched in 2022, was finalised in January 2026 and is expected to take effect after ratification by the European Parliament.Coverage: The FTA eliminates or reduces tariffs on 96.6% of traded goods by value, saving 4 billion euros (USD 4.7 billion) for European companies and potentially doubling EU exports to India by 2032.RBI Imposes Rs 11.50 Lakh Penalty on Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services In February 2026, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), imposed a monetary penalty of Rs.11.50 lakh on Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL) for regulatory non-compliances observed during its annual inspection conducted with reference to the financial position as on 31 March 2025 (FY25).The penalty was levied under Section 58G(1)(b) read with Section 58B(5)(aa) of the RBI Act, 1934.Reasons for the Penalty:Fair Practices Code: RBI found that MMFSL breached its Fair Practices Code by charging revised foreclosure fees on certain loan accounts without including the required terms in the loan agreements.Complaint-Handling Deficiencies: The central bank also observed shortcomings in MMFSL’s grievance redressal system. Complaints were not escalated to the Internal Ombudsman within the mandated timelines, and in some cases, final decisions were communicated to complainants later than prescribed by RBI regulations.Regulatory Action: The RBI uncovered these issues during its inspection and subsequently issued a show-cause notice to the company.
Nagaland Signs MoU with IMD to Boost Weather ForecastingIn February 2026, the Department of Higher Education, Nagaland, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences(MoES), in Kohima(Nagaland), to strengthen weather forecasting, atmospheric research, and capacity building in the state.Key Details of MoU:MoU Tenure: The MoU will remain valid for 20 years, establishing a long-term institutional partnership between IMD and the Nagaland Higher Education Department to promote academic engagement, joint research, training, and capacity building in meteorological and atmospheric sciences.Radar Installation: One X-band Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) will be installed at Dimapur Government College, Oriental Colony, Dimapur(Nagaland), under the ‘Mission Mausam scheme.’Disaster Preparedness: It will enhance understanding of state-specific weather hazards such as heavy rainfall and extreme weather events, supporting more reliable forecasts and disaster readiness.Mission Mausam: Launched in 2024 by the Government of India(GoI) and implemented by the MoES through the IMD, the scheme focuses on modernising weather infrastructure, improving high-resolution forecasting, and strengthening early warning systems.
Nagaland Signs MoU with IMD to Boost Weather ForecastingIn February 2026, the Department of Higher Education, Nagaland, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences(MoES), in Kohima(Nagaland), to strengthen weather forecasting, atmospheric research, and capacity building in the state.Key Details of MoU:MoU Tenure: The MoU will remain valid for 20 years, establishing a long-term institutional partnership between IMD and the Nagaland Higher Education Department to promote academic engagement, joint research, training, and capacity building in meteorological and atmospheric sciences.Radar Installation: One X-band Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) will be installed at Dimapur Government College, Oriental Colony, Dimapur(Nagaland), under the ‘Mission Mausam scheme.’Disaster Preparedness: It will enhance understanding of state-specific weather hazards such as heavy rainfall and extreme weather events, supporting more reliable forecasts and disaster readiness.Mission Mausam: Launched in 2024 by the Government of India(GoI) and implemented by the MoES through the IMD, the scheme focuses on modernising weather infrastructure, improving high-resolution forecasting, and strengthening early warning systems.
Nagaland Signs MoU with IMD to Boost Weather ForecastingIn February 2026, the Department of Higher Education, Nagaland, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences(MoE...
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