Climate & Environment
GermanyβIndia IKI Climate Grant
Germany announced a Large Grant of EUR 20 million for India under the International Climate Initiative (IKI), announced by State Secretary Jochen Flasbarth. The grant targets high-risk ecosystems: Himalayas, Western Ghats, North-East India, and the Lower Gangetic floodplains.
Infrastructure
National Waterway-2: Brahmaputra Projects
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal (Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways) inaugurated three projects on NW-2 (River Brahmaputra) in Dibrugarh: the Bogibeel Complex, Dhubri Gateway, and the IWAI Heritage Building.
Science & Astronomy
Tamil Nadu’s First Dark Sky Park
Inaugurated at Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest, Kolli Hills, Namakkal district at a cost of Rs 1 crore. The park features three advanced telescopes and is operational from January 15 to June 15 annually β a step towards promoting astronomy and light-pollution-free zones.
Geopolitics
Iran After Khamenei: Leadership Transition
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ruled Iran for 36 years (1989β2026) as its second Supreme Leader. After his death in US-Israel strikes, a three-member transitional council was constitutionally formed: President Pezeshkian, Supreme Court CJ Mohseni-Ejei, and cleric Alireza Arafi, to govern until the Assembly of Experts chooses a successor.
Energy Policy
E20 Petrol Mandate: April 2026
India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has mandated nationwide sale of E20 petrol (20% ethanol blend) with a minimum RON of 95 from April 1, 2026. The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme started in 2003 at 5% and has been progressively scaled to 20%.
Digital Governance
UIDAIβGoogle Maps Partnership
UIDAI partnered with Google to list verified Aadhaar service centres on Google Maps. Citizens can locate centres offering services like enrolment, address updates, and biometric correction, along with accessibility features and operating hours β improving last-mile Aadhaar service delivery.
Gender & AI
Casebook on AI and Gender Empowerment
Released at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, this casebook was co-developed by IndiaAI Mission (MeitY), UN Women, and Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD). It showcases 23 AI solutions for gender equality sourced from over 50 countries.
Sports
Jammu & Kashmir: Historic Ranji Trophy Win
Jammu & Kashmir won the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 in their maiden (first-ever) final appearance, having participated in the tournament for 67 years without reaching the final. This is a watershed moment for cricket development in the union territory.
Environment
World Wildlife Day & CITES
World Wildlife Day is observed on March 3 β the date CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) was signed in 1973. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly, it promotes awareness about the need to protect wild fauna and flora globally.
International Relations
Iran’s Constitutional Succession Mechanism
Under Iran’s constitution, when the Supreme Leader dies or is incapacitated, a three-member leadership council assumes power temporarily. The Assembly of Experts β an 88-member clerical body β is responsible for selecting a new Supreme Leader, highlighting the theocratic governance structure of the Islamic Republic.