NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
PB-SHABD Platform Gets Free Access Extension Till 2027
- The PB-SHABD platform of Prasar Bharati has been granted free access extension till March 2027 to support India’s media ecosystem.
- Launched in March 2024, PB-SHABD (Prasar Bharati Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination) is a centralised digital news distribution platform.
- The PB-SHABD platform developed by Prasar Bharati is a digital platform for sharing broadcast-ready news content with media organisations.
Key features include:
- Free access extended till March 2027
- Provides verified and authentic news content
- Logo-free content for easy usage
- Supports regional and national media outlets
The platform enhances the speed, accessibility, and reliability of news dissemination, contributing to a stronger media ecosystem.
Kalinjar Fort Declared National Geo-Heritage Site by GSI
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has declared the hill area around Kalinjar Fort in Banda as a National Geo-Heritage Site. The recognition highlights the rare geological feature known as the Eparchaean Unconformity, which represents a significant gap in Earth’s geological history.
- The site exposes 2.5 billion-year-old Bundelkhand granite overlain by 1.2 billion-year-old Kaimur sandstone, making it crucial for understanding Earth’s evolution.
- Beyond geology, the area holds historical and religious importance and is expected to boost geo-tourism and conservation efforts in the Bundelkhand region.
Metropolis (Reliance MET City) Secures India’s First LEED Platinum Pre-Certification
- Metropolis by Reliance MET City, located in Jhajjar, has become India’s first project to receive LEED Platinum Pre-Certification under the LEED for Cities: Plan and Design framework, awarded by Green Business Certification Inc.. The LEED system, developed by the US Green Building Council, evaluates sustainability at the planning stage.
- The certification reflects excellence in energy efficiency, water management, mobility, ecology, and quality of life. This recognition places the project among a few globally planned sustainable developments.
- It highlights India’s progress in climate-resilient urban planning and supports the creation of future-ready, sustainable smart cities.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES CURRENT AFFAIRS
MoCA Launches ‘Fare Se Fursat’ Fixed Airfare Scheme
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has launched the “Fare Se Fursat” scheme, implemented by Alliance Air, to provide fixed and predictable airfares. This first-of-its-kind initiative ensures a single airfare remains constant regardless of booking time, even for last-minute travel.
- The scheme aligns with the UDAN Scheme vision of making air travel affordable and accessible.
- It aims to reduce the stress caused by fluctuating ticket prices and promote transparent pricing, especially for middle-class, lower-middle-class, and first-time flyers. Overall, it seeks to democratise aviation and enhance ease of flying in India.
INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Argentina Withdraws from WHO (Effective March 2026)
- Argentina has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), with the decision taking effect in March 2026, one year after notifying the United Nations Secretary-General.
- The withdrawal follows provisions of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which require a one-year notice period.
- The move was announced in February 2025 by President Javier Milei, citing the need for greater policy autonomy, resource flexibility, and national sovereignty in health governance. Argentina aims to independently design its public health policies, marking a significant shift in its engagement with global health institutions.
DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
Sheshnaag-150: India’s long-range swarm attack drone
- India is developing Sheshnaag-150, a long-range swarm attack drone, designed by NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT). It represents India’s push towards advanced unmanned warfare capabilities, inspired by low-cost combat drones like Shahed-136.
Key Features:
- The drone has a range of over 1,000 km and can carry a 25–40 kg warhead.
- AI-powered swarm technology, enabling multiple drones to coordinate autonomously and overwhelm enemy air defences.
- Currently under testing, Sheshnaag-150 is expected to enhance India’s precision strike capability, cost-effective warfare, and strategic deterrence, marking a shift toward next-generation defence systems.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CURRENT AFFAIRS
Deloitte Unveils ConnectSafe Cyber Security Facility in Bengaluru
- Deloitte has launched ConnectSafe, a first-of-its-kind cybersecurity facility in India, located in Bengaluru. Unlike traditional cybersecurity systems that focus mainly on data protection, ConnectSafe aims to safeguard human lives and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Key Features:
- The 4,500 sq. ft. facility provides a live simulation environment to replicate real-world cyberattack scenarios across sectors such as automotive, MedTech, industrial systems, and consumer ecosystems.
- This initiative reflects a shift towards holistic cybersecurity, addressing risks in connected systems and infrastructure, and strengthening India’s preparedness against evolving cyber threats.
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NASA’s Van Allen Probe A Re-enters Earth’s Atmosphere
- The defunct Van Allen Probe A, launched by NASA in 2012, is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere after nearly 14 years in orbit. Weighing around 600 kg, most of the spacecraft is likely to burn up during re-entry, posing minimal risk to humans.
- The probe was part of a twin mission designed to study the Van Allen radiation belts, regions of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field.
- These belts play a vital role in shielding Earth from harmful solar radiation.
- The mission significantly improved understanding of space weather, which impacts satellites, astronauts, and communication systems.
GLOBAL RECYCLING DAY 2026: 18 March
Global Recycling Day is observed annually on March 18 to promote awareness about the importance of recycling and sustainable waste management, especially in reducing environmental harm caused by plastics.
Launched in 2018, the day aims to:
- Raise awareness about waste management and plastic pollution
- Promote recycling as a key sustainability practice
- Encourage participation from governments, industries, and individuals
It supports the idea of a circular economy, where resources are reused efficiently, reducing waste and environmental degradation
International Day of Happiness: 20 March
- The International Day of Happiness is observed globally on March 20, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 66/281 (2012). The day emphasises the importance of happiness and well-being as universal human goals and encourages governments to adopt inclusive and sustainable development policies.
- The 2026 theme, “Caring and Sharing,” highlights the role of kindness, generosity, and social connection in improving overall well-being. It promotes the idea that simple acts of helping others can enhance happiness at both individual and community levels.
- The observance reinforces the link between economic growth, social inclusion, and human happiness.