NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Mobile World Congress 2026
The Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, led India’s engagements at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, with high-level participation at the GSMA Ministerial Programme and the MWC Main Stage, outlining India’s vision for affordable, inclusive and future-ready digital connectivity.
The participation of India’s telecom innovators at MWC 2026 was organised by Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC), supported by Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
About Mobile World Congress 2026
- It is being held from March 2–5, 2026 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain.
- Organised by GSMA
- It is the world’s largest gathering for the mobile and technology industry, attracting over 109,000 visitors and approximately 2,900 exhibitors, sponsors and partners.
- Official theme for MWC 2026: “The IQ Era”
Survey of India Signs 5-Year MoU with Kerala Digital University –
The Survey of India (SoI) and Kerala Digital University have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on geospatial research and digital innovation. The partnership aims to advance excellence in
- Geospatial data collection
- Processing and analysis by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as geoinformatics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
India’s First Semiconductor Plant Inaugurated in Sanand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first semiconductor fabrication ecosystem facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The event also marked the launch of the Semiconductor Assembly, Test and Packaging (ATMP) facility of Micron Technology’s India arm, with a total investment of over ₹22,000 crore.
The project represents a major milestone in India’s push for technological self-reliance and semiconductor manufacturing capability.
What is a Semiconductor Fabrication Facility?
- A semiconductor fabrication facility (fab) is a highly specialised manufacturing plant where silicon wafers are processed into integrated circuits (ICs) used in modern electronic devices.
Applications of Semiconductors
- Smartphones and computers
- Telecommunications (5G/6G)
- Defence and aerospace
- Artificial intelligence
Japan, South Korea & Malaysia Back Gujarat’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
Gujarat has received fresh investment proposals worth ₹1,600 crore from companies based in Japan, South Korea and Malaysia to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem. The announcements were made during the Gujarat Semiconnect Conference 2026 held in Gandhinagar. These investments focus on semiconductor manufacturing, R&D, chemicals, equipment, and deep-tech startups, helping build a complete semiconductor value chain in the state.
Key Investment Proposals
- Horiba Group (Japan) : R&D investment; Semiconductor instrumentation research centre in Ahmedabad
- Hotayi Electronic (Malaysia) : ₹250 crore: SSD & memory module manufacturing plant at Sanand
- Hi-Spec Ltd (): ₹750 crore; Semiconductor-grade hydrofluoric acid production
- Kiansh International Technologies (South Korean): ₹25 crore; Gas abatement systems and scrubbers
BANKING | ECONOMY CURRENT AFFAIRS
CGA Launches Government Bank Dashboard and Bank Manual
The Controller General of Accounts (CGA), recently launched two key initiatives to enhance governance, transparency, and efficiency in banks handling government transactions:
- Government Bank Dashboard: It introduces real-time monitoring of banking operations related to government transactions through a data-driven system.
- Government Bank Manual: It provides a comprehensive and standardized framework for banks dealing with government business.
These initiatives aim to modernise the ecosystem of government banking operations and public financial management.
Significance
- Improved Public Financial Management: Enhances monitoring and control of government banking transactions.
- Greater Transparency and Accountability: Standardised procedures reduce operational risks.
Sri Lanka’s First Blue Bond Listed on NSE IX at GIFT City
Sri Lanka’s first Blue Bond, issued by DFCC Bank PLC, has been dually listed on the NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City. This marks the first blue bond admitted for trading within India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) jurisdiction. The issuance is valued at LKR 3 billion.
What Are Blue Bonds?
Blue bonds are a type of green bond dedicated specifically to marine and water-related sustainability projects. Key Areas Financed:
- Marine ecosystem conservation
- Sustainable fisheries
- Ocean-based economic activities
- Clean drinking water supply
Investor Access & Market Impact
- The bond remains primarily listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange.
- Admission on NSE IX expands:
- Global investor visibility
- International investor access
- Cross-border capital flow
SBI Life & Sarvam to Deploy AI Tools for 8 Crore Policyholders
SBI Life Insurance has partnered with Sarvam AI to deploy AI-driven applications aimed at enhancing customer engagement and supporting insurance sales operations across India.
The initiative is expected to benefit over 8 crore policyholders and assist more than 3.5 lakh insurance distributors, making it one of the largest deployments of generative AI in India’s insurance sector.
The AI integration aims to make policyholder interactions faster, smoother, and more responsive.
Key Benefits
- Instant responses to routine queries
- Real-time retrieval of policy information
- Faster processing of service requests
- Seamless digital customer support
The AI ecosystem is powered by two core platforms developed by Sarvam.
- Samvaad: Conversational AI for customer interactions
- Arya: Multi-agent orchestration system coordinating AI workflows
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES CURRENT AFFAIRS
Janaushadhi Saptah 2026
Health check-up camps were organised recently across various states and union territories, as part of the nationwide outreach initiative Janaushadhi Saptah 2026 being conducted from 1st to 5th March 2026 in the run-up to the 8th Janaushadhi Diwas on 7th March.
- This initiative is being organised by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers for promoting affordable and high-quality generic medicines.
- This year’s theme: “जन औषधि सस्ती भी, भरोसेमंद भी, सेहत की बात, बचत के साथ,”
Craftsmen Training Scheme’s Mandatory On-the-Job Training
The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has issued detailed guidelines mandating 150 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT) or Group Project for trainees in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS). This provision has been implemented from the academic session 2022–23.
About Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS)
- Objective: To develop a skilled workforce in India.
- Launch Year: 1950
- The scheme has enabled millions of youth to access long-term career opportunities in various trades.
Alignment with National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020)
- The reform aligns with the objectives of the NEP 2020, which emphasizes experiential learning, industry collaboration and skill-based education
Saksham Skill Census: India’s First AI-Powered Skill Census Launched in Mumbai
India’s first AI-powered skill census – “Saksham Skill Census” has been launched at RD National College in Bandra West, Mumbai. The initiative aims to create a comprehensive livelihood intelligence model for Mumbai Suburban district, particularly the H-West Ward. The survey is expected to cover around 55,000 households in the H-West ward of Mumbai.
Saksham Skill Census Objective: The initiative aims to:
- Map the skills of youth aged 18–40 years.
- Identify training requirements and employment opportunities.
- Develop a data-driven workforce intelligence system.
- Promote skill development and improve employability.
Implementation Mechanism: The survey will be conducted by Sapio Analytics using advanced digital technologies.
ENVIRONMENT CURRENT AFFAIRS
Kuno National Park Records First Sighting of Endangered Forest Owlet
A rare sighting of the endangered Forest Owlet (Blewitt’s Owl) has been recorded in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. This is the first confirmed record of the species from Kuno, marking an important development for biodiversity conservation in the region. The rediscovery in 1997 after 113 years shocked the global ornithological community. The species is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- Species: Forest Owlet (Blewitt’s Owl)
- Scientific name: Athene blewitti
- Conservation status: Endangered (IUCN Red List)
- Location of sighting: Parond Beat, Kuno National Park
- State: Madhya Pradesh
- Confirmation: Vivek Patel (Wildlife Research and Conservation Society, Pune)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CURRENT AFFAIRS
CERT-In & SIA-India Launch Space Cyber Security Framework
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in collaboration with the Satcom Industry Association of India (SIA-India), launched a comprehensive Space Cyber Security Framework to secure India’s satellite communication ecosystem. The guidelines were unveiled at the DefSat Conference and Expo 2026 in New Delhi.
The framework aims to strengthen cyber resilience across India’s space communication infrastructure, including satellites, ground stations, communication links, and supply chains.
Objective of the Framework
The initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity across the entire space ecosystem by providing:
- Security guidelines and best practices
- Threat mitigation strategies
- Incident response protocols
- Governance and accountability mechanisms
It covers stakeholders such as:
- Satellite operators
- Ground station controllers
- Equipment manufacturers
- Private space companies
- Government agencies
SPORTS CURRENT AFFAIRS
Wankhede Stadium Stand to Be Named After Ravi Shastri
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to name a stand at Wankhede Stadium after former Indian cricketer, coach and commentator Ravi Shastri.
The Level-1 stand below the Press Box will be named in honour of Shastri, recognising his contributions to Mumbai cricket and Indian cricket.
Other Honours Announced by MCA
The MCA has also decided to name entry gates of the stadium after notable cricket personalities.
- Gate No. 3: Dilip Sardesai (Former India Test batsman)
- Gate No. 5: Diana Edulji (Former India women’s captain)
- Gate No. 6: Eknath Solkar (Former Mumbai spinner and all-rounder)
STATES CURRENT AFFAIRS
Rajasthan Renames Mount Abu as Abu Raj
The Government of Rajasthan has officially renamed three towns- Mount Abu, Kaman, and Jahazpur- as part of a broader initiative to restore historical identities and move away from colonial-era place names.
The decision was announced in the State Assembly and aligns with a nationwide trend of decolonisation and cultural reclamation of historical place names.
Renamed Towns in Rajasthan
| Old Name | New Name | District | Historical Significance |
| Mount Abu | Abu Raj | Sirohi | Derived from ancient “Arbuda” references |
| Kaman | Kamvan | Bharatpur | Linked to Krishna’s Braj mythology |
| Jahazpur | Yagyapur | Bhilwara | Associated with Vedic fire rituals |
The renaming initiative reflects a wider national trend where Indian states are revisiting place names to:
- Restore indigenous historical identities
- Strengthen cultural and linguistic heritage
- Remove colonial-era nomenclature
Maharashtra Launches Divyang Sahayak Portal for Disability Schemes
The Government of Maharashtra has launched the Divyang Sahayak Portal, described as India’s first integrated digital platform for persons with disabilities (PwDs). The portal aims to streamline welfare scheme delivery, simplify procedures, and improve implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
One-Stop Platform for Welfare Schemes
- The initiative reduces paperwork, eliminates manual processes, and improves transparency and grievance redressal.
The portal functions as a single-window platform where PwDs can:
- Search eligible welfare schemes
- Apply online
- Track application status in real time
- Submit grievances digitally
Instead of searching for scheme names, users can enter demographic details, and the system will automatically show schemes they are eligible for.