Current Affairs:
- Rishikonda Beach (Andhra Pradesh): Blue Flag certification temporarily suspended.
- Jaipur: Launch of new global alliance (C3) for sustainable urban development.
- Digital User Spending: India ranked 28th.
- Zaire: Deaths due to sleeping sickness epidemic.
- Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): 100 per 100,000 live births (JP Nadda).
- Steve Smith: Retired from international ODI cricket (Australia).
- Padmakar Shivalkar: Associated with cricket.
- Supreme Court: Right against disability-based discrimination declared a fundamental right.
- Bhargavastra: Anti-drone system.
- Kapad Beach (Kerala): Awarded Blue Flag certification.
- Devjit Sakia: Appointed as BCCI Secretary.
- Roger Binny: Head of BCCI.
- Shammi Silva (Sri Lanka): Head of Asian Cricket Council.
- Jay Shah (India): Head of ICC.
- Dr. Suvrano Bose: Received lifetime achievement award in hospitality.
- President Droupadi Murmu: Inaugurated second edition of "Amrit Mahotsav of Diversity" at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Current Affairs Quiz Answers:
- Global internet shutdown: Myanmar
- NASA mission to study events after the Big Bang: SPHEREx mission
- Rushikonda Beach Blue Flag suspension: Andhra Pradesh
- C3 launch location: Jaipur
- India's digital user spending rank: 28th
- "Crying disease" deaths: Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo)
- MMR (JP Nadda): 100 per 100,000 live births
- ODI Retirement: Steve Smith (Australia)
- Padmakara Shivalkar: Cricket
- Fundamental right: Right against disability-based discrimination
markdown
## Appointments
* **ISRO Chairman:** S Somnath appointed as the 11th chairman of ISRO, succeeding V Narayanan.
* **BCCI Secretary:** Devjit Saikia appointed as BCCI secretary.
* **GeM CEO:** Ajay Bahadur appointed as the new CEO of Government e-Marketplace.
* **SEBI Chairperson:** Tuhin Kanta Pandey appointed as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
* **RBI Executive Director:** Dr. Ajit Ratnakar appointed as the Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
## Governance & Initiatives
* **Go Samridhi Cattle Insurance Scheme:** Launched in Ernakulam, Kerala, to cover livestock death and reduced milk production.
* **South Coast Railway Headquarters:** Foundation stone laid in Visakhapatnam by Prime Minister Modi.
* **Garudha Portal:** Karnataka launched the Garudha portal for online registration of wildlife crime FIRs.
* **BharatPol Portal:** The CBI launched the BharatPol portal, described as similar to Interpol.
* **Government e-Marketplace (GeM):** Launched in 2016 to eliminate intermediaries in the agricultural market, facilitating direct sales between producers and consumers.
## Awards and Recognition
* **Blue Flag Certification:** Kappad beach in Kerala received the global Blue Flag certification.
* **Major Dhyan Chand Award:** Manu Bhaker, Divya Kakran, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Praveen Kumar received the Major Dhyan Chand Award.
* **Padma Shri Lifetime Achievement Award:** Sai Paranjpe received the Padma Shri Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival.
## Events and Observances
* **18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (2025):** Held in Odisha, with the President of Trinidad and Tobago as the chief guest.
* **Republic Day Chief Guest (2025):** Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia, was the chief guest.
* **Jan Aushadhi Diwas:** Celebrated on March 7th.
* **Jan Aushadhi Week:** Observed from March 1st to 7th, promoting generic medicines.
## Environment & Geography
* **Bird Census:** India's first bird and wetland census started in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
* **Energy Literacy City:** Indore launched a climate mission to become the world's first energy literacy city.
## Sports
* **Santosh Trophy:** Bengal won the 33rd Santosh Trophy football tournament.
## Technology & Science
* **ISRO's 11th Chairman:** S. Somanath was appointed as the 11th chairman of ISRO, succeeding V. Narayanan.
* **ISRO Navigation Satellite:** ISRO launched its navigation satellite, NavIC-02, using the GSLV F14 rocket.
* **ISRO's SHABA Mission:** ISRO launched the SHABA mission (Navigation India Satellite-2 or NAVIC-2) using the GSLV-F12 rocket.
## Infrastructure
* **Uttarakhand Ropeway Project (Govind Ghat - Hemkund Sahib):** A 12.4 km ropeway is being constructed in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, with a capacity of 11,000 people per day.
* **Uttarakhand Ropeway Project (Sonprayag - Kedarnath):** A 12.9 km ropeway project connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath is underway.
* **Indian Railways:** Jammu became the 69th railway division of Indian Railways.
## International Relations
* **Heads of Cricket Councils:**
* Roger Binny: Head of BCCI.
* Shammi Silva (Sri Lanka): Head of Asian Cricket Council.
* Jay Shah (India): Head of ICC.
## Public Health
* **Generic Medicines Initiative:** The Indian government launched the Jan Aushadhi initiative to promote affordable generic drugs, addressing the issue of expensive brand-name medications prescribed by doctors.
* **National Nutrition Month:** The lecture mentions the National Nutrition Month, although the specific month is not stated.
## Generational Studies
* **Generation Beta:** Refers to the new generation born in 2025 and beyond.
```* **Landslide Disaster:** The Indian government classified the Wayanad, Kerala landslide as a major disaster.
* **Infrastructure:** India's first glass bridge was inaugurated in Tamil Nadu.
* **Sports:** Haryana won the Pro Kabaddi League 2024. Bengal won the 33rd Santosh Trophy.
* **National Ropeway Development Programme (Parvatmala Project):** The Parvatmala project received approval for a ropeway project in Uttarakhand, connecting Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib in Chamoli district (12.4 km). Another ropeway project is planned from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (12.9 km).
* **Climate Initiative:** Indore launched a climate mission aiming to become the world's first energy-literate city.
* **Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:** First awarded to Sharath Kamal in 2021 after the award's renaming. Recent recipients include Manu Bhaker, D. Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar.
Prize money is ₹1 lakh.
* **Space:** ISRO launched its first space docking mission, SPADEX, using PSLV-C60.
* **Sharath Kamal's Retirement and Achievements:**
* Sharath Kamal announced his international retirement.
* He was a flag bearer at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, along with P.V. Sindhu.
* He was the first recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award after its renaming in 2021.
* The award's prize money is ₹10 lakh.
* Other 2023 recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award include Manu Bhaker, D. Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar.
* **Table Tennis:**
* The playing surface in table tennis is called a board.
* Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula are notable Indian table tennis players.
* **Sports Terminology:**
* A "court" is used in tennis, badminton, and basketball.
* A "diamond" is the playing field in baseball.
* A "course" is the playing area in golf.
* **ISRO's Space Docking Mission:**
* ISRO launched its first space docking mission, SPADEX, using the PSLV-C60. SPADEX refers to the system for joining two satellites or spacecraft in space.
* **Technology News:** An AI-based project, Farm Vibes, assisted by Microsoft, will launch in Maharashtra, India.
* **Economy News:** The Reserve Bank of India launched the Public Credit Quality Index (CPE). The 19th installment of the PM Kisan Nidhi (₹22,000 annually in three installments) was launched in Bhagalpur, Bihar.
* **Social Welfare News:** Rajasthan launched the Sanjeevani Yojana, an accident insurance scheme for school children.
* **Paris Paralympics 2024:**
* India participated with 84 athletes.
* India won 7 gold medals and a total of 29 medals.
* India's final ranking was 18th.
* Flag bearers: Sumit Antil and Bhagyashri (opening ceremony); Preeti Pal and Harvinder Singh (closing ceremony).
* Gold medal winners: Avni Lekhara, Nitesh Kumar, Sumit Antil, Harvinder Singh, Dharamvir, Praveen Kumar, Navdeep Singh.
* Chef de Mission for India: Satyaprakash Sangwan
- **Paris Paralympics 2024:**
- Held in Paris.
- India participated with 84 athletes.
- India's rank: 18th.
- India won a total of 29 medals, including 7 gold medals.
- Flag bearers: Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree (opening ceremony); Preeti Pal and Harvinder Singh (closing ceremony).
- **India's Performance in Paris Paralympics 2024:**
- Gold medal winners:
- Avani Lekhara (Shooting)
- Nitesh Kumar (Badminton)
- Sumit Antil (Javelin Throw)
- Harvinder Singh (Archery) - first gold in Paralympic history for India in this event.
- Dharamvir (Club Throw)
- Praveen Kumar (High Jump)
- Navdeep Singh (Javelin Throw)
- **Historical Context:**
- First Paralympics: Rome, Italy, 1960. India did not participate.
- India's first Paralympic gold medal: 1972, won by Murlikant Patkar.
- India participated in the 1968 Paralympics but did not win any medals.
- Dr. Guttmann is considered the father of the Paralympic Games.
- Arjun Award (Lifetime Achievement): Awarded to Murlikant Patkar.
- **Khelo India Para Games 2025:**
- Second edition, held in Delhi.
- Six sports will be featured.
- 1230 athletes will participate.
- Football was included in the previous edition but not this time.
- Inaugurated by Mansukh Mandaviya, India's current Sports Minister.
- **Para Olympic Games:**
- First held in Rome, Italy in 1960.
- Founder: Dr. Guttmann.
- India participated in the 1960 games but did not win any medals.
- India's first Paralympic gold medal was won in 1972 by Murlikant Patkar in swimming.
- The 2024 Paralympic Games were held in Paris.
- **Olive Ridley Turtles:**
- 700,000 Olive Ridley turtle eggs were found at Rushikulya beach in Odisha, India.
- The mass nesting event is called "arribada".
- **Maharashtra Open:**
- Dalibor Svrčina, from the Czech Republic, won the 2025 Maharashtra Open men's singles title.
- **DRDO and Indian Navy:**
- The DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully tested the NASM (New Anti-Ship Missile), a short-range anti-ship missile.
- **Khelo India Para Games 2025:**
- The second edition of the Khelo India Para Games will be held in Delhi, India.
- Six sports will be included.
- 1230 athletes will participate.
- Football, included in the previous edition, will not be included this time.
- Mansukh Mandaviya, India's current sports minister, inaugurated the games.
- **2026 FIFA World Cup:**
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico).
- **FIFA Bans:**
- FIFA banned Pakistan, Russia, and Congo from the 2026 World Cup.
- Reasons cited include:
- Pakistan: Ineffective administration.
- Russia: Attack on Ukraine.
- Congo: Political instability.
- **Football Trophies:**
- Mentioned football trophies include Santosh Trophy, Durand Cup, Subroto Cup, Rovers Cup, and B.C. Roy Trophy.
- **FIFA World Cup History:**
- 1930: First World Cup held in Uruguay; Uruguay won.
- 2022: Held in Qatar; Argentina won, France was the runner-up.
- **FIFA Headquarters and Leadership:**
- Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland.
- Head: Gianni Infantino.
- Founded: 1904.
* **India's Rankings in Global Indices:**
* Global Firepower Index: Rank 4
* Corruption Perception Index: Rank 96 (previously 93)
* Internet Shutdown Index: Rank 2 (after Myanmar)
* **Awards and Recognition:**
* First Indian film to win the John Cassavetes Award at the US Film Festival: *Girl Will Be Girls*
* **International Initiatives:**
* **Biodiversity Fund:** Launched at COP16, with the first phase in Colombia and the second phase in Italy.
* **Robotic Moon Lander "Athena":** Launched by Intuitive Machines (the same company that landed the Odysseus lunar lander).
* **FIFA and International Football:**
* FIFA banned Pakistan from the 2026 World Cup.
* **International Relations & Defense:**
* Malabar naval exercise involves the US, India, Japan, and Australia.
* **Economic Developments:**
* First international conference on carbon markets held in Delhi.
* Night Frank's Wealth Report ranks India fourth among global wealth centers, behind the US, China, and Japan.
* **Sports:**
* Mohun Bagan won the ISL (Indian Super League) shield.
* **Infrastructure:**
* Karnataka launched the Pragati Path scheme to improve rural road networks.
* **Military Exercises:**
* The Sea Dragon 2025 naval exercise was held in Guam (Pacific Ocean), involving the navies of the USA, Japan, India, Australia, and South Korea. The exercise was anti-submarine warfare focused.
* The Malabar exercise involves the navies of the USA, India, Japan, and Australia.
* **Awards and Recognition:**
* India won the Prince Michael Road Safety Award in Morocco for improving road safety standards.
* India won all three titles (men's singles, mixed doubles, and men's doubles) in a badminton tournament in Uganda.
* **Government Initiatives and Reports:**
* NITI Aayog formed a committee for the modernization of AIIMS, chaired by V K Paul.
* Karnataka launched the Pragati Path scheme to improve rural road networks.
* According to Knight Frank's Wealth Report, India is ranked fourth among the world's largest global wealth centers, after the USA, China, and Japan.
* **Bangladesh:**
* Capital is Dhaka; also known as the "Land of Rivers"; Independence in 1971.
* **Sports:**
* Mira Andreeva (Russia) won a WTA 1000 title at age 17 years and 298 days.
* **India-Bangladesh Border:**
* Zero Line demarcates the border between Tripura and Bangladesh.
* **Finance:**
* India is the world's top country for IPO funding in 2024 (Indus Valley Report 25).
* **India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission Meeting:**
* 86th meeting held in Kolkata.
* Focused on resolving river-related disputes.
* Key disputes include the Teesta River and the Farakka Barrage.
* **India-Bangladesh Territorial Dispute:**
* 100th Constitutional Amendment resolved the "Three Bigha Corridor" land dispute.
* **India-Bangladesh Joint Military Exercises:**
* "Bongosagar" and "Sampriti" exercises are conducted jointly.
* **India-Bangladesh Border:**
* 4096 km long border.
* Indian states sharing the border: West Bengal, Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Mizoram.
* **Bangladesh Information:**
* Called the "Land of Rivers".
* Capital: Dhaka.
* Currency: Taka.
```markdown
### India-Bangladesh Relations
* **Joint River Commission:** 86th meeting held in Kolkata to address river disputes, including Teesta River and Farakka Barrage.
* **Land Dispute Resolution:** 100th Constitutional Amendment resolved the three-bigha corridor land dispute.
* **Joint Military Exercises:** "Bongosagar" and "Sampriti" exercises.
### Military/Defense
* **Sea Dragon 2025:** Indian Navy participated in exercise in Guam.
### Economy/Finance
* **Global Wealth Hub:** India is the world's fourth-largest global wealth center (Knight Frank wealth report).
* **Fiscal Deficit:** Projected at 4.8% (2024-25) and 4.4% (2025-26).
* **Tax Changes:**
* Tax removed on 36 life-saving drugs.
* New income tax regime introduced (replaces 1961 bill).
* Revised tax slabs:
| Income Range (₹ Lakhs) | Tax Rate (%) |
| :----------------------- | :----------- |
| 0-4 | 0 |
| 4-8 | 5 |
| 8-12 | 10 |
| 12-16 | 15 |
| 16-20 | 20 |
| 20-24 | 25 |
| \>24 | 30 |
* Income up to ₹12 Lakhs tax-free.
* **Government Revenue Sources:**
* Borrowings: 24%
* Corporation Tax: 17%
* Income Tax: 22%
* GST: 18%
* **Government Expenditure:**
* State share in taxes and duties: 22%
* Interest payments: 20%
* **Insurance Sector FDI:** Increased from 74% to 100%.
### Sports
* **FIFA World Cup 2026:** Pakistan, Russia, and Congo banned.
* **Khelo India Para Games 2025:** To commence in New Delhi.
* **Sharath Kamal:** Retired from table tennis.
### Infrastructure/Development
* **Uttarakhand Ropeway Project:** Approved under Parvatmala project.
* **Jal Jeevan Mission:** Extended until 2028.
* **Maritime Development Fund:** Government to contribute 49% of funding.
* **Udan Yojana:** 120 new destinations to be connected in next 10 years.
* **Bihar Infrastructure:** Greenfield airport and West Kosi Canal development.
### Governance/Appointments
* **Government e-Marketplace CEO:** Ajay Bahadur appointed.
### Social Initiatives
* **Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025:** Observed on March 7th.
* **Go Samridhi Cattle Insurance Scheme:** Launched in Ernakulam, Kerala.
* **'Amrit Mahotsav of Diversity':** Inaugurated by President Murmu.
* **Gyan Bharat Mission:** Launched to conserve over 1 crore hand-written manuscripts.
### Awards/Recognition
* **Dr. Suvranno Bose:** Honored for revolutionizing hospitality education.
### Export
* **"Ek Bharat Trade Net":** Platform launched to improve export supply.
``````markdown
## Atal Tinkering Labs
* 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be established in government schools over the next five years to foster interest in science, technology, and mathematics among students.
## Education & Skills
* **Indian Language Book Scheme:** Books to be translated into local Indian languages and made available online to provide access to education in vernacular languages.
* **National Skill Excellence Centers:** Five national skill excellence centers to be established, focusing on "Make for India" and "Make for the World" initiatives.
* **AI in Education:** ₹500 crore allocated to establish excellence centers to promote AI in education.
## Healthcare
* **Cancer Care:** Establishment of a day-care cancer hospital in every district hospital within three years.
## Infrastructure & Development
* **Jal Jeevan Mission:** Extended until 2028.
* **Ocean Development Fund:** Government to contribute 49% to a new ocean development fund.
* **Udan Yojana:** 120 new destinations to be added over the next 10 years.
* **Bihar Development:** Construction of a greenfield airport and development of the West Kosi Canal in Mithilanchal region of Bihar.
## Culture & Heritage
* **Gyan Bharat Mission:** Launched to preserve over one crore hand-written manuscripts.
## Trade & Commerce
* **India Trade Net Platform:** Launched to improve export supply chains.
## MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)
* **Definition Changes:**
* Investment-based classification: ₹1 crore (Micro), ₹25 crore (Small), ₹125 crore (Medium).
* Turnover-based classification: ₹10 crore (Micro), ₹100 crore (Small), ₹500 crore (Medium).
* **Credit Card for Micro Industries:**
* A ₹5 lakh credit card launched for micro industries, accessible through the Udyam portal.
* **National Manufacturing Mission:**
* Aims to boost manufacturing, "Make in India," and support micro and small industries, focusing on footwear, toy, and food processing sectors.
- **MSME Definition Change:** The definition of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has been revised based on two criteria: investment and turnover.
- **Investment Based Classification:**
| Category | Investment (₹ Crores) |
|---|---|
| Micro | Up to 1 |
| Small | Up to 25 |
| Medium | Up to 125 |
- **Turnover Based Classification:**
| Category | Turnover (₹ Crores) |
|---|---|
| Micro | Up to 10 |
| Small | Up to 100 |
| Medium | Up to 500 |
## Agriculture
* **Agricultural Initiatives:**
* Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanaya Krishi Yojana launched in 100 districts to improve agricultural productivity. Expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers.
* Pulse self-reliance mission for 6 years, focusing on Tur, Urad, and Masoor lentils.
* Missions launched for vegetables, fruits, and millets (Shree Anna). 2023 declared as the year of millets.
* Makhana board established in Bihar.
* National High Yield Seed Mission to develop high-yielding seeds.
* Cotton productivity mission for 5 years to boost the textile industry.
* Urea plant to be established in Namrup, Assam, with a production capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons.
* **Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Limit Increase:** The limit for Kisan Credit Cards has been increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
## Vision 2047
* **Vision of Developed India:**
* Poverty eradication.
* 100% school education.
* Affordable and accessible healthcare.
* 100% skilled workforce.
* 70% women's participation in economic activity.
* Establishing India as the "Food Basket of the World".
* **Budget 2026's Four Engines:**
* **Fuel:** Reforms in agriculture, MSMEs, investment, and exports.
* **Guidance:** Inclusivity.
* **Destination:** Developed India.
```- **Budget 2025-26:**
- Presented by Nirmala Sitharaman for the eighth time.
- Morarji Desai presented the budget the most times (10).
- First budget in India: 1860 by James Wilson.
- First budget after independence: K. Shanmukham Chetty.
- First budget in the Republic of India: John Matthai.
- Indira Gandhi: First woman to present a budget.
- Nirmala Sitharaman: Presented the longest budget in 2020.
- Presented on February 1st.
- **Vision for Developed India:**
- Eradicating poverty.
- 100% school education.
- Affordable and accessible healthcare.
- 100% skilled labor.
- Women's participation in economic activity to 70%.
- Making India the "Food Basket of the World".
- **Four Engines of Budget 2025-26's Journey:**
- **Engines:** Agriculture, MSMEs, Investment, and Exports.
- **Fuel:** Reforms.
- **Guidance:** Inclusivity.
- **Destination:** Developed India.
- **Agriculture Initiatives:**
- Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanay Krishi Yojana launched to increase agricultural productivity in 100 districts.