National Affairs
- The Delhi government approved the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana on International Women’s Day. It provides Rs 2,500 per month to women aged 21-60 from weaker economic sections earning up to Rs 3 lakh annually. The scheme aims to empower women with financial support and self-employment opportunities. It has various forms, including monthly allowances, subsidized loans for micro-enterprises, and vocational training. The scheme is designed to help women achieve stable incomes and contribute to their families’ well-being.
- Parents and activists fear the Ministry of Education’s Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID may be difficult to opt out of, despite being voluntary. APAAR is a unique identification system for all students in India. It is part of the ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ program under the National Education Policy 2020. The APAAR ID acts as a lifelong academic passport, storing achievements and credentials. It assigns a permanent 12-digit ID to students, recording degrees, scholarships, and awards. This ID ensures a seamless transition across educational levels.
- According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, India ranks as the 5th most polluted country, with an average AQI of 50.6 μg/m³, 10 times higher than WHO’s guideline. Delhi remains the most polluted capital city in the world in 2024, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 μg/m³ . 13 of the 20 most polluted cities globally are in India, with Byrnihat (Assam-Meghalaya border) being the most polluted. Other highly polluted Indian cities include Faridabad, Loni, Gurgaon, Noida, and Central Delhi. The World Air Quality Report, published by Swiss organization IQAir, analyzed PM2.5 data from 8,954 cities in 138 countries.
- Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge launched India’s first industry-led digital detox initiative, “Beyond Screens”, on Tuesday. The initiative promotes responsible gaming and digital consumption in collaboration with the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) and the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science and Technology. It aims to combat digital addiction by encouraging balanced technology use. The initiative was announced at GAFX 2025 (Games, Animation and Visual Effects) and includes a dedicated digital detox centre and website.
- Indore is launching India’s first PPP-model green waste processing plant under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. The plant aims to convert green waste into valuable resources like wooden pellets as an alternative to coal, promoting energy conservation. The plant is built on 55,000 square feet land in Bicholi Hapsi, transforming green waste into valuable products. The initiative helps control Air Quality Index (AQI), reduces pollution, and supports environmental sustainability. The project promotes waste management, cleanliness, and revenue generation for IMC, aligning with the Garbage-Free Cities vision.
- Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda launched two welfare schemes for girls in Tripura—Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana. Under the Balika Samriddhi Yojana, BPL families will receive a Rs 50,000 bond for newborn girls, expected to grow to Rs 10 lakh by the time they turn 18. The Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana will provide free scooties to 140 meritorious girls in Higher Secondary from all education boards.
- Maharashtra Chief Minister inaugurated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s first temple in Bhiwandi, Thane district on his birth anniversary as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The CM called it a “national temple”, highlighting its inspirational value and Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. Shivaji Maharaj fought for God, country, and faith, ensuring the right to worship Ishta Devas. The grand temple spans four acres in Marade Pada, Thane district. Architect Vijaykumar Patil designed the temple, and sculptor Arun Yogiraj carved the 6.5-feet idol of Shivaji Maharaj.
International Affairs
- A powerful eruption of Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego has triggered strong explosions, incandescent material, and pyroclastic flows, endangering nearby communities. Volcán de Fuego, meaning “Volcano of Fire,” is one of three large stratovolcanoes near Antigua, Guatemala. Guatemala lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and frequently experiences seismic and volcanic activity. Fuego is one of Central America’s most active volcanoes, with eruptions recorded since the 16th century. A deadly eruption in 2018 killed 194 people and left 234 missing. Its eruptions involve explosions, lava flows, and pyroclastic flows, posing severe risks.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director praised India’s growing nuclear sector, calling it one of the most dynamic in Asia and the world. IAEA is the world’s top intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field. It promotes safe, secure, and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. IAEA is an autonomous body within the United Nations (UN) and is known as the “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization. It was established in 1957. Its headquarters is in Vienna, Austria, with 178 member states. It ensures nuclear safeguards through monitoring, inspection, and verification to prevent misuse.
- The Five Eyes intelligence alliance faces challenges due to shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump’s presidency. It is a secretive and powerful intelligence-sharing alliance of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It was formed after World War II, based on the UK-USA Agreement of 1946. The alliance is known for global surveillance using satellites, telephone networks, and fiber optic cables.
- Lithuania exited the Convention on Cluster Munitions, citing security concerns over Russia, drawing criticism from human rights groups. The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) bans the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs. It was adopted on May 30, 2008, and enforced on August 1, 2010. The treaty has 112 member states and 12 signatories yet to ratify it. Major nations like India, the U.S., Russia, China, Ukraine, and Israel have not signed due to strategic concerns. The CCM aims to prevent civilian harm and supports global peace, human rights, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the second-largest arms importer from 2020-24, though its imports fell by 9.3% compared to 2015-19. Ukraine became the world’s largest arms importer, with imports rising nearly 100 times. India’s arms imports from Russia fell to 36% in 2020-24 from 55% in 2015-19. India was the top arms buyer from both Russia and France. The U.S. led global arms exports with 43%, while Russia’s exports dropped by 64%. China exited the top 10 arms importers list for the first time since 1990-94, showing domestic production growth.
- China deployed a powerful Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in Yunnan province near the China-Myanmar border. It has a surveillance range of over 5,000 km, covering the Indian Ocean and deep into Indian territory. It can detect and track ballistic missile launches in real time. Unlike traditional radars, it uses electronically controlled antennas for instant scanning. It can track multiple targets, including ballistic missiles, with high precision. LPARs play a key role in early warning systems and air defense networks.
Defense and Security
- The Union Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,906 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for Low-level Transportable Radar (LLTR), Ashwini. Ashwini is an active electronically scanned phased array radar using solid-state technology. It tracks high-speed aircraft, UAVs, and helicopters. Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), it has integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems. It offers 4D surveillance with electronic scanning in azimuth and elevation. The radar is mobile, with advanced Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) and works across various terrains for automatic target detection.
- The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) successfully tested India’s Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 prototype off Chandipur, Odisha. The Astra missile made a direct hit on a flying target, proving its accuracy and effectiveness. All missile subsystems performed optimally, meeting mission objectives. Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Astra can engage targets over 100 km away with advanced guidance and navigation systems. Already inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF), it enhances India’s air defense. The test brings India closer to inducting the LCA AF MK1A variant and strengthening indigenous defense systems.
Science and Technology
- ISRO and Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) developed two indigenous 32-bit microprocessors, Vikram 3201 and Kalpana 3201, for space applications. Vikram 3201 is India’s first fully indigenous microprocessor for launch vehicles, handling up to 4 GB memory with floating-point support. It advances the 16-bit Vikram 1601 used since 2009. Kalpana 3201 is a 32-bit SPARC V8 RISC processor, compatible with open-source tools and tested with flight software. Both microprocessors were validated in space during the PSLV-C60 mission. Other devices developed include a Reconfigurable Data Acquisition System and Low Drop-out Regulator IC.
Sports
- India topped the medals table at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 with 134 medals, including 45 golds, 40 silvers, and 49 bronzes. Indian athletes excelled across track and field events, proving their strength in global para-athletics. India’s dominance in field events and multiple podium finishes confirmed their rising status in para-athletics. The event was held in New Delhi.
Current Affairs: 01 March – 10 March
