World Obesity Atlas 2026

On the occasion of World Obesity Day observed on March 4, the World Obesity Federation released the World Obesity Atlas 2026 highlighting a worrying rise in childhood obesity in India. According to the report, nearly 15 million children aged 5–9 years and more than 26 million children aged 10–19 years in India were overweight or obese in 2025. The global body warned that the world is unlikely to meet the Read More …

Kerala Launches ‘MeHEALTH’ App for Access to Government Health Services

The Kerala Health Department has launched the MeHEALTH mobile application to help citizens access information about nearby government health facilities across Kerala. Details of Nearby HospitalsThrough the app, users can locate government hospitals within a 10-kilometre radius and obtain information about the specialities available, laboratory tests, and their rates. The initiative aims to improve accessibility and transparency in public healthcare services. Information on Medical ServicesThe platform also provides details about Read More …

Andhra Pradesh Launches ‘Project HANUMAN’ to Address Human–Wildlife Conflict

On World Wildlife Day 2026, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh launched Project HANUMAN to tackle the rising problem of human–wildlife conflict in the state. The project was unveiled at the Andhra Pradesh Special Police 6th Battalion Parade Grounds in Mangalagiri in Guntur district. Meaning of HANUMAN‘HANUMAN’ is an acronym for “Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife.” The initiative aims to strengthen rapid response, Read More …

Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum Returns 16th-Century Idol of Thirumangai Alvar to India

The Ashmolean Museum of the University of Oxford has returned a 16th-century bronze idol of Thirumangai Alvar to India. The idol will be restored to its original place of worship at the Shri Soundararaja Perumal Temple in Thadikombu, located in Tamil Nadu. The process concluded with a formal handover ceremony held at India House in London. History of the ArtifactThe bronze idol, measuring about 57.5 cm in height, had been Read More …

World Wildlife Day 2026

The National Zoological Park in New Delhi celebrated World Wildlife Day 2026 on March 3 with various activities, including a marathon and tug-of-war competition organised within the zoo premises. The marathon was conducted under the motto “Each Step Towards Wildlife Conservation,” encouraging participants to dedicate every stride to the protection and preservation of wildlife and natural ecosystems. Significance of World Wildlife DayWorld Wildlife Day is observed annually on March 3 Read More …

Tamil Nadu to Establish Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Centre in Coimbatore

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, laid the foundation stone on March 4 for the Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Centre in Coimbatore through an online ceremony from Chennai. The centre will function as a hub for research, monitoring and documentation of the population of the Nilgiri tahr in the state. The initiative aims to enable evidence-based conservation planning and ensure long-term ecological stewardship for the species. Part of Read More …

Who Are the Kurds?

Some media reports suggest that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States may be in talks with Kurdish dissident groups based in Iraq as part of efforts to challenge the regime in Iran. These reports remain unconfirmed but highlight the strategic importance of Kurdish groups in the geopolitics of West Asia. Who Are the Kurds?The Kurds are an Indo-European ethnic group indigenous to the mountainous region of West Read More …

U.S. Submarine Sinks Iranian IRIS Dena in International Waters

A submarine of the United States attacked the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which subsequently sank in the Indian Ocean, around 40 nautical miles off the southern coast of Sri Lanka near Galle. Warship Returning from International Fleet Review Rare Use of Submarine-Launched Torpedoes Understanding International Waters Under UNCLOS: Territorial Waters vs EEZInternational maritime law distinguishes between territorial waters and the EEZ:

United States Test-Launches Minuteman III ‘Doomsday Missile’

The United States recently carried out a test launch of the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), widely referred to as the “doomsday missile.” The test was conducted on March 3, 2026, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, according to the Air Force Global Strike Command. During the launch, the missile carried two re-entry vehicles and travelled several thousand miles before reaching its planned impact zone near the Read More …

CBIC introduces new facility for Eligible Manufacturer Importers

In line with the Union Budget 2026–27 announcement by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced a new facilitation measure enabling deferred payment of Customs duty for a newly notified category of importers called Eligible Manufacturer Importers (EMIs). The guidelines have been issued through Circular No. 08/2026-Customs dated 28 February 2026. Key Features of the EMI Scheme Under Read More …

Scotland becomes first country in UK to legalise water cremation

Scotland has become the first country in the United Kingdom to legalise water cremation, introducing a major change to funeral practices. The process, known as alkaline hydrolysis, offers families a third option alongside burial and traditional flame-based cremation. What Is Water Cremation? Under alkaline hydrolysis: Supporters describe the move as the most significant reform to cremation law since it was first introduced in 1902. Environmental Considerations Water cremation is often Read More …

India-Canada uranium supply agreement

India and Canada have signed a landmark uranium supply agreement worth $2.6 billion, strengthening long-term cooperation in civil nuclear energy and ensuring fuel security for India’s expanding nuclear power programme. Under the agreement, Canadian mining giant Cameco will supply 22 million pounds (around 10,000 tonnes) of uranium to India between 2027 and 2035. Boost to India’s Civil Nuclear Programme The deal will provide a stable and long-term supply of uranium Read More …

GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger Exported to London

Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora flagged off the first export consignment of GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger to London. This marks the first time that ginger from Karbi Anglong district has been exported to the international market. The consignment was sent to London, signalling a new beginning for the district’s farmers. Boost to Farmers Karbi Anglong ginger is known for its superior quality, strong aroma, and high fibre content. The export Read More …

New Research on “sigma (σ) cycle” Model

Indian scientists have played a key role in overturning a nearly five-decade-old model explaining how bacteria regulate gene expression, challenging long-standing textbook concepts in molecular biology. A new study led by researchers from the Bose Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), in collaboration with Rutgers University, has questioned the widely accepted “sigma (σ) cycle” model of bacterial gene regulation. The findings were published in Read More …