Daily Current Affairs and GK | 3 March 2026

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

1. The Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog has launched the first State Innovation Mission in Tripura.

• This initiative aims to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship into the state's long-term development strategy.
• The State Innovation Mission operates under AIM 2.0.
• It is part of the State Support Mission Framework designed for states and union territories.
• This framework helps build inclusive and locally driven innovation ecosystems.
• The launch event took place at the Hapania International Exhibition Centre in Agartala.
• The State Innovation Mission Framework will be anchored under the Tripura Institution for Transformation.
• This will help institutionalize innovation-driven governance in the state.
• Tripura has announced one of India's first District Innovator Fellowships.
• Tripura is also planning to build an AI City in Agartala.

Topic: Infrastructure and Energy

2. Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated three inland waterway projects in Dibrugarh.

• These projects are on the Brahmaputra River. This section of the river has been named National Waterway-2.
• These initiatives were undertaken by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to strengthen river transport in the Northeast.
• These projects include a Customs and Immigration Complex in Bogibeel.
• A second Customs and Immigration Complex has been constructed in Dhubri.
• The heritage office building of the Inland Waterways Authority of India in Dibrugarh has also been renovated.
• Sonowal described the Brahmaputra as essential to the region's identity and economy.
• The Bogibeel Complex has been developed as a modern tourist-cum-cargo terminal.
• The Dhubri Complex is designed to strengthen export-import monitoring.
• The renovated heritage building in Dibrugarh retains architectural features.
• Under the National Waterways Act, 2016, twenty rivers in the Northeast have been designated as National Waterways. These include the Brahmaputra, Barak, Dhansiri, and Kopili rivers.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

3. Janaushadhi Saptah 2026 commenced with Nationwide Health Camps.

• On 1 March, Janaushadhi Saptah 2026 was commenced across the country as an outreach initiative to promote awareness about affordable and quality generic medicines.
• Health check-up camps are being organised nationwide under the supervision of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
• The week-long observance will culminate in the 8th Janaushadhi Diwas on March 7.
• More than 250 locations were identified for conducting camps from March 1 to 5 to ensure wider public participation.
• In accordance with the theme “जन औषधि सस्ती भी, भरोसेमंद भी, सेहत की बात, बचत के साथ,” awareness was created regarding medicines available at Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras under the PMBJP.
• On the first day alone, around 50 camps were conducted in cities including Delhi, Bilaspur, Ludhiana, Pune and Chennai, among others.
• Free medical consultations and medicines were provided to participants, with special attention given to women and senior citizens.
• Services such as blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, thyroid screening and specialist consultations in nephrology and diabetology were made available at several centres.
• Additional facilities including physiotherapy consultations, eye check-ups and child health services were also arranged at select locations.
• More than 18,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are currently operational nationwide, and the network is targeted to be expanded to 25,000 by March 31, 2027, to strengthen last-mile access to affordable medicines.

Topic: State /Delhi

4. Four Women’s Welfare Schemes launched by President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi.

• Four women-centric welfare schemes of the Delhi government launched at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium by President Droupadi Murmu.
• The initiatives have been described as a significant step toward strengthening women empowerment, digital transparency and social security in the capital.
• The schemes include ‘Saheli Pink Smart Card,’ free LPG cylinder scheme, ‘Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana,’ and ‘Meri Punji Mera Adhikaar.’
• Under the Saheli Pink Smart Card, free bus travel will be provided to eligible women and transgender residents within the National Common Mobility Card framework.
• The smart card will also enable paid travel on Metro and Regional Rapid Transit System services through a single touch-free mechanism.
• Two free LPG cylinders during festivals will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer, with the equivalent amount deposited in the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the head of the family.
• Approximately 15.50 lakh ration card-holding families are expected to benefit from the LPG support measure.
• Under the ‘Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana,’ ₹56,000 will be deposited in installments in the name of a girl child, with the maturity value projected to exceed ₹1 lakh by the age of 21 subject to educational criteria.
• The ‘Meri Punji Mera Adhikaar’ initiative will ensure timely disbursement of pending dues to safeguard citizens’ financial rights.
• The schemes have been stated to be inspired by the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Digital India and enhanced women empowerment.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

5. On March 2, 2026, India and Canada signed three agreements in various areas.

• These agreements focus on essential mineral cooperation, promoting the use of renewable energy, and cultural cooperation.
• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was on a four-day visit to India from February 27.
• This was his first full bilateral visit to India since assuming office last March.
• The two leaders held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House.
• They reviewed progress made under the India-Canada Strategic Partnership.
• The discussions covered trade and investment. They also examined cooperation in energy and essential minerals.
• Agriculture, education, research, and innovation were part of the review.
• Modi expressed concern over the situation in West Asia. Modi described terrorism, extremism, and radicalization as shared global threats.
• Both sides set a target of increasing bilateral trade to US$50 billion by 2030.
• The two countries decided to enhance defense industry cooperation. The two sides agreed to launch the India-Canada Defense Dialogue.
• They also began negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on March 2, 2026, in New Delhi.
• The Terms of Reference for CEPA were signed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Canada's International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu.

Topic: Indian Economy

6. The Reserve Bank of India stated that India's current account deficit narrowed during April-December 2025.

• The deficit stood at US$30.1 billion, representing 1% of GDP.
• During the same period a year ago, the deficit was US$36.6 billion.
• Net foreign direct investment inflows increased during April-December 2025, reaching US$3 billion. Last year, FDI inflows were US$0.6 billion.
• Foreign portfolio investment recorded a net outflow of US$4.3 billion during this period.
• During the same period last year, FPIs posted a net inflow of US$9.4 billion.
• Foreign exchange reserves declined by US$30.8 billion, based on the balance of payments.
• This decline occurred during April-December 2025. A year ago, reserves had declined by US$13.8 billion. The RBI released a report on India's balance of payments for the third quarter of 2025-26.
• The report covers the period October-December. Services exports saw an annual increase.
• Computer services exports saw growth. Other business services exports also increased year-on-year.

Topic: Books and Authors

7. Mansukh Mandaviya released the book “Mahatma: A Great Communicator.”

• The book was written by Dheeraj Kakadiya, Additional Director General of All India Radio.
• Mandaviya said that the book will inspire people to follow the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.
• He said that many institutions were founded on Gandhian principles.
• He said that Gandhi first awakened patriotism within himself.
• He then instilled the same spirit in the people of India.
• The Minister said that Gandhi made non-violence a powerful weapon against British rule.
• He emphasized that Gandhi's values ​​remain relevant even today.
• Kakadiya described Gandhi as a dedicated and hardworking leader.
• He said that Gandhi united the country through effective communication.
• He further said that Gandhi used communication as a tool during the freedom movement.
• The book sheds light on Gandhi's life and his communication skills. It examines their impact on India's freedom struggle.
• This book is published in Hindi. It is also available in English. It has also been released in Gujarati.

Topic: International News

8. India has renewed its bilateral swap arrangement (BSA) with Japan.

• This renewed arrangement will be effective from February 28, 2026.
• The Reserve Bank of India announced this extension in an official statement.
• The total size of the swap facility remains at US$75 billion.
• This arrangement allows both countries to exchange their local currencies.
• If necessary, they can swap them for US dollars.
• It serves as a two-way agreement between the two authorities.
• Both countries hope that this agreement will strengthen the existing financial safety net.
• They believe that it will further strengthen financial cooperation.
• They also see it contributing to regional financial stability.
• This mechanism is also expected to support global financial stability.

Topic: Biotechnology and Diseases

9. Scientists from the Bose Institute and Rutgers University challenged a 50-year-old model of bacterial gene regulation.

• Their results were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
• For decades, textbooks described the “sigma cycle” as a universal process.
• In this model, sigma factors dissociate from RNA polymerase after transcription begins.
• This concept was based primarily on studies of σ70 in Escherichia coli.
• The new study shows that the sigma cycle is not universal.
• Researchers found that in Bacillus subtilis, the main transcription factor σA remains associated with RNA polymerase throughout transcription.
• A modified E. coli σ70, lacking region 1.1, also remains bound throughout transcription.
• In contrast, the entire E. coli σ70 factor dissociates abruptly during elongation.
• The team used biochemical assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence imaging.
• These techniques allowed them to observe the behavior of the sigma factor in real time.
• This discovery provides new insights into the evolution of bacterial gene regulation.
• This could help design better antibiotics and transcription inhibitors.
• This research could also help microbes produce biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and therapeutic compounds more efficiently.

Topic: Important Days

10. World Wildlife Day: 3 March

• World Wildlife Day is observed every year on 3 March to raise awareness about protecting wild animals and plants.
• On December 20, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 3 as the UN World Wildlife Day.
• In 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed on 3 March.
• This day was celebrated for the first time in 2014.
• The theme of World Wildlife Day 2026 is “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”.
• The theme highlights the crucial role Medicinal and Aromatic Plants play in sustaining human health, cultural heritage and local livelihoods.
• It also showcases the increasing pressures they face from habitat loss, overharvesting, and climate change.
• CITES is a global agreement that ensures trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.