Current Affairs One - Liner : 8th & 9th March 2026

National:

• On 6 March 2026, Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed India’s first integrated OTEC plant at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep. It harnesses the temperature gradient between warm surface water and cold deep water to generate ~65 kW clean electricity. The plant also powers LTTD desalination, producing ~1,00,000 litres of potable water daily.

• On March 6, 2026, DRDO sanctioned a ₹99.15 lakh, 36‑month project to Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, under the DRDO Industry Academia – Centre of Excellence (DIA‑CoE), aimed at developing novel antidotes for highly toxic organophosphorous compounds to strengthen India’s chemical defence capabilities.
• The second phase of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme (VBYCP) was launched in Delhi on 9 March 2026 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat). It aims to deepen youth engagement with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, reaching over 10,000 students across 35+ colleges in the capital.
• On March 8, 2026, the Kerala Police launched the ‘Nirbhaya Nisha’ initiative to ensure safe night travel for women across the state, providing quick police response between 9 PM and 5 AM. The program was inaugurated by CM Pinarayi Vijayan and operationalised with women‑driven patrol vehicles, SOS facilities, and helpline support.
• On March 8, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around ₹33,500 crore in New Delhi, including new Delhi Metro corridors, housing units, and urban infrastructure upgrades. These projects aim to modernize Delhi’s transport, housing, and connectivity.
• On March 8, 2026, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) dismantled the nationwide drug trafficking network known as “Team Kalki.” The syndicate was operating through darknet marketplaces and encrypted apps, distributing synthetic drugs like LSD, MDMA, and amphetamines.

Banking:

• On March 7, 2026, the State Bank of India (SBI) launched a USD 500 million syndicated social loan facility (around ₹4,200 crore) dedicated to women’s economic empowerment. Timed with International Women’s Day, the initiative supports UN SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and includes a greenshoe option to expand funding if demand is strong.

Economy:

• Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah presented his 17th state budget on March 6, 2026, with a record outlay of ₹4.48 lakh crore for FY27, projecting a revenue deficit of ₹22,957 crore. The budget emphasizes welfare guarantees, technology-driven growth, flood relief, and AI innovation.
• On March 6, 2026, Maharashtra Deputy CM and Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the state’s FY27 budget with a record outlay of ₹7.69 lakh crore. The budget focuses on infrastructure, agriculture, women empowerment, and social welfare schemes. It also emphasizes climate resilience, technology adoption, and rural development.

MoUs:

• On March 6, 2026, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Bajaj Auto Ltd. signed a Flexi-MoU in New Delhi. The aim was to skill 1,000 youth in advanced automotive manufacturing, aligned with NSQF standards. Training will be conducted at Bajaj Auto’s facilities in Maharashtra and Uttarakhand under the Flexi-MoU scheme.

Sports:

• On March 8, 2026, Union MoS Raksha Khadse announced the nationwide ASMITA Athletics League to mark International Women’s Day. ASMITA (Athletics Sports Meet for India’s Talented Athletes) aims to promote women’s participation in athletics and nurture young talent. The league will provide structured competitions, training, and exposure across India.
• The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final was played on 8 March 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India defeated New Zealand by a massive margin of 96 runs to claim their third T20 World Cup title and became the first team to successfully defend the trophy. Jasprit Bumrah was declared the Player of the Final.
• George Russell won the 2026 Australian Grand Prix on 8 March at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit, leading a dominant Mercedes 1–2 finish ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completing the podium.
• On March 8, 2026, the All England Open Badminton Championships men’s singles final was held in Birmingham, England. Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen finished as runner‑up in the event. The winner was Shi Yuqi of China, who clinched the men’s singles title.

Important Days:

• On March 7, 2026, India celebrated Jan Aushadhi Diwas under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). The theme in English was “Jan Aushadhi – Affordable, Reliable, Health with Savings”. It highlights the availability of quality generic medicines at 50–90% lower prices through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

Appointments:

• Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently heading the Southern Command, will assume charge as the new Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) on 1 April 2026 in New Delhi. He succeeds Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh, who will move to lead the Western Command. This reshuffle marks a major leadership transition in the Indian Army.

Obituaries:

• Vir Chakra awardee Lance Havildar K.G. George, a 1965 India–Pakistan war hero from the Corps of Signals, passed away at the age of 95 on 7 March 2026 at his residence in Kottayam, Kerala.

Questions:

Q.1 Which team won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final?
a) Australia
b) India
c) England
d) New Zealand

Answer: b) India defeated New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium to win its third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title and became the first team to defend the trophy.

Q.2 Jan Aushadhi Diwas is celebrated in India under which scheme?
a) Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
b) Ayushman Bharat
c) National Health Mission
d) Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi

Answer: a) The day promotes affordable generic medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, offering drugs 50–90% cheaper than branded medicines.