• 05 Mar 2026

Nidhi Chhibber Takes Additional Charge as NITI Aayog CEO

Why in News?

Nidhi Chhibber has assumed additional charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NITI Aayog after the completion of the tenure of BVR Subrahmanyam, marking an important leadership transition in India’s premier public policy institution.

Key Points:

• Appointment: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued a notification assigning additional charge of the CEO post of NITI Aayog to Nidhi Chhibber.
  • Nidhi Chhibber is a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre. 
  • At the time of her appointment, she was serving as the Director General of the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) in NITI Aayog.
• Predecessor: BVR Subrahmanyam, completed his extended three-year tenure as NITI Aayog CEO in February 2026.
• Role: The CEO is responsible for overseeing policy planning, facilitating cooperative federalism, coordinating with ministries and states, and driving implementation of key national development initiatives.
  • Nidhi Chhibber’s appointment as CEO (additional charge) highlights increasing representation of women in senior government leadership roles.
• NITI Aayog: Established in 2015, NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission as India’s foremost policy advisory body to promote cooperative federalism, sustainable development, and long‑term strategic planning.
• Strategic Importance: The appointment reflects continuity in leadership at an institution crucial for policy deliberation and effective governance, impacting sectors such as economic reforms, health, technology, and public service delivery.
  • The CEO is instrumental in monitoring flagship programs like PM GatiShakti, National Nutrition Mission, NIPUN Bharat, and AI/technology-driven projects.

Read More:  NITI Aayog, Sustainable development,  PM GatiShakti, National Nutrition Mission, NIPUN Bharat,  Artificial Intelligence

Prime Minister Inaugurates Micron Semiconductor Facility in Gujarat

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the state-of-the-art Micron Technology semiconductor Assembly, Test, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) facility in Sanand, Gujarat, marking a major milestone in India’s semiconductor manufacturing journey and efforts to integrate into the global technology supply chain.

Key Points:

• Inauguration: The Prime Minister inaugurated the Micron ATMP facility at Sanand, which commenced commercial production of memory chips and advanced semiconductor components. 
• Strategic Investment: The project represents an investment of approximately ₹22,516 crore, one of the largest by a global semiconductor major in India.
  • The facility manufactures critical memory components including DRAM, NAND, and SSD products that power AI systems, data centres, smartphones, and digital infrastructure.
• India’s Technology Push: The Prime Minister emphasized that the 21st century will be driven by microchips, reinforcing India’s transition from a primarily software-led economy to one increasingly strong in hardware manufacturing. 
• Impact: The Sanand site features one of the world’s largest single-story cleanrooms dedicated to chip packaging and testing.
• Significance: The facility aligns with India’s Semicon India Mission, which aims to build a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem, attract investment, and promote Make in India initiatives in critical technology sectors.

Read More:  Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductor manufacturing, Make in India initiatives

PM Modi Conferred with Israel’s Highest Parliamentary Honour

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” — the highest honour of the Parliament of Israel — following his historic address to the Israeli Parliament (Knesset).

Key Points:

• Historic Moment: PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset — a diplomatic milestone and a significant demonstration of close bilateral engagement.
  • The honour reflects India’s expanding partnership with Israel in areas including defence cooperation, technology collaboration, innovation, agriculture, and economic engagement.
• Shared Values: PM Modi highlighted the strong foundation of democratic values and mutual trust guiding India-Israel relations, and dedicated the award to the enduring friendship between the two nations.
  • PM Modi is among the few global leaders to receive top honours from both Israel and Palestine, reflecting India’s balanced and proactive engagement in West Asia.
• Bilateral Dialogues: Enhancing cooperation on a Free Trade Agreement, technology partnerships, civil nuclear energy, space collaboration, and future agriculture solutions, signalling a broad roadmap for India-Israel cooperation. 
• Significance: The conferment of the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” on PM Narendra Modi marks a historic chapter in India-Israel relations. 
  • It not only celebrates diplomatic goodwill but also reinforces the trajectory of strategic cooperation between the two democracies across multiple sectors, strengthening global partnerships and shared interests. 

Read More:  Free Trade Agreement, India-Israel relations

Varanasi Sets Guinness World Record by Planting 2.5 Lakh Saplings in One Hour

Why in News?

Varanasi created a new Guinness World Record by planting 2,51,446 saplings within just one hour during a mega plantation drive in the Sujabad-Domari area, surpassing the previous record held by China.

Key Points:

• Record: The plantation drive set a new Guinness World Record with 2,51,446 saplings planted in one hour.
  • The massive sapling plantation was carried out over 350 bighas of land along the banks of the Ganga River in Sujabad-Domari village, an initiative aimed at creating an extensive urban forest.
• Organisation: The event was organised by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation with active participation from the Indian Army, NDRF, CRPF, police, students, volunteers, and local citizens, making it a significant community-based environmental effort.
  • The plantation drive is part of a larger plan to develop an “urban forest” that will include diverse native species and contribute to long-term ecological sustainability and environmental balance in the region.
• Previous Record: The previous Guinness-recognized record for saplings planted in an hour was held by China since 2018, which was surpassed by this record plantation effort.
• Significance: The record-breaking plantation in Varanasi represents a landmark achievement for environmental conservation in India. 
  • By planting over 2.5 lakh saplings in just one hour, Varanasi not only broke a global record but also took a significant step toward enhancing green cover, community engagement, and sustainable development in the region.

Read More: Ganga River, NDRF, CRPF

U.S. Launched ‘Operation Epic Fury’ Against Iran

Why in News?

The United States launched a major military campaign named “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran in February 2026. The operation, conducted with support from Israel, marks a significant escalation in tensions in the Middle East.

Key Points:

• Operation Epic Fury: Donald Trump announced a large-scale military campaign targeting Iranian military and strategic infrastructure, with the stated objective of dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and weakening the ruling regime. 
  • The strikes were carried out in coordination with Israel.
  • Hundreds of targets including missile installations, command centres, and other strategic facilities across several Iranian cities were reportedly attacked using aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones.
• Objectives: The U.S. administration stated that the operation aims to end Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions, weaken the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and reduce Iran’s regional military influence. 
• Regional Escalation: Iran retaliated by launching missile and drone attacks on U.S. and allied military installations in several Middle Eastern countries, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
• Global Diplomatic Reactions: The conflict triggered concerns among global powers and discussions within the United Nations regarding de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.
  • The military action faced criticism from lawmakers and analysts of the USA, who questioned its legality and the absence of a clear long-term strategy or exit plan.
• Impact: Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran could disrupt oil supply routes in the region, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil trade passes.
• Significance: The launch of Operation Epic Fury represents a major geopolitical development in West Asia, intensifying tensions between the United States and Iran and raising concerns about regional stability, global energy security, and international diplomacy.

Read More: US-Israel Attack on Iran, Middle Eastern countries, Strait of Hormuz,  Iran’s nuclear weapons

Odisha Govt Issues Heat Preparedness Guidelines for Higher Education Institutions

Why in News?

In view of rising temperatures and recurring heatwave conditions, the Government of Odisha has issued comprehensive heat preparedness guidelines for universities and colleges across the state. The move comes amid increasing climate variability and frequent extreme heat events in eastern India.

Key Points:

• Rescheduled Academic Timings: Institutions are advised to conduct classes during cooler hours, ensuring academic continuity without exposing students to peak noon-time heat.
• Infrastructure Readiness:Provision of safe drinking water and 'Panna' (traditional cooling drinks) in campuses.
  • Installation of fans and proper ventilation in classrooms and examination halls.
  • Mandatory availability of First Aid Kits and ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) in all departments and hostels.
• Examination Management: Special care to be taken during examinations, including ensuring cool waiting areas for parents and transport arrangements if necessary.
• Health Awareness: Educational sessions on recognizing symptoms of heatstroke (Hyperthermia) and dehydration.
• Why the Guidelines?: Odisha is one of the states frequently affected by severe heatwaves. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), eastern and central India have witnessed a rise in:
  • Heatwave days
  • Early onset of summer
  • Prolonged high night-time temperatures
• Notified Disaster: Heatwaves are classified as notified disasters in India, and Odisha has previously experienced significant heat-related mortality. 

Read More: IMD

IIT Dhanbad Hosts National Conference on Ancient Indian Science and Technology

Why in News?

The Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad organized a National Conference on Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology, bringing together scholars, scientists, historians, and researchers to deliberate on India’s rich scientific heritage and its contemporary relevance.

Key Points:

• Objective:The conference sought to create an interdisciplinary platform for scholars of Sanskrit, philosophy, and history to collaborate with engineering and applied science experts. 
• Major Thematic Areas Included:
  • Astronomy & Cosmology: Exploring celestial observations and cosmological models in ancient texts.
  • Mathematics: Revisiting Vedic Mathematics and ancient number systems.
  • Engineering & Architecture: Analysis of Vaastu Shastra and ancient metallurgical and civil engineering techniques.
  • Philosophy of Science: Comparing classical Indian philosophical systems (such as Sānkhya) with modern scientific models.
  • Sustainability: Extracting ancient wisdom for contemporary challenges like sustainable development and holistic health. 
• Organising Bodies: Jointly organised by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Sponsorship: Supported by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
• Cultural Continuity: Director Sukumar Mishra outlined the transition from Gyan (knowledge) to Vigyan (analytical understanding) and finally Praudyogiki (applied technology).

Dol Jatra Festival in West Bengal

Why in News?

The vibrant festival of Dol Jatra, also known as Dol Purnima, was celebrated with great enthusiasm across West Bengal, marking the advent of spring with colors, devotional songs, and religious fervour.

Key Points:

• The Divine Swing: The term "Dol" literally means swing and "Jatra" means journey.
  • It commemorates the day Lord Krishna expressed his love for Radha by smearing her face with Phag (colored powder) while they sat on a decorated swing.
  • The festival is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Phalguna.
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Birth Anniversary: For the Gaudiya Vaishnav community, the day is highly sacred as it marks the birth anniversary of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534), the 15th-century saint who revolutionized the Bhakti movement in Bengal. 
• Religious Observance: Idols of Radha and Krishna are placed on a beautifully decorated palanquin (palki) and carried in processions through streets, accompanied by Naam Sankirtan (devotional chanting).
• Basanta Utsav (Santiniketan): Introduced by Rabindranath Tagore at Visva-Bharati University, this "Spring Festival" blends religious tradition with music, dance, and poetry. 
• Nabadwip and Mayapur: These towns serve as the epicenter of celebrations, where global devotees gather at ISKCON and Gaudiya Math for grand religious discourses and rituals.
• Significance:Highlights Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s role in breaking caste barriers through congregational chanting (Sankirtana).
  • Cultural Identity: Reflects the transition of a religious festival into a broader cultural and secular celebration of nature (e.g., Basanta Utsav).

Read More: Santiniketan, ISKCON

World Wildlife Day 2026

Why in News?

World Wildlife Day is observed every year on 3 March to celebrate wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness about the urgent need to conserve biodiversity.

Key Points:

• Proclamation: The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2013, marking the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 1973.
• Why 3 March?:The date commemorates the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a global agreement to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
• Theme:The official theme for World Wildlife Day 2026 is "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods"

• High-Priority Species Requiring Urgent Conservation (2026 Focus): While conservation is holistic, the 2026 report highlights specific "Flagship Species" that act as indicators of ecosystem health: 

  • Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus): Facing severe Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) and habitat fragmentation in South Asia. Focus is on "Elephant Corridors."
  • Great Indian Bustard (GIB): Critically endangered with fewer than 150 individuals. Conservation efforts are centered on "Power-line mitigation" in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
  • Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia): The "Ghost of the Mountains" is threatened by climate change affecting the Himalayan alpine ecosystem.
  • Vultures (Gyps species): Crucial for sanitation; focus remains on eliminating Diclofenac and creating "Vulture Safety Zones."
  • Dugong (Sea Cow): India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay is a highlight for marine biodiversity.
• Significance: India, home to 15,000 medicinal plant species, celebrated the day by highlighting its "Green Wealth" and the work of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) in conservation areas like the Himalayas and Western Ghats.

Read More:CITES, Asian Elephant,Great Indian Bustard, Dugong

Finn Allen Broke Record for Fastest Century in T20 World Cup

Why in News?

Finn Allen of the New Zealand national cricket team smashed the fastest century in the history of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, achieving the milestone during the 2026 semifinal against the South Africa national cricket team. 

Key Points:

• Record Century: Finn Allen scored a 100 runs off just 33 balls in the semifinal match played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, setting the record for the fastest century in T20 World Cup history.
• Previous Record: The earlier record belonged to Chris Gayle of the West Indies cricket team, who scored a 47-ball century against the England cricket team in the 2016 T20 World Cup in Mumbai.
• Fastest Century Records in International Cricket:
  • T20 International: Sahil Chauhan holds the record for the fastest T20I century (27 balls) against Cyprus national cricket team in 2024.
  • One Day International (ODI): AB de Villiers scored the fastest ODI century in 31 balls against the West Indies cricket team in 2015.
  • ODI World Cup: Glenn Maxwell holds the record for the fastest century in the ICC Cricket World Cup, scoring a 40-ball hundred
  • Test Cricket: Brendon McCullum holds the record for the fastest Test century in 54 balls against the Australia national cricket team in 2016.
• Significance: Finn Allen broke a 10-year-old record and became one of the fastest centuries in international T20 cricket, highlighting the evolution of aggressive batting in modern T20 formats. 

Read More: ICC