January - March 2026 Current Affairs Marathon By Pankaj Sir | 200+ Imp Questions | Crazy GkTrick

Pankaj Vaishnav welcomes viewers to Crazy Gk Trick's YouTube platform for a crucial session covering important current affairs from January to March 2026. The session will discuss over 200 current affairs questions in detail, aiming to cover more than 500 facts useful for all upcoming exams. A PDF link for the material is provided in the description.

The recently launched book 'Karuna – The Power of Compassion' is authored by Kailash Satyarthi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate from 2014, known for his work in child protection and the 'Bachpan Bachao Andolan'. The book emphasizes compassion as a tool for global change.

In the Global Terrorism Index 2026, which ranks 163 countries based on terrorism impact, India is placed 13th. Pakistan is ranked first. The Institute for Economics and Peace, based in Sydney, Australia, publishes this report annually. Afghanistan is 11th, Myanmar 14th, and China 54th.

The 98th Academy Awards in 2026, held in the USA, awarded 'One Battle After Another' as the Best Film. This movie also won the most Oscars (six). Other key winners include Paul Thomas Anderson for Best Director (same film), Michael B. Jordan for Best Actor (Sinners), and Jessie Buckley for Best Actress (Hamnet).

The 35th Saraswati Samman for 2025 will be awarded to Bengali writer Ramkumar Mukhopadhyay for his novel 'Hara Parvati Katha'. This prestigious literary award, established in 1991 by the K.K. Birla Foundation, recognizes outstanding literary works in any of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The Abel Prize 2026, often called the 'Nobel Prize of Mathematics', has been awarded to German mathematician Gerd Faltings for his contributions to arithmetic geometry. The Norwegian government has been presenting this award annually since 2003.

Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). She replaces Hansraj Gangaram Ahir. The NCBC is a constitutional body under Article 338B of the Indian Constitution, established in 1993 as a statutory body and later granted constitutional status in 2018.

At the BCCI Naman Awards 2026, Shubman Gill received the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men). Smriti Mandhana won the Best International Cricketer (Women) award. Rahul Dravid and Roger Binny received the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.

In the World Happiness Report 2026, India is ranked 116th out of 147 countries, showing an improvement of two ranks from the previous year. Published by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report places Finland at the top for the ninth consecutive year, followed by Iceland and Denmark.

Mayank Chakraborty from Assam has become India's 94th Chess Grandmaster and the first from Northeast India. At 16 years old, he achieved this prestigious title, following previous grandmasters like Aarav Dengla and Aryan Varshney.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu unveiled the 'Statue of Sacrifice', a 58-foot bronze statue of freedom fighter Potti Sreeramulu Raju in Amaravati. Raju played a significant role in the formation of Andhra Pradesh as the first linguistic state in India in 1953.

The 60th Jnanpith Award for 2025 will be bestowed upon Tamil poet R. Vairamuthu. He is the third Tamil writer to receive this esteemed literary award. Vairamuthu has previously been honored with the Padma Shri (2003) and Padma Bhushan (2014), along with the Sahitya Akademi Award (2003).

Lieutenant Colonel Sita Ashok Shelke received the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026 in the individual category. The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority was awarded in the institutional category. This award recognizes excellent work in disaster management, with prize money of ₹5 lakh for individuals and ₹51 lakh for institutions.

The 77th Republic Day celebrations in India featured Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council, as chief guests. This marks the first time heads of an international organization were invited as chief guests, instead of heads of state or government.

Kharg Island, a key oil export hub for Iran, is located in the Persian Gulf. It recently gained attention due to ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the USA. The island's strategic importance stems from its role in global crude oil and LPG supply.

Mamtat Kalia, a writer from Uttar Pradesh, has been honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 for Hindi language for her memoir 'Jeete Jee Allahabad'. The award is given in 24 Indian languages, including the 22 constitutional languages, Rajasthani, and English.

The Haryana Thunders emerged as the champions of the Pro Wrestling League 2026, defeating Delhi Dangle Warriors in the final.

The 13th edition of the joint military exercise 'Khanjar' between India and Kyrgyzstan was held in Masamari, Assam. The exercise aims to foster coordination and technology exchange between the armed forces of both nations, having been initiated in 2011.

The Indian AI Impact Summit 2026 was held in New Delhi. This high-profile event brought together stakeholders to discuss the advancements and implications of Artificial Intelligence in India.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has granted a pre-qualification certificate to 'Nopv2', a polio vaccine developed by the Indian company Biological E. Limited, based in Hyderabad. This vaccine is designed to combat Type 2 poliovirus, enabling its global use.

Magnus Carlsen of Norway secured the title at the inaugural FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026, held in Wiesbaden, Germany. He defeated Fabiano Caruana of the USA in the final. Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan won the bronze medal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'PM Rahat Yojana', which provides cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for road accident victims within the 'golden hour' (first hour after an accident). This scheme aims to reduce fatalities by ensuring timely medical intervention during critical periods.

India dominated the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026, also known as the Asian Shooting Championship, by topping the medal tally with 94 medals (51 gold, 23 silver, 20 bronze). The event, its 17th edition, was hosted at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, involving athletes from 17 countries.

C.A. Prasan Kumar D. has been appointed as the new President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The ICAI is a statutory body that regulates the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India, including examinations and professional conduct.

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan has made history as the first bowler to take 700 wickets in T20 cricket. His achievement highlights his dominance in the shortest format of the game globally.

The 37th African Union (AU) Summit was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which is also the AU's headquarters. The summit focused on promoting unity, peace, economic development, and sustainable development among its 55 member states. In 2023, the African Union was granted full membership in the G20.

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana received the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2026 award, recognizing her outstanding performance in 2025. Other awardees include Divya Deshmukh (Emerging Player), Preeti Pal (Para Sportswoman), and Anjali Bhagwat (Lifetime Achievement).

Kerala has become the first state in India to declare tidal flooding as a 'State-Specific Disaster'. This classification acknowledges the unique challenges faced by the state's coastal communities due to rising sea levels and tidal surges.

The Shahpur Kandi Dam on the Ravi River in Pathankot, Punjab, has been completed and is now operational. This 206 MW hydroelectric project, with a canal network to irrigate 32,000 hectares in J&K and 5,000 hectares in Punjab, was envisioned in 1982 but faced delays due to the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. Progress was expedited after India abrogated the treaty.

India has joined 'Pax Silicon', a US-led strategic alliance established in December 2025. This alliance aims to ensure the supply chain of AI technologies, semiconductors, and critical minerals, reducing dependence on China. India's membership was formalized at the AI Summit in New Delhi.

Norway secured the top position in the medal tally at the Winter Olympics 2026, held in Milan-Cortina, Italy. With 18 gold and a total of 41 medals, Norway led the athletic competition which hosted 116 medal events and involved 92 countries. India did not win any medals.

The 16th edition of the 'Vajra Prahar' military exercise between India and the USA was held in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, from February 23 to March 15, 2026. This joint exercise aims to enhance operational coordination, share advanced combat tactics, and strengthen military cooperation between the two nations.

The 52nd Khajuraho Dance Festival was organized in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, from February 20 to 26, 2026. This renowned national-level dance festival, held at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho, celebrates Indian classical dance forms. The 51st edition in 2025 set a Guinness World Record with 1,339 dancers performing continuously.

Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, located in Palghar district, Maharashtra, has received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation Award. This 475-year-old cathedral showcases a blend of Portuguese colonial and European architectural styles, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance.

Rob Jetten has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of the Netherlands, becoming the youngest PM in the country's history at 38 years old. This election outcome marks a significant shift in Dutch politics.

India's Home Ministry has launched 'Prahar', the country's first anti-terror policy. This policy addresses modern threats such as cross-border terrorism, cyber attacks, criminal hackers, drone usage, dark web activities, and crypto wallets, aiming to dismantle terrorist networks in India.

Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team, has become the most capped player in Women's International Cricket across all formats. Her 356th match against Australia in February 2026 surpassed Suzie Bates' record. Kaur was awarded the Padma Shri in 2026 for her contributions and for leading India to its first Women's One Day World Cup victory in 2025.

The 'Dharma Guardian' military exercise is jointly conducted between India and Japan. The seventh edition of this exercise took place in Uttarakhand's Cross Roads region from February 24 to March 9, 2026. The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability and counter-terrorism tactics in semi-urban environments.

Nidhi Chhibber, a senior IAS officer and former chairperson of CBSE, has been appointed as the interim CEO of NITI Aayog. She takes over from B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, whose tenure ended in February 2026.

Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar has been named a Global Champion for Road Safety by the United Nations. In this role, he will advocate for and promote road safety awareness worldwide as part of a UN campaign.

Bellagram Panchayat in Maharashtra has been recognized as India's first 'Net Zero Panchayat'. Located in the Bhandara district of the Vidarbha region, this panchayat has achieved a balance between carbon emissions and absorption through initiatives like afforestation and renewable energy use. It previously received the Carbon Neutral Special Panchayat Award in 2024.

The Indian Army team secured the top position in the medal tally at the Khelo India Winter Games 2026, held jointly in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. The Army won 23 medals (9 gold, 6 silver, 8 bronze). Himachal Pradesh ranked second with 14 medals, and Haryana third with 7 medals. Figure skating was included for the first time in this edition.

The theme for National Science Day 2026 is 'Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat'. Celebrated annually on February 28, this day commemorates C.V. Raman's discovery of the 'Raman Effect' in 1928, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. The day was officially recognized in 1986 and first celebrated in 1987.

The Telangana Police has launched 'Operation Crackdown' to combat cyber fraud by curbing the misuse of 'mule bank accounts'. These accounts are often rented or acquired from vulnerable individuals to launder money obtained through cybercrimes, making it difficult to trace the perpetrators.

President Droupadi Murmu became the first President of India to fly in an indigenous light combat helicopter, 'Prachand'. She undertook a 25-minute co-pilot flight from the Jaisalmer Air Force Station in Rajasthan, demonstrating support for India's self-reliance in defense technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' by the Israeli Parliament (Knesset), becoming the first person to receive this newly instituted award.Speaker Amir Ohana presented the medal to PM Modi, who was also the first Indian PM to address the Knesset.

Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Manipur Violence Inquiry Commission, replacing Justice Ajay Lamba. This commission, established by the Central Government in 2023, investigates the causes and consequences of the violence in Manipur, distinct from the Supreme Court-appointed Geeta Mittal Committee for relief and rehabilitation.

Jammu & Kashmir created history by winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy title in the 2025-26 season. They defeated eight-time champions Karnataka in the final, which was the 91st edition of India's premier domestic cricket championship.

The Sikkim government has announced that Pakyong Airport, the state's sole airport, will be renamed after Trilochan Pokhrel. Pokhrel was a prominent freedom fighter from Sikkim who led several independence movements alongside Mahatma Gandhi.

Nine more cheetahs have been brought to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh from Botswana, bringing the total cheetah population in the park to over 45. This move is part of Project Cheetah, a four-year rehabilitation plan that began in 2022 with cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa. Future plans include relocating some cheetahs to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Andhra Pradesh has launched 'Project Hanuman' to mitigate human-elephant conflict in the state. Led by Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, the project involves installing CCTV cameras and alert systems along village boundaries, expanding forest areas, and cultivating food sources within forests to prevent elephants from venturing into inhabited areas.

The World Obesity Atlas 2026 report indicates that India ranks second globally in cases of overweight and obesity among children, with China leading the list and the USA in third place. The report, released by the World Obesity Federation on World Obesity Day (March 4), attributes this trend primarily to the consumption of cold drinks, fast food, and chips. India has over 15 million children aged 5-9 and over 25 million children aged 10-19 who are overweight or obese.

President Droupadi Murmu appointed new Governors and Lieutenant Governors for nine states and Union Territories. Article 155 of the Indian Constitution outlines the provision for the appointment of Governors by the President, typically on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. The video provides a list of these appointments, emphasizing the importance of referring to the PDF for detailed information due to the volume of changes.

Kerala has become the first Indian state to announce a dedicated 'elderly budget' for the financial year 2026-27. This budget, proposed by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, allocates 19% of the state's total budget to support the elderly, primarily for pensions and other facilities.

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female Prime Minister, has returned to power with a majority in the general elections. Leading the Liberal Democratic Party, she secured 316 out of 465 seats, marking her second term as PM.

The proposal to remove the Lok Sabha Speaker, as recently attempted against Om Birla, is outlined in Article 94(c) of the Indian Constitution. This article details the conditions under which the Speaker and Deputy Speaker can resign or be removed from office.

Vishwabhushan Harichandan, a former Governor, has authored two new books: 'A Mati Katha Kahe' and 'Bakshi Jagadbandhu: The Great Commander', both launched in February 2026.

The 'National Pulses Self-Sufficiency Mission' was launched by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan from Sehore, Madhya Pradesh. The mission aims to establish 1,000 new lentil mills across India, with 55 in Madhya Pradesh, to boost pulse production and storage.

India is ranked 91st in the Corruption Perception Index 2025, an improvement from its 96th position in 2024. The index, released by Transparency International, assesses corruption levels in government organizations across 182 countries, with Denmark, Finland, and Singapore as the least corrupt.

India has adopted 2022-23 as the new base year for calculating GDP and the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), replacing the previous 2011-12 base year. Similar changes have been made for the Consumer Price Index (2023-24) and Wholesale Price Index (2022-23).

The Ol Chiki script, traditionally used for writing the Santali language, celebrated its 100th anniversary with a ceremony in New Delhi, inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu. Invented by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925, Santali is one of the 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Galathea Bay, located in Great Nicobar Island, has garnered attention as the National Green Tribunal approved a ₹90,000 crore Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project. This project includes an international container transshipment terminal and a greenfield international airport, enhancing India's strategic presence in the Indian Ocean.

India's first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel will be constructed beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam. This nearly 34 km long tunnel, approved by the Central Cabinet, will feature twin tubes for both road and rail transport, marking a significant infrastructural leap.

Tarique Rahman has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh following general elections in 2026. His Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a two-thirds majority. Rahman is the son of Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake and the world's second-largest freshwater lake by surface area, is in the news due to concerns from scientists about increasing pollution from cyanobacteria and blue-green algae. The Nile River originates from this lake, highlighting its ecological significance.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas transport. Recent political tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the USA have caused disruptions and price hikes in global crude oil and LPG markets.

The book 'The Sage Who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sri Narayana Guru' has been authored by prominent Congress leader and author Shashi Tharoor. The book, launched by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, explores the life and teachings of Sri Narayana Guru, a 19th-century social reformer and saint from Kerala.

The 'Vibrant Villages Program Phase II' has been launched by Home Minister Amit Shah from the Chacha district in Assam. This phase expands the program beyond border villages with China to include those along borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar, aiming for infrastructure development and improved security in these regions.

At the 79th BAFTA Awards, the Indian film 'Bong' won the award for Best Children's and Family Film. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, the film is set against the backdrop of Manipur.

A statue of C. Rajagopalachari has been installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing that of British architect Edwin Lutyens. Rajagopalachari, a freedom fighter and the last Governor-General of independent India, was one of the first recipients of the Bharat Ratna in 1954.

Khalida Zia, who recently passed away at 80, was the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, serving three terms starting in 1991. She was also the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sea voyage in the indigenous submarine INS Vagsheer, becoming the second Indian President after A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to do so. INS Vagsheer is the sixth and final submarine of the Kalvari class, commissioned into the Indian Navy in January 2024 under Project 75.

In 2025, India ranked third globally in terms of Rare Earth Oxide reserves, holding approximately 6.9 million tonnes, which accounts for 6-7% of global reserves. China leads with 44 million tonnes. However, in terms of production, India ranks seventh worldwide.

Veteran environmentalist Madhav Gadgil, known as 'Dharti Putra' from Maharashtra, passed away recently at 83. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1981 and the Padma Bhushan in 2006 for his significant contributions to environmental conservation, particularly as the chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel.

The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year for Pasture and Pastoralists, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of pastures, livestock farming, and the livelihoods of pastoral communities worldwide. It is also being observed as the International Year of the Women Farmer.

Kalpetta District Court in Kerala has become India's first fully paperless district court. All official and government work, including hearings and judgments, will be conducted digitally through applications and tablets, promoting an eco-friendly and efficient judicial system.

At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards 2026, Owen Cooper from the UK, at just 16 years old, became the youngest winner. He won the Best Supporting Actor award for the TV series 'Adolescence'.

The Shaksgam Valley, located in Ladakh, is currently under Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) but is an integral part of India. It has been in the news due to a China-Pakistan agreement to construct a road through the valley, which India's Ministry of External Affairs has deemed illegal, referencing the 1963 China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement.

Major Swati Shanta Kumar from India received the United Nations Secretary-General's Award 2025 for her outstanding contributions to the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan. The award recognizes military and police personnel for their commitment to peace operations.

Graca Machel, a renowned Mozambican human rights activist and politician, will be awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace, Disarmament & Development Award 2025. The award, presented by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, recognizes individuals or organizations for their efforts in promoting international peace, disarmament, and development.

In 2026, a total of 131 Padma Awards were conferred, including five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. This year, 19 women, six foreigners/NRIs, and 16 posthumous recipients were honored. Key Padma Vibhushan awardees include Dharmendra (posthumously) and N. Rajam.

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar has been appointed as the new President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). He succeeds India's Raja Randhir Singh, who resigned due to health reasons. Sheikh Joaan, formerly the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, will serve until 2028.

Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, passed away in a plane crash. He was a veteran politician, serving as Deputy CM six times and as an MLA from Baramati seven times. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, has since been appointed as a Deputy Chief Minister.

Indian badminton star P.V. Sindhu has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Athletes' Commission for the term 2026-2029. She previously served as a member of the commission from 2017 to 2019.

The Prime Minister National Children's Award 2025 was presented to 20 children under 18 years of age. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in six categories: bravery, social service, environment, sports, art and culture, and science and technology. Two of the awards were given posthumously.

The Environment Ministry has approved the Dul Hasti Stage-II Hydro Power Project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. This 260 MW project, costing ₹3,277 crore, will be built by NHPC, complementing the existing 390 MW Stage-I plant commissioned in 2007.

Armenia, a recent member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), will host the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in October 2026 in its capital, Yerevan. The conference aims to foster global action for biodiversity conservation, with a logo featuring the Yerevan Blue Butterfly and a slogan focused on 'Taking Action for Nature'.

Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian chess grandmaster, won the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship 2025, held in Qatar. This marks Carlsen's sixth World Rapid title. In the women's category, Russia's Aleksandra Goryachkina claimed the championship.

The Bezymianny volcano, located on the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia, recently erupted with a powerful explosion, sending ash clouds up to 11 kilometers high. This active volcano is part of the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' and is among the world's most active.

The Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has been declared an eco-sensitive zone. This sanctuary is home to a rich diversity of avian species.

Mukalla Port in Yemen, a Middle Eastern country, was recently in the news after Saudi Arabia conducted an airstrike there. Saudi Arabia alleged that the port was being used to supply weapons to Houthi rebels, posing a threat to regional security.

Mamady Doumbouya has been elected as the new President of Guinea, an African nation. Following presidential elections in December 2025, Doumbouya, a former military chief, secured over 86% of the votes, marking the return of civilian rule after a period of military governance since 2021.

As of January 1, 2026, Bulgaria has officially become the 21st member of the Eurozone, adopting the Euro as its currency. The Eurozone comprises European Union member states that use the Euro, with its inception dating back to January 1, 1999.

Peru has granted legal rights to stingless bees, a unique species found in the Amazon rainforest. This unprecedented move aims to protect these vital pollinators, known as Meliponini, which are crucial for the Amazon's ecosystem and biodiversity.

Tjord Morijane has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian Women's Hockey Team, replacing Harendra Singh. Morijane, a Dutch national, previously coached the team in 2017 and returns to the role in 2026. Salima Tete from Jharkhand is the current captain of the team.

The Jallikattu festival 2026 was held in Tamil Nadu. This traditional bull-taming event, a celebrated yet controversial part of Tamil culture, involves participants attempting to control bulls released into a crowd.

A task force led by Olympic shooter Abhinav Bindra was constituted to recommend improvements in sports governance in India. The committee presented its report to the Sports Ministry, providing a roadmap for systemic reforms and promotion of sports in the country.

The Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation has launched a new logo and a mascot named 'Sankhyiki'. The mascot will be used in all reports, data releases, awareness campaigns, and educational content, with the theme 'Data for Development' for the logo.

Delcy Rodríguez has been appointed as the interim President of Venezuela. She assumed the role after former President Nicolás Maduro was arrested during a US military operation. Rodríguez previously served as Vice President and Foreign Minister of Venezuela.

According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority's report for 2026, Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of tiger deaths in 2025, with 55 out of 166 fatalities nationwide. Madhya Pradesh is also known as the 'Tiger State' for having the largest tiger population in India.

Greenland, the world's largest island located in North America, is an autonomous territory of Denmark. It briefly gained international attention when the USA expressed interest in acquiring it, leading to diplomatic tensions within NATO even though both Denmark and the USA are member states.

India has launched the EB-4 visa, allowing Chinese businessmen to visit India for business purposes. This online-processed visa aims to streamline and secure trade between India and China, allowing stays of up to six months. Its purpose is to facilitate expertise transfer for machinery and production.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day) is celebrated annually on January 9 in India. First celebrated in 2003, this day commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. Since 2015, the corresponding convention is held biennially.

In 2025, the Indian government launched 'Operation Sindhu' to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran during a civil unrest. Recently, in early 2026, India's Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory for Indians in Iran to leave due to potential US airstrikes.

The Indian Army has established 'Bhairav', a modern warfare force with over 100,000 drone operators. This drone-centric unit aims to enhance battlefield dominance, integrate advanced technology, and improve real-time surveillance and intelligence gathering capabilities.

World Hindi Day is celebrated annually on January 10. The theme for 2026 is 'Hindi: Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Artificial Intelligence'. This day aims to promote the global significance and acceptance of the Hindi language, which is the third most spoken language worldwide.

Nagri Ashwagandha, cultivated in Nagaur, Rajasthan, has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2026. This marks it as the second agricultural product from Rajasthan to receive a GI tag, following Sojat Mehndi.

A.K. Balasubramanian has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), succeeding Dr. D.K. Shukla. Established in 1983 under the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, the AERB regulates nuclear and radiation safety in India, with its headquarters in Mumbai.

To simplify Aadhaar-related information, UIDAI has launched 'Uday', an AI chatbot mascot. 'Uday' aims to provide comprehensive information and address queries, reducing the need for individuals to visit Aadhaar centers. The mascot was launched by UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra.

The Telugu book 'Agni Sarsulo Vikasinchna Kamalam' based on the life of President Droupadi Murmu, was launched at Andhra University in Visakhapatnam. Written by Yaralagadda Lakshmi Prasad, the book chronicles her journey from an tribal background to becoming the President of India.

Kei Panyor district in Arunachal Pradesh is set to become India's first 'Bio-Happiness' district. This initiative, coined by agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan, focuses on promoting income generation and well-being through environmentally friendly practices, while preserving nature and biodiversity.

The Indian government has approved the ₹2,670 crore Kamala Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh. This 1,720 MW project will be built on the Kamala River, a tributary of the Subansiri River, and will feature a 216-meter high dam, aiming to contribute significantly to the region's power supply.

Karnataka led the overall medal tally at the second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games 2026, held at Ghogla Beach in Diu (Daman & Diu). Karnataka secured 11 medals, followed by Tamil Nadu with eight and Manipur with seven.

The Weimar Triangle, a regional cooperation group comprising France, Germany, and Poland, recently saw its first official engagement with India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. Formed in 1991 in Weimar, Germany, it aims to foster cooperation in European security, defense, economy, and politics.

The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala has been designated as India's first butterfly sanctuary. Home to 266 out of 327 butterfly species found in Kerala (approximately 81%), the sanctuary plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation.

Ellyse Healy, captain of the Australian Women's Cricket Team, announced her retirement from international cricket. A prominent wicketkeeper-batter, Healy's illustrious career included being a member of eight World Cup-winning Australian teams.

The 28th Commonwealth Speakers' Conference was hosted in New Delhi, India, from January 14 to 16. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla chaired the conference, which focused on strengthening democracy and parliamentary procedures among Commonwealth nations. This was the fourth time India hosted the event.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying's 2026 report, India ranks second globally in fish production. China is the largest producer, contributing 30% to global production, while India accounts for 8%.

D.B. Venkatesh Varma, a retired IFS officer and former Indian Ambassador to Russia, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for a two-year term (2026-27).

The Ratapani Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh has been renamed to Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar Tiger Reserve. Dr. Wakankar is renowned for discovering the Bhimbetka caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh, in 1957.

Bamanwas Kankar Panchayat in Rajasthan has become India's first fully organic gram panchayat. All seven villages within the panchayat practice 100% organic farming, showcasing a commitment to sustainable agriculture.

The Valley of Flowers National Park, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, was recently in the news due to forest fires. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, it is renowned for its diverse flora and forms part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.

Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, a 1990-batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the new Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). He previously served as the DGP of Haryana and replaces Praveen Kumar, who moved to the Border Security Force (BSF).

The 9th International Spice Conference was held in Kochi, Kerala, from February 23 to 26. Kerala, known as the 'Spice Garden of India', hosted the event organized by the All India Spices Exporters Forum. The theme for 2026 was 'Spices 360: Getting Future Ready'.

The Tyler Prize 2026, often referred to as the 'Nobel Prize for Environment', was awarded to American biologist Dr. Toby Kears. He was recognized for his groundbreaking research on mycorrhizal fungal networks, highlighting their crucial role in the Earth's circulatory system.

Vidarbha won the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, defeating Saurashtra by 38 runs in the final held in Bengaluru. This inter-state limited-overs cricket championship, organized by the BCCI, saw Atharva Taide named Player of the Match and Aman Mokade as Player of the Series.

Vijender Singh, India's first Olympic boxing medalist (bronze at Beijing 2008), has been appointed as a member of the Asian Boxing Council. Known for his achievements in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, Singh was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2009 and Padma Shri in 2010.

The 11th Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival, held in Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, honored veteran Tamil singer Ilaiyaraaja with the Padma Pani Award for his lifetime contributions to Indian cinema. Ilaiyaraaja, also known as 'Isai Gnayani' or 'Musical Sage', has previously received the Padma Bhushan (2010) and Padma Vibhushan (2018).

In the Responsible Nation Index 2026, India secured the 16th rank among 154 countries. The index, launched by the World Intellectual Foundation, assesses nations on their global responsibility in areas like peace, climate, equality, and international cooperation. Singapore leads the index, followed by Switzerland and Denmark.

Hope Island, part of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, is being developed as a new satellite launch facility. This project, announced by CM Chandrababu Naidu, is part of the 'Space City Project' and will complement the existing Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Sriharikota Island.

Saina Nehwal, a celebrated Indian badminton player, has announced her retirement from competitive badminton. A bronze medalist at the 2012 London Olympics and multiple Commonwealth Games gold medalist, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2016.

The 17th edition of 'Exercise Dosti', a joint military exercise involving the coast guards of India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, was held in Malé, Maldives. The exercise, which began in 1991 (with Sri Lanka joining in 2012), aims to enhance maritime security, information sharing, and interoperability among the three nations.

The first tropical cyclone of the year, 'Noken', struck the Western Pacific Ocean, primarily affecting the Philippines' Luzon Island. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall and significant landfall, causing widespread disruption.

The Tamil Nadu government has announced the 'Semoli Ilakkiya Virudhu' award in literature, carrying a prize money of ₹5 lakh. Commencing next year, this award specifically recognizes outstanding literary works in non-Hindi languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Bengali, and Marathi.

Amelia Valverde from Costa Rica has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian Women's Football Team. A former captain of the Costa Rica Women's Football Team, Valverde led her country in the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015 and 2023. Asha Lata Devi is the current captain of the Indian team.

Chandigarh has declared the 'Striped Tiger' butterfly as its State Butterfly. This initiative by the State Board for Wildlife aims to promote awareness and protection of wildlife and nature within the Union Territory.

The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) until the financial year 2030-31. Launched in 2015 for unorganized sector workers, the scheme provides a guaranteed monthly pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after 60 years of age, based on premium contributions.

Bengaluru, Karnataka, is ranked as India's safest city in the Numbeo Safety Index 2026, globally placed 46th. The index, which assesses 304 cities worldwide, identifies Qingdao (China) as the safest globally, followed by Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Doha (Qatar). Ahmedabad and Jaipur follow Bengaluru in India.

On Republic Day 2026, Wing Commander Subhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer and astronaut, was awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Shukla is also the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, achieving this milestone via the Axiom Mission 4 in 2025.

The Kalinga Lancers won the Men's Hockey India League 2025-26, defeating Ranchi Royals in the final held in Bhubaneswar. This marks the Lancers' second title in the league, with their previous win in 2017. The league, which began in 2013, was hosted in Odisha.

In the Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index 2026, India is ranked 32nd out of 193 countries. The index, which measures a nation's global influence across 55 indicators, places the USA first, followed by China and Japan.

Maharashtra's tableau, themed on 'Ganeshotsav', secured the first prize in the State/Union Territory category at the Republic Day Parade 2026. Jammu and Kashmir's tableau won second place, and Kerala's, highlighting digital education, came in third. The Indian Navy was awarded for the best marching contingent among the armed forces.

Kerala has become the first Indian state to declare a specific microorganism, 'Bacillus subtilis', as its State Microorganism. This beneficial bacterium, found in soil and human gut, promotes health, immunity, and soil fertility, aligning with the state's efforts to foster science-based governance and a knowledge economy.

The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has included Odisha's 'Buddhist Diamond Triangle'—comprising Lalitgiri, Udayagiri, and Ratnagiri—in its tentative list of World Heritage Sites. These sites in the Cuttack and Jajpur districts showcase evidence of Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions.

India has submitted a nomination for Meghalaya's 'Living Root Bridges' to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for 2026-27. These unique natural bridges, formed by intertwining roots of trees, are a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the local Khasi and Jaintia tribes and nature.

The Supreme Court has extended the tenure of the Geeta Mittal Committee until July 31, 2026. This committee was formed in 2023 to oversee relief and rehabilitation efforts for victims of the violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur. Former CJI of J&K High Court Geeta Mittal chairs the committee.

In February 2026, two new wetlands – Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari Dhand (Kutch, Gujarat) – were designated as Ramsar Sites. With these additions, the total number of Ramsar sites in India has reached 98, highlighting the country's commitment to wetland conservation.

Sunetra Pawar has been appointed as Maharashtra's first female Deputy Chief Minister, following the demise of her husband, Ajit Pawar. She serves alongside Eknath Shinde, becoming the second Deputy CM in the state and a Rajya Sabha MP since 2024.

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain won the Men's Singles title at the Australian Open 2026, defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the final. This victory marks Alcaraz's seventh Grand Slam title and completes his career Grand Slam, making him the youngest male player to achieve this feat.

At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards 2026, the Dalai Lama won his first Grammy for Best Audio Book Narration and Storytelling Recording for his album 'Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama'. The awards, celebrating achievements in music, were held in Los Angeles.

The Indian government's total projected expenditure for the Financial Year 2026-27, as presented in the annual budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is ₹53.5 lakh crore. Sitharaman achieved a milestone by presenting the budget for the ninth consecutive time. Key budget allocations include ₹7.8 lakh crore for defense and ₹12.2 lakh crore for public capital expenditure.

Uday Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank and a recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2026, has been appointed as the new Chairman of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). He replaces Hasmukh Adhia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the renaming of Adampur Airport in Punjab to Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport, commemorating the 647th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas. The airport is located near Jalandhar in Punjab, and PM Modi also inaugurated a new terminal building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana.

Gujarat has emerged as the leading state in India's renewable energy sector, contributing 16.5% to the national renewable energy capacity with approximately 42 gigawatts by December 31, 2025. The state also accounts for 25% of India's total rooftop solar capacity.

Dr. Arvind Panagariya chairs the 16th Finance Commission, a constitutional body under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution. The Commission's report, submitted to the President, provides recommendations on the distribution of finances between the central and state governments. The current report's recommendations will be implemented for five years from 2026 to 2031.

The Crafoord Prize 2026, often called the 'Nobel of Geosciences', has been awarded to Indian-origin scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan. He was recognized for his discovery that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) contribute to global warming, not just ozone depletion. His work led to the Montreal Protocol in 1987.

Y. Khemchand Singh, a prominent figure from the Meitei community, has been appointed as the new Chief Minister of Manipur. His appointment follows the end of President's Rule in February 2026, which was imposed after the resignation of N. Biren Singh in 2025. Additionally, Nemcha Kipgen (Kuki community) and Lhukhosei Zou (Naga community) were appointed as Deputy CMs.

The Pennaiyar River water dispute primarily involves the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Supreme Court recently directed the Central Government to establish a Pennaiyar River Water Disputes Tribunal. Tamil Nadu alleges that Karnataka's construction of dams on the river is affecting water flow for irrigation in its region.

Nivedita Dubey has become the first woman to be appointed as a board member of the Airport Authority of India (AAI). Hailing from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Dubey brings 30 years of experience in the aviation sector to her new role.

Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri has entered the top 20 of the ATP Men's Doubles Rankings, becoming the second Indian to achieve this feat after Rohan Bopanna. Bhambri's ranking improved from 22 to 20 following his performance at the Australian Open.

The Fuego volcano, a highly active stratovolcano in Guatemala, Central America, recently erupted violently in 2026, sending ash plumes 15,000 feet into the air. Located within the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', past eruptions, like in 2018, have been devastating, causing fatalities.

Alwar district in Rajasthan has become India's first district to achieve 100% insurance coverage for its population. This initiative aligns with the central government's 'Insurance for All by 2047' roadmap, aiming to provide universal insurance coverage by India's centenary of independence.

India won the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026, defeating England in the final held in Harare, Zimbabwe. This marks India's sixth triumph in the tournament. India's record score of 411 runs in the final was also the highest in U-19 World Cup finals, with Vaishnav Suryavanshi scoring an impressive 175 runs.

The Indian Women's Football Team secured the SAFF U-19 Women's Championship 2026 title by defeating Bangladesh in the final. The tournament, held in Pokhara, Nepal, from January 31 to February 7, 2026, saw India emerge victorious.

In the Network Readiness Index 2025, India is ranked 45th out of 127 countries, showing an improvement of four ranks from the previous year. The index, published by the Portulans Institute, assesses countries on their effective use of information technology and communication for development. The USA, Finland, and Singapore lead the index.

National Women's Day in India is celebrated annually on February 13, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu. Known as the 'Nightingale of India', Naidu was a prominent freedom fighter, social reformer, and the first woman governor of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh from 1947-1949). The day aims to promote women's empowerment and leadership.

Tropical Cyclone Gajani, which formed in the Indian Ocean in February 2026, inflicted significant damage on Madagascar, particularly its largest port city, Toamasina. The cyclone caused extensive destruction, affecting up to 75% of the city.

NATO launched the Arctic Sentry Mission in February 2026. This military mission allows NATO member countries to deploy their forces to protect Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. The initiative helps to address US strategic interests in the Arctic region without formal acquisition, preserving NATO unity.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has been relocated from the historic South Block to a new complex named 'Seva Teerth' in New Delhi. This marks the first relocation of the PMO in 78 years, aiming for efficiency and quick decision-making.

IPS officer Sadanand Vasant Date has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Maharashtra, replacing Rashmi Shukla, who was the state's first female DGP and retired on December 31.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched two mascots, 'Pragati' (female) and 'Vikas' (male), for the Census 2027 in New Delhi. This 16th census of India and the eighth since independence will be conducted in two phases, starting October 1, 2026, in specific regions, and March 1, 2027, for the rest of India.

Safina Husain, founder of the NGO 'Educate Girls', has been featured in Times Magazine's 'Women of the Year 2026' list. Her NGO, which received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2025, works extensively on girls' education and gender equality. Husain's book, 'Every Last Girl: A Journey to Educate India's Forgotten Daughters', is also notable. She is one of 16 women globally recognized by the US-based magazine.

The Attukal Pongala festival is celebrated annually in Kerala, primarily at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. This 10-day event is known as the world's largest religious gathering of women, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2009 for an participation of 2.5 million women simultaneously. The festival honors a form of Goddess Parvati, with 'Pongala' referring to the special offering prepared by devotees.

Walmart Inc., a US-based company, has become the world's first retail company to achieve a market capitalization of $1 trillion. Founded in 1962 with its headquarters in Arkansas, this milestone solidifies its position as a global retail giant, distinctly focusing on retail operations unlike diversified companies like Amazon.

V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu has become the first port in India to install an anti-drone system. This advanced security measure allows for the detection, monitoring, and neutralization of drones entering the port's restricted airspace, significantly enhancing port security, cargo safety, and national maritime security.

The Services team won the 79th Santosh Trophy 2025-26, India's National Football Championship, defeating Kerala in the final. This marks Services' eighth title in the tournament. The final was held at the Dakhuakhana Football Stadium in Assam. Gagan deep Singh captained the winning Services team.

Anutin Charnvirakul has been reappointed as the Prime Minister of Thailand. His Bhumjaithai Party emerged victorious in the recent general elections in the Southeast Asian country. Charnvirakul initially became PM in 2025 during a period of political instability.

According to the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2024-25 report (based on 2023-24 data), Rajasthan is India's largest wool-producing state, contributing nearly 47% of the total national output. While India ranks second globally in sheep population, it stands ninth in overall wool production. The report highlights the prominence of breeds like Marwari and Chokla in Rajasthan. Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka follow Rajasthan in wool production.