Current Affairs - March 7, 2026 Current Affairs

Bank of Baroda successfully raised ₹10,000 crore through its first-ever green infrastructure bonds issuance, marking one of the largest such issuances by an Indian public sector bank. The bonds were issued on March 6, 2026, in two tranches of ₹5,000 crore each with maturities of seven years and ten years, carrying coupon rates of 7.74% and 7.85% respectively. The bonds were listed on the BSE and NSE and received AAA (stable) ratings from CRISIL, ICRA, and India Ratings, indicating strong creditworthiness. The funds raised will be used exclusively for green and sustainable infrastructure projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, green buildings, pollution control, and climate change adaptation initiatives.

Shrishti Dharmendra Sharma from India achieved a remarkable feat by setting the Guinness World Record for the fastest 50-meter limbo skating with a time of 7.46 seconds on February 28, 2025. The record was set at Sai Dham City in Maharashtra and involved skating under a series of descending horizontal poles without touching them. Limbo skating is a challenging sport that demands exceptional flexibility, balance, and speed. Sharma broke her own previous record of 9.59 seconds set in Italy in 2023. By improving her time by 2.13 seconds, she demonstrated extraordinary skill and control, further strengthening her position as a world leader in this unique sporting discipline.

Indonesia has announced a new policy to restrict access to several social media platforms for minors under the age of 16. The initiative will begin on March 28, 2026, and will be implemented by the country’s Communications and Digital Ministry. The regulation targets major platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, Roblox, and YouTube, with a phased process of account deactivations for underage users. The move was introduced after the government declared a digital emergency to address issues such as cyberbullying, pornography, online fraud, and addiction caused by algorithm-driven content. The policy will initially operate through ministerial guidelines before permanent legislation establishing a minimum age requirement is introduced.

Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space startup, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in March 2026 to collaborate on the development of satellite systems and payloads designed for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). This partnership focuses on building advanced satellite platforms capable of operating at altitudes between 100 and 450 kilometers above Earth. Satellites operating in VLEO offer several advantages, including higher-resolution Earth observation, lower communication latency, and improved atmospheric and climate data collection. Additionally, the natural orbital decay in VLEO reduces long-term space debris risks and lowers launch and operational costs compared to traditional orbits like LEO, MEO, and GEO.

The municipal corporation of Thiruvananthapuram introduced the AI-powered “G-SPIDER” robotic system to carry out hazardous canal maintenance and eliminate manual scavenging. Developed by Genrobotic Innovations, the robot operates using Cable-Driven Parallel Robotics along with a biomimetic claw that can grasp and remove irregular debris from canals. The initiative is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, aiming to achieve completely human-free cleaning of the Amayizhanchan canal. The robot is equipped with artificial intelligence that identifies different types of waste in real time and transfers the extracted materials directly to collection vehicles, ensuring safer and more efficient waste management while preventing human exposure to toxic substances.

AccessifyLabs, an accessibility technology company, announced a global strategic partnership with Accessibility Cloud, a Switzerland-based platform that provides detailed accessibility data through its API. The collaboration aims to improve digital accessibility by combining AI-driven automation with human-centered validation and remediation. AccessifyLabs contributes advanced tools such as AI-powered accessibility scanning, automated fixes, continuous monitoring, enterprise dashboards, and compliance reporting. Accessibility Cloud brings community-sourced data and API-based infrastructure that helps integrate accessibility information into websites, mobile applications, and physical-digital systems. Together, the partnership seeks to help organizations meet international accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.2, EN 301 549, ADA, and Section 508 while ensuring inclusive digital experiences.

The Advanced Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) was inaugurated by Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth on March 6, 2026, at Estate Plaza, Kantatoli in Ranchi. The centre was established to improve Aadhaar enrolment and update services by introducing upgraded hardware, high-speed connectivity, and better infrastructure. It aims to provide faster processing, greater transparency, and a more user-friendly experience for residents. Operated by Protean eGov Technologies Ltd under UIDAI guidelines, the centre supports both new enrolments and demographic or biometric updates. Its establishment also helps reduce waiting time and improve Aadhaar-related services for people in Ranchi and nearby districts.

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 will be hosted by the state of Chhattisgarh. The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 25 to April 6, 2026, across three major locations in the state of Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja. The event will feature seven medal sports, including athletics, football, hockey, weightlifting, archery, swimming, and wrestling, along with two demonstration sports, Mallakhamb and Kabaddi. The official mascot, named ‘Morveer’, symbolises the courage and cultural pride of India’s tribal communities. The games have also been declared an Event of National Importance and will follow international technical standards set by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Japan achieved a significant medical breakthrough by approving the world’s first commercial therapies derived from induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells. One treatment, called Amchepry and developed by Sumitomo Pharma, focuses on Parkinson’s disease by transplanting stem-cell precursors into the brain to replace dopamine-producing cells that are lost in patients. Another therapy named ReHeart, developed by the startup Cuorips, uses heart muscle sheets to promote the formation of new blood vessels and improve heart function in patients with heart failure. These innovations build on the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of scientist Shinya Yamanaka in 2012, and both therapies are expected to become available to patients by Summer 2026.

Smriti Mandhana, the vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, received a unique honour when Mattel created a Barbie doll in her likeness ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026. The doll was introduced as part of the Barbie Dream Team initiative and serves as a non-commercial tribute celebrating her achievements and role as an inspiration for young athletes. Mandhana has also made history by becoming the first Indian woman cricketer to score centuries in all three international formats—Tests, One Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals. This recognition highlights the growing global influence of Indian women’s cricket and encourages more girls to pursue sports professionally.