Current Affairs - March 9, 2026 Current Affairs

The Reserve Bank of India approved Ketan Merchant as the interim Chief Executive Officer of Fino Payments Bank for a temporary period of three months. The decision was taken after the arrest of the bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Rishi Gupta, in connection with an alleged GST-related case. Ketan Merchant was serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the bank at the time of his appointment. His role as interim CEO ensures leadership continuity and smooth functioning of the bank’s operations during the transition period. The appointment allows the bank’s board and regulatory authorities to review the situation and decide on the long-term leadership arrangement.

YES Bank introduced the “YES Essence Women’s Salary Account” as a dedicated banking product aimed at supporting the financial, health, and lifestyle needs of working women. The account integrates multiple benefits such as a complimentary safe deposit locker for the first year, ₹5 lakh top-up health insurance coverage for the first year, and an annual preventive health check-up to promote wellness. It also provides an Elegance Debit Card offering cashback benefits on lifestyle categories like shopping, dining, and wellness. Through this initiative, the bank seeks to empower women with convenient financial services while also supporting their long-term financial security and overall well-being.

SBI General Insurance launched the campaign titled “Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa” and appointed well-known actor Pankaj Tripathi as its brand ambassador. The campaign highlights the company’s focus on building trust, reliability, and emotional connection with customers. Through this initiative, the insurer aims to position itself as a dependable partner that provides family-like protection and reassurance to policyholders. The messaging focuses on the importance of choosing an insurance provider that people can trust in times of need. By associating with Pankaj Tripathi, known for his authenticity and relatability, the company seeks to strengthen its brand image and connect more deeply with Indian consumers across diverse segments.

KV Subramanian became the first Indian economist to receive the prestigious University of Chicago Alumni Award for Professional Achievement in the award’s 85-year history. The honour recognises his significant contributions to economic policy and research. During his tenure as Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021, he authored three influential Economic Surveys that provided key insights into India’s economic strategy, emphasising competitive markets, policy autonomy, and inclusive growth. He has also served as Executive Director for India at the International Monetary Fund, focusing on issues affecting emerging markets. Currently, he works as a Professor of Finance at the Indian School of Business (ISB).

The 9th International Santal Conference took place in Darjeeling, West Bengal, on 7 March 2026 and was addressed by President Droupadi Murmu. The event highlighted the cultural heritage and historical contributions of the Santal community. During the conference, the President recalled important moments in Santal history such as the revolt led by Tilka Majhi and the famous Santal Hul of 1855 led by Sido, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav along with their sisters Phoolo and Jhano. She also emphasised the significance of the Santali language, the Ol Chiki script invented by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, and encouraged Santal youth to preserve their culture while embracing modern opportunities.

The Government of India formed a high-level committee to recommend comprehensive reforms for the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) policy with the aim of developing a modern SEZ 2.0 framework. This committee consists of 17 members representing key government institutions and policy bodies. Members include representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and NITI Aayog, along with other stakeholders. The panel’s role is to review the SEZ Act of 2005, identify gaps, align SEZ policies with export promotion schemes, evaluate recent reforms, and address operational challenges faced by SEZ developers and units.

Justice SA Dharmadhikari was appointed as the 55th Chief Justice of the Madras High Court in 2026 after the retirement of Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava on March 5, 2026. The oath of office was administered by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi. Justice Dharmadhikari began his legal career after enrolling as an advocate in 1992 and primarily practised before the Madhya Pradesh High Court. He also served as standing counsel for the Union of India. In 2016, he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court and later confirmed as a Permanent Judge. In 2025, he was transferred to the Kerala High Court before being elevated as Chief Justice of the Madras High Court in 2026.

The NHCX Hackathon was organised by the National Health Authority as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at creating a comprehensive digital health ecosystem. The hackathon encouraged innovators to develop open-source solutions to streamline and standardise health insurance claims through the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX). It focused on improving interoperability, converting legacy systems to FHIR standards, and structuring clinical data for efficient claims processing. ABDM also includes important digital components such as ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) and the Health Facility Registry, which together aim to enhance digital healthcare infrastructure, improve transparency, and ensure seamless access to health services across India.

The Indian Army’s Central Command organised its inaugural Strategic Communication Conclave on 7 March 2026 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The event marked an important initiative to strengthen strategic communication as a key capability within India’s national security framework. Around 500 participants attended the conclave, including senior military officers, diplomats, government communication experts, media professionals, and specialists from the private sector. Discussions focused on the role of communication in managing the modern information environment shaped by digital platforms, social media, disinformation campaigns, and hybrid threats. The conclave also featured expert sessions and speeches by distinguished personalities, including retired diplomats and senior military officials.

India achieved the third position globally in the Hurun Global Rich List 2026 with a total of 308 billionaires. This ranking places India behind only the United States and China, reflecting the rapid growth of wealth creation in the country. The combined wealth of Indian billionaires is estimated at around ₹112 lakh crore. Sectors such as renewable energy, consumer internet, fintech, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure have significantly contributed to this rise. Prominent Indian billionaires include Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Cyrus S. Poonawalla, and Kumar Mangalam Birla. The report highlights India’s increasing influence in the global wealth landscape and its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.