Current Affairs - Places

The 9th PharmaMed 2026 conference is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on March 27, 2026. Organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event aims to bring together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders. It focuses on advancing India’s pharmaceutical sector by promoting innovation, improving regulatory standards, and strengthening supply chains. The conference also emphasises healthcare equity, ensuring access to affordable and quality healthcare for all citizens, aligning with the vision of building a developed and inclusive India.

The “Capabilities Discovery Session” organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was held in New Delhi. The event aimed to strengthen South–South Cooperation by showcasing India’s advancements in Science, Technology, and Innovation to diplomats from various regions, including Oceania, West Asia, and the Caribbean. It highlighted India’s scientific capabilities through multiple thematic sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing collaborative research, technology transfer, and solutions to global challenges like climate change and food security.

The India-Africa Strategic Partnership Meet took place on 21 March 2026 as part of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026. The event was organized in New Delhi, which served as the venue for high-level discussions between Indian and African representatives. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development. Key participants included ministers, international leaders, and officials from organisations like the African Union and Africa50. Hosting the event in the national capital underscores its importance in shaping policy dialogue, fostering international collaboration, and promoting India’s leadership in renewable energy and capacity-building initiatives.

Dehradun served as the venue for the 27th Annual General Meeting of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Society, chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The meeting reviewed significant achievements in wildlife conservation, including progress in the cheetah reintroduction program and breeding efforts for the Great Indian Bustard. It also discussed infrastructure mitigation measures such as wildlife crossings on highways, and highlighted new research initiatives like the National River Research Centre. The AGM emphasised future planning and collaboration to strengthen conservation strategies and research capabilities in India.

Kusunpur, located in the Kendrapada district of Odisha, has been chosen as the state’s first "smart village" under the CSIR initiative aligned with the "Viksit Bharat@2047" vision. The project focuses on improving infrastructure by providing clean drinking water, renewable energy, and sanitation facilities. It also includes climate-resilient structures due to the region’s cyclone vulnerability. Additionally, scientific agricultural methods and skill development programs will be introduced to enhance livelihoods. This initiative aims to make Kusunpur a model for rural development across India by integrating modern technology with community participation.