IMPORTANT DAYS

World Wildlife Day- 3 March

• World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on 3 March to promote awareness about the conservation of wild animals and plants.

• The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 December 2013.

• The date marks the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora on 3 March 1973.

• The first official observance of World Wildlife Day took place in 2014.

• The theme for 2026 is “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”

• The theme highlights the importance of medicinal and aromatic plants for healthcare, cultural traditions, and livelihoods.

• It also draws attention to threats such as habitat loss, overharvesting, and climate change.

• CITES is a global agreement that regulates international trade in wildlife to ensure species survival.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

US Test Launch of Minuteman III Nuclear-Capable Missile

• The United States conducted a test launch of the LGM-30G Minuteman III nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile.

• The missile was launched on 3 March from Vandenberg Space Force Base by the Air Force Global Strike Command.

• Officials described the launch as a routine test planned years in advance to check the reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent system.

• The missile GT-254 carried two test re-entry vehicles and travelled across the Pacific Ocean during the trial.

• The test assessed missile components and multiple re-entry vehicle performance, which help overcome enemy defence systems.

• The Minuteman III is a key part of the U.S. nuclear triad, allowing nuclear weapon deployment from land, sea, and air.

• These missiles are stored in underground silos across the American West to deter potential nuclear attacks.

• The missile can travel up to about 6,000 miles at speeds over 15,000 mph and carry warheads up to 20 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb.

STATE NEWS

Four Women’s Welfare Schemes Launched in Delhi

• Droupadi Murmu launched four women-centric welfare schemes of the Delhi Government at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

• The initiatives aim to strengthen women empowerment, social security, and digital transparency in the national capital.

• The schemes include Saheli Pink Smart Card, Free LPG Cylinder Scheme, Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, and Meri Punji Mera Adhikaar.

• Under the Saheli Pink Smart Card, eligible women and transgender residents will receive free bus travel through the National Common Mobility Card system.

• The smart card will also allow paid travel on Metro and Regional Rapid Transit System services using a single touch-free mechanism.

• The Free LPG Cylinder scheme will provide two free LPG cylinders during festivals through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

• Around 15.5 lakh ration card-holding families are expected to benefit from this LPG support.

• The schemes also include Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana for financial security of girl children and Meri Punji Mera Adhikaar to ensure timely payment of pending dues, inspired by the Digital India vision.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

Book Release – “Mahatma: A Great Communicator”

• Mansukh Mandaviya released the book Mahatma: A Great Communicator.

• The book is written by Dheeraj Kakadiya.

• It highlights the life, ideas, and communication skills of Mahatma Gandhi.

• The minister said the book will inspire people to follow Gandhian ideals and principles.

• It explains how Gandhi awakened patriotism within himself and later inspired the nation.

• The book also discusses how non-violence became a powerful tool against British rule.

• It emphasises that effective communication helped Gandhi unite people during the freedom movement.

• The book has been published in Hindi and also released in English and Gujarati.

GOVERNMENT SCHEME

Tripura Launches First State Innovation Mission under AIM

• Atal Innovation Mission has launched the first State Innovation Mission in Tripura.

• The initiative aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship as part of the state’s long-term development strategy.

• The mission will operate under AIM 2.0 through the State Support Mission Framework for states and union territories.

• The framework focuses on building inclusive and locally driven innovation ecosystems.

• The launch event was held at Hapania International Exhibition Centre.

• The mission will be anchored under the Tripura Institution for Transformation to strengthen innovation-led governance.

• Tripura has also announced one of India’s first District Innovator Fellowship programmes.

• The state government is planning to develop an AI City in Agartala.