LEGAL NEWS

Supplementary Demands for Grants 2025–26 (Second Batch)

• The Lok Sabha approved the Second Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants (2025–26).

• The government sought additional expenditure of over ₹2.81 lakh crore.

• Major allocations target fertiliser subsidy, food subsidy, and defence sector needs.

• The proposals were presented by Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament.

• A total of 61 grants have been included under this batch.

• Around ₹41,430 crore has been allocated for Defence Services.

• ₹6,140 crore has been earmarked for the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and ₹37,886 crore for local bodies.

• The Appropriation Bill 2026 was also passed to allow withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund of India.

NATIONAL NEWS

Mandatory Gold Hallmarking – Phase VI

• The India government expanded hallmarking under the Hallmarking Amendment Order 2026 by adding 7 new districts.

• Newly included districts include Rupnagar, Banda, and Beed, along with four others.

• The sixth phase became effective from 2 March 2026, increasing regulatory coverage.

• With this expansion, total 380 districts are now under mandatory hallmarking.

• Since 2021, over 60 crore gold items have been hallmarked with HUID numbers.

• The system is implemented by the Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure purity and authenticity.

• It covers 6 purity categories (14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K, 24K), while 9K remains voluntary under Indian standards.

• Each jewellery item has a unique HUID for traceability, which consumers can verify via the BIS CARE app.

AWARDS

Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards 2026

• Amol Palekar to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

• The honour recognises his contribution to theatre, cinema, and storytelling.

• He is acclaimed for his work as both an actor and filmmaker.

• The award is part of the 21st edition of the theatre awards by Mahindra Group.

• The event is produced by Teamwork Arts.

• The festival will be held in New Delhi from March 19–25, 2026.

• It will feature diverse theatre productions from across India.

• A record 422 entries have been received, marking strong nationwide participation.

KSRTC ‘Dhwani Spandana’ Initiative

• Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation won a National Innovation Award for “Dhwani Spandana”.

• The award was presented at the Governance Now 12th PSU National Awards in New Delhi.

• It was recognised under the category of “Excellence in Innovation.”

• The system is designed to assist visually impaired passengers in public transport.

• Implemented in around 200 city buses in Mysuru.

• Provides onboard bus identification and navigation support for independent travel.

• Developed with technical support from GIZ Germany.

• Enhances safety, confidence, and accessibility, promoting inclusive mobility.

SPORTS

World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 – India’s Performance

• Sumit Antil won gold in men’s javelin throw with 69.25 m, while Pushpendra Singh (silver) and Poonam Ram (bronze) followed.

• In men’s 400m T13, Subodh Bhatt won gold, with Priyanshu Kaushik (silver) and Avnil Kumar (bronze).

• In men’s 400m T46/T47, Bhavikkumar Din Bharwad secured gold, while Jasbir took silver.

• India achieved a clean sweep in men’s 400m T53/T54 wheelchair race led by Manojkumar Sabapathi (gold), followed by Anil Kumar and Manikandan Jothi.

• In women’s 400m T11/T12, Tejalben Amaraji Damor won gold; Lalita Kilaka and Shalini Chaudhary secured silver and bronze.

• In women’s shot put, Lakshmi won gold; Akutai Sitaram Ulbhagat (silver) and Chimi Dema (bronze).

• India dominated men’s long jump T42/T63, with Shailesh Kumar winning gold and a full podium sweep.

• Another clean sweep in men’s shot put F46 led by Rohit Kumar, followed by Devendra Singh Gurjar and Lokesh Akula.

MISCELLANEOUS

Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative in India

• A collaboration between WHO Foundation and Novo Nordisk has been launched in India.

• The partnership will provide financial support to strengthen obesity prevention strategies and health-system readiness.

• A school-based scalable programme has been designed to address rising childhood obesity.

• It is aligned with Ayushman Bharat School Health and Wellness Programme and WHO’s Health Promoting Schools framework.

• As per the World Health Organization, obesity now contributes to more deaths globally than underweight conditions.

• Childhood obesity increases the risk of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.

• The initiative focuses on early-life interventions, promoting physical activity and early risk detection among children.

• It aims to create healthier school environments through screening, lifestyle education, mental health support, and strengthening preventive healthcare.

Digital Twin Platform at V.O. Chidambaranar Port

• V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority introduced a ‘Digital Twin’ platform, becoming the first port in India to adopt this technology.

• The initiative marks a major step toward smart and tech-driven port management.

• It was inaugurated on 23 February 2026 by Sarbananda Sonowal.

• The platform creates a virtual replica of the port, including infrastructure and operational assets.

• It also models the surrounding marine ecosystem with real-time data integration.

• Enables live monitoring of berth occupancy and vessel movement, improving operational visibility.

• Aims to reduce vessel turnaround time and enhance equipment efficiency and decision-making.

• The project is being implemented in a phased manner for gradual adoption and scalability.

Project Great Indian Bustard – Conservation Progress

• ‘Project Great Indian Bustard’ has entered its fourth year of captive breeding.

• Two new chicks have been born, as announced by Bhupender Yadav.

• The total number of birds at the breeding centre has now reached 70.

• The conservation breeding facility is located in Rajasthan, the main habitat of the species.

• The achievement marks a major success in conserving the Great Indian Bustard.

• Some captive-bred birds will be released into the wild, starting a new conservation phase.

• The project was launched in 2013 to protect this critically endangered and heaviest flying bird of India.

• It is jointly implemented by the Rajasthan Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India.