NATIONAL NEWS

India Receives LPG Consignment from Qatar Amid West Asia Tensions

• India has received a major LPG shipment from Qatar during ongoing West Asia tensions.

• A vessel carrying 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG arrived at Mundra Port.

• The consignment can fill around 3.24 million domestic LPG cylinders.

• Authorities ensured priority berthing and swift documentation for faster unloading.

• The cargo ship ‘Shivalik’ departed Qatar on March 7 and crossed the Strait of Hormuz on March 14.

• It is the first LPG shipment to reach India amid the current regional conflict.

• The supply will be quickly distributed nationwide after unloading.

• Two more vessels are on the way: ‘Nanda Devi’ (46,000 tonnes LPG) and ‘Jag Laadki’ (81,000 tonnes crude oil).

STATE NEWS

Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026

• The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has approved the Bill through a voice vote.

• The legislation is aimed at curbing forced and unethical religious conversions.

• Conversions done through deception, inducement, or marriage as the sole reason are not permitted.

• Offenders involved in such illegal conversions may face up to 7 years imprisonment and ₹1 lakh fine.

• Harsher punishments are prescribed when victims include women, minors, mentally ill persons, SCs, and STs.

• In such sensitive cases, punishment extends to 7 years jail along with ₹5 lakh penalty.

• Mass conversion cases attract similar penalties, while repeat offenders may face up to 10 years imprisonment.

• As stated by Pankaj Bhoyar, the law ensures voluntary conversion, protects rights, and promotes transparency.

SPORTS

India Tops Medal Tally at World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026

• India secured 1st position with a total of 208 medals at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026.

• The medal haul included 75 gold, 69 silver, and 64 bronze medals.

• The three-day event was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with participation from 8 countries.

• Russia finished second (35 medals), while Bosnia and Herzegovina came third.

• Preeti Pal won her second gold medal in the women’s 200m T35–T37 event.

• Multiple events saw all-Indian podium sweeps, including shot put, 200m, and 800m categories.

• Shubham Juyal, Rakeshbhai Bhatt, and Manojkumar Sabapathi won gold in their respective events.

• The event served as a key qualification platform ahead of the 2026 World Championships and 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

INDEX AND REPORTS

India’s 7th National Biodiversity Report

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change submitted India’s Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

• The report reiterates India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and benefit sharing of genetic resources.

• Submission of such reports is mandatory for all member countries, and India has maintained a consistent record.

• The latest report was submitted on February 26, 2026, ahead of the official deadline.

• It presents a data-driven assessment using 142 national indicators mapped to 23 biodiversity targets.

• The report is aligned with India’s Biodiversity Action Plan (2024–2030) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

• It highlights progress across all targets with a focus on a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach.

• The report showcases achievements in conservation and restoration, aiming to meet global biodiversity goals by 2030.

India’s First National Report on Nagoya Protocol (ABS)

• India submitted its first National Report (NR1) on the Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity on 27 February 2026.

• The report covers the period 2017–2025 and reflects progress in Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), aligned with Target 13 of NBSAP.

• India’s ABS system is governed by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, along with updated rules (2024) and regulations (2025).

• A three-tier structure operates: National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Boards/UT bodies, and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).

• Over 2.76 lakh BMCs have been formed, strengthening community participation and local governance.

• A total of 12,830 ABS approvals were granted, covering research, commercial use, IPR, and resource utilisation.

• India issued 3,556 IRCCs, accounting for over 60% of global certificates, showing leadership in compliance and transparency.

• The framework mobilised ₹216+ crore, benefiting communities, along with non-monetary gains like training, technology transfer, and research collaboration.

Rise in Self-Employment & Labour Reforms in India

• Share of self-employment in India has increased from 52% (2017–18) to 58%.

• The data was shared by Mansukh Mandaviya in the Lok Sabha.

• The rise indicates greater entrepreneurial activity and workforce participation.

• Workers’ income levels have improved alongside employment growth.

• Average daily wages of casual labourers increased from ₹295 to ₹418.

• The new Labour Codes mandate a minimum wage floor across states.

• Employers are now required to issue appointment letters to salaried workers.

• These reforms aim to ensure better social security and formalisation of employment.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Gujarat Launches First Sounding Rocket

• Gujarat marked a milestone by successfully launching its first sounding rocket.

• The launch was carried out at Dholera by an Ahmedabad-based private space startup.

• The vehicle was a single-stage sub-orbital rocket launched from a temporary facility.

• It reached an altitude of around 3 kilometres during the mission.

• The rocket carried a mini satellite payload to collect weather-related data.

• Its structure was built using carbon fiber and advanced composite materials developed locally.

• The mission was authorised by IN-SPACe and supported under the Gujarat Spacetech Policy 2025–30.

• This achievement boosts Gujarat’s position in India’s private space ecosystem.

GOVERNMENT SCHEME

Quantum Facilities & Science Coordination Initiatives

• Under the National Quantum Mission, approval has been given to establish quantum teaching labs in 23 institutions.

• The move aims to strengthen research capacity and skill development in quantum technologies.

• The decision was announced in a meeting chaired by Jitendra Singh.

• Preparations for the India International Science Festival 2026 were reviewed, with Pune proposed as host city.

• Deliberations took place during the RISE Conclave in Chennai, focusing on innovation and industry linkage.

• Plans for National Technology Day (11–13 May 2026) include showcasing 500+ technologies to 3000 stakeholders.

• Emphasis was laid on better coordination among science ministries to promote collaborative research.

• Key updates included upcoming PSLV missions, navigation satellites for Navy, and alignment of research staffing norms with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation framework.