Madurai Airport Granted International Status by Union Cabinet
Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu was approved by the Union Cabinet as an International Airport on 10 March 2026. The decision seeks to boost air connectivity for southern Tamil Nadu, especially pilgrims and business travel. Madurai, a historic temple city, serves as a key transport hub for the region. Elevating the airport to international status will enable international passenger flights and services, while potentially increasing tourism and trade. The government’s move aligns with its broader aviation infrastructure goals and regional development plans to improve connectivity with global destinations. The change is expected to strengthen economic activity and tourism in the Madurai corridor.
Union Cabinet approves Madurai International Airport on 10 March 2026.
Aims to boost southern Tamil Nadu air connectivity.
International status enables international flights and services.
Madurai is a historic temple city and transport hub.
Policy aligns with aviation infrastructure goals and regional development.
Sheshnaag-150: India Tests Indigenous Swarming Drone
India is advancing unmanned warfare with Sheshnaag-150, a long‑range swarming attack drone under testing. Developed by Bengaluru‑based defence start‑up Newspace Research Technologies, the drone seeks cost‑effective, flexible capabilities comparable to global swarming platforms. The system completed its maiden flight about a year ago and is now evaluated as part of India’s evolving drone‑warfare strategy. Modern conflicts have demonstrated how inexpensive drones can affect infrastructure, vehicles and logistics. Sheshnaag‑150 aims to replicate this effect using indigenous technology and swarm operations, reducing dependence on expensive foreign platforms. The project emphasizes domestic design, manufacturing, and rapid deployment for future warfare needs. Officials say the program aligns with Make in India and strategic autonomy objectives.
Sheshnaag-150 is a long‑range swarming drone under testing in Bengaluru.
Developed by Newspace Research Technologies to enable cost‑effective operations.
Maiden flight occurred about a year ago; current evaluations are part of Defense reforms.
Aims to mirror effects of low‑cost drones used in modern conflicts.
Supports India's Indigenous drone program and strategic autonomy goals.
Anant Rana Completes Full Ironman New Zealand in Taupo
Anant Rana from Sonari, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, completed the Full Ironman New Zealand in Taupo in 11 hours and 50 minutes, marking a historic feat for an Indian athlete. The 33‑year‑old, associated with the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation, swam 3.8 kilometres, cycled 180 kilometres, and ran a 42‑kilometre marathon, finishing within the 17‑hour limit. He completed the swimming in 1 hour 28 minutes, cycling in 6 hours 19 minutes, and the marathon in 3 hours 46 minutes. Rana’s achievement highlights endurance sport progress in India and inspires aspiring athletes across the country.
Anant Rana completes Ironman New Zealand in 11h 50m.
Swam 3.8 km, cycled 180 km, ran 42 km within 17 hours.
33-year-old from Sonari, Jharkhand; linked with Tata Steel Adventure Foundation.
Defence Forces Vision 2047: A Roadmap for a Future-Ready Indian Military
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released Defence Forces Vision 2047: A Roadmap for a Future-Ready Indian Military, outlining a long-term plan to transform India’s armed forces into a modern, integrated and technologically advanced force by the centenary year of Independence. Prepared by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, the roadmap focuses on strategic reforms, capability development, and organisational changes required to address evolving geopolitical and security challenges. It envisions an integrated, multi‑domain and agile military capable of deterring adversaries and responding effectively across the full spectrum of conflict. The document signals a broad modernization effort aligned with national development goals.
Vision 2047 outlines a roadmap for a future‑ready Indian military.
Released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at South Block, New Delhi.
Emphasises strategic reforms, capability development, and integration.
Aims for a multi‑domain, agile and deterrent force by 2047.
Part of a broader push to modernize defence capabilities.
Amol Palekar to Receive META Lifetime Achievement Award 2026
Amol Palekar, a veteran actor, director, and theatre practitioner, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 21st Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) 2026, in New Delhi from 19 to 25 March 2026. The honour recognises his decades‑long contributions to Indian theatre and cinema. Palekar is noted for pioneering storytelling and making theatre accessible through unconventional spaces and formats. His work spans stage, film, and television, and he has influenced generations of performers with a distinctive style. META, instituted by the Mahindra Group and produced by Teamwork Arts, celebrates outstanding productions and practitioners from across India. The ceremony will be held in New Delhi as part of META 2026.
Amol Palekar to receive Lifetime Achievement Award at META 2026.
META runs 19–25 March 2026 in New Delhi.
Palekar recognised for decades of contributions to theatre and cinema.
Known for pioneering storytelling and accessible performances.
The award ceremony will highlight Palekar’s influence on Indian performing arts.
Nagauri Paan Methi Registered as Community Farmers’ Variety
Nagauri Paan Methi has been registered as a Community Farmers’ Variety by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA). The registration appeared in the February 2026 Plant Variety Journal and grants statutory ownership and protection to farmers in Nagaur district, Rajasthan. The crop is Trigonella corniculata L., grown in arid agro‑ecology, and has been conserved by families for generations. The recognition highlights the importance of regionally adapted crops and supports farmers’ rights under the PPV&FR Act, 2001. The award enables local seed preservation and potential commercial exploitation under plant‑variety protections while promoting biodiversity and traditional farming knowledge.
Nagauri Paan Methi registered as Community Farmers’ Variety by PPVFRA.
Registration appeared in February 2026 Plant Variety Journal.
Crop identified as Trigonella corniculata L., grown in arid agro‑ecology.
Protection granted under PPV&FR Act, 2001 to Nagaur farmers.
Promotes biodiversity and traditional farming knowledge.
Kerala Cyber Safety Protocol 2026 Aims to Protect Students in AI Era
Kerala has introduced the Cyber Safety Protocol 2026, a comprehensive framework to protect students in the AI era. Developed by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) and the General Education Department, the protocol aims to create a safe digital learning environment in public schools. It addresses cyber threats such as AI‑generated misinformation, deepfakes, digital grooming, and cyber fraud, combining cyber security awareness with digital literacy. The protocol seeks to empower students to navigate online spaces safely, while schools implement guidelines for data privacy and responsible use of AI tools. The plan emphasizes collaboration among educators, families, and government agencies.
Cyber Safety Protocol 2026 introduced by KITE and Education Department.
Aims to protect students in AI era in public schools.
Addresses misinformation, deepfakes, digital grooming, cyber fraud.
Combines cyber security awareness with digital literacy.
Encourages data privacy guidelines and responsible AI use.
Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme Continues Across Delhi Colleges
Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme (VBYCP) is continuing in Delhi colleges, with over 900 students participating. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat, is expanding youth engagement under the vision Viksit Bharat@2047. In the second phase, more than 10,000 young people in 35 colleges will participate through interactive sessions and youth‑led activities. On the second day, youth icons Ramandeep Singh, Lavisha Arora, Sneha Bhardwaj, Ankit Kumar, and Sakshi Shah spoke with students at institutions such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi and JIMS. The program aims to empower youth and strengthen India's future workforce.
VBYCP continues across Delhi colleges with 900+ participants.
Part of Mera Yuva Bharat under the Viksit Bharat@2047 agenda.
Second phase targets 10,000 youths in 35 colleges.
Interactive sessions and youth‑led activities are planned.
Program aims to empower youth and build a future workforce.
SHINE App Launched in Indian Railways on International Women’s Day
Indian Railways launched the SHINE app to strengthen workplace safety and empower women employees across the organization. SHINE stands for Sexual Harassment Incident Notification for Empowerment. The app allows reporting of sexual harassment incidents directly through the HRMS, integrated with existing systems for quicker action. The platform aims to provide a secure, anonymous channel and to expedite grievance redressal while enabling monitoring and accountability. The launch aligns with ongoing efforts to improve gender parity and safety in large public sector organizations. Officials say the app will empower employees to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. The rollout will begin in major zones in coming weeks.
SHINE stands for Sexual Harassment Incident Notification for Empowerment.
App launched on 8 March 2026, International Women’s Day.
Allows direct reporting through HRMS for quicker action.
Aims to accelerate grievance handling and accountability.
Rollout will begin in major zones in coming weeks.
Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim is witnessing a steady revival in tourism after disruptions caused by the October 2023 South Lhonak glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). The Chungthang–Lachen road has been reopened and a newly constructed 400‑foot Taram Chu bridge inaugurated, restoring critical access toward Lachen and the high‑altitude lake. Gurudongmar lies at about 17,000 feet and sits near the India–China border, making it a natural and spiritual landmark that attracts thousands of visitors annually. Travelers typically reach the lake via Lachen, the main transit point. Local authorities say safety upgrades and maintenance along mountain routes are supporting renewed visitor traffic and sustaining regional livelihoods. As of 11 March 2026, access routes are operational.
Chungthang–Lachen road reopened and 400‑foot Taram Chu bridge inaugurated.
Gurudongmar Lake sits at about 17,000 feet near the India–China border.
Access via Lachen is the main transit point for visitors.
Tourism is reviving after the 2023 GLOF disruption and related damage.
As of 11 March 2026, key routes are operational and safety upgrades continue.
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden Srinagar to Open on March 16
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is set to open to the public from March 16, signaling the start of Kashmir’s spring season. Director Mathoora Masoom confirmed the garden’s readiness, and online ticketing facilities have been introduced for the season. The Chief Minister will inaugurate the garden; 18 lakh tulips across more than 70 varieties have been planted. The facility aims to improve visitor experience with online bookings and better amenities. This annual display draws large crowds and showcases Jammu and Kashmir’s horticultural and tourism appeal during the spring migration.
Tulip Garden to open from March 16 for spring season.
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