Finland tops World Happiness Report 2026; ninth consecutive year
Finland has again been named the happiest country in the World Happiness Report 2026, released on 19 March 2026 by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford. Finland leads for the ninth consecutive year, with Nordic nations consistently scoring high for health, social support, and trust. The report notes broader geographic patterns, with happiness high in Nordic countries while some Western European and American regions show declines in life evaluations. It highlights concerns about youth well-being and points to the influence of social media on mental health. Policymakers are urged to focus on social and digital well-being as part of national development. The launch aligns with the International Day of Happiness on 20 March.
Finland ranked 1st in World Happiness Report 2026, marking the ninth consecutive year at the top.
Nordic countries dominate the top ranks with high social support, trust, and health indicators.
The report notes declines in happiness in parts of Western Europe and the Americas, especially among youth due to digital media use.
India’s World Happiness Report 2025 ranking stood at 118th out of about 147 countries, with some improvement over 2024.
World Happiness Report 2026 launch events were announced; the report was released near the International Day of Happiness on 20 March.
Hurun Global Rich List 2026: Elon Musk remains world’s richest; India hosts 308 billionaires
Hurun Global Rich List 2026 shows Elon Musk continuing as the world’s richest person, with an estimated net worth of 792 billion dollars. The annual ranking records a global total of 4,020 billionaires, including 578 new entrants in the last year. In Asia, Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries remains the richest Indian and the continent’s wealth leader, with a net worth around 109 billion dollars. India now has 308 billionaires, underscoring strong wealth growth among Indian entrepreneurs. Shah Rukh Khan re-enters the billionaire list with an estimated fortune of 1.3 billion dollars, reflecting diversification of wealth across Indian industry and entertainment.
Elon Musk net worth: $792 billion
Global billionaires: 4,020; 578 new entrants
Mukesh Ambani: richest Indian and Asian with around $109 billion
IIT Guwahati develops MXene catalyst for hydrogen and desalination
Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a MXene-based catalyst with dual functions: efficient hydrogen production and seawater desalination. The two-dimensional material shows high electrical conductivity and features ultra-thin ribbon-like structures enhanced with ruthenium atoms. In laboratory tests, the catalyst enables electrolysis to produce hydrogen while supporting solar-powered desalination systems. The innovation targets two global challenges: clean energy and safe drinking water. While promising, researchers note that scaling up to industrial use and mass production will require further work. The dual-function material could improve energy efficiency and water security in coastal areas.
MXene-based catalyst with dual function
Hydrogen production via electrolysis
Desalination using solar-powered systems
Two-dimensional, highly conductive material
Ruthenium-enhanced; ribbon-like structures
India tests indigenous Floating LiDAR Buoy System off Tamil Nadu coast
India successfully tested an indigenous Floating LiDAR Buoy System developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). The trial was conducted off Muttom, Tamil Nadu, to advance ocean observation and atmospheric data collection for offshore environments. The system combines a floating buoy with LiDAR technology to measure wind speed and direction at various heights above the sea. It can profile wind up to about 300 metres, delivering real-time data for weather forecasting and offshore planning. This development could enhance coastal research, marine operations, and renewable energy projects through better data accuracy.
FIFA and YouTube partner to stream first 10 minutes of World Cup 2026 matches
FIFA has announced a new partnership with YouTube to stream the first ten minutes of matches from the 2026 World Cup on YouTube before switching to official broadcasters. The preview format aims to attract younger fans and expand the tournament’s digital reach while maintaining rights-based coverage on traditional platforms for full matches. The initiative reflects changing viewing habits toward online content and shorter previews. Fans can access the initial live segment online, after which viewers are guided to official broadcasters for complete coverage. Organisers expect this approach to boost engagement while protecting broadcast partnerships.
The Indian Navy launched the second edition of the IOS SAGAR initiative on 16 March 2026. The programme brings together sixteen member nations to strengthen maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. IOS SAGAR aligns with India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision and supports the expanded MAHASAGAR framework for maritime security. The initiative provides an operational platform for joint exercises, information sharing, and capacity building in regional waters. It highlights India's active role in regional defense and broader maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing cooperation with partner navies and international organizations.
Second edition launched on 16 March 2026
Sixteen member nations involved
Aligns with SAGAR and MAHASAGAR
Platform for joint exercises and information sharing
Enhances regional maritime security and cooperation
Bhumika Shrestha becomes Nepal’s first transgender woman MP
Bhumika Shrestha, a 37-year-old LGBTQ rights activist, has become Nepal’s first transgender woman to be elected as a member of parliament. She was elected as a proportional representation MP from the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Her appointment marks a milestone in South Asia for marginalised communities and follows political changes expanding governance representation. Shrestha has long campaigned for dignity, legal rights, and social acceptance of LGBTQ individuals. Her election is seen as a significant step toward broader participation in Nepal’s political process and could influence future policy debates on inclusion.
Bhumika Shrestha elected MP
First transgender woman MP in Nepal
Proportional representation, Rastriya Swatantra Party
Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 begins in New Delhi
The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 begins in New Delhi, running from 19 to 22 March 2026 at Yashobhoomi. The global power sector conference and exhibition is expected to attract over 25,000 visitors from more than 80 countries. It features more than 100 sessions, over 300 speakers, and more than 500 exhibitors, including 100 startups. Topics include energy transition, clean power, policy frameworks, and investment opportunities. The summit gathers international energy ministers, industry leaders, policymakers, and investors, reflecting India’s growing role in the global energy transition and its influence on future electricity markets.
William Dalrymple wins 2026 Mark Lynton History Prize
Historian William Dalrymple has been awarded the 2026 Mark Lynton History Prize for his book The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World. The prize carries a cash award of ten thousand dollars and recognises outstanding historical writing that combines rigorous research with engaging narrative. The award is administered by the Nieman Foundation for Journalism and the Columbia University School of Journalism, and is named after Mark Lynton. Dalrymple’s work was praised for its scholarly depth, accessible storytelling, and relevance to global history, highlighting India’s long influence on world development.
Winner: William Dalrymple
Book: The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World
Prize: $10,000; administered by Nieman Foundation and Columbia J School
BHAVYA approved to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks
The Union Cabinet approved BHAVYA, the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna, with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across India. Parks will range from 100 to 1,000 acres, with financial support up to ₹1 crore per acre for core infrastructure such as roads, utilities, drainage, and ICT. The scheme also covers value-added facilities, factory sheds, testing labs, and worker housing. BHAVYA aims to boost manufacturing, attract investment, and create large-scale employment, aligning with the Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat visions. Implementation will involve states and private partners to establish ready-to-use industrial ecosystems nationwide.
BHAVYA approved; ₹33,660 crore outlay
100 plug-and-play industrial parks across India
Parks: 100–1,000 acres; up to ₹1 crore/acre
Infrastructure: roads, utilities, ICT; social facilities
Public-private partnership; aims to boost manufacturing
Chhattisgarh launches Gaudham Yojana for stray cattle
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai launched Gaudham Yojana, a scheme to improve care for stray cattle. The inauguration took place at a Gaudham facility in Lakhassar village, Takhatpur block, Bilaspur district. The Gaudham covers about 25 acres, with 19 acres dedicated to green fodder cultivation. The Kamdhenu Gaushala Samiti will manage the facility, providing fodder, drinking water, veterinary care, and grazing land arrangements. The project underscores the state’s focus on cattle welfare and livestock management, linking animal care to rural livelihoods and cultural responsibilities associated with Gau Mata.
Gaudham Yojana launched in Chhattisgarh
Facility at Lakhassar; 25 acres total; 19 acres fodder
Managed by Kamdhenu Gaushala Samiti
Focus on stray cattle welfare and grazing land
Supports rural livelihoods and cattle conservation
BHAVYA Scheme: key features explained
BHAVYA is designed to develop one hundred plug-and-play industrial parks across India with an outlay of about ₹33,600 crore. Parks will range from 100 to 1,000 acres and will receive up to ₹1 crore per acre for core infrastructure such as roads, utilities, drainage, and ICT. The plan includes ready-to-use factory sheds, testing labs, warehousing, and social infrastructure like worker housing. The scheme aims to reduce setup time and investment barriers, promoting manufacturing growth and attracting private investment through public-private collaboration across states. It builds on NICDP and previous industrial park initiatives to accelerate industrial development.
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