Pakistan Tops Global Terrorism Index 2026 Amid Rising Violence
Pakistan topped the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026, reflecting rising violence. The Institute for Economics and Peace report cites 1,139 deaths and 1,045 incidents in 2025, the highest since 2013, earning Pakistan a GTI score of 8.57 and returning it to the top rank. Analysts attribute the surge to militant activity by groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Balochistan Liberation Army, alongside regional instability and cross-border tensions. The findings highlight ongoing security challenges in South Asia and stress the need for regional cooperation to counter extremism and promote stability.
GTI 2026 ranks Pakistan as top terrorism-affected country.
2025 data: 1,139 deaths and 1,045 incidents.
GTI score: 8.57, highest since 2013.
Attribution to TTP and BLA activity and regional instability.
Calls for greater regional cooperation to counter extremism.
Lipulekh Pass Trade to Resume Between India and China
Lipulekh Pass trade, linking India with Tibet, is expected to resume in June, reviving a long-standing Himalayan border trade route. The re-opening aims to boost commerce and people-to-people links in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, near Nepal and China. Lipulekh trade has historically complemented other passes such as Shipki La and Nathu La, and the renewed engagement reflects broader border-dialogue efforts. Officials emphasise smoother movement for local traders, streamlined customs, and a renewed border-management framework as part of broader diplomacy with neighbouring nations to strengthen regional connectivity and economic ties.
Lipulekh Pass trade to resume in June 2026.
Aims to boost commerce in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region.
Intended to complement Shipki La and Nathu La passes.
Focus on easier trader movement, customs and border management.
Part of broader India-China diplomatic engagement to enhance connectivity.
World Water Day 2026 was observed on 22 March with the theme 'Water and Gender'. The United Nations and partners highlight the link between water access, sanitation and decision-making, noting that women and girls often bear the heavier burden of water scarcity and pollution. The day calls for inclusive water governance, improved rural drinking water access and resilient water infrastructure to support health and livelihoods. It emphasizes empowering women in water management and ensuring universal access to safe water and sanitation, aligning with global efforts toward sustainable freshwater resources.
Observed on 22 March 2026.
Theme: Water and Gender.
Urges inclusive water governance and equal access.
Highlights disproportionate impact on women and girls.
Promotes empowerment of women in water management.
Manav Thakkar, Yashaswini Ghorpade Win Maiden Singles Titles
At the Senior National Table Tennis Championships in Indore, Manav Thakkar and Yashaswini Ghorpade won their maiden singles titles. Thakkar defeated Jeet Chandra 4–1 in the men’s final, while Ghorpade edged Syndrela Das 4–3 in a closely fought women’s final. In mixed doubles, Ankur Bhattacharjee and Suhana Saini defeated Aniket Bose and Sampriti Roy 3–2 to claim the gold. The victories mark a breakthrough for both players on the national stage, highlighting emerging talent in Indian table tennis. The event showcased competitive finals and a strong field across states.
Maiden singles titles won by Manav Thakkar and Yashaswini Ghorpade.
Men’s final: Thakkar defeated Jeet Chandra 4–1.
Women’s final: Ghorpade defeated Syndrela Das 4–3.
Mixed doubles winners: Bhattacharjee and Saini 3–2 over Bose and Roy.
Event signals rising national talent in table tennis.
Sikkim to Host Yonex Sunrise Junior National Badminton Championship 2026
Sikkim has been selected to host the 49th Yonex Sunrise Junior National Badminton Championship (Under-19) in 2026. The event is scheduled from 14 to 21 November 2026 and will include both individual and team events, bringing together top junior players from across India. This will be the first time Sikkim hosts a national-level badminton championship of such scale. The Badminton Association of Sikkim welcomed the announcement, with its President Jacob Khaling expressing pride that the state has been chosen for this prestigious event. The development highlights Sikkim's growing recognition as an emerging sports destination in the Northeast, and broader sports diplomacy for the region.
Event: 49th Yonex Sunrise Junior National Badminton Championship (U-19) 2026 scheduled for 14–21 November 2026.
Host: Sikkim, marking the state’s first national-level badminton championship of this scale.
Format: Both individual and team events to feature top junior players from across India.
Authority: Badminton Association of Sikkim announced the hosting; President is Jacob Khaling.
Implication: Signals rising recognition of Sikkim as a developing sports destination in the Northeast.
From Management Trainee to Director: Natarajan’s Journey at SAIL
On 19 March 2026, Shri T.N. Natarajan assumed charge as Director (Commercial) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). He brings over 32 years of experience in production, logistics and sales, and will lead the company’s commercial operations. Natarajan joined SAIL as a Management Trainee in 1993 and has held key roles across manufacturing, supply chain management and marketing. His career spans manufacturing operations, strategic marketing and domestic and global market exposure. In his new role, he will guide procurement, pricing and sales strategy to strengthen SAIL’s competitive position in Indian and international markets. His appointment aligns with SAIL’s modernization and growth plans.
Appointed Director (Commercial) of SAIL on 19 March 2026.
Has over 32 years of experience in production, logistics and sales.
Joined SAIL as Management Trainee in 1993 and held multiple senior roles.
Will oversee procurement, pricing and sales strategy.
Aims to strengthen SAIL’s position in domestic and global markets.
PM Modi Becomes India’s Longest-Serving Head of Government
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic milestone by becoming India’s longest-serving head of government. Reaching over 8,931 days in office, Modi surpassed Pawan Kumar Chamling’s record of 8,930 days as Sikkim’s chief minister, achieved by combining his Gujarat tenure (2001–2014) with the prime ministership since 2014. Analysts see the milestone as a signal of political stability, continuity and reform momentum, while critics caution that time in office does not guarantee progress. The achievement underscores Modi’s enduring political presence and the flow of leadership across state and national levels, shaping policy and governance across decades.
Modi surpassed Chamling to become longest-serving Indian head of government.
Total days in office surpassed 8,931; combined Gujarat and PM tenure.
Represents political stability and policy continuity.
Supports observed momentum of reforms and international engagement.
Raises questions about tenure versus tangible progress.
Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: Schedule and Process
Rajya Sabha elections for 2026 began in March and will continue through the year. A total of 72 of 245 seats are up for election, with the process spanning from 16 March to November 2026 and voting on multiple dates across states. The results will influence the government’s legislative balance and committee formations. Parties are forming alliances and finalising candidate lists ahead of sessions in the summer. The elections underscore India’s federal structure and ongoing state-national political dynamics, with regional considerations shaping outcomes and parliamentary dynamics for the year ahead.
72 of 245 Rajya Sabha seats to be elected in 2026.
Elections run from 16 March to November 2026 with multiple dates.
Outcomes affect legislative balance and committee appointments.
Parties are building alliances and finalising candidates.
Illustrates India’s federal structure and evolving state-national dynamics.
INS Taragiri (F41), the fourth Nilgiri-class stealth frigate under Project 17A, is scheduled for commissioning on 3 April 2026. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Taragiri follows INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri in the class. The ship embodies advanced stealth design and multi-mission capabilities, including surface warfare, air defence and anti-submarine operations. Taragiri’s delivery underscores India’s push to expand indigenous shipbuilding and enhance maritime deterrence in the Indian Ocean region. Sea trials were completed late 2025, with formal commissioning planned in early April 2026.
Taragiri is the fourth Nilgiri-class frigate under Project 17A.
Commissioning planned for 3 April 2026; built by MDL.
Follows Nilgiri, Himgiri and Udaygiri in the class.
Features advanced stealth and multi-mission capabilities.
Reflects India’s focus on indigenous shipbuilding and deterrence.
Krishna Kumar Thakur Appointed as Director (Personnel) at NMDC
Krishna Kumar Thakur, a 1998 batch officer, has assumed charge as Director (Personnel) at NMDC Limited, India's largest iron ore producer. Thakur previously served in the Indian Railways Personnel Service and brings over two decades of HR experience across public sector entities. His appointment signals a drive to modernise human resources, boost employee engagement and implement policy reforms within NMDC. As Director (Personnel), he will oversee recruitment, learning and development, industrial relations and performance management. Thakur’s public-sector HR background is expected to support a more efficient, people-centric organisation at NMDC.
Thakur is a 1998 batch officer from Indian Railways Personnel Service.
Took charge as NMDC Director (Personnel) on 20 March 2026.
Brings over two decades of HR experience in PSUs and Railways.
Will oversee recruitment, training, IR and performance management.
Aim is to enhance employee engagement and productivity.
Telangana Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme Announced
In the 2026–27 Budget, Telangana unveiled the Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme to provide financial security across the state. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced a universal life cover of ₹5 lakh for each of Telangana’s 1.15 crore families. The scheme, designed to reduce poverty risk after the death of a breadwinner, will be implemented from 2 June 2026. Coverage is intended to be universal, with accessible enrollment and digital processes ensuring broad reach. The initiative aligns with welfare-focused budget priorities and aims to strengthen social protection for households.
Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme announced in 2026–27 Budget.
Universal life cover of ₹5 lakh per family for 1.15 crore families.
Unveiled by Deputy CM and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.
Planned implementation from 2 June 2026.
Aims to reduce poverty risk and boost social protection.
Chapchar Kut, Mizoram’s major spring festival, was celebrated in Aizawl with vibrant cultural performances, dances, music and exhibitions. The festival marks the completion of jhum cultivation and signals the arrival of spring. Locals, tourists and dignitaries participated, showcasing Mizo heritage through art, cuisine and performances. Chapchar Kut is rooted in agricultural traditions, reflecting the region’s social calendar and community pride. The event also highlighted the ongoing balance between preserving indigenous traditions and promoting tourism, with programs featuring traditional dances, handicrafts and local cuisine that attract visitors from across the state and beyond.
Chapchar Kut celebrated in Aizawl, Mizoram.
Marks completion of jhum cultivation and spring arrival.
Features cultural performances, dances and exhibitions.
Showcases Mizo heritage through art, cuisine and performances.
Highlights agricultural traditions and tourism potential.
Third North-East India Film Festival 2026 Begins in Imphal
The Third North-East India Film Festival (NEIFF) 2026 begins today at TanthaPolis Cinema, Lamphel, Imphal. The two-day festival will showcase nine films from across the North East region, including four Manipuri, four Assamese and one Khasi film from Meghalaya. The 3rd NEIFF 2026 Manipur aims to promote the growth of a vibrant and inclusive film industry, encouraging the study and appreciation of cinema as an art form. Organisers emphasize regional storytelling and collaboration among eight North Eastern states. The festival highlights Manipur's growing role in the regional film landscape and its cultural ties with neighboring states.
NEIFF 2026 opens at TanthaPolis Cinema, Lamphel, Imphal on 23 March 2026 and runs for two days.
Nine films selected: four Manipuri, four Assamese, one Khasi (Meghalaya).
Aims: Promote a vibrant, inclusive North East film industry and praise cinema as art.
Focus: Regional storytelling and cross-state collaboration in the North East.
Context: NEIFF underscores Manipur’s rising prominence in regional cinema.
Must-know (last 48 hours): NEIFF 2026 was held on 21–22 March 2026 at TanthaPolis Cinema, Lamphel, Imphal; nine films were screened.
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