Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems Begins in New Delhi
Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) began in New Delhi on 12 March 2026 and runs until 14 March 2026 at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Hall, ICAR Convention Centre, NASC Complex. The three‑day international event highlights the crucial role of women in agriculture and promotes gender‑inclusive development in agri‑food systems. The conference will be formally inaugurated by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, with Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan as Guest of Honour. The valedictory session will be addressed by Annapurna Devi, Minister of Women and Child Development. It aligns with the UN designation of 2026 as International Year for Women Farmers.
GCWAS–2026 is held in New Delhi from 12 to 14 March 2026.
Inauguration by President Droupadi Murmu; Guest of Honour Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Theme: women’s critical role in agri-food systems and gender inclusion.
Event coincides with United Nations’ 2026 theme for women farmers.
ICAR Convention Centre venue: NASC Complex, Delhi.
Participants include international and national stakeholders.
Mar 11, 2026
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.
Mar 09, 2026
United States and South Korea launch large joint exercise Freedom Shield
The United States and South Korea began a major joint military exercise, Freedom Shield, with about 18,000 South Korean troops participating and the drill running through 19 March 2026. The United States has not confirmed American troop numbers. The maneuvers come amid heightened tensions with North Korea, which views joint drills as invasion rehearsals. Washington and Seoul describe the exercises as defensive and aimed at enhancing readiness and interoperability. The drills stress deterrence and readiness in the region, while provoking careful diplomatic messaging with Pyongyang.
Freedom Shield: US-South Korea joint exercise
South Korea: about 18,000 troops; duration to 19 March 2026
US troop numbers not confirmed
Described as defensive; border tensions with North Korea cited
Aims: improve readiness and interoperability
Mar 05, 2026
Kenya’s Mudavadi to Attend Raisina Dialogue in Delhi
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi will visit New Delhi from 5 March to 7 March 2026 to participate in the 11th Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier geopolitics and geoeconomics conference. The Kenyan delegation aims to deepen diplomatic and economic ties, positioning Africa as a strategic partner in global supply chains. Mudavadi is expected to outline Africa’s foreign policy priorities and seek expanded trade and bilateral cooperation with India. The Raisina Dialogue gathers political leaders, policymakers, and scholars to discuss governance, security, and development issues. Mudavadi’s participation highlights Africa–India collaboration and the growing role of Africa in regional and global debates.
Mudavadi to attend Raisina Dialogue, Delhi (5–7 March 2026)
Kenya seeks stronger trade and investment ties with India
Dialogue is a leading forum on geopolitics and geoeconomics
Participants include global policymakers and scholars
Shows rising Africa–India diplomatic and economic engagement
Raisina Dialogue 2026 Opens in New Delhi (5–7 March)
Raisina Dialogue 2026, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, opened in New Delhi on 5 March 2026 and runs through 7 March 2026. Organized by the Observer Research Foundation with the Ministry of External Affairs, the three-day event gathers global leaders, policymakers, academics, and business executives. Discussions focus on multipolarity, regional security, trade, climate policy, and digital governance. India presents its strategic view on reforming global institutions, strengthening partnerships, and shaping a resilient, inclusive international order. The edition features high‑level panels, bilateral talks, and sessions on technology, energy, and sustainable development.
Raisina Dialogue 2026 runs 5–7 March in New Delhi
Global leaders and policymakers attending
Topics: geopolitics, geoeconomics, trade, climate, digital governance
India showcases its strategic vision and partnerships
Sessions include technology, energy, and sustainable development
Mar 01, 2026
Pakistan launches Ghazab lil-Haq operation against Afghanistan amid border tensions
Pakistan has launched a major cross-border offensive against Afghanistan under the operation Ghazab lil-Haq. The action follows months of clashes over allegations that Afghan forces shelter Pakistani militants. Reports describe precision airstrikes on key Afghan cities and military sites, with Pakistan portraying the strikes as a decisive response to border threats. Islamabad characterized the operation as an escalation toward an open conflict, signaling a shift in regional security dynamics. The development raises civilian risk and international concern, prompting calls for restraint and renewed dialogue to prevent further deterioration of stability along the shared border.
Operation name: Ghazab lil-Haq; date linked to late February 2026.
Reason: accusations of Afghan-based groups sheltering attackers from Pakistan.
Tactics: precision airstrikes on cities and military sites.
Characterization: Pakistan calls it an escalation toward an 'open war'.
Impact: heightened regional instability and civilian risk.
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