Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (5th March 2026)

National News

Montana Unveils Its First Mahatma Gandhi Bust at Mike Mansfield Center

• The first bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Montana was unveiled on March 4, 2026, at the University of Montana in Missoula.
• Installed at the Mike Mansfield Center, the statue was gifted by the Government of India, symbolizing Gandhi’s enduring message of peace and non-violence.
• The ceremony was led by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and India’s Consul General in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, with participation from state leaders and the Montana World Affairs Council.
• The installation highlights growing cultural diplomacy and strengthens India-US ties, particularly at the state level, promoting shared democratic values and international cooperation.

Wildlife Safeguards Key as NGT Reviews Quarry Plan Near Vallanadu Sanctuary

• The National Green Tribunal has directed authorities to reconsider a quarry proposal near the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu while ensuring protection for the endangered Blackbuck population.
• The tribunal, led by Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Dr Prashant Gargava, asked the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority to review the project again instead of rejecting it outright.
• The proposed quarry site in Padmanabamangalam village of Thoothukudi district lies about 1.7–1.9 km from the sanctuary.
• The tribunal emphasized that blackbucks are shy animals and human disturbances could harm their habitat, but suggested examining strict environmental safeguards to balance wildlife conservation with development.

State News

Bihar to Upgrade 54 Colleges as Centres of Excellence Under Saat Nischay-3

• The Bihar government has shortlisted 54 colleges and institutions to be developed as Centres of Excellence under the Saat Nischay-3 launched by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
• The initiative aims to improve higher education standards by upgrading infrastructure, strengthening faculty expertise, and creating subject-specific expert centres across the state.
• Prominent institutions such as Patna University, Patna Women’s College, and Patna Science College are included in the first phase (2026–27).
• The programme seeks to provide quality education within Bihar and reduce student migration to other states, while a second phase (2027–2030) will expand the initiative to additional districts.

Hatti Risala Festival Celebrates 138 Years of Tradition in Maharashtra

• The Hatti Risala Festival in Jalna has completed 138 years, marking a historic cultural tradition celebrated annually on Dhulivandan, the day after Holi.
• The highlight is a grand procession featuring a decorated elephant carrying symbolic figures of a king and prime minister, accompanied by drum beats, music, traditional attire, and the distribution of sweets called revdis.
• Residents respectfully avoid playing colours as the procession passes.
• The event draws large crowds and reflects the city’s deep-rooted heritage.
• Over time, the festival has become a powerful symbol of communal harmony, with people from different religions and communities participating together in this vibrant celebration of culture and unity.

Bihar Will Get New CM As Nitish Kumar To Go Rajya Sabha Will Resign Soon

• Nitish Kumar has announced that he will contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16, 2026, marking a major shift in Bihar politics.
• After serving more than two decades and ten terms as Chief Minister, Kumar plans to step down from the post to enter the Upper House of Parliament.
• He said the move fulfills his long-standing goal of serving in all four legislative institutions Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Bihar Legislative Assembly, and Bihar Legislative Council.
• His decision signals a significant political transition in the state and has sparked speculation about who will become the next Chief Minister of Bihar.

Maharashtra Economy to Grow 7.9% in 2025-26: What the State Economic Survey Reveals

• The Maharashtra Economic Survey 2025–26 projects the economy of Maharashtra to grow by 7.9% in FY 2025–26, higher than the national growth estimate of 7.4% for India.
• The survey was presented in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in Mumbai on 5 March 2026 during the budget session.
• It estimates the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at ₹51,00,597 crore, with revenue receipts projected at ₹5,60,964 crore, including ₹4,77,400 crore in tax revenue.
• The report highlights strong performance in manufacturing, services, finance, and trade, reinforcing Maharashtra’s position as a key contributor to India’s economy and indicating stable fiscal growth despite global uncertainties.

Maharashtra Enables Offline e-Crop Registration for Farmers

• The Maharashtra government has introduced an offline photo upload feature in the e-Crop Registration system to help farmers in areas with poor internet connectivity.
• Announcing the initiative in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said farmers can now take photos of standing crops offline using mobile phones, and the images will automatically upload once network connectivity is available.
• The feature strengthens the Digital Crop Survey platform, which has been operational since 2021 and mandatory from the 2025–26 agricultural season.
• The move aims to simplify crop registration, ensure accurate crop data, and improve access to subsidies, crop insurance, and disaster compensation for farmers.

From Assam Hills to London: GI-Tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger Makes Global Debut

• Assam exported GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger to London for the first time on 2 March 2026, flagged off by Agriculture Minister Atul Bora.
• The trial consignment of 1.2 metric tonnes marks Assam’s global debut in international spice markets, with support from APEDA.
• Karbi Anglong Ginger, grown in the Singhasan Hills using traditional methods, is prized for its strong aroma, bold flavor, and medicinal properties, earning a GI tag in 2015.
• This milestone highlights growing global demand for India’s GI products and is expected to boost income for local farmers while promoting Assam’s agricultural identity internationally.

International News

Women Hold Only 64% of Men’s Legal Rights: UN Women Warns

• Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, UN Women reported that women globally enjoy only 64% of the legal rights afforded to men.
• The findings, linked to a UN Secretary-General’s report on access to justice, reveal that 54% of countries lack consent-based rape laws, nearly three-quarters still permit child marriage under exceptions, and 44% have no equal pay mandates.
• Executive Director Sima Bahous warned of rising backlash, digital violence, and conflict-related sexual abuse.
• While 87% of nations have domestic violence laws, systemic barriers persist, prompting urgent calls for comprehensive legal and institutional reforms worldwide.

Yellowstone’s Rare Echinus Geyser Erupts Again After Six Years

• Echinus Geyser, the world’s largest acidic geyser, has erupted again after a six-year dormant period in Yellowstone National Park.
• Located in the Norris Geyser Basin, the rare geothermal feature resumed activity on February 7, 2026, according to the United States Geological Survey.
• Known for its highly acidic water formed by mixing acidic gases with groundwater, the geyser is surrounded by reddish rocks resembling sea urchins, which inspired its name.
• Historically, it erupted frequently in the 1970s with water reaching up to 75 feet, but activity later became unpredictable. Scientists say the renewed eruptions may last only weeks or months before the geyser returns to dormancy.

Deadly Cassava Virus Threatens Africa’s Food Security: Scientists Warn of Rapid Spread

• Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) is a viral infection threatening cassava, a staple crop in sub-Saharan Africa, causing brown root rot and severe yield losses.
• It spreads mainly via whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and infected planting cuttings, with climate change and informal trade accelerating outbreaks.
• About 33.7% of Africa is at risk, affecting food security and farmer income.
• Measures to combat CBSD include developing disease-resistant cassava varieties, strengthening clean seed systems, using tissue culture for virus-free plants, early farm surveillance, and educating farmers on whitefly control and healthy planting practices to protect crops and livelihoods.

Economy News

Maharashtra Records Slowest GSDP Growth Among India’s Big Four State Economies

• Maharashtra remains the largest state economy in India with a projected Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of ₹42.67 lakh crore for 2024–25.
• However, its growth of about 43% from 2021–22 to 2024–25 is the slowest among the four largest state economies Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.
• During the same period, Karnataka recorded the fastest growth at nearly 65%, driven mainly by its technology and startup ecosystem centered in Bengaluru.
• Despite slower percentage growth, Maharashtra added the largest absolute economic value about ₹12.86 lakh crore highlighting its diversified economy and continued importance as a major driver of India’s overall economic growth.

Ranks & Reports News

Top 10 Richest People in the World 2026: Elon Musk Dominates With $841 Billion Fortune

• According to the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List (March 2026), Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person with an estimated net worth of $841.4 billion, far ahead of other billionaires.
• His fortune driven mainly by Tesla and SpaceX is over $500 billion higher than the second-richest individual, creating one of the largest wealth gaps ever seen in global rankings.
• Analysts suggest Musk could become the first trillionaire if SpaceX launches a successful public listing.
• Other tech leaders such as Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg also dominate the top 10 richest list.

Sports News

Finn Allen Creates History With Fastest T20 World Cup Century

• Finn Allen smashed the fastest century in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history during the semi-final against South Africa national cricket team in Kolkata, reaching 100 in just 33 balls.
• He broke the previous men’s record of 47 balls set by Chris Gayle in 2016 and also surpassed the overall T20 World Cup record of 38 balls by Deandra Dottin.
• Allen’s explosive knock, with a strike rate above 300, also became the fastest T20I hundred for New Zealand national cricket team and the first century ever scored in a T20 World Cup knockout match.
• His innings powered New Zealand to a dominant chase and a place in the tournament final.

Important Days News

International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness 2026: Why March 5 Matters for Global Peace

• Observed annually on March 5, this UN-designated day promotes global awareness of disarmament and non-proliferation issues, particularly among youth.
• It was established through United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/77/51 by the United Nations General Assembly to encourage Member States, civil society, and institutions to advance education and outreach on arms control.
• The observance highlights the continued threat posed by nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, while also addressing challenges from conventional arms, illicit weapons trade, and emerging technologies such as autonomous weapons systems.

Obituaries News

Veteran Editor and Former Ambassador HK Dua Passes Away at 88

• Veteran journalist and diplomat H. K. Dua passed away on March 4, 2026, at 88 in New Delhi.
• A Padma Bhushan awardee, he was known for his incisive political analysis and steadfast commitment to editorial independence.
• He served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha (2009–2015) and as India’s Ambassador to Denmark (2001–2003), also advising Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and H. D. Deve Gowda.
• Dua led major publications including Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, The Times of India, and The Tribune, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian journalism.

Current Affairs Today | 05 March 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam