Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (9th March 2026)

National News

PM Modi Launches India’s First Ring Metro In Delhi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first Ring Metro in Delhi by opening the 12.3 km Majlis Park–Maujpur-Babarpur corridor, completing the circular route of the Delhi Metro Pink Line.
• The new link expands the Pink Line to about 71.56 km, creating a full ring around the capital and improving connectivity across north and northeast Delhi.
• He also launched the 9.9 km Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park extension of the Delhi Metro Magenta Line, adding seven stations and strengthening the metro network.
• Additionally, foundation stones were laid for three new corridors under Delhi Metro Phase-V, including the Central Vista route and two extensions of the Delhi Metro Golden Line.

Government Launches ‘Say No To Proxy Sarpanch’ Campaign

• Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the “Say No To Proxy Sarpanch” campaign on International Women’s Day to address the ‘Sarpanch Pati’ practice in rural governance.
• The campaign aims to stop situations where male relatives exercise authority instead of elected women sarpanches in village panchayats.
• It encourages communities to support genuine women leadership and report cases of proxy governance in local bodies.
• The initiative also strengthens women’s participation in the Panchayati Raj system, which was reinforced by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.

State News

Kerala Launches Cyber Safety Protocol 2026 for Students

• Kerala has introduced the Cyber Safety Protocol 2026 to protect students from online risks in the growing AI-driven digital environment.
• The framework was developed by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education to strengthen cyber security, digital literacy, and student privacy in public schools.
• It provides guidelines for schools, students, and parents to address threats such as misinformation, deepfakes, cyber fraud, and unsafe data sharing.
• The protocol is supported by laws including the Information Technology Act 2000, Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Dombivli Hosts Guinness Record Lezim Dance as Maharashtra Celebrates Women’s Day

• International Women’s Day 2026 was widely celebrated across Maharashtra with rallies, sports events, cultural programmes, and awareness campaigns under the theme “Give to Gain.”
• A major highlight was a Guinness World Record Lezim dance in Dombivli where 9,111 women and girls performed simultaneously, breaking the previous record.
• Eknath Shinde also launched an Human Papillomavirus vaccination campaign and Pink OPD services to promote women’s health.
• The celebrations included marathons, bike rallies, and sports events across several cities to promote women’s empowerment and community participation.

Punjab Budget 2026: ₹1,000 Monthly Aid for Women, Biggest Ever ₹2.6 Lakh Crore Budget Announced

• Punjab presented its Budget 2026–27, announced by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, with a total outlay of ₹2,60,437 crore.
• A key highlight is the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, offering ₹1,000 monthly assistance to women and ₹1,500 to Dalit women to strengthen financial security.
• The budget also allocates major funds for women welfare, education reforms under Sikhiya Kranti 2.0, and social schemes including free bus travel and sanitation initiatives.
• Additionally, the agriculture sector received ₹15,377 crore to support farmers, promote climate-resilient crops, and manage crop residue.

International News

Mojtaba Khamenei Becomes Iran’s New Supreme Leader

• Reserve Bank of India approved the appointment of Ketan Merchant as interim CEO of Fino Payments Bank for a period of three months.
• The decision, announced on March 6, 2026, follows the arrest of the bank’s Managing Director and CEO Rishi Gupta in a GST-related case.
• Merchant, currently the Chief Financial Officer, will manage the bank’s day-to-day operations until further regulatory decisions are made.
• Meanwhile, the bank continues its plan to convert into a Small Finance Bank after receiving in-principle approval from the RBI.

India Sends 1,000 Tons of Rice to Malawi: A Humanitarian Move After El Nino Drought

• India has sent 1,000 metric tons of rice to Malawi as humanitarian aid to help address food shortages caused by drought linked to the El Niño.
• The shipment, dispatched from Nhava Sheva Port, aims to support vulnerable populations and stabilize food supplies.
• India described the aid as part of its commitment to the Global South cooperation, strengthening partnerships with developing nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
• This assistance highlights India’s role in global humanitarian outreach and disaster relief initiatives.

India Ranked Second in Global Arms Imports

• India became the world’s second-largest arms importer between 2021–2025, accounting for 8.2% of global arms imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
• The report notes India is diversifying its defense procurement, increasingly sourcing weapons from Western countries like France, Israel, and the United States, while Russia remains a significant partner.
• India’s imports are driven by modernization needs and security challenges along the Line of Actual Control and Line of Control.
• The country is also boosting domestic defense manufacturing under initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

Banking News

RBI Approves Ketan Merchant as Interim CEO of Fino Payments Bank

• Mojtaba Khamenei has become the Supreme Leader of Iran or that Ali Khamenei died in U.S.–Israel strikes in 2026.
• As of the latest reliable public information, Ali Khamenei remains Iran’s Supreme Leader, and no official announcement from Iran’s leadership or the Assembly of Experts has confirmed a leadership change.
• Mojtaba Khamenei the second son of Ali Khamenei is known as a low-profile Shia cleric who has been rumored by analysts to hold influence behind the scenes in Iranian politics, but he has never held a formal government position.

SBI Launches Major Social Loan for Women Empowerment

• State Bank of India has launched a $500 million syndicated social loan facility to promote women’s economic empowerment and gender equality ahead of International Women’s Day.
• The initiative aims to support projects and financial opportunities that help reduce gender inequality and strengthen inclusive economic growth.
• The programme follows Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) financing principles to generate measurable social impact through responsible banking.
• It also aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities worldwide.

Awards News

Rashmika Mandanna Best Actress Award At The Telangana Gaddar Awards

• Rashmika Mandanna won the Best Actress award at the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards for her performance in the Telugu film The Girlfriend.
• The awards, introduced by the Government of Telangana in 2025, honour outstanding achievements in Telugu cinema.
• Rashmika was recognised for her powerful portrayal of Bhooma Devi, a postgraduate student navigating a complex and emotionally challenging relationship.
• The film was written and directed by Rahul Ravindran and explores themes of toxic relationships, emotional manipulation, and self-realization.

Defense News

India Sends Military Contingent for Exercise LAMITIYE 2026

• An Indian Armed Forces team has reached Seychelles to participate in the 11th edition of Exercise LAMITIYE from 9–20 March 2026 with the Seychelles Defence Forces.
• The biennial exercise aims to strengthen defence cooperation, interoperability, and strategic coordination between the two countries.
• For the first time, all three services of the Indian Armed Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force—are participating together.
• The exercise includes field training drills, tactical discussions, and joint operations to enhance security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

Sports News

George Russell Wins Australian Grand Prix 2026 Starts New Season With Bangs

• George Russell of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team won the Australian Grand Prix at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, securing the first victory of the 2026 F1 season.
• Mercedes achieved a one-two finish with Kimi Antonelli finishing second.
• Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton of Scuderia Ferrari finished third and fourth respectively after an intense early battle for the lead.
• The race showcased the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations and marked Russell’s sixth career F1 victory.

India Defeat New Zealand, Clinch T20 World Cup 2026 Title

• India national cricket team defeated the New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final at Narendra Modi Stadium.
• India posted a massive 255/5, with strong performances from Sanju Samson (89), Abhishek Sharma (52), and Ishan Kishan (54).
• New Zealand were bowled out for 159, despite efforts from Tim Seifert and Mitchell Santner.
• Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowling with 4/15, helping India secure back-to-back T20 World Cup titles.

Obituaries News

Vir Chakra Awardee KG George Passes Away at 95

• K G George, a hero of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, passed away at the age of 95 in Kottayam.
• The retired Lance Havildar of the Corps of Signals was honoured with the Vir Chakra for his bravery during the war.
• Between 6-10 September 1965, he risked his life to restore critical communication lines under heavy enemy shelling and air attacks.
• His efforts ensured uninterrupted coordination between Indian Army units in the Wagah sector, playing a key role in battlefield operations.

Miscellaneous News

Shah Rukh Khan Debuts in Hurun Global Rich List 2026 With $1.3 Billion Net Worth

• Shah Rukh Khan made his debut on the Hurun Global Rich List 2026 with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, joining the ranks of billionaire celebrities.
• The report, released on March 5, 2026, highlights his wealth from films, business ventures, and investments.
• His production company Red Chillies Entertainment and global brand endorsements have significantly contributed to his financial success.
• The list also features other celebrity billionaires such as Michael Jordan, Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna.