🇮🇳 NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. Total Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) Occurs
A total lunar eclipse, also popularly called a Blood Moon, occurred on 3 March 2026, coinciding with the Hindu festival Holi.
The Earth’s shadow fully covered the Moon, visible widely across India in the evening hours.
In many states, the total phase began around 17:32 IST and ended by 19:53 IST, with eastern states seeing the moon turn reddish soon after moonrise.
Traditional Sutak timings (periods of inauspiciousness observed during eclipses) were observed due to the lunar eclipse.
2. National Arogya Fair 2026 & AYUSH Awards
The National Arogya Fair was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu.
Six senior Vaidyas were felicitated for significant contributions to the AYUSH healthcare system.
Event showcased traditional medicine practices, preventive health initiatives, and public health outreach.
3. CBSE Board Exam Postponement in Middle East
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) postponed Class 10 & 12 board exams originally scheduled on 2 March 2026 in the Middle East.
The postponement affected students in countries including Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.
This was due to regional security concerns and misinformation issues; revised dates are yet to be announced.
4. March 2026 Bank & Public Office Holidays
Several holidays for schools, banks, and government offices in March 2026 were announced.
Notable closures include Holi, Eid al-Fitr, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Dola Jatra, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa.
Bank aspirants must note specific state calendars as holidays vary regionally.
5. Union Government Press Releases
Key government actions released in late February and early March:
India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) terms of reference signed to enhance trade continuity.
Deferred Customs Duty payment facility introduced for eligible manufacturers as per Union Budget 2026-27.
INS SUDARSHINI transited through the Suez Canal, docked at Alexandria, showcasing maritime reach.
Change in Naval Armament DG: Shri B.P. Singh took over as Director General of Naval Armament.
CSIR & Indian scientists rewrote a 50-year biological rule, marking scientific progress.
🌐 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
6. International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026
India hosted the International Fleet Review 2026, with participation from ~74 countries and their warships.
The review and the MILAN-2026 naval exercise aim to boost maritime cooperation, naval diplomacy, and regional security partnerships.
📊 ECONOMY & BANKING NEWS
7. GST Collections Reflect Growth
February 2026 GST collections reported a year-on-year growth of 8.1%, signalling robust economic activity and tax compliance.
Total GST revenues were approximately ₹1.83 lakh crore for February 2026.
🧠 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
8. National Science Day 2026 Observed
Multiple events, lectures, and demonstrations were organised nationwide on 28 February / 1 March 2026 to commemorate National Science Day.
CSIR-National Physical Laboratory and Indian scientific communities highlighted innovations and public outreach programs.
9. EV Adoption Boost by MeitY
The Ministry of Electronics & IT launched a 30 kW Wide Band Gap (WBG)-based Integrated Drive Systemto accelerate electric vehicle adoption and manufacturing competitiveness.
🏅 SPORTS & EVENTS
10. India’s DP World PGTI’s 72 The League Finals
The DP World PGTI’s 72 The League golf finals are scheduled on 6 March 2026 at Qutab Golf Course, Delhi.
Rajasthan Regals and UP Prometheans compete for a prize purse of ₹1 crore (champions) and ₹50 lakh (runners-up).
11. U-23 Tri-Nation Football Series 2026
The U-23 Tri-Nation Championship will be held from 25–31 March 2026 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia.
Three nations will participate as preparation for the Asian Games football event.
🎖️ APPOINTMENTS & AWARDS
12. ASMITA League 2026 Launch
Union Sports Ministry launched the ASMITA League, a nationwide athletic programme to celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March 2026).
The league covers sprint events (100m, 200m, 400m) across three age categories: U-13, 13–18, 18+.
Expected participation: ~250,000 women across 250 locations under the Khelo India and MY Bharat initiatives.
🧩 EXAM-FOCUSED FACTS & FIGURES
GST Collections (Feb 2026): ~₹1.83 lakh crore, 8.1% YoY growth
Lunar Eclipse Totality: 17:32–19:53 IST on 3 March 2026
DP World PGTI Prize Money: ₹1 crore (champions) / ₹50 lakh (runners-up)
U-23 Tri-Nation Series Dates: 25–31 March 2026
ASMITA League Locations: 250, Women Participants ~250,000
