Current Affairs - 07 March 2026

̑Defence Procurement Contracts 2026

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NATIONAL

Why in News:
To strengthen India’s maritime and air defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence on 3 March 2026 signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore.

Key Highlights:
• The contracts include the procurement of six ALH Mk III (Maritime Role) helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard.
• It also includes VL Shtil Surface-to-Air Missiles for the Indian Navy.
• The agreements were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Laureus World Team of the Year Award 2026

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NATIONAL

Why in News:
The India women’s national cricket team has been nominated for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award 2026. The nomination follows their historic victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, held in India, where the team won its first-ever World Cup title.

Key Highlights:
• This is the first time a women’s cricket team has been nominated in this category.
Significance of This Nomination

• The Laureus World Team of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious honours in international sport.
• It recognises teams that have delivered outstanding achievements and inspired people worldwide.

Indian Athletes in Laureus 2026 Spotlight

• Vinesh Phogat
• Neeraj Chopra
• Rishabh Pant

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Return of Saint Thirumankai Alvar Idol

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NATIONAL

Why in News:
The Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford has formally returned a 16th-century bronze idol of Saint Thirumankai Alvar to India. The formal handover ceremony took place at India House, marking an important milestone in India–UK cultural cooperation.

Key Highlights:
• The sacred idol will now be returned to its original place, the Shri Soundararaja Perumal Temple in Tamil Nadu.

About the Idol: Saint Thirumankai Alvar

• Period: 16th century
• Material: Bronze
• Religious Significance: Saint Thirumankai Alvar was one of the twelve Alvars (Vaishnavite poet-saints).
• Temple Origin: Shri Soundararaja Perumal Temple, Thadikombu, Tamil Nadu

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Mahatma Gandhi Bust Unveiled in Montana, USA

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NATIONAL

Why in News:
The first bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the US state of Montana has been unveiled at the University of Montana in Missoula. The ceremony took place at the Mike Mansfield Center.

Key Highlights:
• The statue was presented as a gift by the Government of India.
• The unveiling marks an important moment in cultural diplomacy between India and the US state of Montana.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

ONE LINER

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India has overtaken the United States to become the second highest country globally for childhood obesity. This data is according to the World Obesity Atlas 2026 released by the World Obesity Federation.( World Obesity Day 2026 will be observed on March 4 under the theme “8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity.” )
National Safety Day 2026 is observed on March 4 in India under the theme “Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety”.
International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is observed on March 5 to promote awareness on nuclear weapons, arms control, and global security under UN Resolution A/RES/77/51.
New Zealand opener Finn Allen smashed the fastest T20 World Cup hundred. Ton came during the ongoing T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa in Kolkata. Allen reached his century in just 33 balls and breaks the previous men’s record of 47 balls by Chris Gayle in 2016. The stunning knock also made Allen the first batter in history to score a century in a T20 World Cup knockout match.
Eminent journalist HK Dua, former Rajya Sabha MP and India’s ex-ambassador to Denmark, passes away at 88 in New Delhi. The Padma Bhushan awardee led Hindustan Times, Indian Express, and The Tribune.

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Padhai Marg

Turning Aspirants Into Officer's