India Wins T20 World Cup 2026
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SPORTS
Why in News:
India defeated New Zealand to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, securing their second consecutive T20 World Cup title.
Key Highlights:
• India scored 255/5, one of the highest totals in a T20 World Cup final.
• Sanju Samson was the top scorer with 89 runs.
• Jasprit Bumrah delivered an outstanding bowling performance, taking 4 wickets.
• New Zealand were bowled out for 159 runs.
• India won the final by 96 runs.
• Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match.
• Sanju Samson received the Player of the Series award.
• With this victory, India became the first team in history to win the T20 World Cup title three times.
• India also became the first team to win the T20 World Cup trophy at home.
• The team successfully defended the title, having previously won the T20 World Cup in 2024.
T20 World Cup 2026 Awards
• Player of the Final: Jasprit Bumrah (India) – Bowling figures 4/15 in 4 overs
• Player of the Tournament: Sanju Samson (India) – 321 runs, Average 80.25, Strike Rate 199.37
• Most Runs: Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan) – 383 runs
• Most Wickets: Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 14 wickets
Top Wicket Takers in T20 World Cup 2026
• Rank 1: Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 14 wickets, 8 matches
• Rank 2: Varun Chakravarthy (India) – 14 wickets, 9 matches
• Rank 3: Shadley van Schalkwyk (USA) – 13 wickets, 4 matches
• Rank 4: Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe) – 13 wickets, 6 matches
• Rank 5: Adil Rashid (England) – 13 wickets, 8 matches
• Rank 6: Lungi Ngidi (South Africa) – 12 wickets, 7 matches
• Rank 7: Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) – 12 wickets, 9 matches
• Rank 8: Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka) – 11 wickets, 7 matches
• Rank 9: Corbin Bosch (South Africa) – 11 wickets, 7 matches
• Rank 10: Axar Patel (India) – 11 wickets, 7 matches
T20 World Cup Winners List (2007–2026)
• 2007: Host – South Africa | Winner – India | Runner-up – Pakistan | Margin – 5 Runs
• 2009: Host – England | Winner – Pakistan | Runner-up – Sri Lanka | Margin – 8 Wickets
• 2010: Host – West Indies | Winner – England | Runner-up – Australia | Margin – 7 Wickets
• 2012: Host – Sri Lanka | Winner – West Indies | Runner-up – Sri Lanka | Margin – 36 Runs
• 2014: Host – Bangladesh | Winner – Sri Lanka | Runner-up – India | Margin – 6 Wickets
• 2016: Host – India | Winner – West Indies | Runner-up – England | Margin – 4 Wickets
• 2021: Host – UAE & Oman | Winner – Australia | Runner-up – New Zealand | Margin – 8 Wickets
• 2022: Host – Australia | Winner – England | Runner-up – Pakistan | Margin – 5 Wickets
• 2024: Host – USA & West Indies | Winner – India | Runner-up – South Africa | Margin – 7 Runs
• 2026: Host – India & Sri Lanka | Winner – India | Runner-up – New Zealand | Margin – 96 Runs
UPSC/BPSC
FIFA World Cup 2026
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INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time three countries will host the tournament together.
Key Highlights:
• Edition: 23rd FIFA World Cup
• Host Countries: United States, Canada, Mexico
• Start Date: 11 June 2026
• Final Date: 19 July 2026
• Duration: 39 days
• Total Teams: 48 teams (first time expanded from 32)
• Total Matches: 104 matches
• Final Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA
UPSC/BPSC
Mojtaba Khamenei – New Supreme Leader of Iran (2026)
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INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been selected as the new Supreme Leader of Iran in 2026.
His appointment was approved by the Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for choosing the Supreme Leader.
Background
Assembly of Experts
• The Assembly of Experts is a powerful clerical body in Iran.
• It consists of Islamic scholars elected by the public.
• The body has the constitutional authority to appoint and supervise the Supreme Leader.
• It ensures that the leader meets the required religious and political qualifications.
Supreme Leaders of Iran
• First Supreme Leader: Ruhollah Khomeini
• Second Supreme Leader: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
• Third Supreme Leader (2026): Mojtaba Khamenei
UPSC/BPSC
Lakshya Sen – All England Open 2026 Runner-Up
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SPORTS
Why in News:
India’s badminton star Lakshya Sen finished runner-up in the All England Open Badminton Championship 2026 after losing the men’s singles final to Taiwan’s Lin Chun-Yi in Birmingham.
Background
India’s Wait for an All England Open Champion Continues
• The All England Open Badminton Championships is one of the most prestigious tournaments in world badminton.
• Despite several strong performances by Indian players, only two Indians have won the men’s singles title in the tournament’s history.
Indian Champions
• Prakash Padukone – 1980
• Pullela Gopichand – 2001
UPSC/BPSC
Iron Dome vs THAAD vs Bavar-373: Air Defense Systems
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INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
Amid rising tensions in West Asia, advanced air defense systems such as Iron Dome (Israel), THAAD (United States), and Bavar-373 (Iran) have gained global attention for their role in intercepting missiles, rockets and aerial threats.
Iron Dome (Israel)
Key Features
• Developer: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
• Operational since: 2011
• Interceptor missile: Tamir
• Range: Up to about 70 km
• Interception altitude: Around 10 km
• Primary purpose: Intercept short-range rockets, artillery shells and drones
• Success rate: Reported above 90%
How It Works
• The system uses advanced radar to detect incoming rockets.
• It calculates the trajectory of the projectile.
• If the rocket is predicted to hit a populated area, a Tamir interceptor missile is launched to destroy it in mid-air.
THAAD – Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (United States)
Key Features
• Developer: Lockheed Martin
• Operational since: 2008
• Engagement range: About 200 km
• Interception altitude: Up to 150 km
• Interceptor speed: More than Mach 8
• Technology: Hit-to-kill kinetic interceptor
How It Works
• THAAD intercepts ballistic missiles during the terminal phase of flight.
• Instead of explosives, it destroys the missile through direct kinetic impact (collision at extremely high speed).
Deployment
• Deployed in several strategic locations including the United States, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
Bavar-373 (Iran)
Key Features
• Developer: Iran’s Defense Ministry
• Operational since: 2019
• Interceptor missile: Sayyad-4
• Engagement range: Up to 200 km
• Interception altitude: Around 27–32 km
• Radar detection range: Around 300 km
Capabilities
• Designed as Iran’s indigenous alternative to Russia’s S-300 air defense system.
• Capable of intercepting fighter aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and some ballistic missiles.
• Iran claims the system can track multiple aerial targets simultaneously and engage several threats using vertically launched missiles.
UPSC/BPSC
Delhi’s First Ring Metro
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first Ring Metro in Delhi.
Key Highlights:
• The Majlis Park–Maujpur-Babarpur corridor completes the circular connectivity of the Delhi Metro Pink Line.
• The newly operational metro stretch is about 12.3 km long.
UPSC/BPSC
Cyber Safety Protocol 2026 – Kerala
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Kerala has introduced the Cyber Safety Protocol 2026, a comprehensive framework aimed at protecting students in the evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI) era.
Key Highlights:
• The initiative has been developed by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE).
• KITE functions as the technology wing of the state’s General Education Department.
• The protocol aims to create a safe digital learning environment in Kerala’s public schools.
UPSC/BPSC
Telangana Gaddar Film Awards
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Rashmika Mandanna won the Best Actress award at the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards for her performance in the Telugu romantic drama “The Girlfriend.”
Key Highlights:
• “The Girlfriend” is a 2025 Telugu-language romantic drama written and directed by Rahul Ravindran.
Background
Telangana Gaddar Film Awards
• These awards were introduced by the Government of Telangana.
• They were instituted in 2025.
• The awards are presented by the Telangana Film Development Corporation.
• They recognise films, actors, directors and technicians for outstanding contributions to Telugu cinema.
UPSC/BPSC
Exercise LAMITIYE 2026
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
An Indian Armed Forces contingent has reached Seychelles to participate in the 11th edition of the Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE 2026 with the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).
Key Highlights:
• The exercise is being conducted at the Seychelles Defence Academy.
• It will take place from 9 March to 20 March 2026.
• This edition is significant because all three services of the Indian Armed Forces – Army, Navy and Air Force – are participating together.
Background
Exercise LAMITIYE
• Exercise LAMITIYE is a joint military exercise between India and Seychelles.
• It aims to enhance military cooperation, interoperability and joint operational capabilities between the two countries.
UPSC/BPSC
International Women’s Day 2026 – Maharashtra
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Maharashtra celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 with various activities including rallies, marathons, vaccination drives and a Guinness World Record Lezim dance in Dombivli.
Key Highlights:
• Events were organized across districts highlighting women’s empowerment under the theme “Give to Gain.”
• 9,111 women and girls from Dombivli and Kalyan performed the traditional Lezim dance simultaneously at the Savalaram Maharaj Sports Complex.
• This performance broke the previous Guinness World Record of 7,338 participants.
UPSC/BPSC
SIPRI Report on Global Arms Imports (2021–2025)
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INTERNATIONAL
Why in News:
According to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India remains the world’s second-largest importer of major arms, accounting for 8.2% of global arms imports between 2021 and 2025.
Key Highlights:
• Despite this position, India recorded a 4% decline in arms imports compared to the 2016–2020 period.
• Globally, arms trade increased by 9.2% between 2021–2025 compared to 2016–2020.
Changing Arms Suppliers for India
• Russia’s share in India’s arms imports declined significantly.(Still highest )
• It fell from 70% in 2011–2015 to 40% in 2021–2025.
• France and Israel emerged as the biggest beneficiaries, increasing their share in India’s arms imports.
• France’s share increased to 29%, while Israel’s share rose to 15%.
Other Global Trends
• Pakistan’s dependence on Chinese arms increased.
• China’s share in Pakistan’s arms imports rose from 73% in 2016–2020 to 80% in 2021–2025.
• China has dropped out of the top 10 arms-importing countries for the first time since the early 1990s, now ranking 21st globally.
UPSC/BPSC
Shah Rukh Khan in Hurun Global Rich List 2026
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NATIONAL
Why in News:
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has made his debut in the Hurun Global Rich List 2026 with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion. The list was released on 5 March 2026 and measures wealth up to 15 January 2026.
Key Highlights:
• Shah Rukh Khan’s estimated net worth is $1.3 billion.
• He is now among the world’s billionaire celebrities.
• This marks a major milestone in his career and financial success.
Major Celebrity Billionaires in Hurun Global Rich List 2026
• Michael Jordan – $3.6 billion
• Jay-Z – $2.8 billion
• Tiger Woods – $1.9 billion
• Taylor Swift – $1.6 billion
• Rihanna – $1.5 billion
• Shah Rukh Khan – $1.3 billion
India’s Position in Hurun Global Rich List 2026
• India ranks third globally in terms of the number of billionaires.
• India has 308 billionaires according to the report.
• China ranks first with 1,110 billionaires.
• The United States ranks second with around 1,000 billionaires.
UPSC/BPSC
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UPSC/BPSC
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