Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 9th March 2026

Kharg Island:

The United States is considering seizing Iran’s Kharg Island to choke off the regime’s oil revenues, a US official has suggested.

• It is a small coral island in Iran in the northern Persian Gulf.
• This island is unique because it is one of the few islands in the Persian Gulf with freshwater, which has collected within the porous limestone.
• The island experiences hot and humid summers, and its highest point is Mount Didehban.
• The discovery of an offshore oil field in the waters around Kharg in the early 1960s stimulated the development of the island as a site for major petroleum and petrochemical installations.
• Connection by pipelines to the underwater oil fields, as well as to the oil fields in Khuzistan province, transformed Kharg into Iran’s largest oil-loading terminal by the early 1970s.
• Its strategic significance lies in its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil passage.

Human Metapneumovirus:

The highly contagious human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is spreading rapidly across the West Coast of the United States, becoming a major cause of concern for the authorities.

• It is a respiratory virus belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
• It causes symptoms similar to the common cold.
• The virus is highly contagious. HMPV most likely spreads from an infected person to others through:
  • the air by coughing and sneezing
  • close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes
• Symptoms:
  • Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
  • In some people, these symptoms may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia.
  • The symptoms of HMPV can be similar to symptoms from other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections.
  • The majority of the cases are mild, but people with the highest risk of severe illness include young children, older adults, and those who are immunocompromised.
• Treatment:
  • There is no vaccine, and there is no specific antiviral to treat HMPV.
  • Treatment primarily aims at managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Stenothoe lowryi:

For the first time, a rare marine amphipod, a shrimp-like species, named Stenothoe lowryi was found in Indian water at Arjyapalli in Ganjam district by marine science researchers of Berhampur University.

• Stenothoe lowryi is a rare marine amphipod.
• This shrimp-like crustacean, previously known only from Malaysian shores, was detected for the first time in India during a targeted survey at Aryjapalli Beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
• It belongs to the family Stenothoidae within the order Amphipoda.
• Amphipods are a type of small crustacean.
• They are members of the invertebrate order Amphipoda, inhabiting all parts of the sea, lakes, rivers, sand beaches, caves, and moist (warm) habitats on many tropical islands.
• They are related to crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.
• The name ‘amphipoda’ means “different-footed.”
• This is because they have many different kinds of legs.
• Unlike some other crustaceans, their legs are not all the same.

Narcotics Control Bureau:

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has dismantled a pan-India drug distribution network operating under the name Team Kalki.

• Narcotics Control Bureau is the nodal drug law enforcement and intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
• It was constituted under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act).
• Functions of Narcotics Control Bureau:
  • Coordination among various Central and State Agencies engaged in drug law enforcement;
  • Assisting States in enhancing their drug law enforcement effort;
  • Collection and dissemination of intelligence;
  • Analysis of seizure data, study of trends and modus operandi;
  • Preparation of National Drug Enforcement Statistics;
  • Liaison with International agencies such as UNDCP, INCB, INTERPOL, Customs Cooperation Council, RILO etc;
  • National contact point for intelligence and investigations
• It also functions as an enforcement agency through its zonal offices.
• The zonal offices collect and analyse data related to seizures of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, study trends, modus operandi, collect and disseminate intelligence, and work in close cooperation with the Customs, State Police, and other law enforcement agencies.
• Headquarters: New Delhi

Kheybar Shekan Missile:

Iran’s IRGC claimed it targeted Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and an air force command centre using Kheybar Shekan missiles recently.

• Kheybar Shekan Missile is Iran’s latest long-range solid-fuel ballistic missile.
• The name means “breaker of Khayber” in Arabic, a reference to the Battle of Khayber in Arab history.
• It is the fourth generation of the Khorramshahr missile family.
• It has a range of 1,450 kilometers.
• It is powered by a locally developed ‘Arond’ engine integrated within its fuel tank to minimise length and enhance camouflage.
• It uses solid fuel. This allows for faster launch preparation, easier storage, and better concealment, key advantages in modern missile warfare.
• Its aerodynamic design reduces air drag, helping it evade radar detection.

Proba-3 Mission:

The European Space Agency (Esa) has lost contact with one of the two spacecraft powering its Proba-3 mission.

• Proba-3 Mission is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) first mission dedicated to precision formation flying.
• It is the innovative mission which will demonstrate precision formation flying between two satellites to create an artificial eclipse, revealing new views of the Sun’s faint corona.
• Objective is to create an artificial eclipse by precisely coordinating two independent satellites. This capability will enable scientists to observe the Sun’s corona, a region typically obscured by the intense brightness of the Sun.
• It consists of two small satellites: a Coronagraph spacecraft and a solar-disc-shaped Occulter spacecraft.
• By flying in tight formation about 150 metres apart, the Occulter will precisely cast its shadow onto the Coronagraph’s telescope, blocking the Sun’s direct light.
• This will allow the Coronagraph to image the faint solar corona in visible, ultraviolet and polarised light for many hours at a time.
• It will provide new insights into the origins of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — eruptions of solar material that can disrupt satellites and power grids on Earth.
• The mission will also measure total solar irradiance, tracking changes in the Sun’s energy output that may influence Earth’s climate.

ASMITA Initiative:

The Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports launch the nationwide athletics league at 250 locations across the subcontinent under the ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action) programme.

• ASMITA Initiative was started in 2021.
• It is part of Khelo India’s gender-neutral mission to promote sports among women through leagues and competitions.
• ASMITA leagues not only aim to increase the participation of women in sports but also to utilize the leagues as a platform for the identification of new talent across the length and breadth of India.
• It is an affirmative action in sports for increasing women’s participation.
• Objective: Inclusive and grassroots-driven sports development.
• The Khelo India ASMITA league is a core component of the ‘Khelo Bharat Niti,’ promoting sports for nation-building and women’s empowerment.
• The Sports Authority of India (SAI) supports National Sports Federations in conducting Khelo India women’s leagues across multiple age groups at both zonal and national levels.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Khelo India:

• It is a flagship Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.
• It is aimed at promoting mass participation and sporting excellence.
• Khelo India Games have been declared an ‘Event of National Importance’ in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007.

International Women’s Day 2026:

India observed International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8th March 2026, aligned with the United Nations theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”The occasion highlighted Nari Shakti as the foundation of India’s shift from “development for women” to “women-led development,” positioning women as key drivers of socio-economic progress toward Viksit Bharat 2047.

• IWD is a global observance celebrated annually on 8th March to honor the cultural, political, and socio-economic achievements of women.
• The day grew out of the labor and suffrage movements in North America and Europe during the early 20th century.
• The first National Women’s Day was observed in the US by the Socialist Party of America in 1909.
• The specific date commemorates a massive strike by women in Petrograd, Russia, on 8th March 1917 (according to the Gregorian calendar).
• Their strike for “bread and peace” played a significant role in the Russian Revolution of 1917 and eventually led to women gaining the right to vote there.
• The United Nations first officially observed it on 8th March 1975 during International Women’s Year, and the United Nations General Assembly formally recognised the day in 1977, reinforcing gender equality as a fundamental human right.
• Themes for 2026:
  • UN Theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” focusing on removing systemic barriers and strengthening global access to justice.
  • Campaign Theme: “Give to Gain,” which emphasizes that when communities generously invest resources, time, and mentorship into women, society as a whole experiences reciprocal economic and social growth.

Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2026:

On Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2026 (7th March), celebrated under the theme “Janaushadhi Sasti Bhi, Bharosemand Bhi, Sehat Ki Baat, Bachat Ke Saath,” the Prime Minister highlighted the role of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in reducing medicine costs for millions of people.

• PMBJP is a flagship scheme administered by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
• It aims to make quality generic medicines and surgical items affordable (50–80% lower cost) for all, especially the economically disadvantaged, by significantly reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure.
• It was originally launched in 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, and was rebranded and expanded in 2016 as PMBJP.
• he scheme has a wide range, offering approximately 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical items/consumables across 29 therapeutic categories (including anti-cancer, cardiovascular, and anti-diabetic drugs).
• Medicines are procured only from World Health Organization’s Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified manufacturers and are tested in National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited labs, ensuring quality is not compromised for affordability.
• Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins: Introduced in 2019, these oxo-biodegradable napkins are sold at a highly subsidized rate of Rs 1 per pad to promote menstrual hygiene.
• Jan Aushadhi Sugam App: A digital governance tool launched in 2019 that provides geo-location of Kendras, medicine availability, and a price comparison feature to show savings versus branded alternatives.
• The scheme uses a franchise-based model to expand its reach. A key feature is the provision of special one-time incentives up to Rs 2 lakh (for furniture, fixtures, and computer equipment) to encourage entrepreneurs from specific groups, including women, SC/ST, Divyangjan, and ex-servicemen.

LaBL 2.0 (Lighting a Billion Lives 2.0):

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) launched LaBL 2.0 (Lighting a Billion Lives 2.0) in New Delhi to expand decentralized renewable energy solutions across India.

• LaBL 2.0 is a next-generation decentralised renewable energy (DRE) programme aimed at expanding clean energy access while enabling productive rural livelihoods and climate action.
• It builds upon the earlier Lighting a Billion Lives initiative (launched in 2008) that focused on providing solar lighting solutions to off-grid communities.
• Launched By: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
• Aim:
  • To expand clean and decentralized renewable energy access in rural and underserved regions.
  • To promote green livelihoods and women-led enterprises.
  • To integrate climate finance, carbon markets, and sustainable development goals into grassroots energy projects.

Jal Mahotsav 2026:

The Union Minister of Jal Shakti launched the nationwide Jal Mahotsav 2026 campaign from Gujarat on International Women’s Day (8th March), also observed as “Sujalam Shakti Diwas”.

• Jal Mahotsav 2026 is a flagship campaign by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, observed annually from 8th to 22nd March. Its tagline is “Gaon ka Utsav, Desh ka Mahotsav” (Village’s festival, nation’s festival).
• It aims to strengthen community participation in rural drinking water management and promote water conservation under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
• Jal Arpan Diwas: The commencement was marked by Jal Arpan Diwas, a ceremony involving the formal handing over of rural drinking water assets to Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs).
• Jal Bandhan and Jal Sankalp: Activities like Jal Bandhan (tying sacred threads at water infrastructure sites) and Jal Sankalp (a pledge for water conservation) were undertaken to reaffirm the community’s collective commitment to protecting and maintaining village water systems.
• Jal Mahotsav is structured at four levels—National, State, District, and Gram Panchayat—to ensure coordinated action.
• At Gram Panchayat level, activities include ‘Har Ghar Jal’ declarations, ‘Jal Chaupal’ dialogues, water quality testing demonstrations in schools, and the preparation of ‘Lok Jal Utsav’ calendars.
• The campaign highlighted the transformative role of women in water governance. E.g., over 24 lakh women are actively engaged in water quality testing using Field Testing Kits (FTKs).
• The campaign also recognized the leadership of women pump operators, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) members, and VWSC members, acknowledging that access to tap water has reduced the burden of fetching water.

Raisen Fort:

Police in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district recently arrested four youths after a video showing cannon firing from the hilltop ASI-protected Raisen Fort and alleged slogans referring to war-prone countries surfaced on social media.Raisen Fort is located on a sandstone hill in Raisen town, it is one of the most prominent forts in Madhya Pradesh.Built in the 11th century, the Raisen Fort has witnessed the rule of:Local Hindu chieftains,Sultans of Mandu,Mughals under Akbar (Raisen was a Sarkar headquarters in the Ujjain Subah),Nawabs of Bhopal, including Fiaz Mohammad Khan, who occupied the fort around 1760 and was later acknowledged by Emperor Alamgir II as Faujdar of Raisen.It is one of the largest forts in Central India.
The fort has a massive stone wall pierced with nine gateways.Adorned with a large courtyard and a beautiful pool in the middle, the Raisen Fort has four palaces, namely Badal Mahal, Rohini Mahal, Itradaan Mahal & Hawa Mahal, within its boundaries.It also houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a shrine dedicated to Muslim saint Hazrat Peer Fatehullah Shah Baba, making it a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic heritage.

Precision Strike Missile (PrSM):

The United States reportedly used the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) for the first time in combat during strikes on Iran amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

• The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a long-range, surface-to-surface precision-guided missile designed for deep-strike operations against enemy targets such as air defenses, command centers, and logistics hubs.
• It is intended to replace the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) used by the United States.
• Developed by: Lockheed Martin (USA) for the United States Army as part of its modernization of long-range strike capabilities.
• Aim:
  • To provide the US Army with enhanced long-range precision strike capability.
  • To improve the range, accuracy, and firepower of ground-based missile systems while maintaining compatibility with existing launch platforms.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced Open Market Operation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced Open Market Operation (OMO) purchases worth Rs 1 lakh crore in two tranches to infuse liquidity into the banking system.The OMO purchases of Rs 50,000 crore each are scheduled just ahead of advance tax outflows, which typically see approximately Rs 2 lakh crore exiting the banking system in mid-March. This strategic timing aims to neutralize the liquidity crunch. OMO is a quantitative instruments of monetary policy that involves the buying and selling of government securities (G-Secs), including dated securities and treasury bills.Purchase of securities injects liquidity into the banking system (expansionary effect), while sale of securities absorbs liquidity (contractionary effect), thereby influencing the money supply.RBI conducts OMOs through auctions or direct market operations involving primary dealers, commercial banks, and other eligible participants via the electronic platform, the E-Kuber system.

India Wins the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026:

The India national cricket team won the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Twenty20 World Cup 2026, defeating New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This is India’s largest victory margin in T20 World Cup history.Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match, and Sanju Samson won Player of the Tournament.India’s national cricket team became the first team to win three ICC Men’s T20 World Cup titles (2007, 2024, 2026), the first to successfully defend the trophy, and the first to win the tournament on home soil.

Nirbhaya Nisha Initiative:

The Kerala Police has announced the launch of the Nirbhaya Nisha initiative to enhance the safety of women travelling at night across the state.Nirbhaya Nisha is a women’s safety initiative launched by the Kerala Police to provide immediate assistance to women travelling at night.
It focuses on strengthening night-time policing, emergency response, and digital safety mechanisms.Women can seek assistance through the 112 national emergency helpline during night hours.The Kerala Police Pol-App includes an SOS feature enabling instant distress alerts to the police.The initiative operates specifically between 9 PM and 5 AM.