1 Cabinet approves declaration of Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the designation of Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport with effect from March 10, 2026. This will be a significant step for southern Tamil Nadu. Madurai Airport, located in the temple city of Madurai, is one of the oldest airports in the state. It is a major gateway to southern Tamil Nadu and plays a vital role in promoting tourism and pilgrimage, contributing to the overall development of the region. Granting international status to Madurai Airport will strengthen regional connectivity, boost trade, and accelerate economic growth. Furthermore, the airport has the potential to attract international pilgrims and business travelers, befitting the city’s historical prominence.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) until December 2028 and its restructuring (JJM 2.0) . This decision focuses on transforming drinking water supply in rural areas from infrastructure-centric to service-centric , strengthening sustainable governance and institutional ecosystems. The Cabinet approved an increase in the total outlay for the Jal Jeevan Mission to ₹8.69 lakh crore. The total central government support will be ₹3.59 lakh crore, which includes an additional ₹1.51 lakh crore central share, up from ₹2.08 lakh crore approved in 2019-20. Key reforms and new initiatives: – A uniform national digital framework called Sujal Bharat will be created. Every village will receive a unique Sujal Village/Service Area ID , enabling digital mapping of the entire drinking water supply system from source to tap. – To ensure transparency and accountability, a “ Jal Arpan ” program will be launched, involving Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) in the commissioning and formal handover of schemes. – A Gram Panchayat will declare itself “ Har Ghar Jal ” only after the State Government confirms that a proper operation and maintenance system is in place. – “ Jal Utsav ” will be promoted as an annual community-led event, incorporating local cultural values to strengthen water sustainability and collective responsibility. In 2019, only 17% (32.3 million) of rural households had tap water connections. More than 125.6 million additional connections have been provided so far under the JJM. Currently, 158.0 million (81.61%) of the 193.6 million targeted rural households have tap water connections.
3 SIPRI report: India is the second largest arms importer in the world
India is poised to become the world’s second-largest arms importer between 2021 and 2025. According to a report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) , this represents 8.2% of total global arms imports . The report highlights a gradual shift in India’s defense procurement strategy, with the country increasingly purchasing weapons from Western suppliers such as France, Israel, and the United States . However, Russia remains an important defense partner for India. Russia’s share in India’s arms imports has steadily declined over time . According to the SIPRI report, Russia’s share in India’s arms imports was approximately 70% between 2011 and 2015. This share declined to 51% between 2016 and 2020 and further to 40% between 2021 and 2025. Top 5 Importers (2021-25) : Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan . Ukraine’s imports have increased due to the ongoing war with Russia.
4 Denmark has eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
On February 27, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) certified Denmark as the first country in the European Union to have eliminated mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of both HIV and syphilis . Denmark met stringent international targets for EMTCT between 2021 and 2024, including: Infection rate : Keeping new infections in newborns to less than 50 per 100,000 live births. Testing and treatment : Ensuring that at least 95% of pregnant women are tested and receive necessary treatment. Universal care : Providing free or low-cost antenatal screening and care through its universal health system. Global status : Denmark now joins more than 20 countries and territories, including Botswana, Malaysia, and Cuba, that have achieved similar recognition by the WHO. Triple elimination goal : Denmark is now working towards achieving ” triple elimination ” by adding hepatitis B to its list of certified infection-free countries .
5 DRDO and Indian Navy conduct successful in-flight release test of indigenous ADC-150
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy jointly conducted four successful in-flight release tests of the indigenous air-droppable container ADC-150 from a P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa . These tests were conducted between February 21 and March 1, 2026. This air-droppable container has been designed and developed to deliver a payload of 150 kg . It will enhance the Navy’s operational logistics capabilities in providing critical stores, equipment, and medical assistance to distressed naval ships deployed in the open sea away from the coast . The Ministry of Defence stated in a statement that the ADC-150 system for the P8I aircraft was developed and certified in a short time to meet the Indian Navy’s requirements. All developmental flight tests have been successfully completed. The system is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy soon. The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, is the nodal laboratory for this activity. The Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, developed the parachute system, and the Military Airworthiness and Certification Centre, Bengaluru, provided flight clearance and certification. The Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, provided instrumentation support for the trials.
6 Indonesia to buy BrahMos missiles from India
On March 9 , Indonesia signed an agreement with India to purchase the BrahMos missile . The Indonesian Defense Ministry disclosed the details of the agreement. The BrahMos missile is manufactured by a co-owned company between India and Russia . This deal with Indonesia is expected to be worth $200 million to $350 million , or approximately ₹1,600 to ₹2,900 crore (approximately ₹1,600 to ₹2,900 crore ). This Indonesia-India agreement is part of the modernization of defense capabilities. India previously shipped BrahMos missiles to the Philippines on April 19, 2024. This deal aims to strengthen the India-Indonesia defense partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. The BrahMos missile will help Indonesia improve security around its vast maritime territory and sea lanes. India signed a $375 million (₹3,130 crore) deal with the Philippines in January 2022 to sell the BrahMos missile. Each BrahMos system consists of two missile launchers, a radar, and a command and control center. India will also provide training to Philippines to operate missiles.
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has taken a historic step towards realizing Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ‘s vision of a ‘ Digital Uttar Pradesh ‘. The Uttar Pradesh government has launched Project Ganga , which aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to over 20 lakh rural households in the next two to three years . The initiative focuses on enhancing digital connectivity in villages and semi-urban areas as well as creating new employment opportunities. For the implementation of this project, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the State Transformation Commission and One OTT Entertainment Limited, a subsidiary of the Hinduja Group.
8 Rashmika Mandanna bags Best Actress honour at 8th Gaddar Telangana Film Awards 2025
Rashmika Mandanna has received the Best Actress award at the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards . She was given this honour for her brilliant performance in the Telugu romantic drama film The Girlfriend . Her powerful and emotional character in the film received appreciation from both audiences and critics. This award is part of the Telangana Government-supported film awards, which are given to recognize outstanding achievements in Telugu cinema. Telangana Gaddar Film Awards are prestigious awards instituted by the Telangana Government, aimed at honoring artistes and technicians for their outstanding contribution to Telugu cinema. These awards were instituted in the year 2025 and are presented by the Telangana Film Development Corporation.
9 In Madagascar, military ruler Colonel Michel Randrianirina dismissed the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Madagascar ‘s military ruler, Colonel Michel Randrianirina, has dismissed the Prime Minister and the entire Cabinet, dissolving the government . The government has ceased operations and a new Prime Minister will be appointed in accordance with constitutional provisions. No explanation has been given for the decision. Randrianirina seized power last October, following weeks of youth-led protests that forced former President Andry Rajoelina to step down amid power and water shortages. Randrianirina has promised to hold elections within two years.
On March 10, Peter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the country’s largest airline IndiGo, resigned from his post . The company informed about this in a regulatory filing. After Elbers’ resignation, the company’s founder and managing director Rahul Bhatia will be the interim CEO and will take charge of the airline. Peter took over as CEO of IndiGo in September 2022. Before joining IndiGo, Peter was the CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from 2014-2022. After Peter’s resignation, the airline will appoint a new CEO after a board selection process. Three months ago, IndiGo’s flight operations suddenly saw many flights cancelled, during which around 3 lakh passengers were stranded.
11 Australia grants asylum to 7 Iranian footballers
On March 10 , Australia granted humanitarian visas to seven players from the Iranian women’s football team, allowing them to stay in the country . Last week, the Iranian team did not sing its national anthem before the match against South Korea . Some people in Iran criticized the team for not singing the national anthem and demanded strict punishment for them. The team consisted of 26 players and staff, but currently only seven players have sought asylum. Humanitarian visas are granted in exceptional circumstances such as serious illness, war, human rights violations, or persecution.
12 CISF Raising Day 2026
CISF Raising Day is celebrated every year on March 10th in India . This day commemorates the establishment of the Central Industrial Security Force and honors the dedication, bravery, and service of CISF personnel who protect the country’s critical infrastructure. CISF was established in 1969 under the CISF Act, 1968. Today, the force is one of India’s premier Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is noteworthy that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was formed in 1968 under the 50th Act of Parliament. From its humble beginnings with only 3,129 personnel, the force has grown to a massive force of 2.20 lakh personnel, deployed in almost all states of the country. The force is responsible for the security of the country’s major industrial establishments, airports, metro networks, ports, and other critical infrastructure.