1 Highway Entry Online Portal Simplifies Permission Process for Setting Up Facilities Along National Highways: Government
The government said the process for obtaining necessary permissions to set up petrol pumps, restaurants or restrooms along national highways has been simplified through the Highway Entry online portal . The portal was launched last month by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. The platform allows the government and private sector to obtain approvals for laying water and gas pipelines, optical fiber cables and power lines along national highways.
2 APEDA assists in the first export of GI-tagged Joha rice from Assam to UK and Italy
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry , Government of India, facilitated the first export consignment of 25 metric tonnes of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged Joha rice from Assam to the UK and Italy . The consignment was dispatched on March 12, 2026, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department of the Government of Assam. Joha rice , an aromatic variety indigenous to Assam, received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017. Known for its distinctive aroma, fine grained texture, and rich flavor, this rice is gaining recognition in domestic and international premium markets.
3 Demo Day of C-DOT’s ‘Samarth’ Incubation Programme Cohort-II organised
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) , an autonomous telecom research and development institute under the Department of Telecommunications, successfully organized the Demo Day of Cohort II of the ‘ Samarth ‘ Incubation Program on March 12, 2026 , at the NBCC Convention Hall in New Delhi . Launched in March 2025 , the ‘Samarth’ program is a cutting-edge incubation initiative for startups in the telecom and ICT sector . It is structured in two six-month cohorts, with each cohort comprising 18 startups. The initiative aims to support a total of 36 startups. Startups under the program are encouraged to innovate in areas such as telecom applications, cybersecurity, 5G/6G technologies, artificial intelligence, IoT, and quantum technology. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE were partnered for the program’s implementation.
4 Operation Epic Fury
The United States launched a major military operation against Iran in February 2026, Operation Epic Fury . This operation, conducted in collaboration with Israel, has significantly escalated tensions in the Middle East. Its objective is to destroy Iran’s missile production, naval, and security infrastructure. Under the orders of the US President, this operation, conducted by Central Command (CENTCOM), is conducting targeted strikes to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and eliminate regional threats.
Fitch Ratings, a leading global credit rating agency, has raised its GDP growth forecast for India for the fiscal year 2025-26 from 7.4 percent to 7.5 percent . The agency stated that although there has been some temporary decline in economic activity in the last two months, domestic demand remains strong and the economy is in a robust state. The agency stated that domestic demand will drive growth, with consumer spending expected to grow by 8.6 percent and investment by 6.9 percent in the current fiscal year.
6 Microsoft Office executive Rajesh Jha resigns
On March 12 , Microsoft Office executive Rajesh Jha resigned from his post. Rajesh Jha announced his retirement after a 35-year career. Jha is known for developing Microsoft Cloud Services and Microsoft 365. Rajesh Jha will leave his post on July 1, 2026. After retirement, Jha will remain with Microsoft as an advisor. Jha has been the Vice President of Microsoft Exchange, SharePoint, and Outlook.
7 Mayank Chakravarthy from Assam became India’s 94th Grandmaster, the first player from the state to achieve this feat.
India has created history in chess . International Master Mayank Chakravarty of Assam has become a Grandmaster . Mayank is the state’s first Grandmaster . Mayank achieved the final norm in Sweden, becoming India’s 94th Grandmaster .
8 Former All India Football Federation general secretary Kushal Das passes away
