1 India presented its seventh national report to the Convention on Biological Diversity
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has submitted India’s Seventh National Report (NR-7) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) , reaffirming India’s commitment to the Convention’s three objectives: conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. The NR-7 report presents a comprehensive, indicator-based national assessment, consistent with India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2024-2030) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The report is based on 142 national indicators against 23 National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) . The assessment incorporates coordinated inputs from 33 central ministries/departments, state governments, statutory authorities, research institutions, and other stakeholders. India has significantly strengthened its biodiversity-enhancing landscape and marine landscape planning. The recorded forest area is 775,377 square km (23.59 percent of the geographical area), of which forest cover is 520,365 square km (15.83 percent) . Total forest and tree cover has reached 827,356.95 square km (25.17 percent), reflecting continued spatial planning integration. The number of notified Ramsar wetlands of international importance has increased from 26 in 2014 to 98 by 2026. India’s conservation network now includes 58 tiger reserves, 33 elephant reserves, 18 biosphere reserves, 106 national parks, and 574 wildlife sanctuaries . India is home to 3,682 tigers (over 70 percent of the global tiger population). According to the first snow leopard population estimation, India has 4,014 one-horned rhinoceros, 22,446 wild elephants, 891 Asiatic lions and about 718 snow leopards . Under Project Dolphin, the first river dolphin population estimation report has been finalized and released, which shows a population of 6,327 river dolphins in the country. India has documented 2 agro-biodiversity hotspots and prioritized the conservation of 171 indigenous crops and 230 native animal breeds, 769 cultivated wild plants (CWR) based on their diversity, uniqueness and agricultural heritage .
2 renowned writers Mamta Kalia and Navtej Sarna received the Sahitya Akademi Award for 2025
The Sahitya Akademi announced the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 in 24 Indian languages . These awards, recommended by the distinguished jury members, were approved by the competent authority of the Sahitya Akademi. All awards will be presented in New Delhi on the 31st of this month. This year, eight poetry collections, four novels, six short stories, and two essays will be honored with the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025. In addition, one literary criticism, one autobiography, and two memoirs have also been selected. Renowned writer Mamta Kalia will be honored for her Hindi memoir, “Jeete Ji Allahabad.” Renowned diplomat Navtej Sarna will receive the award for his English novel, “Crimson Spring.” Pritpal Singh Betab ‘s Urdu poem, “Safar Jari Hai,” will also be honored. Other authors selected for the awards include Debabrata Das, Prasun Bandyopadhyay, Khajur Singh Thakur, and Yogesh Vaidya.
3 Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘One Battle After Another’ won three Best Picture awards.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony concluded at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles . Comedian and television presenter Conan O’Brien hosted the Oscars for the second consecutive year. The Best Picture award went to Leonardo DiCaprio ‘s film ‘ One Battle After Another ‘. Paul Thomas Anderson won the Best Director award for the same film . The Best Actor award went to Michael B. Jordan for ‘ Sinners’ . The Best Actress award went to Jessie Buckley for her performance in ‘ Hamnet ‘ . The Oscar for Best Original Song went to the song ‘Golden’ by K-pop band Demon Hunters. Indian actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, along with Oscar winner Javier Bardem, presented the Best International Feature Film award.
4 places in India included in TIME Greatest Places of 2026
On March 16 , Time magazine released its list of the 100 Greatest Places of 2026. Four locations in India were included in the list . The list was compiled based on feedback from international writers and reporters, prioritizing hotels and museums that offer new and exciting experiences. Places on the list:
Jodhpur’s Mhaaro Khet : Mhaaro Khet is built on a 40-acre regenerative farm. The complex features 10 luxury suites that bring guests closer to nature and agriculture. Guests at Mhaaro Khet can enjoy cooking lessons and farm walks, along with picking their own vegetables.
Shakti Prana Lodge : Located in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand, Shakti Prana Lodge was also included in the Times’ list. Perched at an altitude of 7,000 feet, this retreat is accessible only by foot. Shakti Prana Lodge has just 7 solar-powered suites, offering stunning views of the Nanda Devi and Panchachuli peaks.
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace : Nestled in the Manigarh Hills of Madhya Pradesh, The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace is a lavish resort built from the restored 350-year-old residence of the Bundela dynasty.
AABBCC Bar : Located in Vasant Vihar, Delhi, the AABBCC Bar is a modern museum of drinks. AABBCC began as a lab where unique products like herbs and honey are used to innovate drinks. It also serves unique cocktails like the Baingan Bharta.
5 Postal Department to launch ’24 Speed Post’ service, guaranteeing next-day delivery in six cities
The Indian Postal Department is launching the ” 24 Speed Post ” service from March 17, 2026. This service will ensure prompt and timely delivery of parcels and documents with guaranteed next-day delivery . The first phase of the “24 Speed Post” service will be available in six major cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Parcels sent under this service will be delivered the same day. The new “24” and “48” Speed Post services will ensure D+1 and D+2 delivery timelines, respectively, through dedicated processing windows and priority air transportation. This will provide fast and reliable delivery to customers. These services will also include features such as OTP-based secure delivery, end-to-end tracking with SMS alerts, BNPL facility for business customers, free pickup for bulk bookings, API integration, and centralized billing.
6 India hosted the BIMSTEC Young Professionals Exchange Programme in Maharashtra from March 9 to 15
India hosted the BIMSTEC Young Professionals Exchange Programme in Maharashtra from March 9 to 15. The programme aimed to promote knowledge exchange , strengthen collaboration, and introduce India’s rapidly growing innovation, startup, knowledge, research, and technology ecosystem. The Ministry of External Affairs said the programme brought together 30 young innovators, technology developers, entrepreneurs, and other professionals from BIMSTEC member countries . The programme was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit .
7 Jannik Sinner of Italy defeated Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the final of the Indian Wells Open tennis tournament.
Italy’s Jannik Sinner has won the title of the Indian Wells Open Tennis Tournament held at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, California by defeating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the final . World number two Sinner won his first title in this tournament by defeating Medvedev for the ninth time in the last 10 meetings. World number one Aryna Sabalenka won her first Indian title by defeating Elena Rybakina in the women ‘s singles final .
8 Former Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed retires from international cricket
On March 16 , former Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed announced his retirement from international cricket . Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz made his international debut in November 2007 in an ODI against India in Jaipur . Sarfraz captained Pakistan in 100 international matches, including 50 ODIs, 37 T20 Internationals, and 13 Tests. Under Sarfraz’s captaincy, Pakistan reached number one in the T20 International rankings and set a world record for winning 11 consecutive T20 series . Sarfraz has 6164 runs across all three formats, including six centuries and 35 half-centuries. Under Sarfraz’s captaincy, Pakistan won the ICC title after eight years by defeating India by 180 runs in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy . Sarfraz also led the team to victory in the 2006 Under-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka , defeating India in the final. Sarfaraz was honored with the Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan in 2018. He is the youngest Pakistani captain to receive this honor.
9 National Vaccination Day
National Vaccination Day is celebrated every year on March 16th in India . This day commemorates the crucial role of vaccination in protecting children’s health . Vaccines have saved the lives of millions of children worldwide and eliminated or completely controlled many dangerous diseases. Among the vaccines given at birth, the first is the BCG vaccine, which protects against tuberculosis (TB). The second is the oral polio vaccine (OPV). This is the first oral dose, protects against the poliovirus, and has no common side effects. The third is hepatitis B, which helps prevent viral liver infections. Redness and mild pain may occur at the injection site. Vaccines for a 6-week-old baby include OPV-1, Pentavalent-1, Rotavirus Vaccine-1, and PCV-1. These vaccines protect against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, Hib, rotavirus (severe diarrhea), pneumonia, meningitis, and polio. Vaccines for a 10-week-old child include Pentavalent-2, OPV-2, and Rotavirus Vaccine-2. Vaccines for a 14-week-old child include Pentavalent-3, OPV-3, Rotavirus Vaccine-3, and PCV-2. These doses provide long-term protection against many diseases. Vaccines for a 9-12-month-old child include Measles-Rubella (MR)-1, Japanese Encephalitis (JE-1), and a PCV booster to prevent fever, rash, and complications from measles-rubella. JE-1 prevents a serious brain disease spread by mosquitoes. Vaccines for a 16-24-month-old child include MR-1, JE-2, DPT Booster-1, and an OPV Booster. These booster vaccines strengthen the protection of previously administered vaccines. Vaccines for a 5-6-year-old child include DPT Booster-2, which is required before school. Additionally, children between the ages of 10 and 16 are required to receive a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine – one dose each at each age. This protects against tetanus and diphtheria, which can be contracted through wounds.
On March 13th , senior Bollywood actress Madhu Malhotra passed away at the age of 72. Madhu had worked in films like Satta Pe Satta, Karz, Hero . She passed away in Mumbai. Madhu Malhotra started her acting career in 1975 with the Ramsay Brothers’ horror film “Andhera.” After this, she played the role of Amitabh Bachchan’s sister in Shakti Samanta’s film “The Great Gambler.” In the film Karz, she played the character of Pinky. In the film Aas Paas, she was seen with Prem Chopra.