All Months
UPSC Current Affairs — March 2026
1029 articles across 10 categories for UPSC preparation.
1029 articles across 10 categories for UPSC preparation.
The U.S. and Israel’s strike on Iran on 28 Feb 2026 sparked a regional war, with analysts warning the conflict would endure as long as Iran’s missiles…
High‑resolution satellite imagery from Planet Labs and other agencies has exposed extensive damage to Iranian ports and U.S./allied military installat…
Chainalysis reports that Russia‑ and Iran‑linked groups are using cryptocurrency to purchase low‑cost military drones and parts via e‑commerce sites, …
On 31 March 2026, the Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 1,950 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited for two indigenous Mountain Radars, designe…
The Indian Navy has taken delivery of the fourth and final <span class="key-term" data-definition="Survey Vessel (Large) — a class of naval ships equi…
On 30 March 2026, the Ministry of Defence handed over the indigenous stealth frigate INS Dunagiri (Project 17A) to the Indian Navy at GRSE, Kolkata, m…
On 31 March 2026, the Ministry of Defence launched the first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Shachi’ at Goa Shipyard Limited, marking the star…
On 31 March 2026, the Indian Navy received ‘Malwan’, the second indigenous Anti‑Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard Limited…
The SIPRI report released on 9 March 2026 shows a 9.2 % rise in global arms transfers between 2021‑2025, the sharpest increase since 2011‑2015. This s…
On 30 March 2026, Iran confirmed that an Israeli airstrike killed IRGC naval commander Alireza Tangsiri, who was accused of orchestrating the mining a…
India’s heavy reliance on imported energy, food inputs and manufacturing intermediates has exposed acute supply‑chain risks, especially after recent W…
On 30 March 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that Maoist insurgency has been largely eradicated in Bastar, citing past casualties and pov…
On 30 March 2026, Chief Justice Surya Kant addressed troops at Leh, stressing that justice must reach soldiers in remote areas. He highlighted the Vee…
Former CRPF chief K. Vijay Kumar says that both Congress and BJP governments have pursued a consistent counter‑Maoist strategy, intensified after 2010…
On 29 March 2026, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the United States is secretly planning a ground attack despite diplom…
On 29 March 2026, U.S.-Israeli forces struck the quay at Bandar Khamir near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, killing five and injuring four, as reporte…
On 29 March 2026, Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched missile and drone strikes on aluminium plants in Bahrain and the UAE, citing retaliation for a …
On 29 March 2026, <strong>Kim Jong Un</strong> oversaw a high‑thrust <span class="key-term" data-definition="Solid‑fuel engine — Rocket propulsion sys…
On 29 March 2026, Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that it would target U.S. university campuses in West Asia unless the United States officially con…
The Pentagon is drafting plans for limited ground raids on Iran’s strategic oil hub, Kharg Island, and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz, though…
On 28 March 2026, the <span class="key-term" data-definition="USS Tripoli — a United States Navy amphibious assault ship (LHA) designed to launch and …
On 27 March 2026, the Indian Navy hosted the IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX) TTX 2026 at Kochi, bringing together 12 IONS member navies and IOS SAGAR of…
On 29 March 2026, <strong>Kim Jong Un</strong> oversaw the ground test of a 2,500 kN solid‑fuel rocket engine, inspected a new main battle tank with a…
On 28 March 2026, Iran‑backed Houthi rebels launched a missile at Israel, marking their first direct strike in the West Asia war. The incident, couple…
A coordinated strike by the <span class="key-term" data-definition="United States — A global superpower with extensive diplomatic, military, and econo…
On 27 March 2026, a Delhi court extended the National Investigation Agency's probe into the 10 November 2025 Red Fort blast by another 45 days, citing…
The 13th edition of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Global Terrorism Index — an annual data‑driven report that ranks countries based on th…
The Union government has approved a ₹31,000 crore project to fence the 1,643‑km India‑Myanmar border, with 30 km already completed, aiming to curb cro…
On 27 March 2026, India’s Defence Ministry signed a ₹445 crore contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport for Tunguska short‑range air‑defence missile sys…
On 27 March 2026, Israel launched air strikes on targets in Tehran just before a UN Security Council meeting on civilian‑infrastructure attacks, while…
On March 17, 2026, the U.S. embassy in Baghdad was targeted by a swarm of drones, prompting intense air‑defence fire that intercepted several of the i…
India must overhaul its defence‑industrial and procurement systems to bridge the capability gap with China. By focusing on critical enabling layers—C2…
On 26 March 2026, the Indian Navy’s guided‑missile frigate INS Trikand docked in Maputo, Mozambique, to boost maritime cooperation under the MAHASAGAR…
The Indian Navy’s sail training ship <strong>INS Sudarshini</strong> arrived in Sète, France on 26 March 2026 to take part in the ‘Escale à Sète’ tall…
On 27 March 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, gave Acceptance of Necessity to proposals worth Rs 2.38 …
The Indian Navy wrapped up a two‑week harbour training for personnel from 16 friendly navies under the IOS SAGAR initiative at Kochi, enhancing intero…
Iran’s Parliament is drafting a bill to formalise transit fees for ships in the Strait of Hormuz, framing it as a sovereignty and revenue measure. Con…
On 26 March 2026, Israel announced the killing of IRGC Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri in an overnight strike, part of a wider US‑Israel campaign against …
Iran has begun charging ships passing the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Strategic waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman; v…
On 26 March 2026 Israel bombed Tehran, while the United States presented a 15‑point ceasefire and sanctions‑relief plan contingent on Iran abandoning …
In early March 2026, Iraq’s Kurdistan Region faced a surge of drone and missile attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and allied militia…
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) is now in its sunset phase, having approved over 39,000 proje…
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a five‑year extension (2026‑2031) of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registrati…
On 25 March 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a MoD Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting to review the Border Roads Organisation's …
The Bureau of Indian Standards issued Indian Standard 19445:2025 on 24 December 2025, setting performance and safety requirements for bomb disposal sy…
Defence Minister <strong>Shri Rajnath Singh</strong> reviewed the West Asia conflict and its implications for India’s defence preparedness, directing …
The Supreme Court dismissed a habeas corpus petition challenging the NSA detention of Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk after the Union Government revoke…
A civilian employee of the Indian Air Force stationed in Assam was arrested on 22 March 2026 for allegedly sharing sensitive defence information with …
On 23 March 2026, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain; both Saudi and UAE air‑defence systems intercepted the…
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned it will strike power plants supplying US bases in West Asia if the US closes the Strait of Hormuz, while President T…
The Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar, announced annually on 23 January, honors individuals and institutions for outstanding contribution…
The Indian Navy is taking part in <span class="key-term" data-definition="Exercise Sea Dragon — A United States Navy‑led, multinational anti‑submarine…
Supreme Court Justice Dipankar Datta warned that the current judicial salary of ₹2.25 lakh per month is deterring senior advocates from accepting judg…
On 22 March 2026, Israeli settlers attacked at least six villages in the occupied <span class="key-term" data-definition="The West Bank — a territory …
A US‑operated Patriot air‑defence missile likely misfired over Bahrain’s Mahazza neighbourhood on 9 March 2026, injuring dozens and damaging homes. Op…
On 22 March 2026, Iran launched missiles at Israel, prompting air‑raid sirens in Jerusalem and light damage in central Israel. The strikes hit the Dim…
On 22 March 2026, Saudi Arabia intercepted one ballistic missile and five hostile drones after Iran launched retaliatory strikes following recent U.S.…
Japan’s foreign minister said that, if a cease‑fire ends the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran, Japan could consider deploying its Self‑Defense Forces to sweep…
Iran launched missile strikes on the Israeli towns of Dimona and Arad, near Israel’s nuclear research centre, while also targeting the U.K.-U.S. base …
On 21 March 2026, the UK deployed the nuclear‑powered submarine <strong>HMS Anson</strong> with Tomahawk Block IV missiles and Spearfish torpedoes to …
Israel has launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon against <span class="key-term" data-definition="Hezbollah — a Lebanese Shia militant and po…
Since late February 2026, the Iran‑Israel war has entered its fourth week, killing over 1,500 people and seeing Iran strike the U.K.–U.S. base at Dieg…
On 20 March 2026, the stealth frigate <strong>INS Trikand</strong> completed a port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles, after taking part in the first …
SIPRI’s 2021‑25 report shows a 9.2% rise in global major‑arms transfers, with Europe leading imports and the USA accounting for the largest export sha…
On 20 March 2026, Iran launched two ballistic missiles toward the US‑UK joint base on Diego Garcia, a strategic Indian Ocean outpost, but neither hit …
Deputy Secretary of Defense <strong>Steve Feinberg</strong> has designated Palantir’s <strong>Maven</strong> AI platform as a <strong>Program of Recor…
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the 60th Raising Day of Sainik School Ghorakhal, announced the establishment of 100 new Sainik Schools unde…
The Indian Navy will commission the indigenous stealth frigate <strong>Taragiri (F41)</strong> on 3 April 2026, marking the fourth vessel of the <span…
The <strong>Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU)</strong> and the <strong>Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Academy</strong> have signed a <span class="key-term"…
The Government is set to introduce the <strong>Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026</strong> in the Rajya Sabha, mandating …
On 20 March 2026, Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo called for stronger deterrence after a U.S. intelligence report said China seeks control of…
The National Defence Industries Conclave 2026, chaired by Defence Minister Sanjay Seth, underscored the pivotal role of MSMEs and start‑ups in achievi…
On 19 March 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged India to achieve full self‑reliance in drone manufacturing, citing lessons from the Russia‑Ukra…
The Supreme Court, in a bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N.V. Anjaria, upheld the accelerated promotion of a Telangana Police Head Constabl…
The U.S. Intelligence Community’s 2026 threat assessment warns that India‑Pakistan relations remain a nuclear flashpoint, with terrorist incidents lik…
Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh urged India to become a global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing, unveiling 200+ defence problem statements a…
Former Indian Ambassador <strong>Jawed Ashraf</strong> was awarded France’s <span class="key-term" data-definition="Legion of Honour — France’s highes…
The Indian government has identified 22 vessels in the Persian Gulf, including 20 energy‑critical ships carrying LNG, LPG and crude oil, for evacuatio…
On 18 March 2026, an Iranian missile barrage killed two civilians in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv, raising the death toll to 14. Israeli emergency services…
The Ministry of Defence laid the keels of two ships (Yard 16402 & 16403) of the six‑vessel Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) programme fo…
Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk was released on 14 March 2026 after the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked his 170‑day detention under the National Secu…
On 17 March 2026, the UAE temporarily closed its airspace after detecting Iranian missile and drone threats, while Israel intensified strikes on Tehra…
On 16 March 2026, the <strong>Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS)</strong> organised its second Niche Technology Nexus seminar in New Delhi…
The Ministry of Home Affairs, citing the 2023 NCRB report, outlined a comprehensive boost to India's cyber‑forensic infrastructure, including new Nati…
The Ministry of Home Affairs' Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has expanded its cyber‑fraud reporting (CFCFRMS), suspect registry, Samanva…
The Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, will inaugurate the National Defence Industries Conclave (NDIC) 2026 in New Delhi on 19‑20 March, focusing o…
In mid‑March 2026, the United States re‑activated a direct communications channel between <strong>U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff</strong> and Iran’s <strong…
The Iran‑Israel war entered its 14th day with Israel launching a new extensive wave of strikes and Iran’s Supreme Leader warning of attacks on US base…
The Supreme Court, in a bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Vipul M. Pancholi, held that the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Air Force Group In…
On 15 March 2026, President Donald Trump warned that <span class="key-term" data-definition="North Atlantic Treaty Organization — a military alliance …
The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) of the Ministry of Defence will organise a dedicated Job Fair for ex‑servicemen on 20 March 2026 in Delhi, …
A missile fragment launched by Iran struck the residential building housing the U.S. consul in Jerusalem, causing no injuries but damaging nearby prop…
Amid the ongoing Iran‑Israel war, President Donald Trump urged allied navies to deploy warships to keep the <span class="key-term" data-definition="St…
On 15 March 2026, the <strong>Punjab Police</strong> arrested six individuals linked to a cross‑border arms and heroin smuggling network operating wit…
President Donald Trump warned of further strikes on Iran’s oil hub <span class="key-term" data-definition="Kharg Island — Iran’s main oil export hub i…
On 13 March 2026, Israel killed two senior Iranian intelligence officials, Abdollah Jalali‑Nasab and Amir Shariat, in Tehran, shortly after they repla…
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, speaking at the Unstoppable Bharat 2026 conference, highlighted the shift to technology‑driven warfare, the rapid g…
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the launch of rudimentary drones by the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Afghan Taliban — The de‑facto gov…
On 14 March 2026, Ukrainian drones struck Russia's Krasnodar region, injuring three people at Port Kavkaz and igniting a fire at the Afipsky oil refin…
On 14 March 2026, North Korea launched over ten ballistic missiles into the sea as the United States and South Korea carried out large‑scale joint riv…
On 13 March 2026, President <strong>Donald Trump</strong> turned down Russian President <strong>Vladimir Putin</strong>'s proposal to move Iran’s enri…
The Indian Navy’s INS Trikand docked at Port Louis, Mauritius on 13 March 2026, taking part in the 58th Mauritius National Day Parade and conducting n…
The Indian Naval Sail Training Ship <strong>INS Sudarshini</strong> arrived in Valletta, Malta on 12 March 2026 as part of its 22,000‑nautical‑mile <s…
The 11th India‑Seychelles joint military exercise, LAMITIYE‑2026 (10‑22 March 2026), marks the first tri‑service edition, integrating Army, Navy and A…
An Indian‑flagged LPG carrier, <strong>Shivalik</strong>, crossed the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Strait of Hormuz — a narrow waterway bet…
Ukraine’s defence ministry has launched a secure platform that shares millions of annotated battlefield images and videos with allied partners to trai…
Taiwan’s Parliament unanimously authorised the government to sign four U.S. arms‑sale agreements before the defence budget is approved, averting a los…
Former IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari warned that the West Asia war underscores the need for a robust Indian air‑defence network, integrat…
On 13 March 2026, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan inaugurated the National Dialogue on Online Crimes Against Women and Children, launching a Master …
The <strong>Supreme Court</strong> granted bail to Kashmiri separatist leader <strong>Shabir Ahmed Shah</strong> in a terror‑funding case, citing an u…
On 11 March 2026, Lebanon’s Iran‑backed militant group <span class="key-term" data-definition="Hezbollah — Lebanese Shia militant and political organi…
The Defence Secretary inaugurated a two‑day conference of the Additional Directors General and Deputy Directors General of the <span class="key-term" …
On 11 March 2026, a building linked to Iran’s state‑run Bank Sepah was attacked in Tehran. Iran’s Khatam al‑Anbiya command warned it will target banks…
On 11 March 2026, North Korea’s leader <strong>Kim Jong Un</strong> and his teenage daughter observed cruise‑missile tests from the destroyer <strong>…
On 10 March 2026, the U.S. military destroyed 16 Iranian mine‑laying vessels near the strategic <span class="key-term" data-definition="Strait of Horm…
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has detailed the status of cyber‑crime police stations, the establishment of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Ce…
As of 1 Feb 2026, all 17,798 police stations in India are connected to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (<span class="key-term" d…
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of a dramatic surge in American firepower against Iran, while Tehran pledged painful retaliatory blows, promp…
On 10 March 2026, Iran intensified missile attacks on Gulf states while the US‑Israel coalition bombed Tehran, raising fears of a shutdown of the Stra…
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has refused the army’s order to vacate its base in Akobo, where tens of thousands of IDPs are sheltering, citin…
The IRGC, Iran’s elite revolutionary force, has declared readiness for a prolonged war after President Trump demanded Tehran’s unconditional surrender…
The Dutch General Intelligence Agency (AIVD) and Military Intelligence Service (MIVD) have warned that Russian‑backed hackers are using sophisticated …
The Supreme Court overturned a High Court order reinstating a CISF constable dismissed for bigamous marriage, affirming that dismissal under Rule 18(b…
On 10 March 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the Defence Forces Vision 2047, a strategic roadmap by the Integrated Defence Staff to trans…
In the first week of the Iran‑US‑Israel war, Tehran has escalated missile strikes, forged new regional alliances and applied strategic pressure across…
Russia’s Kremlin claims that <span class="key-term" data-definition="International law — set of rules and principles governing relations between state…
On 8 March 2026, Israel struck southern Lebanon and Beirut, killing 12 and raising the conflict death toll to 394, while targeting Iran’s Quds Force c…
The Indian Armed Forces, including the ASSAM Regiment, INS Trikand and a C‑130 aircraft, are participating in the eleventh Joint Military Exercise LAM…
On 5 March 2026, President Donald Trump urged Iranian Kurdish forces to attack Iran, while Azerbaijan prepared retaliation after Iranian drones struck…
Three Australian servicemen were aboard a U.S. submarine that sank Iran's IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka on 4 March 2026, under the AUKUS training arrangemen…
OpenAI is negotiating a contract to deploy its generative AI on NATO’s unclassified networks, following a recent Pentagon deal that restricts AI use f…
The U.S. Department of Defense, under Secretary Pete Hegseth, labeled AI firm Anthropic a supply‑chain risk, prompting a six‑month phase‑out of its to…
The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a seven‑year non‑extendable deputation for CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel joining the National Security Gu…
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, at the Sagar Sankalp dialogue on 6 March 2026, announced an ambitious push for self‑reliant shipbuilding, targeting a …
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at the CISF’s 57th Raising Day, announced the force’s new mandate to secure all Indian ports, act as the nodal…
On 5 March 2026, Iran launched missiles at Israeli and U.S. bases while Israel struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, escalating the West Asian conflict…
On 4 March 2026 a U.S. submarine fired a torpedo that sank Iran’s warship IRIS Dena in international waters near Sri Lanka, killing 83 sailors. Iran’s…
In June 2025, Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but intelligence indicates only a short‑term setback to Iran…
A second Iranian warship entered Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone on 5 March 2026 after the U.S. submarine sank the frigate IRIS Dena, killing 83 s…
The U.S. Department of Defence has declared AI start‑up Anthropic a ‘supply‑chain risk’ after the firm refused to allow its coding assistant Claude to…
In the week of 16‑22 Feb 2026, the US and Israel launched "Operation Epic Fury"/"Roaring Lion" strikes on Iran, while India upgraded its ties with Isr…
On 4 March 2026, Israel intensified air strikes across Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah strongholds and the presidential precinct in Beirut, killing at le…
Pakistan’s chief of defence forces signed a $4.6 bn arms deal with Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army, adding to similar negotiations with Sudan, h…
A Special NIA Court in Jammu issued a Letter Rogatory to China under the BNSS to trace the supply chain of a GoPro camera seized in the Pahalgam terro…
France has dispatched Rafale fighter jets to its Dhafra base in the UAE to safeguard naval and air installations after Iranian drones struck a French …
On 3 March 2026, Pakistan’s Operation Ghazab lil Haq repelled multiple Afghan Taliban incursions along the KP and northern Balochistan borders, killin…
On 3 March 2026, the Israeli Air Force conducted an air strike on Iran’s presidential office and National Security Council in Tehran, citing a campaig…
On 28 Feb 2026 the Trump administration launched extensive strikes against Iran, killing its Supreme Leader and hitting over 1,000 targets. Congressio…
The 2025 resurgence of hostilities between the U.S.-led coalition and Iran has introduced a more integrated regional air‑defence network, featuring So…
On 2 March 2026 an Iranian drone hit the UK’s RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, prompting Prime Minister Keir Starmer to allow US forces to use British bas…
On 2 March 2026, U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran triggered a regional flare‑up, with Israel and Hezbollah exchanging fire, 555 Iranian deaths reported, a…
On 1 March 2026, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles participating in Operation Epic Fury were unintentionally shot down by Kuwaiti air‑defences, an incide…
On 1 March 2026, a Palau‑flagged oil tanker was struck near Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, injuring four crew members, following a drone attack on Duqm po…
On 31 March 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing Nalanda University's convocation, highlighted the shift to a multi‑polar, democr…
This compilation covers all important current affairs from March 2026 relevant to UPSC Civil Services Examination. Articles are categorized by subject area and mapped to GS papers for systematic revision.
Use this monthly archive alongside your daily preparation to ensure comprehensive coverage of current events for both Prelims and Mains examinations.
The Reserve Bank of India has postponed the implementation of its Amendment Directions on Capital Market Exposures to 1 July 2026, following industry …
The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild …
The Enforcement Directorate has transferred immovable assets worth ₹15,582 crore to the Justice Lodha Committee, as ordered by a special court, to ref…
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, through the <strong>AMRIT</strong> initiative managed by <strong>HLL Lifecare Limited</strong>, has institu…
On 31 March 2026, President Donald Trump declared the toughest phase of the US‑Israel‑Iran war over and urged nations affected by the Strait of Hormuz…
On 31 March 2026, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026, stating it targets misuse of foreign funding against national sec…
The Ministry of Finance, together with the RBI, has expanded the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) ecosystem through higher priority‑sector targets, a revised i…
Astronomers from the Raman Research Institute studied ULX M74 X-1 using Chandra and XMM‑Newton data and propose that a wobbling accretion disk causes …
A deadly <span class="key-term" data-definition="A sudden, uncontrolled crowd crush leading to injuries or deaths; relevant to public safety and disas…