Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, have developed two new early-maturing wheat varieties for the rice-wheat cropping system in Kashmir. They suit mid-altitude areas up to about 1,850 metres and resist yellow rust, a major fungal disease of wheat.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0 in New Delhi. Prepared by NITI Aayog under the Asset Monetisation Plan 2025-30 announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, it estimates a total monetisation potential of ₹16.72 lakh crore from FY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30.
The Supreme Court closed its 2021 suo motu case on polluted rivers and handed the task of monitoring river pollution to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The Court reiterated that the right to live in clean and hygienic conditions forms part of Article 21 (Right to Life).
The Government of India launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Digital Food Currency pilot in Puducherry under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). Food subsidy will be credited directly into beneficiaries' CBDC wallets instead of bank accounts, and they can use digital coupons to buy entitled foodgrains at Fair Price Shops under the PDS.
Zero Discrimination Day is observed every year on March 1 to promote equality and dignity for all people, regardless of who they are. The theme for 2026 is 'People First'. The day calls on governments and communities to remove discriminatory laws and practices so that everyone can access health care, education and other services without fear or prejudice.
World Seagrass Day is observed every year on March 1 to spread awareness about seagrass meadows and marine conservation. The theme for 2026 is 'Seagrasses Enrich Ocean Biodiversity and Fisheries.' Seagrasses are flowering plants that grow in shallow coastal waters; their meadows act as nurseries for fish, protect coastlines and store carbon.
The Government of West Bengal announced the Banglar Yuva Sathi Scheme 2026 in its interim Budget. The scheme will give a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 to unemployed youth in the State. It will be implemented across West Bengal from 1 April 2026. The allowance is intended to support young people financially while they search for jobs or prepare for employment.
A joint team from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) and the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM&WS) successfully reached the summit of Mount Aconcagua on 22 February 2026. Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America and the second-highest peak in the world outside Asia. The climb highlights the training standards of India's premier mountaineering institutes.
That’s every story for now. Come back tomorrow for more.
See all current affairs Read daily on the appSwipe up