1) Exercise Sea Dragon 2026
What happened: The Indian Navy is participating in Exercise Sea Dragon 2026, a US-led multinational anti-submarine warfare exercise held at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
Why important: The exercise enhances cooperation between Indo-Pacific countries in submarine detection and maritime security operations.
Exam Tip:
Sea Dragon focuses on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training and maritime surveillance.
2) India Meteorological Department issues yellow alert in West Bengal
What happened: IMD issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms, heavy rain and gusty winds in Kolkata and several districts of West Bengal on 17 March 2026.
Why important: Weather alerts help authorities prepare for possible disruptions in transportation and daily life.
Exam Tip:
IMD works under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
3) Early heatwave conditions reported in several Indian cities
What happened: Cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad recorded temperatures close to 40°C in March, indicating an unusually early heatwave.
Why important: Experts link the rising temperatures to climate change and reduced winter rainfall.
Exam Tip:
Heatwaves are declared when temperatures rise significantly above normal levels for several days.
4) Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems held in New Delhi
What happened: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research organized the Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) in New Delhi.
Why important: The conference highlights the role of women in agriculture, food security and rural development.
Exam Tip:
ICAR Headquarters – New Delhi.
5) United Nations Security Council resolution on Gulf attacks
What happened: India co-sponsored a UN Security Council resolution condemning attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Why important: The move reflects India’s growing role in global diplomacy and international security cooperation.
Exam Tip:
UN Security Council has 15 members (5 permanent + 10 non-permanent).
6) Oil price surge raises concern for India’s economy
What happened: Rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia pushed global crude oil prices close to $100 per barrel.
Why important: Higher oil prices can increase inflation, fuel costs and India’s import bill.
Exam Tip:
India imports around 80–90% of its crude oil requirement.
7) Selection announced for Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Cricket Trophy
What happened: Cricketers Kriti Gupta and Mahak Narwase were selected for the Central Zone team in the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Multi-Day Trophy organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Why important: The tournament promotes women’s cricket development in India.
Exam Tip:
BCCI Headquarters – Mumbai.
8) Rising tensions in West Asia affecting global markets
What happened: Conflicts in West Asia have increased uncertainty in global energy markets and financial systems.
Why important: Such tensions can affect trade routes, oil prices and global economic stability.
Exam Tip:
The Strait of Hormuz is a key oil transit route connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets.
9) India strengthens maritime cooperation in Indo-Pacific region
What happened: India increased participation in multinational naval exercises and regional maritime partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
Why important: This strengthens regional security and freedom of navigation in key sea lanes.
Exam Tip:
The Indo-Pacific region is strategically important for global trade and security.
10) Climate experts warn shrinking spring season in India
What happened: Scientists warn that spring seasons are becoming shorter due to rapid temperature rise, leading to early summer conditions.
Why important: Changing seasonal patterns can impact agriculture, water resources and public health.
Exam Tip:
Climate change leads to frequent heatwaves, irregular rainfall and extreme weather events.