8–9 March current affairs

🔶 Media Regulation & Information Governance

TRP Reporting Suspension for News Channels
The Government of India directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to temporarily suspend Television Rating Points (TRP) reporting for TV news channels for four weeks .
Significance: Strengthening credibility of audience measurement and improving transparency in media ratings.

🔶 State Economy & Fiscal Policy

Punjab Budget 2026–27
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema presented the state budget with a total outlay of ₹2,60,437 crore , focusing on agriculture, social welfare, and infrastructure development.

Karnataka Budget 2026–27
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented a budget of ₹4.48 trillion , emphasising digital governance, economic growth, and social welfare initiatives.

Social Media Regulation Proposal
The Karnataka government proposed restricting social media access for children below 16 years to address digital safety and mental health concerns.

🔶 Digital Governance & Inclusive Procurement

SWAYATT Initiative – GeM
The SWAYATT (Startups, Women and Youth Advantage through e-Transactions) Initiative on the Government e-Marketplace completed seven years , promoting participation of startups, women entrepreneurs, and MSMEs in public procurement .

🔶 Gender Equality & Women Empowerment

Barbie Dream Team 2026 Campaign
Toy manufacturer Mattel launched the Barbie Dream Team 2026 initiative to celebrate women achievers on International Women’s Day (8 March) .

YES Essence Women’s Salary Account – Yes Bank
Yes Bank introduced a women-focused salary account offering tailored financial benefits and lifestyle services.

SBI General Insurance Campaign
SBI General Insurance launched the campaign “Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa” to promote financial protection and health insurance awareness.

🔶 Wealth & Economic Indicators

Hurun Rich List 2026
India recorded 308 billionaires , making it the third-largest billionaire population globally , after the United States and China .

🔶 Sports Development

Cycling League of India – Logo Unveiled
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the official logo of the Cycling League of India , aimed at developing professional cycling in the country.

Khelo India Tribal Games 2026
The Khelo India Tribal Games will be hosted by Chhattisgarh , promoting sports participation among tribal communities.

Jasprit Bumrah Milestone
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah reached 500 international wickets during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semifinal.

🔶 Banking & Financial Regulation

RBI Responsible Business Conduct Amendment
The RBI (Commercial Banks – Responsible Business Conduct) Third Amendment Directions, 2026 were issued to enhance customer protection in electronic banking services , effective 1 July 2026 .

🔶 Global Health

Chile Eliminates Leprosy as Public Health Issue
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) verified that Chile has eliminated leprosy as a public health problem .

🔶 Global Technology Events

Mobile World Congress 2026
The world’s largest technology exhibition, MWC 2026 , was held in Barcelona, Spain (2–5 March) , bringing together leaders in mobile technology, AI, and telecommunications.

🔶 International Politics

Nepal Leadership Change
Kathmandu’s mayor Balendra Shah (Balen Shah) is expected to become Prime Minister of Nepal following a landslide electoral victory.

🔶 Judiciary & Constitutional Appointments

Chief Justice of Madras High Court
President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court under Article 217 of the Constitution.

🔶 Defence & Strategic Affairs

INS Tarangini – Colombo Visit
The Indian Navy sail training ship INS Tarangini arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka , after completing a training deployment for Sri Lankan naval trainees.

Strategic Communication Conclave – Indian Army
The Indian Army Central Command organised its first Strategic Communication Conclave in Lucknow to strengthen military communication and information strategy.

🔶 Space, Technology & Innovation

BEL – Bellatrix Aerospace Collaboration
Bharat Electronics Limited signed an MoU with Bellatrix Aerospace to develop satellite systems and space payload technologies .

IBM Sangam Infrastructure Innovation Center
IBM launched its first Sangam Infrastructure Innovation Center at its India Systems Development Lab in Bengaluru to advance hybrid cloud and AI infrastructure.

🔶 Global Strategic Security

US ICBM Test Launch
The US Air Force Global Strike Command conducted a successful test of the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California .

🔶 Culture & Digital Heritage

Indian Culture Portal Version 2.0
The Ministry of Culture launched an upgraded version of the Indian Culture Portal , providing improved access to India’s cultural heritage resources.

🔶 Important Day

International Women’s Day – 8 March
Observed globally to celebrate women’s achievements and promote gender equality.