NATIONAL AFFAIRS (India)

1. India–UK Heritage Cooperation:
• The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford has returned a 16th-century bronze idol of Saint Thirumankai Alvar to India, strengthening cultural and heritage ties.

2. Defence Deals Worth ₹5,083 Crore:
• India signed defence contracts for 6 ALH Mk-III-MR helicopters and VL-Shtil surface-to-air missiles to boost maritime & air security and indigenous manufacturing.

3. World Obesity Day (4 March):
• Observed globally on 4 March 2026 under the theme “8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity” highlighting rising obesity and chronic disease risk.

4. National Safety Day in India:
• India marks National Safety Day (start of National Safety Week) promoting workplace and occupational safety awareness.

🌍 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

5. Escalating Middle East Conflict:
• The Iran–Israel–U.S. conflict continued, with reports of Iranian warship sinking off Sri Lanka after a suspected submarine strike — part of widening hostilities.

6. Nepal General Election on 5 March:
• Nepal is preparing for its 2026 general elections scheduled for 5 March 2026, an important political event in South Asia.

7. Global Energy & Trade Pressure:
• West Asian conflicts disrupted exports and LNG supplies, prompting concerns over trading linkages and energy markets.

💹 ECONOMY & BUSINESS

8. Oil & Currency Movements:
• Oil prices climbed due to Middle East instability; the Indian rupee weakened against the US dollar, with potential inflation and IT sector impacts.