Daily filter — 3 March 2026
5 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
🛡️ Defence & Security · UPSC track
India inks ₹5,083 Cr defence deals for helicopters, missiles
The Ministry of Defence signed two major contracts on March 03, 2026, boosting both maritime security and air defence capabilities.
- MoD signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore on March 03, 2026.
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited secured ₹2,901 crore for six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters.
- The ALH Mk-III (MR) enhances Indian Coast Guard maritime security under Buy (Indian-IDDM).
- JSC Rosoboronexport (Russia) got ₹2,182 crore for Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles.
- These missiles will significantly boost Indian Navy air defence capabilities.
- The ALH Mk-III project will generate 65 lakh man-hours, involving 200+ MSMEs.
💡 Remember: HAL's ALH Mk-III (MR) for Coast Guard (Indian-IDDM), Russia's VL-Shtil missiles for Navy (air defence).
Source: Ministry of Defence · PIB PRID 2234987
🚢 Defence & Security · UPSC track
Indian Navy Procures 04 Fuel Barges from MSME Shipyard
A contract for 04 x 500T Self Propelled Fuel Barges has been signed for the Indian Navy, promoting domestic shipbuilding.
- Contract for 04 x 500T Self Propelled Fuel Barges concluded on 02 Mar 2026.
- Barges will be built by M/s Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane (MSME Shipyard).
- Primary role is fuel replenishment for ships and submarines in harbour/anchorage.
- Construction follows Classification Rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
💡 Remember: 4x500T fuel barges for Indian Navy by Shoft Shipyard (MSME), adhering to IRS rules, bolstering Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Source: Ministry of Defence · PIB PRID 2234905
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of Gorakhpur drain death
The **NHRC** initiated action after an 11-year-old boy died in an uncovered drain in **Gorakhpur**, Uttar Pradesh.
- The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of a boy's death on 19th February 2026.
- Notices were issued to DM and SSP, Gorakhpur for a report.
- Report on compensation status is expected within two weeks.
💡 The NHRC takes suo motu action, seeking reports on human rights violations.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2235198
👁️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Botched Cataract Surgeries
The NHRC, India took suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding botched cataract surgeries at a private hospital in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
- NHRC, India took suo motu cognizance of the incident.
- At least 9 patients had their infected eye removed.
- 9 others lost vision in one eye after surgery.
- Surgeries were conducted on 30 patients on February 1, 2026.
- Notices were issued to Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary and Gorakhpur SSP.
- A detailed report is sought within two weeks.
💡 NHRC's suo motu power protects human rights against medical negligence, demanding reports from state authorities.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2235196
🧪 Economy · UPSC track
₹13,000 Cr Boost for BioPharma SHAKTI and Chemical Parks
India allocates ₹13,000 crore to bolster the biopharmaceutical sector and establish dedicated chemical parks, aiming for significant global market share growth.
- A ₹13,000 crore provision supports Bio-Pharma SHAKTI and 3 dedicated Chemical Parks.
- BioPharma SHAKTI Mission receives ₹10,000 crore over the next five-years.
- India aims for 5–6% global chemical sector share by 2030.
- The chemical sector seeks a $1 trillion turnover by 2040.
💡 For the exam: Remember ₹13,000 Cr for BioPharma SHAKTI and 3 Chemical Parks targets 5-6% global share by 2030 and $1T by 2040.
Source: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers · PIB PRID 2235160