Tuvalu has named Feleti Teo, the former Attorney General, as the Pacific Island nation’s new prime minister. This appointment comes in the aftermath of a general election that placed the country’s diplomatic affiliations, especially its ties with Taiwan, under intense scrutiny.

Dubai witnessed an extraordinary event with the citystate’s inaugural jet suit race. Organized by Gravity Industries in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, this groundbreaking competition showcased pilots equipped with jet engines on their hands and backs, resembling real-life ‘Iron Men’.

In a groundbreaking move, France has made history by becoming the first nation globally to anchor the right to abortion within its constitution. This decision represents a significant advancement in the protection of reproductive rights, sparking a mix of applause and criticism across different spectrums of society.

Hungary’s parliament recently appointed a new president following the resignation of the previous head of state amidst a scandal involving a controversial pardon granted in a child sexual abuse case. The appointment of Tamás Sulyok, a former head of Hungary’s Constitutional Court, sparked debate among opposition parties calling for direct presidential elections.

Sweden formally became the 32nd member of NATO after completing its accession process in Washington. This decision comes two years after Sweden’s application, triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, highlighting concerns about regional security.

Panama has officially become the 97th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). This milestone was announced by Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Panama’s accession underscores the country’s commitment to embracing sustainable energy sources and marks a crucial step in the global march towards a greener future.

The Indian Consulate in Dubai has introduced a new insurance package called the Life Protection Plan (LPP) for Indian blue-collar workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This plan aims to provide financial benefits to the families of the workers in case of natural or accidental deaths.

Hong Kong has introduced a new national security law draft. The proposed legislation, covering treason, espionage, and external interference, signifies a significant increase in state authority in the region. This development arises amidst a wider crackdown on dissent, resulting in pro-democracy figures being imprisoned or exiled.

Asif Ali Zardari took oath as Pakistan’s 14th President following his overwhelming victory in the presidential election.

China recently announced a new territorial sea baseline in the northern part of the Gulf of Tonkin, shared with Vietnam, sparking concerns about potential impacts on existing agreements and regional stability.

In a landmark gathering in Yaoundé, Cameroon, health ministers from 11 African nations, along with global malaria partners and stakeholders, convened to address the escalating malaria crisis in Africa. Despite available tools and systems, malaria cases surged globally, with Africa bearing the brunt, accounting for 94% of cases and 95% of deaths in 2022.

The naval forces of China, Iran, and Russia launched a joint exercise near the Gulf of Oman, aimed at safeguarding regional maritime security. The “Security Belt-2024” exercise marks the fourth time these countries have conducted such a drill since 2019.

President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority (PA) has appointed Mohammad Mustafa as the new Prime Minister. Mustafa, a U.S.-educated economist, is one of the leading Palestinian business figures with a track record of overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction efforts under Hamas’ rule.

Britain has recently conducted successful test firings of its DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW), showcasing its capability to intercept enemy aircraft and missiles at a remarkably low cost. A January demonstration in Scotland displayed the laser’s precision in targeting and destroying aerial threats, marking a potential gamechanger in air defense technology.

Russian President Vladimir Putin clinched victory in the recent election with a commanding lead of 76.1% of the vote, as per preliminary results. This win marks Putin’s continued dominance in Russian politics, now extending his tenure to a total of 24 years in power.

In a move to boost its tourism industry, the government of Nepal has officially declared Pokhara, a city in the Gandaki province, as the tourism capital of the Himalayan nation. The declaration was made during a special ceremony held at the Barahi Ghat on the shores of the Phewa Lake.

Vaughan Gething, who currently serves as the Economic Minister of Wales, has been elected as the new leader of the Welsh Labour Party. His victory marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first ever Black person to lead a European country.

The New Zealand government has announced a ban on disposable e-cigarettes or vapes. The move comes less than a month after the country repealed a law that aimed to phase out tobacco smoking.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have forged the AUKUS partnership to bolster trilateral security and construct nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. This landmark agreement signifies a significant advancement in defense collaboration among the three nations.

Simon Harris, a prominent figure in Irish politics, has emerged as the sole candidate in the race to become Ireland’s next prime minister following the unexpected departure of Leo Varadkar. At 37 years old, Harris is poised to become the youngest prime minister in Ireland’s history.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early on March 26 after a container ship collided with a pylon, resulting in the presumed death of six individuals who fell into the cold waters below. The incident has halted operations at one of the busiest ports on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.

After eight years of Socialist rule in Portugal, Luis Montenegro, leader of the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD), has been appointed as the new prime minister. However, his minority government faces challenges due to his refusal to ally with the far-right Chega party.

Rumi Alqahtani, a 27 -year-old model and influencer from Saudi Arabia, announced on Instagram that she will be the first participant from the country in the Miss Universe competition. Alqahtani was born in Riyadh and has previously won the titles of Miss Saudi Arabia, Miss Arab World Peace 2021, and Miss Woman (Saudi Arabia). This will be the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s first appearance in the Miss Universe pageant.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, an anti-establishment figure, has won the Senegalese presidential election with 54.28 per cent of the votes in the first round. At 44 years old, Faye is set to become Africa’s youngest elected president and the first opponent to win in the first round since Senegal’s independence from France in 1960. His victory still needs to be validated by Senegal’s Constitutional Council in the next few days.

Thailand’s lower house of Parliament has passed a groundbreaking bill to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant step towards equality in Southeast Asia. The legislation, an amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code, garnered overwhelming support in the House of Representatives.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that prohibits minors under 14 from having social media accounts. The law requires parental permission for 14 - and 15 -year-olds to create accounts on platforms like Meta, TikTok, and others. All social media users in Florida must submit identification documents to verify their ages.

Observed every year on March 3, World Hearing Day 2024 fall on a Sunday. The theme for this year, as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO), is “Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all.” This theme underscores the need to combat societal misconceptions and stigmatizing attitudes through heightened awareness and the dissemination of information, targeting both the general public and healthcare providers.

Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Smriti Zubin Irani, introduced two significant initiatives aimed at enhancing the Haj pilgrimage experience for 2024. The Haj Suvidha App was launched to provide essential information and access to crucial services, while the Haj Guide-2024 was released to educate pilgrims about various aspects of the journey, with a focus on utilizing the app effectively.

Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Sh. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, virtually inaugurated India’s 1st Green Hydrogen Plant in Stainless Steel Sector located at Jindal Stainless Limited, Hisar, on 4th March, 2024. The inauguration also witnessed the presence of Secretary, Ministry of Steel Sh. Nagendra Nath Sinha, Managing Director (Jindal Stainless Limited), Sh. Abhyuday Jindal, Founder, Hygenco Sh. Amit Bansal, and other officials of the Ministry of Steel.

Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers and Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, virtually inaugurated three centers of the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) from New Delhi. These centers, located in Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, are significant additions to CIPET’s network.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the beginning of a new era in India’s nuclear energy sector by witnessing the “Core Loading” at the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This event signifies the near completion of India’s first indigenous PFBR, a landmark project fully designed and constructed within the country by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), in collaboration with over 200 Indian industries, including numerous MSMEs.

In a significant stride towards bolstering cyber-security measures and enhancing citizen empowerment, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently unveiled the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) alongside the ‘Chakshu’ facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal. This initiative aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders to combat the misuse of telecom resources in cyber-crime and financial frauds.

Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, overseeing Petroleum and Natural Gas as well as Housing and Urban Affairs, dedicated 201 CNG Stations and India’s inaugural Small Scale LNG Unit of GAIL to the nation via video conferencing. The event, graced by numerous dignitaries, underscored the government’s pledge to elevate the share of natural gas in the primary energy basket to 15% by 2030 .

In a significant development, the Indian government, following consultations with the Election Commission of India (ECI), has revised the minimum age criterion for senior citizens to avail the postal ballot voting facility. The decision, which comes into effect immediately, raises the eligibility age from $\mathrm{80}$ to $\mathrm{85}$ years, marking a pivotal change in the electoral process aimed at ensuring greater convenience for the nation’s elderly population.

India’s first National Dolphin Research Center (NDRC) was officially inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This landmark facility, built at a cost of Rs 30 crore, is situated on the banks of the Ganges River within the Patna University campus.

A new chapter in management education unfolds as the Union Minister for Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated the Centre of Management Education jointly established by IIM Mumbai and IIM Sambalpur. The inauguration took place at the NALCO Training Institute in Angul, Odisha, amidst the presence of Shri Sridhar Patra, CMD, NALCO.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s pioneering underwater metro train service in Kolkata, ushering in a landmark achievement in the nation’s infrastructure and urban development. The service, which is a significant component of the Kolkata Metro’s EastWest corridor, is designed to enhance connectivity between Howrah and Salt Lake, the twin cities of West Bengal’s capital.

In a significant development, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate the ‘NITI For States’ platform by NITI Aayog in New Delhi. This platform, serving as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), is designed to bolster policy formulation and promote good governance across states.

India, as a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), has recently implemented stringent measures to regulate the possession and trade of exotic pets. The Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024, issued by the Union environment ministry on February 28, aim to enforce the provisions of the Convention and ensure the protection of endangered wildlife.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled his ambitious plan to make India a prime wedding destination, aiming to boost tourism and retain revenue within the country. His recent address at a rally in Jammu and Kashmir highlighted this mission, emphasizing the potential of hosting weddings in diverse locales across India.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Arjun Munda, unveiled the Agriculture Integrated Command and Control Centre at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. This initiative aims to empower farmers nationwide by providing them with essential information, services, and facilities.

On the occasion of the 134th Foundation Day of the National Archives of India, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture, Arjun Ram Meghwal, will inaugurate a digital exhibition titled “Subhash Abhinandan” in New Delhi on March 11th. Organized by the National Archives of India, the exhibition commemorates the life of Subhash Chandra Bose, featuring 16 sections covering key aspects from his birth to the present day.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development will organize Poshan Pakhwada nationwide from March 9 to March 23, 2024. This 15 -day celebration aims to spread awareness about nutrition, dietary practices, and women’s health.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth Rs 118 crore 72 lakh in Madhya Pradesh through video conferencing. These projects are under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme and the Prasad scheme.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the Viksit Bharat Viksit North East programme in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on March 09, 2024, virtually dedicated the Sela Tunnel project to the nation. Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at an altitude of 13,000 feet, the tunnel is situated on the road from Tezpur, Assam, to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district. The project, valued at Rs $\mathrm{825}$ crore, aims to provide all-weather connectivity and bolster the Armed Forces’ readiness in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of the legendary Ahom general, Lachit Borphukan, at his burial site in eastern Assam’s Jorhat district. This event marks a significant tribute to Borphukan’s valor and leadership in the history of Assam.

At the end of the decade from 2014 to 2024, India has emerged as the world’s second-largest producer of mobile phones. This achievement marks a significant transition for the country’s electronics manufacturing sector.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Gurgaon stretch of the Dwarka Expressway alongside Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The inspection of the expressway was conducted on foot, showcasing its significance for transportation infrastructure.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the commencement of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) facilities in 41 villages and various development projects in 178 villages under the ‘Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan’. The initiative aims to uplift the infrastructure and living standards in rural areas of Delhi.

Union Minister for Communications, Electronics, and Information Technology and Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, unveiled India’s fastest and indigenously developed IP/MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) router in Bengaluru.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines by inaugurating 15 significant airport projects, marking an unprecedented infrastructural addition in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh. This extensive initiative, almost valued at ₹10,000 crore, encompasses a blend of new airports, expanded terminals, foundation stones for future airports, and other ancillary facilities.

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) celebrated its 19th Foundation Day at the Jacaranda Hall, Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi. To mark this special occasion, the Commission invited children from different parts of the country to acknowledge their efforts and participation in the Commission’s Pariksha Parv campaign.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sabarmati Ashram to inaugurate Kochrab Ashram and launch the Master Plan of the Gandhi Ashram Memorial. This significant event commemorated Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and contributions to India’s freedom struggle.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the inaugural automobile in-plant railway siding at Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL). The ceremony, conducted via video conferencing, signifies a pivotal advancement in the execution of the Prime Minister’s flagship Gati Shakti programme.

Union Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, responsible for Electronics and IT, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti, inaugurated India’s first FutureLABS center at C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram. Named the “Centre for Semiconductor Chips & Systems for Strategic Electronics,” this pioneering initiative aims to catalyze an ecosystem for next-generation chip design, manufacturing, and research.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of Science & Technology, inaugurated the “National Speed Breeding Crop Facility” at NABI (National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute), Mohali. This initiative aligns with PM Modi’s vision of increasing farmers’ income and promoting Agri StartUps.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health and Family Welfare, spearheaded the inauguration of a credit assistance program aimed at bolstering Jan Aushadhi Kendras across India. The program, initiated through a collaboration between SIDBI and PMBI, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and affordability of medicines, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sanjeevani’ for the underprivileged.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three semiconductor projects virtually, with a combined investment of approximately Rs 1.25 Lakh Crore. These projects signify a significant step towards bolstering India’s semiconductor industry. The three facilities include a semiconductor fabrication unit in Dholera, Gujarat, an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Morigaon, Assam, and another OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat.

Yoga Mahotsav-2024 marked the 100-day countdown to the 10th edition of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21st, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan. This year, the event focused on the theme “Yoga for Women Empowerment,” reflecting the Ministry of Ayush’s commitment to promote global health and peace through yoga, particularly emphasizing women’s well-being.

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur, inaugurated PB-SHABD, a news sharing service, alongside the revamped websites of DD News and Akashvani News, and an updated News on Air mobile app at the National Media Centre, New Delhi.

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri unveiled ‘Ethanol 100’, an automotive fuel aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase ethanol blending in petrol, with significant strides already made in enhancing availability and infrastructure across select states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated India’s first integrated oil palm processing unit, operated by 3 F Oil Palm, marking a significant stride in the nation’s journey towards self-reliance in edible oils. Situated in Arunachal Pradesh’s Roing, this project aligns with Mission Palm Oil under the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).

Ahead of announcing the dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar introduced a new mobile application called ‘Know Your Candidate’ (KYC). This app will enable voters to find out if any electoral candidate in their constituency has any criminal records.

The Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, is making headlines for its in-house restaurant, Soma-The Ayurvedic Kitchen. This restaurant is being hailed as the first Ayurvedic Kitchen in India.

Pashupati Kumar Paras, former Union minister and president of the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLP), resigned from the Union Cabinet following his party’s exclusion from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) seat-sharing arrangement in Bihar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In response, President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation and appointed Kiren Rijiju with an additional charge as the Minister of Food Processing Industries.

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of India’s Department of Telecommunications, led a significant delegation to Geneva for strategic meetings at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Headquarters from March 18-20. The aim was to enhance collaboration and explore innovative initiatives in telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors.

GoodEnough Energy has announced that it will start operations at India’s first battery energy storage gigafactory in the northern region of Jammu and Kashmir by October 2023.

Haiti is facing a severe crisis due to escalating gang violence. Armed gangs have launched attacks in the suburbs of Port-au-Prince, prompting India to launch Operation Indravati to evacuate its nationals to the Dominican Republic. Similarly, the US has airlifted more than 15 Americans to Santo Domingo.

In a determined effort to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in the electoral process, the Election Commission has introduced the Saksham App. This initiative aims to address the needs of voters above 85 years of age and Persons-with-Disabilities (PWDs) with a 40 percent benchmark disability, allowing them to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay jointly inaugurated a modern hospital in the Bhutanese capital, Thimphu. The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk Mother and Child Hospital is a shining example of the strong development cooperation between India and Bhutan.

India aims to replace its minimum wage system with a living wage framework by 2025, seeking assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO) for technical support in creating and implementing this transition.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is keeping a close watch on the election process through the cVIGIL app. The app allows citizens to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct and election expenditures by capturing photos and videos. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that cVIGIL empowers citizens to report violations, with assured action within $\mathrm{1 0 0}$ minutes.