NEWS 01-03-2026. News For 2nd-Mar (Monday) Summary of Feb International 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel to strengthen strategic ties between the two countries. The meeting has created concern in Pakistan and Turkey. 2. Pakistan conducted cross-border airstrikes in Afghanistan, killing at least a dozen civilians and increasing regional tensions. 3. India and France are expanding defence industrial cooperation worth over ?90,000 crore through Rafale-related projects, focusing on joint production and technology transfer in jet engines, helicopters, and naval systems. 4. The SING submarine cable project will connect the UAE, India, and Singapore by 2030. This underwater internet cable will provide ultra-high data capacity and improve digital security across the Indo-Pacific region. 5. India and the United States agreed on a major bilateral trade deal under which tariffs on Indian goods will be reduced from 50% to 18%, expected to significantly boost trade. National News 1. India hosted representatives from 18 countries in the past 60 days, reflecting its rising global influence and expanding diplomatic outreach. 2. India unveiled its first anti-terror doctrine, “PRAHAAR,” outlining a proactive and zero-tolerance strategy with swift response against terror threats. 3. The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was held in New Delhi focusing on responsible AI. The Prime Minister launched initiatives like “AI for ALL” and “AI by HER” to promote inclusive technological growth. 4. India approved investments exceeding 10 billion dollars under its semiconductor mission to reduce chip imports by 25–30% by 2030 and develop India as a semiconductor manufacturing hub. 5. India’s renewable energy capacity crossed 190 gigawatts and is targeted to reach 500 gigawatts by 2030, with solar energy contributing more than 80 gigawatts. 6. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority signed 10 major MoUs worth 96 billion dollars expected to create around 9.6 lakh jobs across multiple sectors. *Defence News* 1. Israel offered the Golden Horizon ALBM to India, a hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile capable of deep precision strikes. 2. India and France renewed their defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years during the 6th Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru, focusing on Rafale indigenisation and joint production of HAMMER missiles. 3. The Defence Acquisition Council cleared a ?3.6 lakh crore procurement plan including 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft, combat missiles, P-8I surveillance aircraft, and upgrades of T-72 tanks. 4. Exercise MILAN 2026 was hosted in Visakhapatnam with participation from 70 countries and over 71 warships, highlighting maritime cooperation and regional stability. 5. India’s defence budget stands at approximately ?6.2 lakh crore with the highest-ever modernization allocation. 6. India is close to signing an 8-billion-dollar defence agreement with Germany under Project-75(I) for joint development and manufacturing of advanced submarines. Sports News 1. Neeraj Chopra won gold at the Asian Athletics Grand Prix, starting his 2026 season strongly. 2. The Indian women’s hockey team secured a podium finish in the FIH Pro League, improving Olympic qualification chances. 3. The 2026 Winter Olympic Games officially began with an opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, with over 3,000 athletes from 91 nations participating. 4. Indian shooter Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar set a world record of 362.0 at the Asian Shooting Championships in New Delhi, where India won gold, silver, and bronze in the men’s 50m rifle event. 5. Para-badminton player Pramod Bhagat won his sixth world title in Bahrain, becoming the most decorated singles champion in para-badminton history. < < Back