1. Jan Aushadhi Diwas observed across India
India observed Jan Aushadhi Diwas on 7 March 2026 to promote the use of affordable generic medicines.
Background
The day is linked with the government scheme Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
The scheme was launched in 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Objective
- Provide quality medicines at affordable prices.
- Promote generic medicines instead of expensive branded medicines.
- Reduce out-of-pocket health expenditure for Indian citizens.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras
Medicines are sold through special stores called Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras.
Key facts:
- Around 18,000+ stores across India.
- Medicines are 50–90% cheaper than branded drugs.
- Product basket includes 2000+ medicines and 300+ surgical items.
- These medicines treat diseases like:
- diabetes
- hypertension
- infections
- cancer
- heart diseases.
Government activities during the week
From 1–7 March, awareness campaigns are held across India:
- Free health check-up camps
- Medicine awareness programs
- Blood pressure and diabetes tests
- Promotion of generic medicines.
On this occasion Narendra Modi highlighted how the scheme is helping millions of families reduce healthcare costs.
Special Initiative
A product called Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins is sold at ₹1 per pad, improving menstrual hygiene for women.
Importance
- Helps poor and middle-class families.
- Improves healthcare accessibility in rural areas.
- Promotes trust in generic medicines.
2. Government e-Marketplace celebrates 7 years of SWAYATT Initiative
The Government e‑Marketplace (GeM) completed 7 years of its SWAYATT initiative.
What is SWAYATT?
SWAYATT stands for Startups, Women & Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions.
It was launched in 2019 to promote inclusive government procurement.
Objective
The initiative helps:
- Startups
- Women entrepreneurs
- Youth businesses
- Self-help groups
- Micro and small enterprises
These groups can sell products directly to government departments through the GeM digital portal.
Achievements
- Orders from women-led businesses increased from ₹1,265 crore in 2018–19 to ₹83,323 crore in 2025–26.
- Orders from startups increased from ₹497 crore to ₹54,005 crore.
Key programmes under GeM
- Startup Runway – helps startups showcase innovative products.
- Womaniya Initiative – promotes products made by women entrepreneurs.
Importance
- Encourages inclusive economic growth.
- Supports small businesses and innovation.
- Improves transparency in government procurement.
3. Karnataka proposes ban on social media for children under 16
The government of Karnataka proposed a ban on social media use for children under 16 years in the 2026–27 state budget.
The budget was presented by Siddaramaiah.
Reason for the proposal
The government wants to:
- Protect children from harmful online content
- Reduce digital addiction
- Prevent cyberbullying
- Improve mental health of teenagers
Related developments
The government of Andhra Pradesh is also considering restrictions for children below 13 years.
Other highlights of the Karnataka Budget
- Total budget size: ₹4.48 trillion
- 15,000 new teaching posts planned.
- ₹565 crore for school infrastructure.
- Launch of Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone (BRAINz) with support from
Indian Institute of Science and
Indian Space Research Organisation.
Importance
If implemented, Karnataka could become India’s first state to restrict social media usage for minors.
4. Hurun Rich List 2026 released
The **Hurun Global Rich List 2026 revealed major changes in global billionaire rankings.
Key Findings
- India now has 308 billionaires.
- India is the third-largest billionaire hub after:
- United States
- China
Top richest Indians
- Mukesh Ambani – richest in India and Asia
- Gautam Adani
- Roshni Nadar Malhotra
Other insights
- India added 57 new billionaires in 2026.
- Total wealth of Indian billionaires reached ₹112.6 trillion.
- Healthcare sector produced the highest number of new billionaires.
- Mumbai remains the biggest billionaire hub in India with 95 billionaires.
Youngest billionaire
- Ritesh Agarwal (Founder of OYO) – 32 years old.
Importance
The report reflects India’s rapid economic growth and rise of entrepreneurship.
5. First Khelo India Tribal Games announced
India will host the first ever Khelo India Tribal Games 2026.
Announcement
The event was announced by Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports.
Location
The games will be held in Chhattisgarh.
Cities hosting the events:
- Raipur
- Jagdalpur
- Surguja
Dates
26 March – 6 April 2026
Sports included
- Athletics
- Football
- Hockey
- Weightlifting
- Archery
- Swimming
- Wrestling
Purpose
- Identify sports talent among tribal communities.
- Provide national-level exposure to tribal athletes.
- Improve sports infrastructure in tribal regions.
Importance
This is the first national multi-sport event dedicated to tribal athletes in India.
6. India’s Forex Reserves reach record high
India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a record level of $728.49 billion.
Data released by
Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Reasons for increase
- Rise in gold reserves
- Increase in foreign currency assets
Gold reserves increased to $131 billion due to rising global gold prices.
Importance
High forex reserves:
- Strengthen the Indian economy.
- Help stabilize the Indian Rupee.
- Increase confidence among foreign investors.