Current Affairs 03 March 2026
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Missile Interceptors Dominate U.S.–Iran Conflict
The ongoing U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict has triggered a newly integrated regional air defence network, involving the U.S., Israel, and UAE.
What is Missile Defence?
Missile defence is a military system that detects, tracks, and destroys incoming missiles before they hit their targets.
It works using:
- Satellites and ground radar to detect threats
- Command centres to calculate trajectory
- Interceptors (counter-missiles) to destroy threats mid-air
Major Missile Defence systems:
- Patriot (PAC-3 MSE) – terminal-phase ballistic missile defence (USA)
- THAAD – high-altitude interception (USA)
- SM-3 / SM-6 – sea-based defence (USA)
- Iron Dome – short-range rockets (Israel)
- Iron Beam – anti-drone defence (Israel)
- Cheongung II – 360° radar, optimised for Gulf region ((UAE)
Iran’s Defence Systems
- Bavar-373 (Sayyad-4B missile) – long-range interceptor
- Arman Ballistic Missile Defence system
- Sevom-e-Khordad – cruise missile & aircraft defence
- Tor-M1 (Russian-made) – short-range defence
- Majid & Azarakhsh systems – drone interception
Outcomes of Canadian Prime Minister’s Visit to India
The visit of the Prime Minister of Canada to India resulted in multiple agreements and strategic announcements aimed at strengthening trade, technology, energy, education, defence, and cultural ties between the two countries.
- India–Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) – Terms of Reference Finalised
- Target: Increase bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030.
- India–Canada–Australia Trilateral MoU
- Cooperation in emerging technologies under the ACITI Partnership.
- Joint Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence at NIFTEM-K
- Focus on protein extraction and fortified pulse products.
- Uranium Supply Agreement with Cameco (Canada)
- Long-term supply of uranium ore concentrates.
- AICTE–Mitacs Globalink Internship MoU
- 300 Indian students annually to receive fully funded 12-week research internships in Canada (from 2027).
Major Announcements
- 24 institutional partnerships in AI, healthcare, agriculture.
- Canada to join:
- Global Biofuels Alliance
- International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- India supports Canada’s entry into Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as Dialogue Partner.
- Establishment of:
- India–Canada Defence Dialogue
- Parliament Friendship Group
- Reconstituted CEO Forum
- Canada to participate in Bharat Tribes Fest 2026.
NITI Aayog & JICA Sign Agreement for SDG Cooperation – Phase II
In a major boost to India–Japan development cooperation, NITI Aayog and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed the Record of Discussions (RoD) for “Japan–India Cooperative Actions Towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Phase II.” The agreement focuses on accelerating progress in Aspirational Districts (ADs) and Aspirational Blocks (ABs) under India’s flagship transformation programmes.
Key Highlights
- Strengthens India–Japan partnership in achieving SDGs by 2030.
- Focus on underserved regions through Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
Yuva Sangam – Phase VI
The Ministry of Education has launched the online registration portal for Yuva Sangam – Phase VI under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative.
Yuva Sangam is a flagship Youth Exchange Programme of the Department of Higher Education aimed at strengthening national integration and promoting the spirit of “Unity in Diversity.”
Objective of Yuva Sangam
- Foster emotional bonding among youth from different States/UTs.
- Promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
- Support experiential learning aligned with NEP 2020.
Eligibility
- Age group: 18–30 years
- Students of Higher Education Institutions
- NSS/NYKS volunteers
- Young professionals
Five Thematic Pillars (5 Ps)
- Paryatan – Tourism
- Parampara – Traditions & Culture
- Pragati – Development & Governance
- Paraspar Sampark – People-to-People Connect
- Prodyogiki – Technology & Innovation
Daily Current Affairs Quiz
Test your knowledge with exam-oriented multiple choice questions based on today’s current affairs.
Disclaimer: This article is prepared for competitive exam preparation using publicly available information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a missile defence system?
A missile defence system is a military architecture that detects, tracks, and destroys incoming missiles before they reach their targets, using sensors, command centres, and interceptor missiles.
What is the objective of the NITI Aayog–JICA Phase II project?
The project aims to strengthen institutional capacity and implementation systems across six SDG themes in Aspirational Districts and Blocks to accelerate inclusive development.
Under which initiative is Yuva Sangam – Phase VI launched?
Yuva Sangam Phase VI is launched under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative to promote national integration and youth connect.
Who is eligible to participate in Yuva Sangam Phase VI?
Youth aged 18–30 years, including higher education students, NSS/NYKS volunteers, and young professionals, are eligible to apply.
What are the major missile defence systems involved in the US–Israel–Iran conflict?
Major Missile Defence systems:
Patriot (PAC-3 MSE) – terminal-phase ballistic missile defence (USA)
THAAD – high-altitude interception (USA)
SM-3 / SM-6 – sea-based defence (USA)
Iron Dome – short-range rockets (Israel)
Iron Beam – anti-drone defence (Israel)
Cheongung II – 360° radar, optimised for Gulf region ((UAE)
Iran’s Defence Systems
Bavar-373 (Sayyad-4B missile) – long-range interceptor
Arman Ballistic Missile Defence system
Sevom-e-Khordad – cruise missile & aircraft defence
Tor-M1 (Russian-made) – short-range defence
Majid & Azarakhsh systems – drone interception
