Current Affairs 09 March 2026

Rastriya Swatantra Party Heads for Landslide Victory in Nepal Elections

In a major political development, Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is heading towards a landslide victory in the general elections, significantly reshaping the country’s political landscape.

Balendra Shah (popularly known as Balen) — a rapper-turned-politician and current Mayor of Kathmandu — is expected to become the Prime Minister of Nepal at the age of 35, making him the youngest Prime Minister in the country’s history.

Puligadda (Campbell) Aqueduct in Andhra Pradesh Faces Structural Concerns

The Puligadda Aqueduct, officially known as the Campbell Aqueduct, located in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, is facing structural deterioration after nearly 89 years of service.

Background

• The aqueduct was inaugurated on 25 August 1936 during the colonial period.
• It was designed as a bridge-cum-water carrier (cross-drainage structure) to transport canal water across natural drainage channels without interrupting irrigation flow.

Importance

• Initially designed with a discharge capacity of 700 cusecs, later expanded to 1,000 cusecs in 1977.
• Currently irrigates around 70,000 acres of agricultural land in Avanigadda, Koduru, and Nagayalanka mandals.
• Supports paddy cultivation, aquaculture, and drinking water supply in the Diviseema region.

Foundation Stone Laid for New Kota Airport in Rajasthan

The foundation stone for the new Kota Airport was laid on 7 March 2026 at Shambhupura near Kota in Rajasthan through a Bhoomi Pujan ceremony. The event was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering virtually.

Key Highlights

• The airport is being developed as a greenfield airport project.
• It will be constructed at an estimated cost of about ₹1,500 crore.
• The project aims to improve connectivity for the Hadoti region, including Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar districts.

International Women’s Day 2026 – 08 March

International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed globally every year on 8 March to celebrate the achievements of women and promote gender equality.

Theme of the International Women’s Day 2026 : “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”

Historical Background

International Women’s Day originated from labour movements in North America and Europe in the early 20th century. The United Nations officially recognised the day in 1977. The date is associated with the 1917 women’s strike in Russia, where women demanded “Bread and Peace.”

Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2025 List

The Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2025 were announced, recognising outstanding achievements in Telugu cinema and Indian film industry personalities.

Key Award Winners

• NTR National Film Award for Indian Film Artist: Konidela Chiranjeevi
• Paidi Jairaj Film Award for Indian Film Personality: Kamal Haasan
• C. Narayana Reddy Film Award: Suddala Ashok Teja

Lifetime Honours

Special lifetime recognitions were awarded to:

• Singeetham Srinivasa Rao
• Jayasudha

Feature Film Category

• Best Feature Film: Raju Weds Rambai
• Best Director: Saailu Kaampati (Raju Weds Rambai)

Acting Awards

• Best Leading Actor: Akkineni Naga Chaitanya (Thandel)
• Best Leading Actress: Rashmika Mandanna (The Girlfriend)

Other Notable Awards

• Thandel won Best Feature Film on National Integration.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important?

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, has recently witnessed a sharp decline in commercial ship traffic due to rising tensions in West Asia involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Location and Significance

• The Strait of Hormuz is located between Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• It is only 33 km wide at its narrowest point.
• It serves as a vital maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.

Global Importance

• Over 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass through the strait.
• Around 40% of India’s crude oil imports transit through this route.
• Major oil exporters using this route include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran.

Current Situation

• After tensions escalated following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, ship traffic through the strait reportedly fell by about 95%.
• Several ships have faced attacks or threats, causing shipping companies to avoid the route due to security risks.
• Insurance premiums for ships passing through the region have increased 10–15 times.

Impact on India

• Nearly 40% of India’s oil imports and a large portion of LNG imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Qatar supplies about half of India’s LNG imports, which are crucial for energy and fertilizer production.
• Any disruption could affect fuel prices, LPG availability, and fertilizer production in India.

Government Measures

• India is exploring alternative energy supplies from the U.S., Russia, and Australia.
• The government is also adjusting refining processes to produce more LPG domestically.
• Discussions are underway with the U.S. to secure maritime insurance coverage for Indian ships.

The situation highlights the strategic importance of global maritime chokepoints and their impact on energy security and international trade.

Milk Adulteration with Ethylene Glycol in Andhra Pradesh

A forensic investigation has confirmed that milk adulterated with ethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical, caused the death of 10 people and the hospitalization of 10 others (including three infants) in Rajamahendravaram city of East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh in February 2026.

Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting, and highly toxic organic chemical compound widely used in industrial applications.

Key Facts

• Chemical Formula: C₂H₆O₂
• Chemical Type: Organic alcohol (diol)
• Common Uses:
  • Antifreeze and coolant in automobile radiators
  • Refrigeration and air-conditioning systems
  • De-icing fluid for aircraft
  • Industrial heat transfer fluids

Why It Is Dangerous?

Ethylene glycol is highly poisonous to humans and animals. After ingestion, it is metabolized in the body into toxic substances such as glycolic acid and oxalic acid, which can cause:

• Acute kidney failure
• Metabolic acidosis
• Damage to the nervous system
• Death in severe cases

Disclaimer: This article is prepared for competitive exam preparation using publicly available information.