Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh released a new Manual of Security Instructions 2026 of the Ministry of Defence at a function in South Block, New Delhi on March 9, 2026.
The comprehensive document outlines updated guidelines to address evolving threats and demands strict adherence from all personnel to maintain a secure environment.
The manual is prepared by the Security Office of the Ministry of Defence. The manual will be periodically updated to adapt to future security challenges.
National Affairs
The International Malaria Conference (IMC) 2026 was concluded successfully in New Delhi on March 9, 2026.
The IMC 2026 was organised by the ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR–NIMR) under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), from March 7-9, 2026.
The theme of conference was “Discovery, Development and Delivery: Driving Malaria Elimination and Beyond.”
The conference brought together scientists, public health experts, policymakers and researchers from India and across the world to discuss innovative approaches and strategies for malaria elimination.
It served as an important platform for sharing scientific knowledge, strengthening partnerships and discussing emerging challenges in malaria control and elimination.
International Affairs
Southeastern European country, Romania, in a significant step towards strengthening global solar cooperation, officially ratified the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
The Instrument of Ratification was presented on March 6, 2026 by Ms. Sena Latif to the Head of Depository, Joint Secretary (ED), P.S. Gangadhar, at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India.
Romania is the 118th country to ratify the agreement, there were 117 countries that ratified the framework agreement before Romania.
The ISA, initiated by India, aims to promote solar energy deployment, facilitate technology transfer, and enhance collaboration between member countries to meet climate goals.
Economy and Banking
The Government of India constituted a 17-member committee to recommend comprehensive reforms for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) on March 9 2026.
The objective is to formulate a "SEZ 2.0" policy, focusing on enhancing export growth, investment, and ease of doing business.
The panel, including officials from the Department of Commerce, NITI Aayog, & CBIC, will submit a roadmap within 6 months to enhance operational efficiency and align with global trade.
Science and Technology
The 11th edition of the India-Seychelles joint military exercise, Lamitiye -2026, commenced on March 9, 2026, and will run through March 20, 2026, at the Seychelles Defence Academy, located at Ile Perseverance on the main island of Mahé.
This biennial exercise focuses on strengthening defense cooperation and enhancing joint operational capabilities in semi-urban environments.
This is the first edition to include all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force).
"Lamitiye" means "Friendship" in Creole, and the exercise has been conducted since 2001.
Science and Technology
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) on March 9, 2026 signed a new agreement to collaborate on joint calibration, validation activities and scientific studies for Earth observation missions.
The agreement was signed by ISRO Scientific Secretary M. Ganesh Pillai and ESA Director for Earth Observation Simonetta Cheli.
The collaboration aims to support scientific studies, calibration campaigns and data validation efforts for upcoming Earth observation missions of both agencies.
These activities are essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability of satellite data used for environmental monitoring, climate research and disaster management.
