Current Affairs 04/03/2026
1. Which state government has recently launched the ‘Pink Mobility Card’ scheme for free public transport travel for women?
Answer : Delhi
Pink Mobility Card Scheme Launched by the Government of Delhi
The Government of Delhi has recently introduced the Pink Mobility Card scheme as a major step toward strengthening women’s safety, accessibility, and economic empowerment in public transportation. The initiative is designed to provide free travel facilities for women across the capital’s public transport network.
The scheme aims to simplify and modernize the earlier free-ticket system by issuing a dedicated mobility card to eligible women commuters. This card enables seamless access to public transport services without the need for physical tickets, thereby promoting efficiency, transparency, and digital integration in urban mobility.
Under the Pink Mobility Card programme, women residents of Delhi can avail free travel benefits on government-operated buses and other notified public transport services. The initiative is aligned with the broader objective of encouraging greater female participation in education, employment, and public life by reducing transportation costs and ensuring safe travel options.
The introduction of the Pink Mobility Card reflects the government’s continued commitment to gender-inclusive governance. By combining digital infrastructure with welfare support, the scheme seeks to enhance convenience, reduce operational complexities, and promote sustainable urban transport usage.
In essence, the Pink Mobility Card represents a progressive policy measure aimed at empowering women, improving public transport accessibility, and reinforcing Delhi’s commitment to inclusive development.
2. Who has recently taken over as the Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL India Limited?
Answer : Deepak Gupta
Deepak Gupta Assumes Charge as Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL India Limited
In a significant development in India’s energy sector, GAIL India Limited has appointed Deepak Gupta as its new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD). He has recently taken over the leadership of the organization, marking a new chapter in the functioning of one of India’s leading public sector undertakings in the natural gas sector.
GAIL India Limited, a Maharatna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, plays a pivotal role in the country’s energy infrastructure. The company is engaged in natural gas transmission and marketing, LPG production and transmission, petrochemicals, city gas distribution, and renewable energy initiatives. As CMD, Deepak Gupta will be responsible for steering the strategic direction of the company, strengthening operational efficiency, and enhancing its contribution to India’s energy security and transition goals.
Deepak Gupta brings with him extensive experience in the energy and hydrocarbon sector. Over the years, he has held various key leadership and managerial positions, gaining expertise in project management, corporate planning, and infrastructure development. His appointment is expected to reinforce GAIL’s focus on expanding pipeline networks, boosting clean energy initiatives, and supporting the Government of India’s vision of increasing the share of natural gas in the country’s energy mix.
Under his leadership, GAIL is anticipated to accelerate its growth trajectory, enhance stakeholder value, and further consolidate its position as a leading player in the Indian and global energy markets.
3. Who has won the men’s singles title at the Maha Open ATP Challenger 75 Tennis Championship in Pune?
Answer : Federico Cina
Federico Cina Clinches Men’s Singles Title at Maha Open ATP Challenger 75 in Pune
The prestigious Maha Open ATP Challenger 75 concluded on a high note in Pune, with Italian tennis professional Federico Cina emerging as the men’s singles champion. The tournament, part of the ATP Challenger Tour calendar, witnessed intense competition and showcased rising international talent on Indian soil.
In a gripping final, Cina demonstrated remarkable composure and tactical superiority to overcome Britain’s Felix Gill. The closely contested match extended to three sets, reflecting the high competitive standards maintained throughout the championship. Cina’s resilience under pressure and consistent baseline play proved decisive in securing the title.
The Maha Open ATP Challenger 75 serves as a significant platform for emerging players aiming to improve their ATP rankings and gain valuable match experience. Cina’s victory not only adds a notable achievement to his professional record but also strengthens his position in the international tennis circuit.
The successful conduct of the tournament further reinforces Pune’s growing reputation as a prominent destination for international sporting events in India. The event attracted considerable attention from tennis enthusiasts and sports stakeholders, contributing positively to the development of the sport in the region.
Federico Cina’s triumph at the Maha Open ATP Challenger 75 marks an important milestone in his career and underscores the rising competitiveness of young talents on the ATP Challenger Tour.
4. In which state is the ‘Horsley Hills Reserve Forest’ located, which was recently in the news due to a fire?
Answer : Andhra Pradesh
Forest Fire Incident at Horsley Hills Reserve Forest in Andhra Pradesh
The Horsley Hills Reserve Forest, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, recently came into the spotlight following a significant forest fire incident that affected a considerable stretch of woodland in the region. The reserve forest, situated in the southern part of the state, is known for its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and ecological importance.
Horsley Hills, often referred to as the “Ooty of Andhra,” is a prominent hill station and eco-tourism destination. The surrounding reserve forest plays a crucial role in maintaining the local climate, supporting wildlife habitats, and preserving native flora. The recent fire reportedly damaged several acres of vegetation, raising environmental concerns among authorities and conservationists.
Forest department officials, along with local administrative authorities, promptly initiated fire-control operations to contain the blaze and prevent further spread. Measures such as deploying fire lines, mobilizing ground staff, and coordinating with disaster response teams were undertaken to minimize ecological damage.
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of forest ecosystems to fire hazards, particularly during dry seasons. Experts have emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance, community awareness, and preventive forest management practices to safeguard ecologically sensitive regions like Horsley Hills Reserve Forest.
The event underscores the importance of sustainable environmental stewardship and proactive disaster management strategies in preserving India’s valuable forest resources.
5. In which National Park’s river have gharials and turtles been recently released?
Answer : Kuno National Park
Gharials and Turtles Released in Kuno National Park to Strengthen Riverine Ecosystem
In a significant step towards wildlife conservation, endangered gharials and freshwater turtles have recently been released into the river system of Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The species were introduced into the Kuno River, which flows through the national park, as part of a focused initiative to enhance aquatic biodiversity and restore ecological balance.
The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), a critically endangered crocodilian species, is native to the Indian subcontinent and primarily inhabits clean, fast-flowing rivers. Freshwater turtles, many of which face habitat loss and declining populations, play a vital role in maintaining the health of river ecosystems by contributing to nutrient cycling and controlling aquatic vegetation.
The reintroduction programme forms part of broader conservation efforts being undertaken in Kuno National Park, which has gained prominence in recent years for wildlife restoration initiatives. Authorities aim to strengthen the park’s riverine habitat, ensuring it supports a sustainable population of aquatic and semi-aquatic species.
Wildlife officials and conservation experts supervised the release to ensure proper acclimatization and long-term survival of the species. Continuous monitoring and habitat management measures are expected to follow, safeguarding the newly introduced populations.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, reinforcing Kuno National Park’s role as a critical hub for wildlife protection in central India.
6. According to Delhi HC, the right to hold a passport and travel abroad falls under which Article?
Answer : Article 21
Right to Passport and Foreign Travel Falls Under Article 21: Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court has reaffirmed that the right to hold a passport and to travel abroad is an integral part of the fundamental right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. This interpretation aligns with established constitutional jurisprudence that broadens the scope of personal liberty beyond mere physical existence.
Article 21 states that no person shall be deprived of his or her life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. Over the decades, judicial interpretation has significantly expanded the ambit of this provision to include various rights essential to living with dignity. The right to travel abroad has been recognized as one such essential liberty.
The Court emphasized that any restriction on an individual’s right to obtain or retain a passport must satisfy the test of fairness, reasonableness, and due process. Authorities are required to act strictly in accordance with statutory provisions, ensuring that administrative decisions do not arbitrarily curtail fundamental rights.
This reaffirmation strengthens the constitutional protection available to citizens and underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding personal freedoms under Article 21.
7. In which country is the ‘Haifa Port’, recently seen in the news, located?
Answer : Israel
Haifa Port, Israel: Strategic Maritime Hub in the Headlines
Haifa Port, one of the largest and most important seaports in the Middle East, is located in the northern Israeli city of Haifa on the Mediterranean coast. Serving as a major gateway for international trade and commerce, the port plays a crucial role in Israel’s economy, handling a wide range of cargo, container shipments, and passenger traffic.
Recently, Haifa Port has featured prominently in international news due to heightened geopolitical tensions in the region and its strategic importance for maritime logistics. With advanced infrastructure and deep-water berths, the port is equipped to accommodate large cargo vessels and has been a focal point for both commercial activity and strategic operations.
Haifa’s location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa enhances its significance as a logistics and transit hub, connecting Israel to global markets. In addition to its economic role, the port also supports naval operations and contributes to the country’s broader maritime capabilities.
With ongoing developments and global attention on the region, Haifa Port continues to remain at the forefront of strategic and economic discussions on the world stage.
8. Which edition of the ‘Raisina Dialogue’ will be held in New Delhi in March 2026?
Answer : 11th
11th Raisina Dialogue to Be Held in New Delhi in March 2026
The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue is scheduled to be held in New Delhi in March 2026. Recognized as India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, the Raisina Dialogue has evolved into a prominent global platform for strategic discussions and policy deliberations.
Jointly organized by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, the annual dialogue convenes heads of state, ministers, diplomats, policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders from across the world. The forum facilitates high-level engagement on critical global challenges, including international security, economic cooperation, technological transformation, climate change, and multilateral governance.
Since its inception in 2016, the Raisina Dialogue has steadily gained international stature, positioning India as an influential voice in shaping contemporary global discourse. Each edition focuses on evolving geopolitical dynamics and aims to foster collaboration among nations through open and constructive dialogue.
The 11th edition is expected to continue this tradition by addressing emerging global trends and reinforcing India’s role as a convening power in international strategic affairs.