Current Affairs 01/03/2026
1. Which portal will be used for India’s first fully digital census in 2027?
Answer : CMMS Portal
India’s First Fully Digital Census to be Conducted Through CMMS Portal
India is set to undertake its first-ever fully digital population census in 2027, marking a historic transformation in the country’s data collection and governance framework. The nationwide exercise will be conducted through the CMMS (Census Management & Monitoring System) Portal, a dedicated digital platform designed to streamline, monitor, and manage the entire census process in real time.
The digital census initiative represents a major technological upgrade from traditional paper-based enumeration methods that have been followed since the first synchronous census in 1881. By adopting the CMMS Portal, the government aims to enhance accuracy, improve efficiency, reduce processing time, and ensure greater transparency in data collection.
Under the new system, enumerators will use digital devices to collect household and demographic data directly through the portal. The platform will enable real-time data transmission, centralized monitoring, and instant validation checks to minimize errors. Citizens may also be provided with the option of self-enumeration through an online interface, further modernizing the process.
The move aligns with India’s broader Digital India vision and strengthens administrative capacity for evidence-based policymaking. Census data plays a crucial role in planning welfare schemes, infrastructure development, resource allocation, and parliamentary constituency delimitation.
With the implementation of the CMMS Portal, Census 2027 is expected to set new standards in digital governance and large-scale population data management, reinforcing India’s commitment to technological innovation in public administration.
2. Where will the HPV vaccination drive for cervical cancer prevention be launched?
Answer : Ajmer, Rajasthan
HPV Vaccination Drive for Cervical Cancer Prevention Launched from Ajmer
In a significant step toward strengthening preventive healthcare, the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for cervical cancer prevention has been launched from Ajmer, Rajasthan. The initiative marks a major milestone in India’s public health strategy aimed at reducing the incidence and mortality associated with cervical cancer among women.
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India. Persistent infection with high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus is identified as the primary cause of the disease. The introduction of the HPV vaccination programme is therefore considered a crucial preventive intervention, particularly for adolescent girls.
The vaccination drive primarily targets girls in the recommended age group, focusing on immunization before exposure to the virus. By integrating the programme into the national immunization framework, the government aims to ensure wide coverage, especially in rural and underserved regions.
Launching the campaign from Ajmer underscores the commitment to equitable healthcare access across states. The initiative aligns with India’s broader mission to strengthen women’s health, expand preventive care services, and achieve long-term reductions in cancer burden.
Public health experts have welcomed the move, emphasizing that widespread HPV vaccination, combined with regular screening and awareness campaigns, can significantly lower cervical cancer rates in the coming decades. The drive is expected to play a transformative role in safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations of women in India.
3. India registered the 2nd highest T20 World Cup score against which country?
Answer : Zimbabwe
India Registers Second-Highest T20 World Cup Total Against Zimbabwe national cricket team
The India national cricket team etched its name in the record books by registering the second-highest total in the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup during a commanding performance against Zimbabwe. In a display of exceptional batting prowess, India amassed a formidable 234/2 in 20 overs, setting a new benchmark in its T20 World Cup campaign.
The innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play, calculated shot selection, and sustained scoring momentum throughout the 20 overs. India’s top-order batters laid a solid foundation, while the middle order capitalized on the platform to accelerate in the death overs. The team’s ability to combine power-hitting with strategic rotation of strike demonstrated its depth and adaptability in the shortest format of the game.
This record-breaking total not only stands as India’s highest-ever score in T20 World Cup history but also ranks among the highest team totals in the tournament overall. The performance underscored India’s batting strength and reaffirmed its status as one of the most dominant sides in international T20 cricket.
The match against Zimbabwe is widely regarded as a landmark moment in India’s T20 journey, reflecting the evolution of modern batting standards and the growing competitiveness of global cricket tournaments.
4. Who has been appointed as the chairman of the Manipur violence probe commission?
Answer : Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan
Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan Appointed Chairman of Manipur Violence Probe Commission
The Government of India has appointed Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as the Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry constituted to investigate the recent violence in the state of Manipur. The appointment reflects the Centre’s commitment to ensuring an impartial, transparent, and comprehensive probe into the incidents that led to widespread unrest.
The commission has been established under the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, with a mandate to examine the sequence of events, identify the immediate and underlying causes of the violence, and assess the adequacy of administrative responses. The panel is also expected to recommend corrective measures to prevent recurrence and promote lasting peace in the region.
Justice Chauhan brings extensive judicial experience to the role, having previously served on the bench of the Supreme Court of India. His leadership is anticipated to enhance the credibility and objectivity of the inquiry process. The commission will interact with affected communities, review official records, and gather testimonies to establish a factual and evidence-based account of the disturbances.
The findings and recommendations of the commission will be submitted to the Government for further action. The inquiry is considered a crucial step toward accountability, reconciliation, and the restoration of normalcy in Manipur.
5. Who has resigned as the President and CEO of the World Economic Forum?
Answer : Børge Brende
Børge Brende Resigns as President and CEO of World Economic Forum
Børge Brende has resigned from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Economic Forum (WEF), concluding a significant tenure at the helm of one of the world’s most influential global policy platforms. His departure marks a notable leadership transition for the Geneva-based institution known for convening political, business, and civil society leaders at its annual meetings in Davos.
Brende, a former Foreign Minister of Norway, assumed leadership of the WEF in 2017. During his tenure, he oversaw the Forum’s strategic initiatives focused on sustainable development, climate action, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth. Under his guidance, the organization expanded its role in fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to address global challenges, including pandemic recovery, geopolitical tensions, and technological disruption.
The World Economic Forum, established in 1971, serves as a global platform for dialogue and cooperation between public and private sectors. Brende’s leadership period was characterized by efforts to modernize the Forum’s agenda and strengthen its engagement with emerging economies and youth leaders.
Following his resignation, the WEF’s Board of Trustees has initiated the process of identifying a successor to ensure continuity in leadership and strategic direction. The transition is expected to maintain the Forum’s focus on promoting global cooperation, resilience, and sustainable economic progress.
Brende’s departure represents a significant moment for the organization as it navigates an increasingly complex global landscape and continues its mission of improving the state of the world.
6. Within how many hours can passengers cancel tickets without charges as per DGCA?
Answer : 48 Hours
DGCA Mandates 48-Hour Window for Free Ticket Cancellation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a passenger-friendly provision allowing airline travelers to cancel flight tickets without incurring cancellation charges within 48 hours of booking, subject to specified conditions. The move is aimed at strengthening consumer rights and enhancing transparency in the civil aviation sector.
Under the revised guidelines, passengers are eligible for a full refund if the cancellation request is made within 48 hours of ticket purchase, provided the scheduled date of departure is at least seven days from the date of booking. This safeguard ensures that travelers who make inadvertent booking errors or need to revise their travel plans shortly after purchase are not financially penalized.
The regulation forms part of DGCA’s broader efforts to streamline refund processes and standardize airline practices across the industry. Airlines are required to process eligible refunds within the timeframe prescribed by aviation norms, thereby minimizing inconvenience to passengers.
The introduction of the 48-hour free cancellation window reflects the regulator’s commitment to balancing operational interests of airlines with consumer protection. By offering greater flexibility and clarity in refund policies, the measure contributes to improved passenger confidence and accountability within India’s rapidly expanding aviation market.
7. Where was the pilot project for food subsidy via e-Rupee launched under PMGKAY?
Answer : Puducherry
Pilot Project for Food Subsidy via e-Rupee Launched in Puducherry
The Government of India has launched a pilot project for the distribution of food subsidies through the e-Rupee under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Puducherry. The initiative marks a significant advancement in the integration of digital currency into public welfare schemes.
The pilot leverages the Reserve Bank of India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), commonly referred to as the e-Rupee. Under this system, eligible beneficiaries receive their food subsidy entitlement in the form of digital tokens credited directly to their CBDC wallets. These tokens are programmable and can be used exclusively for purchasing subsidized food grains from authorized fair price shops.
The initiative aims to enhance transparency, reduce leakages, and improve the efficiency of subsidy delivery. By adopting a purpose-bound digital currency mechanism, the government seeks to ensure that financial assistance reaches intended beneficiaries without diversion or misuse.
The Puducherry pilot represents a strategic step toward modernizing India’s public distribution system and strengthening the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) framework. If successful, the model may be expanded to other regions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to leveraging financial technology for inclusive and accountable governance.
8. Which policy and portal was launched to fund railway startups?
Answer : Rail Tech Portal
Rail Tech Portal Launched to Fund and Promote Railway Startups
The Government of India has introduced a dedicated policy framework along with the Rail Tech Portal to promote innovation and provide financial support to startups working in the railway sector. The initiative aims to foster technological advancement, enhance operational efficiency, and modernize railway infrastructure through structured collaboration with emerging enterprises.
Launched under the aegis of the Ministry of Railways, the Rail Tech Portal serves as a centralized digital platform enabling startups to submit innovative proposals, seek funding support, and participate in pilot projects across the Indian Railways network. The platform is designed to streamline engagement between innovators and railway authorities, ensuring faster evaluation, approval, and implementation of new technologies.
The policy focuses on encouraging solutions in key areas such as railway safety systems, predictive maintenance, energy efficiency, digital signaling, smart logistics, passenger amenities, and artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems. By providing financial backing and institutional support, the government aims to create a conducive ecosystem for startups to test and scale their innovations in real-world railway operations.
The Rail Tech Portal also facilitates mentorship, technical validation, and collaboration with railway research bodies. Selected startups are offered opportunities for field trials, performance assessment, and eventual large-scale deployment of successful solutions.
This initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of strengthening infrastructure through innovation and supports the national agenda of promoting entrepreneurship and technology-driven growth. By institutionalizing startup participation in the railway sector, the government seeks to accelerate modernization efforts and enhance the overall efficiency and safety of one of the world’s largest rail networks.