Current Affairs 07/03/2026
1. Who has been appointed as the first Kashmiri woman superintendent of Srinagar Central Jail?
Answer : Saba Shawl
Saba Shawl Becomes First Kashmiri Woman Superintendent of Srinagar Central Jail
In a significant step toward enhancing women’s representation in administrative and security services in Jammu and Kashmir, Saba Shawl has been appointed as the Superintendent of Srinagar Central Jail. With this appointment, she has become the first Kashmiri woman to hold this prestigious position, marking an important milestone in the region’s correctional administration.
Saba Shawl is an officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Prisons Department who cleared the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) examination in 2012. Over the years, she has served in several key roles within the prison administration, gaining experience in prison management, administrative coordination, and institutional reforms. Prior to this appointment, she worked as a Staff Officer to the Director General of Prisons in Jammu and Kashmir, where she contributed to improving prison administration and communication systems.
The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department appointed her as the Superintendent of Srinagar Central Jail, one of the most important and high-security correctional facilities in the Union Territory. The jail houses a large number of inmates and plays a crucial role in maintaining the region’s prison management system.
Her appointment is considered a landmark moment for gender inclusivity in law enforcement and correctional services in Jammu and Kashmir. It reflects the growing participation of women in leadership positions traditionally dominated by men. By taking charge of such a prominent institution, Saba Shawl’s achievement is expected to inspire more women in the region to pursue careers in public service and administration.
2. Which is the first country in the UK to recently legalise water cremation?
Answer : Scotland
Scotland Becomes First UK Country to Legalise Water Cremation
In a significant step towards modernising funeral practices, Scotland has become the first country in the United Kingdom to legalise water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis. The decision reflects the growing demand for environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional burial and flame-based cremation.
Water cremation is a scientific process in which the human body is placed in a sealed chamber containing water and an alkaline solution. The chamber is heated under controlled conditions, which accelerates the natural decomposition of the body. After the process is completed, only bone fragments remain, which are dried and processed into a powder similar to the ashes obtained from traditional cremation. This method is considered more environmentally friendly because it produces significantly fewer carbon emissions and requires less energy.
The legalisation was introduced through regulations approved by the Scottish Parliament, enabling funeral service providers to offer this alternative once necessary approvals and infrastructure are established. It is also regarded as the first major addition to funeral disposal methods in the UK since cremation was officially recognised more than a century ago.
Experts and environmental groups have welcomed the move, noting that water cremation reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional cremation. As environmental awareness increases, this method is expected to gain popularity among individuals seeking sustainable end-of-life options.
3. Which state government has recently announced the launch of its state’s first dark sky park?
Answer : Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Announces State’s First Dark Sky Park
The Government of Tamil Nadu has recently announced the establishment of the state’s first Dark Sky Park, a significant initiative aimed at promoting astronomy, environmental conservation, and eco-tourism. The proposed Dark Sky Park will be developed at Kolli Hills, particularly within the Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest.
A Dark Sky Park is a designated area where artificial lighting is strictly controlled to reduce light pollution, allowing the night sky to remain naturally dark. Such locations provide ideal conditions for observing celestial objects like stars, planets, and the Milky Way. These parks are widely recognised for their importance in astronomical research, scientific education, and public awareness about the effects of excessive artificial lighting.
The project is being implemented by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department with the objective of encouraging astro-tourism and creating awareness about the need to protect natural night environments. Kolli Hills was selected as the site for the park because of its relatively high elevation, dense forest cover, and low levels of urban light pollution, making it suitable for stargazing activities.
Once fully developed, the Dark Sky Park is expected to attract astronomy enthusiasts, researchers, students, and tourists from across the country. It will also help promote sustainable tourism in the region and generate economic opportunities for local communities.
4. In which sanctuary of Odisha will the second edition of Indian Bison Fest be organised?
Answer : Debrigarh
Second Edition of Indian Bison Fest to be Organised at Debrigarh Sanctuary
The second edition of the Indian Bison Fest will be organised at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Odisha. The festival is an initiative aimed at promoting wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, and awareness about the region’s rich biodiversity.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, located near the Hirakud Dam, is well known for its diverse flora and fauna. The sanctuary is particularly famous for the presence of the Indian bison (gaur), which is the largest species of wild cattle and an important part of India’s forest ecosystem. Because of its healthy population of gaur, the sanctuary has become an ideal venue for organising the Indian Bison Fest.
The festival is organised by the Odisha Forest Department in collaboration with tourism authorities and local communities. The event aims to highlight wildlife conservation efforts while encouraging responsible tourism in the sanctuary region.
During the festival, visitors and wildlife enthusiasts will be able to participate in several activities such as nature trails, wildlife photography, bird watching, cultural programmes, and eco-tourism experiences. The event will also showcase the traditions and culture of local communities living near the sanctuary.
By organising the Indian Bison Fest, the Odisha government seeks to promote environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable tourism while drawing national attention to the ecological importance of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
5. According to the 2026 report, which is the leading state in India in organ donation by deceased persons?
Answer : Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Leads India in Deceased Organ Donation: 2026 Report
According to the 2026 national report on organ donation, Tamil Nadu has emerged as the leading state in India in organ donation from deceased persons. The state has consistently maintained a strong record in promoting organ donation and establishing an efficient transplant coordination system.
Tamil Nadu’s success in this field is largely attributed to its well-structured organ donation programme managed through the Tamil Nadu Network for Organ Sharing (TRANSTAN). This organisation coordinates the identification of brain-dead donors, organ retrieval, allocation, and transplantation across hospitals in the state. The system ensures transparency and quick communication among medical institutions, which is essential for successful organ transplantation.
The state government has also implemented strong awareness campaigns and streamlined medical protocols in collaboration with hospitals and transplant centres. These efforts have encouraged families to consent to organ donation after brain death, thereby increasing the number of life-saving transplants.
Additionally, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has recognised Tamil Nadu’s consistent performance in organ donation and transplant management. The state’s model has often been cited as an example for other states to improve their organ donation systems.
The achievement highlights Tamil Nadu’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services and saving lives through organ transplantation. By leading in deceased organ donation, the state continues to set a benchmark for effective coordination, medical infrastructure, and public awareness in India’s organ donation movement.
6. In which country’s Yellowstone National Park is the Echinus Geyser located?
Answer : USA
Echinus Geyser Located in Yellowstone National Park, USA
The Echinus Geyser is located in Yellowstone National Park, one of the most famous national parks in the world. The park is situated primarily in the state of Wyoming, with smaller portions extending into Montana and Idaho, in the United States.
Echinus Geyser is one of the many geothermal features found in Yellowstone National Park, which is globally renowned for its geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. The geyser is located in the Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest and most dynamic thermal area in the park. Unlike many geysers that erupt with large water columns, Echinus Geyser is known for its acidic water and unique eruptive behaviour.
Historically, Echinus Geyser was famous for producing spectacular eruptions that could reach heights of more than 60 feet. However, in recent years its activity has become less predictable, and it often produces smaller eruptions or steam emissions. Scientists closely study such geothermal features to understand the underground volcanic and hydrothermal systems of the region.
Yellowstone National Park itself holds great importance as it was established in 1872, becoming the first national park in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year due to its unique geological and ecological features.
7. Which state has approved the implementation of the ‘Nari Adalat’ scheme as a pilot project?
Answer : Tripura
Tripura Approves Pilot Implementation of ‘Nari Adalat’ Scheme
The Government of Tripura has recently approved the implementation of the ‘Nari Adalat’ scheme as a pilot project. This initiative aims to strengthen women’s access to justice and provide a community-based platform for resolving disputes related to women at the grassroots level.
The Nari Adalat (Women’s Court) is designed to function at the village level, where trained women from local communities help mediate and resolve conflicts such as domestic disputes, property issues, and other social problems affecting women. The scheme focuses on alternative dispute resolution, ensuring that women can seek justice in a simpler, quicker, and more accessible manner without immediately approaching formal courts.
The programme is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Sambal Sub‑Scheme under Mission Shakti. The pilot project will initially be launched in selected districts of Tripura to evaluate its effectiveness before possible expansion to other areas.
Through this initiative, the state government seeks to empower women, promote gender justice, and strengthen community-level dispute resolution mechanisms. It is also expected to increase awareness of women’s rights and encourage their active participation in decision-making processes within local communities.
The approval of the Nari Adalat pilot project reflects Tripura’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and accessible justice systems.
8. The world’s first ‘Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure’ has been launched by which country’s Central Bank?
Answer : UAE
UAE Launches World’s First Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has recently launched the world’s first Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure, marking a major milestone in the modernization and digital transformation of the financial sector. This initiative has been introduced in the United Arab Emirates to strengthen the nation’s financial technology ecosystem and enhance the security and efficiency of financial services.
The Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure is designed to provide a secure and dedicated cloud computing environment for financial institutions, including banks, fintech companies, and regulatory bodies. By using a sovereign cloud framework, the data generated within the financial system will remain under the jurisdiction and control of the UAE, ensuring greater data protection, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience.
This infrastructure will enable financial institutions to adopt advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and digital payment systems, thereby improving innovation and service delivery in the banking sector. It also aims to support the development of digital banking, open finance, and fintech solutions within the country.
The initiative reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to become a global hub for financial technology and digital innovation. By launching the world’s first sovereign financial cloud infrastructure, the UAE has taken a significant step toward creating a secure, modern, and technologically advanced financial ecosystem.