Daily Current Affairs - 9 March 2026: Key National & International Updates

Daily Current Affairs 9 March 2026 covers some important national and international developments that are relevant for competitive exams and general awareness. The highlights include discussions from the Raisina Dialogue 2026, which focused on reshaping the global order with the theme “Sanskaar.” 

The updates also discuss India’s biodiversity progress under the Convention on Biological Diversity, recent constitutional appointments made by Droupadi Murmu, and the geopolitical situation of the Kurds. Together, these topics provide a clear overview of major political, environmental, and international issues shaping global discussions today. 

Raisina Dialogue 2026

The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, a prominent international conference, recently concluded with a focus on global developments. Inaugurated by India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, with Finland's President Alexander Stubb as a special guest, it serves as a crucial forum for addressing global political and economic turbulence, showcasing India's increasing role in international diplomacy and strategic discourse.

The Raisina Dialogue is an international conference dedicated to global developments. The 2026 edition, the 11th, was organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Established in 2016, it primarily focuses on Geopolitics and Geoeconomics, addressing the complex global political and economic landscape. The event draws participants from various sectors, including global leaders, policymakers, military officials, scholars, and industry experts. Its name is derived from Raisina Hills in New Delhi, the seat of the Indian government where the conference is held.

Themes and Pillars

The inaugural theme in 2016 was "Asia: Regional and Global Connectivity." The 2026 Theme was "Sanskaar" or "Sanskara," centered on Assertion, Accommodation, and Advancement. This theme aimed to refine the global order by encouraging nations to consider their interests while accommodating diverse views and collectively advancing towards a more responsible global framework.

The major pillars discussed in 2026 included:

1. Contested Frontiers: Addressing global conflicts, power dynamics, and geopolitical competition.

2. Repairing the Commons: Discussions on global governance and collective action.

3. White Whale: Focusing on ambitious, often unmet, global targets like Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

4. 11th Hour: Highlighting critical timings for urgent global challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and ongoing conflicts.

5. Tomorrow Land: Examining the future impact of technology on governance, Artificial Intelligence, and digital transformation.

6. Trade in Time of Tariffs: Addressing challenges to global supply chains and economic stability, particularly those caused by tariff wars and protectionist trade policies.

Significance

The Raisina Dialogue serves as a vital Global Strategic Forum, fostering the exchange of ideas and opinions among international leaders and promoting mutual learning. It elevates India's standing as a key player in global dialogue, acting as a significant diplomatic platform by hosting experts from around the world. The event also facilitates policy exchange, enabling governments, think tanks, and civil society to collaborate on global challenges and generate innovative solutions.

Presidential Appointments of Governors and Lieutenant Governors

President Droupadi Murmu recently undertook several appointments and transfers of Governors and Lieutenant Governors across India. These roles are critical to the federal structure of the country.

Governors

The constitutional provisions for Governors are outlined in Part VI, Articles 153 to 162, of the Indian Constitution.

• Article 153 mandates that each state shall have a Governor. A significant amendment by the 7th Constitutional Amendment allows one Governor to act for two or more states.

• Article 155 governs the Appointment of a Governor. They are appointed by the President of India under his/her hand and seal. This appointment is made on the aid and advice of the Union Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister.

• Article 156 details the Term of Office. A Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President, typically serving a term of five years. The President can remove a Governor before their term ends, based on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers. A Governor can also resign by addressing their resignation to the President.

• The Pleasure Doctrine allows the President to remove the Governor. However, the Supreme Court in the B.P. Singhal Case ruled that such removal should not be arbitrary or capricious and must have a valid basis.

• Article 159 pertains to the Oath and Affirmation of the Governor, which is administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court of the respective state, or in their absence, the senior-most judge available.

Lieutenant Governors (for Union Territories)

The constitutional provisions for Union Territories, including the role of Lieutenant Governors, are found in Part VIII, Articles 239 to 241.

• Article 239 states that the President directly administers Union Territories.

• Since the President cannot directly oversee all UTs, an Administrator (commonly known as a Lieutenant Governor) is appointed as the President's representative to govern the Union Territory.

The Kurds

The Kurds are an indigenous ethnic group of the Mesopotamian plains, primarily spread across Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran, with some populations also found in Armenia. They consistently demand their own separate country, "Kurdistan," a cultural-geographic region characterized by mountainous terrains. With an estimated population of 30-40 million, they are recognized as the world's largest ethnic group without their own sovereign state. Despite their geographical dispersion, Kurds maintain a strong cultural connection.

Kurds in Different Countries

• Turkey: Constitute 15-19% of the population and have historically faced marginalization, fueling their separatist sentiments. The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), formed in 1984, has significantly strained Kurdish-Turkish relations.

• Iran: Represent 10% of the Iranian population and advocate for cultural rights and regional autonomy, particularly since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

• Iraq: Operate as the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), mainly in Northeastern Iraq, having gained substantial autonomy after the Gulf War in 1990.

• Syria: Form 10% of the Syrian population, predominantly in Northern Syria. They developed a distinct identity during the Syrian Civil War (2011-2024) and played a crucial role in combating ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria/Levant).

• Diaspora: A significant Kurdish diaspora exists in European countries like Germany, France, Netherlands, and Switzerland.

Cultural Identity

The Kurdish language, belonging to the Northwest branch of Iranian languages and part of the Indo-European family, features regional dialects. While primarily adhering to Sunni Islam, Kurds also exhibit religious diversity, including Shia Islam, Alevism, Yazidism, and Christianity, reflecting West Asia's religious pluralism. Their unity is primarily based on their tribal identity rather than religion, sharing a common culture, geographical spread, and traditional tribal leadership structures. Their rich cultural heritage is expressed through traditional music, dance, folklore, and festivals like Newroz (Persian New Year), which reflects their Persian cultural legacy.

India's Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

India has submitted its seventh National Report under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a crucial document assessing progress towards the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets adopted in 2022, which set global biodiversity targets until 2030.

India's Performance and Targets

India established 23 National Biodiversity Targets. The report indicates that only two targets are currently on track for achievement by 2030:

1. Biodiversity-inclusive land and sea use planning.

2. Ecosystem restoration.
   The remaining 21 targets are likely to be missed.

Key Findings

• Forest and Tree Cover: The report defines a forest as an area of one hectare or more with at least 10% tree canopy cover, and tree cover as scattered trees not meeting this definition. India's total forest and tree cover stands at 827,357 sq. km, comprising 25.17% of its geographical area, falling short of the 33%+ target. An increase of 1445.81 sq. km was observed between 2021 and 2023.

• Ecosystem Restoration Efforts: India is committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land, aligning with the Bonn Challenge's global goal of restoring 350 million hectares by 2030.

• Conservation Status of Flagship Species: Flagship species, whose protection aids entire ecosystems, show positive trends. The population of Bengal Tigers has tripled, Asiatic Lions have increased, and the Rhinoceros population is stable or increasing. For the first time, a Snow Leopard population assessment has been included in this report.

• Agriculture and Biodiversity Integration: Trees Outside Forests (TOF) contribute significantly to national tree cover, and Agroforestry—integrating trees into agricultural landscapes—is growing, accounting for 8.65% of India's geographical area.

• Conservation and Ecosystem Status: Approximately 5% of India's geographical area is designated as protected (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries). India is also working on Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) outside protected areas. Mangrove cover showed a modest increase, and forest cover contributes to a carbon stock of 7285.5 million tons, supporting climate targets.

• Land Degradation: A concerning 29.77% of India's total geographical area (97 million hectares) is degraded, posing significant ecological and survival challenges.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), also known as the Biodiversity Convention, is a multilateral, legally binding treaty under the UN. It was opened for signature on June 5, 1992, at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, entering into force on December 29, 1993. It has been ratified by 196 countries, including India; notably, the USA is the only UN member country that has not ratified it. The Conference of Parties (COP) is its governing body, reviewing performance, and its Secretariat is located in Montreal, Canada.

Objectives of CBD

1. Conservation of Biological Diversity: Aims to conserve all three types of diversity:

• Genetic Diversity: Variation in genes within a single species.

• Species Diversity: Variation among different species.

• Habitat Diversity: Variation in ecosystems.
  (Memory Tip: Refer to the last 3-4 chapters of the 12th-grade Biology textbook for environment and ecology).

2. Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity: Ensuring resources are utilized without causing ecosystem collapse.

3. Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits: Promoting the sharing of commercial benefits derived from exploiting indigenous knowledge with the indigenous and tribal communities who possess that knowledge.

Key Protocols and Frameworks under CBD

• Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000/2003): Regulates the transboundary movement, handling, and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) to prevent adverse impacts on biodiversity.

• Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing (2010): Ensures the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.

• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) (2022): Sets the "30x30" target, aiming to protect and restore at least 30% of the world's land and oceans by 2030.

India's Implementation of CBD

India has implemented the CBD through its national law, the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. This act established key institutions such as the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level.