Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 4th March 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 4th March 2026

1. Mojtaba Khamenei Reportedly Becomes Iran’s Supreme Leader

Iran has reportedly witnessed a major political transition as Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been elected as the country’s new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts. This development is significant because it marks a controversial father-to-son succession in the Islamic Republic. The move comes at a time when West Asia is already experiencing heightened tensions and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Reports suggest that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) played a role in influencing the succession process.


2. India Signs ₹5,083 Crore Defence Deals

India’s Ministry of Defence has signed defence procurement contracts worth ₹5,083 crore to strengthen maritime security. The agreements include the purchase of six Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III units built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Coast Guard. In addition, the Indian Navy will receive Russian VL-Shtil air-defence missile systems. These acquisitions aim to enhance India’s surveillance, rescue capabilities, and naval defence preparedness in the Indian Ocean region.


3. India Engages in West Asia Diplomacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held diplomatic engagements with leaders from Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. India emphasized the importance of respecting territorial sovereignty, maintaining regional stability, and ensuring the safety of the large Indian diaspora in the region. The discussions highlighted India’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and diplomatic solutions in conflict situations.


4. Historic Appointment in Jammu & Kashmir

In a significant milestone for gender representation in law enforcement, Saba Shawl has been appointed as the first Kashmiri woman to head the high-security Central Jail in Srinagar. The appointment is being viewed as an important step toward women’s empowerment and leadership in the security and prison administration sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.


5. Telangana to Begin Census 2027 Preparations

The preparations for India’s Census 2027 are set to begin with the first phase in Telangana starting May 11. This stage involves the House Listing Operation, which collects essential information about housing conditions and household characteristics. The census is a crucial exercise conducted every ten years and plays a key role in policy planning, welfare schemes, and demographic analysis.


6. CBSE Postpones Exams in West Asia

Due to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has postponed Class 10 and Class 12 examinations scheduled for March 5–6 in several countries. The postponement affects students in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iran. The decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and examination staff in the region.


7. Scotland Approves Water Cremation

Scotland has become the first nation in the United Kingdom to approve water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis. This environmentally friendly method of body disposition uses water and alkaline chemicals instead of fire. It produces significantly lower carbon emissions compared to traditional cremation or burial methods, making it a sustainable alternative.


8. Tamil Nadu Launches First Dark Sky Park

Tamil Nadu has launched its first Dark Sky Park at Kolli Hills in the Ariyur Shola Reserve. The park is equipped with advanced telescopes and is designed to promote astrotourism and scientific awareness. By reducing light pollution, the initiative aims to protect natural night skies while encouraging astronomy education and eco-tourism.


9. Uber Receives Aggregator License in Karnataka

Ride-hailing platform Uber has secured an official aggregator license from the Karnataka government. This approval allows the company to legally operate both cab and auto-rickshaw services under the state’s regulatory framework. The move represents a significant step toward formalizing digital mobility platforms and improving ride-hailing regulation in the state.


Conclusion

The past 24 hours have seen important developments across politics, defence, governance, technology, and environmental sustainability. From leadership changes in Iran and India’s defence acquisitions to new initiatives in astronomy tourism and eco-friendly cremation methods, these events highlight the rapidly evolving global and national landscape.