Important days 

World Wildlife Day 2026 and Conservation of Medicinal Plants in India

Introduction

• World Wildlife Day 2026 was observed on 3rd March with the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”.
• The day commemorates the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Why in news?

• The United Nations-designated day was observed on 3rd March 2026 with a focus on medicinal and aromatic plants.

Background

• The United Nations General Assembly designated 3rd March as World Wildlife Day on 20th December 2013 during its 68th session.

Significance

• India promotes conservation of medicinal plants through in-situ and ex-situ approaches, institutional support, cultivation, market access, recognition of conservation efforts, and post-harvest and quality infrastructure.
• Geographical Indication protection showcases medicinal plant heritage, including recent registrations.

Facts/General knowledge

• India possesses 7% of global biodiversity with 45,000 plant species; 15,000 are medicinal plants and about 8,000 species are used in Indian systems of medicine and folk medicines.
• Nearly 70% of India’s medicinal plants are found in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Himalayas, and Aravalli range.
• In-situ conservation: 115 Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) in natural habitats.
• Ex-situ conservation: National Seed Gene Bank, New Delhi.
• Nodal agency: National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under Ministry of Ayush implements the Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants.
• Key initiatives:
• National Ayush Mission (2014) and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture promote medicinal plant cultivation integrated with farming systems.
• e-CHARAK platform provides market access with fortnightly price updates of 100 medicinal plants from 25 herbal markets in multiple local languages.
• Aushadhi Vanaspati Mitra Program (AVMP) recognises outstanding contributions to medicinal plant conservation.
• Medicinal Plants Business Centre (MPBC) supports post-harvest management, scientific storage, and quality testing infrastructure.
• GI-tagged medicinal plants include: Navara Rice (Kerala), Green Cardamom (Kerala & Karnataka), Ganjam Kewda Flower (Odisha), Saffron (Jammu & Kashmir), and “Nagauri Ashwagandha” (Rajasthan) registered in November 2025.

Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2026 and PMBJP

Introduction

• Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2026 was observed on 7 March under the theme “Janaushadhi Sasti Bhi, Bharosemand Bhi, Sehat Ki Baat, Bachat Ke Saath”.
• The Prime Minister highlighted the role of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in reducing medicine costs for millions.

Why in news?

• The 2026 observance spotlighted PMBJP’s impact on affordable access to medicines and surgical items.
• The event underscored the scheme’s role in lowering out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure.

Background

• PMBJP is a flagship scheme of the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
• It aims to make quality generic medicines and surgical items available at 50–80% lower cost, especially for economically disadvantaged citizens.
• Launched in 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme and rebranded/expanded in 2016 as PMBJP.

Significance

• Improves affordability and availability of essential medicines and consumables across the country.
• Has enabled estimated citizen savings of approximately Rs 38,000 crore by June 2025 compared to branded alternatives.
• Expands last-mile access through rural and remote outreach, innovative locations, and cooperative networks.
• Promotes inclusive entrepreneurship by facilitating participation from under-represented groups.

Facts/General knowledge

• Product portfolio: roughly 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical items/consumables across 29 therapeutic categories, including anti-cancer, cardiovascular, and anti-diabetic drugs.
• Quality assurance: procurement exclusively from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers; testing in NABL-accredited laboratories.
• Citizen-centric initiatives:
• Janaushadhi Suvidha sanitary napkins (2019): oxo-biodegradable; priced at Rs 1 per pad.
• Jan Aushadhi Sugam app (2019): provides geo-location of Kendras, real-time medicine availability, and price comparisons with branded options.
• Inclusive entrepreneurship model: franchise-based; special one-time incentives up to Rs 2 lakh (for furniture, fixtures, and computer equipment) for women, SC/ST, Divyangjan, and ex-servicemen.
• Strategic expansion and integration:
• Kendras to grow from over 18,000 (early 2026) to 25,000 by March 2027, focusing on rural, remote, and underserved areas.
• Innovative locations include 116 Kendras at railway stations (as of January 2026) and within government hospital premises.
• Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) leveraged to establish Kendras and extend reach to remote populations.

International Day of Women Judges 2025

Introduction

• The United Nations’ International Day of Women Judges is observed annually on 10 March across the globe.
• It highlights the vital role of women in the judiciary.
• It emphasises women’s representation and contributions to judiciaries worldwide.

Why in news?

• 10 March 2025 marks the observance of the 4th International Day of Women Judges.

Background

• On 28 April 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/75/274, introduced by the State of Qatar, establishing the International Day of Women Judges as an annual observance.
• The resolution acknowledged the efforts of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, through its Global Judicial Integrity Network, in promoting the inclusion of women’s representation within judicial systems.
• The first-ever International Day of Women Judges was observed on 10 March 2022.

Significance

• Advocates for gender equality within judicial systems.

No Smoking Day 2026

Introduction

• A global initiative encouraging people to quit tobacco and move towards a healthier, smoke-free life.
• Focuses on raising awareness about the harmful effects of smoking.
• Supports individuals seeking to overcome nicotine addiction.

Why in news?

• Marked in 2026 with widespread tobacco cessation campaigns led by health organisations, communities, and governments.

Background

• Originated in the United Kingdom in 1984 as a public health initiative to reduce tobacco use.
• Gained international recognition as governments and health organisations promoted similar anti-smoking efforts.
• Evolved into a global movement encouraging smokers to quit and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Significance

• Aims to motivate smokers to quit tobacco and adopt healthier habits.
• Emphasises the serious health risks associated with smoking and encourages the first step towards a smoke-free life.
• Highlights the need to reduce tobacco consumption, as smoking is linked to several life-threatening diseases.
• Uses awareness campaigns and support programmes to show that quitting can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.

Facts/General knowledge

• Observance date in 2026: 11 March.
• Held annually on the second Wednesday of March.

 International Day of Forests 2025

Introduction

• The International Day of Forests, also known as World Forests Day (WFD), is celebrated each year on 21 March to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees for the survival of humanity and the planet.

Why in news?

• The theme for 2025 is "Forests and Food".

Background

• Evolved from "World Forestry Day" established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1971.
• Formally recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.

Significance

• Ecological significance
• Carbon sequestration: Forests absorb approximately 30% of global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel annually (FAO, 2020) and store 861 gigatonnes of carbon, making them crucial for climate change mitigation.
• Biodiversity conservation: Forests host 80% of terrestrial biodiversity (UNEP, 2021). In India, forests shelter species like tigers (3,167, NTCA 2022) and Asian elephants (approximately 30,000, MoEFCC 2023).
• Water security: Forests regulate hydrological cycles, recharge groundwater, and mitigate floods. Over 85% of major cities rely on forested watersheds for freshwater. In crises, forests provide up to 20% of rural family income and ensure food security. The Western Ghats in India sustain rivers that supply water to 245 million people.
• Economic and livelihood value
• Global dependence: 1.6 billion people, including 70 million indigenous communities, rely on forests for food, fuel, and medicine (World Bank, 2022).
• Employment in India: Over 30 million people depend on forestry activities for their livelihood, with MGNREGA supporting afforestation projects and rural livelihoods.
• Livestock support: Forests sustain 30–40 million pastoralists and provide fodder for 4 billion livestock; trees enhance rangelands by offering shade and protection, improving livestock productivity.
• Cultural and genetic significance
• Cultural significance: Forests are culturally revered for regeneration, health, and longevity. India has 100,000+ sacred groves (e.g., Kavus in Kerala, Law Lyngdoh in Meghalaya), preserving biodiversity and rare flora like Myristica malabarica (Karnataka).
• Genetic diversity: Forests safeguard wild relatives of crops (e.g., wild rice in Assam), essential for breeding climate-resilient varieties.

Facts/General knowledge

• Definition of forest in India: In T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs the Union of India (1996), the Supreme Court interpreted “forest” according to its dictionary meaning, covering all statutorily recognised forests, whether reserved, protected, or otherwise.
• Status of forests in India (ISFR 2023)
• Forest and tree cover: 25.17% of geographical area; forest cover 21.76%; tree cover 3.41%.
• Increase since 2021: 1,445.81 km² in forest and tree cover.
• Nineteen states/UTs have over 33% of their geographical area under forest cover.
• Forest carbon stock: 7,285.5 million tonnes, up by 81.5 million tonnes since 2021.
• Mangrove cover: 4,991.68 km² (0.15% of geographical area), with a 7.43 km² decline since 2021.
• Largest forest cover (area wise): Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh.
• Highest percentage of forest cover: Lakshadweep (91.33%), Mizoram (85.34%), Andaman & Nicobar (81.62%).

World Water Day Conclave 2026 and World Water Day 2026

Introduction

• The Ministry of Jal Shakti convened the World Water Day Conclave 2026 on World Water Day under the theme “Industry for Water,” marking a strategic shift towards a circular water economy.
• The conclave marks India’s transition to a data-driven, circular water economy by integrating industrial commitments with community participation.
• It prioritises glacier monitoring and wastewater recycling to counter plummeting per-capita water availability, aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability and gender-inclusive water security.

Why in news?

• World Water Day Conclave 2026 highlighted a circular water economy, treating wastewater as a precious, finite resource with a focus on Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle to ensure long-term climate resilience.
• Landmark data resources were released: 7th Minor Irrigation Census, 2nd Census of Water Bodies, 1st Census of Springs and Major & Medium Irrigation Projects, and the National Water Data Policy 2026.
• Leading industry associations (FICCI, ASSOCHAM, CII) made joint commitments: regular water audits by 2027, Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) by 2030, and a 50% reduction in corporate water footprint by 2030.
• In collaboration with NRSC-ISRO, a Glacial Monitoring Framework and GLOF risk reduction initiatives using platforms like Bhuvan were emphasised for Himalayan security.
• Technological integration was underscored, leveraging AI and IoT to move from traditional management to precision water governance.

Background

• World Water Day is observed by the United Nations every year to highlight the critical importance of freshwater resources and advocate for their sustainable management.
• It is coordinated by UN-Water, the UN’s inter-agency coordination mechanism on water and sanitation.
• The observance was proposed at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and was first held on 22 March 1993.

Significance

• The circular water economy replaces the “take-use-discard” system and decouples water from consumption, supporting long-term climate resilience.
• The holistic approach aligns economic growth with environmental sustainability and gender-inclusive water security.
• Prioritising glacier monitoring and wastewater recycling directly addresses plummeting per-capita water availability.

Facts/General knowledge

• World Water Day is observed annually on 22 March.
• The 2026 theme is “Water and Gender” with the campaign slogan “Where water flows, equality grows,” highlighting the disproportionate impacts of the global water crisis on women and girls.
• World Water Day directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for all by 2030.

Earth Hour 2026 — India’s Participation and Global Context

Introduction

• Earth Hour is a global initiative organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that urges individuals, governments, and institutions to switch off non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change and environmental protection.
• Earth Hour 2026 marks 20 years of the campaign’s journey.
• Theme: “Give An Hour For Earth” encourages dedicating 60 minutes to nature by reconnecting with it, restoring it, learning about it, or inspiring others to care for it.

Why in news?

• India participated in Earth Hour 2026 on 28th March 2026, 8:30–9:30 pm.
• Major landmarks such as India Gate, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and others switched off lights in solidarity.

Background

• The movement began in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 as a symbolic “lights off” initiative.
• It has evolved into one of the largest global grassroots environmental campaigns.

Significance

• Moves beyond symbolic action to promote broader planet-positive activities.
• In India, it encourages long-term environmental action through clean-up drives, nature walks, cyclothons, citizen science initiatives, and educational events.

Facts/General knowledge

• The campaign engages millions across more than 190 countries and territories.
• In India, it has expanded since 2009 under WWF-India, with participation from 58 cities, widespread institutional support, and increasing digital engagement.

Date - Important Days

March 01, 2026 Zero Discrimination Day

World Civil Defence Day

World Compliment Day

March 02, 2026 Holika Dahan

March 03, 2026 World Wildlife Day,World Hearing Day

March 04, 2026 Holi

National Safety Day (India)

National Grammar Day

March 08, 2026 International Women’s Day

March 11, 2026 No Smoking Day

March 12, 2026 Mauritius Day

March 13, 2026 World Sleep Day

March 14, 2026 Pi Day

International Day of Action for Rivers

March 15, 2026 World Consumer Rights Day

March 16, 2026 National Vaccination Day (India)

March 18, 2026 Ordnance Factories Day (India)

March 19, 2026 Chaitra Navratri

March 20, 2026 International Day of Happiness

Nowruz

World Sparrow Day

World Oral Health Day

March 20-21, 2026 Eid

March 21, 2026 World Forestry Day

World Down Syndrome Day

World Poetry Day

March 22, 2026 Bihar Diwas

World Water Day

March 23, 2026 World Meteorological Day

Martyr’s Day (India)

March 24, 2026 World Tuberculosis Day

March 25, 2026 International Day of the Unborn Child

International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

March 26, 2026 Purple Day of Epilepsy

March 27, 2026 World Theatre Day

March 28, 2026 World Piano Day

March 30, 2026 Rajasthan Day

March 31, 2026 Eiffel Tower Day

March 31, 2026 Mahavir Jayanti