07 MARCH 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

UPSC GS Paper-2: International Relations

Raisina Dialogue

⭐ Why in the News

The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.

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⭐ Nature of the Forum

The Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, aimed at addressing key international challenges and shaping global policy discussions.

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⭐ Conceptual Inspiration

The forum is modelled on leading global strategic conferences such as:

• Munich Security Conference

• Shangri-La Dialogue (Singapore)

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⭐ Year of Inception

The Raisina Dialogue has been held annually in New Delhi since 2016.

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⭐ Discussion Format

The conference follows a multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral format, bringing together policymakers, experts, and leaders from various sectors to engage in dialogue and policy discussions.

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⭐ Participants

Participants include:

• Heads of State and Government

• Cabinet ministers

• Representatives of local governments

• Experts from the private sector, media, and academia

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⭐ Organising Institutions

The event is organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

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⭐ Institutional Support

Several institutions, organisations, and individuals support the dialogue to advance its objectives and global outreach.

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⭐ Edition of 2026

The 2026 edition marks the 11th Raisina Dialogue.

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⭐ Theme of the 2026 Dialogue

The theme for the 2026 edition is:

“Samskara – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement.”

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⭐ Global Participation

Around 2,700 participants from nearly 110 countries are expected to attend the dialogue.

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⭐ Thematic Pillars

⭐ Pillar 1: Contested Frontiers

Focuses on issues related to power dynamics, global polarity, and geopolitical tensions.

⭐ Pillar 2: Repairing the Commons

Examines the need for new institutional frameworks, emerging stakeholders, and innovative governance mechanisms.

⭐ Pillar 3: White Whale

Discusses global cooperation and policy responses for achieving the targets of Agenda 2030.

⭐ Pillar 4: The Eleventh Hour

Addresses urgent global challenges such as climate change, conflicts, and the consequences of delayed action.

⭐ Pillar 5: Tomorrowland

Explores the future of technology and the evolving vision of a technology-driven global order.

⭐ Pillar 6: Trade in the Time of Tariffs

Focuses on global trade recovery, supply chain resilience, and economic restructuring in a tariff-dominated environment.

UPSC GS Paper-3: Environment & Biodiversity

Dusky Eagle Owl

⭐ Why in the News

A pair of rare Dusky Eagle Owls was recently spotted in the Phato tourism zone of the Terai West Forest Division in Uttarakhand.

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⭐ Taxonomic Classification

The Dusky Eagle Owl belongs to the family Strigidae, which includes typical owls.

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⭐ Physical Appearance

It is a large greyish-brown owl distinguished by prominent ear tufts.

The underparts are greyish-white with dark brown streaks, while the wings are dark brown with faint whitish markings.

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⭐ Habitat Preference

The species generally inhabits dense riverside forests and areas with old-growth trees, where it primarily feeds on small mammals and birds.

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⭐ Geographic Distribution

The Dusky Eagle Owl is found across parts of South and Southeast Asia, including:

• Pakistan

• India

• Nepal

• Bangladesh

• Myanmar

• Thailand

• Malaysia

• Parts of China

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⭐ Body Size

The bird usually measures around 48–53 cm in length, with females typically larger than males.

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⭐ Daily Activity Pattern

The owl typically rests during the day in shaded branches or dense foliage and becomes active shortly before sunset.

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⭐ Behavioural Traits

Although mainly nocturnal, the Dusky Eagle Owl may remain active during daylight, especially under cloudy or low-light conditions.

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⭐ Hunting Adaptations

It possesses strong talons and powerful flight abilities, making it a highly efficient predator.

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⭐ Nesting Behaviour

The species usually lays its eggs in old stick nests that were originally built by other birds.

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⭐ Nest Sources

These abandoned nests are often constructed by large raptors such as kites, vultures, or eagles.

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⭐ Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, the Dusky Eagle Owl is currently classified as Least Concern (LC).

UPSC GS Paper-3: Environment & Biodiversity

Glyptothorax sentimereni & Oreichthys elianae

⭐ Why in the News

Researchers in Northeast India have discovered two new freshwater fish species — Glyptothorax sentimereni and Oreichthys elianae — from Nagaland.

⭐ Survey Location

The species were identified during ichthyological surveys conducted in tributaries of the Brahmaputra River in the Mokokchung district of Nagaland.

⭐ Species Identification

Both Glyptothorax sentimereni and Oreichthys elianae are newly described freshwater fish species from the region.

Glyptothorax sentimereni

⭐ Discovery Site

This species was discovered in rocky stretches of the Dikhu River.

⭐ Habitat

It belongs to a group of torrent-dwelling catfish that are adapted to live in fast-flowing mountain streams.

⭐ Adhesive Adaptation

The fish possesses a specialized adhesive structure on its underside, which allows it to attach firmly to rocks in strong water currents.

⭐ Distinctive Morphological Traits

It shows serrations on the dorsal-fin spine and a folded (plicate) ventral surface on the pectoral and pelvic fins.

⭐ Taxonomic Significance

These morphological features help distinguish Glyptothorax sentimereni from closely related species found in the Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna river basin.

Oreichthys elianae

⭐ Discovery Site

This species was discovered in a tributary of the Tsurang River.

⭐ Body Size

It is a very small fish, measuring slightly more than 2.5 cm in length.

⭐ External Appearance

The fish is characterised by bright red fins and a distinct black blotch at the base of its tail.

⭐ Lateral Line Feature

It has an incomplete lateral line consisting of only five pored scales.

⭐ Cheek Pore Pattern

The species also has 14–15 pores on the cheek region, which helps differentiate it from other related species.