Daily Current Affairs – 24 March 2026: India’s SAGAR Vision, GTI Rankings and Agri-PV Innovations

This overview of Daily Current Affairs- 24 March 2026 focuses on several critical developments across international relations, defence, space exploration, security, and sustainable agriculture. Key topics include India’s growing role in maritime security through the SAGAR vision, significant updates regarding Israel’s nuclear policy, and the latest astronomical discoveries from the Minor Planet Centre.

Additionally, we analyze the findings of the 2026 Global Terrorism Index and the rising trend of Agri-Photovoltaics in sustainable farming. Together, these insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the most pressing global challenges and technological advancements shaping our world today.

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IOS Sagar 2026

India has reaffirmed its commitment as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through the second edition of IOS Sagar 2026. The SAGAR Vision was launched in March 2015 during PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius. This strategic maritime vision promotes security, cooperation, and sustainable development, crucial for India’s naval and soft power projection while protecting its interests and assisting neighbouring countries.

(Memory Tip: SAGAR stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region) 

Objectives of SAGAR Vision

• Maritime Security: Preventing piracy, terrorism, and illegal activities in trade and communication lanes.
• Capacity Building: Enhancing technical expertise and vigilance to assist neighbouring IOR countries against illegal activities.
• Regional Growth and Blue Economy: Promoting ocean-related economic activities like aquaculture and trade for all IOR countries.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): India consistently acts as a first responder in disaster situations.
• Rule-Based Order: Ensuring the proper implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to prevent issues similar to those in the South China Sea.

IOS Sagar Exercise

The IOS Sagar Exercise is conducted under the broader SAGAR Initiative. The first edition was held in 2025 in Karwar, Karnataka. The Second Edition (Current) took place in Kochi, Kerala (Southern Naval Command), with naval ships like INS Sunayna participating. Its purpose is to exchange best practices, enhance interoperability, and foster trust-building among participating nations.

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Significance

India’s role as a Net Security Provider is important for the protection and promotion of International Sea Lines of Communication. The initiative promotes cooperative and sustainable growth, addressing climate challenges, environmental protection, and ensuring maritime governance through UN rules implementation.

Dimona Nuclear Facility

The Dimona Nuclear Facility, also known as the Negev Nuclear Research Center, is an Israeli nuclear site located in the Negev Desert, southwest of the Dead Sea. It was established in 1958 with assistance from France.

Israel’s Nuclear Policy

Israel operates under a policy of nuclear opacity, maintaining deliberate ambiguity about its nuclear capabilities. This means it does not officially confirm or deny the possession of nuclear weapons, unlike the “no first use” policy adopted by some countries. This strategy allows Israel to maintain a deterrent posture without openly acknowledging its nuclear arsenal. The facility’s location in a desert ecosystem aligns with Israel’s Desert Development Program, focusing on technological advancement for survival in arid regions.

Minor Planet Centre (MPC)

The Minor Planet Centre (MPC), primarily funded by NASA, collects, computes, and disseminates observational data for minor planets, comets, and natural satellites.

Recent Discoveries and Role

MPC recently approved the discovery of 15 new natural satellites (moons):

• Four around Jupiter.
• Eleven around Saturn.

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Moons by Planet (Comparative Structure):

• Saturn has the most known moons (over 250).
• Followed by Jupiter and Uranus.
• Jovian planets (gas giants) generally possess the highest number of moons.

These discoveries result from international collaboration among astronomers and observatories. A detailed study of these celestial bodies is vital for future space missions, preventing collisions with probes and ensuring mission success.

About MPC

• Function: Serves as a global repository for records of solar system bodies (asteroids, comets, moons) to aid exploration and research.
• Establishment: 1947 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
• Headquarters: Massachusetts, USA, at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
• Funding: Primarily through NASA’s Near Earth Object Observation Program, which identifies and tracks celestial bodies for exploration and planetary defence.

Key Roles of MPC

• Data Collection & Verification: Compiling and validating observational data.
• Orbit Computation & Design: Calculating precise orbits for celestial bodies, assisting in mission planning.
• Near-Earth Objects Monitoring: Tracking objects that could pose a threat to Earth, contributing to a defensive initiative.
• Scientific Communication: Disseminating information through Minor Planet Electronic Circulars, providing accessible data to global astronomical units for informed mission planning.

Significance

The MPC’s master database contains over 700,000 minor planets. Its work ensures planetary defence against potential celestial impacts, advances astronomy, and fosters global coordination in space exploration.

Global Terrorism Index (GTI)

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is an annual report released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), covering 163 countries (approximately 99% of the world’s population).

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Key Findings (GTI 2026)

• Pakistan is identified as the most vulnerable towards terrorism, ranking first with a score of 8.574 out of 10. This is attributed to attacks by groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
• India ranks 13th with a score of 6.43. While India faces significant security challenges from terrorism, its efforts to tackle the issue are showing improvement, preventing it from being in the top 10.
• The top 10 countries most affected by terrorism include: Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Syria, Somalia, DR Congo, Colombia, and Israel. A significant number of these are African countries, particularly from the Sahel region.
• Over 140 terrorist incidents and more than 100 fatalities and injuries were recorded in the period covered by the 2026 index.

Emerging Trends in Terrorism

• Lone Wolf Attacks: Individuals acting independently, often radicalized online, using readily available means for attacks.
• Youth Radicalization: A growing concern where young people are indoctrinated into extremist ideologies.

Methodology of GTI

• Scoring: Countries are scored from 0 (no terrorist threat) to 10 (highest threat).
• Calculation Period: The index considers data over a five-year period to assess trends.
• Key Parameters and Weightage:

• Terrorist Incidents: 1

• Fatalities: 3

• Injuries: 5

• Property Damage: 0 to 3 (depending on severity)

• Overall Calculation: Takes into account the frequency, intensity, and damage caused by terrorist activities.

Benefits of GTI

• Provides an international understanding of terrorism trends.
• Assists countries in developing more effective counter-terrorism strategies.
• Helps identify threats and hotspots where terrorist events are concentrated.
• Facilitates comparative assessment of national security levels.

Agri-Photovoltaics (Agri-PV)

Agri-Photovoltaics (Agri-PV) is an innovative system that integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity production with crop cultivation on the same land. This concept is distinct from greenhouse farming, focusing on dual land use.

Government Promotion & Global Trend

The Indian government is actively promoting Agri-PV, with ₹5000 crore allocated for its promotion under the second version of the PM KUSUM Scheme. Globally, Agri-PV is a growing trend, with projections indicating an 8.3% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2031, led by regions like North America (especially California and New York in the US). India has initiated 50 pilot Agri-PV installations nationwide to study optimal mounting techniques, crop combinations, and feasibility.

Benefits of Agri-PV

• Land Efficiency: Maximizes land use by combining energy generation and food production.
• Farmer Income: Provides an additional income stream from electricity generation.
• Energy Transition: Contributes to reducing dependency on fossil fuels by promoting renewable energy.

Pilot Projects in India

Uttar Pradesh has a successful 10kW Agri-PV pilot project. Maharashtra’s state electricity distribution company has identified 2730 substations for potential Agri-PV integration.

Crop Selection Considerations

Not all crops can thrive under the shade of solar panels. Crop selection must consider local geographical aspects and the amount of sunlight required. Shade-tolerant crops perform well, such as:

• Turmeric, Ginger, Leafy Vegetables
• In Madhya Pradesh: Tomato, Onion, Garlic, Tulsi
• In Karnataka and Maharashtra: Ragi, Jowar, Grapes, Brinjal

Types of Agri-PV Systems

• Elevated Systems: Solar panels are installed at a height above the agricultural land.
• Row-Based Systems: Panels are installed in rows, similar to a fence, with crops cultivated between them.
• Vertical Systems: Panels are installed vertically, optimizing for sunlight from both directions and minimizing land footprint between crop rows.
• Greenhouse-Integrated Systems: Solar PV panels are integrated into the roof of greenhouses, particularly useful in hilly areas for heat absorption and crop production.

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