11 March 2026 – News Deck

Enhancing Virtual Digital Assets Ecosystem Emerges as Core Agenda at G20 Finance Track

11 March 202611 March 2026 Vijay Raman

The U.S. Treasury Secretary released the 2026 G20 Finance Track agenda last month and identified “enhancing the virtual digital asset (VDA) ecosystem” as one of its key priorities. This indicates that Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of G20 countries will discuss ways to strengthen the global VDA ecosystem. These discussions will take place alongside efforts to modernise financial regulation, improve debt transparency, and reform cross-border payments. The inclusion of VDAs as a core agenda item shows how the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump sees digital assets as an…

India Conducts In-Flight Trials of ADC-150 Air-Droppable Container

11 March 202611 March 2026 Vijay Raman

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy jointly conducted four successful in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’ from the P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 to March 01, 2026, at different extreme release conditions. Indigenously designed and developed to deliver 150 kg payload, the Air Droppable Container enhances the naval operational logistics capabilities for providing quick response to naval vessels under distress, needing critical stores/equipment, medical assistance etc. at blue sea deployed far from the coast. A large orange…

Indian Scientists Develop Nanosheets to Improve Clean Hydrogen Production

11 March 202611 March 2026 Vijay Raman

Scientists have made significant strides in using nanosheets to boost clean energy production, particularly in making hydrogen fuel more efficiently and affordably. These ultrathin materials, with their unique properties, are being engineered to replace or reduce the need for expensive precious metals in critical clean energy technologies. A very recent development comes from scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology in India. They have created a novel quasi-2D tellurium nanosheet that could significantly improve the efficiency of electrolysers for green hydrogen production. The key innovation is…

Centre Approves Restoration of Bascule Bridge at Kolkata Port

11 March 202611 March 2026 Vijay Raman

The Union government has approved a major renovation of the historic bascule bridge at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, with the project estimated to cost ₹117.54 crore. The approval was granted by Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to upgrade the ageing structure and improve port operations. The project aims to ensure safer, faster and more efficient cargo and vehicle movement inside the port. The renovation proposal was examined by the Delegated Investment Board in February 2026 before receiving final approval. About ₹41 crore of the project…

Cheetah Numbers Grow to 53 in India After Jwala’s 5 Cubs

11 March 202611 March 2026 Vijay Raman

Great news for India’s Project Cheetah! The country’s cheetah population has reached a new milestone of 53, following the birth of five cubs to a Namibian cheetah named Jwala at Kuno National Park . This significant event, which occurred on March 9, 2026, marks Jwala’s third successful litter since her introduction to India . The arrival of these five cubs has increased the total number of Indian-born cubs to 33, making this the 10th successful cheetah litter on Indian soil . The achievement was celebrated by Union Environment…