Current Affairs 07 March 2026

Japan approves the world’s first iPS cell therapies for Parkinson’s and heart failure.

Japan has approved the first commercial medical products derived from iPS cells.
Parkinson's Treatment (Amchepry): Developed by Sumitomo Pharma, it transplants stem-cell precursors into the brain to replace lost dopamine-producing cells.
Clinical trials with seven patients (ages 50–69) showed no major side effects, and four patients saw significant symptom improvement.
Heart Failure Treatment (ReHeart): Developed by startup Cuorips, it uses heart muscle sheets to regenerate blood vessels and improve heart function.
These treatments are based on the Nobel Prize-winning research by Shinya Yamanaka in 2012.
Both therapies have received "provisional licenses" and are expected to be available by Summer 2026.

Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation has introduced the G-SPIDER robot for hazardous canal maintenance.
The robot, developed by Genrobotic Innovations, uses Cable-Driven Parallel Robotics and a biomimetic claw to handle debris.
The project, part of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, aims for 100% human-free cleaning of the Amayizhanchan canal.
The AI in the robot identifies waste types in real-time and moves the materials directly to collection vehicles, ensuring no human contact with toxic waste.

The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 will be held from March 25 to April 6 in Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Sarguja.
The games will feature 7 medal sports: Athletics, Football, Hockey, Weightlifting, Archery, Swimming, and Wrestling, along with 2 demonstration sports: Mallakhamb and Kabaddi.
The official mascot, ‘Morveer,’ symbolizes the courage and cultural pride of India’s tribal communities.
The event has been declared of national importance and will follow international technical standards set by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has been honored with her own Barbie doll ahead of International Women’s Day 2026.
The doll, created by Mattel, is a non-commercial tribute recognizing her role in breaking sports stereotypes.
Mandhana is the 1st Indian woman to score centuries in all three international cricket formats – Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
This initiative reflects the global recognition of Indian women’s cricket and its impact on inspiring young athletes.

Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Ministry will start enforcing a social media restriction for users under 16 from March 28, 2026.
High-risk platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, Roblox, and YouTube will face phased account deactivations.
The policy aims to protect children from pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and addictive algorithms.
The restriction will initially follow ministerial guidelines, while formal legislation for a permanent minimum age is being prepared.