Daily GK Update- 25th Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Union Cabinet Approves Renaming of Kerala to ‘Keralam’: The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to change the name of the State of Kerala to “Keralam”, following a resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly on 24 June 2024.After Cabinet approval, the President of India will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to the State Legislative Assembly for its views, after which it will be introduced in Parliament for final approval.The Kerala assembly has urged the central government to take immediate steps to amend it as Keralam under Article 3 of the Constitution and in all the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

 

2. Nirmala Sitharaman Launches National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 with ₹16.72 Lakh Crore Potential in New Delhi: Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0 in New Delhi, marking the second phase of asset monetisation for Central ministries and public sector entities.NMP 2.0 has been developed by NITI Aayog under the ‘Asset Monetisation Plan 2025–30’ announced in the Union Budget 2025–26.The pipeline estimates a total monetisation potential of ₹16.72 lakh crore, including ₹5.8 lakh crore private sector investment, for the period FY 2025–26 to FY 2029–30.The Finance Minister highlighted that nearly 90% of the ₹6 lakh crore target under NMP 1.0 was achieved and stated that NMP 2.0 aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat through accelerated infrastructure development.

 

3. Ministry of Home Affairs Unveils ‘PRAHAR’ – India’s New National Counter-Terrorism Strategy: The Ministry of Home Affairs unveiled India’s new national counter-terrorism policy and strategy titled PRAHAR.The PRAHAR strategy provides a comprehensive and proactive framework to prevent and counter evolving terror threats while safeguarding national interests. PRAHAR stands for Prevention, Response, Aggregation of capacities, Human rights & Rule of Law, Attenuation of radicalisation, Alignment of international efforts, and Recovery & resilience, ensuring a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

 

4. Waaree Energies to Set Up India’s Largest 16 GWh Lithium-Ion Battery Gigafactory in Andhra Pradesh: Waaree Energies has announced an investment of ₹8,175 crore to set up India’s largest integrated lithium-ion battery gigafactory at Rambilli in Andhra Pradesh, with a production capacity of 16 GWh.The greenfield facility, approved in principle by the State Investment Promotion Board, will cover the entire battery value chain — including cell manufacturing, battery pack assembly, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).The project is expected to boost domestic value addition, reduce dependence on imported battery components (especially from East Asia), and position Andhra Pradesh as a major hub in India’s clean energy storage sector.

 

5. Palamu Tiger Reserve Launches ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ Initiative to Empower Women in Forest Conservation: The Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand has launched the ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ initiative, a community-driven programme aimed at empowering women to protect forests and wildlife.Under the scheme, 18 educated women from each of 17 villages have been selected as forest ambassadors to promote awareness and discourage poaching and deforestation.The initiative was launched in the Garu range and targets hinterland villages such as Henar, Surkumi, Hasua, Armu, Kotam and Pandra to build grassroots conservation efforts.Each Vanjeevi Didi will receive a monthly incentive of ₹3,000, and the programme—initially planned for two months—will be reviewed for expansion with approval from the state forest department.

 

6. Maharashtra’s Soundala Village Declares Itself ‘Caste-Free’ with Unanimous Gram Sabha Resolution: Soundala village in Maharashtra has declared itself a “caste-free” village through a unanimous Gram Sabha resolution passed, adopting the motto “Aamchi jaat… manav” (My caste is humanity).Located in the Ahilyanagar district, the village formally renounced caste-based discrimination and social exclusion, promoting equality and shared human values.The resolution ensures equal access to public spaces and services—including schools, temples, water bodies, and cremation grounds—and commits to addressing caste-based grievances and preventing derogatory social media content.

 

7. Harsharan Kaur Trehan Appointed Director (Commercial) of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited: Harsharan Kaur Trehan has been appointed as the Director (Commercial) of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) by the Punjab government for a tenure of two years, subject to a maximum age limit of 65 years.She previously made history as the first woman Engineer-in-Chief at PSPCL, bringing over 34 years of experience in key power-sector roles.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bangladesh Becomes 89th Signatory as New Delhi Declaration on AI Gains Global Backing at India AI Impact Summit 2026: The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact was adopted at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, with Bangladesh becoming the 89th signatory, reflecting global consensus on using AI for economic growth and social good.A total of 89 countries and international organisations endorsed the Declaration, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and Bangladesh.Guided by the principle of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya,” the Declaration emphasises the equitable and inclusive sharing of AI benefits across humanity.The Summit and Expo saw participation from 500+ AI leaders, 100+ CEOs, 150 academicians, and 400 CTOs, attracting over five lakh visitors, and highlighted AI’s role in sectors like agriculture, as noted by Rajeev Ahuja.

 

2. Rob Jetten Set to Become Youngest and First Openly Gay Prime Minister of the Netherlands: Rob Jetten is set to be sworn in as the youngest Prime Minister of the Netherlands and the country’s first openly gay Prime Minister.His rise follows a closely fought snap election in October, where his centrist party defeated the far-right Party for Freedom led by Geert Wilders.

 

3. India–Israel FTA Talks Begin in New Delhi: The first round of negotiations for the India–Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) commenced in New Delhi on 23 February 2026 and will continue until 26 February. The discussions follow the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) in November 2025, which laid down a structured framework to deepen trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.Bilateral merchandise trade between India and Israel stood at USD 3.62 billion in FY 2024–25. Both sides view the proposed FTA as a means to unlock complementarities across sectors and provide greater certainty and predictability to businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).Technical experts from both countries are holding detailed sessions covering trade in goods and services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedures and trade facilitation. Discussions are also addressing intellectual property rights and regulatory cooperation.The comprehensive scope signals an ambition to create a modern and forward-looking trade framework aligned with global standards.

 

4. India Abstains from UN Ukraine Ceasefire Resolution: India abstained from voting in the United Nations General Assembly on a draft resolution seeking an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The vote was held on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and reflected continuing divisions within the international community over the ongoing conflict.The resolution, titled “Support for lasting peace in Ukraine,” was adopted by the 193-member Assembly with 107 votes in favour, 12 against and 51 abstentions.The draft resolution renewed calls for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter. It emphasised respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, including territorial waters. Besides India, countries such as Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States were among those that abstained. The voting pattern underlined the complex geopolitical alignments shaping responses to the conflict.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army’s Konark Corps Conducts Live Firing Test of Strela-10 VSHORADS at Pokhran Range: The Indian Army’s Konark Corps, along with the Air Defence Warriors of the Blazing Skies Brigade, carried out a high-intensity live firing test of the Strela-10 Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).The exercise was conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, demonstrating enhanced air defence preparedness and operational capability.

 

2. 7th GRP Chiefs Conference Strengthens Railway Security: The 7th All India Conference of Government Railway Police (GRP) Chiefs concluded at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, under the convenorship of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The conference was presided over by Director General, RPF, Ms Sonali Mishra, and attended by Directors General of Police, Additional Directors General and senior GRP officers from various States and Union Territories. The Chairman-cum-CEO and Members of the Railway Board were also present.The conference focused on evolving a coordinated programme of action to enhance passenger safety and secure railway infrastructure amid emerging threats.Indian Railways, due to its vast geographical network, heavy passenger footfall and open-access architecture, remains vulnerable to organised crime, narcotics trafficking, vandalism, stone pelting and potential sabotage. The deliberations emphasised the need for a holistic security framework integrating intelligence, technology, field coordination and community engagement.Improving infrastructure and facilities for GRP personnel was also discussed to strengthen operational readiness.

 

3. 7th Dharma Guardian Exercise Begins in Uttarakhand: The 7th edition of the annual India–Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ commenced on 24 February 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. The exercise will continue until 9 March 2026. Held alternately in India and Japan, the exercise remains a key pillar of defence cooperation between the two countries.This year’s edition brings together 120 personnel from each side. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) is represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment, while the Indian Army contingent is drawn from the Ladakh Scouts.Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN aims to strengthen military collaboration and enhance combined capabilities for joint operations in semi-urban environments. The focus is on building interoperability, improving tactical coordination and sharing best practices.The exercise also emphasises the employment of modern technology and contemporary operational concepts, reflecting evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

SPORTS

 

1. USA Clinch Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey Gold After 46 Years with Overtime Win Over Canada: The United States men’s national ice hockey team defeated the Canada men’s national ice hockey team 2–1 to win the men’s Olympic ice hockey gold after 46 years.Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal 1 minute 41 seconds into overtime, securing the USA’s first Olympic title since the historic 1980 “Miracle on Ice” at 1980 Winter Olympics.Finland’s men’s national ice hockey team, the defending champions from the 2022 Beijing Games, claimed the bronze medal by defeating Slovakia 6–1.

 

2. Etcheverry Wins Maiden ATP Title at Rio Open: Argentine tennis player Tomas Martin Etcheverry clinched his maiden ATP Tour title by winning the ATP 500 Rio Open in Brazil. The 26-year-old secured a hard-fought 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 victory over Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in the final. The triumph marks the biggest achievement of his career so far.Rain delays earlier in the day had forced Etcheverry to play both his semi-final and final on the same day. Despite the demanding schedule, he rose to the occasion to lift his first ATP crown after finishing runner-up in three previous finals.The Rio Open title is Etcheverry’s first ATP Tour championship and his maiden ATP 500 trophy. During the tournament, he also registered his 100th tour-level match win, underlining his steady rise on the professional circuit.The Argentine had defeated Tabilo in Buenos Aires the previous week and repeated the victory in Rio, extending his head-to-head record against the Chilean to 2-0.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. ECI Holds National Round Table Conference After 27 Years to Strengthen Electoral Synergy and Technology: The Election Commission of India is organising the National Round Table Conference of ECI and State Election Commissioners at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the first such event in 27 years since 1999.The conference will be chaired by Gyanesh Kumar, with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, and attended by State Election Commissioners, Chief Electoral Officers, and their legal and technical experts.Key objectives include fostering synergy between the ECI and State Election Commissioners, sharing technology and best practices related to EVMs, electoral rolls, and the ECINET digital platform, and reinforcing cooperative federalism in electoral management.

 

2. DBT Launches SUJVIKA AI Biotech Data Portal: Marking the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched “SUJVIKA”, an AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal developed in collaboration with industry body ABLE. The platform was unveiled at the Civil Services Officers Institute, New Delhi, during celebrations commemorating DBT’s establishment in 1986.SUJVIKA is a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform that presents authenticated biotechnology import data in a structured and accessible format. It offers sector-wise insights into biochemical products, industrial enzymes and other biotech imports, enabling stakeholders to assess import dependency and prioritise indigenisation.The portal allows researchers, startups and industry to identify high-value and high-volume imports, supporting evidence-based planning. It is expected to promote public–private partnerships and strengthen domestic biomanufacturing.The Minister stated that biotechnology will drive the next industrial revolution and that India is progressing towards a $1 trillion bioeconomy by 2047 under the vision of Viksit Bharat.

 

3. Tetrodotoxin Suspected in Vizhinjam Seafood Deaths: Food safety authorities in Thiruvananthapuram are investigating a suspected case of marine neurotoxin poisoning after multiple people fell critically ill following consumption of seafood at a restaurant in Vizhinjam. Three members of a six-member family developed severe symptoms on the night of February 16, and two died within hours. Subsequently, six additional cases of acute illness were reported, all linked to the same establishment and date.Preliminary assessments have ruled out conventional food poisoning caused by spoilage or bacterial contamination. Investigators are now examining the possibility of contamination by a naturally occurring marine toxin, with tetrodotoxin (TTX) emerging as the primary suspect.Authorities have identified fish roe as the likely source of exposure. All affected individuals had consumed this seafood delicacy. Fish roe can accumulate toxins if sourced from contaminated marine species. The clustering of cases and the rapid onset of symptoms have strengthened suspicion around a potent toxin rather than microbial contamination.Earlier, officials considered ciguatoxin after its recent detection in red snapper samples sourced from the Tamil Nadu coast. However, clinical presentation in the present cases appears inconsistent with typical ciguatera poisoning.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Punjab government launched ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme: The Punjab government has launched ‘Meri Rasoi Yojna’ to provide additional food items to families covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).Under this scheme 40 lakh families will receive free quarterly food kits starting April, apart from wheat already provided under NFSA.Each food kit will include 2 kg of lentils, 2 kg of sugar, 1 kg of salt, 200 gm turmeric powder, and 1 litre of mustard oil for monthly consumption.

 

2. RBI Establishes High-Security Data Centre in Bhubaneswar to Strengthen Financial Infrastructure: The Reserve Bank of India has established a high-security data centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to enhance the safety and continuity of India’s critical financial infrastructure.The greenfield facility has been developed at Info Valley-II in Khordha, spread across an 18.55-acre campus.It will support RBI’s core functions such as currency management, payment and settlement systems, and regulatory data operations; RBI’s primary data centre is located at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

 

3. .ICICI Pension Funds Unveils ‘NPS Swasthya Equity Plus’ in PFRDA Regulatory Sandbox: ICICI Pension Fund Management Company launched ICICI PF NPS Swasthya Equity Plus under the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) regulatory sandbox, as a pilot within the National Pension System (NPS), not part of regular NPS offerings.The scheme links retirement savings with medical access, allowing up to 25% withdrawal of own contributions for treatment through Apollo HealthCo Limited via Apollo 24|7; no cap on number of withdrawals (minimum ₹50,000 corpus required), and emergency exit up to 100% if medical costs exceed 70% of corpus.