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.

 

Daily GK Update- 24th Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ministry of Power Forms High-Level Committee to Oversee Proposed Merger of Power Finance Corporation and REC Limited: The Ministry of Power has set up a three-member High-Level Committee and a three-member Working Group to oversee the proposed merger of Power Finance Corporation and REC Limited.Both PFC and REC function under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power, and the merger aims to strengthen the power sector financing framework.The High-Level Committee includes Parminder Chopra (CMD, PFC), Jitendra Srivastava (CMD, REC), and Shashank Mishra, Joint Secretary (Distribution), Ministry of Power.

P. Radhakrishnan Releases Gujarati and Tamil Versions of Constitution of India on International Mother Language DayOn the occasion of International Mother Language Day (21 February), C. P. Radhakrishnan released the updated versions of the Constitution of India in Gujarati and Tamil languages.The Santali version of the Constitution was earlier released on 25 December 2025, further promoting linguistic inclusivity and constitutional awareness.

 

2. Bela Gram Becomes India’s First Net-Zero Panchayat: Bela Gram, a village in Bhandara district in Maharashtra, has become India’s first net-zero panchayat (net-zero village) and was honoured during Mumbai Climate Week 2026.A net-zero village reduces its greenhouse gas emissions and balances any remaining emissions through eco-friendly measures like tree plantation and renewable energy adoption.In simple terms, a net-zero status means: Pollution produced = Pollution reduced or absorbed, ensuring environmental sustainability.

 

3. P. Nadda and Emmanuel Macron Inaugurate Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS New Delhi: Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) at AIIMS New Delhi.The centre aims to advance AI-based research, medical education, and clinical innovation to address complex healthcare challenges through Indo-French collaboration.IF-CAIH has been established under a joint MoU between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University, and Paris Brain Institute, with academic support from IIT Delhi and other French institutions.

 

4. 24 February – Central Excise Day: Central Excise Day is observed annually on 24 February to commemorate the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944.The day recognises the contribution of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and excise officials in administering indirect taxes and ensuring revenue collection for the nation.

 

5. Centre Targets ₹27,500 Crore Aviation Monetisation Under NMP 2.0: The Centre has set a monetisation target of ₹27,500 crore for the civil aviation sector under the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0 for the period FY26 to FY30. The renewed framework seeks to accelerate private participation in operational, revenue-generating airports and select aviation public sector entities, while retaining government ownership of core assets.The move provides fresh momentum to the next phase of airport leasing as the government expands infrastructure monetisation to support capital expenditure and fiscal consolidation.A total of eleven airports have been identified for monetization during the five-year period. These include Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Amritsar, Indore, Raipur, Trichy, Calicut, Coimbatore, Ranchi, Jodhpur and Gaya.The proposal is currently under consideration by the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC). The airports will be offered to private players under structured concession agreements rather than outright sale.

 

6. PM Modi Inaugurates Full Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the remaining sections of the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), completing the 82-km Delhi–Meerut corridor. The newly opened stretches include the 5-km link between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21-km section between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. The RRTS has also been integrated with the Meerut Metro, marking a major milestone in high-speed regional connectivity. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister described the corridor as a glimpse of connectivity in a developed India, combining metro systems for intra-city travel with Namo Bharat trains for rapid inter-city movement.The Sarai Kale Khan station has emerged as a major multi-modal transport hub. It connects Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, the Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT and Ring Road. Similar integration has been ensured at Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad and Meerut, linking Indian Railways, Metro services and bus terminals. The Prime Minister noted that such integration would enable commuters to travel within cities or directly to Delhi, reducing the need for workers and students to reside in rented accommodation in the capital.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and Brazil Sign Key Agreements, Set $30 Billion Trade Target by 2030: India and Brazil signed key agreements to enhance cooperation in rare earth and critical minerals, steel and mining, renewable energy, and digital partnership during talks in New Delhi.The discussions were held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to deepen strategic and economic ties.Both nations set a target to boost bilateral trade to $30 billion annually by 2030, aiming to significantly expand economic engagement beyond current levels.

 

2. Bihar Approves New International Airport at Sonepur with 4,200-Metre Runway: The Bihar Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has approved the construction of a new international airport at Sonepur, targeted for completion by 2030 to boost air connectivity in north Bihar.The airport will have a 4,200-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A380, and will support both passenger and cargo operations at an international level.Spread across 4,228 acres between Hajipur and Dumaria, it will be the largest airport in Bihar by land area, with site clearance and in-principle approval granted by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the Centre.

3. India Sets Guinness World Records Record for Most AI Responsibility Pledges in 24 Hours: India has set a Guinness World Records record for receiving the “Most pledges for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours,” as announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.A total of 2,50,946 valid pledges were recorded between 16 and 17 February 2026, with the announcement made at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam. The nationwide AI Responsibility Pledge campaign was launched under the IndiaAI Mission in collaboration with Intel India to promote responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence.

 

4. 3rd International AYUSH Conference Concludes at Dubai World Trade Centre: The 3rd International AYUSH Conference & Expo concluded at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attracting over 1,500 delegates and nearly 20,000 visitors from 30 countries under the theme “Evidence-based AYUSH interventions for mind-body health,” with support from India’s Ministry of AYUSH.

The conference featured 62 scientific sessions, 16 plenary discussions, and the release of a white paper on AYUSH interventions by 100 experts from 20 countries, while the next edition of the biennial event is scheduled for 2028.

 

5. Peru Appoints Jose Maria Balcazar as Interim President After Impeachment of Jose Jeri: Peru has appointed Jose Maria Balcazar as the interim (temporary) President following a political transition.He assumed office after former President Jose Jeri was impeached and removed from power over graft/corruption allegations.

 

6. 23 February – World Peace and Understanding Day: World Peace and Understanding Day is observed annually on 23 February to promote global harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among nations.The day highlights the importance of dialogue, tolerance, and international cooperation in resolving conflicts and strengthening global unity.It also commemorates the founding of Rotary International in 1905, recognising its contributions toward peacebuilding and humanitarian service worldwide.

 

7. Modi to Address Israeli Knesset Plenum: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Knesset plenum during his two-day visit to Israel beginning February 25. The visit marks his second trip to the country since 2017 and underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the visit as “historic”, reflecting the deepening ties in defence, innovation, and regional cooperation. The address will be delivered during a special plenary session at the Knesset in Jerusalem. Modi will join Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and other senior leaders during the ceremonial proceedings. The session will also feature remarks by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid. This will be the first time an Indian Prime Minister addresses the Knesset, symbolising India’s rising global profile and its expanding engagement in West Asia.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India Launches Prahaar Anti-Terror Policy Framework: India has unveiled its first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy, titled “Prahaar”, aimed at strengthening national security against evolving threats. Released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the framework seeks to enhance prevention, coordination and response mechanisms across land, air and maritime domains. The policy comes amid rising concerns over cross-border terrorism, cyber warfare and the misuse of emerging technologies.Prahaar is positioned as an integrated legal, technological and community-driven strategy to counter both traditional and non-traditional security risks.The policy identifies cross-border terrorism as a continuing challenge, particularly from networks operating across India’s western frontiers. It notes the increasing use of drones in regions such as Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir for arms and narcotics smuggling.Prahaar also flags cyber operations conducted by hostile states and criminal hacker groups targeting critical infrastructure. Key sectors identified as vulnerable include power grids, railways, aviation, ports, defence installations, space assets and atomic energy facilities. The document underlines that terrorism is not linked to any religion, ethnicity or nationality, but warns of sustained efforts by foreign-based extremist networks to incite violence.

 

2. 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. Sachin Tendulkar Named UN Global Road Safety Champion: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been designated a ‘Global Champion for Road Safety’ by the United Nations, joining a group of prominent international figures advocating safer roads. The announcement was marked by the release of a video message in which Tendulkar urged citizens to adopt responsible driving habits and prioritise safety.The initiative forms part of broader UN efforts to reduce road traffic fatalities worldwide.In his message, Tendulkar emphasised that discipline and awareness are essential not only in sport but also on the roads. He underlined that everyday actions such as wearing seat belts, using helmets, staying alert and respecting traffic rules can prevent fatalities.He noted that road crash fatality rates remain disproportionately high compared to vehicle volumes, stressing the need for collective responsibility. The core message — “Every life matters” — is intended to resonate across age groups and communities.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Waaree to Set Up 16 GWh Battery Gigafactory: In a major push to India’s clean-energy manufacturing ambitions, Waaree Energies has committed to establishing the country’s largest integrated lithium-ion battery gigafactory at Rambilli in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. The project entails an investment of ₹8,175 crore and will have a production capacity of 16 GWh. The greenfield facility has received in-principle approval from the State Investment Promotion Board. The proposed plant will span the complete battery value chain, including cell manufacturing, battery pack assembly and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). With a capacity of 16 gigawatt-hours, it will be the largest battery manufacturing facility in India.The integrated nature of the project is expected to enhance domestic value addition and reduce dependence on imported battery cells and components, particularly from East Asian markets. It also positions Andhra Pradesh as a key manufacturing hub in the emerging energy storage sector.

 

2. Goa Hosts World Ocean Science Congress 2026: Goa is hosting the fourth edition of the World Ocean Science Congress 2026, bringing together scientists, policymakers, maritime industries and coastal communities at the National Institute of Oceanography in Panaji. The event runs until February 26 and focuses on ocean health, climate resilience and sustainable blue economy pathways. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that scientific temperament is deeply embedded in Goa’s ecosystem and emphasised the state’s maritime legacy. Addressing the gathering, Sawant underlined that nearly 75% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water and about 25% of India’s population lives in coastal regions. With a coastline of 193 km, Goa’s economy is closely tied to the sea through fisheries, tourism and maritime trade.He stressed that the ocean shapes climate systems, sustains livelihoods and demands responsible stewardship. Forums such as this congress aim to bridge science, policy and grassroots realities, ensuring research translates into practical solutions.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Imposes ₹38.60 Lakh Penalty on UCO Bank for Regulatory Non-Compliance: The Reserve Bank of India imposed a monetary penalty of ₹38.60 lakh on UCO Bank for non-compliance with certain regulatory directions.The penalty was imposed under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005.RBI identified violations including non-payment of interest on some savings accounts, failure to report SHG members’ credit data to Credit Information Companies, and non-refund of proportionate locker rent upon early surrender.

2. RBI Removes New India Co-operative Bank Ltd. from Second Schedule Following Merger with Saraswat Co-operative Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has excluded New India Co-operative Bank Ltd. from the Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, thereby removing its “scheduled bank” status.Earlier, in August 2025, RBI approved the amalgamation of New India Co-operative Bank with Saraswat Co-operative Bank following a ₹300 crore embezzlement scam, to stabilise the bank and safeguard depositors’ interests.Effective August 4, 2025, all branches, assets, and liabilities of New India Co-operative Bank were transferred to Saraswat Bank under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, ensuring full protection to depositors.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Vasai Cathedral Wins UNESCO Award for Conservation: The 475-year-old Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy village, Vasai, received the Award of Merit at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation for its community-led restoration, highlighting the successful revival of a sixteenth-century Portuguese-era structure.Built without cement or bricks using traditional mud-based construction, the cathedral faced structural weakening over centuries; the Rs 4.5 crore restoration project addressed roof, façade, corridors, colonnade, and intricate interior liturgical elements while preserving its architectural and religious integrity.The conservation was executed by architect Ainsley Lewis in collaboration with parish members and church authorities, with the local community funding the restoration through donations, exemplifying strong stakeholder engagement and traditional craftsmanship.

 

2. Manipuri film Boong wins BAFTA Award for Best Children’s & Family Film in London: The Manipuri film Boong, produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, won the BAFTA Award for Best Children’s & Family Film in London, with debutant director Lakshmipriya Devi making an emotional plea for peace during her acceptance speech.The film stars Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam, and beat international competitors including Lilo and Stitch, Arco, and Zootropolis 2, marking a historic win for Manipuri cinema on the global stage.The 79th BAFTA Awards also celebrated films like One Battle After Another, winning six awards including Best Film and Best Director (Paul Thomas Anderson), while Hamnet, Sinners, and Frankenstein earned multiple honours, with the ceremony attended by Hollywood and British stars, including Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Daily GK Update- 23rd Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IICA Forms High-Level Advisory Group on Ease of Doing Business, Signs MoU for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ Reform Study: The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has constituted a high-level Advisory Group on Ease of Doing Business to strengthen the regulatory and business ecosystem.The Advisory Group is chaired by Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, who serves as Director General and CEO of IICA.IICA has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to undertake a research study titled “Re-envisioning Ease of Doing Business for Viksit Bharat 2047”, aligning reforms with the long-term development vision.

 

2. NHAI Plans 100% Digital Toll Collection from April 1, 2026: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is considering discontinuing cash transactions at National Highway toll plazas from April 1, 2026, with all payments proposed to be made through digital modes such as FASTag and UPI.The initiative aims to create a fully digital tolling ecosystem, improve ‘Ease of Commuting’, enhance lane throughput, reduce congestion at toll plazas, and ensure greater transparency and consistency in toll collection.FASTag penetration has crossed 98%, with most toll payments already processed electronically through RFID-enabled FASTags, while UPI facilities have also been operationalised to provide instant and accessible digital payment options.

 

3. VP C. P. Radhakrishnan Launches Book on Sree Narayana Guru Authored by Shashi Tharoor: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched the book The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru in New Delhi, authored by MP Shashi Tharoor.He highlighted that Sree Narayana Guru emerged as a spiritual reformer during a period of deep caste divisions and social discrimination, promoting social justice and equality.

 

4. Palamu Tiger Reserve Launches ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ Initiative: The Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand has launched the ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ initiative, a community-driven conservation programme aimed at empowering women to protect forests and wildlife. Rolled out by the south division of PTR, the project seeks to build grassroots awareness and strengthen local participation in safeguarding biodiversity. Under the initiative, 18 educated women from each of 17 identified villages have been selected as ‘Vanjeevi Didis’. Most of them are college graduates or pursuing higher education, while others are experienced in community-based environmental practices.These women will act as ambassadors of the reserve, motivating families and neighbours to refrain from harming forests and wildlife. Officials believe that women, given their central role in households, can influence behavioural change and discourage illegal activities such as poaching and deforestation.

 

5. Amaravati to Host India’s First Quantum Valley: Amaravati, the upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh, is set to host India’s first Quantum Valley, anchored by a proposed full-scale quantum computing facility from IBM. The initiative aligns with India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) and marks a major step in building next-generation computing infrastructure within the country. Under discussions at an advanced stage between IBM and the Andhra Pradesh government, the Quantum Valley Tech Park in Amaravati is expected to house an IBM Quantum System Two. The installation would be powered by IBM’s most advanced superconducting quantum processor and represent the most powerful quantum computer deployed on Indian soil.Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has joined the initiative to develop quantum algorithms, applications and workforce skills. The facility aims to support industry, academia and government research, positioning Amaravati as the nucleus of a national quantum ecosystem.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Joins U.S.-Led Pax Silica Coalition to Strengthen Electronics and Critical Minerals Supply Chains: India joined the U.S.-led Pax Silica coalition during the AI Impact Summit, with Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw signing the agreement to formally include India in the group.The coalition aims to build a common and resilient supply chain for electronics and critical minerals, reducing dependence on China, especially in refined rare earth elements.Other signatories of Pax Silica include the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union, working together to strengthen supply chain security and strategic technology cooperation.

 

2. India and UK Launch Offshore Wind Task Force Under Vision 2035 at 4th Energy Dialogue: India and the United Kingdom launched the India–UK Offshore Wind Task Force in New Delhi under Vision 2035 to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy and offshore wind development.The initiative was launched by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy during the 4th India–UK Energy Dialogue.

 

3. Donald Trump to Host 21st G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami on December 14–15: Donald Trump will host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami on December 14–15; it will be the 21st meeting of the Group of Twenty.The 2025 G20 Summit was held in South Africa, and the United Kingdom is scheduled to host the G20 in 2027.

 

4. Switzerland to Host AI Impact Summit 2027 in Geneva: Switzerland announced that the AI Impact Summit 2027 will be held in Geneva, reinforcing its position as a global hub for technology and multilateral cooperation.The announcement was made by Swiss President Guy Parmelin during the AI Summit held in New Delhi.The AI Impact Summit 2028 will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), continuing the summit’s global rotation.

 

5. 21 February – International Mother Language Day: International Mother Language Day is observed every year on February 21 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism; the idea was approved in 1999 by UNESCO.The day highlights the importance of languages in fostering inclusion, preserving minority and indigenous languages, and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through multilingual education.Theme 2026 – Youth voices on multilingual education

 

6. 20 February – World Day of Social Justice: World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20 to promote social equity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all.Theme 2026 – Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social JusticeThe observance was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to highlight issues such as poverty eradication, gender equality, unemployment, and social protection.The day emphasizes the importance of social justice in achieving sustainable development, human rights, and inclusive growth worldwide.

 

7. 22 February – World Thinking Day: World Thinking Day is observed annually on February 22 by members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to celebrate global sisterhood and the shared values of the guiding and scouting movement.Theme 2026 – Our FriendshipThe day encourages reflection on personal and community development, promoting awareness of social issues, leadership, and global citizenship among young members.

 

8. Rob Jetten Becomes Netherlands’ Youngest Prime Minister: The Netherlands is set to swear in its youngest-ever prime minister as 38-year-old Rob Jetten takes office in The Hague. Jetten will also become the country’s first openly gay prime minister, marking a historic moment in Dutch political history. The new government will be formally installed by King Willem-Alexander at the Huis Ten Bosch Palace.Jetten’s rise follows a closely fought snap election in October, where his centrist party overturned the far-right Freedom Party (PVV) led by Geert Wilders. The result signals a shift in Dutch politics after months of uncertainty.Jetten’s Democrats 66 (D66) secured a narrow victory over Wilders’ PVV, which had earlier triggered the collapse of the previous coalition by withdrawing support. The prior government, considered the most right-wing in recent Dutch history, lasted just 11 months.After 117 days of negotiations, D66 formed a coalition with the centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). The alliance controls 66 seats in the 150-member parliament, falling nine short of a majority. This means the government will depend on opposition backing to pass major legislation.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India Launches Prahaar Anti-Terror Policy Framework: India has unveiled its first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy, titled “Prahaar”, aimed at strengthening national security against evolving threats. Released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the framework seeks to enhance prevention, coordination and response mechanisms across land, air and maritime domains. The policy comes amid rising concerns over cross-border terrorism, cyber warfare and the misuse of emerging technologies.Prahaar is positioned as an integrated legal, technological and community-driven strategy to counter both traditional and non-traditional security risks.The policy identifies cross-border terrorism as a continuing challenge, particularly from networks operating across India’s western frontiers. It notes the increasing use of drones in regions such as Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir for arms and narcotics smuggling.Prahaar also flags cyber operations conducted by hostile states and criminal hacker groups targeting critical infrastructure. Key sectors identified as vulnerable include power grids, railways, aviation, ports, defence installations, space assets and atomic energy facilities. The document underlines that terrorism is not linked to any religion, ethnicity or nationality, but warns of sustained efforts by foreign-based extremist networks to incite violence.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Pankaj Advani Wins Inaugural Liber Win Champions Cup 2026, Named Brand Ambassador: Pankaj Advani won the inaugural Liber Win Champions Cup 2026, defeating Kamal Chawla 6–3 in the best-of-11 final held at the Karnataka State Billiards Association (KSBA), Bengaluru.The three-day invitational tournament featured 16 top professional cueists, with Advani displaying tactical mastery and break-building excellence to become the first-ever champion of the event.The 2026 edition marked the formal entry of Liber Win into the Indian market, and Advani was officially announced as the brand’s Indian ambassador at the conclusion of the tournament.

 

2. India Finishes Asian Shooting Championships 2026 in New Delhi with 33 Medals: India concluded the Asian Shooting Championships 2026 in New Delhi with a total of 33 medals in senior rifle and pistol events, including 13 gold, 11 silver, and 9 bronze; seven medals were won on the final day.Amanpreet Singh won gold in the 25m centre fire pistol with 589 points, while Gurpreet Singh (silver, 584) and Ankur Goel (bronze, 570) completed a clean podium sweep for India in the event.In the women’s 50m rifle prone, Sift Kaur Samra secured silver (623.2) and Tejaswini Sawant won bronze (621.0), while the trio of Sift Kaur Samra, Tejaswini Sawant, and Manini Kaushik clinched gold in the women’s team event with a combined score of 1862.9.

 

3. Vaishnavi Adkar Reaches Historic W100 Singles Final: Indian tennis has found a new rising star in 21-year-old Vaishnavi Adkar, who became the first Indian woman since 2009 to reach the singles final of a W100 event. The Pune-born player achieved the milestone at the ITF Women’s Open in Bengaluru, marking a significant breakthrough for Indian women’s tennis. Entering the tournament as a wildcard and ranked World No. 690, Adkar stunned higher-ranked opponents to reach the final. She eventually finished runner-up after losing 6-0, 6-1 to Belgium’s World No. 124 Hanne Vandewinkel.Despite the one-sided final, Adkar earned 65 WTA ranking points and $8,147 in prize money. Her performance has propelled her live ranking up by more than 200 places to around World No. 466, reflecting a major leap in her career trajectory.She became the first Indian woman to reach a W100 or higher singles final since Sania Mirza accomplished the feat in 2009.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. PM Modi Inaugurates India AI Impact Summit 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, with participation from over 100 countries, making it one of the largest global AI gatherings.During the summit, he presented India’s AI governance framework “MANAV” — Moral & Ethical Systems, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, Accessible & Inclusive, and Valid & Legitimate.The summit was guided by the theme “Welfare for All, Happiness for All,” highlighting India’s commitment to inclusive and responsible AI development.

 

2. MeitY Launches ‘VoicERA’ Open-Source Voice AI Stack at India AI Impact Summit 2026: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched VoicERA, an open-source end-to-end Voice AI stack, at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, aimed at enabling secure and scalable multilingual voice systems.Deployed on the BHASHINI National Language Infrastructure, VoicERA serves as a national execution layer for multilingual Voice and Language AI, supporting cloud and on-premises deployment across government and research ecosystems. By modularising the voice technology stack, VoicERA reduces duplication and vendor lock-in while expanding BHASHINI’s capabilities into real-time speech systems, conversational AI, and multilingual telephony at population scale.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. National Arogya Fair 2026 to Boost Ayush and Farmers: The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress, is organising a four-day National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district from 25 to 28 February 2026. The mega event aims to promote Ayush systems of medicine, expand public access to traditional healthcare and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers through medicinal plant cultivation and agroforestry.The fair will be inaugurated on 25 February 2026 by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Visava Maidan of Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan. The ceremony will be attended by the Governor of Maharashtra, Union Minister of Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav, senior state officials and other dignitaries.Citizens will receive free health check-ups, medical consultations and medicines under various Ayush systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy. The event will host live therapy counters, yoga demonstrations, expert lectures and interactive sessions focused on preventive and promotive healthcare.Separate stalls will represent each Ayush stream under the Ministry, enabling visitors to experience India’s diverse traditional medical heritage on a single platform.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Jessie Buckley Wins Best Actress at BAFTA 2026: Jessie Buckley secured the Best Actress honour at the 2026 EE British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, continuing her strong awards season run. The ceremony took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London, marking a significant milestone in Buckley’s career. The Irish actor’s victory came just two days after she claimed the same title at the Irish Film and Television Academy Awards in Dublin, cementing her dominance this season. With this win, Buckley became the first Irish performer to receive the Best Actress award at the BAFTAs. Her recognition reflects both critical acclaim and industry respect for her nuanced performance. The award was presented by actor Cillian Murphy, adding to the celebratory Irish presence at the event. Buckley’s achievement signals a broader recognition of Irish talent within the British film establishment.

 

2. ‘One Battle After Another’ Dominates BAFTA 2026: Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ emerged as the biggest winner at the 2026 EE British Academy Film Awards, securing six major honours including Best Picture and Best Director. The sweep strengthens the film’s position as a frontrunner ahead of next month’s Academy Awards. ‘One Battle After Another’ won awards for Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography and Editing, along with a Supporting Actor prize for Sean Penn. Anderson described the recognition as “overwhelming and wonderful” while accepting the directing honour.The film, centred on a group of revolutionaries clashing with the state, led the nominations with 14 nods. Its strong performance at BAFTA positions it as a key Oscars contender.

 

3. ‘Boong’ Wins BAFTA 2026 Best Children’s Film: In a landmark achievement for Indian cinema, ‘Boong’, a Manipuri-language coming-of-age film, has won the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the 2026 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards. The victory marks a significant global recognition for regional Indian storytelling on an international stage. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, the 2024 film secured the award ahead of major international contenders including ‘Zootopia 2’, ‘Lilo & Stitch’, and ‘Arco’. The category featured strong competition from high-profile Hollywood productions, making the win particularly notable. The award was presented in a memorable moment by the fictional character Paddington Bear, who delivered a light-hearted monologue while announcing the winner. The nominations for the BAFTAs were revealed earlier in January.