Daily GK Update- 27th Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet Approves MSP for Raw Jute at Rs. 5,925 per Quintal for 2026-27 Season: Cabinet, chaired by PM Shri Narendra Modi, approves Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Raw Jute at Rs. 5,925 per quintal for the 2026-27 season.The MSP ensures a 61.8% return over the all-India weighted average cost of production, following the government’s principle of at least 1.5 times cost of production. MSP of Raw Jute has increased by Rs. 3,525 per quintal since 2014-15, with total MSP payments to farmers rising from Rs. 441 Crore (2004-14) to Rs. 1,342 Crore (2014-26).

 

2. Jayant Chaudhary Launches ‘Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai’ Campaign to Boost Digital Skilling via Skill India Digital Hub: Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary launched the nationwide campaign ‘Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai’ to boost digital skilling through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).The campaign aims to expand access to SIDH, India’s integrated digital platform for skilling, employment, and lifelong learning, building on initiatives like India Stack. To enhance awareness and participation, the campaign features legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan as part of its outreach efforts.

 

3. Government Launches Mobile Labs to Monitor Quality of National Highway Projects: The government has launched Mobile Quality Control Vans (MQCVs) to monitor and diagnose the quality of ongoing National Highway projects.Pilot projects have been implemented in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Odisha, with each van functioning as a mobile laboratory equipped with advanced non-destructive testing instruments.The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is developing a National Highway Quality Monitoring Portal to provide online test reports and real-time GPS tracking for transparent and data-driven oversight.

 

4. West Bengal Launches ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ Scheme to Provide ₹1,500 Monthly Aid to Unemployed Youth: The Government of West Bengal has launched the ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ scheme in the Budget 2026-27 to provide financial support to unemployed youth.Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive ₹1,500 per month, and many may also benefit from the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme for women.

 

5. Ministry of Ayush to Organise National Arogya Fair 2026 in Maharashtra: The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress, will organize the National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon in Buldhana district, Maharashtra.The event will be inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu at Visava Maidan of Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan.

 

6. 28 February – National Science Day: National Science Day is observed every year on 28 February to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C. V. Raman.The day highlights the importance of science and technology in national development and encourages a scientific temper among citizens.It also aims to inspire students and young minds to pursue careers in science and research.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet Approves ₹1,677 Crore Expansion of Civil Enclave at Srinagar International Airport: The Cabinet has approved the expansion of the Civil Enclave at Srinagar International Airport at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,677 crore to strengthen aviation infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley.The new project, spread over 73.18 acres, will include a state-of-the-art terminal building with an annual capacity of 10 million passengers and peak-hour handling capacity of 2,900 passengers.The expansion will also add 15 aircraft parking bays, a multi-level car parking facility for 1,000 cars, and other infrastructure, while the runway will continue to be operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

 

2. Goa Hosts 4th World Ocean Science Congress 2026 on ‘Ocean Health and Sustainable Future’: Goa hosted the 4th edition of the World Ocean Science Congress 2026 at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Panaji.The event was inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.The congress was co-organised by NIO, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, and Goa University under the theme “Ocean Health and Sustainable Future

 

3. IIT Madras Professor B. Ravindran Joins UN Independent AI Scientific Panel: Professor B. Ravindran of IIT Madras has been appointed to the United Nations’ Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI). He is the Founding Head of the Centre for Responsible AI (CORAI) at IIT Madras; the panel was established through a UN General Assembly Resolution.

 

4. UAE Launches World’s First Sovereign Financial Cloud: In a significant move for digital finance, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has unveiled what it describes as the world’s first sovereign financial cloud services infrastructure. Developed in partnership with Core42, a subsidiary of G42, the platform is designed to provide a secure, AI-powered digital backbone exclusively for the UAE’s financial sector. The initiative reinforces the country’s ambition to lead in secure, regulated and innovation-driven finance. The Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure (SFCSI) is a centralised, fully isolated cloud environment built to ensure that critical financial data remains within the UAE’s national jurisdiction. Unlike conventional cloud systems operated by global providers, the SFCSI embeds regulatory controls, cybersecurity protocols and governance mechanisms directly into its architecture. This approach prioritises data sovereignty, allowing financial institutions to operate under domestic legal safeguards while reducing dependence on foreign-hosted infrastructure.

 

5. CBIC to Launch SWIFT 2.0 on International Customs Day: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) will launch the upgraded single-window platform SWIFT 2.0, release a Digital Travellers Guide, and unveil a revamped Atithi app during International Customs Day 2026 celebrations in New Delhi. The event will be presided over by Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, along with senior officials from the Department of Revenue.The celebrations will be held under the theme “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment”.

SWIFT, or Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade, is a digital platform designed to streamline customs clearance for exports and imports. The upgraded SWIFT 2.0 aims to enhance transparency, reduce processing time and simplify compliance through end-to-end digital integration. The platform forms part of broader customs reforms focused on trust-based processes and digital governance. Officials stated that SWIFT 2.0 will strengthen coordination among regulatory agencies and improve trade facilitation.

 

6. India, Germany Deepen Climate Adaptation Partnership: India and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening climate adaptation and resilience during a high-level Climate Talk held in New Delhi. The dialogue focused on advancing ecosystem-based approaches and supporting India’s upcoming National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, announced a new Large Grant project for India under the International Climate Initiative (IKI) with funding of up to EUR 20 million. The project aims to improve resilience in vulnerable ecosystems across priority regions, including the Himalayas, island territories, the Western Ghats, the North-East and the Lower Gangetic floodplains. The initiative will promote ecosystem-based approaches such as forest restoration, strengthening biodiversity corridors, flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge and community-led natural resource management. It will also enhance monitoring and evaluation frameworks linked to India’s National Adaptation Plan. Innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance, biodiversity credits and insurance-based risk solutions, will be explored to support long-term sustainability.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India Eyes Israeli Sky Sting Missile for IAF: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertakes his second state visit to Israel, India is advancing discussions to procure the Israeli-origin ‘Sky Sting’ beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The missile, currently under development, is viewed as a potential force multiplier for India’s fighter fleet amid evolving aerial threats from China and Pakistan. Weighing between 180 and 200 kg, the Sky Sting is light enough for platforms such as the Tejas Mk1A while remaining compatible with the Su-30MKI. The missile reportedly offers a strike range of up to 250 km.It is powered by a three-pulse solid-fuel rocket motor, enabling terminal speeds exceeding Mach 5. A radio-frequency seeker, enhanced by AI-driven target discrimination and jam-resistant technology, allows early lock-on and strong resistance to electronic countermeasures. The system also incorporates a two-way data link for mid-course guidance and real-time pilot control.

 

2. Pakistan Declares Open War After Kabul Airstrikes: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated sharply after Islamabad declared “open war” on the Afghan Taliban government following renewed cross-border clashes. The escalation came after Pakistani airstrikes targeted Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, hours after Afghan forces launched attacks on Pakistani border positions. Both sides have reported heavy casualties, though figures differ widely, raising concerns over regional stability and civilian safety along the volatile frontier. Explosions were reported in Kabul, with Afghan authorities confirming strikes in the capital as well as in Kandahar and Paktia provinces. Pakistan stated that the air raids targeted Afghan military facilities, including brigade and corps headquarters and logistics bases. Islamabad described the strikes as part of “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq”, launched in response to what it termed unprovoked firing from across the border. Afghan officials, however, condemned the attacks as violations of sovereignty and international law.

 

3. IAF Conducts Kalari Leap Exercise in Lakshadweep: The Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force successfully conducted a high-tempo joint maritime exercise, ‘Kalari Leap’, across the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago. The exercise focused on validating joint planning, rapid force projection and precision operations in complex maritime environments. The drill underscored India’s growing emphasis on integrated island defence and maritime domain awareness in strategically sensitive waters. Kalari Leap involved coordinated operations between the Indian Air Force, the Armed Forces Special Operations Division and the Indian Coast Guard. The exercise was designed to test seamless interoperability among air, maritime and special operations components. Anti-ship strike simulations and maritime search and rescue missions formed a key part of the operational drills. These activities assessed the ability to respond swiftly to maritime contingencies in island territories.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Meity Forms High-Level Committee to Modernize DigiLocker System: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) has set up a high-level committee to harmonize the regulatory framework of DigiLocker. The committee, headed by Ajay Sawhney, former Secretary of Meity, aims to review and modernize the Digital Locker system. RBI constituted a Regulatory Review Cell (RRC) to strengthen the institutional mechanism for reviewing regulations, ensuring a systematic internal review every 5–7 years; Chaired by – Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh (MD of SBI) AICTE forms expert committee to integrate AI across all academic streams; chaired by Anand Deshpande SEBI constituted a high-level committee to review rules on conflict of interest and disclosures by its board members and officials; chaired by – Pratyush Sinha GoM on revenue mobilisation in case of natural calamities or disaster ;chaired by – FM of UP Suresh Khanna

 

2. Moist Heatwaves During Monsoon Now Predictable Weeks Ahead: Many parts of India experience moist heatwaves during the southwest monsoon (SWM), yet the phenomenon has remained poorly understood. A new study published in the journal “Climate Dynamics” finds that the timing and location of these events are closely linked to the active and break phases of the monsoon. Crucially, researchers suggest that moist heatwaves can now be predicted two to four weeks in advance, enabling better public health preparedness. Unlike dry summer heatwaves driven mainly by high temperatures, moist heatwaves result from a combination of elevated temperatures and high atmospheric humidity. During such events, the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating is severely impaired. High humidity limits evaporation from the skin, increasing physiological stress. This can lead to hyperthermia, heat exhaustion and, in extreme cases, fatal heatstroke. The risks are particularly acute during outdoor gatherings and prolonged exposure.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Launches March 2026 Urban Consumer Confidence Survey Across 19 Cities: RBI launches March 2026 Urban Consumer Confidence Survey (UCCS) to assess urban household sentiment. Survey conducted across 19 cities focusing on economic outlook, employment, prices, income, and spending. Hansa Research Group Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, conducts the survey on behalf of the Reserve Bank of India.

 

2. NAMASTE Scheme Awareness Programme to Be Held in Pilibhit: A programme promoting the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme will be organised on 26 February 2026 at Gandhi Prekshagrih, Gandhi Stadium, Nakhasa, Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh. The event aims to enhance awareness about the scheme and strengthen social security measures for sanitation workers. The initiative reflects the Government of India’s focus on ensuring dignity, safety and economic empowerment for Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and waste pickers. During the programme, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits will be distributed to sanitation workers to improve occupational safety and reduce health risks associated with hazardous cleaning activities. Ayushman Cards will also be provided to eligible beneficiaries, ensuring access to healthcare under government health protection schemes. The distribution drive is intended to promote safe sanitation practices while extending institutional support to a vulnerable workforce.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Mangaluru International Airport Wins 2025 ASQ Award for Best Airport at Arrivals – Globally: Mangaluru International Airport has won the 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award in the category “Best Airport at Arrivals – Globally.” The award is presented by Airports Council International (ACI) World, marking the second consecutive win for the airport after also securing the title in 2024. Mangaluru International Airport is managed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd.

 

2. Narendra Modi Becomes First Global Leader to Receive Speaker of the Knesset Medal in Israel: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal,” the highest honour of the Knesset. The award was presented at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) in Jerusalem, Israel. PM Modi became the first global leader to receive this prestigious medal.

 

3. Ministry of Ayush Invites Entries for PM Yoga Awards 2026: The Ministry of Ayush has invited applications for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga 2026, aimed at promoting excellence, innovation and leadership in the field of Yoga. The awards seek to recognise outstanding contributions towards the development and global promotion of Yoga at both national and international levels. The initiative reflects the government’s continued emphasis on positioning Yoga as a tool for holistic health and global cultural outreach.

 

4. The Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga will be conferred in two categories: Individuals and Institutions. Each awardee will receive a trophy, a certificate of recognition and a cash prize of ₹25 lakh. The awards honour those who have demonstrated sustained impact in spreading awareness, research, training and community outreach related to Yoga.

 

Daily GK Update- 26th Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. President Murmu Unveils Rajagopalachari Bust at Rashtrapati Bhavan: President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing the statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens, as part of the government’s effort to remove colonial-era symbols.The bust has been installed at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, opposite the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, highlighting India’s own leaders and traditions within the presidential estate.During the ‘Rajaji Utsav’, President Murmu emphasized Rajagopalachari’s role in India’s “mental decolonisation” and praised his contributions to law, politics, social reform, and literature, inspiring the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

 

2. NIPER signs MoU with private pharmaceutical company to advance pharmaceutical education: The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) signed an MoU with a private pharmaceutical company in New Delhi to strengthen pharmaceutical education and research in India, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.During the event, Cohort 2 of AMRITVA (Alliance for Medicinal Research, Innovation, Translation and Value Acceleration) was launched to convert academic pharmaceutical research into market-oriented and entrepreneurial initiatives.

 

3. Jagat Prakash Nadda Launches Indigenous Td Vaccine at CRI Kasauli: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the indigenously manufactured Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.The Td vaccine has been introduced under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), with CRI set to supply 55 lakh doses by April 2026, and production expected to scale up in the coming years.CRI is the first government institute to manufacture vaccines under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, showcasing modernization of public sector vaccine units.The UIP, the world’s largest immunisation programme, currently provides 11 vaccines against 12 diseases, and aligns with WHO recommendations (2006, reaffirmed in 2017) to shift from Tetanus Toxoid (TT) to the Td vaccine.

 

4. Digital Bharat Nidhi and Andhra Pradesh Sign MoC for Fast-Track Implementation of Amended BharatNet Programme: A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh for faster implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) in the state.The agreement provides a collaborative framework where the Andhra Pradesh government will facilitate Right of Way (RoW), infrastructure access, and coordination support to ensure expedited rollout of the programme.The project will be funded primarily by DBN, along with state contributions, and the created digital network will be utilized to enhance socio-economic development across Andhra Pradesh.

 

5. Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan Inaugurates Tourism Leadership Summit-2026: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Tourism Leadership Summit-2026, organised by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in New Delhi, highlighting tourism as a driver of economic growth and soft diplomacy.He emphasised that tourism is a major employment generator and stressed investment in skills, entrepreneurship, and women-led enterprises for inclusive and sustainable growth.The Vice President highlighted Tourism Vision 2029, aiming to develop at least one world-class tourist destination in every state, promoting sustainable practices, improved connectivity, and AI-driven solutions for better visitor experience.

 

6. MeitY Launches Blockchain India Challenge to Drive Permissioned Blockchain Solutions for Digital Governance: Shri S. Krishnan IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), launched the Blockchain India Challenge in New Delhi.Implemented by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) with full support from MeitY, the national initiative invites visionary Indian startups to develop and pilot permissioned blockchain-based solutions tailored for government use cases.The challenge prioritizes regulatory control, security, trust, auditability, and tamper-proof records, aiming to solve real-world governance and service delivery challenges across multiple sectors.

 

7. India and GCC Launch Formal FTA Negotiations with Signing of Joint Statement in New Delhi: India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) formally commenced negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) following the signing of a Joint Statement on 24 February 2026 in New Delhi.The agreement was signed by Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, and H.E. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, in the presence of high-level delegations from both sides.The FTA aims to inject greater predictability, certainty, and momentum into bilateral trade and investment ties, unlocking substantial untapped potential between India and one of its most strategic economic partners.

India and Kenya held their first-ever Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on agriculture in virtual mode on 25 February 2026, marking a formal step toward deepening bilateral cooperation in the sector.The meeting focused on aligning priorities, addressing shared challenges, and exploring collaborative opportunities in agricultural research, market access, mechanization, capacity building, and training.Discussions underscored the mutual interest in leveraging each country’s strengths to enhance food security, productivity, and sustainable agricultural development.

 

8. Cabinet Approves ₹9,072 Crore Multitracking Railway Projects to Add 307 km Network Capacity Across Four States: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved three major multitracking railway projects on 24 February 2026 at a total cost of approximately ₹9,072 crore.The initiatives — Gondia–Jabalpur Doubling, Punarakh–Kiul 3rd & 4th line, and Gamharia–Chandil 3rd & 4th line — will expand Indian Railways' network by ~307 km across 8 districts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand.These capacity enhancements will decongest busy corridors, boost freight by 52 MTPA, connect ~5,407 villages (serving ~98 lakh people), improve passenger services, cut logistics costs, and deliver environmental benefits equivalent to planting 1 crore trees through reduced CO₂ emissions and oil imports.

 

9. Kaziranga National Park Emerges as Major Stronghold for Endangered Fishing Cat with 57 Individuals Recorded in First Scientific Survey: Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has recorded at least 57 unique fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) across more than 450 sq km, establishing it as one of the most significant freshwater habitats for this globally vulnerable and endangered species.The finding comes from India’s first scientific assessment of fishing cats in the Brahmaputra floodplains, conducted using “by-catch” camera-trap images originally collected for tiger monitoring.The study highlights Kaziranga’s critical role in conserving a lesser-known, wetland-specialized felid and provides a replicable baseline methodology for monitoring non-charismatic species. Conducted by: Tiger Cell of Kaziranga National Park in collaboration with Tiasa Adhya, scientist and founder of the Fishing Cat Project.Data source: Re-analysis of camera-trap images captured during the All India Tiger Estimation exercises. Approach: Utilized “by-catch” (incidental) captures of fishing cats to estimate minimum population size and assess relative abundance in the floodplain ecosystem.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Jean Todt Launches UN Global Road Safety Campaign ‘Make A Safety Statement’ in India: The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, launched the UN-JCDecuax Global Campaign for Road Safety titled “Make A Safety Statement”, aimed at promoting simple daily measures like wearing seat belts and helmets, following speed limits, and avoiding mobile phone use while driving.The campaign supports the UN’s Second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030) to reduce road deaths by 50% by 2030.A new project, “Sustainable Financing for Road Safety in India: A Collaborative Approach,” supported by the UN Road Safety Fund and implemented with technical support from WHO, UNICEF, and UN ESCAP, was also launched to strengthen road safety systems and establish sustainable financing mechanisms in India.

 

2. Indian Mountaineers Summit Mount Aconcagua in Argentina: A six-member team from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (Uttarkashi) and the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (Pahalgam) successfully summited Mount Aconcagua in Argentina.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh ceremonially flagged off the expedition on the 5th February.Mount Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America and the second-highest peak outside Asia, highlighting India’s growing excellence in international mountaineering.

 

3. Switzerland Announces Geneva as Host City for 2027 AI Impact Summit: Switzerland’s President Guy Parmelin announced that Geneva will host the AI Impact Summit 2027, emphasising the need for smaller nations to collaborate for fair and responsible AI governance.Switzerland will partner with the United Arab Emirates, the host of the 2028 AI Impact Summit, to ensure continuity and global cooperation in AI development.Since its inception in the United Kingdom (2023), the AI Impact Summit has been hosted by South Korea, France, and India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming Switzerland as the fifth summit host.

 

4. 27 February – World NGO Day: World NGO Day is observed annually on 27 February to recognise and honour the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in society.The day highlights the contribution of NGOs in areas such as human rights, education, health, environment, and social development.It was officially recognized in 2010 and first celebrated in 2014 to promote collaboration between NGOs and governments.

 

5. Bihar Assembly Passes Four Bills in 24 Minutes, Including Replacement of 1887 British-Era Civil Court Act: The Bihar Legislative Assembly passed four Bills by voice vote on Tuesday (likely 24 February 2026), completing the process in just 24 minutes.One key legislation replaces the colonial-era Bengal, Agra and Assam Civil Courts Act, 1887 with a modern, Bihar-specific Bihar Civil Courts Bill, 2026.The other three Bills amend recruitment commissions and municipal governance structures to enhance efficiency, inclusivity, transparency, and decentralisation in state administration.Grants greater powers to ward councillors and district board members in local bodies.Aims to increase transparency in the constitution of empowered standing committees of municipal bodies.Addresses concerns of discrimination, centralisation of power, and difficulty for certain categories of members to participate in meetings — moves toward greater decentralisation in line with constitutional principles.

 

6. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Named Asia-Pacific’s Best for Departures in 40+ Million Passengers Category: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai, has been voted Asia-Pacific’s Best Airport for Departures in the over 40 million passengers per annum category at the 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Awards.The award, presented by Airports Council International (ACI), is based entirely on real passenger feedback collected throughout 2025 under the globally recognised and independently audited ASQ programme.CSMIA’s top ranking reflects outstanding performance across the entire outbound journey, highlighting Mumbai’s growing stature as a world-class aviation hub.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 7th India–Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ Begins in Uttarakhand: The 7th edition of Joint Military Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN between India and Japan has commenced in Uttarakhand, and will continue till 9th March.Around 120 personnel from each country are participating, with the Japanese side represented by the 32nd Infantry Regiment and the Indian side by the Ladakh Scouts of the Indian Army.Held alternately in India and Japan, the exercise aims to strengthen defence cooperation and enhance joint operational capabilities, particularly for operations in a semi-urban environment.

2. India–US 16th Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR Begins in Himachal Pradesh: The 16th edition of Joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR between India and the United States has commenced at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh (Himachal Pradesh) and will continue till the 16th of next month.The Indian Army is represented by 45 personnel from its Special Forces units, while the United States has deployed 12 Green Berets from the US Special Forces.The exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation, enhance interoperability, and improve joint special operations capabilities between the two countries.

 

3. India-US Joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar Commences at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh: The 16th edition of the bilateral India-US Special Forces exercise Vajra Prahar began on 24 February 2026 at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, and ran until 16 March 2026.A US Army contingent from the Green Berets (US Special Forces) arrived in India to join 45 personnel from Indian Army Special Forces units for the three-week drill.Building on the previous edition held in Idaho, USA (November 2024), the exercise reinforced military cooperation, interoperability, and joint capabilities for special operations in mountainous terrain.

Primary goal: Strengthen defence partnership through enhanced interoperability, jointness, and exchange of special operations tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

 

4. COAS General Upendra Dwivedi Flags In Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan Expedition at National War Memorial : General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), formally flagged in the Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan Expedition at the National War Memorial, New Delhi, on 25 February 2026.The 3,400-kilometre SUV expedition, led by the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery, traversed historic battlefields, forward areas, and border regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan before concluding in the national capital.The journey highlighted enhanced border connectivity and infrastructure, reinforced national integration, and served as a meaningful outreach to Veer Naris, veterans, youth, and border communities.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Tomas Martin Etcheverry Clinches Maiden ATP Title at Rio Open: Tomas Martin Etcheverry won his maiden ATP Tour title at the ATP 500 Rio Open, defeating Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 in the final, despite playing two matches in one day due to rain delays.The 26-year-old Argentine secured his first ATP crown after three previous runner-up finishes and also recorded his 100th tour-level match win, improving his head-to-head record against Tabilo to 2-0. With the victory, Etcheverry climbed 18 places to World No. 33, re-entering the Top 40; in men’s doubles, Joao Fonseca and Felipe Melo won the title, marking Fonseca’s first home trophy and Melo’s second consecutive title.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. MoEFCC to Host ‘Him-CONNECT’ in New Delhi to Promote Sustainable Innovations in the Indian Himalayan Region: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will organise ‘Him-CONNECT’ in New Delhi as part of TERI’s World Sustainable Development Summit.Him-CONNECT aims to connect researchers from the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) with start-ups, investors, and policymakers to promote scaling and real-world implementation of research outcomes.Over 24 technologies, prototypes, patents, and pilot projects developed under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies will be showcased, with participation from more than 100 start-ups, incubators, investors, and policymakers.

 

2. 5th National MSME Council Meeting Reviews RAMP Programme Progress; Union Minister Launches Udyami Bharat Portal and MSME Technology Transfer Platform: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) convened the 5th meeting of the National MSME Council on 24 February 2026 at NASC Complex, PUSA Road, New Delhi.The Council serves as the key administrative and functional body for the World Bank-supported RAMP Programme, overseeing inter-ministerial coordination, Centre-State collaboration, and monitoring of MSME sector reforms.During the meeting, Hon’ble Union Minister launched two major digital initiatives: the Udyami Bharat Portal (UBP) — a unified one-stop shop for MSME services — and the MSME Technology Transfer Platform (MTTP) — designed to provide MSMEs with access to advanced technologies, testing, skilling, and IP commercialization.

 

3. TEC and IIT Kharagpur Sign MoU to Advance Joint Research and India’s Role in 6G, NTN, and Telecom Standardization: The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Kharagpur to strengthen collaboration on advanced telecom technologies, joint studies, and active contributions to global standardization.The partnership focuses on developing India-specific standards and solutions for next-generation networks, particularly 6G, Optical communication, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), and other emerging technologies.It aims to enhance India’s technical leadership and influence in international forums such as the ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union – Standardization Sector) and other global standards bodies.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PhonePe launches AI-powered search built using Microsoft Foundry: PhonePe launches an AI-powered natural language search feature built using Microsoft Foundry, allowing users to perform tasks via text or voice commands.The feature uses intent-based routing to replace traditional navigation, directly guiding users to their desired actions, such as payments, purchases, or support.Using a hybrid model of on-device and cloud processing, the system ensures security and privacy, keeping all personal and transactional data within the PhonePe environment.Founder, Whole-time Director & CTO of PhonePe – Rahul Chari

2. India’s GDP growth to ease to 7.2% in Q3FY26: ICRA: ICRA has projected India’s GDP growth to moderate to 7.2% in Q3 FY2025-26, down from 8.2% in Q2 FY2025-26, indicating a slowdown in overall economic momentum.The moderation is mainly due to slower growth in the services sector (7.8% vs 9.2%) and the agriculture sector (3.0% vs 3.5%) compared to the previous quarter.

Despite the slowdown, the industrial sector recorded a six-quarter high growth of 8.3% in Q3, improving from 7.7% in Q2, partially offsetting the weaker performance in other sectors.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. PM Narendra Modi Becomes Rare Global Leader Honoured with Top Civilian Awards from Both Israel and Palestine: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred the Speaker of the Knesset Medal — the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) — on 26 February 2026, making him the first world leader to receive this distinction.The award recognises PM Modi’s personal leadership in significantly strengthening strategic, defence, technology, and economic ties between India and Israel.This honour follows PM Modi’s earlier receipt of the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine in 2018 — the highest Palestinian civilian award given to foreign leaders — highlighting his unique position as a statesman respected by both sides in one of the world’s most complex geopolitical conflicts.Significance: The Speaker of the Knesset Medal is the Knesset’s highest honour, rarely awarded and reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Israel or to Israel’s international relations. First recipient: PM Modi is the first-ever leader to be bestowed this medal. Citation: Awarded in recognition of his “exceptional contribution through personal leadership” to deepening and expanding the India–Israel strategic partnership.