1) 🇮🇳National   IMACC 2026 Begins: The Indian Army is hosting the inaugural International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 starting today, 18 February, in the Eastern Himalayas. Military teams from seven friendly nations, including Bhutan, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, are competing alongside Indian forces. AI Impact Summit 2026: Day 3 of the summit continues at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The focus today is on "Safe & Trusted AI" and "Inclusion for Social Empowerment," featuring global tech leaders discussing the responsible deployment of AI in the Global South. New PMO "Seva Teerth": The Prime Minister’s Office has officially completed its transition to the new Seva Teerth complex on Dara Shikoh Road. This facility also houses the National Security Council and Cabinet Secretariats. Menstrual Health Ruling: In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court has held that menstrual health is a fundamental right under the Right to Dignity (Article 21), mandating all states to ensure free sanitary products in government schools. 2) 🌍International Bangladesh Swearing-in Ceremony: Following the general elections, Tarique Rahman was officially sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. India was represented at the ceremony by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, signaling a focus on regional stability. Annular Solar Eclipse: A spectacular "Ring of Fire" solar eclipse was observed today primarily over Antarctica and the Southern Hemisphere. This is the first of two solar eclipses scheduled for 2026. India-France Year of Innovation: PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron jointly launched the "India-France Year of Innovation 2026" at the Gateway of India, Mumbai, to boost startups and deep-tech research. 3) 💰Economy New CPI & GDP Base Year: The government has officially transitioned to 2024 as the new base year for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and 2022-23 for GDP calculations to better reflect modern consumption patterns. Deepfake Regulation: A strict three-hour deadline has been mandated for social media intermediaries to remove flagged AI-generated deepfake content or face legal penalties under the updated IT Rules. Airbus H125 Facility: India’s first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) has been operationalised at Vemagal, Karnataka, through a partnership between Tata and Airbus. 4) 🗓️Date’s importance National Battery Day: Observed on 18 February to celebrate the birthday of Alessandro Volta (born 1745), the Italian physicist who invented the electric battery. Historical Significance (1930): On this day, American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto while examining photographs taken at the Lowell Observatory. Discovery of Pharaoh Tutankhamun's Tomb (1923): Anniversary of the unsealing of the burial chamber by archaeologist Howard Carter. 5) 👱‍♂️👩‍🦳Person of the day Alessandro Volta: The scientist behind the invention of the chemical battery (Voltaic pile). The unit of electric potential, the Volt, is named in his honour. Tarique Rahman: The newly appointed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who is under international spotlight as he begins his tenure during a period of political transition. 6) 🏅Sports T20 World Cup 2026: South Africa secured a thrilling victory against Afghanistan after two Super Overs, one of the most intense matches in the tournament's history so far. Ranji Trophy Milestone: Paras Dogra (Himachal Pradesh) has become the second-highest run-scorer in Ranji history, joining the elite 10,000-run club alongside Wasim Jaffer. Winter Olympics 2026: Competition intensifies in Milano-Cortina; the Women’s Monobob and Mixed Team Snowboard Cross events are the highlights for today. 7) 🏆Awards Vikramaditya International Award: The Madhya Pradesh government has announced this new honour with a prize of ₹1.01 crore to recognize global excellence in Indian culture and heritage. 68th Grammy Awards: Recognition continues for the best in global music, with a strong focus on "Best Global Music Performance" where several Indian fusion artists were nominated. 8) ⭐️Other important significance ZSI Discovery: Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new wingless, soil-dwelling species of Diplura in the Eastern Himalayas. National Productivity Week: Concluding events for the week (12-18 Feb) are being held, focusing on the theme of "Maximizing MSME Productivity through Industrial Clusters." 📚Word of the day Equanimity (Noun) Meaning: Calmness and composure, especially in a difficult or stressful situation. Usage: "An aspirant must maintain equanimity while appearing for highly competitive exams like UPSC."  

🇮🇳National AI Impact Summit 2026: India is hosting the summit in New Delhi from 16 to 20 February. This is the first time the event is being held in the Global South with the theme "Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya" (Welfare for all, happiness for all). PMO Relocation: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has officially shifted from the colonial-era South Block to the new office at the Seva Teerth complex. AI Robocop "ASC Arjun": Indian Railways has deployed a locally built AI-powered facial recognition robot at Visakhapatnam railway station for night surveillance and patrolling. Sabarimala Case: The Supreme Court has announced that a nine-judge bench will commence final hearings on petitions related to religious discrimination against women from 7 April. 🌍International Annular Solar Eclipse 2026: The first solar eclipse of the year occurs today, 17 February. Known as the "Ring of Fire," it is primarily visible over Antarctica and parts of the Southern Hemisphere; it is not visible from India. India-Canada Cooperation: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand at the Munich Security Conference to discuss deepening bilateral partnerships. India-Greece Defence Ties: Both nations signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen defence industrial cooperation and develop a five-year strategic roadmap. 💰Economy Trade Deficit Widens: India's merchandise trade deficit rose to $34.68 billion in January, driven significantly by a surge in gold and silver imports. New CPI Base Year: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has updated the Consumer Price Index (CPI) base year to 2024 (from 2012), with January retail inflation recorded at 2.75%. Norway’s Wealth Fund: Financial experts have highlighted Norway’s $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund as a global model for fiscal responsibility and long-term resource management. 🗓️Date’s importance 17 February: Historically significant as the day the first ship passed through the Suez Canal in 1867, revolucionising global maritime trade. Global Tourism Resilience Day: Observed today to emphasize the need for sustainable and resilient tourism infrastructure worldwide. 👱‍♂️👩‍🦳Person of the day Michael Jordan: Born on 17 February 1863, the legendary basketball icon and businessman is celebrated today for his global impact on sports and brand marketing. Michiaki Takahashi: Born on this day in 1928, the Japanese virologist is famous for inventing the first chickenpox vaccine. 🏅Sports Ranji Trophy Milestone: Himachal Pradesh batter Paras Dogra became only the second player in history, after Wasim Jaffer, to complete 10,000 runs in the Ranji Trophy. T20 World Cup: West Indies became the first team to qualify for the Super Eights stage after a dominant nine-wicket victory over Nepal. 🏆Awards International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026: The Indian Army is set to host the inaugural trophy in the Eastern Himalayas (18-23 Feb), featuring teams from seven countries including Bhutan, Brazil, and Kazakhstan. ⭐️Other important significance CBSE Board Exams 2026: The Class 10 and 12 board examinations for approximately 46 lakh students begin today, 17 February, incorporating new rules aligned with NEP 2020. Deepfake Regulation: The Centre has mandated a three-hour deadline for social media platforms to remove AI-generated deepfake content flagged by authorities or courts. 📚Word of the day Abstain: (Verb) To restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something. Usage: Candidates must abstain from using electronic gadgets during the examination.  

1) 🇮🇳National   India AI Impact Summit 2026: A landmark 5-day global summit begins today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It is the first major AI gathering hosted in the Global South, focusing on AI in education, data governance, and employability. NEET PG Counselling 2026: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has commenced the online stray vacancy round registration today. Candidates can check the revised schedule and complete choice filling on the official MCC website. Congress Sweep in Telangana: The Indian National Congress achieved a landslide victory in the Telangana urban body polls across 116 municipalities and 7 corporations, significantly ousting the BRS and BJP. IIM Guwahati Academic Session: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the first academic session of IIM Guwahati, marking a major expansion of premier management education in Northeast India. 2) 🌍International Bangladesh Political Transition: The Indian government has deputed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on 17 February. US-Israel Strategic Meeting: President Donald Trump and PM Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House to discuss reducing Iran's oil exports to China to increase regional pressure. UK Citizenship Warning: Individuals with dual citizenship have been warned that starting 25 February, they may be denied entry to the UK if they do not carry a valid British passport instead of just foreign travel documents. 3) 💰Economy Krishak Unnati Yojana Payout: The Chhattisgarh government has initiated a ₹10,000 crore direct transfer to paddy farmers to cover the price differential above the Central MSP, ensuring they receive ₹3,100 per quintal. 16th Finance Commission: Headed by Arvind Panagariya, the commission has recommended retaining the states' share in the divisible tax pool at 41% for the period 2026–2031. Air India DGCA Fine: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed a ₹1 crore fine on Air India for operating a flight with an expired airworthiness certificate. NVIDIA Visit Cancelled: NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has cancelled his high-profile visit to the AI Impact Summit in India citing unforeseen circumstances. 4) 🗓️Date’s importance Archaeological History (1923): On this day, archaeologist Howard Carter unsealed the burial chamber of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt, revealing the most intact royal tomb ever found. Invention of Nylon (1937): Wallace Carothers received the patent for Nylon, the world's first fully synthetic fibre, revolutionising the textile industry. Kyoto Protocol (2005): This international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions officially went into effect on 16 February. 5) 👱‍♂️👩‍🦳Person of the day Uday Kotak: The veteran banker has been appointed as the new Chairman of GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City), succeeding Hasmukh Adhia to lead India’s premier financial hub. Nivedita Dubey: She has made history by becoming the first woman officer appointed to the Board of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). 6) 🏅Sports T20 World Cup 2026: The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash took place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Tensions were high as captain Suryakumar Yadav’s side maintained a strict competitive stance. NBA History (1972): On this day, Wilt Chamberlain became the first player in NBA history to score 30,000 career points. 7) 🏆Awards MUAHS Awards 2026: The film ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Sinners’ emerged as big winners at the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards. Suryadatta National Awards: Former CJI Uday U. Lalit was conferred with the Suryadatta National Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Indian judiciary. 8) ⭐️Other important significance National Productivity Week: India is currently observing this week (12–18 February) with the theme “Maximizing MSME Productivity through Industrial Clusters.” Mass Drug Administration (MDA): The Health Ministry launched a nationwide campaign to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis) across 12 endemic states. 📚Word of the day Joybombasticness (Noun) Meaning: A spectacular, infectious, and larger-than-life form of happiness that fills its surroundings. Usage: "The atmosphere at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Summit launch was filled with joybombasticness as global leaders shared their vision."