1) 🇮🇳National IMACC 2026 Concludes: The first-ever International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026, hosted by the Indian Army in the Eastern Himalayas, concludes today. Teams from seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Nepal, participated in this landmark event. SSC GD Exam Deferred: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially deferred the Constable (GD) Exam 2026, which was originally scheduled to begin today, 23 February. Revised dates will be announced on the official website soon. RRB Group D Answer Key: Today is the final deadline (till 5:00 PM) for candidates to raise objections against the RRB Group D Answer Key 2026. Warmer February Forecast: The IMD has predicted an "abnormally warm" end to February, with temperatures expected to spike to 33°C in Delhi-NCR and up to 37°C in parts of Rajasthan and UP by the coming weekend. 2) 🌍International Milano-Cortina 2026 Wrap: Following the grand closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics yesterday, global focus shifts to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics preparations, featuring a landmark decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes under their national flags. Japan’s Policy Roadmap: Following her reappointment, Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi is expected to outline a new strategic roadmap for the Indo-Pacific region this week, focusing on tech-security with India. Gaza Reconstruction Fund: International donors at the Board of Peace summit have formally activated a $5 billion reconstruction fund for Gaza, aimed at restoring essential healthcare and housing. 3) 💰Economy Union Budget Session: As the Parliament prepares for the second phase of the Budget Session starting in March, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the Biopharma SHAKTI scheme, aiming to transform India into a global biopharma manufacturing hub. Urban Challenge Fund: The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund to develop 'Cities as Growth Hubs'. The centre will provide 25% of the project cost for selected urban redevelopment initiatives. AIMA Business Leader Award: Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd, has been named the Business Leader of the Year at the 2026 Managing India Awards. 4) 🗓️Date’s importance World Understanding and Peace Day: Observed today, 23 February, to commemorate the first meeting of Rotary International (1905) and to promote global harmony and humanitarian service. Diesel Engine Day: Marks the anniversary of the day Rudolf Diesel received the patent for his internal combustion engine in 1893. National Banana Bread Day: A popular food-themed observance celebrated across several countries today. 5) 👱‍♂️👩‍🦳Person of the day Rohit Rikhye: Captain Rohit Rikhye has been appointed as the new Head of the Operations Control Centre (OCC) for IndiGo, a critical leadership shift for India's largest airline. Dak Prescott: The NFL star is in the news today as he becomes the first player to cross the $60 million per yearsalary mark following his historic contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys. 6) 🏅Sports Khelo India Winter Games: The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games moves to the slopes of Gulmarg today. Himachal Pradesh, led by star skier Aanchal Thakur, is expected to maintain its dominance in the medal tally. Ranji Trophy History: Jammu and Kashmir’s cricket team is making headlines today as they prepare for their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, a historic milestone for the UT's domestic cricket. T20 World Cup Super 8s: As the tournament enters the Super Eight stage, India’s coaching staff has identified batting against finger spinners as a key area for improvement before the knockout rounds. 7) 🏆Awards CEO of the Year: Sameer Kanodia, MD and CEO of Lumina Datamatics, has been conferred the prestigious CEO of the Year® Award for the second consecutive year. Nagaland University Honours: The university has conferred Lifetime Achievement Awards on five eminent chemists, including Prof. Nitin Chattopadhyay, for their groundbreaking research in multidisciplinary chemistry. 8) ⭐️Other important significance Suez Canal History (1867): On this day, the first ship passed through the Suez Canal, an event that permanently altered global trade routes. Discovery of Pluto (1930): Though discovered on 18 Feb, the official confirmation and public announcement of Clyde Tombaugh's discovery gained global momentum this week in 1930. 📚Word of the day Fortitude (Noun) Meaning: Courage in pain or adversity. Usage: "The Indian contingent showed great fortitude while competing in the extreme weather conditions of the 2026 Winter Olympics."  

1) 🇮🇳National Earthshot Prize 2026: Prince William has announced that India will host the 2026 Earthshot Prize in Mumbai. This marks the first time these prestigious environmental awards will be held in India, highlighting the country's role in climate leadership. Ramsar Site Expansion: India recently added two new wetlands to its Ramsar network—Patna Bird Sanctuary(Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand Wetland Reserve (Gujarat)—bringing the total count to 98 sites. JEE Main Updates: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the provisional answer key for Paper 2 (B. Arch & B. Planning), with the objection window concluding on 20 February. 2) 🌍International U.S. Tariff Ruling: The United States Supreme Court ruled 6–3 against the use of emergency powers to justify global trade tariffs, striking down measures enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Linguistic Diversity: UNESCO reports that approximately 40% of the world's 7,000 languages are currently vulnerable or at risk of extinction, leading to renewed global calls for multilingual education. 3) 💰Economy Trade Deficit: India's merchandise trade deficit widened to $34.68 billion in January, primarily driven by a surge in gold imports compared to December figures. Energy Trends: China’s imports of Russian oil are projected to reach record highs in February as independent refiners take advantage of discounted rates following a shift in India's purchasing patterns. 4) 🗓️Date’s importance International Mother Language Day: Observed annually on 21 February to promote linguistic and cultural diversity. It commemorates the 1952 Language Movement in Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) where students sacrificed their lives for the recognition of the Bangla language. 5) 👱‍♂️👩‍🦳Person of the day Dr. Basant Goel: Known as the "Medicine Man of India," he was recently conferred with the Swabhiman Bharat Samman 2026 and a U-N Book of World Records title for his extensive humanitarian work in healthcare and rural development. 6) 🏅Sports 2026 Winter Olympics: The ice hockey tournament in Milan reaches its peak with the Bronze Medal Gamescheduled for today, 21 February, following high-intensity semi-finals involving Canada, Finland, USA, and Slovakia. Padma Awards in Sports: Recent recipients include Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar (Cricket), Rohit Sharma(Cricket), and Savita Punia (Hockey) for their distinguished service to Indian sports. 7) 🏆Awards Champion for Change Award: Brittany Mahomes has been named the inaugural recipient of this award by United WE, recognising her leadership in women’s professional sports and her role in building the first stadium dedicated to a women’s team. 8) ⭐️Other important significance Chandra Grahan 2026: Astronomers have highlighted that a rare total lunar eclipse (Blood Moon) will occur on 3 March 2026, which will be visible from India and coincides with the Holi festival. 📚Word of the day Quiddity (Noun) Meaning: The inherent nature or essence of someone or something; a distinctive feature. Usage: "The quiddity of a true democracy lies in its commitment to the rule of law and equality."  

1) 🇮🇳National   INS Aridhaman Commissioned: India has officially commissioned its third indigenous Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridhaman, significantly strengthening the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad. Gaganyaan Milestone: DRDO successfully conducted the qualification level load test of the drogue parachutefor the Gaganyaan mission. This ensures the stability of the crew module during its high-speed atmospheric re-entry. Rajkiya Itkhori Mahotsav: The annual three-day cultural festival began in Chatra, Jharkhand, celebrating the unique confluence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain heritage at the Itkhori temple complex. Vande Mataram Protocol: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued the first-ever formal protocol for singing the National Song, Vande Mataram, specifying that all six stanzas be sung in 3 minutes and 10 seconds during official functions. 2) 🌍International Global AI Dialogue: The UN General Assembly has appointed a 40-member Independent International Scientific Panel on AI to assess global risks. Notable Indian representation includes Professor Balaraman Ravindran from IIT Madras. Winter Paralympics 2026: The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has lifted the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete under their national flags at the Milano-Cortina Games. India-Antarctic Expedition: Researchers from the UAE have joined the Maitri Research Station as part of India's 45th Antarctic Expedition, marking a new chapter in bilateral polar research. 3) 💰Economy IndiaAI Mission Funding: The Government of India has allocated $1.25 billion to the IndiaAI Mission to build indigenous foundation models and democratise access to computing power for startups. New GDP & IIP Base Year: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has officially updated the base year for GDP and Index of Industrial Production (IIP) to 2022-23 (previously 2011-12). Rice Export Pact: India has signed a five-year agreement with the World Food Programme (WFP) to supply rice for global hunger relief, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to global food security. 4) 🗓️Date’s importance World Day of Social Justice: Observed annually on 20 February to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, gender inequality, and unemployment. 2026 Theme: "Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice." 5) 👱‍♂️👩‍🦳Person of the day Gyanesh Kumar: He has been appointed as India's 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), taking charge of the constitutional body ahead of significant state and local polls. Tarique Rahman: The newly sworn-in Prime Minister of Bangladesh, whose leadership marks the end of the interim administration following the 2024 political shift. 6) 🏅Sports T20 World Cup 2026: India remains unbeaten in the group stages and has officially qualified for the Super 8 stage. Ski Mountaineering Debut: The sport made its historic Olympic debut at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games, with Marianne Fatton (Switzerland) winning the first-ever gold medal in the event. Chennai Open: Indian men's tennis saw a major update as Kyrian Jacquet clinched the singles title at the recent Chennai Open. 7) 🏆Awards Meghalaya’s Organic Award: The state of Meghalaya was honoured at BIOFACH 2026 in Germany for its excellence as an institution-backed organic sourcing destination in Northeast India. Laurel Award 2026: The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has named legendary filmmaker James Cameron as the recipient of the Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement. 8) ⭐️Other important significance Bee Corridors: NHAI has launched a unique green initiative to develop "Pollinator/Bee Corridors" along National Highways, planting flowering clusters at 500m intervals to support local biodiversity. Deepfake 3-Hour Rule: The Centre's mandate for social media platforms to remove flagged AI-generated deepfake content within three hours is now in effect under the updated IT Rules. 📚Word of the day Quiddity Meaning: The inherent nature or essence of someone or something; a distinctive feature. Usage: "The quiddity of the IndiaAI Mission lies in its focus on democratising advanced technology for the common man."