1) 🇮🇳National   DNPA Conclave 2026: The Digital News Publishers Association is hosting its annual conclave today in New Delhi. The event focuses on the future of digital journalism, AI-driven content creation, and building a framework for "trust and responsibility" in the digital age. Vibrant Villages Phase II: Home Minister Amit Shah formally operationalised the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme at the Indo-Bangladesh border. With an outlay of ₹6,839 crore, it aims to develop 1,954 border villages into economic hubs. Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence: India is reportedly examining the integration of elements from Israel's Iron Dome into its own indigenous air defence shield, 'Sudarshan Chakra', to enhance multi-layered aerial protection. Delhi University Cultural Policy: Following recent events, DU is drafting a new protocol for cultural fests to balance traditional heritage with modern event formats. 2) 🌍International PM Modi’s Israel Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a high-profile State Visit to Israel (25–26 February). Key discussions revolve around defence technology, the 'Sudarshan Chakra' shield, and a multifaceted Strategic Partnership. Board of Peace Activation: The first formal meeting of the 'Board of Peace' was held in Washington. India participated as an "observer" in discussions regarding the reconstruction of Gaza and regional stability. CM-302 Missile Deal: Reports suggest a major deal between Iran and China for CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles, raising concerns about maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. 3) 💰Economy RoDTEP Duty Cuts: The Government has officially implemented a 50% cut in duty benefits for exporters under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme. Exporters are urging a re-evaluation to maintain global competitiveness. US-India Trade Deal: Rescheduled trade talks between India and the US are taking place this week to finalise the first tranche of a landmark deal scheduled to take effect in April 2026. Orange Economy Initiative: Following the Union Budget 2026, major tech firms like Adobe are providing free creative software access to 15,000 schools to boost India's "Orange Economy" (creative and cultural industries). 4) 🗓️Date’s importance Death Anniversary of Veer Savarkar: 26 February marks the death anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1966), a prominent independence activist and proponent of Hindutva. World’s First Web Browser (1991): On this day, Tim Berners-Lee presented the first web browser, originally called "WorldWideWeb" (later Nexus), to the public. 1993 World Trade Center Bombing: Anniversary of the truck bomb explosion in the North Tower's garage in New York City. 5) 👱‍♂️👩‍🦳Person of the day C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji): A new bust of the first Indian Governor-General was recently unveiled at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing the statue of Edwin Lutyens as part of the "decolonisation" of national symbols. Cristiano Ronaldo: The football icon is in the headlines for his $7.5 million investment in AI-driven health tech ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which he confirmed will be his final international tournament. 6) 🏅Sports T20 World Cup Super Eights: The tournament has shifted to India for the Super Eight stage. Zimbabwe fans are making headlines for their vibrant presence as their team prepares for a crucial fixture. Vizzy Trophy: The BCCI has appointed Niraj Odedra as the Head Coach of the West Zone for the upcoming inter-zonal tournament. Khelo India Winter Games: The games move into their final phases in Gulmarg, with J&K and Himachal Pradesh battling for the top spot in the medal tally. 7) 🏆Awards BAFTA 2026 Success: The Manipuri film 'Boong' continues to receive accolades following its 'Best Children’s Film' win, being hailed as a milestone for North Eastern cinema. Grammy Flashback: On this day in 1985, Bruce Springsteen won his first Grammy for 'Dancing In The Dark'. 8) ⭐️Other important significance Great Nicobar Project: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has cleared the ₹81,000-crore project, citing its strategic and defence importance for India’s southernmost territory. Rare Disease Day 2026: Observed at major medical institutes like SGPGI Lucknow to raise awareness for "Orphan Diseases" and genetic research. 📚Word of the day Pragmatic (Adjective) Meaning: Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations. Usage: PM Modi’s pragmatic approach to defence ties with Israel aims to secure India’s borders with the latest technology.  

1) 🇮🇳National   Commissioning of INS Anjadip: The Indian Navy is set to formally commission Anjadip into the Eastern Naval Command at Chennai Port on 27 February. It is the third vessel of the eight-ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project, built by GRSE, Kolkata. National Counter-Terrorism Strategy ‘PRAHAR’: The Government of India has unveiled a new comprehensive strategy named ‘PRAHAR’ to bolster internal security and streamline intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations across states. Textile Export Facilitation Centre (TEFC): The Ministry of Textiles announced the establishment of a specialized TEFC in Ludhiana, Punjab, specifically focusing on wool and knitwear to boost MSME global competitiveness. Namo Bharat Corridor Extension: PM Modi recently dedicated the 82 km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), which operates at a speed of 160 kmph. 2) 🌍International Iran-China Missile Deal: Reports indicate Iran is nearing a deal with China to purchase CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, capable of flying low and fast to evade shipborne defences. India-France Strategic Ties: Following the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, India and France have officially elevated their relationship to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ for the coming decades. Social Media Ban in France: France has officially announced a ban on certain social media platforms for specific younger age groups, effective from 2026, to address mental health concerns. 3) 💰Economy National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched NMP 2.0, targeting monetisation receipts of over ₹16.7 lakh crore by 2029-30. Key assets include the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and various Hydro power stations. RBI Data Centre in Odisha: The Reserve Bank of India has inaugurated a highly secure second data centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to ensure financial data resilience against potential seismic or strategic risks. New GDP 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. 4) 🗓️Date’s importance February 25: In 1986, the 'People Power Revolution' in the Philippines reached its climax as Ferdinand Marcos fled the country, and Corazon Aquino was sworn in as the first female President of the Philippines. Historical Milestone: In 1964, Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) defeated Sonny Liston to become the world heavyweight boxing champion for the first time. 5) 👱‍♂️👩‍🦳Person of the day Gyanesh Kumar: Recently appointed as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, leading the Election Commission during critical state and national transitions. Amitabh Bachchan: Appointed as the official brand ambassador for the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) to promote digital literacy and skilling across India. 6) 🏅Sports Rohit Sharma’s Milestone: The Indian cricket captain has achieved the rare feat of crossing 20,000 runs in international cricket across all formats. 69th National School Games: The 69th edition of the National School Games is currently being organised in Punjab, featuring young talent from across the country. Kho-Kho World Cup: India is hosting the first-ever Kho-Kho World Cup in New Delhi, marking a significant step in the global promotion of indigenous sports. 7) 🏆Awards Vainu Bappu Research Hero Prize: Awarded to scientist Chandrakant for outstanding contributions to astronomical research and instrumentation. Wings India 2026 Awards: Uttarakhand has been awarded the ‘Best State’ award at Wings India 2026 (Asia’s largest civil aviation event) held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad. 8) ⭐️Other important significance Pax Silica Declaration: India has signed the Pax Silica declaration, joining a US-led strategic initiative aimed at securing supply chains for critical minerals and countering dominance in AI technology. Sarychev Volcano: Located in Russia, this volcano has recently shown significant activity with two major eruptions, impacting regional aviation routes. 📚Word of the day Pragmatic (Adjective): Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations. Usage: "The government took a pragmatic approach to the new trade agreements to ensure long-term economic stability."  

1) 🇮🇳National   Bharat Taxi Initiative: Union Home Minister Amit Shah interacted with drivers of Bharat Taxi, India's first cooperative-based taxi service. He urged drivers to view the platform as their own company, emphasizing self-reliance in the transport sector. Milk Contamination Tragedy: A high-level investigation has been launched in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, following the death of two individuals and the hospitalisation of several others due to suspected milk contamination. DU "Bhajan-Clubbing" Row: A cultural event at Delhi University sparked national debate for blending traditional devotional bhajans with contemporary club-style formats, highlighting the evolving cultural landscape in educational institutions. JKBOSE Class 12 Schedule: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has officially released the date sheet for the Class 12 Board Examinations 2026, scheduled to commence in March. 2) 🌍International Mexico Drug Cartel Strike: In a major victory against organised crime, the Mexican army reportedly killed "El Mencho", the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a strategic raid in Jalisco. Bangladesh Army Reshuffle: A significant internal reshuffle has occurred within the Bangladesh Army; notably, the country's Defence Advisor posted in India has been recalled amid shifting political dynamics in Dhaka. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Global energy experts are monitoring the Strait of Hormuz as international oil prices hit a six-month high due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran. 3) 💰Economy RoDTEP Scheme Update: The Government has slashed duty benefits for exporters under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme by 50%. Exporter bodies have raised concerns over the impact on global competitiveness. US Tariff Hike: Following a Supreme Court ruling limiting certain trade powers, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose a 15% blanket tariff on all imports, effective today, 24 February. Rare-Earth Magnets: Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy announced that India will begin domestic production of Rare-Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) by the end of 2026, aiming to break the global monopoly on critical minerals. 4) 🗓️Date’s importance Central Excise Day: Observed every 24 February in India to commemorate the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944. It honours the contribution of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). Estonia Independence Day: Celebrates the 1918 Declaration of Independence of Estonia from the Russian Empire. Historical Milestone (2010): On this day, Sachin Tendulkar became the first cricketer in history to score a double century (200)* in a One Day International (ODI), achieving the feat against South Africa in Gwalior. 5) 👱‍♂️👩‍🦳Person of the day Steve Jobs: Born on 24 February 1955. Today marks the birth anniversary of the co-founder of Apple Inc., a visionary who revolutionised personal computing, music, and mobile telephony. Muhammad Yunus: The Nobel Laureate and head of Bangladesh's interim government is currently facing public allegations from President Mohammed Shahabuddin regarding constitutional protocol violations. 6) 🏅Sports T20 World Cup 2026: In a massive Super Eights upset, the West Indies defeated Zimbabwe by 107 runs in Mumbai. Shimron Hetmyer smashed 85 off 34 balls, leaving reigning champions India in a precarious "must-win" position for their remaining matches. Vizzy Trophy Appointment: The BCCI has appointed Niraj Odedra as the Head Coach of the West Zone team for the upcoming Vizzy Trophy. Ranji Trophy History: The cricket world watches as Jammu & Kashmir prepares for its first-ever Ranji Trophy final, a historic milestone for the region's domestic sports. 7) 🏆Awards BAFTA 2026: The Manipuri film 'Boong', produced by Farhan Akhtar and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, won the Best Children’s & Family Film award in London. The film 'One Battle After Another' (starring Leonardo DiCaprio) won Best Film and Best Director. GN Awards 2026: In the audio category, JBL Tour Pro 3 won 'Editor's Choice' and Apple AirPods Pro 3 won 'People's Choice' for the best TWS earbuds of the year. Vikramaditya International Award: The Madhya Pradesh government has instituted a new international award worth ₹1.01 crore in the name of Emperor Vikramaditya for excellence in human development and peace. 8) ⭐️Other important significance Great Nicobar Project: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has cleared the ₹81,000-crore mega infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island, citing its strategic and economic importance for national security. Rare Disease Day 2026: Observed at major medical institutes like SGPGI Lucknow to raise awareness for patients with rare genetic conditions. 📚Word of the day Equanimity (Noun) Meaning: Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. Usage: "A competitive exam aspirant must maintain equanimity even when faced with an unexpectedly difficult question paper."