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.