Daily Current Affairs: 25 February 2026

Nidhi Chhibber takes additional charge as NITI Aayog CEO as BVR Subrahmanyam tenure ends

[NITI Aayog]

Key Updates:

• Nidhi Chhibber, Director General of the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), has been given additional charge as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog.
• She is a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre and previously served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
• At NITI Aayog’s DMEO, she has been responsible for monitoring and evaluating flagship government schemes.
• Chhibber holds a Master’s degree in History and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), and is proficient in both English and Hindi.
• BVR Subrahmanyam, a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, completed his three-year term as CEO of NITI Aayog.
• Subrahmanyam has served as Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir, Principal Secretary in the Chhattisgarh government, and has also worked in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Sachin Tendulkar designated as Global Champion for Road Safety by United Nations (UN).

[United Nations (UN)]

Key Updates:

• Sachin Tendulkar released a video supporting the Indian launch of the #MakeASafetyStatement campaign in New Delhi.
• He was named among celebrities and sporting champions designated as Global Champions for Road Safety by the United Nations (UN).
• The campaign is part of the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety aiming to halve road victims by 2030.
• Digital billboards featuring the campaign messages are displayed in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru.

Dr. Bhargav Mallappa conferred royal title of Dato' by Kerajaan Kutai Mulawarman.

Key Updates:

• Dr. Bhargav Mallappa received the royal title Dato' under Royal Decree No. SP-0939.2401.2026 dated 24 January 2026 from His Majesty Maharaja Kutai Mulawarman, Prof. Dr. M.S.P.A. Iansyah Rechza, FW, PhD.
• He was appointed Honorary Member of the Grand Palace Family Anggota Keluarga Besar Istana Kerajaan Kutai Mulawarman under Royal Certificate No. AG-1040.2301.2026.
• The recognition was registered in the Book of Registry of Tenggarong District Court.
• As CEO of MBRA Agro Impex Food Products OPC Private Limited, he signed Consortium Cooperation Agreements CCA-1060.2401.2026 and CCA-1074.2501.2026 with Kerajaan Kutai Mulawarman on 24-25 January 2026.
• The agreements aim to promote bilateral collaboration in agro-based trade, food processing, and rural economic development initiatives.

Bhupendra Patel released Gujarati biography of ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada.

[Gujarat]

Key Updates:

• Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel released the Gujarati biography 'Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada' in Gandhinagar.
• The book chronicles the life, struggles, and global spiritual journey of ISKCON Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured Srila Prabhupada on his 150th birth anniversary by releasing a commemorative coin and postal stamp.
• Dr Usha Upadhyay is the author of the biography 'Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada'.
• Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa is the Co-Mentor and Vice Chairman of the Global Hare Krishna Movement.
• The Akshaya Patra Foundation serves 5 lakh children daily in Gujarat and 23.5 lakh children nationwide.

Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reports India bought $2.59 billion of Russian fossil fuels in January 2026.

[Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Russian]

Key Updates:

• India remained the second-largest buyer of Russian energy products in January 2026 with purchases worth €2.2 billion ($2.59 billion).
• Crude oil accounted for 78 percent of India’s Russian energy imports, amounting to €2 billion ($2.36 billion).
• Coal imports from Russia stood at €442 million ($520.6 million) and oil products at €30 million ($35.3 million).
• India’s overall spending on Russian hydrocarbons declined from €2.3 billion ($2.71 billion) in December 2025.
• China’s crude oil imports from Russia rose 29 percent over the last two months to €4 billion ($4.71 billion).
• India’s purchases of Russian crude dropped 23 percent since November 2025.
• Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery received no seaborne Russian oil in January 2026 due to Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions on Rosneft.
• The average price of Russia’s Urals crude increased 4 percent to $54.2 per barrel in January 2026, above the EU and UK price cap of $44.1 per barrel effective from 1 February 2026.
• India’s Russian oil imports are projected to fall to 800,000 barrels per day in March 2026, the lowest since May 2022.
• In January 2026, India imported 1.2 million barrels per day of Russian crude and 774,000 barrels per day from Saudi Arabia.

State Bank of India (SBI) projects India GDP growth at 8.1% for Q3FY26

[State Bank of India (SBI)]

Key Updates:

• State Bank of India (SBI) forecasts 8.1% GDP growth for Q3FY26 despite global headwinds.
• High-frequency indicators show strong growth momentum in Q3FY26.
• Rural consumption remained firm on positive farm and non-farm signals.
• Urban consumption rose consistently, helped by fiscal stimulus and higher post-festive spending.
• Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation will release second advance GDP estimates for FY26 on 27 February.
• Base year for GDP calculation is being updated from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
• First advance estimates pegged FY26 GDP growth at 7.4%.
• Economic Survey projects FY26 growth around 7% and FY27 growth in the 6.8-7.2% range.

India and France sign Protocol amending 1992 Double Taxation Avoidance Convention, drop Most-Favoured-Nation clause.

[France]

Key Updates:

• The Protocol was signed by Ravi Agrawal, Chairperson, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), and Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.
• The Amending Protocol deletes the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause from the India-France DTAC.
• Dividend tax rate is split into 5% for holdings of at least 10% capital and 15% for all other cases, replacing the earlier flat 10% rate.
• Capital gains from sale of shares will now be fully taxable in the jurisdiction where the company is resident.
• Definition of 'Fees for Technical Services' is aligned with the India-US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
• Scope of 'Permanent Establishment' is expanded by adding Service PE.
• New Article on Assistance in Collection of Taxes and updated Exchange of Information provisions are introduced.
• The Protocol incorporates Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Multilateral Instrument (MLI) provisions into the DTAC.

United States (US) Senate Democrats introduce bill to refund $175 billion in tariff revenue

[United States (US)]

Key Updates:

• A group of 22 US Senate Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, introduced legislation requiring the refund of revenue from tariffs struck down by the US Supreme Court.
• The bill mandates the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency to refund all tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) within 180 days with interest.
• The legislation directs the CBP to prioritise small businesses and manufacturers during the refund process.
• Estimates from the Penn-Wharton Budget Model indicate that over $175 billion in IEEPA tariff collections are subject to potential refunds.
• The IEEPA-based tariffs were generating more than $500 million in gross revenue per day before being struck down.
• The CBP is scheduled to cease the collection of IEEPA tariffs at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday.
• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the administration will follow lower court decisions regarding the refunding of finalised or liquidated duties.
• Co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Ron Wyden, Edward Markey, and Jeanne Shaheen, who lead the Senate Finance, Small Business, and Foreign Relations committees respectively.

Government of India launches National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 targeting ₹16.72 trillion proceeds and ₹5.8 trillion private investment over FY26-30.

[Government of India]

Key Updates:

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled NMP 2.0 valued at ₹16.72 trillion for asset monetisation during FY26-FY30.
• NMP 2.0 includes ₹5.8 trillion private investment for the first time, covering construction and major maintenance projects.
• Highways, power, ports, and railways dominate the pipeline covering over 2,000 assets across central and state public enterprises.
• Proceeds distribution: Consolidated Fund of India 43%, direct private investment 39%, PSU or Port Authority 15%, State Consolidated Fund 4%.
• Government set FY26 monetisation target at ₹2.49 trillion and expects to achieve ₹2 trillion.
• Railways target under NMP 2.0 is ₹2.62 trillion, including ₹83,700 crore from dilution of government equity in seven listed railway PSUs.
• Assets will be monetised via public-private partnership concessions, Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and other capital market instruments.

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs launches National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0) with ₹16.72 lakh crore target

Key Updates:

• Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0), projecting proceeds of ₹16.72 lakh crore over five years starting April 2025.
• Developed by Niti Aayog, the second phase is based on the Asset Monetisation Plan 2025-30 mandate announced in the Union Budget 2025-26.
• The first phase, NMP 1.0, achieved 89% of its ₹6 lakh crore target during the four-year period from 2021-22 to 2024-25.
• The total monetisation potential of ₹16.72 lakh crore includes private investments estimated at ₹5.8 lakh crore.
• The transport sector is expected to raise ₹4.42 lakh crore through the monetisation of 21,300 kilometres of highways, 15 Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), and six ropeways.
• Estimated sectoral values include Power (₹2.77 lakh crore), Ports (₹2.64 lakh crore), Railways (₹2.62 lakh crore), Coal (₹2.16 lakh crore), and Mines (₹1 lakh crore).
• Other sector targets include Urban Infrastructure (₹52,000 crore), Civil Aviation (₹27,500 crore), Petroleum and Natural Gas (₹16,300 crore), Warehousing and Storage (₹10,000 crore), Telecom (₹4,800 crore), and Tourism (₹1,200 crore).
• Specific projects include listing a minority stake in GAIL Gas and the divestment of Airports Authority of India (AAI) holdings in one subsidiary and four joint-venture airports.
• The pipeline involves auctioning approximately 94 coal mines and leasing 38 land parcels of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on a long-term basis.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) will serve as a key mode of monetisation to attract private investment and reduce public debt through capital recycling.
• The largest portion of proceeds under NMP 2.0 is expected to accrue to the Consolidated Fund of India.

Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL) formalises technology transfer from Council of Scientific & Industrial Research - National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) to advance science-backed food and beverage innovations.

[Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST)]

Key Updates:

• Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL) formalised the transfer of indigenously developed food and nutrition-focused technologies from Council of Scientific & Industrial Research - National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) on 19 February 2026 in Bangalore, Karnataka.
• CSIR-NIIST's advanced formulation technology for nutritionally enhanced 'Smarter Rice' delivers higher protein content, lower glycaemic index, and improved micronutrient availability.
• CSIR-NIIST's indigenous coffee crema technology enhances crema stability and improves the sensory experience of brewed coffee.
• Tata Consumer Products and CSIR-NIIST will jointly undertake sponsored research to develop low-sodium salt formulations that enable sodium reduction without compromising flavour.
• Tata Consumer Products has a consolidated annual turnover of Rs. 17,618 Crs and reaches over 275 million households in India.

Kerala government signs ₹2,000 crore MoUs with central PSUs for Vizhinjam logistics master plan

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

• Kerala government signed MoUs with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) for a ₹2,000 crore logistics plan at Vizhinjam International Seaport.
• IOCL will invest ₹700 crore to set up large-scale bunkering facilities for mother ships at Vizhinjam.
• CONCOR will invest ₹600 crore to build rail-linked infrastructure including inland container depots and container freight stations.
• CWC will invest ₹700 crore to develop a 50-acre multimodal logistics park with cold storage and export-oriented units.
• The agreements were executed in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Legislative Assembly Building.
• The initiative aims to prevent monopolisation in cargo handling, guarantee fair pricing, and keep critical infrastructure under public sector oversight while the port operates on a Public-Private Partnership model.

Mahila Khushhali Yojna launched for women farmers in Jharkhand with ₹25 crore allocation.

[Jharkhand]

Key Updates:

• Jharkhand Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore tabled a ₹1,58,560 crore budget for FY 2026-27.
• The budget introduced the Mahila Khushhali Yojna for women engaged in agricultural activities with an allocation of ₹25 crore.
• 100 new CM schools of excellence will be opened in the next fiscal.

Delhi LG approves 20% quota for ex-Agniveers in Delhi Police constable recruitment

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

• Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved 20% reservation for former Agniveers in Delhi Police male constable recruitment.
• The quota was created by amending Rule 9 of Delhi Police Appointment & Recruitment Rules, 1980.
• Ex-Agniveers are exempted from physical efficiency tests and receive three years of age relaxation; the first batch gets five years relaxation above the upper age limit of 25 years.
• Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed Lok Sabha on 10 February that an ex-Agniveer wing and an ex-Agniveer cell under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have been created for rehabilitation policies.

National Highway Quality Monitoring Portal launched with Mobile Quality Control Vans

Key Updates:

• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) rolled out Mobile Quality Control Vans (MQCVs) to monitor National Highway quality.
• Pilot runs are underway in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Odisha.
• Each MQCV is equipped with non-destructive testing tools such as ultrasonic pulse velocity meters, rebound hammers, asphalt density gauges and reflectometers.
• MoRTH is developing a National Highway Quality Monitoring Portal with real-time GPS tracking of the vans.
• Test results will be shared with MoRTH field offices for corrective action on quality deficiencies.

Bihar Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill, 2026 replaces colonial-era civil court law

[Bihar]

Key Updates:

• The Bihar Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill, 2026 was passed unanimously by the Bihar assembly.
• The Bill replaces the Bengal, Agra and Assam Civil Courts Act, 1887.
• The new law seeks to modernise the civil courts framework in Bihar.

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala as Keralam

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

• The Union Cabinet approved the renaming of Kerala as Keralam on 25 February 2026.
• The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed unanimous resolutions in 2023 and 2024 urging the change.
• Both resolutions were moved by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
• The 2024 resolution noted the state is called Keralam in Malayalam while listed as Kerala in the First Schedule of the Constitution.
• The renaming requires a Constitutional amendment under Article 3.
• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) examines such proposals and obtains No Objection Certificates from agencies including the Ministry of Railways, Intelligence Bureau, Department of Posts, Survey of India, and Registrar General of India.
• The proposal is introduced as a Bill in Parliament and takes effect after passage and notification.

National Arogya Fair 2026 to promote Ayush medicine systems and farmer livelihoods

Key Updates:

• President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the National Arogya Fair 2026 at Visava Maidan of Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan in Shegaon, Buldhana, Maharashtra on February 25.
• The fair is organised by the Ministry of Ayush (MoA) in collaboration with All India Ayurvedic Congress from February 25 to 28.
• Free health check-ups, consultations and medicines will be provided across Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy systems.
• Farmers from Buldhana district will be encouraged to adopt agroforestry and medicinal plant cultivation for sustainable income.
• A special programme on 'Ayurvedic Farming, Production and Marketing' is scheduled on February 27 at 3 pm at Visava premises.

Amended BharatNet Programme: Rs 24.32 billion approved for Andhra Pradesh to connect 13,426 gram panchayats

[Andhra Pradesh, BharatNet]

Key Updates:

• Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), Department of Telecommunications and Andhra Pradesh government signed a memorandum of cooperation for expedited rollout of the Amended BharatNet Programme in the state.
• The Amended BharatNet Programme is a Rs 1,390 billion publicly funded programme to take optical fibre cable and broadband to every village.
• Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited, a new special purpose vehicle, will implement the programme covering 13,426 gram panchayats.
• The project includes upgradation of 1,692 Phase I gram panchayats from linear to ring topology, coverage of 11,254 Phase II gram panchayats, and inclusion of 480 newly created gram panchayats.
• An additional 3,942 villages will receive connectivity on demand to strengthen last-mile access.
• Government of India has approved financial support of Rs 24.32 billion for the programme in Andhra Pradesh.
• The initiative targets over 0.5 million rural home fibre connections with government of India support.

Indian States’ Electricity Transition (SET) report highlights best performers in electricity transition

[Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan]

Key Updates:

• Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan emerged as the strongest performers in the market enablers dimension of the Indian States’ Electricity Transition (SET) report.
• The report was released by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and Ember.
• The SET report assessed 21 states that account for 95% of India’s power demand.
• Karnataka remained the top performer in the decarbonisation dimension.
• Chhattisgarh recorded a negligible power supply shortage of 0.07% in FY25.
• Bihar recorded the best improvement in smart meter deployment with 78% of its sanctioned meters installed under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) as of March 2025.

Delhi govt implements Centre’s Rah-Veer scheme with Rs 25,000 reward for aiding accident victims

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

• Delhi government will implement the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Rah-Veer scheme to reward citizens who help seriously injured road accident victims.
• Any individual who ensures a seriously injured victim reaches hospital within the golden hour will receive Rs 25,000 and a certificate of appreciation.
• If a person assists more than one seriously injured victim in the same accident, the maximum reward remains Rs 25,000 per case.
• Ten individuals nationwide will be selected annually for a national award of Rs 1 lakh each.
• A District Level Evaluation Committee comprising the District Magistrate, a senior police officer, the Chief Medical Officer and the Regional Transport Officer will oversee implementation.
• Reward money will be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through an online process and recorded on a digital platform.
• MoRTH will provide an initial grant to states for the scheme.

Indian Navy to commission third ASW Shallow Water Craft Anjadip on 27 February 2026

[Indian Navy]

Key Updates:

• The Indian Navy is scheduled to commission Anjadip, the third ship in the eight-vessel Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project.
• The commissioning ceremony will be held at Chennai Port on 27 February 2026, led by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS).
• The warship was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence.
• Designed for littoral operations, the 77-metre vessel is nicknamed the Dolphin Hunter and is capable of reaching speeds up to 25 knots.
• The ship is equipped with an indigenous weapons and sensor package, including the Hull Mounted Sonar Abhay, Lightweight Torpedoes, and ASW Rockets.
• Anjadip will join the Eastern Naval Command to strengthen maritime security along the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts.
• The vessel is designed to conduct coastal surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), and search and rescue missions.
• The warship is named after Anjadip Island located near Karwar.

India and Brazil sign agreement on critical minerals and rare earths in New Delhi on 21 February 2026

[Brazil]

Key Updates:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed a landmark agreement to boost cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
• The agreement aims to build resilient supply chains for minerals used in electric vehicles, solar panels, smartphones, jet engines, and guided missiles to reduce dependence on China.
• Brazil is the world's second-largest holder of critical minerals and the second-largest producer and exporter of iron ore after Australia.
• A total of 10 agreements were signed, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering digital cooperation and health.
• The leaders set a target to increase bilateral trade beyond $20 billion within the next five years, noting that Brazil is currently India's largest trading partner in Latin America.
• According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Indian exports to Brazil reached $7.23 billion in 2024, with refined petroleum as the main export.
• Brazilian exports to India totalled $5.38 billion in 2024, with raw sugar being the primary export commodity.

India and Japan Commence 7th Edition of Dharma Guardian Exercise in Uttarakhand

[Uttarakhand, Japan]

Key Updates:

• The 7th edition of the annual India–Japan Joint Military Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, in Uttarakhand.
• The two-week exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 24 February to 9 March 2026.
• The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) is represented in the exercise by 120 personnel from the 32nd Infantry Regiment.
• The Indian Army contingent comprises 120 personnel drawn from the Ladakh Scouts.
• The exercise is designed to enhance combined operational capabilities in semi-urban terrain and integrate modern military technologies.
• Tactical activities include establishing a Temporary Operating Base (TOB) and developing an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) grid.
• Participating forces will conduct Mobile Vehicle Check Posts, Cordon and Search Operations, Heliborne Operations, and House Intervention Drills.
• The exercise is conducted alternately in India and Japan as a key pillar of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership framework.

India abstains from United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution on 4th anniversary of Russia-Ukraine war

[United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Russia, Ukraine]

Key Updates:

• India and 50 other countries abstained from a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) draft resolution calling for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
• Titled Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine, the resolution was adopted by the 193 members of the UNGA on February 24, 2026, marking four years of the conflict.
• The resolution received 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions.
• The draft was introduced by Ukraine along with Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States (US).
• The resolution reaffirmed support for the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, including territorial waters.
• It urged the full exchange of prisoners of war and the return of all unlawfully detained persons and deported civilians, including children.
• The document expressed deep concern over intensified attacks by Russia on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and critical energy facilities in Ukraine.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to visit India from Feb 18-22

[Brazil]

Key Updates:

• Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will undertake a five-day visit to India from 18 to 22 February.
• He will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21 February and review the entire gamut of bilateral relations.
• President Lula will participate in the AI Impact Summit in India from 19 to 20 February.
• He will be accompanied by about 14 ministers and a large delegation of top CEOs of Brazilian companies.
• The accompanying ministers will have meetings with their Indian counterparts and the CEOs will participate in a business forum during the visit.
• This will be President Lula's sixth visit to India; his first visit was in 2004 as Guest of Honour for Republic Day and his last visit was for the G20 Summit in September 2023.
• India and Brazil share a Strategic Partnership since 2006 and Brazil is India's largest trading partner in Latin America.

Advanced food testing laboratory with French e-tongue and e-nose technology to be established in Tirumala

[Tirumala]

Key Updates:

• The Andhra Pradesh state government is installing advanced e-tongue and e-nose machines worth ₹3.5 crore at a new food testing laboratory in Tirumala.
• These high-precision instruments, manufactured in France, replicate human sensory functions to scientifically analyse taste and aroma profiles and detect microscopic adulteration.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sanctioned ₹23 crore for the establishment of the 12,000 sq ft laboratory.
• The facility will test approximately 60 varieties of raw materials, including ghee, cashew nuts, raisins, almonds, Bengal gram, sugar, cardamom, turmeric, and chilli powder.
• The laboratory will operate through microbiology, chemistry, and sensory analysis divisions to detect up to 200 types of pesticide residues, heavy metals, and antibiotics.
• A total of 40 personnel will be jointly deployed by the health department and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to operate the facility.

ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (ICAR-DFR) Pune discovers new blossom midge pest Contarinia icardiflores damaging jasmine crops in India.

Key Updates:

• Scientists at ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (ICAR-DFR), Pune, discovered Contarinia icardiflores, a new species of blossom midge.
• The pest was found causing significant economic losses in jasmine cultivation in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
• Contarinia icardiflores is about 1.5 to 2 mm in size and completes its life cycle in 16 to 21 days.
• The species is named in honour of ICAR-DFR to recognise the institute’s contributions to floriculture research.
• Although C. icardiflores closely resembles C. maculipennis, the only other midge known to attack jasmine, it is genetically distinct.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launches AI-powered Teacher App 2.0

Key Updates:

• Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched Teacher App 2.0, an upgraded artificial intelligence (AI) powered digital platform for schoolteachers in New Delhi.
• The platform was developed through a collaboration between the Bharti Airtel Foundation and the CK-12 Foundation.
• The application covers the entire National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) curriculum from class 1 to 12, providing subject-wise materials and lesson plans.
• The upgraded platform features more than 45 AI-enabled tools designed to assist in lesson preparation, student engagement, and classroom assessments.
• The current version expands upon the earlier iteration launched in 2024, which was restricted to early grades only.

TEXMiN and Russia's GIREDMET sign MoU for rare earth and critical mineral technologies

[TEXMiN Foundation]

Key Updates:

• TEXMiN Foundation (TEXMiN), the Technology Translation Research Park under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad (IIT (ISM) Dhanbad), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia's GIREDMET.
• GIREDMET, formally the State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry, is a research institute under the Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation.
• The agreement was signed during the Industry-Institute Interaction 2026 (III-2026) conclave and exhibition held at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
• The partnership aims to establish a framework for cooperation across the mining value chain, including exploration, mineral beneficiation, extraction, separation, refining, and advanced materials development.
• A key focus area is the development of high-coercivity permanent magnet blocks based on neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B), supported by a complete rare earth metallurgical cycle.
• The collaboration will explore hydrometallurgical recycling technologies for lithium-ion batteries to recover lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
• The institutions will develop recovery solutions for critical minerals from legacy mine dumps, tailings, and low-grade or complex ores.
• The planned work includes digital twin-enabled smart processing plants integrating artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and sensor systems.
• The initiative aligns with India's National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and Russia's Federal Project for the Development of Rare Metal Industry.
• Representatives from TEXMiN and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad will participate in the International Congress on Rare Metals, Materials and Related Technologies (RAREMET-2026) in Moscow from 20 to 22 May 2026.

IBM AI GovTech Innovation Centre and Software Lab inaugurated by UP CM Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow

[Uttar Pradesh]

Key Updates:

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the IBM AI GovTech Innovation Centre and Software Lab in Lucknow on 22 February 2026.
• The 500-seater facility is located at Platinum Mall in Sushant Golf City and is IBM’s first software lab in Northern India.
• The centre will focus on advancing Generative AI and Agentic AI technologies for government and enterprise use cases.
• It will operate under IBM India Software Labs (ISL), contributing to IBM’s global portfolio in data and AI, automation, cybersecurity, and sustainability.
• The lab will develop AI-powered solutions using Large Language Models (LLMs) and Small Language Models (SLMs) for Indian and global markets.
• CM Yogi Adityanath stated the lab will boost Uttar Pradesh’s economy by creating jobs and engaging local talent.
• The state government aims to develop Lucknow as an “AI city” and supports IBM’s expansion to strengthen the IT and ITeS sector.
• The lab will offer roles in software engineering, application development, technical testing, and UX design.
• IBM Software Labs in India currently operate from Bengaluru, Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar, Kochi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

Stefanos Sakellaridis defeats Oliver Crawford to win Delhi Open

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

• Greek tennis player Stefanos Sakellaridis secured his first Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Challenger singles title by defeating Oliver Crawford in the Delhi Open final.
• The final match lasted over three hours and concluded with a score of 7-5, 5-6, 7-66 in favour of Sakellaridis.
• Sakellaridis earned 75 ATP ranking points and USD 17,000 for the victory, while Crawford received 44 points and USD 9,600.
• The doubles title was claimed by the pair of Siddhanth Banthia from India and Alexander Donski from Bulgaria.
• The tournament victory propelled Sakellaridis to a career-high ranking in the ATP standings.
• The event was held in New Delhi, India.

Abhinav Bindra ends eight-year tenure as IOC Athletes Commission Vice Chair

[International Olympic Committee (IOC)]

Key Updates:

• Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra completed an eight-year term as vice chair of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission.
• Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold-medallist (2008 Beijing), described the role as one of the most meaningful chapters of his sporting journey.
• Kenyan rugby player Humphrey Kayange replaces Bindra in the 19-member commission that was reshuffled during the ongoing Winter Olympics in Italy.
• The IOC Athletes' Commission evaluates Olympic candidate cities, monitors Games organisation, leads anti-doping efforts, and develops training and education projects for women.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) named Asia-Pacific's Best Airport for Departures in over 40-million-passenger category at 2025 ASQ Awards

[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA)]

Key Updates:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) received the 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Award for Asia-Pacific's Best Airport for departures in the over 40-million-passenger category.
• The award was presented by Airports Council International (ACI) and is based on passenger feedback collected under ACI's globally benchmarked ASQ programme.
• CSMIA is the world's busiest single-runway airport in terms of annual passenger traffic.
• Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) is a joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) and Airports Authority of India (AAI), with AAHL holding a 74% stake.
• Recent passenger facilitation measures at CSMIA include hybrid self-baggage-drop units, expanded DigiYatra biometric e-gates, self-check-in kiosks, and the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) for international passengers.
• Terminal 2 houses the 3.2-kilometre Artbeat of New India museum corridor displaying over 5,500 artefacts and more than 100 installations.

Central Excise Day and Historical Significance of February 24

Key Updates:

• Central Excise Day is observed in India on 24 February to mark the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act of 1944.
• The day honours the officers of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) for their role in revenue collection and economic development.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) hosted a National Round Table Conference with State Election Commissioners in New Delhi on 24 February 2026 to discuss electoral reforms and the ECINET digital system.
• A major tariff policy linked to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in the United States (US) was paused following a Supreme Court ruling on 24 February 2026.
• On 24 February 1739, Nader Shah of Persia defeated Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah in the Battle of Karnal, leading to the seizure of the Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
• Sachin Tendulkar recorded the first double century in men’s One Day International (ODI) cricket on 24 February 2010, scoring 200 not out against South Africa in Gwalior.
• Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, causing significant shifts in global energy prices and alliances.
• Pope Gregory XIII issued the reform that established the Gregorian calendar on 24 February 1582.
• The US House of Representatives impeached President Andrew Johnson on 24 February 1868, marking the first presidential impeachment in US history.
• Adolf Hitler announced the 25-Point Programme in Munich on 24 February 1920, marking the formal foundation of the Nazi Party.
• Estonia celebrates its Independence Day on 24 February to commemorate the declaration of freedom in 1918.
• Notable births on 24 February include Apple co-founder Steve Jobs (1955), former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa (1948), and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali (1963).
• Historical figures born on this date include the traveller Ibn Battuta (1304) and the folklorist Wilhelm Grimm (1786).
• The first Swaminarayan temple was inaugurated in Ahmedabad on 24 February 1822.
• Global observances on 24 February include Flag Day in Mexico and the traditional spring festival Dragobete in Romania.
• Indian actress Sridevi passed away in Dubai on 24 February 2018.