Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (26th February 2026)

National News

Govt To Launch CBDC-Based Food Subsidy Pilot Under PMGKAY in Puducherry

• India will launch a CBDC-based food subsidy distribution pilot under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in Puducherry on February 26, 2026, using the Digital Rupee for direct benefit transfers.
• Under the initiative, subsidy amounts will be converted into programmable CBDC tokens issued by the Reserve Bank of India and credited to beneficiaries’ digital wallets.
• These tokens can be used only at authorized Fair Price Shops, ensuring purpose-bound and traceable transactions within the Public Distribution System.
• The pilot aims to enhance transparency, reduce leakages and strengthen digital public infrastructure through secure, targeted and accountable subsidy delivery.

Nitin Gadkari Rolls Out The Upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH 2.0

• Nitin Gadkari launched the revamped RAJMARG PRAVESH portal on February 25, 2026, to enable faster and more transparent No Objection Certificate (NOC) approvals for activities along National Highways.
• Developed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the upgraded platform streamlines permissions for fuel stations, private access roads, utilities and wayside amenities through a simplified digital process.
• The portal offers online application submission, real-time tracking, reduced paperwork and time-bound clearances, minimizing manual intervention.
• The initiative is expected to boost ease of doing business, accelerate infrastructure and utility projects, and enhance transparency in highway-related approvals across India.

President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates National Arogya Fair 2026 in Shegaon

• Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 in Shegaon on February 25, 2026, highlighting health as the foundation of national strength and promoting holistic wellbeing through Ayush systems.
• Organized by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress, the four-day event brings together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, farmers and industry leaders.
• Described as a “Mahakumbh” of traditional medicine, the fair features free consultations, expert lectures and awareness campaigns to expand public outreach.
• The event reinforces India’s global leadership in Ayurveda and wellness tourism, while honouring eminent practitioners with the Lifetime Ayurvedic Gaurav Samman.

NBEMS Sets Guinness World Record for AI in Healthcare Livestream

• The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has secured a Guinness World Records title for the most viewers of an Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare live stream on YouTube.
• The nationwide online training programme was designed for registered medical practitioners and saw record participation across India.
• The initiative aimed to strengthen digital readiness and integrate AI applications into clinical practice as part of competency-based medical education.
• NBEMS President Dr. Abhijat Sheth stated that the milestone reflects India’s digital leadership in healthcare training and reaffirmed NBEMS’s commitment to modernizing medical education through technology-driven learning.

South Central Railway Launches Smart ‘Rail Parcel App’ for Doorstep Freight Booking

• South Central Railway has launched India’s first digital freight e-marketplace, the Rail Parcel App, at Rail Nilayam in Secunderabad.
• Inaugurated by General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, the app enables doorstep pickup and delivery, real-time tracking, automated notifications, and secure digital payments bringing parcel services directly to customers’ smartphones.
• The pilot rollout covers seven cities, including Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Bengaluru, with phased expansion planned after operational assessment.
• Additionally, SCR signed an MoU with Indian Institute of Management Bangalore to strengthen freight logistics strategy. The initiative supports Indian Railways’ goal of achieving 3,000 million tonnes of cargo by 2030.

CBIC to Launch SWIFT 2.0, Revamped Atithi App and Digital Travellers Guide

• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) will launch SWIFT 2.0, a revamped version of the Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade, during International Customs Day 2026.
• The event will be presided over by Pankaj Chaudhary. SWIFT 2.0 will enable faster electronic clearance, reduce documentation, and integrate with the Customs Integrated System to streamline imports and exports.
• CBIC will also unveil the upgraded Atithi App for digital baggage self-declaration and the Digital Travellers Guide to enhance passenger convenience.
• Together, these initiatives mark a significant step toward trust-based customs processes, digital governance reforms, and improved ease of doing business in India.

State News

Haryana to Launch CM Shri Schools on PM Shri Model

• Haryana will introduce CM Shri Schools on the lines of the Centre’s PM Shri Schools initiative, as announced by Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda during the Budget Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.
• The new schools will follow the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum, focusing on modern infrastructure, skill-based learning, and improved academic standards.
• The move also strengthens implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, which mandates 25% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections and Disadvantaged Groups in private schools.
• By combining quality reforms with inclusive access, Haryana aims to enhance learning outcomes and modernize its public education system.

International News

India, Nepal Sign New MoU to Boost Forest and Wildlife Cooperation

• India and Nepal signed a new MoU in New Delhi on February 25, 2026, to strengthen cooperation in forests, wildlife, biodiversity conservation and climate change, marking a fresh phase in bilateral environmental ties.
• The agreement focuses on restoring transboundary wildlife corridors, protecting key species such as tiger, elephant, rhinoceros and snow leopard, and promoting landscape-level biodiversity strategies across shared ecosystems.
• It also includes technical exchange, capacity building for frontline staff, improved protected area management and joint efforts to combat wildlife and forest crime.
• By enhancing climate cooperation and habitat connectivity, the pact aims to boost resilience of Himalayan and riverine ecosystems while ensuring coordinated conservation of migratory and cross-border species.

PM Modi Becomes First Indian Leader to Receive Israel’s Top Parliamentary Honour

• Narendra Modi was conferred Israel’s highest parliamentary honour, the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, in Jerusalem on February 25, 2026, becoming the first global leader to receive it.
• The award recognises his personal leadership in strengthening India-Israel strategic relations, enhancing trade, and expanding cooperation in defense, technology, agriculture and innovation.
• During his address at the Knesset, PM Modi highlighted ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and the potential to further deepen bilateral economic and technological ties.
• The honour underscores India’s diplomatic prestige, reinforces strategic partnership with Israel, and acknowledges PM Modi’s role in elevating bilateral relations to a long-term strategic level.

Historic Recognition: Modi Becomes First Leader Honoured by Israel and Palestine

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi achieved a rare diplomatic milestone by receiving top honours from both Israel and Palestine.
• On February 25, 2026, he was awarded the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, Israel’s highest parliamentary honour, for strengthening bilateral ties in defense, technology, and trade.
• Earlier, in 2018, he received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine for supporting Palestinian aspirations.
• In his Knesset address, PM Modi condemned terrorism, called for global cooperation, and reiterated India’s balanced West Asia approach promoting peace, supporting Gaza initiatives, and maintaining strong relations with both Israel and Palestine.

India, Bangladesh Among 40 Nations Hit by Saudi Poultry Ban

• Saudi Arabia has banned poultry meat and table egg imports from 40 countries, including India and Bangladesh, following avian influenza risk assessments and global epidemiological updates.
• The decision was announced by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) to safeguard public health and food safety.
• The full ban also covers countries such as China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Egypt, and others, while partial restrictions have been imposed on specific regions in 16 countries, including the United States, Australia, France, and Canada.
• However, heat-treated poultry products that meet approved safety standards remain exempt. The measures are subject to periodic review based on disease monitoring updates.

India and Sweden Deepen AI Partnership Through SITAC Framework

• India and Sweden have strengthened cooperation in Artificial Intelligence by signing a Statement of Intent (SoI) between the IndiaAI Mission and Business Sweden at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
• The SoI establishes a structured framework for developing, applying, and deploying AI solutions across industries, focusing on innovation, economic growth, and responsible AI adoption.
• A key outcome is the launch of the Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC), designed to connect governments, startups, academia, and industry stakeholders.
• According to Kavita Bhatia and Sofia Högman, the initiative aims to translate shared AI priorities into tangible business, research, and investment collaborations.

Business News

Top 10 highest-revenue unlisted Indian companies in 2026

• India’s unlisted corporate sector has showcased remarkable scale and growth, according to the JM Financial-Hurun Unlisted Gems 2026 report, with top companies collectively generating ₹8.9 lakh crore in 2025.
• The list highlights strong performance in retail, consumer goods, digital commerce, and emerging sectors like semiconductors and electric mobility.
• Key companies include Reliance Retail (₹2.71 lakh crore, +5% YoY), Flipkart (₹83,105 crore, +17%), Malabar Gold & Diamonds (₹66,872 crore, +38%), and Tata Electronics (₹66,601 crore, +1,652% YoY, sharpest growth).
• Other notable entrants are Tata Digital, Adani Properties, OfBusiness, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, SBI General Insurance, and Haldiram Snacks Food, reflecting India’s diversified private enterprise growth and a robust pipeline for future IPOs.

Appointments News

Hindustan Oil Exploration Company Confirms Baroruchi Mishra as CEO

• Hindustan Oil Exploration Company (HOEC) has approved a CEO transition, appointing Baroruchi Mishra as Chief Executive Officer effective April 1.
• The board’s decision ensures structured leadership succession and aligns with HOEC’s strategic roadmap for growth in oil and gas exploration.
• Mishra, a senior HOEC executive with extensive upstream energy experience, will focus on strengthening production, operational efficiency, and expansion.
• This transition provides continuity in management while reinforcing HOEC’s commitment to enhancing its exploration portfolio, driving shareholder value, and positioning the company for long-term growth in the energy sector.

Awards News

India Launches Zero Prize, Paying Big for Tangible Pollution Reduction

• India has launched its first results-based environmental award, the Zero Prize, to incentivize verified reductions in air, water, and land pollution.
• With a total corpus of Rs 5 crore, it awards Rs 1 crore in each category to projects demonstrating measurable environmental impact.
• Convened by the School of Policy and Governance (SPG) and backed by philanthropy and CSR partnerships, the prize emphasizes scientifically validated results rather than theoretical ideas.
• Pollution reduction is independently monitored using strict protocols, ensuring transparency.
• Open to start-ups, NGOs, corporates, municipalities, and innovators, the award links financial reward directly to real-world environmental outcomes.

Defense News

Army Chief Gen Dwivedi Flags Off Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan at National War Memorial

• Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, flagged in the Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan Expedition at the National War Memorial on February 25, 2026, marking the culmination of a 3,400-km journey across strategic border areas.
• The expedition, led by the Regiment of Artillery, began from Dwarka and covered key locations in Gujarat and Rajasthan, including the Rann of Kutch and Longewala, highlighting improved border infrastructure.
• A 35-member team comprising Army, Navy and Border Security Force personnel engaged with veterans, Veer Naris, NCC cadets and border communities.
• The initiative honoured war heroes, promoted awareness of historic battlefields and strengthened national integration through strategic outreach.

Exercise Kalari Leap Underscores India’s Coastal Defense Strength

• The Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force successfully conducted the high-tempo joint maritime exercise Kalari Leap in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago, reinforcing India’s integrated defence readiness in strategic island territories.
• The exercise validated rapid force projection, precision air strikes, and coordinated operational planning in complex maritime conditions across the Arabian Sea region.
• The drill saw participation from the Armed Forces Special Operations Division and the Indian Coast Guard, enhancing interoperability among air, maritime, and special forces units.
• Key highlights included anti-ship strike simulations and maritime search and rescue operations, demonstrating preparedness for both combat and humanitarian contingencies in vital sea lanes.

Science & Technology News

February 28 Brings a Rare Six-Planet Parade – Here’s All The Details

• A rare six-planet alignment often called a planetary parade will be visible on February 28, featuring Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus appearing aligned along the ecliptic.
• While not physically close in space, they will seem lined up from Earth’s perspective, forming a curved arc across the western sky after sunset.
• Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and possibly Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, while Mercury (low on the horizon) and Uranus will require binoculars or a small telescope.
• The best viewing window is 30-90 minutes after sunset in locations like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with clear skies and minimal light pollution offering optimal conditions.

Obituaries News

End of an Era: Steel Veteran Jatinder Mehra Passes Away at 86

• India mourns the passing of “Jatinder Mehra Indian steel industry leader”, Vice Chairman of Essar Group’s Metals & Mining Division and former chief of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, who passed away on February 25, 2026, at age 86.
• With a career spanning over six decades, he was instrumental in shaping India’s steel sector through major projects like the Hazira steel plant in Gujarat and the Paradip steel project in Odisha, driving operational excellence and industrial growth.
• Renowned for his visionary leadership and technical expertise, he contributed to both public and private steel enterprises and mentored generations of engineers and managers.
• His legacy remains embedded in India’s rise as a top global steel producer and the modernisation of the country’s steel manufacturing landscape.

A Century of Struggle: CPI Veteran R Nallakannu Passes Away at 101

• Veteran Communist Party of India leader R. Nallakannu passed away on February 25, 2026, at 101 in Chennai, marking the end of an era in Tamil Nadu’s Left politics.
• A senior leader of the Communist Party of India, he joined the movement in 1946 and spent seven years in jail in the Nellai conspiracy case, enduring torture without compromising his ideals.
• For nearly eight decades, Nallakannu championed farmers’ rights, agrarian reforms, environmental protection, and opposed illegal sand mining and the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant project.
• Known for extraordinary integrity and simple living, he returned monetary gifts and awards, dedicating his life to social justice and the upliftment of the oppressed.

Important Days News

TRAI Marks 29th Foundation Day 2026

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) celebrated its 29th Foundation Day on 20 February 2026, commemorating its establishment in 1997.
• The event, led by Chairperson Anil Kumar Lahoti, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to deliberate on emerging issues in India’s digital communications sector.
• Two major themes—“Taking TV to All Homes” and “Network Slicing and Net Neutrality”—focused on universal television access, regulatory agility, 5G/6G advancements, AI integration, and maintaining an open internet.
• The discussions underscored TRAI’s commitment to inclusive digital growth, consumer protection, fair competition, and future-ready telecom and broadcasting regulation in India.

Miscellaneous News

PM Modi Crosses 100 Million Instagram Followers in 2026

• Narendra Modi has crossed 100 million followers on Instagram in 2026, becoming the most-followed world leader on the platform.
• The milestone reflects India’s expanding digital influence and PM Modi’s strong global engagement through social media outreach.
• Globally, Instagram’s official account leads with around 700 million followers, while Cristiano Ronaldo (671M) remains the most-followed individual, followed by Lionel Messi and Selena Gomez. Among Indians, Virat Kohli continues to be the most-followed celebrity, underscoring the country’s significant presence in the global digital landscape.

Current Affairs Today | 25-26 February 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam