Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 26 February, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
26 February, 2026

National Affairs

1. World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law 2026 Report

Why in News?

The World Bank released the Women, Business and the Law 2026 report, highlighting a major global implementation gap — laws supporting women’s economic equality exist in many countries but are weakly enforced due to inadequate policies, institutions, and support systems.

About the Report

• 11th annual edition of the Women, Business and the Law (WBL) series.
• Covers 190 economies.
• Uses the WBL 2.0 framework, assessing three pillars:
  1. Legal frameworks — laws granting rights
  2. Supportive frameworks — policies, services, and infrastructure
  3. Enforcement perceptions — how effectively laws work in practice

Key Findings

Global Implementation Gap

• Legal frameworks score: 67.9 / 100
• Supportive frameworks score: 47.3 / 100
• Enforcement perception score: 53.4 / 100
  → Laws exist, but systems to implement them are weak.

Safety Gap

• Lowest scoring area globally.
• Enforcement fails about 80% of the time.
• Only about one-third of necessary safety laws exist worldwide.

Limited Legal Equality

• Only 4% of women live in economies with near-full legal equality (score ≥ 90 across all pillars).

Economic Impact

• Closing gender gaps in labour force participation could raise global GDP by over 20% within a decade.

Childcare Deficit

• Fewer than half of countries provide financial support for families.
• In low-income economies, only 1% of required childcare support mechanisms exist.

Entrepreneurship Barriers

• Women can legally start businesses in most countries.
• But only half of economies ensure equal access to credit.

Reform Momentum

• In the last two years:
  • 68 economies enacted 113 reforms.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa led with 33 reforms.

Implementation Crisis

• Most countries have established less than half of the policies and services needed to enforce equality laws effectively.

Global Best Practices

• Linking legal reforms with dedicated budgets and enforcement agencies.
• Subsidised childcare and paid parental leave for both parents to raise female workforce participation.
• Gender-responsive public procurement to support women-led businesses.

Major Structural Challenges

• Weak safety protection systems
  • Laws exist but specialised enforcement mechanisms are often absent.
• Motherhood penalty
  • Lack of affordable childcare forces women out of the workforce.
• Financial exclusion
  • Credit discrimination persists despite legal rights.
• Weak monitoring systems
  • Limited data to assess whether laws are effective.
• Basic legal rights gaps
  • Restrictions on mobility or marital rights persist in some regions.

Way Forward

• Strengthen institutional capacity and enforcement systems.
• Expand childcare and care infrastructure.
• Ensure equal access to credit and financial services.
• Build specialised safety and legal support mechanisms.
• Use gender-disaggregated data to monitor outcomes.

2. India–GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

Source: TOI

Why in News?

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have signed a Joint Statement formally launching negotiations for the proposed India–GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

What is the India–GCC FTA?

A proposed comprehensive trade agreement between India and the six GCC member states:

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Bahrain

The agreement aims to reduce trade barriers, improve market access, and deepen economic integration between India and the Gulf region.

Key Features

1. Formal Launch of Negotiations

• Joint Statement signed in February 2026.
• Marks the beginning of structured negotiations for a broad-based trade pact.

2. Comprehensive Coverage

The FTA is expected to include:

• Trade in goods (tariff reduction/elimination).
• Trade in services.
• Investment facilitation.
• Regulatory cooperation and trade facilitation measures.

3. Major Trade Partnership

• GCC is India’s largest trading partner bloc.
• Bilateral trade: USD 178.56 billion (FY 2024–25).
• Accounts for over 15% of India’s total global trade.

4. Sectoral Complementarity

India’s exports to GCC:

• Engineering goods
• Textiles
• Rice
• Gems and jewellery

India’s imports from GCC:

• Crude oil
• LNG
• Petrochemicals
• Precious metals

5. Investment & Diaspora Linkages

• GCC FDI in India: over USD 31 billion.
• Nearly 10 million Indians reside in GCC countries.
• Strong remittance flows and labour mobility links.

3. Eurasian Diving Duck Spotted in Kaziranga National Park

Source: TH

Why in News?

A rare Eurasian diving duck — the Smew (Mergellus albellus) — was recorded for the first time in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam, during the 7th waterbird census (January 2026).
Its presence has raised concerns about climate-driven shifts in migratory bird ranges.

About the Smew

• A small migratory diving duck native to the Eurasian taiga region.
• Scientific name: Mergellus albellus.
• Typically winters in sheltered freshwater lakes and wetlands.
• Feeds mainly on small fish and aquatic organisms.
• The Smew (Mergellus albellus) is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

About Kaziranga Waterbird Census 2026

• Covered 166 wetlands across 10 ranges.
• Important Bird Areas include:
  • Kaziranga National Park
  • Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Union Cabinet Approves Renaming Kerala as “Keralam”

Source: IE

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to officially rename the State of Kerala as Keralam, following resolutions passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2023 and 2024.

What is the Decision?

• The official constitutional name “Kerala” will be changed to “Keralam”.
• The move reflects the traditional Malayalam name used locally.
• The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will now follow the constitutional legislative process.

Constitutional Provisions Involved

Article 3 of the Constitution

Empowers Parliament to:

• Form new states
• Alter boundaries or areas
• Change the name of an existing state

Proviso to Article 3

• A Bill to change a state’s name can be introduced only on the President’s recommendation.
• The President must refer the proposal to the concerned State Legislature for its views.

First Schedule of the Constitution

• Lists the names of states and Union Territories.
• Amendment required to reflect the new name.

Procedure for Renaming a State

1. State Legislature passes resolution requesting name change.
2. Ministry of Home Affairs examines the proposal.
3. Union Cabinet approves the proposal.
4. President refers the Bill to the State Legislature (Article 3 proviso).
5. Bill introduced in Parliament and passed by both Houses.
6. Amendment to the First Schedule and official notification.

5. PMO Reviews Proposed CAFE-3 Norms for Passenger Vehicles

Source: Mint

Why in News?

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) held a high-level meeting to review the proposed Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-3) norms for passenger vehicles, expected to come into force from 2027.
No final decision has been taken yet.

What are CAFE Norms?

Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) standards regulate the average fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions of vehicles sold by an automobile manufacturer in a financial year.

They aim to:

• Reduce vehicular emissions.
• Improve fuel efficiency.
• Lower dependence on fossil fuels.
• Support India’s climate commitments.

CAFE norms are implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power.

About CAFE-3

• Applicable from 2027 onwards.
• Targets further reduction in fleet-wide CO₂ emissions.
• Revises emission calculation formula (slope adjustment).
• Removes certain relaxations earlier proposed for small cars.
• Encourages faster adoption of electric and fuel-efficient vehicles.

6. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Government of India is set to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination programme to prevent cervical cancer among adolescent girls.

What is HPV Vaccination?

• The HPV vaccine is a recombinant vaccine that uses virus-like particles to stimulate immunity without containing a live virus.
• It protects against high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus infection (HPV) that cause most cervical cancer cases.

How HPV Causes Cancer

• HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Persistent infection with high-risk types (especially HPV 16 and 18) leads to abnormal cervical cell growth.
• Untreated pre-cancerous changes may develop into cancer over 10–15 years.

7. Military Exercises in News

Source: ET

Why in News?

India has begun two major joint military exercises — Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN (India–Japan) and Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR (India–US) — to strengthen defence cooperation, interoperability, and operational readiness.

What are Military Exercises?

Joint training operations conducted by armed forces of two or more countries to:

• Enhance interoperability and coordination.
• Improve operational readiness and combat capability.
• Share best practices and tactical knowledge.
• Strengthen strategic defence partnerships through realistic simulations.

Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN

An annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).

Host Location

Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand (India).

Participating Countries

• India
• Japan

Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR

A joint Special Forces exercise between India and the United States.

Host Location

Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh (India).

Participating Countries

• India
• United States (US Special Forces / Green Berets)

8. UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme

Why in News?

India has operationalised only four airports in FY26 under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme — the lowest number added in a single fiscal year since the programme began in 2016.

About UDAN Scheme

UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is a regional air connectivity scheme launched by the Government of India in 2016 to make air travel affordable and accessible, especially for people in smaller towns and remote regions.

It is implemented under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).

Objectives

• Enhance regional air connectivity.
• Make air travel affordable for common citizens.
• Develop unserved and underserved airports.
• Promote balanced regional development.
• Boost tourism, trade, and economic activity.

Banking/Finance

1. National Asset Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0)

Why in News?

The Union government has launched the second phase of the National Asset Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0), prepared by NITI Aayog in coordination with line ministries, to unlock value from public infrastructure assets and mobilise investment.

What is NMP?

The National Asset Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) is a structured programme aimed at monetising existing public infrastructure assets by leasing them to private players for a fixed period, while ownership remains with the government.

It was first launched in 2021.

About NMP 2.0

• Designed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with line ministries.
• Targets mobilisation of around ₹16.72 trillion in investment.
• Around ₹6 trillion expected from private capital expenditure.
• Focus on capital recycling to fund new infrastructure creation.

Key Objectives

• Unlock value of underutilised public assets.
• Attract long-term private investment.
• Reduce fiscal burden and public debt pressures.
• Improve operational efficiency of assets.
• Maintain growth momentum amid fiscal constraints.

2. Digital Rupee Pilot for Food Subsidy Under PMGKAY

Source: Mint

Why in News?

The Union government will launch a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based pilot for delivering food subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Puducherry from 26 February. This marks a shift toward digital, traceable, and purpose-bound subsidy delivery.

What is the Initiative?

• Subsidies will be delivered using the digital rupee (CBDC) issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
• The pilot aims to make subsidy delivery:
  • Better targeted
  • Fully traceable
  • Purpose-bound (usable only for food purchases)

Objectives of the Pilot

• Reduce leakages in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
• Improve transparency and accountability.
• Ensure benefits are used only for intended purposes.
• Test operational readiness before scaling nationwide.

What is CBDC?

• A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is the digital form of a country’s sovereign currency, issued and regulated by its central bank.
• In India, the CBDC is the digital rupee, issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• It is a legal tender, just like physical cash, but exists in electronic form.

About PMGKAY

• Provides free or subsidised foodgrains under the National Food Security Act.
• Covers over 800 million beneficiaries, making it one of the world’s largest food security programmes.
• Currently operates through:
  • Public Distribution System (PDS)
  • Direct Benefit Transfer (in select cases)

3. IRDAI Directs Insurers to Cut Costs to Make Health Covers Affordable

Source: The Times of India

Why in News?

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has asked insurers to reduce operational and distribution costs to make health insurance policies more affordable, particularly for the “missing middle” segment.

What is the Issue?

• Health insurance penetration in India remains low.
• Rising premiums and high management expenses make policies unaffordable for many households.
• A large section of the population is:
  • Not poor enough to qualify for government schemes like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, and
  • Not financially strong enough to afford comprehensive private insurance.

Key Directions by IRDAI

1. Reduce Expenses of Management (EoM)

• Cut administrative and distribution costs.
• Rationalise commissions and operational overheads.

2. Improve Efficiency

• Encourage digital onboarding and claims processing.
• Minimise customer acquisition costs.

3. Promote Product Innovation

• Expand use of the “Use and File” system to allow faster product launches.
• Develop affordable, simplified health covers.

Facts To Remember

1. Rajasthan Scraps Two-Child Norm for Local Body and Panchayat Elections

The Rajasthan Cabinet has approved the removal of the long-standing two-child norm that barred individuals with more than two children from contesting panchayat and urban local body elections.

2. UK Enforces Digital Travel System; eVisas Mandatory for Indians

The United Kingdom has implemented a fully digital immigration and border system from February 25, making eVisas mandatory for Indian travellers and introducing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-exempt visitors.

3. RBI Summons Yes Bank Executives over Forex Card Data Breach

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has summoned senior officials of Yes Bank after a data breach involving the Yes Bank–BookMyForex multi-currency forex card, where sensitive customer card details were allegedly compromised.

4. Union Minister Annapurna Devi addresses Women-Led Conference ‘Sashakt Nari-Viksit Bharat’

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, today said that women-led development remains at the centre of the government’s policy framework to ensure greater access to opportunities, financial independence and improved quality of life for women across the country. 

5. South Central Railway launches next-generation ‘Rail Parcel App’

South Central Railway (SCR) achieved a significant digital milestone by launching a next-generation ‘Rail Parcel App’ at Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad.

6. RBI reports 10.1% sales growth for private non-financial companies

The Reserve Bank today said that listed private non-financial companies recorded a double-digit sales growth of 10.1% (year-on-year) during the third quarter of 2025-26.

7. Indian Navy concludes MILAN 2026 Maritime Exercise on INS Vikrant

The Indian Navy’s major multilateral maritime exercise MILAN 2026 concluded today with a closing ceremony held onboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

8. India and Nepal sign MoU to promote bilateral cooperation

India and Nepal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote bilateral cooperation in the areas of forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation and climate change. 

9. Airports Authority of India receives DGCA approval for IFR operations at Hisar

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been granted approval by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to operate aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) at Maharaja Agrasen Airport at Hisar in Haryana.  

10. India & Sweden sign Statement of Intent to enhance cooperation in AI & digital technologies

India and Sweden have strengthened their Artificial Intelligence (AI) partnership.

11. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurates Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela in New Delhi

Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today inaugurated the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela in New Delhi. 

12. Indian Army–Indian Railways launch Framework for post-retirement jobs

Indian Army and Indian Railways have launched a Framework of Cooperation to strengthen post-retirement employment avenues for Agniveers and Army personnel.

13. GoI & France Sign Protocol to Amend India-France DTAC

In February 2026, the Government of India and France amended the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) signed in 1992.
The protocol grants taxing rights on capital gains to the country where the company is resident.
It removes the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause to reduce tax disputes and improve clarity.

14. Lok Sabha Speaker Constitutes Parliamentary Friendship Groups with 64 Countries

Om Birla formed Parliamentary Friendship Groups (PFGs) to strengthen global legislative cooperation.
These groups will promote dialogue, exchange of best practices, and diplomatic engagement.
Each group will typically have 11 MPs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The initiative aims to boost cooperation in trade, technology, culture, and global challenges.

15. PWD, CSIR-CRRI & SPA Sign MoUs for RAMS in NCR

Public Works Departments of Delhi, Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan signed MoUs with CSIR-CRRI and SPA for sustainable urban roads.
The framework will implement Road Asset Management System (RAMS) in the NCR.
The MoUs will be valid for three years with nodal agencies in each state.
The project will cover over 28,000 km of roads across the NCR region.

16. Rs 1,500 Crore Projects Launched at VOC Port, Tamil Nadu

Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated major projects at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in February 2026.
The projects focus on infrastructure modernization, renewable energy, and digital security.
A Maritime Heritage Museum dedicated to V.O. Chidambaranar was also inaugurated.
The initiatives align with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

17. 16th India-USA Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR Begins in Himachal Pradesh

The Indian Army and the United States Army commenced the 16th edition of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR.
The exercise is being held at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh.
It focuses on joint special forces operations in mountainous terrain.
45 Indian and 12 US Special Forces personnel are participating.

18. Indian Army Conducts Exercise Agni Varsha in Pokhran

The Indian Army conducted Exercise Agni Varsha in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
It tested integrated firepower, mechanised warfare, and network-centric operations.
The drill included tanks, artillery, drones, helicopters, and surveillance systems.
It showcased India’s focus on indigenisation and multi-domain combat readiness.

19. Indian Mountaineers Summit Mount Aconcagua in Argentina

A team from NIM and JIM&WS successfully scaled Mount Aconcagua in February 2026.
The expedition was led by Col. Hem Chandra Singh and flagged off by Rajnath Singh.
The team faced extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to -30°C.
Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America and part of the Seven Summits.

20. ADB Partners with Aavas Financiers for Housing and MSME Lending

Asian Development Bank signed a USD 108 million financing deal with Aavas Financiers.
The funding will support affordable housing and MSME lending in underserved states.
It also promotes green and climate-resilient housing solutions.
Technical assistance will enhance awareness of sustainable housing practices.

21. Sachin Tendulkar Appointed UN Global Road Safety Champion

Sachin Tendulkar was named Global Champion for Road Safety by the United Nations.
He joined the UN’s #MakeASafetyStatement awareness campaign.
The initiative promotes seatbelt use, speed control, and safe driving habits.
Campaign messages will be displayed across major Indian cities.

22. Jharkhand Tables Rs 1.58 Lakh Crore Budget for FY27

The Jharkhand Government presented a Rs 1.58 lakh crore budget for FY2026-27 in Ranchi.
Named ‘Abua Dishom’, it is a tribute to former CM Shibu Soren.
Social sector received the highest allocation, followed by gender and child budgets.
The fiscal deficit is estimated at 2.8% of the state GDP.