Daily Current Affairs Quiz26 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 Key Findings Global Implementation Gap Safety Gap Limited Legal Equality Economic Impact Childcare Deficit Entrepreneurship Barriers Reform Momentum Implementation Crisis Global Best Practices Major Structural Challenges Way Forward 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: 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 2. Comprehensive Coverage The FTA is expected to include: 3. Major Trade Partnership 4. Sectoral Complementarity India’s exports to GCC: India’s imports from GCC: 5. Investment & Diaspora Linkages 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 About Kaziranga Waterbird Census 2026 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? Constitutional Provisions Involved Article 3 of the Constitution Empowers Parliament to: Proviso to Article 3 First Schedule of the Constitution Procedure for Renaming a State 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: CAFE norms are implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power. About CAFE-3 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? How HPV Causes Cancer 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: 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 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 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 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 Key Objectives 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? Objectives of the Pilot What is CBDC? About PMGKAY 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? Key Directions by IRDAI 1. Reduce Expenses of Management (EoM) 2. Improve Efficiency 3. Promote Product Innovation 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

Daily Current Affairs Quiz25 February, 2026 International Affairs 1. Mexico Why in News? Mexico deployed around 10,000 troops following large-scale violence triggered after the death of drug cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera. About Mexico Borders and Water Bodies Land Borders Water Boundaries Major Physical Features Tectonic Setting Mountain Systems Important Volcanoes Major Physiographic Regions Major Rivers National Affairs 1. 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation Why in News? Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, Vasai (Maharashtra) has received the Award of Merit at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. About the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation Established Objectives About Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, Vasai Historical Significance 2. INS Anjadip Why in News? The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Anjadip, the third vessel under the eight-ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project, into the Eastern Naval Command. What is INS Anjadip? INS Anjadip is a modern Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) designed for operations in coastal and shallow waters. It is a reincarnation of the earlier Petya-class Corvette of the same name, which was decommissioned in 2003. Construction and Indigenous Content ASW-SWC Project 3. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launches Teacher App 2.0 with AI Integration Source: News on Air Context: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today launched the Teacher App 2.0 – Powered by AI in collaboration with Bharti Airtel and CK12 Foundation in New Delhi. Developed by: Objective: About Teacher App 2.0 Government’s AI Vision in Education Language and Technology Focus 4. States’ Electricity Transition (SET) Report 2026 Source: BL Context: The States’ Electricity Transition (SET) Report 2026, a joint study by Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and Ember, analysed 21 States, representing 95% of India’s power demand. Overall Finding India’s electricity transition at the state level is progressing, though unevenly.Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan have emerged as leaders in: Coverage Assessment Framework (3 Dimensions) 1. Decarbonisation Top Performers: 2. Power Ecosystem Readiness & Performance Top Performers: 3. Market Enablers Top Performers: Banking/Finance 1. New RBI Norms May Trim Banks’ Fee Income Source: FE Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft and final guidelines aimed at curbing mis-selling of financial products and tightening broker funding norms. Analysts say these measures could dent banks’ fee income—especially from bancassurance and capital market-related activities. What Do the New Mis-Selling Guidelines Propose? The new norms aim to: Key Change: Banks cannot bundle third-party products with their own offerings. Likely Impact: Tighter Broker Funding Norms RBI’s final guidelines (issued February 13) tighten exposure to stock brokers. Key Provisions: Banks typically charge 50–100 basis points annually on bank guarantees. Reduced reliance on guarantees may lower fee income. Capital Market Exposure Cap: Agriculture 1. India’s Listed Food Companies Improve Protein Supply Chain Practices: APB100 Report Source: BL Context: India’s listed food companies are making faster progress in managing protein-related supply chain risks across meat, dairy, poultry and seafood. However, climate action and animal welfare remain major gaps, according to the Asian Protein Buyers (APB) 100 benchmark released by Asia Research and Engagement (ARE). What is APB100? India’s Performance Areas Where India Performs Strongly India shows strongest progress in foundational supply chain governance, including: These indicate companies are building basic oversight of protein supply chains. Major Gaps: Climate and Animal Welfare Climate Animal Welfare These weaknesses mirror broader challenges across Asia. Facts To Remember 1. Union Cabinet nod for ‘Kerala’ to become ‘Keralam’ The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Kerala government’s proposal to change the State’s name from ‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’, the name used in the Malayalam language. 2. Union Cabinet, led by Modi, holds the first meeting at Seva Teerth The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday held its first meeting at the newly inaugurated Seva Teerth complex and adopted a resolution to fulfil the government’s goal of placing India among the world’s top three economies in the near future. 3. Dr. Bhargav Mallappa Conferred Royal Honour of ‘Dato’ Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, Chairman of MBRA Groups, was conferred the royal title ‘Dato’ by the Kutai Mulawarman institution of Indonesia for his contributions to social development, humanitarian work, and international agro-economic cooperation. 4. Rob Jetten Sworn in as Youngest PM of Netherlands Rob Jetten was sworn in as the youngest Prime Minister of the Netherlands at age 38, succeeding Dick Schoof and leading a minority coalition government after the 2025 elections. 5. Abhinav Bindra Concludes IOC Athletes’ Commission Tenure Abhinav Bindra completed his eight-year tenure (2018–2026) as Vice-Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission and was succeeded by Humphrey Kayange during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. 6. Tata Consumer Acquires Food & Nutrition Technologies from CSIR-NIIST Tata Consumer Products Limited acquired innovative food technologies including Smarter Rice and Coffee Crema from CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology to promote nutrition, wellness, and food security. 7. VP C.P. Radhakrishnan Releases Book on Atal Bihari Vajpayee Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the coffee table book “Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman” authored by Vijay Goel, highlighting Vajpayee’s political journey and contributions. 8. Gujarat CM Releases ‘Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada’ Biography Bhupendra Patel released the Gujarati biography “Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada,” chronicling the life and global spiritual influence of ISKCON founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. 9. Central Excise Day 2026 – 24 February Central Excise Day is observed annually on 24 February to commemorate the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944, and recognise the role of the CBIC in tax administration and nation-building. 10. Kerala Signs ₹2,000 Crore MoUs for Vizhinjam Seaport Project The Kerala government signed MoUs with central PSUs including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Container Corporation of India, and Central Warehousing Corporation to develop logistics infrastructure at Vizhinjam International Seaport. 11. UP Inaugurates IBM AI GovTech Innovation Centre in Lucknow Yogi Adityanath inaugurated IBM’s AI GovTech Innovation Centre in Lucknow to enhance AI-driven governance, service delivery, and AI literacy for students and teachers. 12. Delhi Implements ‘Rah-Veer’ Road Accident Assistance Scheme Delhi CM Rekha Gupta