Source: IE Context: India has formally adopted its first comprehensive national counter-terrorism doctrine, PRAHAAR, marking a shift from a largely operational response to a structured, long-term strategic framework. The policy has been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and institutionalises a pro-active, intelligence-driven, whole-of-government approach to terrorism. Core Objective PRAHAAR aims to: It seeks to deny terrorists resources, legitimacy, space and operational capability. Seven Pillars of PRAHAAR The doctrine is structured around seven strategic pillars: This structure reflects a full prevention-response-recovery cycle. Nature of Threats Identified The policy recognises both traditional and emerging forms of terrorism: Conventional threats Emerging threats The policy emphasises technology-enabled and networked terrorism as the new reality. Institutional and Operational Measures The policy stresses uniform procedures and interoperable capabilities nationwide.
India–France Amending Protocol to Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC)
Source: PIB Context: India and France have signed an Amending Protocol to update their Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (originally signed in 1992). The agreement was signed during the visit of the President of France to India. The protocol aims to modernise tax rules, reduce disputes and boost investment and economic cooperation between the two countries. What is a DTAC? A Double Taxation Avoidance Convention is a tax treaty between two countries to: Key Changes in the Amending Protocol 1. Capital gains taxation — source country gets full rights Tax on capital gains from sale of shares will be levied in the country where the company is resident. Meaning:If shares of an Indian company are sold, India gets full taxing rights. 2. Removal of Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) clause The MFN clause has been deleted. Impact: 3. New dividend tax structure Earlier: flat 10% withholding tax.Now: 4. Fees for Technical Services (FTS) redefined Definition aligned with the India–US tax treaty.This narrows and clarifies scope of taxable technical service income. 5. Service Permanent Establishment (PE) introduced Provision added to tax profits from services performed in a country beyond a defined threshold. Meaning:Foreign service providers operating substantially in India may be taxed in India. 6. Stronger tax cooperation 7. Alignment with global tax reforms Incorporates provisions of the BEPS Multilateral Instrument (MLI), which aims to:
The Splendour of the Hoysalas
Source: TH Context: In 2023, the Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Scholars are now also highlighting lesser-known Hoysala monuments in rural Karnataka such as Koravangala and Doddagaddavalli. Who Were the Hoysalas? The Hoysala Empire (11th–13th century CE) ruled large parts of present-day Karnataka.They are renowned for transforming temple architecture through extraordinary sculptural detail and decorative richness. Their temples represent the culmination of medieval Deccan temple architecture. Major Hoysala Temples Halebidu – Hoysaleshwara Temple Belur – Chennakeshava Temple Somanathapura – Keshava Temple Lesser-Known but Important Sites Recent attention is shifting to rural Hoysala monuments such as: UNESCO World Heritage Recognition (2023) The “Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas” were recognised for:
New Delhi Declaration – AI Impact Summit 2026
Source: Mint Context: The AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi concluded with 89 countries and international organisations endorsing the New Delhi Declaration, a global framework to guide the development and governance of Artificial Intelligence. What is the New Delhi Declaration? The New Delhi Declaration (2026) is a multinational consensus framework for responsible, inclusive and cooperative development of AI. Core Aim Bridging the AI Divide The declaration aims to ensure that key AI resources — such as computing infrastructure, data and technical knowledge — are not concentrated in a few advanced economies, but are widely accessible for: Seven Pillars (“Chakras”) Framework The declaration is structured around seven strategic pillars, including: This provides a holistic governance architecture covering access, safety, innovation and sustainability.
Galápagos Giant Tortoise Reintroduction
Context: The Galápagos National Park has released 158 hybrid giant tortoises on Floreana Island to restore ecological balance. These tortoises contain significant DNA from Chelonoidis niger, a giant tortoise species considered extinct for about 150 years. About the Galápagos Islands The Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Location Geological origin Ecological importance About the Floreana Giant Tortoise What Are Hybrid Giant Tortoises? Hybrid tortoises have mixed genetic ancestry. Key points: IUCN Status transactions through mandatory digital confirmation and AI-based monitoring, while investigating the ₹590-crore discrepancy through an external forensic audit.
National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0)
Source: News on Air Context: The Government of India has launched the second phase of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0), aiming to mobilise ₹16.72 trillion by monetising public assets between FY2026 and FY2030. What is NMP 2.0? National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0) is the Government of India’s second phase of asset monetisation covering FY 2026–2030. It aims to unlock value from existing public infrastructure assets by leasing or monetising them and using the proceeds to fund new infrastructure projects. Purpose of NMP 2.0 This model allows the government to generate revenue from operational assets while retaining ownership in most cases. How Asset Monetisation Works Government retains ownership but grants operational rights to private players for a fixed period. Private operator: After the concession period, the asset returns to the government. This is different from privatisation (no permanent transfer of ownership). Types of Assets Monetised Primarily brownfield assets (already operational), such as:
Automatic Settlement of Low-Balance Inoperative EPF Accounts
Source: TOI Context: The government has approved automatic settlement of small balances in inoperative provident fund accounts to reduce unclaimed funds and simplify benefit delivery. The reform will be implemented by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). What the Reform Provides What Is an Inoperative EPF Account? After the 2016 amendment to the EPF Scheme: Rationale Behind the Move
India a Major Contributor to Global Pesticide Toxicity
Source: TH Context: A global scientific study has identified India as one of the largest contributors to pesticide-related environmental toxicity. The findings raise concerns about biodiversity loss, ecosystem health and sustainability of agricultural systems. Core Finding India, along with China, Brazil and the United States, accounts for nearly 70% of global Total Applied Toxicity (TAT) from pesticides. The study shows that global pesticide toxicity increased between 2013 and 2019, indicating that current policies are insufficient to curb ecological risk. What is Total Applied Toxicity (TAT)? TAT is a composite measure used to assess environmental harm from pesticides. It considers: Unlike simple usage data, TAT captures real ecological impact, making it a more meaningful indicator of environmental risk. Drivers of Rising Toxicity Structural agricultural factors Chemical transition Economic pressures Ecological Impacts The study highlights major risks to non-target species, including: These species are foundational to ecosystem functioning through: Their decline threatens long-term agricultural productivity itself. Human and Environmental Spillover Pesticide exposure extends beyond farms into: This creates risks of: Thus pesticide toxicity is both an ecological and human development issue. Global Policy Context At the 2022 UN biodiversity negotiations, countries committed to reducing pesticide risk by 50% by 2030. However, the study shows the world is not on track to meet this target due to rising toxicity levels. This signals a gap between international commitments and actual agricultural practices. India-Specific Implications Environmental governance challenge India must balance food security needs with biodiversity protection. Regulatory concerns Agricultural transition pressure India faces growing need to shift toward: Policy and Development Significance The findings highlight three major governance priorities:
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 24 February, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz24 February, 2026 National Affairs 1. PRAHAAR: India’s First Counter-Terrorism Policy Source: IE Context: India has formally adopted its first comprehensive national counter-terrorism doctrine, PRAHAAR, marking a shift from a largely operational response to a structured, long-term strategic framework. The policy has been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and institutionalises a pro-active, intelligence-driven, whole-of-government approach to terrorism. Core Objective PRAHAAR aims to: It seeks to deny terrorists resources, legitimacy, space and operational capability. Seven Pillars of PRAHAAR The doctrine is structured around seven strategic pillars: This structure reflects a full prevention-response-recovery cycle. Nature of Threats Identified The policy recognises both traditional and emerging forms of terrorism: Conventional threats Emerging threats The policy emphasises technology-enabled and networked terrorism as the new reality. Institutional and Operational Measures The policy stresses uniform procedures and interoperable capabilities nationwide. 2. India–France Amending Protocol to Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) Source: PIB Context: India and France have signed an Amending Protocol to update their Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (originally signed in 1992). The agreement was signed during the visit of the President of France to India. The protocol aims to modernise tax rules, reduce disputes and boost investment and economic cooperation between the two countries. What is a DTAC? A Double Taxation Avoidance Convention is a tax treaty between two countries to: Key Changes in the Amending Protocol 1. Capital gains taxation — source country gets full rights Tax on capital gains from sale of shares will be levied in the country where the company is resident. Meaning:If shares of an Indian company are sold, India gets full taxing rights. 2. Removal of Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) clause The MFN clause has been deleted. Impact: 3. New dividend tax structure Earlier: flat 10% withholding tax.Now: 4. Fees for Technical Services (FTS) redefined Definition aligned with the India–US tax treaty.This narrows and clarifies scope of taxable technical service income. 5. Service Permanent Establishment (PE) introduced Provision added to tax profits from services performed in a country beyond a defined threshold. Meaning:Foreign service providers operating substantially in India may be taxed in India. 6. Stronger tax cooperation 7. Alignment with global tax reforms Incorporates provisions of the BEPS Multilateral Instrument (MLI), which aims to: 3. The Splendour of the Hoysalas Source: TH Context: In 2023, the Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Scholars are now also highlighting lesser-known Hoysala monuments in rural Karnataka such as Koravangala and Doddagaddavalli. Who Were the Hoysalas? The Hoysala Empire (11th–13th century CE) ruled large parts of present-day Karnataka.They are renowned for transforming temple architecture through extraordinary sculptural detail and decorative richness. Their temples represent the culmination of medieval Deccan temple architecture. Major Hoysala Temples Halebidu – Hoysaleshwara Temple Belur – Chennakeshava Temple Somanathapura – Keshava Temple Lesser-Known but Important Sites Recent attention is shifting to rural Hoysala monuments such as: UNESCO World Heritage Recognition (2023) The “Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas” were recognised for: 4. New Delhi Declaration – AI Impact Summit 2026 Source: Mint Context: The AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi concluded with 89 countries and international organisations endorsing the New Delhi Declaration, a global framework to guide the development and governance of Artificial Intelligence. What is the New Delhi Declaration? The New Delhi Declaration (2026) is a multinational consensus framework for responsible, inclusive and cooperative development of AI. Core Aim Bridging the AI Divide The declaration aims to ensure that key AI resources — such as computing infrastructure, data and technical knowledge — are not concentrated in a few advanced economies, but are widely accessible for: Seven Pillars (“Chakras”) Framework The declaration is structured around seven strategic pillars, including: This provides a holistic governance architecture covering access, safety, innovation and sustainability. 5. Galápagos Giant Tortoise Reintroduction Context: The Galápagos National Park has released 158 hybrid giant tortoises on Floreana Island to restore ecological balance. These tortoises contain significant DNA from Chelonoidis niger, a giant tortoise species considered extinct for about 150 years. About the Galápagos Islands The Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Location Geological origin Ecological importance About the Floreana Giant Tortoise What Are Hybrid Giant Tortoises? Hybrid tortoises have mixed genetic ancestry. Key points: IUCN Status transactions through mandatory digital confirmation and AI-based monitoring, while investigating the ₹590-crore discrepancy through an external forensic audit. Banking/Finance 1. National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0) Source: News on Air Context: The Government of India has launched the second phase of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0), aiming to mobilise ₹16.72 trillion by monetising public assets between FY2026 and FY2030. What is NMP 2.0? National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0) is the Government of India’s second phase of asset monetisation covering FY 2026–2030. It aims to unlock value from existing public infrastructure assets by leasing or monetising them and using the proceeds to fund new infrastructure projects. Purpose of NMP 2.0 This model allows the government to generate revenue from operational assets while retaining ownership in most cases. How Asset Monetisation Works Government retains ownership but grants operational rights to private players for a fixed period. Private operator: After the concession period, the asset returns to the government. This is different from privatisation (no permanent transfer of ownership). Types of Assets Monetised Primarily brownfield assets (already operational), such as: 2. Automatic Settlement of Low-Balance Inoperative EPF Accounts Source: TOI Context: The government has approved automatic settlement of small balances in inoperative provident fund accounts to reduce unclaimed funds and simplify benefit delivery. The reform will be implemented by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). What the Reform Provides What Is an Inoperative EPF Account? After the 2016 amendment to the EPF Scheme: Rationale Behind the Move Agriculture 1. India a Major Contributor to Global Pesticide Toxicity Source: TH Context: A global scientific study has identified India as one of the largest contributors to pesticide-related environmental toxicity. The findings raise concerns about biodiversity loss, ecosystem health and sustainability of agricultural systems. Core Finding India, along
M.A.N.A.V. Vision for Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence
Source: PIB Context: About M.A.N.A.V. Vision Objectives Five Pillars of M.A.N.A.V.
