Source: News on Air Context: India achieved a major milestone in its human spaceflight programme as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a qualification-level load test of the Drogue Parachute for the Gaganyaan mission. What is the Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute? Developed and Tested By
Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion ( SANKALP Scheme)
Source: TH Context: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has criticised the government for slow and weak implementation of the SANKALP scheme. The committee reviewed a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit report highlighting delays and financial underutilisation. About SANKALP Scheme
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) â 23rd Foundation Day
Source: PIB Context: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) celebrated its 23rd Foundation Day in New Delhi. The occasion highlighted its role in protecting tribal rights and promoting inclusive development. About National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Establishment Composition
Bela Gram â Indiaâs First Net-Zero Panchayat
Source: TH Why in News? Bela Gram, Indiaâs first net-zero panchayat, was highlighted at Mumbai Climate Week 2026 as a model of grassroots climate action led by local governance. Key Highlights: Measures Taken to Achieve Net Zero How a Village Becomes Net Zero A village can achieve net zero by:
Vibrant Villages ProgrammeâII (VVP-II)
Source: PIB Context: What is VVP-II? Launch and Duration Background Objectives Key Features
Shalimar Wheat Varieties Developed for Kashmir
Source: TH Context: Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) have developed two new early-maturing wheat varieties to support the riceâwheat cropping system in Kashmir. What is Shalimar Wheat? New Varieties Key Features
Salem Sago (Javvarisi) Exported to Canada
Source: PIB Context: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first direct export consignment of GI-tagged Salem Sago from Tamil Nadu to Canada. The export marks a significant milestone for producer-led exports of traditional Indian food products. About Salem Sago (Javvarisi) Origin and Production Geographical Indication (GI) Status
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 22 & 23 February, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz22 & 23 February, 2026 National Affairs 1. IndiaâBrazil Agreements on Minerals, Steel & Trade Expansion Source: PIB Why in News? India and Brazil signed key agreements on rare earth & critical minerals and steel mining, while committing to expand bilateral trade and digital cooperation during Brazilian President Luiz InĂĄcio Lula da Silvaâs visit to India. Key Agreements Signed Trade & Economic Targets 2. Indigenous Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine Launched Source: TH Why in News? Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched an indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine, marking a major step in strengthening Indiaâs public health system and vaccine self-reliance. Key Highlights: About Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) About Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli 3. NITI Aayog Report â Revitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem Source: PIB Why in News? NITI Aayog released a policy report titled âRevitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem: Insights, Challenges, Recommendations and Best Practicesâ to strengthen Indiaâs apprenticeship system as a key pillar of Viksit Bharat @2047. What is the Report About? Key Findings / Data Importance of Apprenticeship Ecosystem Major Challenges Identified Existing Government Initiatives 4. Export Promotion Mission (EPM) Source: BS Why in News? The Union Commerce and Industry Minister launched seven new interventions under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) to strengthen MSME participation in global trade. What is Export Promotion Mission (EPM)? Objectives Key Features Dual Framework Trade Finance Support Compliance & Certification (TRACE) Logistics & Overseas Warehousing (FLOW & LIFT) Trade Intelligence & Capacity Building (INSIGHT) MSME Financial Assistance Market Integration 5. Launch of INS Krishna â Indigenous Cadet Training Ship Source: Times of India Why in News? The Indian Navy launched INS Krishna, the first of three indigenously built Cadet Training Ships (CTS), aimed at strengthening naval training infrastructure. What is INS Krishna? Purpose 6. âOne Plant Per Dayâ Resolution Source: PIB Why in News? The Union Minister marked five years of the âOne Plant Per Dayâ resolution, highlighting its evolution from a personal pledge into a proposed nationwide environmental movement. What is the One Plant Per Day Resolution? Key Features Banking/Finance 1. New CPI Base (2024) Source: TH Why in News? India has revised the Consumer Price Index (CPI) base year to 2024, updating how inflation is measured to better reflect current household spending patterns. What Has Changed? Major Structural Changes Reflects long-term shift in spending from food to services and housing. Understanding CPI vs Inflation State-Level Inflation Insights Highest inflation (Jan 2026) among large States: Reason: higher spending on services like housing, health, education, transport. Why Rajasthan Shows Higher Inflation Importance for Monetary Policy (RBI) 2. Risk-Based Deposit Insurance Premium for Banks Source: BS Why in News? India is shifting from a uniform deposit insurance premium to a risk-based premium (RBP) system, where banks pay insurance premiums according to their risk profile.This also sets the stage for a likely increase in deposit insurance cover from âč5 lakh to possibly âč15 lakh. What is Deposit Insurance? Key Change: Risk-Based Premium (RBP) Earlier system: New system: Proposed premium structure (per âč100 deposits): Two-Tier Framework Objectives 3. Participatory Notes (P-Notes) Source: ET Why in News? Proposed revisions to the IndiaâFrance tax treaty may allow India to tax capital gains from equity sales by French investors. This could significantly affect the participatory note (P-note) investment route used by foreign investors. What are Participatory Notes (P-Notes)? Participatory Notes (P-Notes) are offshore derivative instruments issued by SEBI-registered Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) to overseas investors who wish to invest in Indian securities without registering directly with SEBI. They derive their value from underlying Indian assets such as: How Do P-Notes Work? The actual investor remains anonymous to Indian regulators (though disclosure norms have tightened). Why Were P-Notes Popular? At one time (early 2000s), P-notes accounted for over 40% of FPI investments in India. Advantages 4. NPCI Extends âUPI One Worldâ Wallet & Launches AI Payment Initiatives Source: ET Why in News? NPCI expanded the âUPI One Worldâ wallet service for foreign delegates from over 40 countries attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026, along with launching AI-driven payment innovations. What is UPI One World Wallet? A special digital payment facility for foreign visitors that allows them to make UPI payments in India without needing: Enables seamless digital payments for international travellers. Key Features Other Major Launches Finance Model for India (FiMI) AI-Powered UPI Pilot (NPCI + Razorpay) Strategic Partnership with Nvidia Facts To Remember 1. Tejal and Prema steal the show as India-A wins Rising Stars title Tejal Hasanbis made an impactful unbeaten 51 off 34 balls on a slow turner before leg-spinner Prema Rawat made the ball talk as India-A outplayed Bangladesh- A by a whopping 46 runs in a low-scoring final to defend the ACC Womenâs Asia Cup Rising Stars here on Sunday. 2. Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Corridor Indiaâs first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor between Delhi and Meerut has become fully operational after inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with the Meerut Metro. 3. RBI Establishes High-Security Data Centre in Odisha The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up a high-security greenfield data centre in Bhubaneswar to protect critical financial infrastructure and ensure continuity of core banking systems. 4. Union Minister Piyush Goyal Launches 7 Additional Interventions under EPM In February 2026, Piyush Goyal launched seven new interventions under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) to strengthen MSME exports.With this, 10 of the 11 proposed EPM interventions are now operational.The initiatives are grouped under two pillars â Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha.They aim to enhance credit access, logistics, compliance, and global competitiveness of MSMEs. 5. MoMA Organizes âChintan Shivirâ at Nalanda University, Bihar The Ministry of Minority Affairs held a âChintan Shivirâ on 18â19 February 2026 at Nalanda University.The event was led by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.Digital initiatives like the NIGRANI App and AI-powered chatbots were launched.A Haj Wrist Band was also introduced to modernize Haj management. 6. World Bankâs MIGA Provides USD 197.67 Million Guarantee to Citibank Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency issued a USD 197.67
IndiaâBrazil Agreements on Minerals, Steel & Trade Expansion
Source: PIB Why in News? India and Brazil signed key agreements on rare earth & critical minerals and steel mining, while committing to expand bilateral trade and digital cooperation during Brazilian President Luiz InĂĄcio Lula da Silvaâs visit to India. Key Agreements Signed Trade & Economic Targets
Indigenous Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine Launched
Source: TH Why in News? Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched an indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine, marking a major step in strengthening Indiaâs public health system and vaccine self-reliance. Key Highlights: About Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) About Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli
