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
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
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
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
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
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:
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:
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.
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.
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:
