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

Daily Current Affairs Quiz22 & 23 February, 2026 National Affairs 1. India–Brazil 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 Inácio Lula da Silva’s 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 India’s public health system and vaccine self-reliance. Key Highlights: About Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) About Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli 3. NITI Aayog Report — Revitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem Source: PIB Why in News? NITI Aayog released a policy report titled “Revitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem: Insights, Challenges, Recommendations and Best Practices” to strengthen India’s 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 — 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. “One Plant Per Day” Resolution Source: PIB Why in News? The Union Minister marked five years of the “One Plant Per Day” 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 ₹5 lakh to possibly ₹15 lakh. What is Deposit Insurance? Key Change: Risk-Based Premium (RBP) Earlier system: New system: Proposed premium structure (per ₹100 deposits): Two-Tier Framework Objectives 3. Participatory Notes (P-Notes) Source: ET Why in News? Proposed revisions to the India–France 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 “UPI One World” Wallet & Launches AI Payment Initiatives Source: ET Why in News? NPCI expanded the “UPI One World” 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 Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars here on Sunday. 2. Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Corridor India’s 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 – Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha.They aim to enhance credit access, logistics, compliance, and global competitiveness of MSMEs. 5. MoMA Organizes ‘Chintan Shivir’ at Nalanda University, Bihar The Ministry of Minority Affairs held a ‘Chintan Shivir’ on 18–19 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 Bank’s MIGA Provides USD 197.67 Million Guarantee to Citibank Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency issued a USD 197.67