Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 24 February, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
24 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:

• Prevent terrorist acts before they occur
• Ensure swift and proportionate response to attacks
• Disrupt terror ecosystems (funding, logistics, recruitment, cyber networks)
• Strengthen coordination across agencies and jurisdictions
• Address root causes of radicalisation
• Enhance international cooperation

It seeks to deny terrorists resources, legitimacy, space and operational capability.

Seven Pillars of PRAHAAR

The doctrine is structured around seven strategic pillars:

1. Prevention – intelligence-led monitoring, surveillance and disruption of terror plots.
2. Response – swift, calibrated and proportionate counter-action.
3. Aggregation – integrated “whole-of-government” security architecture.
4. Human Rights – rule-of-law based action with legal safeguards and accountability.
5. Attenuation – reduce socio-economic and ideological drivers of extremism.
6. Alignment – international coordination on intelligence, finance and technology.
7. Recovery – institutional and societal recovery after attacks.

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

• Cross-border and state-sponsored terrorism
• Global jihadist networks and sleeper cells
• Local support networks and overground workers

Emerging threats

• Drones for surveillance, logistics and attacks
• Social media radicalisation and propaganda
• Encrypted messaging, dark web and cryptocurrency financing
• Linkages between terrorism and organised crime
• Transnational operational coordination

The policy emphasises technology-enabled and networked terrorism as the new reality.

Institutional and Operational Measures

• Standardised counter-terror structure across central, state and district levels
• Modernisation of law-enforcement with advanced technology and intelligence tools
• Continuous disruption of terror financing and logistics chains
• Periodic updating of counter-terror laws
• Stronger inter-agency data sharing and coordination
• Expanded international partnerships against cross-border threats

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:

• prevent the same income from being taxed twice
• allocate taxing rights between countries
• promote cross-border investment and trade

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:

• Ends disputes over automatic extension of tax benefits from other treaties.
• Provides clarity and legal certainty in tax treatment.

3. New dividend tax structure

Earlier: flat 10% withholding tax.
Now:

• 5% tax — if shareholder holds at least 10% of company capital
• 15% tax — all other cases

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

• Updated exchange of information provisions
• New article on assistance in collection of taxes
• Easier cross-border tax enforcement

7. Alignment with global tax reforms

Incorporates provisions of the BEPS Multilateral Instrument (MLI), which aims to:

• prevent tax avoidance
• curb profit shifting
• improve treaty integrity

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

• Built around 1121 CE.
• Commissioned by Ketamalla under King Vishnuvardhana.
• Located in the former capital Dorasamudra.
• Twin-shrine temple dedicated to Shiva.
• Famous for extremely detailed outer wall sculptures.

Belur – Chennakeshava Temple

• Built to commemorate Vishnuvardhana’s military victories.
• Dedicated to Vishnu (Kesava).
• Known for elegant bracket figures and sculptural refinement.

Somanathapura – Keshava Temple

• Built in the 13th century under Hoysala rule.
• Perfect example of symmetrical star-shaped layout.
• Rich iconographic programme of Vaishnava imagery.

Lesser-Known but Important Sites

Recent attention is shifting to rural Hoysala monuments such as:

• Koravangala temples
• Doddagaddavalli Lakshmi Devi Temple

UNESCO World Heritage Recognition (2023)

The “Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas” were recognised for:

• exceptional artistic achievement
• architectural innovation
• preservation of medieval Indian craftsmanship
• testimony to Hoysala cultural power

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.

• Non-binding global roadmap for AI governance
• Promotes “AI for All”
• Based on the principle: Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya (welfare and happiness for all)
• Seeks to reduce global inequality in access to AI technologies

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:

• economic growth
• social development
• scientific progress
• inclusive innovation

Seven Pillars (“Chakras”) Framework

The declaration is structured around seven strategic pillars, including:

• Democratization of AI resources
• Trusted and secure AI systems
• Human capital development and reskilling
• AI for scientific research
• Social empowerment through AI
• Resilient and sustainable AI infrastructure
• International collaboration with national sovereignty

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

• About 1,000 km west of Ecuador.

Geological origin

• Formed by volcanic activity at the meeting of the Nazca, Cocos and Pacific tectonic plates.

Ecological importance

• Famous evolutionary laboratory that influenced Charles Darwin and the theory of natural selection.
• High level of endemic species (species found nowhere else).
• UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site (since 1978).

About the Floreana Giant Tortoise

• The original Floreana giant tortoise (Chelonoidis niger) was hunted to extinction in the mid-19th century.
• Later, tortoises with mixed ancestry were discovered on Isabela Island.
• These hybrids carry genetic material of the extinct population.

What Are Hybrid Giant Tortoises?

Hybrid tortoises have mixed genetic ancestry.

Key points:

• Carry about 40–80% DNA of the extinct Floreana lineage.
• Identified through genetic analysis.
• Bred selectively to revive ecological functions of the extinct species.

IUCN Status

• Pure Floreana giant tortoise: Extinct (in wild / historically extinct)
• Genus Chelonoidis overall: mostly Endangered or Critically Endangered

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

• To recycle value from existing public infrastructure assets.
• To unlock funds for new infrastructure and capital expenditure (capex).
• To mobilise resources without increasing government budgetary spending.
• To improve efficiency in infrastructure financing.

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:

• invests
• operates
• maintains
• pays upfront or periodic fee

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:

• highways
• railway infrastructure
• transmission lines
• airports and ports
• warehouses and logistics parks

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

• Automatic refund of inoperative EPF accounts with balances up to ₹1,000.
• No application or claim filing required from the member.
• Amount will be credited directly to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
• Initially implemented as a pilot project.

What Is an Inoperative EPF Account?

After the 2016 amendment to the EPF Scheme:

• An account becomes inoperative only after the member turns 58 and does not withdraw the balance.
• Mere inactivity or lack of contribution does not automatically make it inoperative.
• EPF accounts earn interest until age 58; interest stops once they become inoperative.

Rationale Behind the Move

• Large number of small balances remain unclaimed due to paperwork barriers.
• Administrative cost of processing tiny claims is high.
• Dormant accounts complicate fund management and record-keeping.
• Supports digital governance and direct benefit transfer architecture.

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 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:

• quantity of pesticide applied
• chemical toxicity levels
• exposure risk to non-target organisms

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

• Expansion of intensive farming systems
• High dependence on chemical pest control
• Large-scale cultivation of cereals, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables

Chemical transition

• Increased use of high-potency pesticides
• Replacement of older chemicals with more toxic but efficient formulations

Economic pressures

• Need to maximise yields
• Pest resistance requiring stronger chemicals
• Limited adoption of integrated pest management

Ecological Impacts

The study highlights major risks to non-target species, including:

• terrestrial arthropods (insects and pollinators)
• soil microorganisms
• aquatic organisms and fish
• plant biodiversity

These species are foundational to ecosystem functioning through:

• pollination
• soil fertility
• nutrient cycling
• food chain stability

Their decline threatens long-term agricultural productivity itself.

Human and Environmental Spillover

Pesticide exposure extends beyond farms into:

• food systems
• soil and water bodies
• domestic and urban environments

This creates risks of:

• bioaccumulation in food chains
• groundwater contamination
• public health impacts

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

• Continued use of pesticides banned elsewhere
• Outdated legal frameworks
• Limited monitoring of non-agricultural pesticide exposure

Agricultural transition pressure

India faces growing need to shift toward:

• integrated pest management
• biological pest control
• agroecological farming
• precision agriculture

Policy and Development Significance

The findings highlight three major governance priorities:

1. Chemical risk management
   Strengthening pesticide approval, monitoring and liability systems.
2. Agricultural transformation
   Reducing chemical dependency while maintaining productivity.
3. Data and reporting systems
   Regular national reporting of pesticide use and ecological impact.

Facts To Remember

1. One Battle After Another wins best film at BAFTAs

Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged thriller One Battle After Another won six prizes, including best picture, at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, building momentum ahead of Hollywood’s Academy Awards next month.

2. ‘Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai’ Campaign Launched

Union MoS (IC) Jayant Chaudhary launched a nationwide campaign on 22 February 2026 to boost digital skilling through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), unveiled at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

3. NDMA, AcSIR & CSIR-NIScPR Sign MoU on DMRR

National Disaster Management Authority, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research and CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research signed an MoU on 21 February 2026 to enhance research, capacity building, and policy support in Disaster Management Research & Response.

4. RBI Sets Up Secure Data Centre in Odisha

Reserve Bank of India established a highly secure Tier IV-certified secondary data centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to strengthen resilience and continuity of critical financial infrastructure.

5. Embraer & Mahindra to Establish C-390 MRO Facility in India

Embraer and Mahindra Group plan to set up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility for the C-390 Millennium aircraft in India under the Medium Transport Aircraft programme.

6. ICRA Projects India’s GDP Growth at 7.2% in Q3 FY26

ICRA Limited forecast India’s GDP growth to moderate to 7.2% in Q3 FY26 due to slower services growth, weak exports, and reduced government capital expenditure.

7. Vasai Cathedral Wins UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award 2025

The 475-year-old Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, Maharashtra, received the Award of Merit at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2025.

8. Manipuri Film ‘Boong’ Wins BAFTA Award

The Manipuri-language film ‘Boong’ became the first Indian film to win the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the 79th British Academy of Film and Television Arts ceremony in London.

9. Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Conclude in Italy

The XXV Winter Olympic Games, officially Milano Cortina 2026, were held in Italy from 6–22 February 2026, with Norway topping the medal tally.

10. Hanne Vandewinkel Wins ITF W100 Bengaluru Title

Belgium’s Hanne Vandewinkel defeated India’s Shrivalli Bhamidipaty Adkar to win the ITF W100 Women’s Singles title in Bengaluru, earning 100 WTA ranking points.

11. Former Union Minister Mukul Roy Passes Away

Former Union Railway Minister and TMC leader Mukul Roy passed away on 23 February 2026 in Kolkata at the age of 71.

12. VP C.P. Radhakrishnan Launches Constitution in Gujarati & Tamil

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the Constitution of India in Gujarati and Tamil on International Mother Language Day to enhance linguistic accessibility.

13. World Thinking Day 2026 Observed on 22 February

World Thinking Day was celebrated globally on 22 February 2026 with the theme “Our Friendship” to promote international sisterhood among Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

14. WB Govt Launches ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ Scheme

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced the ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ scheme providing a monthly ₹1,500 stipend to unemployed youth from April 1, 2026.

15. Delhi Launches CM Jan Sunwai Portal & e-District Integration

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta launched the CM Jan Sunwai portal, EWS admission system, and e-District integration to strengthen digital governance and grievance redressal.