CURRENT AFFAIRS DESTINATION FOR UPSC & STATE CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATIONS
The Government of India launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based food subsidy distribution pilot under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The initiative integrates the Digital Rupee into India’s Direct Benefit Transfer framework to improve efficiency and transparency in food subsidy delivery. What is the Digital Rupee? The Digital Rupee (e-rupee) is a tokenised digital version of the Indian rupee issued Read More …
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed that all coffee–chicory mixtures must contain at least 51% coffee by mass, with the exact percentage of coffee and chicory clearly mentioned on the label. From July 1, 2026, manufacturers will be required to prominently display the percentage composition on the front of the pack, ensuring greater transparency for consumers. Product Standards Under the revised norms: The move is Read More …
Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, laid the foundation stone for a Cultural Museum Project at Khanapara in Guwahati. The museum will showcase the historic Vrindavani Vastra, a 16th-century textile masterpiece. About Vrindavani Vastra The Vrindavani Vastra is traditionally attributed to the Vaishnavite saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardeva. Currently, the artefact is housed at the British Museum in London. Agreement for ExhibitionThe Government of Assam and the British Museum signed an Read More …
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Army’s Northern Commander inaugurated the ‘Banwat Ekta Sthal’ – a public monument symbolising national pride and sovereignty – near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district. Source: AIR
The Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force successfully conducted a high-tempo joint maritime exercise named ‘Kalari Leap’ in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago. The exercise was aimed at validating joint planning, rapid force projection, and precise operational execution in complex maritime environments. Focus on Maritime Preparedness ‘Kalari Leap’ tested Southern Air Command’s capability to: The drills reinforced readiness in safeguarding India’s island territories and surrounding sea lanes. Multi-Agency Read More …
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has unveiled a newly formed elite squad named ‘Snow Leopard’, a specialised high-altitude unit designed to tackle extreme terrain and mountain security challenges in the Union Territory. Operational Debut at Khelo India Winter Games Composition and Specialised Training Multi-Role Capabilities Beyond counter-terror operations, the Snow Leopard squad is also prepared for: Source: AIR
The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways recently aunched the upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH web portal for hassle-free obtaining of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for fuel stations. Source: PIB
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is set to launch a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme targeting girls aged 14 years. The vaccination will be voluntary and free of cost, ensuring equitable access across socio-economic groups. Vaccine Details and Global Partnership India will use Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against: The vaccine is approved by India’s drug regulator and widely used internationally. Supplies have been Read More …
India and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on rare earths and critical minerals during the state visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to India. The agreement is expected to enhance India’s bargaining power in securing key inputs for its clean energy, electronics, and defence sectors. Enhancing India’s Negotiating Position The MoU diversifies India’s supply sources for rare earths and critical minerals. Previously, dependence on a Read More …
The Supreme Court of India on Monday questioned the practical impact of the None of the Above (NOTA) option in elections, observing that over a decade since its introduction, it has hardly influenced the selection of candidates by political parties. PIL Challenges Unopposed Elections The observations came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation filed by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy. The petition challenges the existing practice of Read More …
A contingent of the United States Army has arrived in India to participate in the 16th edition of the India–US Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘VAJRA PRAHAR’, scheduled to be held from February 24 to March 16, 2026. The exercise will take place at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The previous edition was conducted in November 2024 at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho, USA. The Read More …
The 7th edition of the annual India–Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, involving troops from the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The exercise, scheduled from February 24 to March 9, 2026, features 120 personnel from each side. The JGSDF contingent is represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment, while the Indian side is drawn from the Read More …
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Blockchain India Challenge at its headquarters in New Delhi to promote innovative blockchain-based governance solutions across the country. The national initiative is being implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) with support from MeitY. It aims to encourage Indian startups to pitch and pilot cutting-edge blockchain solutions tailored for public sector use. The Challenge focuses on developing Read More …
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal to alter the name of the State of Kerala to “Keralam.” Following the Cabinet approval, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will refer the proposed Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views under the proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution of India. After receiving the Assembly’s opinion, the Centre Read More …
Marking the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology launched “SUJVIKA”, an AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal. The portal has been developed in collaboration with industry partner Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE). SUJVIKA is designed as a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform that provides authenticated biotechnology product import data in a structured and user-friendly format. The Read More …