NGT Orders Restoration of Suav River’s Status in Uttar Pradesh

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to correct official records and restore the Suav’s classification from a “drain” to a “river” in revenue records and gazetteers. The order came after a petition challenged the classification of the Suav—a major tributary of the Rapti River in Balrampur district—as a nullah (drain). Petitioners cited the 1906 publication Gonda: A Gazetteer, which described the Suav (then called Suwawan) Read More …

Union Health Minister Launches Indigenous Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine

Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda launched India’s indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine at the Central Research Institute in Himachal Pradesh. The vaccine has now been introduced for supply under the Universal Immunization Programme, strengthening India’s immunization coverage for adolescents and adults. CRI is set to supply 55 lakh doses by April 2026, with production expected to scale up in the coming years. Background & Global Recommendations Read More …

President Murmu Unveils Bust of C. Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of C. Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The bust has been installed at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, opposite the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, replacing the earlier bust of Edwin Lutyens. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to shed colonial-era symbols and celebrate India’s cultural heritage. Rajaji Utsav & Exhibition Later, the President Read More …

Winter Olympics 2026

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially the XXV Winter Olympic Games, concluded after 16 days of thrilling competition across multiple venues in Lombardy and northeast Italy. The closing ceremony was held at the historic Verona Arena, marking the end of an action-packed edition that featured dramatic comebacks, intense rivalries, and standout performances. Participation & Highlights Medal Tally Leaders Next Winter Olympics The Olympic flag was passed on to France, where the Read More …

PM Modi Inaugurates Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat RRTS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) and the Meerut Metro route in Meerut, marking a major milestone in high-speed regional connectivity in northern India. The Prime Minister dedicated the entire Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor to the nation and inaugurated the remaining sections, including: Integrated RRTS–Metro System The project integrates the Namo Bharat RRTS with the Meerut Metro, creating a seamless system where: This Read More …

India’s ‘Boong’ Wins Big at BAFTA Awards 2026

India made history at the BAFTA Awards as the Manipuri-language film Boong became the first Indian film to win the Best Children’s and Family Film category. The ceremony was held at Royal Festival Hall, London. Directed by debut filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong is set in Manipur and tells an emotional story about family, resilience, and hope. The film follows a young boy named Boong who dreams of reuniting his broken Read More …

Union Home Minister Launches Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) in Assam

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 20 February launched the Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) in Nathanpur village of Assam, with a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore aimed at strengthening development and security in India’s border villages. Key Features of VVP–II Officials said the scheme aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, aiming to create secure and prosperous border communities. By empowering local residents, the initiative also seeks to enhance Read More …

Al Fashir crisis

Mass killings of non-Arab communities during the capture of al-Fashir by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) bear hallmarks of genocide, according to a report by an independent UN probe. The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan said that when the RSF seized the city in October 2025—then the last stronghold of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Darfur—thousands were killed or raped during three days of violence. Key Read More …

India attends inaugural Gaza Peace Board meeting as observer

US President Donald Trump’s newly created Board of Peace held its first meeting on 19th February in Washington to discuss reconstruction plans for Gaza, with India attending as an observer. India was represented by Deputy Chief of Mission Namgya Khampa at the meeting. New Delhi expressed support for the broader Gaza Peace Plan initiative linked to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, while maintaining a cautious approach toward the controversial Read More …

New GDP series adopts double deflation

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has initiated the process of revising the base year of India’s National Accounts to FY 2022–23, aiming to better reflect structural changes in the economy and improve GDP measurement. As part of this effort, an Advisory Committee on National Account Statistics (ACNAS) has been constituted under the chairmanship of noted economist B.N. Goldar. The panel will recommend updated methodologies and identify new Read More …

Centre launches new interventions in Export Promotion Mission

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on 20 February launched seven new interventions under the government’s Export Promotion Mission, aimed at boosting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthening India’s global export competitiveness. The new initiatives focus on simplifying export procedures, improving MSME access to credit, raising quality standards, ensuring compliance with international regulations, and expanding global logistics and warehousing networks. The Mission seeks to address key bottlenecks Read More …

Trump Imposes Temporary 10% Global Tariff After Supreme Court Setback

U.S. President Donald Trump has moved swiftly to reimpose trade tariffs after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down earlier duties levied under emergency powers. Through executive orders signed on February 20, the administration announced a temporary 10% global import duty effective from February 24, invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Background: Why the Move? Earlier tariffs (ranging from 10% to 50%) had been imposed Read More …

PM Modi launches HCL-Foxconn semiconductor unit in UP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for the HCL-Foxconn Joint Venture – India Chip Pvt. Ltd. semiconductor facility at the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority in Jewar, Greater Noida. The project marks a major step in India’s push toward technological self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing. About the Project The plant aims to strengthen India’s position as a trusted global hub for high-end electronics and chip manufacturing. Key Statements Read More …

AI Impact Summit 2026 Concludes with New Delhi Declaration

The mega AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, endorsed by 88 countries and international organisations. The declaration marks a significant step toward global cooperation in artificial intelligence governance and development. Key Highlights Seven Pillars of the New Delhi Declaration Key Themes Highlighted Significance for India and the World Source: PIB

Govt Launches EEZ Fishing Access Pass to Boost Offshore Fisheries

The Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) launched an Access Pass for Fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at KCC Ground Veraval, marking a major step toward modern and sustainable offshore fisheries governance. Purpose of the Access Pass The initiative aims to: India’s EEZ spans nearly 24 lakh sq km, offering huge potential for fisheries development, exports and livelihood generation. Why It Matters Most Indian fishing vessels Read More …