Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates

IAF Conducts ‘Vayushakti-26’ at Pokhran Range, JaisalmerIn February 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted ‘Exercise Vayushakti-26’ at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.The exercise demonstrated IAF’s combat readiness and capability to carry out integrated air operations across the full spectrum of warfare.President of India Droupadi Murmu attended the firepower demonstration as Chief Guest, and was accompanied by eminent dignitaries: Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Union Minister Kinjarapur Ram Mohan Naidu, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), among others.Key Details of Ex-Vayushakti-26:Simulated Combat Theatre: For the 1st time, the exercise was held along a defined operational storyline, turning into simulated live combat theatre. It seamlessly combined offensive air strikes, air defence operations, special forces missions and humanitarian assistance, which reflects IAF’s role as a multi-domain, integrated force and country’s first responder.Aircrafts Participated: Over 130 aircrafts participated in the day-and-night exercise including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Mi-17, C–130J, C-295, C-17, the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.Key Operations: Air defence operations were held through coordinated engagements using airborne assets and ground-based systems such as Akash and Spyder missile systems, supported by air defence assets like L-70 and M-777.

02 Mar, 2026

IAF Conducts ‘Vayushakti-26’ at Pokhran Range, JaisalmerIn February 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted ‘Exercise Vayushakti-26’ at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.The exercise demonstrated IAF’s combat readiness and capability to carry out integrated air operations across the full spectrum of warfare.President of India Droupadi Murmu attended the firepower demonstration as Chief Guest, and was accompanied by eminent dignitaries: Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Union Minister Kinjarapur Ram Mohan Naidu, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), among others.Key Details of Ex-Vayushakti-26:Simulated Combat Theatre: For the 1st time, the exercise was held along a defined operational storyline, turning into simulated live combat theatre. It seamlessly combined offensive air strikes, air defence operations, special forces missions and humanitarian assistance, which reflects IAF’s role as a multi-domain, integrated force and country’s first responder.Aircrafts Participated: Over 130 aircrafts participated in the day-and-night exercise including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Mi-17, C–130J, C-295, C-17, the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.Key Operations: Air defence operations were held through coordinated engagements using airborne assets and ground-based systems such as Akash and Spyder missile systems, supported by air defence assets like L-70 and M-777.

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IAF’s SAC Conducts Joint Maritime Exercise ‘Kalari Leap’ in Arabian SeaIn February 2026, the Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted ‘Kalari Leap’, a joint maritime exercise, across the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago in the Arabian Sea.About Exercise Kalari Leap:Objective: The exercise focused on validating joint operational planning, rapid force projection, and precision execution in complex maritime environments.Coordinated Operations: The exercise involved coordinated operations with the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) alongside SAC units.Operations: The IAF conducted airborne and air-landed insertions, heliborne and amphibious drills, anti-ship strikes, and search-and-rescue missions.Deployment: The IAF deployed aircraft including AN-32 transport planes, Mi-17V5 helicopters, and Su-30MKI fighter jets. ICG contributed with its ships, Gemini boats, and Dornier 228 aircraft.AFSOD special forces participated in combat free-fall insertions and amphibious tasks.

02 Mar, 2026

IAF’s SAC Conducts Joint Maritime Exercise ‘Kalari Leap’ in Arabian SeaIn February 2026, the Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted ‘Kalari Leap’, a joint maritime exercise, across the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago in the Arabian Sea.About Exercise Kalari Leap:Objective: The exercise focused on validating joint operational planning, rapid force projection, and precision execution in complex maritime environments.Coordinated Operations: The exercise involved coordinated operations with the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) alongside SAC units.Operations: The IAF conducted airborne and air-landed insertions, heliborne and amphibious drills, anti-ship strikes, and search-and-rescue missions.Deployment: The IAF deployed aircraft including AN-32 transport planes, Mi-17V5 helicopters, and Su-30MKI fighter jets. ICG contributed with its ships, Gemini boats, and Dornier 228 aircraft.AFSOD special forces participated in combat free-fall insertions and amphibious tasks.

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Union Minister JP Nadda to Head Reconstituted Hindi Advisory Committee in Chemicals & Fertilizers MinistryIn February 2026, the Government of India (GoI) named Union Minister Jagat Prakash (JP) Nadda, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers(MoC&F), as the chairman of the newly reconstituted Hindi Advisory Committee for MoC&F.Also, Union Minister of State (MoS) Anupriya Patel, MoC&F has been appointed as its Vice-Chairman.About Hindi Advisory Committee for MoC&F:Key Functions: The committee has been mandated to review and provide recommendations on the progressive use of Hindi in the official administrative work of MoC&F and its subordinate offices.Composition: The newly constituted advisory committee comprises 15 nominated members and 37 official members, in addition to the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.Term: The committee will have a standard tenure of 3 years from the date of its formation, though this period can be extended under special circumstances.

02 Mar, 2026

Union Minister JP Nadda to Head Reconstituted Hindi Advisory Committee in Chemicals & Fertilizers MinistryIn February 2026, the Government of India (GoI) named Union Minister Jagat Prakash (JP) Nadda, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers(MoC&F), as the chairman of the newly reconstituted Hindi Advisory Committee for MoC&F.Also, Union Minister of State (MoS) Anupriya Patel, MoC&F has been appointed as its Vice-Chairman.About Hindi Advisory Committee for MoC&F:Key Functions: The committee has been mandated to review and provide recommendations on the progressive use of Hindi in the official administrative work of MoC&F and its subordinate offices.Composition: The newly constituted advisory committee comprises 15 nominated members and 37 official members, in addition to the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.Term: The committee will have a standard tenure of 3 years from the date of its formation, though this period can be extended under special circumstances.

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Launches Upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH Web PortalUnion Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), launched the upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH (Version 2.0) web portal on 25 February 2026, to easily obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for facilities & utilities along National Highways (NH).About the Upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH Portal:Online Permissions: The upgraded portal enables citizens, businesses, and organizations to apply online for permissions related to fuel stations, wayside amenities, private properties, rest area complexes, connecting roads, and other facilities along NH.Utilities: It can also be used to seek approval for laying utilities such as water pipelines, gas pipelines, optical fibre cables, electrical lines, and other services along or across NH.Ease of Doing Business: The upgraded portal has been developed to make the process simpler, faster, more transparent, and time-bound, supporting the Government of India (GoI)’s goal of improving ease of doing business.Access: The portal can be accessed by citizens, entrepreneurs and shop owners, infrastructure companies, telecom firms and utility providers, and state or central agencies.

02 Mar, 2026

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Launches Upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH Web PortalUnion Minister Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), launched the upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH (Version 2.0) web portal on 25 February 2026, to easily obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for facilities & utilities along National Highways (NH).About the Upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH Portal:Online Permissions: The upgraded portal enables citizens, businesses, and organizations to apply online for permissions related to fuel stations, wayside amenities, private properties, rest area complexes, connecting roads, and other facilities along NH.Utilities: It can also be used to seek approval for laying utilities such as water pipelines, gas pipelines, optical fibre cables, electrical lines, and other services along or across NH.Ease of Doing Business: The upgraded portal has been developed to make the process simpler, faster, more transparent, and time-bound, supporting the Government of India (GoI)’s goal of improving ease of doing business.Access: The portal can be accessed by citizens, entrepreneurs and shop owners, infrastructure companies, telecom firms and utility providers, and state or central agencies.

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Tamil Nadu Launches First Dark Sky Park in Kolli HillsIn February 2026, Tamil Nadu(TN) Forest Minister R S Rajakannappan inaugurated the State’s first Dark Sky Park at Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest, Kolli Hills, Namakkal district, positioning TN as a growing astro-tourism destination.About Dark Sky Park:Cost & Infrastructure: Set up at a cost of Rs.1 crore, the park features three advanced telescopes and solar-powered infrastructure.Observations: Enables night-time observation of stars, planets, the Milky Way, and the moon, and promotes scientific literacy and astronomy awareness among students, researchers, and the public during the day.Optimal Conditions: The site enjoys minimal artificial light within a 1.5 kilometre(km) radius, with natural terrain providing optimal dark-sky conditions.Operational Period: The park operates from January 15 to June 15 and remains closed during the monsoon season.India’s First Dark Sky Park: Pench Tiger Reserve(PTR) in Madhya Pradesh(MP), designated in 2024 under the International Dark-Sky Places programme, became India’s first official Dark Sky Park and is also Asia’s fifth internationally recognized Dark Sky Park.

02 Mar, 2026

Tamil Nadu Launches First Dark Sky Park in Kolli HillsIn February 2026, Tamil Nadu(TN) Forest Minister R S Rajakannappan inaugurated the State’s first Dark Sky Park at Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest, Kolli Hills, Namakkal district, positioning TN as a growing astro-tourism destination.About Dark Sky Park:Cost & Infrastructure: Set up at a cost of Rs.1 crore, the park features three advanced telescopes and solar-powered infrastructure.Observations: Enables night-time observation of stars, planets, the Milky Way, and the moon, and promotes scientific literacy and astronomy awareness among students, researchers, and the public during the day.Optimal Conditions: The site enjoys minimal artificial light within a 1.5 kilometre(km) radius, with natural terrain providing optimal dark-sky conditions.Operational Period: The park operates from January 15 to June 15 and remains closed during the monsoon season.India’s First Dark Sky Park: Pench Tiger Reserve(PTR) in Madhya Pradesh(MP), designated in 2024 under the International Dark-Sky Places programme, became India’s first official Dark Sky Park and is also Asia’s fifth internationally recognized Dark Sky Park.

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Union Minister Sonowal Inaugurates Three Inland Waterway Projects on NW-2 in Dibrugarh, AssamOn February 26, 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), inaugurated three major inland waterways infrastructure projects on National Waterway-2 (NW-2) (River Brahmaputra) at Chowkidingee Playground in Dibrugarh, Assam to enhance logistics, trade, and riverine tourism in the North Eastern Region (NER).About the Three Inland Waterways Projects:Bogibeel Complex: The Customs & Immigration Complex (CIC) at Bogibeel is a modern tourist-cum-cargo terminal integrating customs, immigration, and IWAI administrative functions, with arrival/departure halls, cargo storage, staff amenities, and security systems.Dhubri Gateway: The CIC at Dhubri enhances regulatory oversight, export-import operations, and positions Dhubri as a strategic gateway for Inland Water Transport (IWT) and cross-border trade with Bangladesh and Bhutan.Heritage Building: The renovated IWAI Heritage Building at Dibrugarh combines architectural restoration with upgraded operational infrastructure, supporting NW-2 administration and promoting riverine tourism.

02 Mar, 2026

Union Minister Sonowal Inaugurates Three Inland Waterway Projects on NW-2 in Dibrugarh, AssamOn February 26, 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), inaugurated three major inland waterways infrastructure projects on National Waterway-2 (NW-2) (River Brahmaputra) at Chowkidingee Playground in Dibrugarh, Assam to enhance logistics, trade, and riverine tourism in the North Eastern Region (NER).About the Three Inland Waterways Projects:Bogibeel Complex: The Customs & Immigration Complex (CIC) at Bogibeel is a modern tourist-cum-cargo terminal integrating customs, immigration, and IWAI administrative functions, with arrival/departure halls, cargo storage, staff amenities, and security systems.Dhubri Gateway: The CIC at Dhubri enhances regulatory oversight, export-import operations, and positions Dhubri as a strategic gateway for Inland Water Transport (IWT) and cross-border trade with Bangladesh and Bhutan.Heritage Building: The renovated IWAI Heritage Building at Dibrugarh combines architectural restoration with upgraded operational infrastructure, supporting NW-2 administration and promoting riverine tourism.

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India, Germany Strengthen Climate Resilience through New EUR 20 Million InitiativeIn February 2026, Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMKUN), announced a new Large Grant for India with a funding volume up to EUR 20 million under the International Climate Initiative (IKI).The announcement was made during a high-level climate dialogue titled ‘From Risk to Resilience: Advancing Adaptation Policy Pathways’ held at the German Embassy in New Delhi, Delhi.About EUR 20 million Initiative:Priority Regions: The newly announced initiative aims to improve resilience in high-risk ecosystems across priority regions, including the Himalayas, island regions, the Western Ghats, the North-East (NE) and the Lower Gangetic floodplains.Key Interventions: The initiative is expected to support ecosystem-based approaches (EbA) like: forest restoration, biodiversity corridor connectivity, flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge and community-led natural resource management.Strengthen NAP: It will also bolster monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks linked to India’s National Adoption Plan (NAP).

02 Mar, 2026

India, Germany Strengthen Climate Resilience through New EUR 20 Million InitiativeIn February 2026, Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMKUN), announced a new Large Grant for India with a funding volume up to EUR 20 million under the International Climate Initiative (IKI).The announcement was made during a high-level climate dialogue titled ‘From Risk to Resilience: Advancing Adaptation Policy Pathways’ held at the German Embassy in New Delhi, Delhi.About EUR 20 million Initiative:Priority Regions: The newly announced initiative aims to improve resilience in high-risk ecosystems across priority regions, including the Himalayas, island regions, the Western Ghats, the North-East (NE) and the Lower Gangetic floodplains.Key Interventions: The initiative is expected to support ecosystem-based approaches (EbA) like: forest restoration, biodiversity corridor connectivity, flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge and community-led natural resource management.Strengthen NAP: It will also bolster monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks linked to India’s National Adoption Plan (NAP).

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Chhattisgarh FM Presented Rs 1.72 Lakh Crore Budget for FY27, focus on Bastar Development, Education & IndustryIn February 2026, Om Prakash (O.P.) Chaudhary, Finance Minister (FM) of Chhattisgarh presented the annual budget of Rs 1,72,000 crore for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) in the state legislative assembly in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. This budget outlay for FY27 is 4.2% higher than the last year’s budget (Rs 1,65,000 crore).This year’s state budget is centred around ‘SANKALP’ (Samaveshi Vikas, Adhosanrachna, Nivesh, Kushal Manav Sansadhan, Antyoday, Livelihood and Policy se Parinam tak).Key Highlights of Budget:Revenue Receipts: The budget estimated total revenue receipts at Rs 1,43,000 crore for FY27.Capital Expenditure: The budget has estimated the state’s Capital Expenditure (CapEx) at Rs 26,500 crore, accounting 15.4% of the total budget for FY27.Fiscal Deficit: The budget has estimated the fiscal deficit of the state at Rs 20,400 crore which accounts 2.87% of the GSDP.Sector-wise Allocations: The social sector received the highest priority, accounting for 40% of the total state budget, followed by 36% allocated to economic development activities, while the remaining 24% was earmarked for administrative and general services.Public Health (Rs 8,050 crore), Women and Child Development (Rs 11,000 crore), Agriculture (Rs 13,507 crore), among othersAllocations to Various Schemes: Krishak Unnati Yojana (Rs 10,000 crore), Mahatari Vandan Yojana (Rs 8,200 crore), National Health Mission (NHM (Rs 2,000 crore), among others.

28 Feb, 2026

Chhattisgarh FM Presented Rs 1.72 Lakh Crore Budget for FY27, focus on Bastar Development, Education & IndustryIn February 2026, Om Prakash (O.P.) Chaudhary, Finance Minister (FM) of Chhattisgarh presented the annual budget of Rs 1,72,000 crore for the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) in the state legislative assembly in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. This budget outlay for FY27 is 4.2% higher than the last year’s budget (Rs 1,65,000 crore).This year’s state budget is centred around ‘SANKALP’ (Samaveshi Vikas, Adhosanrachna, Nivesh, Kushal Manav Sansadhan, Antyoday, Livelihood and Policy se Parinam tak).Key Highlights of Budget:Revenue Receipts: The budget estimated total revenue receipts at Rs 1,43,000 crore for FY27.Capital Expenditure: The budget has estimated the state’s Capital Expenditure (CapEx) at Rs 26,500 crore, accounting 15.4% of the total budget for FY27.Fiscal Deficit: The budget has estimated the fiscal deficit of the state at Rs 20,400 crore which accounts 2.87% of the GSDP.Sector-wise Allocations: The social sector received the highest priority, accounting for 40% of the total state budget, followed by 36% allocated to economic development activities, while the remaining 24% was earmarked for administrative and general services.Public Health (Rs 8,050 crore), Women and Child Development (Rs 11,000 crore), Agriculture (Rs 13,507 crore), among othersAllocations to Various Schemes: Krishak Unnati Yojana (Rs 10,000 crore), Mahatari Vandan Yojana (Rs 8,200 crore), National Health Mission (NHM (Rs 2,000 crore), among others.

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Rare Disease Day 2026 – February 28Rare Disease Day is observed annually across the globe on the last day of February to raise awareness, promote healthcare equity, improve treatment access, and support research for rare conditionsRare Disease Day 2026, observed on 28 February, marks the 19th edition of this global awareness event.2026 Theme: “More than you can imagine: the realities behind rare diseases ”Background:Origin: Rare Disease Day was launched in 2008 by the European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) along with its Council of National Alliances (CNA). The first observance took place in 2008, with awareness events organized across 18 countries.Global Expansion: Since its inception, Rare Disease Day has expanded significantly and is now marked in over 100 countries worldwide.Significance: February 29 was selected because it occurs only once every four years, symbolizing the rarity of the diseases highlighted by the campaign.

28 Feb, 2026

Rare Disease Day 2026 – February 28Rare Disease Day is observed annually across the globe on the last day of February to raise awareness, promote healthcare equity, improve treatment access, and support research for rare conditionsRare Disease Day 2026, observed on 28 February, marks the 19th edition of this global awareness event.2026 Theme: “More than you can imagine: the realities behind rare diseases ”Background:Origin: Rare Disease Day was launched in 2008 by the European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) along with its Council of National Alliances (CNA). The first observance took place in 2008, with awareness events organized across 18 countries.Global Expansion: Since its inception, Rare Disease Day has expanded significantly and is now marked in over 100 countries worldwide.Significance: February 29 was selected because it occurs only once every four years, symbolizing the rarity of the diseases highlighted by the campaign.

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World NGO Day 2026 – February 27World Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Day is observed annually across the globe on 27th February to recognize, celebrate, and honor the contributions of NGOs and Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) in promoting social welfare, human rights, and sustainable development.27 February 2026 marks the 13th observance of the World NGO Day.2026 Theme: While there is no single official global theme, many organizations recognized “Restoring Dignity Through Inclusion” as the theme for 2026.Background:Founded: World NGO Day was created in 2009 in the European Union (EU) by Marcis Liors Skadmanis, a Latvian-British tech entrepreneur and philanthropist from the United Kingdom (UK), with support from Civic Alliance Latvia (CAL), a member of the Baltic Sea NGO Forum (BSNF).Adoption: On 23 April 2012, the BSNF Committee (BSNFC) officially accepted World NGO Day during the 10th BSNF at Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.Inauguration: The first global World NGO Day event was held on 27 February 2014 by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (MFAF) in Helsinki, Finland.

28 Feb, 2026

World NGO Day 2026 – February 27World Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Day is observed annually across the globe on 27th February to recognize, celebrate, and honor the contributions of NGOs and Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) in promoting social welfare, human rights, and sustainable development.27 February 2026 marks the 13th observance of the World NGO Day.2026 Theme: While there is no single official global theme, many organizations recognized “Restoring Dignity Through Inclusion” as the theme for 2026.Background:Founded: World NGO Day was created in 2009 in the European Union (EU) by Marcis Liors Skadmanis, a Latvian-British tech entrepreneur and philanthropist from the United Kingdom (UK), with support from Civic Alliance Latvia (CAL), a member of the Baltic Sea NGO Forum (BSNF).Adoption: On 23 April 2012, the BSNF Committee (BSNFC) officially accepted World NGO Day during the 10th BSNF at Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.Inauguration: The first global World NGO Day event was held on 27 February 2014 by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (MFAF) in Helsinki, Finland.

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