Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates

ICICI Launched Swasthya Pension Scheme Blending Retirement & HealthcareIn February 2026, ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management Company Limited launched India’s 1st Swasthya Scheme named “ICICI PF NPS Swasthya Equity Plus”, integrating retirement and healthcare benefits, under the National Pension System (NPS).This newly launched scheme is structured as a Proof of Concept (POC) under the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) regulatory sandbox framework.Key Features of Scheme:Developed by: The new scheme has been developed in collaboration with Apollo HealthCo Limited (healthcare network partner) and KFin Technologies Limited (digital partner).Withdrawal Limit: The scheme will enable the subscribers to make multiple withdrawals of maximum 25% of their own contributions for medical expenses.

23 Feb, 2026

ICICI Launched Swasthya Pension Scheme Blending Retirement & HealthcareIn February 2026, ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management Company Limited launched India’s 1st Swasthya Scheme named “ICICI PF NPS Swasthya Equity Plus”, integrating retirement and healthcare benefits, under the National Pension System (NPS).This newly launched scheme is structured as a Proof of Concept (POC) under the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) regulatory sandbox framework.Key Features of Scheme:Developed by: The new scheme has been developed in collaboration with Apollo HealthCo Limited (healthcare network partner) and KFin Technologies Limited (digital partner).Withdrawal Limit: The scheme will enable the subscribers to make multiple withdrawals of maximum 25% of their own contributions for medical expenses.

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World Bank’s MIGA Provides USD 197.67 Million Guarantee to Citibank to Refinance SBI Rooftop Solar ProgramIn February 2026, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the guarantee arm of the World Bank Group (WBG), issued a USD 197.67 million five-year guarantee to Citibank N.A. for its non-shareholder loan to the State Bank of India (SBI) to support the refinancing of investments in India’s Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (GRPV) systems.About MIGA Guarantee for SBI:Background: The SBI launched the GRPV systems programme in 2016 with financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) of the WBG.Refinance: The facility enables refinancing of the remaining principal of a USD 500 million IBRD loan for GRPV systems.Headroom: By transferring exposure to Citibank’s balance sheet, the transaction frees lending capacity for additional World Bank financing to the Government of India (GoI).

23 Feb, 2026

World Bank’s MIGA Provides USD 197.67 Million Guarantee to Citibank to Refinance SBI Rooftop Solar ProgramIn February 2026, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the guarantee arm of the World Bank Group (WBG), issued a USD 197.67 million five-year guarantee to Citibank N.A. for its non-shareholder loan to the State Bank of India (SBI) to support the refinancing of investments in India’s Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (GRPV) systems.About MIGA Guarantee for SBI:Background: The SBI launched the GRPV systems programme in 2016 with financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) of the WBG.Refinance: The facility enables refinancing of the remaining principal of a USD 500 million IBRD loan for GRPV systems.Headroom: By transferring exposure to Citibank’s balance sheet, the transaction frees lending capacity for additional World Bank financing to the Government of India (GoI).

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2026 Marks 50th Anniversary of Bonded Labour System Abolition Act, 1976In February 2026, the Government of India (GoI) marked the Golden Jubilee (50 years) of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, a landmark legislation enacted to eliminate bonded labour and debt bondage in India.About Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976:Background: The Act was passed in 1976 during the tenure of former Prime Minister (PM) of India, Indira Gandhi. It came into force on February 9, 1976.Implementation: The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E) oversees implementation at the national level.Labour System Abolishment: The act abolished the bonded labour system across India, cancelled all bonded debts, liberated bonded labourers from exploitative obligations, and prohibited forced labour arising out of debt or social customs.Framework: The act provides for District Magistrates to ensure enforcement, Vigilance Committees at district and sub-divisional levels, and identification, rescue, and rehabilitation of bonded labourers.

23 Feb, 2026

2026 Marks 50th Anniversary of Bonded Labour System Abolition Act, 1976In February 2026, the Government of India (GoI) marked the Golden Jubilee (50 years) of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, a landmark legislation enacted to eliminate bonded labour and debt bondage in India.About Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976:Background: The Act was passed in 1976 during the tenure of former Prime Minister (PM) of India, Indira Gandhi. It came into force on February 9, 1976.Implementation: The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E) oversees implementation at the national level.Labour System Abolishment: The act abolished the bonded labour system across India, cancelled all bonded debts, liberated bonded labourers from exploitative obligations, and prohibited forced labour arising out of debt or social customs.Framework: The act provides for District Magistrates to ensure enforcement, Vigilance Committees at district and sub-divisional levels, and identification, rescue, and rehabilitation of bonded labourers.

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India Joins US-led Pax Silica to Strengthen AI and Semiconductor Supply ChainsIn February 2026, India formally joined as the 12th Country in the United States of America (USA)-led Pax Silica coalition, a strategic alliance of nations aimed at building secure, resilient, and innovation-driven supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.India’s Strategic Role in Pax Silica:Security: The initiative builds resilient supply chains in critical minerals, rare earth elements (REE), semiconductors, and AI, while promoting public-private collaboration and technology transfer.Sovereignty: It aims to reduce global dependence on China in rare earth processing and semiconductor manufacturing, reinforcing technological and economic security.Contribution: As a signatory, India contributes a large engineering talent base, advanced chip design capabilities including 2-nanometre (nm) technology, ten semiconductor plants under development, and 8.52 million tonnes (MT) of rare earth reserves aligned with the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).Launch: Pax Silica was launched on 12 December 2025 in Washington, District of Columbia (DC), as a USA-led strategic coalition with founding members including the USA, Japan, Republic of Korea (ROK), Singapore, United Kingdom (UK), Israel, and Australia.The coalition later expanded to include Greece, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Netherlands, and India, strengthening its trusted technology partnership network.

23 Feb, 2026

India Joins US-led Pax Silica to Strengthen AI and Semiconductor Supply ChainsIn February 2026, India formally joined as the 12th Country in the United States of America (USA)-led Pax Silica coalition, a strategic alliance of nations aimed at building secure, resilient, and innovation-driven supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.India’s Strategic Role in Pax Silica:Security: The initiative builds resilient supply chains in critical minerals, rare earth elements (REE), semiconductors, and AI, while promoting public-private collaboration and technology transfer.Sovereignty: It aims to reduce global dependence on China in rare earth processing and semiconductor manufacturing, reinforcing technological and economic security.Contribution: As a signatory, India contributes a large engineering talent base, advanced chip design capabilities including 2-nanometre (nm) technology, ten semiconductor plants under development, and 8.52 million tonnes (MT) of rare earth reserves aligned with the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).Launch: Pax Silica was launched on 12 December 2025 in Washington, District of Columbia (DC), as a USA-led strategic coalition with founding members including the USA, Japan, Republic of Korea (ROK), Singapore, United Kingdom (UK), Israel, and Australia.The coalition later expanded to include Greece, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Netherlands, and India, strengthening its trusted technology partnership network.

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MoMA Organizes ‘Chintan Shivir’ at Nalanda University in Rajgir, BiharThe Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) organized ‘Chintan Shivir’, a strategic platform to review and strengthen minority welfare policies and programmes, held from 18 to 19 February 2026 at Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar.About ‘Chintan Shivir’:Lead: The event was led by Union Minister Kiren Rijju, MoMA, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA); Union Minister of State (MoS) George Kurian, MoMA.Digital Initiatives Launched:NIGRANI App: During the event, the NIGRANI digital application was launched under the PMJVK scheme to enable real-time monitoring and enhance transparency of infrastructure projects.AI-Powered Chatbots: Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven chatbots to enhance service delivery, provide information access, and improve citizen engagement with MoMA.Haj Wrist Band: During the event, Haj Wrist Band, a smart wearable device, was launched as part of Haj modernization measures.

23 Feb, 2026

MoMA Organizes ‘Chintan Shivir’ at Nalanda University in Rajgir, BiharThe Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) organized ‘Chintan Shivir’, a strategic platform to review and strengthen minority welfare policies and programmes, held from 18 to 19 February 2026 at Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar.About ‘Chintan Shivir’:Lead: The event was led by Union Minister Kiren Rijju, MoMA, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA); Union Minister of State (MoS) George Kurian, MoMA.Digital Initiatives Launched:NIGRANI App: During the event, the NIGRANI digital application was launched under the PMJVK scheme to enable real-time monitoring and enhance transparency of infrastructure projects.AI-Powered Chatbots: Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven chatbots to enhance service delivery, provide information access, and improve citizen engagement with MoMA.Haj Wrist Band: During the event, Haj Wrist Band, a smart wearable device, was launched as part of Haj modernization measures.

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Union Minister Piyush Goyal Launches 7 additional interventions under EPM to Boost MSME Exports and Strengthen Global CompetitivenessIn February 2026, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched seven additional interventions under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), aimed at empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for global markets.With the recent launch, 10 of the 11 proposed interventions under EPM are operational, including Market Access Support (MAS); Interest Subvention for Pre- and Post-Shipment Export Credit (ISPEC); and Collateral Support for Export Credit (CSEC).About 7 New Interventions: The seven newly introduced interventions under the Export Promotion Mission are organised into two pillarsNiryat Protsahan, covering Alternative Trade Instruments (ATI–Export Factoring), Credit Assistance for E-Commerce Exporters (CAE), and Support for Emerging Export Opportunities (EEO).Niryat Disha, which includes Trade Regulations, Accreditation & Compliance Enablement (TRACE), Facilitating Logistics, Overseas Warehousing & Fulfilment (FLOW), Logistics Interventions for Freight & Transport (LIFT), and Integrated Support for Trade Intelligence & Facilitation (INSIGHT).

23 Feb, 2026

Union Minister Piyush Goyal Launches 7 additional interventions under EPM to Boost MSME Exports and Strengthen Global CompetitivenessIn February 2026, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched seven additional interventions under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), aimed at empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for global markets.With the recent launch, 10 of the 11 proposed interventions under EPM are operational, including Market Access Support (MAS); Interest Subvention for Pre- and Post-Shipment Export Credit (ISPEC); and Collateral Support for Export Credit (CSEC).About 7 New Interventions: The seven newly introduced interventions under the Export Promotion Mission are organised into two pillarsNiryat Protsahan, covering Alternative Trade Instruments (ATI–Export Factoring), Credit Assistance for E-Commerce Exporters (CAE), and Support for Emerging Export Opportunities (EEO).Niryat Disha, which includes Trade Regulations, Accreditation & Compliance Enablement (TRACE), Facilitating Logistics, Overseas Warehousing & Fulfilment (FLOW), Logistics Interventions for Freight & Transport (LIFT), and Integrated Support for Trade Intelligence & Facilitation (INSIGHT).

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Gujarat FM Kanubhai Desai Presents Budget Worth Rs.4.08 Lakh Crore for 2026-27On February 18, 2026, Kanubhai Desai, Finance Minister of Gujarat, presented the Gujarat state budget for 2026‑27 in the Legislative Assembly, Gandhinagar, with a total outlay of Rs.4,08,053 crore, marking an increase of 10.2 % compared to the 2025‑26 budget. Highlights:Deficit: The capital account shows a deficit of Rs.34,358 crore, balanced by net inflows from public account transactions.Roads & Connectivity: An allocation of Rs.10,008 crore was made for the development of roads and bridges, with additional provisions included to strengthen tribal, rural, and freight connectivity projects across Gujarat.Urban Infrastructure: Around Rs.16,116 crore was made under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Saheri Vikas Yojana (SJMSVY) to upgrade urban infrastructure.Rural Development: For rural infrastructure, Rs.5,600 crore has been allocated under the Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana (MGSY) for village roads and bridges.Others: Allocations have been made for Agriculture and allied sectors (Rs.24,022 crore), Education(Rs.63,184 crore), and Health (iHealth) expenditure(Rs.25,403 crore) and other key sectors such as housing, tribal welfare, and employment-linked programmes to promote balanced socio-economic development across Gujarat.

21 Feb, 2026

Gujarat FM Kanubhai Desai Presents Budget Worth Rs.4.08 Lakh Crore for 2026-27On February 18, 2026, Kanubhai Desai, Finance Minister of Gujarat, presented the Gujarat state budget for 2026‑27 in the Legislative Assembly, Gandhinagar, with a total outlay of Rs.4,08,053 crore, marking an increase of 10.2 % compared to the 2025‑26 budget. Highlights:Deficit: The capital account shows a deficit of Rs.34,358 crore, balanced by net inflows from public account transactions.Roads & Connectivity: An allocation of Rs.10,008 crore was made for the development of roads and bridges, with additional provisions included to strengthen tribal, rural, and freight connectivity projects across Gujarat.Urban Infrastructure: Around Rs.16,116 crore was made under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Saheri Vikas Yojana (SJMSVY) to upgrade urban infrastructure.Rural Development: For rural infrastructure, Rs.5,600 crore has been allocated under the Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana (MGSY) for village roads and bridges.Others: Allocations have been made for Agriculture and allied sectors (Rs.24,022 crore), Education(Rs.63,184 crore), and Health (iHealth) expenditure(Rs.25,403 crore) and other key sectors such as housing, tribal welfare, and employment-linked programmes to promote balanced socio-economic development across Gujarat.

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World Day of Social Justice 2026 – February 20 The United Nations (UN’s) World Day of Social Justice is annually observed across the globe on February 20 to promote awareness of social justice issues, including poverty alleviation, employment, gender equality, and equitable access to education, healthcare, and social services.2026 Theme: “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice”.Background:Resolution: On 26th November 2007, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/62/10 during its 62nd session, declaring 20 February as World Day of Social Justice.First Observance: Held on 20th February 2009.2026 Events: Global Event: On 20 February 2026, a commemorative meeting was hosted by the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UN in collaboration with the ILO and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in New York, United States of America (USA).Event in India: The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE), organised the World Day of Social Justice 2026 in collaboration with National Law University (NLU), Dwarka, New Delhi (Delhi).

21 Feb, 2026

World Day of Social Justice 2026 – February 20 The United Nations (UN’s) World Day of Social Justice is annually observed across the globe on February 20 to promote awareness of social justice issues, including poverty alleviation, employment, gender equality, and equitable access to education, healthcare, and social services.2026 Theme: “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice”.Background:Resolution: On 26th November 2007, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/62/10 during its 62nd session, declaring 20 February as World Day of Social Justice.First Observance: Held on 20th February 2009.2026 Events: Global Event: On 20 February 2026, a commemorative meeting was hosted by the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UN in collaboration with the ILO and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in New York, United States of America (USA).Event in India: The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE), organised the World Day of Social Justice 2026 in collaboration with National Law University (NLU), Dwarka, New Delhi (Delhi).

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Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan Releases Book on Sree Narayana GuruIn February 2026, Vice-President (VP) of India, Chandrapuram Ponnusami (C. P.) Radhakrishnan, released the book titled ‘The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru’ authored by Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Shashi Tharoor, at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi (Delhi).The book was published by Aleph Book Company.About Book on Sree Narayana Guru:Subject: The book presents a detailed biography and analytical study of Sree Narayana Guru, the 19th-century spiritual leader and social reformer from Kerala who led a movement against casteism and social discrimination.Philosophy: It highlights his core message, ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God for humankind,’ advocating equality, self-respect, social justice, and universal brotherhood.Reforms: The work explores his inclusive temple consecrations, promotion of education for disadvantaged communities, and the establishment of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam in 1903 to advance socio-economic upliftment.

21 Feb, 2026

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan Releases Book on Sree Narayana GuruIn February 2026, Vice-President (VP) of India, Chandrapuram Ponnusami (C. P.) Radhakrishnan, released the book titled ‘The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru’ authored by Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Shashi Tharoor, at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi (Delhi).The book was published by Aleph Book Company.About Book on Sree Narayana Guru:Subject: The book presents a detailed biography and analytical study of Sree Narayana Guru, the 19th-century spiritual leader and social reformer from Kerala who led a movement against casteism and social discrimination.Philosophy: It highlights his core message, ‘One Caste, One Religion, One God for humankind,’ advocating equality, self-respect, social justice, and universal brotherhood.Reforms: The work explores his inclusive temple consecrations, promotion of education for disadvantaged communities, and the establishment of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam in 1903 to advance socio-economic upliftment.

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Shillong MP Ricky Andrew J Syngkon Passed AwayOn February 19, 2026, Ricky Andrew J Syngkon, Member of Parliament (MP) from the Shillong constituency in Meghalaya, passed away at the age of 54 in Shillong. He was born on 6 January 1972 in Shillong.About Ricky Andrew J Syngkon:Profile: He was an assistant professor in Economics at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU).Political Entry: He began his political journey with the Voice of the People Party (VPP), a Meghalaya-based regional party focused on local issues, community development, and grassroots empowerment.Parliamentary Role: In the 2024 General Elections, he contested from the Shillong Lok Sabha constituency and defeated Vincent H. Pala of the Indian National Congress (INC), entering the 18th Lok Sabha as a first-time MP.Key Focus Areas: During his tenure, he prioritised connectivity development, tribal welfare, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance.

21 Feb, 2026

Shillong MP Ricky Andrew J Syngkon Passed AwayOn February 19, 2026, Ricky Andrew J Syngkon, Member of Parliament (MP) from the Shillong constituency in Meghalaya, passed away at the age of 54 in Shillong. He was born on 6 January 1972 in Shillong.About Ricky Andrew J Syngkon:Profile: He was an assistant professor in Economics at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU).Political Entry: He began his political journey with the Voice of the People Party (VPP), a Meghalaya-based regional party focused on local issues, community development, and grassroots empowerment.Parliamentary Role: In the 2024 General Elections, he contested from the Shillong Lok Sabha constituency and defeated Vincent H. Pala of the Indian National Congress (INC), entering the 18th Lok Sabha as a first-time MP.Key Focus Areas: During his tenure, he prioritised connectivity development, tribal welfare, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance.

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