Daily Current Affairs February 26

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs February 26. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly current affairs pdf.

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February 26 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Sports – Daily Current Affairs February 26

1. Why did the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) form an ad-hoc committee for the Boxing Federation of India (BFI)?
A) To introduce new boxing regulations in India
B) To manage BFI after its failure to conduct elections on time
C) To merge BFI with another sports federation
D) To oversee Indian boxing team selection for the Olympics
E) To provide additional funding for boxing infrastructure
Answer: B) To manage BFI after its failure to conduct elections on time

Event and Location:

• Event: IOA forms ad-hoc committee to oversee BFI affairs
• Date: February 24, 2025
• Location: India

Reason for IOA’s Action:

• Election Delay: BFI failed to hold elections by the due date of February 2, 2025.
• Administrative Instability: Delay led to governance issues within BFI.
• IOA’s Intervention: IOA took control to restore stability and ensure timely elections.

Formation of Ad-Hoc Committee:

• Chairman: Madhukant Pathak
• Vice-Chairman: Rajesh Bhandari
• Members: DP Bhatt, Boxer Shiva Thapa, Virendra Singh Thakur
• Responsibilities: Conduct elections and manage BFI’s daily operations.

BFI’s Response:

• Opposition: BFI President Ajay Singh called the committee illegal and unconstitutional.
• Lack of Consultation: BFI argued that IOA acted without consulting them or the international boxing federation.
• Legal Argument: Cited Article 21.5 of the IOA Constitution, which requires consultation with relevant international federations before interfering in National Sports Federations (NSFs).
• Government Involvement: BFI had already informed the Sports Ministry about election matters on February 2, 2025.
• Autonomy Concern: Singh accused IOA of violating autonomy norms of national sports bodies.

Next Steps:

• The ad-hoc committee is expected to conduct elections and manage BFI’s operations.
• Possible legal or administrative dispute between BFI and IOA regarding the committee’s legitimacy.

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs February 26

2. Which currency is ranked as the lowest valued in 2025?
A) Vietnamese Dong (VND)
B) Iranian Rial (IRR)
C) Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
D) Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
E) Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Answer: B) Iranian Rial (IRR)

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of the 2025 list of the world’s lowest-valued currencies
• Date: February 2025
• Location: Global

Factors Contributing to Currency Devaluation:

• High inflation rates affecting economic stability.
• Lack of economic diversity, limiting industrial and financial growth.
• Low foreign investment, leading to weak capital inflows.
• Political instability and conflicts, causing market uncertainty.
• Economic sanctions, restricting trade and financial transactions.

Top 10 Lowest Valued Currencies in 2025:

Detailed Analysis of Key Currencies:

1. Iranian Rial (IRR) – Weakest Currency in 2025
   • Reasons: Economic sanctions, political instability, and high inflation.
   • Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 503.97 IRR, 1 USD = 42,062.50 IRR.
2. Vietnamese Dong (VND)
   • Reasons: Economic transition challenges and controlled currency devaluation.
   • Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 304.82 VND, 1 USD = 25,441.00 VND.
3. Lao Kip (LAK)
   • Reasons: Limited foreign investment and slow economic reforms.
   • Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 254.28 LAK, 1 USD = 21,222.36 LAK.
4. Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
   • Reasons: Political corruption, inflation, and economic instability.
   • Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 272.88 SLL, 1 USD = 23,056.60 SLL.
5. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
   • Reasons: Reliance on commodity exports and declining reserves.
   • Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 191.03 IDR, 1 USD = 15,943.25 IDR.
6. Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
   • Reasons: Economic reforms underway but inflation remains a concern.
   • Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 151.33 UZS, 1 USD = 12,630.24 UZS.
7. Guinea Franc (GNF)
   • Reasons: Political instability and weak financial infrastructure.
   • Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 102.31 GNF, 1 USD = 8,539.04 GNF.
8. Paraguayan Guarani (PYG)
   • Reasons: Economic mismanagement and inflationary pressures.
   • Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 89.35 PYG, 1 USD = 7,456.60 PYG.
9. Ugandan Shilling (USH)
   • Reasons: Economic instability but recent improvements noted.
   • Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 44.82 USH, 1 USD = 3,740.69 USH.
10. Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
    • Reasons: Political unrest and currency controls.
    • Exchange Rate: 1 INR = 15.6 IQD, 1 USD = 1,301.67 IQD.

Tabular Summary:

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3. Which region has the highest breast cancer incidence rates globally?
A) South-Central Asia
B) Northern America
C) Australia & New Zealand
D) Western Africa
E) Eastern Asia
Answer: C) Australia & New Zealand

Event and Location:

• Event: Study reveals Australia & New Zealand have the highest global breast cancer incidence rates
• Date: February 2025
• Location: Global

Study Overview:

• Conducted by: Researchers from Australia & Canada.
• Analyzed: Breast cancer incidence & mortality across 185 countries.
• Key Finding: 1 in 20 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Global Disparities: Higher incidence in developed nations, but higher mortality in low-HDI (Human Development Index) countries.

Key Findings of the Study:

1. Incidence Rates (Age-Standardized Incidence Rate – ASIR, 2022)
   • Highest: Australia & New Zealand – 100.3 cases per 100,000 people.
   • Lowest: South-Central Asia – 26.7 cases per 100,000 people.
2. Mortality Rates (Age-Standardized Mortality Rate – ASMR, 2022)
   • Highest: Melanesia – 26.8 deaths per 100,000 people.
   • Lowest: Eastern Asia – 6.5 deaths per 100,000 people.
3. Country-Specific Trends
   • France: Highest lifetime risk of breast cancer diagnosis.
   • Fiji: Highest lifetime risk of breast cancer mortality.
4. Projected Global Increase by 2050
   • Breast Cancer Cases: Expected to rise by 38%.
   • Breast Cancer Deaths: Expected to increase by 68%, disproportionately affecting low-HDI countries.

Key Risk Factors for Breast Cancer:

• Ageing population.
• Alcohol consumption.
• Low physical activity.
• Obesity.

Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) – WHO (2021):

• Goal: Reduce breast cancer mortality by 2.5% annually.
• Countries meeting the target: 7 nations (Malta, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Lithuania, Netherlands, Slovenia).
• Australia & New Zealand: Mortality reduction of 2.1% annually, slightly below the WHO target.

Call for Action:

• Address global disparities in breast cancer survival rates.
• Improve prevention, early detection, and treatment access in low-HDI countries.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs February 26

4. What is the key objective of the MoU signed between PNB and ITBP?
A) To provide free education for ITBP personnel’s children
B) To offer specialized banking and insurance benefits to ITBP personnel and pensioners
C) To introduce a new retirement scheme for ITBP officers
D) To provide subsidies on loans for ITBP personnel
E) To establish new ITBP training centers across India
Answer: B) To offer specialized banking and insurance benefits to ITBP personnel and pensioners

Event and Location:

• Event: PNB signs MoU with ITBP for exclusive banking benefits
• Date: February 11, 2025
• Location: ITBP Headquarters, New Delhi

Key Participants:

• PNB Representative: S.P. Singh, General Manager
• ITBP Representative: S.C. Mamgain, Inspector General (Administration)
• Other Attendees: Binay Kumar Gupta (PNB Chief General Manager), Vikash Burman (ITBP Deputy Inspector General, Administration)

Key Insurance Benefits for ITBP Personnel:

• Personal Accidental Insurance: ₹1 crore
• Air Accidental Insurance: ₹1.5 crore
• Permanent/Partial Disability Coverage: ₹1 crore
• Additional Cover for Death During Operations: ₹10 lakh
• Coverage for Imported Medicines (including transportation): Up to ₹10 lakh
• Air Ambulance Costs: Up to ₹10 lakh

Additional Benefits for ITBP Pensioners:

• Lifetime Personal Accidental Insurance: ₹50 lakh
• Air Accidental Insurance: ₹1 crore
• Financial Support for Families of Rakshak Account Holders

PNB Rakshak Plus Scheme:

• Zero-Balance Salary & Pension Accounts for defense and paramilitary personnel
• Concessional Loan Rates on personal, home, and vehicle loans
• Overdraft Facilities for additional financial support
• Comprehensive Insurance Benefits for serving and retired personnel

Past Initiatives by PNB for Defense Forces:

• June 2024: Increased Air Accidental Insurance for Indian Army personnel to ₹1.5 crore under the Rakshak scheme.
• Ongoing Support: Exclusive financial benefits for armed forces and paramilitary personnel.

Tabular Summary:

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5. What is the primary objective of AMFI’s Chhoti SIP initiative?
A) To provide insurance benefits along with SIP investments
B) To introduce tax-free mutual fund investments
C) To make mutual fund investments accessible with a ₹250 SIP
D) To create a new category of mutual funds for senior citizens
E) To offer guaranteed returns on mutual fund investments
Answer: C) To make mutual fund investments accessible with a ₹250 SIP

Event and Location:

• Event: AMFI launches Chhoti SIP, Tarun Yojana & MITRA for wider mutual fund access
• Date: February 2025
• Location: India
• Organizer: Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)

Objective of the Initiatives:

• Enhance financial inclusion and investor awareness.
• Expand mutual fund participation across diverse demographics.
• Support SEBI’s efforts to democratize mutual fund investments.

Key Initiatives Launched by AMFI:

1. Chhoti SIP:
   • Introduces a ₹250 minimum SIP for first-time and underserved investors.
   • Aims to make mutual funds more accessible by lowering entry barriers.
   • Encourages small-scale investing as a step towards long-term financial planning.
2. Tarun Yojana:
   • Integrates financial literacy into school curricula.
   • Educates students on investment principles from an early age.
   • Aims to empower the youth with financial knowledge for better decision-making.
3. MITRA (Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and Retrieval Assistant):
   • A digital platform to track and recover unclaimed mutual fund investments.
   • Helps investors and legal heirs retrieve forgotten or inactive holdings.
   • Enhances investor confidence by ensuring rightful asset ownership.

Growth of Mutual Fund Industry in India:

• Assets Under Management (AUM): Surpassed ₹65 lakh crore in 2025.
• Challenges: Awareness and accessibility remain barriers to wider participation.
• Impact of AMFI’s Initiatives: Encourages broader participation and financial inclusion.

Tabular Summary:

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6. What is the primary objective of extending the insurance free-look period to one year?
A) To increase insurance sales in rural areas
B) To allow policyholders more time to review and cancel policies if unsatisfied
C) To reduce premium costs for policyholders
D) To encourage insurers to offer more investment-based policies
E) To provide government subsidies on insurance premiums
Answer: B) To allow policyholders more time to review and cancel policies if unsatisfied

Event and Location:

• Event: Govt proposes a 1-year free-look period for insurance policies
• Date: February 2025
• Location: India
• Announcement By: M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services

What is the Free-Look Period in Insurance?

• Definition: A period during which policyholders can review and cancel their policy if unsatisfied.
• Current Rules:
  • 15 days for offline policy purchases.
  • 30 days for online policy purchases.
• Proposed Change: Extension of the free-look period to one year for greater consumer protection.

Objective of the Policy Change:

• Prevent Mis-Selling: Reduces cases where policies do not meet policyholders’ needs.
• Increase Transparency: Allows better understanding of insurance terms before commitment.
• Improve Consumer Protection: Ensures policyholders are not pressured into keeping unsuitable policies.

Additional Reform – Call-Back Policy:

• New Step: Insurers must contact new policyholders after purchase to confirm their understanding.
• Purpose: Further reduce risks of uninformed purchases and increase transparency.

Industry Reactions & Concerns:

• Financial Risk for Insurers:
  • Possibility of policy cancellations after claims have been made.
  • May lead to imbalance in risk pools and higher premiums for all policyholders.
• Operational Challenges:
  • Insurers may need to revise underwriting processes and premium structures.
  • Maintaining open cancellation for a year may increase administrative burden.

Impact on the Insurance Sector:

• For Consumers: Greater protection and flexibility in reviewing policies.
• For Insurers: Risk of financial instability if policies are canceled after availing benefits.
• For the Government: Strengthens consumer rights and builds trust in the insurance sector.

Tabular Summary:

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7. What is the new small-value loan limit for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) per borrower?
A) ₹1 crore
B) ₹2 crore
C) ₹3 crore
D) ₹4 crore
E) ₹5 crore
Answer: C) ₹3 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI revises small loan limit for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs)
• Date: February 2025
• Location: India

Revised Small Loan Ceiling:

• New Limit: ₹3 crore per borrower.
• Definition of Small Loans: Up to ₹25 lakh or 0.4% of Tier I capital, whichever is higher.
• Existing lending conditions and prudential norms remain unchanged.

Mandated Loan Composition for UCBs:

• 50% of total loans must be small-value loans by March 31, 2026.
• Bank Boards must periodically review loan portfolios and may set lower lending ceilings for risk management.

Housing & Real Estate Exposure Limits:

• Total exposure to housing, real estate, and commercial real estate: Capped at 10% of total assets.
• Additional 5% exposure permitted for priority sector housing loans.

Individual Housing Loan Limits:

• Tier-1 UCBs: ₹60 lakh per borrower.
• Other UCBs: ₹1.4 crore per borrower.

Caps on Real Estate Exposure:

• Residential mortgages (non-priority sector loans): ≤ 25% of total loans & advances.
• Real estate exposure (excluding individual housing loans): ≤ 5% of total loans & advances.

Objective of RBI’s Policy:

• Enhance financial resilience of UCBs.
• Reduce credit concentration risk and excessive exposure to real estate.
• Ensure a well-diversified loan portfolio.
• Encourage structured and risk-conscious lending practices.

Tabular Summary:

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8. What is the primary advantage of the Paytm Solar Soundbox?
A) It supports cryptocurrency transactions
B) It ensures uninterrupted payment alerts using solar energy
C) It provides free internet access for merchants
D) It works only with Paytm Wallet transactions
E) It allows offline transactions without internet connectivity
Answer: B) It ensures uninterrupted payment alerts using solar energy

Event and Location:

• Event: Paytm launches India’s first Solar Soundbox for digital payments
• Date: February 20, 2025
• Location: India

Key Features of the Paytm Solar Soundbox:

• Dual Battery System:
  • Solar-Powered Battery: Charges under sunlight, lasts a full day with 2-3 hours of sunlight.
  • Electricity-Powered Battery: Backup battery lasts up to 10 days when fully charged.
• 4G Connectivity: Ensures fast and reliable payment confirmations.
• Loud Audio Alerts: Equipped with a 3-watt speaker for clear notifications, even in noisy areas.
• Multilingual Support: Supports 11 regional languages for better accessibility.
• Embedded QR Code: Allows merchants to accept UPI and RuPay Credit Card transactions seamlessly.

Target Users:

• Small merchants, hawkers, street vendors, and shopkeepers, especially in rural and remote areas where electricity supply is inconsistent.

Paytm’s Past Innovations in Digital Payments:

• 2019: Launched the first Paytm Soundbox for instant payment alerts.
• 2023: Over 13.72 billion transactions processed through Paytm Soundbox devices.
• 2025: Solar Soundbox integrates sustainable energy with digital payments, reducing dependency on electricity.

Significance of the Solar Soundbox:

• Promotes financial inclusion for small businesses by making digital payments more accessible.
• Reduces reliance on electricity, ensuring uninterrupted service in areas with power shortages.
• Supports eco-friendly technology by utilizing solar energy.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs February 26

9. Why did SEBI impose a ₹5.05 crore penalty on ICCL?
A) For failing to meet minimum capital requirements
B) For non-compliance with SEBI’s cybersecurity and IT asset management regulations
C) For engaging in insider trading activities
D) For violating listing norms of BSE
E) For manipulating stock prices
Answer: B) For non-compliance with SEBI’s cybersecurity and IT asset management regulations

Event and Location:

• Event: SEBI imposes ₹5.05 crore penalty on BSE’s ICCL for regulatory violations
• Date: February 2025
• Location: India
• Regulator: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
• Entity Penalized: Indian Clearing Corporation Ltd. (ICCL), a subsidiary of BSE Ltd.

Key Violations Identified by SEBI:

1. Non-Compliance with IT Asset Management:
   • ICCL failed to maintain an updated inventory of critical IT assets.
   • Centralized inventory lacked details on software assets and their criticality.
2. Failure to Comply with SEBI’s Cybersecurity Framework:
   • ICCL did not resolve audit findings in a timely manner.
   • Some issues remained unresolved for over six months, violating SEBI guidelines.
3. Deficiencies in Disaster Recovery Systems:
   • SEBI found that ICCL failed to maintain a one-to-one correspondence between the Disaster Recovery Site (DRS) and Primary Data Centre (PDC).
   • This posed a risk to business continuity in case of a system failure.
4. Regulatory Violations:
   • Breaches under:
     • SEBI Act, 1992
     • Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (SCRA)
     • SEBI (Stock Exchange and Clearing Corporations) Regulations, 2018 (SECC)

ICCL’s Defense:

• Lapses were technical in nature, with no harm caused to investors.
• Corrective actions were taken, including updating asset inventory and resolving audit findings.
• Some discrepancies, like minor variations in server specifications, were not intentional violations.
• Argued that inadvertent errors should not attract heavy penalties.

SEBI’s Ruling and Penalty Imposed:

• SEBI found the violations serious enough to compromise market integrity.
• Total Penalty: ₹5.05 crore, broken down as follows:
  • ₹5 lakh under Section 15HB of the SEBI Act.
  • ₹5 crore under Section 23GA of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act (SCRA).
• Payment Deadline: ICCL must pay the penalty within 45 days of receiving the order.

Tabular Summary:

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10. What is the projected GDP growth rate of India for FY25 and FY26 as per S&P Global Market Intelligence?
A) 6.2%
B) 6.4%
C) 6.6%
D) 6.8%
E) 7.0%
Answer: B) 6.4%

Event and Location:

• Event: S&P Global Market Intelligence forecasts India’s GDP growth at 6.4% in FY25 and FY26
• Date: February 2025
• Location: India

Key Economic Forecasts:

• India’s GDP Growth Projection (S&P Global Market Intelligence): 6.4% for FY25 and FY26.
• RBI’s GDP Growth Forecast for FY25: 6.6%.
• S&P Global Ratings’ Earlier Estimate: 6.8%.

Monetary & Fiscal Policy Measures Driving Growth:

1. RBI’s Monetary Policy Support:
   • February 2025: RBI cut repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%, first rate cut in five years.
   • Expected Rate Cut: Another 25 bps cut in April 2025 to further boost borrowing and investment.
2. Government’s Fiscal Policy Measures:
   • Union Budget 2025: Introduced tax relief measures to increase disposable income.
   • Increased Government Spending: Focus on infrastructure and social welfare to support domestic demand.

Key Economic Growth Drivers:

1. Easing Inflation:
   • Lower inflation enhances household purchasing power, boosting consumer spending.
2. Favorable Monsoon:
   • Agricultural output increases, benefiting rural employment and demand.
3. Higher Government Expenditure:
   • Infrastructure and social sector investments drive economic momentum.

Long-Term Economic Outlook Beyond FY26:

• FY27 Projection: GDP growth expected to moderate to 6.2%.
• FY28 Projection: Growth is projected to rebound to 6.6% due to sustained investments and reforms.

Significance of the Forecast:

• India remains resilient despite global economic headwinds.
• Strong policy interventions to ensure sustained economic momentum.
• Infrastructure growth and technological advancements expected to fuel long-term expansion.

Tabular Summary:

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Books and Authors – Daily Current Affairs February 26

11. Which Kannada book has been longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2025?
A) Ghachar Ghochar
B) Samskara
C) Heart Lamp
D) Pyre
E) Tomb of Sand
Answer: C) Heart Lamp

Event and Location:

• Event: Kannada book Heart Lamp longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2025
• Date: February 2025
• Location: Global

Key Highlights:

1. Historic Nomination
   • Heart Lamp is the first-ever Kannada book to be longlisted for the International Booker Prize.
   • Author: Banu Mushtaq
   • Translator: Deepa Bhasthi
2. About the Book
   • A collection of 12 short stories set in Muslim communities of southern India.
   • Stories originally published between 1990 and 2023.
   • Praised for its witty, vivid, colloquial, and moving storytelling.
3. International Booker Prize 2025 Longlist:
   • Features 13 books from 15 nationalities.
   • Includes 10 original languages, with Kannada and Romanian appearing for the first time.
4. Notable Past Indian Winners & Nominees
   • 2022 Winner: Tomb of Sand by Geetanjali Shree (first Hindi novel to win).
   • 2023 Longlist: Pyre by Perumal Murugan (Tamil novel).
   • 2013 Longlist: U.R. Ananthamurthy for the Man Booker International Prize (previous version of the award).
5. Prize Selection Timeline
   • Shortlist Announcement: April 8, 2025 (6 books will be selected).
   • Winner Announcement: May 20, 2025, at Tate Modern, London.
6. Prize Money Distribution
   • Total Prize: £50,000 (split equally between author and translator).
   • Shortlisted Books: £5,000 per book (£2,500 each for author & translator).

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs February 26

12. Which ministry confers the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards?
A) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
B) Ministry of Science and Technology
C) Ministry of Ayush
D) Ministry of Education
E) Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: C) Ministry of Ayush

Event and Location:

• Event: Ministry of Ayush confers National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards 2025
• Date: February 2025
• Location: India

About the Awards:

• Organized by: Ministry of Ayush.
• Recognizes: Exceptional contributions in Ayurvedic research, practice, and education.
• Award Components:
  • Citation for excellence.
  • Statue of Lord Dhanwantari.
  • Cash prize of ₹5 lakh per recipient.

2025 Award Recipients:

1. Vaidya Tara Chand Sharma
   • Field: Nadi Vaidya (Pulse Diagnosis) and Ayurveda literature.
   • Contribution: Advanced Ayurvedic diagnostics and authored influential texts.
2. Vaidya Maya Ram Uniyal
   • Field: Dravyaguna Vigyana (Study of medicinal plants).
   • Experience: 60+ years of service in Ayurveda.
   • Impact: Influential writings and leadership in Ayurvedic scholarship.
3. Vaidya Sameer Govind Jamadagni
   • Field: Ayurvedic education and research.
   • Founder: Vishwa Vyakhyanmala national conference & Vishwa Ayurveda Prabodhini.
   • Contribution: Transformed Ayurveda education over four decades.

Significance of the Awards:

• Promotes Ayurveda’s global relevance.
• Honors pioneers in traditional Indian medicine.
• Encourages integration of Ayurveda with modern healthcare.
• Strengthens India’s position in holistic health practices worldwide.

Historical Significance:

• Established to honor excellence in Ayurveda.
• Symbol of national pride in traditional medicine.
• Recognizes leaders in Ayurvedic research, education, and practice.

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs February 26

13. What is the primary objective of the Athena lunar mission?
A) Establishing a permanent human settlement on the Moon
B) Conducting Mars exploration research
C) Studying the chemical composition of lunar soil and searching for subsurface water
D) Testing artificial gravity systems on the Moon
E) Launching a new space telescope
Answer: C) Studying the chemical composition of lunar soil and searching for subsurface water

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of the Athena robotic moon lander
• Date: February 26, 2025
• Location: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Mission Objectives:

• Lunar Soil Analysis: Study the chemical composition of lunar rocks and soil.
• Water Detection: Search for subsurface water in the Moon’s south pole to support future lunar habitation.
• Communication Test: Test Nokia’s 4G communication system for potential lunar network connectivity.
• Terrain Exploration: Deploy multiple lunar rovers and a hopping drone for terrain analysis.

Landing Site:

• Target Location: Mons Mouton, a plateau in the Moon’s south polar region.
• Significance: The area contains potential water ice deposits in permanently shadowed craters.

Scientific Payloads & Technologies:

• MAPP Rover (by Lunar Outpost): A suitcase-sized rover to capture 3D images of the terrain.
• AstroAnt Mini Rover (by MIT): A tiny robot riding on MAPP’s roof, monitoring temperature.
• Grace Hopping Robot: Designed to hop 650 feet across the lunar surface, scanning for ice and hydrogen.
• Lunar Trailblazer Satellite (by NASA): Launched alongside Athena to map water distribution on the Moon.

Mandates and Objectives:

• NASA’s CLPS Program: Encourages private-sector lunar exploration by funding commercial lunar missions.
• Supports Artemis Program: Contributes to establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
• Technology Advancement: Promotes cost-effective and innovative lunar exploration approaches.

Important Terms Explained:

• NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) Program: A NASA initiative funding private companies for delivering scientific payloads to the Moon, supporting Artemis missions and lunar exploration.
• Mons Mouton: A plateau in the Moon’s south polar region, selected for its potential water ice deposits.
• SpaceX Falcon 9: A partially reusable rocket developed by SpaceX, used for NASA, commercial, and scientific missions.

Other Key Space Missions This Week:

• February 27, 2025: NASA launches SPHEREx space observatory to study the origins of the universe.
• February 28, 2025: SpaceX’s Starship megarocket conducts its 8th test flight.
• March 1-2, 2025: Firefly Aerospace attempts a robotic moon landing.

Tabular Summary of the Athena Mission:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs February 26

14. What is the main objective of the Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI)?
A) To enhance trade relations between India and Denmark
B) To strengthen Denmark-India collaboration in sustainable energy solutions
C) To establish a joint defense initiative between India and Denmark
D) To promote tourism between the two nations
E) To facilitate financial aid from Denmark to Indian industries
Answer: B) To strengthen Denmark-India collaboration in sustainable energy solutions

Event and Location:

• Event: Denmark launches Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI)
• Date: February 2025
• Location: India & Denmark

Objective of GTAI:

• Foster Denmark-India collaboration in renewable energy, green fuels, and energy efficiency.
• Accelerate efforts toward global carbon neutrality.
• Strengthen India’s Net Zero by 2070 and Denmark’s Net Zero by 2045 targets.

Leadership & Structure:

• Led by: Embassy & Consulate General of Denmark in India.
• Three Working Groups:
  • Renewable Energy
  • Green Fuels
  • Energy Efficiency

Key Danish Companies Involved:

• Grundfos – Sustainable water solutions.
• Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners – Renewable energy investments.
• Baettr – Wind energy solutions.
• Novonesis – Biotech and sustainability solutions.
• MASH Makes – Green fuel technology.
• ROCKWOOL – Energy efficiency solutions.
• A.P. Moller-Maersk – Sustainable shipping and logistics.

Strategic Partners:

• Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)
• Indo-Danish Chamber of Commerce (IDCC)
• Confederation of Danish Industry (DI)
• IIT Madras Energy Consortium

Significance of GTAI:

• Strengthens Denmark-India cooperation on climate action.
• Encourages technology transfer and investment in green energy.
• Supports India’s energy transition to sustainable solutions.
• Builds on previous initiatives like:
  • Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI)
  • Wind Alliance India (WAI)

Tabular Summary:

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15. What is the primary purpose of the Cali Fund launched at CBD COP16?
A) To fund space exploration projects
B) To support biodiversity conservation through corporate financial contributions
C) To promote fossil fuel industries
D) To regulate international trade agreements
E) To increase taxation on indigenous communities
Answer: B) To support biodiversity conservation through corporate financial contributions

Event and Location:

• Event: Cali Fund Launched at CBD COP16 for Biodiversity Finance
• Date: February 25, 2025
• Location: Rome, Italy

What is the Cali Fund?

• A global biodiversity finance mechanism to secure funding from private companies.
• Supports biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and indigenous communities.
• Developed following a historic agreement at COP16 in Cali, Colombia (2024).
• Aligns with Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.

Who Will Contribute to the Fund?

• Companies utilizing Digital Sequence Information (DSI) from biodiversity resources.
• Industries impacted:
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Cosmetics
  • Agriculture
  • Biotechnology

What is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)?

• Genetic data derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms.
• Used in drug development, genetic engineering, and agricultural innovations.
• The fund ensures financial benefits flow back to conservation efforts.

How Will the Cali Fund Be Used?

• Biodiversity Conservation Projects: Supports protected areas, species protection.
• Support for Developing Countries: Helps nations implement biodiversity action plans.
• Scientific Research & Data Management: Advances genetic data storage, analysis.
• Empowering Indigenous & Local Communities: At least 50% of funds go to indigenous communities.

Management & Governance:

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Fund implementation.
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Conservation oversight.
• Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO) – Administrative support.

Why is the Cali Fund a Historic Milestone?

• First-ever UN biodiversity fund to receive direct contributions from businesses.
• Supports KMGBF’s goal of reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.
• Ensures fair benefit-sharing from genetic resources across industries.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs February 26

16. What is the main benefit of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme for farmers?
A) Provides long-term housing loans to farmers
B) Offers affordable short-term credit for agricultural and allied activities
C) Facilitates direct cash transfers for rural development
D) Increases subsidies on fertilizers and pesticides
E) Provides employment guarantees to rural workers
Answer: B) Offers affordable short-term credit for agricultural and allied activities

Event and Location:

• Event: Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan amount crosses ₹10.05 lakh crore
• Date: December 2024
• Location: India

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme:

• Purpose: Provides affordable short-term credit for agriculture and allied activities.
• Introduced in: 1998 by NABARD.
• Expansion (2019): Coverage extended to Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Fisheries.

Growth of KCC Loans:

• March 2014: ₹4.26 lakh crore.
• December 2024: ₹10.05 lakh crore.
• Impact: Increased institutional credit access and reduced reliance on informal loans.

Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS):

• Interest Subvention: 1.5% provided to banks for short-term agricultural loans.
• Loan Interest Rate: 7% per annum.
• Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI): Additional 3% reduction for timely repayment, making the effective rate 4%.

Collateral-Free Loans:

• Limit: Loans up to ₹2 lakh under KCC are provided without collateral.
• Benefit: Ensures credit access for small and marginal farmers.

Budget 2025-26 Announcement:

• Loan Limit Increase: From ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme.
• Objective: Enhance financial support for farmers and boost agricultural productivity.

Impact on Farmers & Agriculture:

• Affordable Credit: Institutional credit at lower interest rates reduces dependence on private lenders.
• Productivity Boost: Timely loans allow farmers to buy quality inputs and adopt modern techniques.
• Financial Stability: Collateral-free loans provide security and reduce farmer distress.
• Support for Allied Activities: Benefits extended to Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Fisheries sectors.

Tabular Summary:

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17. What is the theme of Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025?
A) Rural Women Empowerment Through SHGs
B) Promoting Traditional Handlooms and Handicrafts
C) Developing Export Potential of Lakhpati SHG Didis
D) Self-Sufficiency in Agriculture and Rural Trade
E) Enhancing Digital Payment Adoption in Rural India
Answer: C) Developing Export Potential of Lakhpati SHG Didis

Event and Location:

• Event: Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025
• Date: February 21 to March 10, 2025
• Location: Noida Haat, Sector 33 A, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
• Organizer:  Ministry of Rural Development in collaboration with NIRDPR (National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj)

Inauguration:

• Chief Guest: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Minister for Rural Development)
• Ministers of State Present: Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Shri Kamlesh Paswan

Theme:

• “Developing Export Potential of Lakhpati SHG Didis”
• Supports ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’ initiatives

Participation:

• 30 states showcasing handlooms, handicrafts, and organic products
• Over 200 stalls displaying rural India’s best products

Handloom & Handicrafts on Display:

• Andhra Pradesh: Kalamkari paintings and textiles
• Assam: Mekhla Chador
• Bihar: Cotton and Silk fabrics
• Chhattisgarh: Kosa Saree
• Gujarat: Bharat Gunthan and Patchwork
• Jharkhand: Tasar Silk and Cotton weaves
• Madhya Pradesh: Chanderi and Bagh Print textiles
• Tamil Nadu: Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
• West Bengal: Kantha, Batik Print, Tant, Baluchari weaves

Organic & Food Products:

• Northeast: Ginger, tea, coffee
• Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh: Pulses, spices
• Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand: Apple jam, pickles
• Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra: Traditional sweets, snacks

Live Food Stalls:

• 25 stalls from 20 states offering regional delicacies
• Famous Dishes:
  • Punjab – Makki di Roti-Sarson da Saag
  • Gujarat – Dhokla
  • Bihar – Litti Chokha
  • Northeast – Bamboo Shoot Curry
  • Kerala – Malabar Parotta

Special Arrangements:

• Senior Citizen Assistance: Seating and transportation support
• Kids Zone: Activities, games, and workshops for children
• Mother’s Care Facilities: Dedicated spaces for mothers with infants
• Cultural Performances: Live folk music, dance, and storytelling sessions

Export Promotion Pavilion:

• Objective: Expanding SHG products to international markets
• Key Features:
  • Training on export regulations, packaging, and marketing
  • Connecting SHGs with global buyers
  • Promoting rural entrepreneurship on a global scale

Objective of Saras Aajeevika Mela:

• Empowering rural artisans by eliminating middlemen
• Encouraging financial independence for rural women
• Preserving traditional Indian crafts and skills
• Promoting sustainable and eco-friendly products
• Supporting ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’ vision for rural economic growth

Tabular Summary:

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18. What is the primary objective of the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) as discussed at Prakriti 2025?
A) To increase the use of fossil fuels
B) To promote carbon trading and reduce emissions
C) To regulate water conservation policies
D) To develop a global taxation system
E) To phase out solar energy adoption
Answer: B) To promote carbon trading and reduce emissions

Event and Location:

• Event: Prakriti 2025 – India’s 1st International Conference on Carbon Markets
• Date: February 24-25, 2025
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Organized By: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power
• Chief Guest: Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs

Objective of the Conference:

• Establish a structured carbon market to help India transition to a low-carbon economy.
• Promote transparent carbon trading mechanisms to incentivize emission reductions.
• Align India’s carbon market with global standards while ensuring cost-effectiveness for industries.

Indian Carbon Market (ICM) Plan:

• Target: 40% emission reduction by 2027, full implementation by 2030.
• Mechanism:
  • Businesses can trade carbon credits.
  • Incentivizes industries to shift to cleaner energy sources.
  • Ensures market stability and active industry participation.

Key Global Challenges & Private Sector Perspectives:

1. Impact of EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM):
   • Speaker: Thomas Kerr, Lead Climate Change Specialist, World Bank.
   • Issue: CBAM may affect Indian exports (especially steel and aluminum).
   • Solution: Indian businesses must engage in domestic carbon markets to remain competitive.
2. Governance & Policy Framework:
   • Speaker: Ashok Lavasa, Former Finance Secretary.
   • Focus:
     • Strong Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) frameworks.
     • Fair benefit distribution & compliance with international standards.
     • International cooperation while addressing India’s economic challenges.

Public Engagement & Awareness:

• Speaker: UN Goodwill Ambassador & Actor, Dia Mirza.
• Topic: India’s LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Initiative.
• Emphasis:
  • Encouraging responsible consumption.
  • Involving youth and communities in climate discussions.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Incentives for renewable energy developers through carbon markets.
• Role of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement in shaping international carbon trade.
• Strategies to enhance price transparency in global carbon trading.
• Potential of nature-based solutions in achieving net-zero goals.

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19. Which major business groups announced ₹50,000 crore investments each in Assam during Advantage Assam 2.0?
A) Tata Group and JSW Group
B) Adani Group and Reliance Industries
C) Vedanta and Hindustan Unilever
D) Infosys and Wipro
E) Larsen & Toubro and NTPC
Answer: B) Adani Group and Reliance Industries

Event and Location:

• Event: Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025
• Date: February 2025
• Location: Guwahati, Assam

Objective of the Summit:

• Boost investment and infrastructure in Assam and the Northeast.
• Position Assam as a business and trade hub in South and Southeast Asia.
• Promote key sectors like energy, logistics, tourism, and manufacturing.

Key Investment Announcements:

1. Reliance Industries (Mukesh Ambani)
   • Investment Amount: ₹50,000 crore.
   • Focus Areas: Technology, digital expansion, and industrial growth.
2. Adani Group (Gautam Adani)
   • Investment Amount: ₹50,000 crore.
   • Focus Areas: Infrastructure, airports, city gas distribution, and roadways.

Assam’s Economic Transformation:

• CM Himanta Biswa Sarma: Projected Assam’s economy to reach $143 billion by 2030.
• Expected GDP Growth (2025): 15.2%.
• Transformation: From a history of unrest to economic stability and growth.

Significance of Advantage Assam 2.0:

• PM Narendra Modi: Called it a “mega campaign” to connect Assam with global markets.
• Participation from global business leaders and delegations from Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan.
• Strengthening Assam’s role as a key economic corridor under the Act East Policy.

Government’s Focus Areas:

• Enhancing trade and transport links to Southeast Asia.
• Improving road, rail, air, and digital connectivity.
• Attracting large-scale industrial investments to generate jobs and economic growth.

Tabular Summary:

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20. What is the main objective of TRIFED’s MoUs with NIFT and HPMC?
A) To promote direct cash transfers to tribal artisans
B) To transition tribal marketing from B2C to B2B and enhance market reach
C) To replace traditional tribal crafts with modern factory-made products
D) To privatize tribal entrepreneurship initiatives
E) To limit the sale of tribal products to domestic markets only
Answer: B) To transition tribal marketing from B2C to B2B and enhance market reach

Event and Location:

• Event: TRIFED signs MoUs with NIFT and HPMC to enhance tribal entrepreneurship
• Date: February 24, 2025

Objective of the Collaboration:

• Shift from Business-to-Consumer (B2C) to Business-to-Business (B2B) model.
• Expand market opportunities for tribal artisans and producers.
• Enhance product quality and marketability through design and technology improvements.

Key Agreements Signed:

1. TRIFED-NIFT Collaboration (Handloom & Handicrafts Focus)
   • Objective: Improve design, curation, and branding of tribal handloom and handicraft products.
   • How NIFT Helps:
     • Introduces modern design techniques.
     • Enhances product aesthetics and market demand.
     • Aligns tribal crafts with global consumer preferences.
   • Expected Outcome: Higher domestic & international sales of tribal handicrafts.
2. TRIFED-HPMC Collaboration (Horticulture & Minor Forest Produce Focus)
   • Objective: Improve processing and technology for tribal horticultural products.
   • How HPMC Helps:
     • Provides technical expertise in food processing.
     • Enhances shelf life and quality of products.
     • Expands access to larger distribution networks.
   • Expected Outcome: Higher income and better market access for tribal farmers.

Significance of the Initiative:

• Integrates tribal products into mainstream markets.
• Creates employment opportunities and economic empowerment for tribal communities.
• Strengthens the reach of tribal businesses in corporate & bulk retail supply chains.

Aadi Mahotsav 2025 – Event Overview:

• Held at: Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi (Feb 16-24, 2025).
• Inaugurated by: President Smt. Droupadi Murmu.
• Showcases: Tribal culture, crafts, and enterprises.

Organizations Involved:

1. TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd.)
   • Founded: 1987
   • Under: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
   • Purpose: Socio-economic development of tribal communities through marketing support.
2. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
   • Founded: 1986
   • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
   • Director-General: Tanu Kashyap
   • Purpose: India’s premier fashion & design institute.
3. Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd. (HPMC)
   • Founded: 1974
   • Headquarters: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
   • Purpose: Supports horticultural ma rketing & food processing in Himachal Pradesh.

Tabular Summary:

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21. What is the primary objective of the SWAYATT initiative on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM)?
A) To promote large corporations in government procurement
B) To increase participation of startups, women entrepreneurs, and youth in public procurement
C) To restrict small businesses from selling on GeM
D) To replace traditional markets with digital payments only
E) To privatize public procurement systems
Answer: B) To increase participation of startups, women entrepreneurs, and youth in public procurement

Event and Location:

• Event: SWAYATT completes 6 years of empowering startups, women, and youth in digital procurement
• Date: February 19, 2025
• Location: GeM Headquarters, New Delhi

About SWAYATT:

• Full Form: Startups, Women & Youth Advantage through eTransactions.
• Launched on: February 19, 2019.
• Platform: Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
• Objective: Increase participation of startups, women-led businesses, and youth in government procurement.

Key Achievements of SWAYATT:

1. Empowering Entrepreneurs & Marginalized Groups
   • Trains and supports last-mile sellers, including women entrepreneurs, MSEs, and SHGs.
   • Encourages digital procurement to ease business operations.
2. MoU with FICCI-FLO (2025 Anniversary Event)
   • Signed an MoU with FICCI Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO).
   • Provides direct access to 9,500+ women entrepreneurs for selling to government buyers.
   • Boosts local job creation and economic inclusion.
3. Growth in Startup Participation
   • 2019: 3,400 startups onboarded.
   • 2025: 29,000 startups have received orders worth ₹35,950 Crore.
4. Women’s Contribution to Public Procurement
   • Women entrepreneurs make up 8% of GeM’s seller base.
   • 1,77,786 Udyam-verified women MSEs contribute to ₹46,615 Crore in order value.
5. Dedicated Storefronts for Inclusivity
   • Startup Runway: Supports DPIIT-registered startups in showcasing their innovations.
   • Womaniya: Increases visibility of women-led businesses on GeM.

Future Goals of SWAYATT & GeM:

• Onboard 1 Lakh DPIIT-registered startups.
• Double the number of women entrepreneurs on GeM.
• Increase their share in national procurement beyond 3.78%.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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