National News
1. What new commission was announced by PM Modi to improve governance?
Answer: The Deregulation Commission was announced to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and promote ease of doing business.
2. What tribal event was inaugurated by President Murmu?
Answer: The National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ was inaugurated in New Delhi, celebrating tribal culture and heritage.
International News
3. What defense deal is India finalizing with the Philippines?
Answer: A $200 million deal for the Akash missile system, developed by DRDO, to boost India’s defense exports.
State News
4. Which state topped the Local Governance Performance Index 2024?
Answer: Karnataka ranked first, while Uttar Pradesh rose from 15th to 5th place due to improved transparency and administration.
Banking News
5. What expansion was approved for Bank of Maharashtra?
Answer: RBI allowed it to open a branch in GIFT City, Gujarat, enhancing offshore banking operations.
6. What new portal was launched by SEBI?
Answer: A Related Party Transactions (RPT) portal to improve corporate governance and transparency.
7. What is the projected impact of RBI’s rate cut on bank margins?
Answer: Indian banks’ net interest margins may drop by 10 bps in FY26 due to the 25 bps rate cut to 6.25%.
8. What research funding did Axis Bank pledge?
Answer: ₹104 crore to Ashoka University for PhD and post-doctoral research in Neurosciences, Behavioral Studies, and Physics.
Business News
9. Which brand replaced Thums Up as IPL 2025 co-presenter?
Answer: Campa Cola, owned by Reliance Consumer Products, secured co-presenting rights in a ₹200 crore deal.
10. What digital infrastructure project was launched by Meta?
Answer: Project Waterworth, a 50,000 km undersea cable to boost India–US digital connectivity.
Summits & Conferences
11. Where will the 17th BRICS Summit be held?
Answer: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6–7, 2025, focusing on global governance reforms.
12. What is BHARAT TEX 2025?
Answer: A global textile event held from February 14–17, showcasing India’s textile industry.
Ranks & Reports
13. What report highlighted India’s extreme weather crisis?
Answer: India accounted for 10% of global deaths due to extreme weather, with 80,000 deaths and $180 billion in losses from 1993–2022.
Important Days
14. What is observed on 17th February globally?
Answer: Global Tourism Resilience Day, promoting strategies for a sustainable and adaptable tourism sector.
15. What is the significance of International Childhood Cancer Day?
Answer: Observed on 15th February, it raises awareness and advocates for better treatment and support for young cancer patients.
Sports News
16. What was India’s performance at the 9th Asian Winter Games?
Answer: India did not win any medals; China led the medal tally. The event featured 64 competitions across 11 disciplines.
17. What world record did Jacob Kiplimo break?
Answer: He set a new half-marathon world record in Barcelona, finishing in 56 minutes and 42 seconds.
Obituaries
18. Who was C. Krishnaveni and what was her legacy?
Answer: A pioneer of Telugu cinema, she passed away at 102. She introduced legends like NTR and Ghantasala to the screen.
19. Who was Pratul Mukhopadhyay?
Answer: A renowned Bengali vocalist and lyricist, known for songs like “Ami Banglar Gaan Gai,” he passed away at 83.