National Affairs

PM Narendra Modi Visits Meerut; Flags off Meerut Metro and Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, on 22 February 2026, where he flagged off the Meerut Metro and dedicated the 82 km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor along with development projects worth approximately ₹12,930 crore to the nation.

Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor:
PM Modi dedicated the 82 km Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).

Key Features:

• Designed speed: 180 kmph
• Operational speed: 160 kmph
• Connects Delhi with Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar, and Meerut
• Sarai Kale Khan serves as the originating station of the corridor
• Four Namo Bharat stations were commissioned as part of the inauguration

Meerut Metro:
The 21 km Meerut Metro corridor operates between Meerut South and Modipuram across 12 stations.

Key Highlight:
Meerut Metro is India’s fastest metro system, with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph.

Integrated Transit Model:
Meerut Metro operates on shared infrastructure with Namo Bharat, creating India’s first integrated intercity and intra-city rapid transit model.

NIPER Signs MoU with Boehringer Ingelheim India to Boost Pharma Education and Research

The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Raebareli, including its Centre of Excellence for Novel Drug Delivery Systems, signed an MoU with Boehringer Ingelheim India Private Limited on 21 February 2026.

The MoU aims to enhance pharmaceutical education, research collaboration, and innovation.

Objective:
The partnership will support:

• Curriculum enhancement aligned with industry needs
• Guest lectures
• Expert interactions
• Short-term training programmes
• Workshops for practical learning
• Industry exposure for students

AMRITVA Cohort 2 Launched:
During the event, Cohort 2 of AMRITVA was also launched to strengthen India’s medical research and innovation ecosystem.

About AMRITVA Cohort 2:

• Five innovators selected for grant support
• Includes three faculty-led projects
• Includes two research scholar-led projects
• Focuses on commercialization of research

Implementation:
AMRITVA is implemented by the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur, in partnership with NIPER, Raebareli.

Union Minister J.P. Nadda Launches Indigenous Td Vaccine in Kasauli

Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, launched the indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria vaccine at the Central Research Institute, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, on 20 February 2026.

About Td Vaccine:
The Td vaccine provides protection against two serious bacterial diseases:

• Tetanus
• Diphtheria

It combines tetanus toxoid and diphtheria toxoid to offer dual protection.

Production & Supply:
The vaccine is manufactured domestically at CRI, Kasauli.

Key Milestones:

• Developmental studies completed
• Required licences and approvals obtained
• Clearance received from the Central Drugs Laboratory
• Commercial production started

Supply Target:
CRI will supply 55 lakh doses by April 2026.

Universal Immunization Programme:
The vaccine has been incorporated into India’s Universal Immunization Programme and replaces the earlier tetanus-only vaccine in many cases.

Union MoS Jayant Chaudhary Launches ‘Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai’ Campaign

Union Minister of State Independent Charge Jayant Chaudhary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, launched the nationwide campaign ‘Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai’ on 22 February 2026.

The campaign aims to accelerate India’s digital skilling movement through the Skill India Digital Hub.

The campaign was unveiled on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi.

Aim:
The initiative is designed to empower citizens to:

• Upskill
• Reskill
• Future-proof their careers
• Adapt to AI, automation, and digital innovation

Platform Focus:
The campaign aims to expand participation in the Skill India Digital Hub, which integrates skilling, employment, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Brand Ambassador:
Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan has been brought on board to promote SIDH.

About Skill India Digital Hub:
SIDH is a mobile-first, AI-enabled platform offering industry-aligned and future-ready courses.

Key Features:

• Personalized course recommendations
• Aadhaar-based eKYC registration
• OTP-enabled access
• QR-code-enabled digital CVs
• Support in more than 21 Indian languages

NDMA, AcSIR and CSIR-NIScPR Sign MoU to Strengthen Disaster Management Research

The National Disaster Management Authority, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, and CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research signed an MoU on 21 February 2026.

The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in Disaster Management Research and Response.

Objective:
The MoU seeks to enhance:

• Disaster risk reduction
• Research
• Capacity building
• Policy support
• Knowledge sharing
• National disaster resilience

Integration:
The agreement integrates science, technology, and policy to improve disaster preparedness and promote interdisciplinary research.

Role of Entities:
Under the MoU:

• AcSIR will launch a PhD programme at CSIR-NIScPR with support from NDMA
• NDMA, AcSIR, and CSIR-NIScPR will conduct joint research
• Policy studies and capacity-building programmes will be undertaken
• Public awareness and science communication on disaster risks will be strengthened

Banking & Finance

RBI Launches Secure Second Data Centre in Odisha

The Reserve Bank of India launched a highly secure second data centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in February 2026.

The facility aims to strengthen the safety, resilience, and continuity of India’s critical financial infrastructure.

Location:
The greenfield facility is located on an 18.55-acre campus at Info Valley-II, Khordha, Odisha.

Purpose:
The data centre will store and run RBI’s main computer systems managing:

• Cash supply
• Digital payments between banks
• Financial data monitoring
• Core financial applications

Certification:
The site has secured Tier IV design certification, indicating global standards for reliability, uptime, and operational performance.

Primary Data Centre:
RBI’s primary data centre is located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Economy & Business

Embraer and Mahindra Collaborate to Establish C-390 MRO Facility in India

Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer and India’s Mahindra Group announced plans to collaborate on establishing a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility in India.

The facility will support the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft.

Condition:
The facility is subject to the selection of the C-390 aircraft by the Indian Air Force under its Medium Transport Aircraft procurement programme.

Background:
A Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed in October 2025 aims to produce the C-390 Millennium in India and strengthen the Make in India initiative.

Scope of MRO Facility:

• Base and heavy maintenance
• Structural inspection and testing
• Component repair and overhaul
• Avionics support
• Training services

Support:
The proposed facility will provide in-country maintenance and sustainment support for the C-390 fleet.

About C-390 Millennium:
The C-390 Millennium is a multi-mission military transport aircraft.

Key Features:

• Payload capacity: Up to 26 tonnes
• Higher speed
• Greater operational range
• Enhanced performance compared to other medium-sized transport aircraft

ICRA Forecasts India’s GDP Growth at 7.2% in Q3 FY26

Credit rating agency ICRA Limited projected India’s GDP growth to ease to around 7.2% in the third quarter of FY26, covering October–December 2025.

This is lower than the 8.2% growth recorded in Q2 FY26.

Key Growth Projection:

Industrial Activity:
Industrial activity is projected to rise to around 8.3%, the highest in six quarters.

Gross Value Added:
Services GVA growth is estimated to moderate to 7.8% in Q3 FY26 from 9.2% in Q2 FY26.

Moderation Factors:

• Unfavourable base effects from FY25
• Contraction in government capital expenditure
• Subdued state government spending
• Weak merchandise exports
• Slowdown in services exports

Awards & Recognitions

Vasai Cathedral Wins 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation

The 475-year-old Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, Maharashtra, received the Award of Merit at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2025.

It became the only religious site from India to receive recognition in the 2025 edition.

Announcement:
The award was announced in Bangkok, Thailand, during the 25th anniversary ceremony of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Award Categories:

• Award of Distinction
• Award of Merit
• Award for New Design in Heritage Contexts
• Special Recognition for Sustainable Development

Participation:
A total of 90 entries from 16 countries were assessed by a seven-member international jury.

Projects Recognised in 2025:
The 2025 edition honoured 10 projects from six countries:

• China
• India
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Nepal
• Vanuatu

Highest Honour:
The Award of Distinction was jointly conferred on:

• Sihang Warehouse Conservation Project, Shanghai, China
• Iwami Ginzan Library Conservation Project, Oda, Japan

Notable Point:
Nepal secured two Awards of Merit in 2025.

Manipuri Film ‘Boong’ Wins BAFTA Award for Best Children’s & Family Film

The Manipuri-language film ‘Boong’ became the first Indian film to win the BAFTA Award for Best Children’s & Family Film.

The award was presented at the 79th BAFTA ceremony held at the Royal Festival Hall in London, United Kingdom.

Key Highlight:
The trophy was presented by Paddington Bear from Paddington The Musical, and Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt attended as a guest presenter.

About the Film:

Title:
Boong

Language:
Manipuri

Genre:
Coming-of-age comedy-drama

Director:
Debutant Lakshmipriya Devi

Producers:
Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under Excel Entertainment

Plot:
The film follows a young boy, Boong, who travels with his friend Raju to reunite his mother Mandakini with his father Joykumar.

Other Acting Honours:

• Best Leading Actor: Robert Aramayo for I Swear
• Best Leading Actress: Jessie Buckley for Hamnet
• Outstanding British Film: Hamnet

Sports

Overview of 2026 Winter Olympics Held in Italy; Norway Tops Medal Tally

The XXV Winter Olympic Games, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, were held from 6 to 22 February 2026 across multiple venues in Lombardy and Northeast Italy.

This marked the first time two cities officially co-hosted the Winter Olympics.

Host Cities and Venues:

• Milan
• Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Bormio
• Val di Fiemme

Organiser:
The Games were organised under the International Olympic Committee during the presidency of Kirsty Coventry, marking the first Olympics under her leadership.

Venue Clusters:

Sports Featured:
The Games included 16 winter sports, such as Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowboarding, Freestyle Skiing, Ski Jumping, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, Ice Hockey, Curling, Bobsleigh, Skeleton, Luge, Nordic Combined, and Ski Mountaineering.

Medal Tally: Top 4 Countries

Host Nation Performance:
Italy finished fourth with 30 medals, marking its best-ever Winter Olympic performance.

India’s Participation:
India fielded a two-member contingent:

• Arif Mohammad Khan – Alpine Skiing
• Stanzin Lundup – Cross-Country Skiing

India Highlight:
Arif Mohammad Khan registered India’s best-ever finish in men’s slalom, though India did not win a medal.

World Record:
Dutch short track speed skater Xandra Velzeboer won gold medals in the 500 m and 1000 m, setting a world record in the 500 m semi-finals.

Belgium’s Hanne Vandewinkel Wins ITF W100 Bengaluru Women’s Singles Title

Belgium’s Hanne Vandewinkel won the KPB Family Trust ITF Women’s 100 Bengaluru Tournament in February 2026.

She defeated India’s Shrivalli Bhamidipaty Adkar by 6-0, 6-1 in the final.

Tournament Details:

Prize and Ranking Points:

• Hanne Vandewinkel earned 100 WTA ranking points
• Prize money: USD 15,239
• Shrivalli Bhamidipaty Adkar earned 65 ranking points
• Runner-up prize money: USD 8,147

India’s Significance:
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty Adkar became the first Indian woman since Sania Mirza in 2009 to reach an ITF W100 final.

Obituary

Former Union Railway Minister Mukul Roy Passes Away

Former Union Minister Mukul Roy passed away on 23 February 2026 at the age of 71 in Kolkata, West Bengal.

He was a founding member of the All India Trinamool Congress.

Born:
17 April 1954 in Kanchrapara, West Bengal

Parliamentary Career:
Mukul Roy was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2006 and was later re-elected for a subsequent term.

He served as the leader of TMC in the Rajya Sabha from 2009 to 2012.

Ministerial Roles:
During the UPA-II government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he served as:

• Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways: 2009–2011
• 32nd Union Minister for Railways: March–September 2012

Books & Authors

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan Launches Constitution of India in Gujarati and Tamil

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan launched the Constitution of India in Gujarati and Tamil on International Mother Language Day, observed on 21 February 2026.

The launch took place at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

He also launched the 8th Edition of the Legal Glossary, translating legal terms from English to Hindi.

About Constitution in Regional Languages:
The official translations are also available in languages such as:

• Boro
• Dogri
• Santali
• Other Indian languages

Significance:
The translations enable citizens to understand their:

• Rights
• Duties
• Democratic responsibilities
• Constitutional values

Nepali Edition:
The Vice-President noted that the Constitution was released for the first time in Nepali last year for the Nepali-speaking population of India.

About Legal Glossary:
The 8th edition of the Legal Glossary was launched to simplify legal terms for wider public understanding.

Beneficiaries:

• Lawmakers
• Students
• Judicial officers
• Researchers
• Translators
• Policymakers

Important Days

World Thinking Day 2026 – February 22

World Thinking Day is celebrated annually on 22 February by Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in 153 countries.

The day promotes international friendship, sisterhood, and empowerment of girls and women.

2026 Observance:
22 February 2026 marked the 100th anniversary of World Thinking Day.

Theme 2026:
“Our Friendship”

Background:

Origin:
In 1926, delegates from Girl Guide and Girl Scout organisations worldwide met in the United States for the 4th WAGGGS World Conference, where they decided to establish Thinking Day.

Renaming:
In 1999, during the 30th World Conference in Dublin, Ireland, the day was renamed World Thinking Day.

Organised By:
The day is annually organised by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Significance of February 22:
The date was chosen because it marks the birthday of:

• Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout Movement
• Olave Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide

Important Days at a Glance

State News

West Bengal Government Launches ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ Scheme for Unemployed Youth

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the Banglar Yuva Sathi scheme will begin from 1 April 2026.

The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to unemployed youth in the state for livelihood and skill development support.

Financial Assistance:
The scheme provides a monthly stipend of ₹1,500 through Direct Benefit Transfer.

Duration:
Up to five years, subject to the beneficiary remaining unemployed.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have passed the Madhyamik examination
• Age should be between 21 and 40 years
• Must not be a beneficiary of any other West Bengal welfare scheme

Registration Process:
Registration will be held from 15 to 26 February 2026.

Application Mode:
Applications will be accepted through special camps organised across all Assembly constituencies.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Launches CM Jan Sunwai Portal, EWS Admission Platform and e-District Services

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched multiple Information Technology initiatives at the Delhi Secretariat, New Delhi, in February 2026.

Major Initiatives Launched:

• CM Jan Sunwai grievance redressal portal and mobile app
• Integration of e-District services with Common Service Centres
• Secure online admission platform for EWS, DG and CWSN categories
• Digital Asset Portal
• CM Pragati Portal

CM Jan Sunwai Portal

The CM Jan Sunwai Portal establishes a centralised grievance redressal mechanism covering:

• Delhi Government departments
• Municipal Corporation of Delhi
• Delhi Development Authority
• Delhi Police

Grievance Registration Modes:

• Online portal
• Mobile app
• Call centre number 1902
• Offline submission at the CM Office

Three-Tier System:

• Grievance Redressal Officer
• Appellate Authority
• Final Appellate Authority

Key Features:

• Unique reference IDs
• SMS updates
• Automated escalation for unresolved complaints

EWS, DG and CWSN Admission Portal

The secure cloud-based portal will support transparent admissions in private schools for:

• Economically Weaker Section
• Disadvantaged Group
• Children With Special Needs

Features:

• Aadhaar-based verification
• Automated eligibility checks
• Digital certificate validation
• Transparent seat allocation

e-District Services with CSC Network

The integration of e-District services with over 7,000 Common Service Centres enables citizens to access certificates and welfare services at a nominal fee of ₹30 per service.

Monitoring and Governance Tools

Digital Asset Portal and CM Pragati Portal:
These portals enable real-time tracking of:

• Government land
• Infrastructure
• Project approvals
• Project delays

Governance Reforms:

• Cyber Crisis Management Plan
• Expansion of e-Office system across 200+ departments
• Proposed WhatsApp-based services
• Improved digital governance and citizen accessibility