Daily Current Affairs 23 February 2026 – Complete Exam-Oriented Summary
Daily Current Affairs 23 February 2026: | Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways
Preparing for competitive exams requires consistent reading and a structured approach to daily news. Staying updated with Daily current affairs is non-negotiable for aspirants targeting prestigious positions through UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, State PSCs, and Teaching Exams. A deep understanding of national and international events, economic policies, and defense updates directly translates to higher scores in the General Awareness sections.
To make your preparation seamless, we have curated the most relevant and exam-oriented news for today. Whether you are looking for a quick revision through a Daily current affairs pdf, or wanting to test your knowledge with Daily current affairs MCQs and a Daily current affairs Quiz, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Instead of waiting for Monthly current affairs compilations, integrating Todays gk questions into your routine builds a strong foundation.
Read through Todays Current Affairs to stay ahead of the competition and ensure you do not miss any high-weightage topics.
Daily Current Affairs 23 February 2026
1. National Affairs
MHA Releases India’s First Anti-Terror Policy “PRAHAAR”
Why in News: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released the country’s first-ever comprehensive anti-terror policy, named “PRAHAAR”.
Key Details:
- The policy addresses multi-dimensional terrorist threats across water, land, and air.
- It emphasizes the protection of critical infrastructure sectors of the Indian economy, including power, railways, aviation, ports, defense, space, and atomic energy.
- It acknowledges that apart from state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, criminal hackers and nation-states actively target India through sophisticated cyber-attacks.
- Capacities have been developed to insulate critical national assets from both State and non-State actors.
- Exam Relevance (UPSC/SSC/State PSC): Highly important for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Internal Security) and SSC CGL. Direct questions can be asked regarding the name of the policy and its nodal ministry.
- Static GK Link: Ministry of Home Affairs was established in 1947. Current Union Home Minister is Amit Shah.
PM Modi Flags Off Meerut Metro and Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor Extension
Why in News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat train from the Shatabdi Nagar station in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
Key Details:
- The inauguration gives a massive fillip to high-speed intercity travel and swift intra-city movement in the National Capital Region (NCR).
- Development projects worth approximately ₹12,930 crore were dedicated to the nation in Meerut.
- The Prime Minister also took a metro ride up to the Meerut South station.
- This marks a significant milestone for the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) network.
- Exam Relevance (SSC/Banking/Railways): Crucial for Railway exams (RRB NTPC) and SSC exams focusing on infrastructure developments.
- Static GK Link: First RRTS corridor in India is the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor. The implementing agency is the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
India Launches Indigenous Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine
Why in News: A new indigenous Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine has been officially launched to bolster India’s healthcare architecture.
Key Details:
- The vaccine is produced by the Central Research Institute (CRI), located in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
- It will be seamlessly supplied under India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
- Approximately 55 lakh doses are scheduled to be supplied by April 2026.
- The Td vaccine is prepared by combining purified toxoids of Clostridium tetani and Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
- Exam Relevance (UPSC/SSC): Significant for Science & Technology and Health policy questions.
- Static GK Link: Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) was introduced in India in 1985.
2. International Affairs
India Condemns Pakistan’s Airstrikes on Afghan Territory
Why in News: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned Pakistan’s fresh airstrikes on Afghan territory, which resulted in civilian casualties.
Key Details:
- Pakistan claimed to have carried out intelligence-based strikes targeting hideouts of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) along the border.
- India described the strikes as an attempt by Pakistan to “externalize its internal failures”.
- New Delhi reiterated its firm support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- The civilian casualties occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, drawing widespread international criticism.
- Exam Relevance (UPSC/Defence): Important for International Relations (IR) in UPSC Mains and CDS/NDA exams regarding geopolitics in South Asia.
- Static GK Link: Afghanistan Capital: Kabul. Currency: Afghan afghani. The Durand Line forms the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
India and Brazil Sign Major Agreements on Critical Minerals and Trade
Why in News: India and Brazil signed key bilateral agreements during the Brazilian President’s visit to New Delhi, upgrading their economic partnerships.
Key Details:
- Agreements focus on rare earth and critical minerals, as well as a partnership in steel mining.
- A Joint Declaration & Action Plan on Digital Partnership for the Future was launched.
- Both nations revised their trade targets, proposing a new target of $30 billion in annual trade by 2030 (up from the previous $20 billion target).
- Plans were finalized to expand the India–Mercosur Preferential Trading Agreement (PTA).
- Exam Relevance (UPSC/Banking): Crucial for Economy and International Trade sections in RBI Grade B and UPSC.
- Static GK Link: Brazil Capital: Brasília. Currency: Brazilian Real. Mercosur is a South American trade bloc established by the Treaty of Asunción in 1991.
3. State Affairs
Bihar Cabinet Approves Greenfield International Airport in Sonpur
Why in News: The Bihar State Cabinet gave its approval for the construction of a new Greenfield International Airport in Sonpur.
Key Details:
- This proposed airport will become the 24th Greenfield airport in India.
- The approval is part of 35 key proposals, including major infrastructure and flood-control projects passed by the state cabinet.
- The project aims to reduce the load on the existing Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna and boost regional connectivity.
- Exam Relevance (State PSC/SSC): Extremely relevant for BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) and SSC CGL General Awareness.
- Static GK Link: Greenfield airports are aviation facilities built from scratch on undeveloped land. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) manages civil aviation infrastructure in India.
Jharkhand Medical Charter Plane Crash Near Simaria
Why in News: A medical charter plane operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd crashed near Simaria in Jharkhand’s Chatra district.
Key Details:
- The aircraft, a Beechcraft C90, was acting as an air ambulance flying from Ranchi to Delhi.
- Unfortunately, all seven people on board lost their lives.
- The crash occurred shortly after taking off from the Ranchi airport.
- Exam Relevance (State PSC/Railways): Relevant for JPSC (Jharkhand Public Service Commission) and basic awareness of domestic events.
- Static GK Link: Jharkhand Capital: Ranchi. Chief Minister: Champai Soren.
4. Banking & Economy
ICICI Launches India’s First ‘Swasthya Pension Scheme’ under NPS
Why in News: ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management Company Limited launched “ICICI PF NPS Swasthya Equity Plus”.
Key Details:
- It is India’s first scheme integrating retirement and healthcare benefits under the National Pension System (NPS).
- The scheme operates as a Proof of Concept (POC) under the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) regulatory sandbox framework.
- It aims to provide subscribers with a blended financial safety net addressing both post-retirement income and medical emergencies.
- Exam Relevance (Banking): Highly important for IBPS PO, SBI PO, and RBI Grade B financial awareness sections.
- Static GK Link: PFRDA was established in 2003. Headquarters: New Delhi.
World Bank’s MIGA Guarantees $197.67M to Citibank for SBI Rooftop Solar
Why in News: The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) issued a $197.67 million guarantee to Citibank N.A.
Key Details:
- The five-year guarantee supports a non-shareholder loan to the State Bank of India (SBI).
- The funds are dedicated to refinancing investments in India’s Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (GRPV) systems.
- This aligns with India’s renewable energy push and climate commitments.
- Exam Relevance (Banking/UPSC): Essential for Economy sections in UPSC Mains and Bank Mains exams.
- Static GK Link: MIGA is a member of the World Bank Group, founded in 1988. Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA.
India’s Forex Reserves Hit Record $725.72 Billion
Why in News: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that India’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves reached an all-time high of $725.727 Billion.
Key Details:
- The surge reflects strong capital inflows and RBI’s strategic dollar purchases.
- Robust forex reserves provide a buffer against external economic shocks and currency volatility.
- RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra noted in the MPC minutes that India’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain exceptionally healthy.
- Exam Relevance (Banking/SSC): Direct questions on forex reserves data are common in Banking and SSC exams.
- Static GK Link: Forex reserves in India comprise Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs), Gold, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), and the Reserve Tranche Position in the IMF.
5. Defence & Security
Indian Navy Commissions INS Krishna, Indigenous Cadet Training Ship
Why in News: The Indian Navy launched ‘INS Krishna’, a dedicated Cadet Training Ship (CTS).
Key Details:
- The ship was constructed at the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) shipyard in Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu.
- INS Krishna has an endurance of 60 days and can achieve a maximum speed of 20 knots.
- It is a dual-purpose platform, capable of functioning as a training ship and undertaking Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
- Exam Relevance (Defence/AFCAT/CDS): Very important for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and SSC general awareness.
- Static GK Link: Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. Indian Navy Day is observed on December 4.
6. Environment & Ecology
New Flora Species ‘Arisaema siahaense’ Discovered in Mizoram
Why in News: Botanical researchers discovered a new flora species named ‘Arisaema siahaense’ in the Siaha district of Mizoram.
Key Details:
- It is an evergreen herb belonging to the Cobra Lily group.
- It features a unique spathe resembling a cobra’s hood and a long spadix appendix reaching up to 21 cm.
- Major threats to its natural habitat include rapid road construction and invasive weed species.
- Exam Relevance (UPSC/State PSC): Highly relevant for Environment & Biodiversity sections of UPSC Prelims and State PSCs.
- Static GK Link: Phawngpui National Park (Blue Mountain National Park) is a famous protected area in Mizoram.
7. Awards & Honours
Manipuri Film ‘Boong’ Wins BAFTA Award
Why in News: The Manipuri-language film ‘Boong’ won the prestigious BAFTA award for the Best Children’s & Family Film category.
Key Details:
- The film is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi.
- It is produced by Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, and Shujaat Saudagar.
- The award ceremony was held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, marking a historic achievement for Indian regional cinema on the global stage.
- Exam Relevance (SSC/Banking/Railways): Crucial for “Awards and Honours” static GK segment.
- Static GK Link: BAFTA stands for British Academy of Film and Television Arts. The awards are hosted annually in London.
8. Obituaries
Former Union Railway Minister Mukul Roy Passes Away
Why in News: Veteran politician and former Railway Minister Mukul Roy passed away.
Key Details:
- He was one of the founding members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and served as the party’s general secretary.
- He served as the Union Minister of Railways under the UPA-II government.
- He later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before his passing.
- Exam Relevance (SSC/State PSC): Obituary section questions in WBPSC and SSC exams.
Daily Current Affairs: Important One-Liners
- PRAHAAR is the name of India’s newly released first comprehensive anti-terror policy by the MHA.
- PM Modi flagged off the Meerut Metro and the Namo Bharat train extension in Uttar Pradesh.
- The indigenous Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine was launched, produced by CRI Kasauli.
- India strongly condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan that resulted in civilian casualties.
- India and Brazil set a new bilateral trade target of $30 billion by 2030.
- The Indian Embassy in Tehran advised citizens to leave Iran immediately due to regional tensions.
- The Bihar Cabinet approved the state’s new Greenfield International Airport in Sonpur.
- A Redbird Airways medical charter plane crashed in the Chatra district of Jharkhand.
- ICICI Prudential launched India’s first Swasthya Pension Scheme under the NPS.
- The World Bank’s MIGA issued a $197.67 million guarantee to Citibank to support SBI’s Rooftop Solar Program.
- India’s Forex Reserves reached a historic high of $725.727 Billion.
- The Indian Navy launched the indigenous Cadet Training Ship INS Krishna.
- A new Cobra Lily species named ‘Arisaema siahaense’ was discovered in Mizoram.
- The Manipuri film ‘Boong’ won the BAFTA for Best Children’s & Family Film.
- Veteran politician and former Union Railway Minister Mukul Roy passed away.
Daily Current Affairs MCQs
Q1. What is the name of India’s first comprehensive anti-terror policy recently released by the Ministry of Home Affairs?
A) RAKSHAK
B) PRAHAAR
C) SURAKSHA
D) VAJRA
Correct Answer: B) PRAHAAR
Explanation: The MHA released “PRAHAAR,” India’s first-ever anti-terror policy addressing land, water, air, and cyber threats.
Q2. The newly launched indigenous Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine is produced by which institute?
A) Serum Institute of India, Pune
B) Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad
C) Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli
D) Haffkine Institute, Mumbai
Correct Answer: C) Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli
Explanation: The Td vaccine will be supplied under the Universal Immunization Programme and is produced by CRI Kasauli.
Q3. India and Brazil recently upgraded their bilateral trade target for the year 2030. What is the new target?
A) $15 billion
B) $20 billion
C) $30 billion
D) $50 billion
Correct Answer: C) $30 billion
Explanation: The initial target was $20 billion, which has now been revised upward to $30 billion annually by 2030.
Q4. Where did the Bihar State Cabinet recently approve the construction of a new Greenfield International Airport?
A) Gaya
B) Darbhanga
C) Sonpur
D) Purnea
Correct Answer: C) Sonpur
Explanation: The Bihar cabinet approved the state’s new Greenfield International Airport at Sonpur to ease the load on the Patna airport.
Q5. Which financial institution launched India’s first Swasthya Pension Scheme blending retirement and healthcare benefits under NPS?
A) HDFC Pension
B) ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management
C) SBI Pension Funds
D) LIC Pension Fund
Correct Answer: B) ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management
Explanation: ICICI launched the “ICICI PF NPS Swasthya Equity Plus” under the PFRDA regulatory sandbox framework.
Q6. The World Bank’s MIGA issued a $197.67 million guarantee to which bank to refinance SBI’s Rooftop Solar Program?
A) Standard Chartered
B) DBS Bank
C) Citibank N.A.
D) HSBC
Correct Answer: C) Citibank N.A.
Explanation: MIGA issued the guarantee to Citibank for its non-shareholder loan to SBI to support grid-connected rooftop solar systems.
Q7. What is ‘INS Krishna’, which was recently launched by the Indian Navy?
A) Nuclear Submarine
B) Aircraft Carrier
C) Destroyer
D) Cadet Training Ship
Correct Answer: D) Cadet Training Ship
Explanation: INS Krishna is an indigenous Cadet Training Ship built at the L&T shipyard in Kattupalli, capable of training and HADR operations.
Q8. The newly discovered flora species ‘Arisaema siahaense’, belonging to the Cobra Lily group, was found in which state?
A) Arunachal Pradesh
B) Mizoram
C) Nagaland
D) Sikkim
Correct Answer: B) Mizoram
Explanation: The species was discovered in the Siaha district of Mizoram and faces threats from road construction and invasive weeds.
Q9. Which Indian regional language film recently won the BAFTA award for Best Children’s & Family Film?
A) Kantara
B) Boong
C) Koozhangal
D) Village Rockstars
Correct Answer: B) Boong
Explanation: The Manipuri-language film ‘Boong’, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, won the prestigious BAFTA award.
Q10. Former Union Minister Mukul Roy, who passed away recently, held which significant portfolio under the UPA-II government?
A) Ministry of Finance
B) Ministry of Railways
C) Ministry of Civil Aviation
D) Ministry of Home Affairs
Correct Answer: B) Ministry of Railways
Explanation: Mukul Roy was a prominent politician and former Union Minister of Railways.
Conclusion
Mastering Todays Current Affairs is a stepping stone to excelling in competitive exams. Consistently reading through these updates ensures that your General Awareness preparation remains on track without last-minute cramming. We strongly encourage you to revise these points regularly. For a streamlined revision process, you can download our Daily current affairs pdf and attempt the Daily current affairs MCQs provided above.
While daily reading builds memory, consolidating your knowledge through our Monthly current affairs compilation will give you the ultimate edge in exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking. Make it a habit to practice the Daily current affairs Quiz to assess your retention and speed. Stay focused, keep revising, and best of luck with your preparations!
FAQs
Q1. Where can I download Daily current affairs pdf?
You can download the PDF version of the daily current affairs directly from our platform’s dedicated current affairs section at the end of the daily article.
Q2. How to prepare Daily current affairs for UPSC/SSC?
Read the daily updates to understand events, note down the “Key Details” and “Static GK Links”, and regularly attempt the Daily current affairs Quiz to test your retention.
Q3. Are Daily current affairs MCQs enough for exam preparation?
While MCQs are excellent for testing knowledge and exam-style practice, you must read the detailed news analysis first to understand the context and background for descriptive or statement-based questions.
Q4. How are Monthly current affairs different from daily updates?
Daily updates provide immediate, detailed coverage of daily events. Monthly current affairs filter and categorize the entire month’s news into a single, cohesive magazine for rapid, high-yield revision.
Q5. How to practice with Daily current affairs Quiz?
After reading the daily news, close the material and take the quiz. Analyze your incorrect answers and re-read those specific topics to solidify your memory.
Q6. What subjects are covered in Todays gk questions?
We cover National Affairs, International News, Economy & Banking, Science & Technology, Defence, Environment, Awards, and Sports, strictly based on the syllabus of competitive exams.
Q7. Do I need to make notes from the daily updates?
If you download the daily PDF, extensive note-making is not required. However, jotting down one-liners or hard-to-remember facts in your own handwriting aids memory.
Q8. How much time should I dedicate to Todays Current Affairs?
Ideally, 30 to 45 minutes daily should be enough to read the detailed news, review the one-liners, and solve the MCQs.
Q9. Are state-specific news important for UPSC?
Major state-specific news that impacts national policy, infrastructure, or environment (like new airports or species discovery) is highly relevant for UPSC.
Q10. How reliable are the Static GK links provided?
The Static GK links are meticulously mapped to the news events, providing accurate, exam-focused background information that frequently appears in SSC and Banking exams.
Explore Further for Exam Preparation:
