Daily Current Affairs 25 February 2026: Important News for UPSC, SSC & Bank Exams
Daily Current Affairs 25 February 2026: Important News for UPSC, SSC & Bank Exams
Staying updated with Daily current affairs is an indispensable part of preparing for highly competitive examinations in India. Whether you are aiming for UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, Banking exams like IBPS and SBI, or State PSCs, a thorough understanding of the latest national and international events is crucial for success. Consistent reading not only helps in scoring high marks in the General Awareness sections but also builds a strong foundation for descriptive papers and interviews.
Candidates often look for reliable sources to practice Todays gk questions and test their knowledge retention. By solving Daily current affairs MCQs and participating in a structured Daily current affairs Quiz, aspirants can identify their weak areas and improve their accuracy. Furthermore, compiling notes or downloading a Daily current affairs pdf allows for quick, on-the-go revision before the actual exam. Todays Current Affairs covers significant milestones, ranging from pivotal geopolitical visits and free trade agreements to vital constitutional and environmental updates. For long-term retention and mastery, integrating these daily updates with comprehensive Monthly current affairs magazines guarantees a well-rounded preparation strategy, keeping you ahead of the competition.
Daily Current Affairs 25 February 2026
1. National Affairs
Union Cabinet Approves Renaming of Kerala as ‘Keralam’
Why in News
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially approved the proposal to alter the name of the state of Kerala to ‘Keralam’.
Key Details
- The decision honors a long-standing linguistic and cultural demand that dates back to the linguistic reorganization of states in 1956.
- ‘Keralam’ is the native Malayalam name for the state. The Kerala Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed resolutions requesting this name change.
- The constitutional process dictates that the President of India will now refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to the Kerala Legislative Assembly to seek its formal views.
- The renaming falls strictly under the purview of parliamentary legislative power regarding the union and its territories.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/SSC/State PSC)
Highly relevant for Indian Polity. Questions may be asked regarding the constitutional provisions and the parliamentary procedure required to change the name of a state.
Static GK Link
Article 3 of the Indian Constitution: Empowers the Parliament to form new states and alter the areas, boundaries, or names of existing states.
Government Launches National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0
Why in News
The Government of India has introduced the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0 to unlock the financial value of operational brownfield public sector assets.
Key Details
- NMP 2.0 focuses on leasing out existing, revenue-generating infrastructure assets (such as highways, railways, pipelines, and ports) to private players for a specified duration.
- Ownership of all assets strictly remains with the government.
- The revenue generated from leasing will be exclusively utilized to fund the creation of new ‘greenfield’ infrastructure projects across the country.
- The policy aims to enhance private sector efficiency in the maintenance and operation of public assets while boosting capital expenditure without increasing fiscal deficit.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/Banking/SSC)
Crucial for Indian Economy sections, specifically concerning infrastructure financing, fiscal policy, and privatization versus monetization concepts.
Static GK Link
Brownfield vs Greenfield: Brownfield refers to existing, operational facilities, whereas Greenfield refers to building new facilities from scratch.
Saundla Becomes India’s First Caste-Free Village
Why in News
Saundla village in Maharashtra has officially been declared India’s first caste-free village following a landmark grassroots resolution.
Key Details
- The village is located in the Ahilyanagar district (formerly Ahmednagar) of Maharashtra.
- The local Gram Sabha unanimously passed a resolution adopting the fundamental principle “Amchi Jaat Manav” (Our Caste is Humanity).
- The initiative is being viewed as a historic reform model for social equality that could potentially be replicated across other rural areas in India.
- Administrators have noted that official village documentation and local interactions will cease using caste-based identifiers.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/State PSC)
Relevant for Social Issues, Rural Development, and Maharashtra State PSC exams regarding grassroots governance.
Static GK Link
Gram Sabha: Mandated under Article 243A of the Constitution; comprises all persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village level.
Cabinet Approves Expansion of Srinagar International Airport
Why in News
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has sanctioned a major infrastructure expansion for the Srinagar International Airport in Jammu & Kashmir.
Key Details
- The development involves the construction of a modern Civil Enclave at an estimated cost of Rs 1,677 crore.
- The implementing agency for this project is the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
- Once completed, the new terminal will have an enhanced capacity to handle 10 million passengers per annum (MPPA).
- The expansion aims to boost tourism, trade, and regional connectivity in the Kashmir valley.
Exam Relevance (SSC/Railways/Defence)
Important for geography and infrastructure-related current affairs.
Static GK Link
Airports Authority of India (AAI): Founded in 1995; Headquarters in New Delhi. Functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
2. International Affairs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Addresses Israeli Parliament
Why in News
During his historic state visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) and was conferred with a prestigious civilian honor.
Key Details
- PM Modi received the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ from Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, becoming the first Indian leader to receive this top parliamentary honor.
- In his address, he strongly condemned global terrorism, stating that “terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere,” and expressed solidarity with Israel regarding the October 2023 attacks.
- The Prime Minister highlighted that India is projected to soon be among the top three global economies and emphasized the deepening strategic and technological partnership between the two nations.
- Both nations formally began negotiations to outline an ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to expand bilateral goods trade and investment flows.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/Banking)
Highly important for International Relations (IR), bilateral agreements, and major international honors awarded to the Indian Prime Minister.
Static GK Link
Israel: Capital – Jerusalem; Currency – Israeli New Shekel; Prime Minister – Benjamin Netanyahu.
India and Brazil Sign Landmark TKDL Access Agreement
Why in News
India and Brazil signed a significant agreement granting the South American nation direct access to India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).
Key Details
- The agreement was formalized between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, and the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), Brazil.
- The TKDL is a pioneering Indian database designed to prevent biopiracy and the granting of erroneous patents on indigenous medicinal knowledge.
- This move strengthens bilateral intellectual property rights (IPR) cooperation and protects traditional Indian and global south knowledge systems.
- The pact was signed against the backdrop of broader bilateral engagements and the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/State PSC)
Relevant for Science & Technology, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and International Treaties.
Static GK Link
CSIR: Established in 1942; President – Prime Minister of India; Director General – Dr. N. Kalaiselvi.
India and GCC Launch Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
Why in News
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have signed a Joint Statement formally launching negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Key Details
- The FTA aims to boost trade, create jobs, and facilitate deeper economic integration between India and the Gulf nations.
- The GCC is a major trading partner for India, primarily concerning energy security (oil and gas imports) and diaspora remittances.
- The negotiations will cover goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/SSC/Banking)
Important for International Economy and Trade blocs.
Static GK Link
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Established in 1981; Headquarters – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
3. Economy & Banking
RBI Monetary Policy Committee Maintains Policy Rate at 5.25%
Why in News
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously to keep the policy rate unchanged in its February 2026 meeting.
Key Details
- The benchmark interest rate remains at 5.25%, signaling an end to immediate rate cuts.
- The MPC maintained its monetary policy stance as ‘neutral’, with the central bank prioritizing inflation control alongside economic growth.
- The RBI raised its GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2027 (FY 2027) to 6.9%, citing a positive economic outlook driven by recent international trade deals.
- Inflation is projected to settle around the RBI’s 4.0% target over the upcoming quarters, despite a temporary uptick in precious metal prices.
Exam Relevance (Banking/UPSC/SSC)
Core to Banking awareness and macroeconomics. Questions regularly appear regarding policy rates, monetary stance, and RBI growth projections.
Static GK Link
Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): Formed under the RBI Act, 1934. It has 6 members (3 internal from RBI, 3 external appointed by the Government of India); Chaired by the RBI Governor.
Canara Bank to Raise Rs 5,000 Crore via Basel III Tier 2 Bonds
Why in News
State-owned Canara Bank announced its plan to tap the bond market to raise Rs 5,000 crore to strengthen its capital base.
Key Details
- The funds will be raised through the issuance of Basel III-compliant Tier 2 bonds.
- The issue will be launched on the Electronic Bidding Platform of the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
- This capital generation will support the bank’s future growth plans, loan expansion, and ensure strict adherence to international risk management norms.
Exam Relevance (Banking/Finance)
Crucial for IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI PO, and RBI Grade B regarding capital adequacy norms.
Static GK Link
Canara Bank: Founded in 1906; Headquarters – Bengaluru; Tagline – “Together We Can”.
4. Defence & Security
7th Edition of India-Japan Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian 2026’
Why in News
The 7th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ between India and Japan has commenced.
Key Details
- The bilateral exercise is being conducted at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand.
- It involves troops from the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).
- The primary focus is on tactical joint operations in semi-urban terrain and enhancing Indo-Pacific security cooperation.
- The exercise emphasizes intelligence surveillance, mobile check posts, and heliborne operations.
Exam Relevance (Defence/AFCAT/SSC)
Directly tested in Defence current affairs.
Static GK Link
Exercise Dharma Guardian: First edition was held in 2018. Other India-Japan exercises include JIMEX (Navy) and Shinyuu Maitri (Air Force).
Indian Navy Launches Dolphin Hunter Warship ‘INS Anjadip’
Why in News
The Indian Navy launched the ‘INS Anjadip’, a highly advanced anti-submarine warship, at the Chennai Port.
Key Details
- INS Anjadip belongs to the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) category.
- The warship boasts 80% indigenous content, advancing the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in defense manufacturing.
- It is specifically designed for coastal defense, submarine hunting, and mine-laying operations.
- The ship is named after Anjadip Island, located off the coast of Karnataka.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/Defence/SSC)
Important for Science and Technology/Defence manufacturing updates.
Static GK Link
Eastern Naval Command: Headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
5. Science & Technology
Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive for Cervical Cancer Prevention
Why in News
The Union Government has announced the rollout of a comprehensive nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign.
Key Details
- The drive specifically targets adolescent girls aged 9 to 14 years.
- The primary objective is the prevention of cervical cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer mortality among Indian women.
- Vaccination at this age can reduce the risk of developing pre-cancer and cervical cancer by 90% to 95%.
- By offering the vaccine free of cost through public health channels, the government aims to eliminate the high out-of-pocket expenditure associated with private market vaccines.
Exam Relevance (State PSC/UPSC/SSC)
Relevant for Government Health Schemes and General Science (Biology).
Static GK Link
Cervical Cancer: Primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Lenacapavir Confirmed as Highly Effective HIV Inhibitor
Why in News
A recent scientific study confirmed that the HIV capsid is an excellent drug target, validating the efficacy of the new drug Lenacapavir.
Key Details
- Lenacapavir is an advanced antiretroviral drug that requires just two subcutaneous injections per year, replacing daily pill regimens.
- The drug inhibits the HIV capsid protein, effectively blocking the virus’s ability to replicate in the human body.
- The study found that for the virus to develop resistance to Lenacapavir, it must fatally damage its own structural components.
- This long-acting formulation is expected to drastically improve treatment adherence in high-burden regions.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/SSC)
Important for Science and Technology, specifically concerning medical advancements and virology.
6. Environment & Ecology
SECI Discovers Record-Low Prices in Green Ammonia Auction
Why in News
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) recently concluded a landmark auction, discovering record-low prices for the domestic production of green ammonia.
Key Details
- The discovered prices are 40% to 50% lower than current European market benchmarks.
- This significantly accelerates India’s energy shift from fossil fuels to clean energy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- Green ammonia acts as a zero-carbon marine fuel and a stable medium to transport hydrogen over long distances.
- The auction narrows the cost gap between clean energy alternatives and traditional fossil-fuel-based fertilizers/fuels.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/State PSC)
Crucial for Ecology, Environment, and Renewable Energy policy questions.
Static GK Link
Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI): A CPSU under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), established in 2011.
NGT Orders Restoration of Suav River in Uttar Pradesh
Why in News
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued strict directives to the local administration to restore the Suav River.
Key Details
- The NGT mandated that the Suav River must be officially recorded as a “River” in revenue records, correcting its current erroneous classification as a “Drain”.
- Authorities have been given a deadline to execute conservation measures and prevent industrial/sewage dumping.
- The Suav River is an important tributary of the Rapti River, which eventually joins the Ghaghra River.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/State PSC)
Relevant for Environmental Jurisprudence and Indian River Systems.
Static GK Link
National Green Tribunal (NGT): Established in 2010 under the NGT Act for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection.
7. Important Days
75th Foundation Day of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
Why in News
On February 24, 2026, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) celebrated its 75th Foundation Day.
Key Details
- The ESI Scheme was officially inaugurated in India on February 24, 1952.
- The scheme was born out of the 1944 Report on Health Insurance by Prof. B.P. Adarkar, which heavily influenced India’s post-independence welfare architecture.
- ESIC acts as a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, providing medical and cash benefits to workers in the organized sector.
Exam Relevance (UPSC/Banking/SSC)
Frequently tested in questions regarding dates, statutory bodies, and social security mechanisms in India.
Static GK Link
ESIC Headquarters: New Delhi.
Daily Current Affairs: Important One-Liners
- The Union Cabinet approved the renaming of the state of Kerala to its native Malayalam name, ‘Keralam’.
- Saundla, situated in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district, was declared India’s first caste-free village.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian leader to be awarded the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ in Israel.
- The RBI Monetary Policy Committee retained the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.25% with a ‘neutral’ stance.
- India and Brazil signed an agreement granting Brazil access to the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) to prevent biopiracy.
- The 7th edition of the India-Japan joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian 2026’ commenced in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
- The Indian Navy launched the anti-submarine warship INS Anjadip at Chennai Port.
- The Centre announced a nationwide HPV vaccination drive aimed at girls aged 9-14 years to eliminate cervical cancer.
- The government launched NMP 2.0 to lease existing brownfield infrastructure to fund new public asset creation.
- The NGT directed Uttar Pradesh authorities to restore the Suav River, a tributary of the Rapti, by removing its classification as a drain.
- India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) formally launched negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.
- The Cabinet approved an investment of Rs 1,677 crore for the expansion of the Srinagar International Airport to a capacity of 10 million passengers.
- Scientists highlighted Lenacapavir as a breakthrough twice-yearly injectable drug capable of inhibiting HIV replication.
- State-owned Canara Bank plans to issue Basel III-compliant Tier 2 bonds to raise Rs 5,000 crore.
- ESIC marked its 75th Foundation Day on February 24, 2026, commemorating its inception in 1952.
Daily Current Affairs MCQs
Q1. Under which Article of the Indian Constitution can the Parliament alter the name of an existing state, as seen in the recent approval to rename Kerala to ‘Keralam’?
A) Article 1
B) Article 2
C) Article 3
D) Article 4
Correct Answer: C) Article 3
Explanation: Article 3 of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to form a new state by separation of territory, or alter the area, boundaries, or name of any existing state.
Q2. Which village recently passed a Gram Sabha resolution to become India’s first caste-free village?
A) Hiware Bazar
B) Saundla
C) Ralegan Siddhi
D) Punsari
Correct Answer: B) Saundla
Explanation: Saundla village in the Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra passed a resolution adopting the principle “Amchi Jaat Manav” to become India’s first caste-free village.
Q3. Which country recently conferred the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
A) Japan
B) France
C) Israel
D) United Arab Emirates
Correct Answer: C) Israel
Explanation: PM Modi received the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’, the highest honor of the Israeli Parliament, during his state visit to Israel.
Q4. What is the current policy repo rate as maintained by the RBI Monetary Policy Committee in its February 2026 meeting?
A) 6.50%
B) 5.25%
C) 5.50%
D) 6.00%
Correct Answer: B) 5.25%
Explanation: The RBI MPC voted unanimously to keep the policy rate unchanged at 5.25% while maintaining a ‘neutral’ stance.
Q5. Where is the 7th edition of the India-Japan joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian 2026’ being held?
A) Umroi, Meghalaya
B) Pune, Maharashtra
C) Chaubatia, Uttarakhand
D) Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Correct Answer: C) Chaubatia, Uttarakhand
Explanation: Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is being conducted in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.
Q6. The newly launched ‘INS Anjadip’ by the Indian Navy belongs to which category of vessels?
A) Aircraft Carrier
B) Nuclear Submarine
C) Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)
D) Guided Missile Destroyer
Correct Answer: C) Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)
Explanation: INS Anjadip is an ASW-SWC designed for coastal defense, anti-submarine operations, and mine laying.
Q7. The nationwide HPV vaccination drive targets girls in which age group to prevent cervical cancer?
A) 5-9 years
B) 9-14 years
C) 15-18 years
D) 18-25 years
Correct Answer: B) 9-14 years
Explanation: The government is rolling out the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9-14 years to protect them against cervical cancer.
Q8. The Suav River, recently ordered to be restored by the NGT, is a tributary of which major river?
A) Ganga
B) Yamuna
C) Rapti
D) Betwa
Correct Answer: C) Rapti
Explanation: The Suav River is an important tributary of the Rapti River in Uttar Pradesh. The NGT ordered it to be officially reclassified from a drain to a river.
Q9. With which country did India sign an agreement to grant access to the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)?
A) Brazil
B) South Africa
C) Germany
D) Australia
Correct Answer: A) Brazil
Explanation: India (CSIR) and Brazil (INPI) signed a landmark agreement granting Brazil direct access to the TKDL to prevent biopiracy.
Q10. In which year was the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) officially launched?
A) 1948
B) 1950
C) 1952
D) 1956
Correct Answer: C) 1952
Explanation: While the ESI Act was promulgated in 1948, the scheme was officially inaugurated on February 24, 1952, marking its 75th Foundation Day in 2026.
Conclusion
Mastering Todays Current Affairs is the stepping stone to securing top ranks in competitive examinations. By systematically reviewing these updates daily, you build a solid reservoir of general knowledge that pays rich dividends during the exam phase.
We highly encourage students to prioritize active revision over passive reading. Take the time to attempt the provided mock questions and evaluate your performance. To consolidate your learning, download our comprehensive Daily current affairs pdf, which allows you to study offline at your convenience.
Moreover, reviewing our expertly compiled Monthly current affairs magazine at the end of the month will ensure that all essential geopolitical, economic, and social developments remain fresh in your memory. Stay consistent with your preparation, and success will surely follow.
FAQs
Q1. Where can I download the Daily current affairs pdf?
You can download the PDF version of our daily updates directly from the link provided at the top or bottom of this blog post. It is optimized for mobile reading and quick printing.
Q2. How to prepare Daily current affairs for UPSC/SSC?
Focus on understanding the “Why” and “How” behind the news rather than just memorizing facts. Link daily updates to static GK subjects like Polity, Economy, and Geography, and maintain short, handwritten notes for quick revision.
Q3. Are Daily current affairs MCQs enough for exam preparation?
While MCQs are excellent for testing your memory and improving your elimination skills, they should be supplemented with detailed reading of the news context to handle analytical questions in descriptive papers or interviews.
Q4. How are Monthly current affairs different from daily updates?
Daily updates provide immediate, bite-sized information as events occur. Monthly compilations categorize, filter, and summarize this data, removing redundant news and highlighting only the most high-yielding topics for a broader overview.
Q5. How to practice with the Daily current affairs Quiz?
Attempt the quiz only after thoroughly reading the daily notes. Analyze any incorrect answers by reading the accompanying explanations, and revisit the specific news section to clear up misconceptions.
Q6. Does the current affairs section include static GK?
Yes, every major news item in our updates is accompanied by a ‘Static GK Link’ section. This bridges the gap between recent events and fundamental textbook knowledge.
Q7. How much time should I dedicate to daily current affairs?
Ideally, an aspirant should spend 45 to 60 minutes a day reading the updates, taking brief notes, and solving the associated MCQs to ensure complete retention.
Q8. Which exams benefit the most from these updates?
These curated updates are structurally designed to cater to the syllabus demands of UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL/CHSL, Banking (IBPS/SBI PO), Railways, Defence (CDS/AFCAT), and State PSC examinations.
Q9. Should I read multiple newspapers if I follow this daily blog?
Our daily blog aggregates vital news from premier national dailies like The Hindu, Indian Express, and PIB. While reading one standard newspaper for editorial analysis is recommended, this blog covers all factual exam requirements.
Q10. How can I retain complex economic and banking news?
For banking and economy news, focus on the fundamental concepts (e.g., Repo Rate, NMP) and note down the exact figures or percentages (like the RBI holding the rate at 5.25%) in a separate fact-sheet for regular revision.
