Introduction

The week of 23–28 February 2026 was packed with landmark developments across Assam, India, and the world. Assam saw the foundation of a new Police Battalion HQ, the launch of Mission Basundhara Phase IV, and important railway recognition for NFR stations. At the national level, India launched its counter-terrorism strategy PRAHAAR, the Namo Bharat RRTS corridor opened, and Kerala was officially renamed Keralam. Globally, India elevated ties with Israel to a Special Strategic Partnership, Rob Jetten became the Netherlands' youngest PM, and India's forex reserves hit a record high of $725.727 billion. This weekly digest is essential reading for APSC, Assam TET, UPSC, SSC, and Banking exam aspirants.

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1. ASSAM STATE NEWS ⭐

1.1 | Amit Shah Lays Foundation of 10th Assam Police Battalion HQ | 23 February 2026 | Kamrup, Assam

Date: 23 February 2026 | Location: Kamrup, Assam | Body: Ministry of Home Affairs, Govement of India & Assam Police

Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the 10th Battalion Headquarters of the Assam Police in Kamrup district on 23 February 2026. The new campus will be spread across 124 bighas and will include mode barracks, a hospital, training centre, firing range, and sports complex. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Goveor Lakshman Prasad Acharya were also present at the event. Shah reaffirmed zero tolerance against infiltration and emphasized strengthening inteal security in the Northeast. He highlighted a ₹27,000 crore semiconductor plant project and large-scale job creation initiatives in Assam. Shah stated that under PM Modi's leadership, Assam will become the industrial hub of easte and Northeast India within five years. This is significant for Assam's law enforcement modeisation. The battalion HQ will enhance operational readiness of Assam Police. For APSC and SSC candidates, this event connects policing, inteal security, and Northeast development policy. The Tata semiconductor plant in Assam, also referenced during the event, represents one of India's largest-ever investments in chip manufacturing in the region.

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1.2 | Mission Basundhara Phase IV to Be Launched Soon | 28 February 2026 | Dhemaji, Assam

Date: 28 February 2026 | Location: Dhemaji, Assam | Body: Govement of Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the forthcoming launch of the fourth phase of Mission Basundhara, Assam's landmark land goveance reform programme, during a land pattas (ownership certificates) distribution event under Mission Basundhara Phase III in Dhemaji. Mission Basundhara was first launched in 2021 as a comprehensive land revenue reform initiative. Phases I, II, and III have cumulatively benefited around 10 lakh people through legal land titling and cadastral modeisation. Phase III brought non-cadastral villages under the cadastral system for the first time. The programme is implemented as a centrally sponsored scheme. CM Sarma also indicated that NDA seat-sharing talks in Assam were in an advanced stage and were expected to conclude by March 10, 2026, ahead of the state elections. Mission Basundhara is critical for APSC candidates as it directly relates to land tenure, administrative efficiency, and rural development in Assam. Secure land tenure is globally recognised as a foundation for poverty reduction. The programme involves online delivery of services like mutation, conversion, and partition of land records. This announcement signals the continuation of one of Assam's most impactful goveance reforms.

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1.3 | Five NFR Stations Receive FSSAI 'Eat Right Station' Certification | 26 February 2026 | Northeast India

Date: 26 February 2026 | Location: Northeast India | Body: FSSAI, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)

Five railway stations under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) were awarded the prestigious 'Eat Right Station' certification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for ensuring safe, hygienic, and nutritious food services for passengers. The five certified stations are: Kokrajhar Railway Station (Assam), Golakganj Railway Station (Assam), Dimapur Railway Station (Nagaland), Alipurduar Railway Station (West Bengal), and New Mal Junction Railway Station (West Bengal). Of these, two are located in Assam, making this particularly significant for APSC aspirants. The Eat Right Station initiative is part of FSSAI's broader Eat Right India movement to promote food safety and nutrition at public touchpoints. Certification requires rigorous compliance with food safety guidelines, hygiene protocols, proper food storage and handling, safe water access, and consumer awareness. NFR, along with FSSAI and local health officials, jointly facilitated the certification. This award highlights Northeast India's improving public health infrastructure. Kokrajhar, in Assam's Bodoland Territorial Region, gaining this recognition is notable for regional development. Candidates should remember that FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

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1.4 | UN Road Safety Financing Project Includes Assam Among Four States | 26 February 2026 | New Delhi

Date: 26 February 2026 | Location: New Delhi (with Assam as a focus state) | Body: UNRSF, MoRTH, WHO, UNICEF

The United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) launched a Sustainable Road Safety Financing Project in India, naming Assam as one of four focus states along with Rajasthan, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The project was inaugurated in New Delhi during the visit of the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt. The initiative aims to establish sustainable and coordinated financing mechanisms for road safety programmes at national and state levels. India records a high number of road traffic fatalities each year, with road accidents causing an estimated loss of approximately 3% of GDP. The project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), WHO, UNICEF, and NGOs including the Save LIFE Foundation. Innovative financing tools like road safety bonds, dedicated taxes, and public-private partnerships are being promoted under this initiative. The project supports the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which aims to halve road fatalities worldwide by 2030. Assam's inclusion signals growing central attention to road safety infrastructure in the Northeast. For APSC and UPSC candidates, this connects to SDG 3.6 (road safety) and goveance of public health expenditure.

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1.5 | DBT-NECAB & Biotechnology: Northeast India in Focus | 22 February 2026 | Northeast India / Jorhat

Date: 22 February 2026 | Location: Northeast India | Body: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govement of India

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) highlighted its ongoing initiative to drive bioeconomic transformation in Northeast India through dedicated programmes. DBT's Northeast Programme allocates 10% of its total budget to the region. Under the Twinning R&D Programme, 65+ collaborations have been established, benefiting over 450 researchers and 2,000+ students across the Northeast. DBT has set up 126 Biotech Hubs in universities across the region to promote research and training. The BLiSS (Biotech Labs in Schools) programme has introduced biotechnology education at the secondary level since 2014. Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in Jorhat, Assam, is one of the key institutional beneficiaries of these programmes. Agri-Biotech initiatives in the region focus on disease-free citrus crops, medicinal plants, and sustainable farming models. A Pig Disease Diagnosis Expert System (PDDES) mobile app was also launched for livestock disease detection. Northeast India's rich biodiversity — home to 8,000+ plant species and 850+ medicinal plants — makes it a prime candidate for biotech development. This is relevant for APSC's Science & Technology paper and for candidates interested in agricultural policy in Assam.

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2. NATIONAL POLITICS & GOVERNMENT

2.1 | India Launches Counter-Terrorism Strategy 'PRAHAAR' | 25–26 February 2026 | New Delhi

Date: 25–26 February 2026 | Location: New Delhi | Body: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released India's new national counter-terrorism policy and strategy titled 'PRAHAAR' (meaning 'strike') in February 2026, outlining a comprehensive framework to address evolving terror threats. The strategy is built on 7 pillars encoded in the acronym: Prevention, Response, Aggregating inteal capacities, Human Rights & Rule of Law, Attenuating conditions enabling terrorism, Aligning global efforts, and Recovery & resilience. PRAHAAR adopts a whole-of-govement and whole-of-society approach. It addresses cross-border terrorism, drone misuse, cyber-attacks, online radicalisation, and terror financing via crypto and the dark web. Key agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), Multi Agency Centre (MAC), and Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) are central to its implementation. The policy also emphasises de-radicalisation, community engagement, and protection of human rights. PRAHAAR was announced on 23 February 2026 and formally released on 25–26 February. For UPSC and SSC candidates, this is critical for Inteal Security (GS Paper 3). It complements existing anti-terror frameworks under NIA Act 2008 and UAPA.

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2.2 | Namo Bharat RRTS Delhi–Meerut Corridor Inaugurated | 22 February 2026 | Delhi–Meerut

Date: 22 February 2026 | Location: Delhi–Meerut Corridor | Body: National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first complete Namo Bharat RRTS (Rapid Rail Transit System) and dedicated the Delhi–Meerut Corridor on 22 February 2026. This is India's first system where rapid rail and metro run on the same track and station, enabling seamless intra-city and inter-city connectivity. Key stations include Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, strengthening the NCR Twin Cities vision. The corridor boosts employment, supports infrastructure growth, and highlights Nari Shakti, with many women train operators and station staff leading operations. The RRTS represents a new class of rail infrastructure distinct from both conventional metro and mainline trains, offering higher speeds and longer distances. This is important for UPSC (Infrastructure GS Paper 3) and banking exams (current affairs on transport). The project is implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) under the Smart Cities and urban mobility vision of the govement.

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2.3 | Cabinet Approves Renaming Kerala to 'Keralam' | 25 February 2026 | New Delhi

Date: 25 February 2026 | Location: New Delhi | Body: Union Cabinet

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved a proposal to officially rename the state of Kerala as 'Keralam' during its meeting on 25 February 2026. The approval was preceded by unanimous resolutions of the Kerala Legislative Assembly in August 2023 and June 2024. The renaming requires modification of the First Schedule (listing states) and the Fourth Schedule (Rajya Sabha seat allocations) of the Constitution. Under Article 3 of the Constitution, the President refers the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the State Legislature before it is introduced in Parliament. The bill must then pass by a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament and receive Presidential assent. This is relevant for UPSC Constitutional GS Paper 2 (Article 3) and APSC General Knowledge.

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2.4 | UGC Flags 32 Fake Universities; Delhi Tops with 12 | February 2026 | Pan-India

Date: February 2026 | Location: Pan-India | Body: University Grants Commission (UGC)

The University Grants Commission (UGC) declared 32 institutions across India as fake universities as of February 2026, waing that degrees from these institutions are invalid for employment and higher education. Under Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act, only recognised or deemed universities can legally award degrees. Delhi tops the list with 12 fake universities, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 4. UGC urged students to verify institutional recognition status on its official website before seeking admission. This is relevant for all competitive exams and is a key consumer protection / education goveance issue.

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2.5 | MHA Launches 'Prahaar' National Counter-Terrorism Policy | 23 February 2026 | New Delhi

(See section 2.1 above — referred to across two dates; the formal announcement was on 23 February 2026 and the detailed release followed on 25–26 February 2026.)

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2.6 | NMP 2.0 Launched — ₹16.72 Lakh Crore Monetisation Target | February 2026 | New Delhi

Date: February 2026 | Location: New Delhi | Body: Ministry of Finance / NITI Aayog

FM Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0) in New Delhi, targeting aggregate monetisation of ₹16.72 lakh crore (including ₹5.8 lakh crore private investment) over FY2026–30. NMP 2.0 is formulated by NITI Aayog in consultation with infrastructure ministries, aligned with the Asset Monetisation Plan 2025–30 (Union Budget 2025–26). The target is over 2.6 times higher than NMP 1.0. Asset monetisation involves leveraging existing or underutilised infrastructure to generate revenue that is reinvested into new infrastructure. Key sectors include roads, railways, ports, and power. This is important for UPSC (Economy GS Paper 3) and banking exams.

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2.7 | PRAHAAR — Seven Pillars & Key Agencies (Reference Point)

(Detailed under 2.1; key mnemonics: PRAHAAR = Prevention, Response, Aggregating capacities, Human Rights, Attenuating conditions, Aligning global efforts, Recovery.)

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3. ECONOMY & BANKING

3.1 | India's Forex Reserves Hit Record High of $725.727 Billion | Week ending 13 February 2026 | India

Date: Reported week of 23 February 2026 | Location: India | Body: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

India's forex reserves surged to a record $725.727 billion for the week ended 13 February 2026, as per RBI data released in this period. The rise of $8.663 billion was driven mainly by gains in Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) at $573.603 billion and gold reserves at $128.466 billion. Higher reserves reflect strong currency management, improved liquidity buffers, and resilience amid global volatility. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) also saw an increase, adding flexibility to India's reserve position. This record underscores India's robust macroeconomic position and investor confidence. For banking and UPSC candidates, understanding the components of forex reserves (FCA, gold, SDRs, IMF quota) is essential.

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3.2 | India's GDP Growth Projected at 8.1% in Q3FY26 — SBI Report | February 2026

Date: February 2026 | Location: India | Body: State Bank of India (SBI)

An SBI Research report projected India's GDP growth at 8.1% in Q3FY26, citing strong domestic demand, resilient rural consumption, and improved urban spending. The FY26 full-year growth estimate stands at 7.4%. High-frequency indicators showed stable economic momentum across sectors. Rural growth was supported by healthy farm output and non-farm activity. Urban demand benefited from festive spending and fiscal measures. The GDP base year revision to 2022–23 is expected to better reflect India's evolving economic structure and digital expansion. This is relevant for UPSC Economy Paper 3 and banking awareness.

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3.3 | India Removes MFN Clause from India-France Tax Treaty | February 2026

Date: February 2026 | Location: New Delhi | Body: Ministry of Finance / Govement of India & France

India and France signed a Protocol amending the 1992 India-France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC). Key changes include: removal of the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause; capital gains on share sales to be taxed in the country of residence of the company; revised dividend tax rates (5% for ≥10% shareholding, 15% otherwise); introduction of a Service Permanent Establishment (Service PE) concept; and incorporation of BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) standards. The MFN clause removal resolves past tax disputes and brings greater clarity. This topic is relevant for UPSC GS Paper 3 (taxation, inteational finance) and banking awareness.

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3.4 | GoI & GCC Sign Joint Statement for Comprehensive FTA | 24 February 2026 | New Delhi

Date: 24 February 2026 | Location: New Delhi | Body: Ministry of Commerce & Industry / GCC Secretariat

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signed a Joint Statement for a comprehensive India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Signed by Union Minister Piyush Goyal and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. The FTA covers trade in goods (tariff reduction/elimination), trade in services (IT, finance, healthcare, education), and investment facilitation. GCC accounts for about 15% of India's global trade; bilateral trade was valued at ~$178.56 billion in FY25. This is one of the most strategically important trade negotiations for India, given GCC's importance for Indian diaspora remittances, energy imports, and export markets.

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4. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

4.1 | AI Impact Summit 2026 Concludes; 89–91 Nations Endorse New Delhi Declaration | 16–20 February 2026 | New Delhi

Date: 16–20 February 2026 (reported through this week) | Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi | Body: Govement of India / NITI Aayog / Ministry of Electronics & IT

The 2nd India AI Impact Summit concluded at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with the adoption of the 'New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact', endorsed by 89–91 countries and inteational organisations. PM Modi unveiled the MANAV Framework (Moral & Ethical Systems, Accountable, National Sovereignty, Accessible & Inclusive, Valid & Legitimate) for AI goveance. Opening addresses were delivered by French President Emmanuel Macron and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Switzerland's President Guy Parmelin announced that AI Impact Summit 2027 will be held in Geneva, and UAE will host the 2028 edition. India launched the Global AI Impact Commons and Trusted AI Commons. IIT-Madras Professor B. Ravindran was appointed to the UN Independent Inteational Scientific Panel on AI. Teacher App 2.0 powered by AI was launched by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. India also signed AI cooperation SoIs with Sweden (SITAC corridor), Brazil, and Kenya (DigiLocker pilot). Relevant for UPSC (Science & Tech) and APSC.

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4.2 | PhonePe Launches AI Natural Language Search with Microsoft Foundry | February 2026

Date: February 2026 | Location: India | Body: PhonePe / Microsoft

PhonePe launched an AI-powered natural language search feature built using Microsoft Foundry, enabling users to navigate the app through simple voice or text commands. The feature understands conversational prompts and directs users to the relevant section instantly. It uses intent-based routing and a mix of on-device and cloud processing. The rollout is phased across India. This reflects India's growing fintech and AI convergence. Relevant for banking exam technology questions.

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4.3 | INS Anjadip to Be Commissioned on 27 February 2026 | Chennai

Date: 27 February 2026 | Location: Chennai Port | Body: Indian Navy, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Anjadip at Chennai Port on 27 February 2026 in a ceremony presided over by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff. INS Anjadip is the third vessel under the eight-ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE, Kolkata) under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The 77-metre warship features water-jet propulsion, top speed of 25 knots, Hull Mounted Sonar Abhay, lightweight torpedoes, and ASW rockets. It will operate under the Easte Naval Command. The vessel is designed as a "Dolphin Hunter" for shallow-water anti-submarine operations. Relevant for UPSC (Defence), SSC GD/CGL, and general awareness.

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4.4 | SUJVIKA — AI Biotech Data Portal Launched by DBT | 24 February 2026 | New Delhi

Date: 24 February 2026 | Location: New Delhi | Body: Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh launched 'SUJVIKA', an AI-driven biotech product data portal on DBT's 40th Foundation Day. Developed in collaboration with the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), SUJVIKA is a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform covering healthcare & biopharma, agricultural biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, and environmental biotechnology. It aims to create a searchable national database of biotechnology products. Relevant for APSC (Science & Technology), UPSC.

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4.5 | CERT-In & SIA-India Release India Space Cyber Security Guidelines 2026 | 27 February 2026

Date: 27 February 2026 | Location: New Delhi (DefSat Conference) | Body: CERT-In / SIA-India

CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) and SIA-India jointly released the India Space Cyber Security Guidelines 2026 at the DefSat Conference 2026. The guidelines aim to protect satellite communication systems, ground infrastructure, and supply chains from cyberattacks. The framework applies to govement bodies, satellite operators, vendors, and private space firms, and promotes a "defence in depth" layered security approach. This reflects India's growing strategic interest in space cybersecurity.

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5. ENVIRONMENT & GEOGRAPHY

5.1 | Global Glacier Loss Hits Record 604 Billion Tons in 2023 | Context Reported This Week

Date: Reported February 2026 | Location: Global | Body: Scientific Reports / Climate Research

Global glaciers have lost over 7 trillion tons of ice since 2000, with 2023 marking a record 604 billion tons lost — more than any previous year. The rate of glacier loss increased from 255 billion tons/year (2000–2011) to 346 billion tons/year (2011–2023). Alaska's glaciers are melting fastest, losing 67 billion tons annually. Central European glaciers have shrunk 39% since 2000. Glacier melt now contributes more to sea level rise than ice loss from Greenland or Antarctica. Impacts include freshwater scarcity, loss of biodiversity, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and economic disruption. For Assam and Northeast India, glacial retreat in the Easte Himalayas directly affects the Brahmaputra river system and flood dynamics. Relevant for UPSC (Geography, Environment) and APSC.

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5.2 | India-Germany €20 Million Climate Resilience Initiative | 27 February 2026 | New Delhi

Date: 27 February 2026 | Location: New Delhi | Body: India-Germany bilateral / IKI

India and Germany announced a €20 million initiative for climate resilience under Germany's Inteational Climate Initiative (IKI). Target regions include the Himalayas, Weste Ghats, Northeast India, island territories, and the Lower Gangetic floodplains. Key focus is on Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) — forest restoration, groundwater recharge, and community-led conservation. Northeast India's inclusion is directly relevant to Assam's ecological vulnerability to floods, landslides, and climate-driven disasters. Relevant for UPSC (Environment, Inteational Relations) and APSC.

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6. AWARDS & HONOURS

6.1 | Manipuri Film 'Boong' Wins First-Ever BAFTA Children's Film Award for India | 22 February 2026 | London

Date: 22 February 2026 (79th BAFTA) | Location: Royal Festival Hall, London | Body: BAFTA

India made BAFTA history when Manipuri film 'Boong' won the Best Children's and Family Film award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards — the first Indian film to win this honour. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar, Boong beautifully portrays childhood, family, and hope against the backdrop of Manipur. The film premiered at the Toronto Inteational Film Festival before achieving global acclaim. This is a landmark moment for regional Indian cinema, particularly from Northeast India. One Battle After Another dominated the ceremony with six wins, including Best Film and Best Director. Relevant for APSC (Northeast/Arts), UPSC General Studies, and cultural awareness questions.

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6.2 | Shashi Tharoor Awarded Honorary D.Litt by St. Xavier's University, Kolkata | 21 February 2026 | Kolkata

Date: 21 February 2026 | Location: Kolkata | Body: St. Xavier's University

Shashi Tharoor received an honorary D.Litt (Honoris Causa) from St. Xavier's University, Kolkata at its 7th Convocation — his first honorary doctorate in India. The ceremony at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre saw 1,000+ students graduate, with 25 PhDs and 17 gold medallists honoured. Tharoor is a former UN Under-Secretary-General and current Member of Parliament.

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6.3 | 'One Battle After Another' Dominates 79th BAFTAs | 22 February 2026 | London

Date: 22 February 2026 | Location: Royal Festival Hall, London | Body: BAFTA

The 79th British Academy Film Awards were held at Royal Festival Hall. 'One Battle After Another', directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, dominated with six awards including Best Film and Best Director. Robert Aramayo won Leading Actor and the EE Rising Star Award. Jessie Buckley won Leading Actress for Hamnet. Wunmi Mosaku won Supporting Actress for Sinners. Hosted by Alan Cumming. Relevant for SSC, banking, and UPSC current affairs.

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6.4 | Abhinav Bindra Concludes 8-Year IOC Athletes' Commission Tenure | February 2026

Date: February 2026 | Location: Milano Cortina (Winter Olympics 2026) | Body: Inteational Olympic Committee

Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medallist (10m air rifle, Beijing 2008), completed his eight-year tenure (2018–2026) as Vice-Chair of the IOC Athletes' Commission. He was succeeded by Humphrey Kayange (Kenya) as Second Vice-Chair during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Bindra received the Arjuna Award (2000), Khel Ratna (2002), and Padma Bhushan (2009). He is the author of 'A Shot at History' (2011). Relevant for sports GK in all exams.

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7. SPORTS

7.1 | India Smashes Highest-Ever T20 World Cup Score — 256/4 vs Zimbabwe | 26 February 2026 | Chennai

Date: 26 February 2026 | Location: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Body: ICC / BCCI

In a Super 8 match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, India scored 256/4 against Zimbabwe — their highest-ever T20 World Cup total and the second-highest in touament history (behind Sri Lanka's 260/6 in 2007). Abhishek Sharma (55), Hardik Pandya (50*), and Tilak Varma (44*) powered the innings. India hit 80 runs in the last five overs. Zimbabwe responded with 184/6 (Brian Bennett 97*), falling short by 72 runs. India's emphatic win boosted their net run rate and kept their semifinal hopes alive. Relevant for sports current affairs in SSC, banking, and APSC exams.

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7.2 | 16th Vajra Prahar India-USA Joint Special Forces Exercise | 24 February – 16 March 2026 | Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh

Date: 24 February 2026 (commenced) | Location: Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, HP | Body: Indian Army & US Army

The 16th edition of India-USA Joint Special Forces Exercise 'Vajra Prahar' commenced on 24 February 2026 at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, and is scheduled until 16 March 2026. Participants include 45 Indian Army Special Forces personnel and 12 US Army Green Berets. The exercise aims to strengthen combined capabilities for joint Special Forces operations in mountainous terrain. This is part of India-US deepening defence partnership. Other related exercises: Yudh Abhyas (Army), Malabar (Navy), Cope India (Air Force). Relevant for UPSC (Defence & IR) and SSC.

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7.3 | Delhi Open 2026 ATP Challenger — Stefanos Sakellaridis Wins | February 2026 | New Delhi

Date: February 2026 | Location: New Delhi | Body: ATP Challenger Tour

Greece's Stefanos Sakellaridis (age 21) won the men's singles title at the Delhi Open 2026 (ATP Challenger Tour), defeating Oliver Crawford of Great Britain 7-5, 5-6, 7-6 in a thrilling final. India's Siddhant Banthia and Bulgaria's Alexander Donski won the doubles title. This was Sakellaridis' maiden Challenger singles crown. Relevant for sports GK in banking and SSC exams.

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IMPORTANT DAYS (Week of 23–28 February 2026)

• 23 February — World Peace and Understanding Day 2026: Marks the 1905 founding of Rotary Inteational in Chicago by Paul P. Harris. Rotary is active in 200+ countries.
• 24 February — Central Excise Day 2026: Commemorates the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944. The Act unified 11 excise laws. CBIC recognised for its role in tax administration.
• 27 February — World NGO Day 2026: 13th observance. Theme: "Restoring Dignity Through Inclusion." Founded in 2009 by Marcis Liors Skadmanis. First global event: Helsinki, Finland, 2014.
• 27 February — 95th Martyrdom Day of Chandra Shekhar Azad: The revolutionary died on 27 February 1931 at Alfred Park, Allahabad, keeping his vow never to be captured alive.
• 27 February — Inteational Polar Bear Day 2026: Organised by Polar Bears Inteational to raise awareness about threats to polar bears from Arctic sea ice loss.
• 28 February — Rare Disease Day 2026: 19th edition. Theme: "More than you can imagine: the realities behind rare diseases." Launched by EURORDIS in 2008.

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