🇮🇳 NATIONAL NEWS (INDIA)
🚆 1. Railway Infrastructure Expansion
The Government of India accelerated multi-tracking railway expansion projects approved earlier in the week. These projects aim to:
- Increase freight capacity
- Reduce congestion on high-density routes
- Improve logistics efficiency under the PM Gati Shakti framework
The projects are being implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Exam Focus:
- Railway modernization
- Infrastructure-led growth
- Logistics Performance Index (LPI)
🏛 2. Digital Highway Clearance Reform
The Ministry of Road Transport continued rollout of the upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH portal, streamlining:
- NOC approvals
- Utility permissions
- Highway access permissions
This aligns with the Digital India initiative.
🧪 3. Biotechnology & AI Integration
The Department of Biotechnology advanced implementation of the AI-driven biotech database portal “SUJVIKA”, designed to:
- Promote indigenous biotech innovation
- Reduce import dependency
- Support startups with centralized data access
Exam Angle: AI in governance, biotechnology policy, startup ecosystem.
🌍 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
🇺🇦 1. Russia–Ukraine War: 4th Year Developments
One day after the 4-year anniversary of the conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated:
- Commitment to EU accession
- Continued defence cooperation with European allies
Western nations discussed expanded sanctions and reconstruction support packages.
Exam Focus:
- European Union expansion process
- NATO–Russia tensions
- Geopolitical energy security
🇮🇸 2. Iceland EU Membership Debate
The government of Iceland announced steps toward holding a referendum on reopening EU membership talks.
Importance:
- Reflects shifting European political alignments
- Strategic Arctic region implications
🇺🇸 3. US Policy Developments
Following the recent State of the Union address by President Donald Trump, policy discussions in Congress focused on:
- Border security
- Energy independence
- Defence spending
Exam Angle: US domestic politics and global policy direction.
💰 ECONOMY & BUSINESS
📊 1. India Growth Outlook
A major public sector bank report projected strong Q3 FY26 GDP growth (~8%), driven by:
- Manufacturing rebound
- Rural consumption recovery
- Infrastructure capital expenditure
Key Concepts:
- Fiscal multiplier
- Capex-led growth
- Inflation moderation
🌾 2. MSP Policy Follow-up
The Cabinet’s decision to increase MSP for raw jute (2026-27 season) continued to dominate discussions, aiming to:
- Support eastern Indian farmers
- Strengthen the jute industry
Exam Focus:
Minimum Support Price mechanism & CACP role.
🪖 DEFENCE & SECURITY
🇮🇳🇯🇵 1. India–Japan Military Exercise
The 7th edition of Exercise “Dharma Guardian” between India and Japan continued in Uttarakhand.
Objectives:
- Counter-terror operations
- Joint tactical drills
- Strengthening Indo-Pacific cooperation
Strategic Context:
India–Japan ties under QUAD framework.
🌎 GLOBAL ECONOMY
A new regional report from the United Nations projected:
- Gradual recovery in Arab economies
- Inflation easing in oil-importing nations
- Stabilisation due to energy price moderation
Exam Focus:
West Asia geopolitics & oil economics.
🌨 CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
❄ North America Blizzard Impact
After a major winter storm earlier in the week, northeastern US states continued recovery efforts:
- Power restoration
- Transport normalization
- Emergency aid deployment
Concepts for Exams:
- Climate variability
- Disaster management frameworks
🏏 SPORTS
🏆 ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Key Super Eight stage matches were played, impacting semifinal qualification scenarios.
Exam Tip:
Remember tournament host nation & format changes for sports GK sections.
📌 IMPORTANT DAYS (25 FEB)
While 24 Feb is Central Excise Day in India, 25 February is often observed globally for:
- Regional health awareness campaigns
- Various national commemorative observances (country-specific)
🔎 QUICK REVISION POINTS
| Area | Key Highlight |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure | Rail multi-tracking expansion |
| International | Ukraine war diplomacy |
| Economy | 8%+ GDP projection |
| Defence | India–Japan Exercise |
| EU Politics | Iceland referendum move |
| US Affairs | Policy follow-up after SOTU |