Daily current affairs: 23 February 2026

Long Description : A Supreme Court bench, while hearing matters regarding urban pollution, directed all states and UTs to strictly implement the Solid Waste Management Rules. The court expressed concern over burgeoning landfills and the lack of scientific disposal mechanisms. It underscored the importance of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and mandated that local bodies ensure 100% segregation of waste at the source. The judgment highlights that a clean environment is an integral part of Article 21 of the Constitution. The court further directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to submit a compliance report on the national progress of waste-to-energy projects by the next quarter.

Long Description : In a parliamentary briefing, the government clarified the roadmap for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act). The reservation provides 33% seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for a period of 15 years. However, its commencement is legally tied to the delimitation exercise, which can only occur after the data from the first Census conducted after the year 2026 is published. Under Article 82 of the Constitution, the readjustment of seats is necessary to ensure fair representation. Experts suggest this timeline effectively means the reservation might only be visible in the 2029 or subsequent general elections.

Long Description : NITI Aayog’s latest report, "Revitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem," outlines a strategy to transform India into a global skill hub. The report recommends simplifying the regulatory framework under the Apprenticeship Act to reduce compliance burdens on small and medium enterprises. It proposes a digital-first approach for contract registration and stipend disbursement. By aligning curriculum with industry requirements, the initiative seeks to bridge the employability gap. Linked to the SANKALP and Skill India missions, the report emphasizes that increasing the apprenticeship-to-workforce ratio is crucial for achieving high-growth economic targets. The document also suggests incentives for sectors like green energy and semiconductors to foster future-ready skills.

Long Description : During the final day of the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Bangladesh officially became the 89th nation to sign the New Delhi Declaration. The declaration emphasizes the development of "Responsible AI" that is inclusive, ethical, and transparent. It aims to prevent digital colonization by promoting the sharing of AI-based Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This endorsement facilitates closer collaboration between India and Bangladesh in fields like AI-driven agriculture, healthcare, and disaster management. The summit highlighted India's role as a leader in the Global South, advocating for AI frameworks that respect sovereign data rights while fostering innovation through the IndiaAI Mission.

Long Description : Strengthening the strategic partnership within BRICS, India and Brazil inked an agreement focused on mineral security. Brazil, a major producer of niobium and high-grade iron ore, will provide a steady supply of these critical raw materials to Indian steel manufacturers. In return, India will offer technological assistance in mining automation and AI-driven mineral exploration. The agreement is a significant step toward the National Steel Policy 2017 targets. It also reduces India’s dependency on traditional supply hubs, enhancing strategic autonomy in the global mineral market. Both nations agreed to establish a joint R&D platform for sustainable and green steel production technologies.

Long Description : At a high-level ceremony, the Indian Navy officially assumed the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). The IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. India’s tenure will focus on three key pillars: maritime security, disaster response, and information sharing. The Navy plans to conduct several multi-lateral exercises to tackle non-traditional threats like piracy, illegal fishing, and climate change. This leadership role aligns with India's SAGAR vision and reinforces its status as a "Preferred Security Partner" and "First Responder" in the strategic waters of the Indian Ocean.

Long Description : The newly launched Export Promotion Mission is a targeted initiative to integrate Indian MSMEs into the global value chain. By addressing hurdles like high logistics costs and stringent quality standards, the mission aims to make small-scale products more competitive. It introduces a dedicated digital platform for MSMEs to navigate Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 regulations and identify emerging market trends. The government has also announced subsidized credit lines for first-time exporters. This mission is expected to play a pivotal role in diversifying India’s export basket and boosting the manufacturing sector, ultimately contributing to the vision of a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047.

Long Description : In a significant move for economic statistics, the government has revised the base year for Merchandise Trade Indices to 2022-23 (FY23). The previous base year (2012-13) had become outdated as it failed to capture the recent surge in sectors like mobile manufacturing, renewable energy components, and specialized chemicals. This revision improves the accuracy of export-import volume measurements and unit value indices. For banking and policy sectors, this provides a more realistic picture of trade-led inflation and currency valuation. It enables better-informed decisions regarding tariff structures and trade negotiations, ensuring that India’s economic indicators are in sync with global best practices and current trade dynamics.

Long Description : Responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the Supreme Court directed the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to tighten regulations surrounding stem-cell clinics. The court observed that many clinics are advertising stem-cell therapy as a "miracle cure" for incurable diseases without scientific validation. The bench ordered the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to ensure that no such treatment is administered outside the scope of approved clinical trials. This judgment serves as a major safeguard for patient rights and bioethics in India. It also highlights the government's responsibility to protect citizens from predatory medical practices while encouraging legitimate regenerative medicine research under strict guidelines.

Long Description : Marking a milestone in 'Aatmanirbharta' in defense, the Cadet Training Ship ‘Krishna’ was launched in Chennai. Built by L&T, this is the first of three such vessels designed to provide basic and advanced sea-borne training. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, and it features classrooms and simulators for modern naval pedagogy. Beyond training Indian cadets, the CTS 'Krishna' will be used to train personnel from friendly foreign navies, bolstering India's diplomatic ties in the Indo-Pacific. The launch signifies India’s growing capability in building specialized naval platforms and reduces reliance on repurposed older vessels for officer training.

Long Description : The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of reports that six residents from Odisha's Kendrapara district are being held against their will near Bangkok, Thailand. According to the media report, the workers were lured by a labor contractor with promises of high-paying jobs but were instead forced into 12-hour shifts without pay or proper food. Their passports have reportedly been seized. The NHRC has sought a detailed report from the MEA within one week on the steps taken for their rescue and repatriation. This incident highlights the persistent issue of illegal human trafficking and the need for stricter verification of overseas employment agencies.

Long Description : During the 'Rajaji Utsav' held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a grand statue of C. Rajagopalachari was unveiled to honor his legacy. Popularly known as Rajaji, he was a pivotal figure in India's independence movement and served as the last Governor-General of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, described Rajaji as a leader who saw power as a tool for service. The ceremony emphasized Rajaji's intellectual contributions and his independent thinking in public life. The installation of the statue in the Central Courtyard is part of the government's effort to preserve the history of India's constitutional journey and celebrate its founding fathers.

Long Description : In a major push for digital transformation, the Uttar Pradesh government unveiled the UP AI Mission. The initiative includes setting up a State Data Center Cluster and an AI Data Lab to foster local innovation. The budget allocates significant funds for AI-based solutions in monitoring crop health, optimizing traffic management, and personalizing public education. The mission also seeks to collaborate with the central 'IndiaAI Mission' to build sovereign AI infrastructure. By creating startup hubs and providing technical scholarships, UP aims to attract global tech firms and develop a future-ready workforce, marking a decisive leap toward becoming a $1 trillion state economy.

Long Description : In a high-stakes encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium, South Africa halted the defending champions’ momentum. Batting first, the Proteas posted a competitive 187/7, powered by a 97-run partnership between David Miller and Dewald Brevis. Despite a disciplined start by Jasprit Bumrah, India’s batting collapsed under pressure, folding for just 111 runs in 18.5 overs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted the top-order failure was critical. The defeat has significantly dented India’s Net Run Rate, making their upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies "must-win" games. Legend Sunil Gavaskar criticized the reckless batting approach, urging the team to adapt to tricky surface conditions.

Long Description : Mukul Roy, a key figure in West Bengal politics and a former Union Minister, passed away at the age of 71. Roy was a founding member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and served as the Union Railway Minister during the UPA-2 regime. Known for his organizational skills and political strategy, he played a crucial role in the TMC's 2011 victory in West Bengal. He briefly joined the BJP in 2017 before returning to the TMC in 2021. His demise marks the end of an era for Bengal politics. Leaders across the political spectrum praised his deep understanding of grassroots issues and his contribution to the development of railway infrastructure.

Long Description : Ahead of the state budget, the MP Economic Survey revealed a strong recovery and growth trajectory for the state. With a projected GSDP growth of 11.14%, Madhya Pradesh remains one of India's fastest-growing large states. The survey highlighted that the agriculture sector contributed significantly, with record-breaking wheat and soybean procurement. Furthermore, the state has seen a 25% increase in installed renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar power projects like Rewa. The document also noted improvements in the Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI), crediting state-led welfare schemes and infrastructure development. The survey sets a positive tone for the upcoming fiscal allocations focused on industrialization and rural development.