Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 25thFebruary 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 24thFebruary 2026

India Abstains on UN Ceasefire Resolution on Russia–Ukraine War

On the fourth anniversary of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, India abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.

• The resolution, backed by Kyiv, passed with 107 votes in favour.
• India joined major powers like the United States and China in abstaining.
• India reiterated its consistent stand:
  • Dialogue and diplomacy
  • Respect for sovereignty
  • Peaceful resolution of disputes

 Exam Relevance

• India’s strategic autonomy in foreign policy
• UNGA voting patterns
• India’s balancing act between Russia and the West

Kerala to Be Officially Renamed “Keralam”

The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam.”

• Based on a 2024 State Assembly resolution.
• The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will now proceed through constitutional procedures before introduction in Parliament.
• The announcement was made by I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

 Significance

• Cultural and linguistic identity assertion
• Constitutional procedure under Article 3 (alteration of state name)

PM Narendra Modi’s Historic Visit to Israel

Narendra Modi began a two-day State visit to Israel, marking a historic diplomatic milestone.

• First Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset.
• Meetings held with:
  • Benjamin Netanyahu
  • Isaac Herzog

Focus Areas

• Defence cooperation
• Technology partnerships
• Trade and innovation
  

  

Exam Angle

• India–Israel strategic partnership
• West Asia policy
• Defence diplomacy

 Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive Launched

The Government of India announced a nationwide HPV vaccination programme targeting 1.15 crore 14-year-old girls annually.

 Objective

• Prevent cervical cancer
• Strengthen women’s health under the “Swastha Nari” vision

Importance

• Public health milestone
• Preventive healthcare push
• Alignment with SDG-3 (Good Health & Well-being)

Indo-US Special Forces Exercise – Vajra Prahar

The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar commenced in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.

Participants

• Indian Special Forces
• US Green Berets
  

  

Objective

• Tactical interoperability
• Counter-terror operations
• Military-to-military cooperation

Exam Relevance

• India–US defence relations
• Joint military exercises

 7th India–Japan Exercise “Dharma Guardian”

The 7th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian began in Uttarakhand.

Participating Units

• Ladakh Scouts (India)
• Japan’s 32nd Infantry Re
• giment
  

  

Focus

• Semi-urban combat readiness
• Tactical coordination
• Indo-Pacific security cooperation

 Exam Angle

• India–Japan strategic partnership
• QUAD and Indo-Pacific framework

 New Jasmine Pest Discovered in India

Scientists at ICAR-DFR Pune discovered a new blossom midge species:

Contarinia icardiflores

Threat

• Rapid breeding
• Severe damage to jasmine crops
• Economic loss to India’s floriculture sector

Significance

• Agricultural biosecurity
• Pest management strategies
• Floriculture exports

 UN Road Safety Campaign & Sachin Tendulkar

UN Special Envoy Jean Todt launched the global “Make A Safety Statement” campaign.

• Sachin Tendulkar named Global Champion for road safety.
• UN-backed Sustainable Financing project launched in India.
• Aim: Reduce traffic fatalities by 50% by 2030.
  

  

 Exam Relevance

• UN initiatives
• Road safety and SDG targets
• Public-private collaboration

 India–GCC Free Trade Agreement Negotiations Begin

Piyush Goyal formally launched negotiations between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Trade Snapshot

• Bilateral trade reached $178.56 billion in FY 2024-25

 Significance

• Energy security
• Strategic West Asia engagement
• Boost to exports and investment

Exam Angle

• India’s FTA strategy
• Regional trade blocs
• Economic diplomacy