Daily Current Affairs and GK | 25 February 2026

Topic: Defence

1. The Indian Navy will formally commission Anjadip into the Eastern Naval Command at Chennai Port on 27 February 2026.

• Anjadip is the third vessel of the eight-ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project.
• Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff will preside over the ceremony.
• Anjadip is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• Anjadip is indigenously designed for coastal and shallow-water operations.
• Anjadip is equipped with advanced indigenous ASW systems.
• It has the Hull Mounted Sonar Abhay. It is armed with Lightweight Torpedoes and ASW Rockets.
• It is also equipped to carry out Coastal Surveillance, Low-Intensity Maritime Operations and Search & Rescue operations.
• Anjadip is 77 metres long. It features a high speed water-Jet Propulsion system.
• This system enables it to achieve a top speed of 25 knots.
• Anjadip is named after the historically signiifcant island off the coast of Karwar, Karnataka.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

2. The National Counter-Terrorism Strategy ‘PRAHAR’ Unveiled by Government.

• The national counter-terrorism policy and strategy titled PRAHAR was unveiled by the Ministry of Home Affairs to tackle evolving terror threats.
• PRAHAAR stands for Prevention of terror attacks to protect Indian citizens and interests, Responses.
• The comprehensive framework was designed to adopt a proactive approach for preventing and countering terrorism.
• PRAHAR was structured around key pillars including prevention, swift response and aggregation of internal capacities.
• The strategy emphasises human rights and rule-of-law-based processes while addressing terror threats.
• It aims to attenuate conditions that enable terrorism, including radicalisation and support networks.
• The policy reiterates India’s firm zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism in all its forms.
• Efforts will continue to criminalise terrorist acts and deny access to funds, weapons and safe havens.
• The strategy also focuses on aligning international cooperation to combat global terrorism.
• Investment in technology and partnerships with private enterprises have been included to address future threats.
• The document underscores India’s long-standing leadership in counter-terrorism while rejecting any linkage of terrorism with any religion or nationality.

Topic: Defence

3. India–Japan joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ commenced in Uttarakhand.

• On 24 February, the 7th edition of the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ was commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand.
• The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 24 February to 9 March 2026 to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.
• A 120-member contingent from each side has been deployed for the joint training programme.
• The Japanese side is represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, while the Indian contingent is drawn from the Ladakh Scouts.
• The exercise continues to be held alternately in India and Japan and remains a key pillar of military cooperation between the two countries.
• The primary objective is to enhance joint capabilities for operations in a semi-urban environment.
• Participating troops will focus on physical fitness, joint planning procedures and synchronisation of tactical drills.
• The exercise is anchored on the use of modern technology to improve interoperability and operational readiness.
• Major tactical activities include establishing a Temporary Operating Base and developing an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance grid.
• Additional drills such as Mobile Vehicle Check Posts, Cordon and Search Operations, Heliborne Operations and House Intervention exercises will also be undertaken.

Topic: National Appointments

4. Nidhi Chhibber given additional charge as NITI Aayog CEO.

• The additional charge of Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog was given to Nidhi Chhibber following the completion of the tenure of B. V. R. Subrahmanyam.
• The responsibility was assigned to Nidhi Chhibber after Subrahmanyam completed his three-year term on 24 February.
• Chhibber is presently serving as Director General of the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office under NITI Aayog.
• In her current role, several flagship central government schemes have been monitored and evaluated by her to assess their effectiveness.
• She is a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre and has held several key administrative positions.
• Earlier, she served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education, where major examination and reform processes were overseen.
• She holds a Master’s degree in History and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree.
• NITI Aayog, established on 1 January 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, continues to promote cooperative federalism through a bottom-up development approach.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

5. Tourism Leadership Summit 2026 inaugurated in New Delhi.

• On 24 February, the Tourism Leadership Summit 2026 was inaugurated in New Delhi by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan.
• The summit organised by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum to discuss the future of tourism cooperation.
• Tourism was described as more than an industry and was highlighted as a bridge between cultures and a driver of economic opportunities.
• It was emphasised that tourism acts as a powerful instrument of soft diplomacy and a key pillar of the India–US economic corridor.
• The Vice President noted that modern travellers increasingly seek authenticity, sustainability, heritage and meaningful experiences.
• Tourism was highlighted as one of the largest generators of employment in the country.
• Stress was laid on investing in skills, entrepreneurship and women-led enterprises for inclusive sectoral growth.
• India’s Tourism Vision 2029 aims to develop at least one world-class tourist destination in every state.
• The need for improved visitor amenities, last-mile connectivity and digital storytelling was strongly underlined.
• Integration of AI-driven tools such as multilingual digital guides and predictive crowd management was recommended to enhance visitor experience.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

6. ‘Him-CONNECT’ is being organised alongside WSDS 2026 in New Delhi.

• The initiative ‘Him-CONNECT’ is being organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on the sidelines of the Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI) World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS).
• The event is being held in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute from 25 to 27 February 2026 in New Delhi.
• The platform has been designed to connect Himalayan researchers with start-ups, investors and policymakers.
• It is aimed at enabling scaling and real-world deployment of research outcomes in the Indian Himalayan Region.
• More than 24 technologies, prototypes and pilot projects supported under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies will be showcased.
• Over 100 start-ups, incubators, investors and policymakers are expected to participate in the event.
• The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between innovation and commercial adoption through collaborative ecosystems.
• Key solutions on display include eco-friendly road construction, wastewater reuse technologies and low-cost mineralised water purifiers.
• The platform reflects India’s commitment to solution-oriented climate leadership and South–South cooperation.
• By aligning science, finance and policy, Him-CONNECT aims to accelerate climate resilience and sustainable development in the Himalayan region.

Topic: Defence

7. The 16^th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar has begun in Himachal Pradesh.

• This is a joint special force drill between India and the United States.
• The exercise will continue until the 16th of next month.
• The exercise is taking place at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh.
• The Indian Army has sent 45 soldiers from its special forces units.
• The United States has sent 12 soldiers for this exercise.
• The American contingent is comprised of the Green Berets of the U.S. Army Special Forces.
• This drill is designed to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.
• It aims to improve coordination in joint special operations.
• The exercise also promotes the exchange of advanced tactical skills and operational practice.

Topic: Infrastructure and Energy

8. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved three railway multitracking projects.

• The total estimated cost of the projects is ₹9,072 crore.
• These works will expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 307 kilometers.
• This expansion will cover eight districts. These districts are in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
• The approved sections include the Gondia-Jabalpur doubling, Punarakh-Kiul third and fourth line, and Gamharia-Chandil third and fourth line.
• Approximately 5,407 villages are expected to receive improved connectivity.
• These projects are expected to benefit approximately 9.8 million people.
• The additional tracks are expected to reduce congestion on busy routes.
• This initiative supports the government's vision of building a New India.
• It aims to promote balanced regional development.
• These projects have been planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
• Rail access to the Kachnar Shiva Temple will improve. Connectivity to the Dhuandhar Waterfall will also improve.
• These projects will strengthen links to Kanha National Park and Pench National Park.
• Access to the Bargi Dam and Chandil Dam will improve.
• Connectivity to the Dalma Hilltop and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary will also improve.
• These routes are essential for transporting coal and steel and are also used to transport iron ore, cement, and fertilizers.

Topic: Indian Economy

9. A research report released by the State Bank of India estimates that India's economy grew by approximately 8.1 percent in the third quarter of the current financial year.

• This estimate is for the quarter ending December 31, 2025.
• These results are based on various high-frequency economic indicators, which suggest that overall economic activity remains strong.
• The report states that growth momentum remained strong despite global economic challenges.
• Rural consumption is reported to be strong. This strength has been supported by positive trends in both the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.
• Urban consumption has also shown improvement.
• Urban demand has been increasing since the last festive season.
• Fiscal stimulus measures have supported this increase in spending.
• This assessment comes before the change in the GDP base year.
• The base year will be changed from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
• A new GDP data series is due to be released on 27 February 2026.

Topic: National News

10. A six-member Indian team climbed Mount Aconcagua located in Argentina.

• The climbers were from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering.
• They also represented the Jawaharlal Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports.
• The expedition was flagged off earlier this month.
• The Ministry of Defence said this achievement demonstrates India's growing global presence in mountaineering.
• It also highlighted the high training standards of the country's top mountaineering institute.
• Mount Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America.
• It is the world's highest mountain outside of Asia.