IMPORTANT DAYS

World Day of Social Justice 2026 – 20 February

• United Nations observes World Day of Social Justice annually on 20 February to promote equality and fairness worldwide.

• The theme for 2026 is “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice.”

• The day underscores the importance of making social justice a central objective of national and international policymaking.

• It highlights the need to create inclusive and equitable societies that ensure equal opportunities for all.

• The observance was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.

• The International Labour Organization adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on 10 June 2008, reinforcing global commitment.

• The UN recognises social development and justice as essential pillars for sustaining peace and security within and between nations.

• In India, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with National Law University, organised a special programme to mark the occasion.

NATIONAL NEWS

First European Legal Gateway Office Opened in New Delhi

• The first-ever European Legal Gateway Office has been inaugurated in New Delhi, marking a significant step in India–EU institutional cooperation.

• The launch ceremony was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, and ICMPD Director General Susanne Raab.

• The initiative reflects the growing depth, trust and maturity of the European Union–India strategic partnership.

• India and the EU are increasingly viewed as natural and reliable partners with expanding strategic alignment.

• Progress in India–EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations and enhanced Security & Defence cooperation has strengthened the roadmap for future collaboration.

• The adoption of the “Towards 2030: Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda” has further elevated bilateral engagement.

• India’s demographic advantage, with its young and skilled workforce contributing significantly to global digital and technological sectors, was highlighted as a key strength.

• The Legal Gateway Office is expected to promote smoother mobility, legal collaboration and stronger institutional ties between India and the EU, reinforcing cooperative solutions to global challenges.

STATE NEWS

Gujarat Shops & Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Passed

• The Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has been passed by the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, introducing key reforms in working hours and night employment provisions.

• The amendment updates the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2019 to enhance flexibility in commercial establishments.

• Women are now permitted to work between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am with their consent, subject to strict safety, dignity and compliance measures by employers.

• Mandatory safeguards include rest rooms, separate washrooms, night crèche facilities, prevention of sexual harassment and secure workplace conditions.

• Employers must also ensure safe transportation for women employees commuting during night shifts.

• The daily working hour limit has been extended to 10 hours (including breaks), replacing the earlier nine-hour cap.

• The quarterly overtime ceiling has been raised from 125 hours to 144 hours to improve operational flexibility.

• The Bill, which replaced a previously issued ordinance, was passed unanimously after assurances on worker protection, and empowers the state government to regulate or restrict night employment of women in specific areas if safety concerns arise.

SPORTS

6th National Rafting Championship Held in Jammu & Kashmir

• The 6th National Rafting Championship, titled “The Ultimate River Battle,” has commenced at Shibnote in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir from 19–22 February.

• The event brings together leading rafting teams from across India to compete at the national level.

• It is being conducted on the mighty Chenab River, renowned for its powerful currents and demanding rapids.

• The championship aims to highlight professional rafting talent while boosting adventure sports culture in the region.

• Participants will be assessed on stamina, coordination, strategy and advanced river-handling techniques.

• The competition is expected to draw sports enthusiasts, tourists and adventure seekers from different parts of the country.

• Hosting such a large-scale sporting event strengthens the region’s image as an emerging hub for adventure tourism.

• The initiative also supports sustainable and responsible tourism efforts in the Union Territory, promoting long-term economic and environmental benefits.

AWARDS

Mumbai to Host The Earthshot Prize 2026

• Mumbai has been selected to host The Earthshot Prize in November 2026, marking the first time the global environmental award ceremony will be held in India.

• The announcement was made during Mumbai Climate Week, underlining India’s expanding leadership in international climate action initiatives.

• The prize was founded in 2020 by Prince William to accelerate innovative solutions aimed at protecting and restoring the planet.

• The multi-day 2026 event will honour global changemakers delivering practical, scalable and high-impact environmental solutions.

• A total of 15 finalists will be recognised across five key categories: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate.

• The 2025 “Protect and Restore Nature” award was won by re.green from Brazil for ecosystem restoration efforts.

• In 2025, the “Clean Our Air” category was awarded to the City of Bogotá (Colombia), while the “Revive Our Oceans” honour went to the High Seas Treaty (International).

• The “Build a Waste-Free World” prize in 2025 was secured by Lagos Fashion Week (Nigeria), and “Fix Our Climate” was awarded to Friendship (Bangladesh).