NATIONAL NEWS

Proposal for National Legislative Index to Assess State Assemblies

• Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta proposed the creation of a National Legislative Index.

• The index aims to systematically measure the performance of state legislatures across the country.

• It is intended to bring greater openness to legislative processes.

• The initiative is also expected to enhance accountability towards citizens.

• Legislative effectiveness would be evaluated through clear and measurable indicators.

• The proposal was presented during the 15th Indian Student Parliament held in Pune.

• The programme was jointly organised by MIT World Peace University and the MIT School of Government.

• Climate policy expert Walter Leal Filho from Hamburg also participated in the event.

Rajaji Utsav Celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan

• Rajaji Utsav was observed at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 23 February.

• During his Mann ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the installation of a statue of C. Rajagopalachari.

• Rajagopalachari holds historical importance as the first Governor-General of independent India.

• The new statue will replace that of Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

• Lutyens was the British architect associated with the design of the presidential estate.

• The announcement was made in the 131st episode of Mann ki Baat.

• The Prime Minister highlighted Rajaji’s discipline and independent outlook.

• A special exhibition on Rajagopalachari will be organised from 24 February to 1 March.

STATE NEWS

Nagaland to Host First North East Festival of Rice

• Nagaland is set to organise the inaugural North East Festival of Rice: Grains of Heritage.

• The event will take place at the Agri Expo Centre in Chümoukedima on 26–27 February.

• It aims to showcase and promote indigenous rice varieties from the Northeast.

• Traditional farming implements and seed conservation practices will also be highlighted.

• Participation from multiple Northeastern communities, including Sikkim, is expected.

• The festival will present rice as a vital element of regional identity and heritage.

• It will also stress the connection between rice cultivation and sustainable lifestyles.

• A dedicated crafts pavilion will feature bamboo works, handloom textiles and agriculture-inspired artisanal products.

‘Vanjeevi Didi’ Initiative Launched for Community-Based Conservation in Jharkhand

• The ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ programme has been introduced by the South Division of Palamu Tiger Reserve to promote women-led forest conservation.

• A total of 18 educated women from each of 17 villages have been selected to serve as grassroots wildlife and forest ambassadors.

• These women will encourage families to avoid harmful activities like poaching, illegal logging and habitat destruction.

• The initiative began on February 17 in the Garu forest range covering remote villages such as Henar, Hasua and Kotam.

• Each selected ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹3,000 for her role in conservation outreach.

• The programme is inspired by community-based models like Sakhi Mandals and para-legal volunteer networks.

• Apart from environmental protection, participants will also support education, awareness and government scheme dissemination in villages.

• As part of Project Tiger, the reserve aims to build local stewardship and reduce dependence on forest resources through this women-centric approach.

Amaravati to Host India’s First Quantum Valley

• Amaravati is set to establish India’s first Quantum Valley as part of its next-generation technology push.

• The project will feature an advanced quantum computing facility developed by IBM.

• The proposed Quantum Valley Tech Park is expected to house IBM’s cutting-edge Quantum System Two.

• Tata Consultancy Services will collaborate to build quantum algorithms, applications and skilled manpower.

• The initiative aligns with India’s National Quantum Mission, approved in 2023 with a ₹6,003 crore outlay.

• Quantum computers use qubits that function through superposition and entanglement instead of binary bits.

• These systems operate at extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero to maintain superconductivity.

• The facility is expected to support breakthroughs in sectors like drug discovery, materials science, climate modelling and logistics optimisation.

AWARDS

Manipuri Film Boong Wins BAFTA Award

• Manipuri film Boong secured the BAFTA for Best Children’s & Family Film in London.

• The film was produced by Farhan Akhtar under Excel Entertainment.

• Debut director Lakshmipriya Devi received the award on behalf of the team.

• The movie features actors Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam in lead roles.

• Boong surpassed strong contenders including Lilo and Stitch, Arco, and Zootropolis 2.

• At the 79th BAFTA Awards, One Battle After Another emerged as the top winner with six honours including Best Film.

• Paul Thomas Anderson was awarded Best Director for the same film along with Adapted Screenplay and Cinematography.

• Actress Alia Bhatt attended as a guest presenter and handed over the Best Film Not in the English Language award to Nordic drama Sentimental Value.

SPORTS

National Divyangjan Cricket Sports Festival 2026 inaugurated in Bhopal

• The National Divyangjan Cricket Sports Festival-2026 was inaugurated on 22 February in Bhopal by Mohan Yadav.

• The festival is being held under the theme “Not Out @ 100.”

• It is recognised as the first initiative of its kind globally.

• Around 350 Divyang players from 25 states are participating.

• The event features 100 hours of continuous cricket, aiming to create a new record.

• The opening match was played between the Ortho teams of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

• The Chief Minister stated that Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a global hub for Divyang sports.

• The term “Divyang,” coined by Narendra Modi, highlights inner strength and determination.

• The festival is dedicated to the birth centenary of late social reformer Kushabhau Thakre.

• The tournament is being conducted continuously, day and night, until 26 February.

Ellyse Perry Reaches Historic 350-Match International Milestone

• Ellyse Perry became the first Australian to play 350 international matches across all formats during the T20I against India in Adelaide.

• She made her international debut at just 16 in 2007 against New Zealand, despite having no prior senior domestic experience.

• Perry initially played as a pace bowler batting lower down the order before evolving into a reliable top-order batter.

• In Tests, she has scored over 900 runs at an impressive average and taken nearly 40 wickets, including a double century.

• Across ODIs and T20Is, she has combined more than 6,700 runs with over 290 wickets, reflecting exceptional all-round impact.

• Globally, she now stands among the top players in terms of international appearances, behind only Harmanpreet Kaur and Suzie Bates.

• Beyond cricket, Perry also represented Australia in football and played in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 — a rare dual-sport achievement.

• She has contributed to eight ICC world titles and enjoyed major domestic success with New South Wales, Sydney Sixers, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

‘Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai’ Digital Skilling Campaign Launched

• The nationwide campaign “Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai” was launched by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary.

• The campaign aims to accelerate India’s digital skilling movement through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

• It was unveiled on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

• Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan has been roped in to boost awareness and participation in SIDH.

• SIDH has already onboarded over 1.5 crore registered candidates, making it one of India’s largest digital skilling platforms.

• The initiative focuses on expanding access to upskilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning in the AI-driven economy.

• The Minister highlighted that platforms like India Stack and SIDH are transforming access to services and skill development at scale.

• SIDH is a mobile-first, AI-enabled platform integrating government skilling initiatives with industry-aligned courses.

• It offers features such as:

o LMS-enabled learning hub

o Digitally verified credentials

o QR-enabled digital CVs

o Aadhaar-based eKYC registration

• The platform caters to students, graduates, professionals, and entrepreneurs, removing barriers of access, language, and credibility.

• The campaign will be promoted via digital media, social platforms, and QR-enabled outreach, supporting India’s goal of becoming a global skill capital.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

Bangladesh becomes 89th Signatory to New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact

• Bangladesh became the 89th signatory to the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact adopted at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi.

• The declaration promotes responsible use of Artificial Intelligence for economic growth and social good.

• It reflects a growing global consensus on ensuring equitable AI benefits across nations.

• The guiding principle of the declaration is “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya”, emphasising inclusive and shared technological progress.

• The summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators and start-ups on a common platform.

• Participation included:

o Over 500 AI leaders

o More than 100 founders and CEOs

o Around 150 academicians and researchers

o Nearly 400 Chief Technology Officers

• The event also received massive public engagement with a footfall of over 5 lakh visitors.

• The initiative aims to ensure AI is developed and deployed in a manner that benefits humanity as a whole.

World Ocean Science Congress 2026 Inaugurated in Goa

• The World Ocean Science Congress 2026 was inaugurated on 22 February at Dona Paula by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

• The event was organised under the theme “Ocean Health and Sustainable Future.”

• Key discussions focused on marine ecosystems, climate resilience and long-term ocean sustainability.

• The congress highlighted the significance of ocean governance as nearly one-fourth of India’s population resides in coastal areas.

• The platform emphasised strengthening sectors such as fisheries, tourism and the maritime economy.

• Greater research collaboration was encouraged through institutions like the CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography.

• The role of scientific innovation in blending India’s maritime legacy with modern solutions was underlined.

• The initiative aims to advance a sustainable Blue Economy and improve coastal resilience.