News of The Day : 23rd February 2026

News of The Day – 23rd Feb 2026

The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, Business Standard, Economic Times, PIB and AIR, etc

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• SC directs strict implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules under Environment Protection Act, 1986.
• Emphasises segregation at source, extended producer responsibility (EPR), scientific landfill management.
• Linked to Article 21 (Right to clean environment).

• Refers to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Provides 33% reservation in Lok Sabha & State Assemblies.
• Implementation only after first Census post-2026 and subsequent delimitation under Article 82.
• Reservation valid for 15 years.
• Raises issue: “representation delayed is representation denied.”

• NITI Aayog report on ‘Revitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem’
• Focus on industry-aligned skilling, MSME participation, simplifying Apprenticeship Act compliance.
• Enhances employability & demographic dividend utilisation.
• Linked to Skill India & SANKALP.

(GS-2: IR )

• India AI Impact Summit promotes responsible & inclusive AI governance. 
• New Delhi Declaration emphasises ethical AI, capacity building & Global South digital inclusion.
• Strengthens India–Bangladesh digital cooperation.
• Aligns with IndiaAI Mission & Digital Public Infrastructure diplomacy.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• India–Brazil Strategic Partnership under BRICS, IBSA & G20.
• Cooperation in defence, energy, agriculture, biofuels (ethanol blending), space & South-South cooperation.
• Brazil supports Global South reforms in WTO & UNSC.
• Important for multipolar world order & climate negotiations.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• Dispute over Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo/Takeshima).
  • Tensions between South Korea and Japan.
• Strategic location in the Sea of Japan.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• About the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium.
  • 25+ navies cooperate on maritime security, HADR, anti-piracy & capacity building.
• Reinforces India’s SAGAR doctrine & Indo-Pacific leadership.

(GS-2: International Relation)

• About Operation Chivalrous Knight
  • Refers to UAE-led humanitarian mission delivering aid to Gaza conflict zone.
• Highlights West Asia crisis diplomacy.
• India’s evacuation & humanitarian coordination efforts are relevant.
• Reflects the role of humanitarian assistance in foreign policy.

(GS-3: Economy)

• India transitioning from IT services outsourcing hub to AI, semiconductors, R&D and deep-tech innovation leader.
• Growth in GCCs (Global Capability Centres). Linked to Semiconductor Mission, AI models (Sarvam, BharatGen).
• Reflects shift toward knowledge economy & high-value services exports.

(GS-3: Economy)

• About Export Promotion Mission
• Launched by the Commerce Ministry to support MSMEs with credit access, logistics, standards compliance & digital trade platforms.
• Linked to Foreign Trade Policy 2023 & $1 trillion export target.

• About Merchandise Trade Indices
• Government revises base year for trade indices to reflect structural changes in exports/imports.
• Improves statistical accuracy & policy planning.
• Important for inflation measurement & trade competitiveness analysis.

(GS-3: Science & Tech)

• Bioengineering proteins to detect magnetic/electric fields at quantum level.
• Applications in medical imaging, navigation & fundamental physics research.
• Interdisciplinary field linking biotechnology & quantum technology
• Supports India’s National Quantum Mission.

• ALARA = “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” Radiation safety principle used in nuclear & medical exposure management.
• Associated with nuclear waste & radiation risk regulation.
• Relevant for nuclear energy expansion & safety frameworks.

(GS-3: Science & Tech)

• Supreme Court tightens regulation on unproven stem-cell therapies.
• Emphasises evidence-based medicine & oversight by ICMR & CDSCO.
• Protects patients from exploitative treatments. Important for bioethics & healthcare governance.