State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 25 Feb 2026

Mumbai to Host Earthshot Prize 2026

Why in News?

Mumbai has been selected as the host city for the prestigious Earthshot Prize 2026, a global environmental awards programme founded by Britain’s Prince William in 2020.

Key Points:

• Earthshot Prize: The award recognises bold, scalable solutions to global environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and ecosystem restoration.
  • Five winners will receive significant financial support (around £1 million each) to scale their climate and sustainability solutions globally.
• First in India: India will host the Earthshot Prize for the first time in November 2026.
  • India has produced a high number of Earthshot finalists and winners, and the decision to choose Mumbai reflects India’s climate leadership and innovation record.
• Global South: Nations in the Global South are increasingly leading the climate race through creative, scalable solutions that can inspire both developed and developing nations globally.
• Boost to Climate Action: Hosting the award is expected to enhance India’s global visibility in sustainability, inspire youth and innovators, and encourage institutions to advance environmental solutions aligned with national and global climate goals.
• Significance: Mumbai hosting the Earthshot Prize 2026 signifies a milestone in global environmental cooperation, highlighting India’s growing influence in climate innovation and promoting sustainable solutions for the future.

Read More: Earthshot Prize, Climate change, Biodiversity, pollution, Ecosystem, Global South

International Mother Language Day 2026

Why in News?

The world observed International Mother Language Day on 21 February 2026, a day dedicated to celebrating linguistic diversity, promoting the preservation of native languages, and emphasising the role of mother tongues in education and cultural identity.

Key Points:

• Origin: UNESCO proclaimed this day to protect linguistic diversity and promote multilingualism worldwide, highlighting the cultural and educational importance of mother languages.
  • It is observed annually on 21 February, commemorating the historic Language Movement in Bangladesh where students sacrificed their lives in 1952 advocating for the recognition of their mother tongue, Bangla.
• 2026 Theme:  “Youth voices on multilingual education”— emphasises the role of young people in promoting multilingual education and inclusive learning in mother tongues.
• Promotion of Indigenous Voices: Highlights efforts to empower indigenous communities by encouraging the use of native languages as carriers of culture, knowledge, and identity.
• Global Observances: Activities include tributes at Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, cultural programmes, panel discussions, and events by educational institutions to celebrate linguistic diversity.
• Significance: Mother tongues play a critical role in education, identity formation, and cognitive development. 
  • International Mother Language Day reinforces the importance of preserving linguistic diversity, promoting inclusive education, and sustaining cultural heritage globally.

Read More: UNESCO

Union Cabinet Approves Renaming Kerala to ‘Keralam’

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to rename the state of Kerala as “Keralam”, aligning the state’s official name with its usage in the Malayalam language.

Key Points:

• Background: The term “Keralam” is the native Malayalam name of the state and has been in continuous cultural and linguistic use for centuries.
• Ancient References: The term finds mention as “Keralaputra” in Emperor Ashoka's Rock Edict II (257 BCE), referring to the Chera dynasty.
• Linguistic Reorganisation: The demand for a united 'Keralam' for Malayalam-speaking communities dates back to the national freedom struggle.
  • Colonial Name: The English name “Kerala” emerged during colonial administration and was retained after Independence.
• Resolution: The Kerala Legislative Assembly had earlier unanimously passed a resolution seeking the name change and forwarded it to the Centre for approval.
• Constitutional and Legal Basis: Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to form new states and alter the name, area, or boundaries of existing states.
• Procedure: The procedure requires:
  • A bill introduced in Parliament on the recommendation of the President.
  • Prior reference of the bill to the concerned State Legislature for its views (which are not binding).
  • Following Cabinet approval, the proposal will be introduced as a bill in Parliament to formally effect the change.
• Parliamentary  Approval: Once the Bill is introduced, it must be passed by a simple majority of members present and voting in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. 
• Presidential Assent: Following the passage, the Bill is sent for Presidential assent. 
• Amendment of Schedules: Once the Act is notified, the First Schedule (which lists the names of the states) and the Fourth Schedule (which deals with the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha) of the Constitution are updated accordingly.

Read More: First Schedule, Article 3

Zimbabwe launches long-acting HIV-prevention injection Lenacapavir

Why in News?

Zimbabwe has become one of the first African countries to launch Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, marking a major milestone in the continent’s fight against HIV/AIDS.

Key Points:

• About Lenacapavir: Lenacapavir is a long-acting antiretroviral medicine used for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
• Mechanism of Action: Developed by Gilead Sciences, Lenacapavir is a capsid inhibitor. It works by interfering with the HIV-1 viral capsid (the protein shell protecting the virus's genetic material) at multiple stages of its lifecycle, rendering the virus dysfunctional.
• Biannual Protection: Lenacapavir is the world's first twice-yearly (six-month) injectable for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
• WHO Prequalification: The WHO prequalified the drug in October 2025 and released implementation guidelines in July 2025.
• Regional Leadership: Zimbabwe, along with Zambia and South Africa, has led the adoption of this technology via the WHO Collaborative Registration Procedure to ensure "record time" approval. 
• Target Population: The initial phase targets approximately 46,500 high-risk individuals across 24 sites nationwide, including adolescent girls, young women, sex workers, and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
• Funding and Support: The program is supported by the United States government and the Global Fund, offering the drug free of charge to vulnerable groups.
• Efficacy: Clinical trials demonstrated near 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV infections, significantly outperforming daily oral PrEP pills.