• 25 Feb 2026

Bihar Declared ‘Naxal-Free’ State

Why in News?

The Government of Bihar has announced that the state is now Maoist-free following the surrender of senior Maoist rebel Suresh Koda alias Mustakim.

Key Points:

• Historical Context: Naxalism, rooted in the Maoist ideology of armed struggle, had been a significant internal security challenge in Bihar for decades, with incidents such as the 2005 Jahanabad prison attack underscoring the intensity of past insurgent actions. 
• Suresh Koda: He was a long-time Maoist commander operating in Bihar and Jharkhand regions and was among the most wanted rebels in the state.
• Koda surrendered before the Bihar Police Special Task Force (STF) in Munger district. 
• State Declaration: The Bihar government and police officials stated that there are now no active armed Maoist squads operating in any of the districts once affected by Naxalite insurgency, effectively making the state free from Maoist influence. 
• Rehabilitation Policy: Under the state’s surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy, Koda is expected to receive benefits including the declared reward of ₹3 lakh, an additional incentive of ₹5 lakh, and a monthly stipend for vocational training.
• Significance: The declaration of “Naxal-free” status after the surrender of a key Maoist leader is a noteworthy achievement in the state’s long fight against left-wing extremism. 
• This development reinforces the impact of coordinated security measures, rehabilitation policies, and sustained administrative efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in affected regions.

Read More: Naxal-free, Left-wing extremism

Jharkhand Launches ‘Fire Warrior’ Drive to Combat Forest Fires

Why in News?

The Jharkhand Forest Department has launched a community‑driven initiative called the ‘Fire Warrior’ drive to reduce forest fire incidents to zero by strengthening local participation and early response mechanisms.

Key Points:

• Objective: The primary goal of the Fire Warrior campaign is to drastically reduce forest fire occurrences during the high‑risk season (February to the onset of monsoon) through community engagement and rapid response.
  • Nearly 28,000 villagers from areas prone to forest fires have been enrolled as Fire Warriors and connected via WhatsApp groups to enable fast reporting of fire outbreaks and coordinated firefighting actions.
• Capacity Building: Villagers will be trained in fire prevention and firefighting techniques, with selected members being groomed as master trainers to widen the outreach and enhance local preparedness. 
• Coordination: Forest officials will collaborate with the Government of India, the Disaster Management Department, and local communities to maintain special vigilance during the fire‑prone months. 
  • District‑level action plans and direct field contact with villagers are being prioritised.
• Awareness Activities: Awareness campaigns are being conducted in schools, with public representatives included in the initiative. 
  • Activities such as street plays and student‑led prabhat pheris are being organised to educate people living near forest areas about fire prevention. 
• Significance: The Fire Warrior drive in Jharkhand emphasises community engagement, training, awareness, and coordinated action as key strategies to achieve a significant reduction in forest fire incidents and safeguard forest resources and biodiversity. 

Read More: Forest fire, Disaster Management

Assam to House Vrindavani Vastra in New Museum

Why in News?

The Chief Minister of Assam laid the foundation stone for a cultural museum in Guwahati that will house the ancient textile Vrindavani Vastra, marking a significant step in preserving and showcasing the region’s cultural heritage.

Key Points:

• Museum Initiative: The foundation stone for a dedicated museum was laid at Khanapara, Guwahati to provide a permanent space for the Vrindavani Vastra. 
  • The Vrindavani Vastra is a 16th‑century silk textile woven under the guidance of saint‑scholar Srimanta Sankardeva, depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. It is considered a masterpiece of Assamese art.
  • The textile is currently held by the British Museum, and an agreement has been made to bring it to Assam for display for 18 months starting in 2027.
• Features: The museum is envisioned as a world‑class cultural destination, with advanced facilities to preserve and exhibit rare artefacts.
  • The construction is supported through collaboration between the Assam government and the JSW Group, which will help in building modern infrastructure for the museum.
• Significance: The establishment of the Vrindavani Vastra museum marks a milestone in cultural heritage conservation in Northeast India. 
  • It not only provides a platform for the display of a rare historical artefact but also strengthens Assam’s cultural identity and global recognition of its artistic traditions.

Read More: Northeast India, Srimanta Sankardeva

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

Jharkhand Budget 2026-27

Why in News?

The Jharkhand government presented its budget for the financial year 2026–27, titled the ‘Abua Dishom’ budget, with an outlay of ₹1.58 lakh crore in the State Assembly. The budget was presented by Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore, emphasising inclusive growth, social justice and infrastructure development.

Key Points:

• Budget Overview: The total budget size for 2026-27 is ₹1,58,560 crore, reflecting about a 9% increase from the previous year’s budget of ₹1.45 lakh crore. 
  • Theme: The theme ‘Abua Dishom’ (our own) underscores the government’s focus on development that reaches every section of society.
• Fiscal Framework (₹ Crore): 
  • Total Revenue Receipts:  136210.04

  • Total Revenue Expenditure: 120851.90

  • Capital Receipts: 22349.96

  • Capital Expenditure: 37708.10

  • Revenue Deficit: 15358.14 (2.46% of GSDP)

  • Effective Revenue Deficit: 28102.28 (4.50% of GSDP)

  • Fiscal deficit: 13595.79 (2.18% of GSDP) 

  • Primary deficit: 7075.83 (1.13% of GSDP)

  • Debt-to-GSDP ratio:  25.3%

  • Total Receipts: 158560 .

  • Total Expenditure: 158560

• Sector Wise Allocation (₹ Crore):

  • Social Sector: ₹67,459.54 crore

  • General Sector: ₹32,055.83 crore

  • Economic Sector: ₹59,044.63 crore

  • Agriculture & Allied Sectors: ₹4,884.20 crore

  • Women & Child Development: ₹22,995.69 crore

  • Gender Budget: ₹34,211.27 croreTotal Health Budget: ₹7,990.30 crore

  • Energy Sector: ₹11,197.89 crore

• Key Allocation (₹ Crore):

  • Birsa Seed Production Scheme: ₹145 crore

  • Soil & Water Conservation: ₹475.50 crore

  • Solar-powered Irrigation: ₹75 crore

  • Farm Machinery Distribution: ₹80 crore

  • Jharkhand Millet Mission: ₹25 crore

  • Crop Insurance: ₹400 crore

  • Storage & Cold Chain Infrastructure: ₹322 crore

  • Rural Development: ₹12,346.90 crore

  • Irrigation Projects: ₹1,137.10 crore

  • Water Resources Department: ₹2,714.71 crore

  • Abua Awas Yojana: ₹4,100 crore for housing projects

  • Maiyan Samman Yojana (monthly support for women): ₹14,065.57 crore

  • Universal Pension Scheme: ₹3,517.23 crore

  • National Pension Schemes: ₹1,463.58 crore

  • School Education: ₹16,251.43 crore

  • Higher & Technical Education: ₹2,564.45 crore

• Social Welfare and Women Empowerment: Under the Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, eligible women between the ages of 18 and 50 are entitled to receive ₹2,500 per month directly in their bank accounts as part of the state’s financial support programme for women.
• Agriculture and Rural Development: Agriculture remains a priority, with increased allocations for seed production, soil and water conservation, solar-powered irrigation, farm machinery support and the Millet Mission. The rural development outlay includes substantial funds for housing, irrigation and water resource projects.
• Education and Skill Development: Education receives considerable attention, with large allocations for elementary and secondary education, expansion of technical education, new universities and focus on teacher training and digital learning initiatives.
• Healthcare Expansion: The health budget includes provisions for specialised schemes such as cancer treatment, upgraded medical facilities, and the launch of 750 Abua Dawakhana clinics across the state.
• Infrastructure and Energy: Major allocations have been proposed for road construction, rural works, energy sector development including power plant expansion, free electricity units for eligible households and renewable energy subsidies.
• Industrial Growth & Investments: Jharkhand aims to attract significant investments, with proposals worth over ₹1.24 lakh crore and potential job creation. The state’s first participation at the World Economic Forum reflects efforts to position itself as a destination for sustainable growth, especially in green energy and mineral sectors.
• PESA Implementation: The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) was implemented from January 2, 2026, empowering Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas with increased control over local resources and community decisions.
• Significance: The ‘Abua Dishom’ budget underscores the state government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development by balancing welfare spending with capital investment in education, health, infrastructure and agriculture. 
  • It aims to uplift marginalized communities, boost rural livelihoods and enhance Jharkhand’s economic prospects.

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

Palamu Tiger Reserve launches ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ initiative

Why In News?

The Palamu Tiger Reserve has launched a new community-based initiative titled ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ across 17 identified villages located in and around the reserve to train local women as environment educators and conservation facilitators.

Key Points:

• ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ Initiative:‘Vanjeevi’ means forest-dweller or life of the forest, while ‘Didi’ signifies women community leaders.
• Target Group: The program has selected 18 educated women from each of the 17 villages (including Henar, Surkumi, and Kotam). Most participants are college graduates or currently pursuing higher education.
• Core Objective: These "Vanjeevi Didis" act as a bridge between the forest department and the community to discourage illegal activities like poaching and timber felling.
• Under the programme, selected women from forest-fringe villages are trained to:
  • Spread awareness on wildlife conservation
  • Educate communities about human–wildlife conflict mitigation
  • Act as a bridge between the Forest Department and local residents
  • Promote sustainable livelihoods and responsible forest use
• Incentives: Each participant receives a monthly honorarium of ₹3,000. The initiative is currently a two-month pilot project starting from February 17, 2026, with plans for a performance-based review for potential expansion.

Read More: Palamu Tiger Reserve

RBI Establishes High-Security Data Centre in Odisha

Why In News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has established a highly secure data centre in Odisha, strategically located away from high-risk zones such as potential enemy strike corridors and seismically active regions.

Key Points:

• Context: As India’s central bank, the RBI handles critical financial data, including payment systems, banking supervision records, currency management, and monetary policy operations.
  • Increasing cyber threats, geopolitical risks, and natural disasters have necessitated the creation of resilient and geographically diversified data infrastructure.
• Strategic & Geological Significance: The site is located far from India's sensitive western and northern borders, significantly reducing vulnerability to cross-border missile or drone attacks.
  • Low Seismic Risk: Unlike high-risk corridors like the Himalayan belt, this part of Odisha lies in a lower seismic risk zone, ensuring the continuity of core operations during major earthquakes.
  • Insulation from Congestion: The location avoids the high density of subsea cables and data centres found in cities like Mumbai or Chennai, offering better strategic isolation. 
  • The Odisha facility is part of RBI’s broader strategy to ensure business continuity, disaster recovery, and national financial security
• Technical Capabilities:The facility has achieved the highest global standard for reliability, featuring fault-tolerant architecture and extensive redundancy to ensure near-zero downtime.
• Infrastructure Scope: Spread across an 18.55-acre campus at Info Valley-II in Khordha, it also houses the Enterprise Computing & Cybersecurity Training Institute to build future-ready research capacity.
• System Redundancy: This centre acts as a critical backup to the RBI's primary data centre in Navi Mumbai (Kharghar), strengthening India's overall disaster recovery framework. 

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.

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