• 28 Feb 2026

India’s First LIGO Observatory in Maharashtra

Why in News?

Larsen & Toubro has won a contract from the Department of Atomic Energy to build India’s Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) facility in the Aundha area of Hingoli district in Maharashtra.

Key Points:

• Project Award: The contract has been awarded for the construction of the LIGO India facility, which will be built in Maharashtra. 
  • The project will be executed within a stipulated timeframe and involves highly specialised civil and engineering works.
• What is LIGO?: LIGO stands for Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory. 
  • It is a large-scale physics experiment designed to detect gravitational waves—ripples in space-time caused by massive cosmic events such as black hole mergers and neutron star collisions.
• Objective: The observatory will use advanced laser interferometry to measure extremely small distortions in space-time, enhancing India’s participation in frontier astrophysics and multi-messenger astronomy research.
  • The facility will include ultra-high vacuum beam tubes extending several kilometres, along with precision infrastructure such as vibration-isolated platforms, control systems, and advanced monitoring equipment.
• Global Collaboration: LIGO India will function as part of the global LIGO network, complementing existing detectors in the United States and other countries. 
  • The project is being implemented under the aegis of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• Strategic Importance: Establishing LIGO India strengthens India’s position in advanced scientific research, promotes high-precision engineering capabilities, and fosters international cooperation in space science and fundamental physics.
• Vision: The LIGO India initiative reflects India’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in cutting-edge scientific research and innovation-driven technological development.

Read More: LIGO Observatory, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Black hole mergers

Exercise Agni Varsha 2026 in Rajasthan

Why in News?

The Integrated Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise (IFME) ‘Agni Varsha’ was conducted by the Indian Army at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, showcasing the Army’s enhanced combat readiness, jointness, and precision firepower in a desert warfare environment.

Key Points:

• Nature of Exercise: Integrated Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise (IFME)
• Location: Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer
• Operational Environment: Desert and semi-desert terrain
• Objective: Validation of offensive operations, synchronised manoeuvre, and precision firepower under near-battlefield conditions
• Integrated Combat Power: The drill showcased the coordinated employment of combined arms, including mechanised forces, artillery, and aviation elements.
• Participating Platforms and Systems:The "Integrated Manoeuvre Force" utilised a wide array of indigenous and advanced weapon systems: 
  • Armoured & Mechanised: T-90 Main Battle Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs).
  • Artillery: K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, Sharang, and Bofors artillery systems, along with precision strike rocket platforms.
  • Aviation: Indigenous ALH Dhruv Weapon System Integrated (WSI) helicopters and AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.
  • Drones: A range of surveillance and strike drones for multi-domain operations.
• Technology Infusion: It incorporated contemporary battlefield technologies such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), counter-drone measures, and networked surveillance assets.
• International Presence: The event was witnessed by foreign defence journalists from 25 friendly countries, highlighting India's evolving warfighting doctrine and credible deterrence posture.

MP Inaugurates First‑Ever National Divyangjan Cricket Sports Festival‑2026

Why in News?

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister  Mohan Yadav inaugurated the National Divyangjan Cricket Sports Festival‑2026 in Bhopal, a unique sports event where differently‑abled players will play cricket continuously for 100 hours to set a new global record. 

Key Points:

• Festival Inauguration: CM Mohan Yadav flagged off the first ever National Divyangjan Cricket Sports Festival‑2026 held at the Police Line Ground in Bhopal. 
  •  He stepped onto the pitch to bat and ceremonially started the first match between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan teams.
• Theme: The festival is based on the theme “Not Out @ 100” where around 350 Divyang players from 25 states will play cricket continuously for 100 hours, making it a first‑of‑its‑kind event globally.
  • The sports festival is dedicated to the birth centenary of social reformer Late Kushabhau Thakre, underlining a message of social upliftment beyond record attempts.
• Organised by: The festival features multiple T‑20 matches played in marathon style and is being organised in association with groups like the Kushabhau Thakre Trust, TASK International Centre for Public Policy Research, and other supporting organisations. 
  • Organisers plan to document the 100‑hour continuous cricket matches for inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records, Limca Book of Records, and Asia Book of Records.
• Significance: The festival not only aims to create a world record but also to promote sportsmanship, inclusivity and empowerment of differently‑abled athletes at the national level, sending a strong message that limitations can be overcome with determination and opportunity.

Read More: Divyangjan

West Bengal Begins Judicial Scrutiny of Voter List

Why in News?

Judicial officers have commenced the verification of voter documents flagged during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, following directives from the Supreme Court of India to ensure accuracy and integrity.

Key Points:

• Judicial Verification Launched: Serving and former district judges began vetting voter documents categorized under “logical discrepancies” as part of the voter list revision process in West Bengal.
  • The Supreme Court permitted deployment of judicial officers from neighbouring states like Jharkhand and Odisha to assist in managing the large volume of claims and objections, allowing the Calcutta High Court to requisition additional judges as needed.
• Special Intensive Revision (SIR): SIR is an accelerated voter list update exercise aimed at purifying electoral rolls by resolving discrepancies, addressing claims and objections, and ensuring that only eligible individuals are included before the final roll’s publication.
  • Reports indicate that millions of voter entries—especially those under “logical discrepancy” due to mismatches in age, parental data or missing documentation require adjudication by the judicial pool before the final list is published. 
• Challenges: Courts across the state have largely prioritised SIR verification work while the apex court instructed Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to hand over pending documents for adjudication.
  • The process has triggered controversy, with political leaders raising concerns about potential removal of genuine voters if discrepancies are not resolved fairly and transparently.
• Significance: The judicial scrutiny of voter documents in West Bengal is a landmark step to uphold electoral roll accuracy and safeguard democratic rights.

Read More: Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Supreme Court, High Court

Punjab PPCB Launches Plastic-Free Initiative for Hola Mohalla 2026

Why in News?

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has launched a special initiative to make the upcoming Hola Mohalla celebrations entirely free from single‑use plastic, promoting sustainable and environment‑friendly festivities.

Key Points:

• Objective: The PPCB’s campaign aims to eliminate the use of single‑use plastic items during the Hola Mohalla festival, which traditionally attracts large crowds and generates significant disposable plastic waste.
• Collaboration: The initiative is supported by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), with appeals made to langar committees to avoid plastic plates, cups, and bags.
  • The PPCB Chairperson announced that biodegradable plates and bowls will be provided free of cost to langar organisers to encourage the use of eco‑friendly materials. 
• Festival: Hola Mohalla 2026 is scheduled from 27 February to 3 March at Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab.
• Problem of Single‑Use Plastic: Despite an official ban on single‑use plastic in the state, large events like Hola Mohalla have historically seen heavy use of disposable plastic, contributing to littering of roads, fields, and water bodies.
• Impact: The initiative seeks to combine regulatory enforcement with behavioural change by offering practical alternatives and raising awareness among devotees and organisers, thus reducing plastic pollution and supporting solid waste management.
• Significance: This drive reflects an effort to integrate environmental sustainability into cultural and religious events, aligning community celebrations with broader goals of plastic reduction and ecological protection.

Read More: Pollution Control Board,  Hola Mohalla, Single‑use plastic,  Plastic pollution

7th Asia Economic Dialogue to be held in Pune

Why in News?

The 7th edition of the Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2026 is scheduled to be held in Pune from 26 to 28 February 2026. 

Key Points:

• Organiser: It is an important international geoeconomics conference jointly organised by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Pune International Centre (PIC).
• Theme: The theme of AED 2026 is “Geoeconomics Beyond Globalisation: Tariffs, Technologies and Strategic Alignments.”
• Focus Areas: As a premier Track 1.5 dialogue, discussions center on AI, technology, defense manufacturing, and maritime geoeconomics.
• New Initiatives: For the first time, the agenda includes a session linking public health with economic development.
• Cultural Integration: The conference coincides with the 'Palash 2026' cultural programme.
• Objectives: Facilitate deep discussions on geoeconomic trends, trade policies, technology diffusion and tariff dynamics among Asian and other global economies.
  • Promote Strategic Cooperation: Encourage strategic economic alignments that can bolster trade resilience, supply chain diversification and regional integration.
• Knowledge Exchange: Provide platforms for thought leadership on issues such as digital economy, artificial intelligence, trade tensions and investment cooperation.

Dharma Guardian 2026 Begins in Uttarakhand

Why in News?

The 7th edition of the annual joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self‑Defense Force (JGSDF) commenced in February 2026 at Chaubattia in Uttarakhand.

Key Points:

• Bilateral Defence Cooperation: Dharma Guardian is an annual military exercise between India and Japan, aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational coordination between the two forces. 
  • The Indian Army contingent is drawn from the Ladakh Scouts, while the JGSDF is represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment.
• Focus Areas: The exercise is designed to strengthen combined capabilities to conduct joint operations in semi‑urban environments, enhance tactical planning, synchronise drills, and incorporate modern technology and intelligence processes.
• Training Activities: The participating forces will undertake a range of tactical activities, including the establishment of a temporary operating base (TOB), development of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) grids, setting up mobile check posts, conducting cordon and search operations, executing heliborne operations, and performing house intervention drills.
• Strategic Significance: The exercise strengthens defence ties between India and Japan, contributes to regional security cooperation, and enhances mutual understanding, professionalism, and readiness of both forces for joint operational scenarios.
• Other India-Japan Military Exercises: JIMEX (Japan-India Maritime Exercise), Veer Guardian (air exercise), Shinyuu Maitri (air exercise), Sahyog Kaijin (coast guard), Malabar (India, Japan, Australia, and the United States).

Read More: Dharma Guardian 2025, ISR