Kaziranga identified as fishing cat stronghold in first scientific assessment
A first scientific assessment of the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) identifies Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam as a major stronghold for the globally vulnerable species. Based on camera-trap images from India’s All-India Tiger Estimation exercise, researchers counted 57 individual fishing cats across more than 450 square kilometres of the reserve. The findings, published on 22 February, coincide with Fishing Cat Day. The study, conducted by Kaziranga’s Tiger Cell in collaboration with the Fishing Cat Project, aimed to determine whether Kaziranga’s wetlands house a stable or dwindling population of the elusive carnivore, reinforcing the park’s conservation priorities.
57 fishing cats recorded across 450+ sq km in Kaziranga.
Study based on camera-trap data from the All-India Tiger Estimation exercise.
Publication date: 22 February 2026 (Fishing Cat Day).
Led by Kaziranga Tiger Cell with the Fishing Cat Project.
Significance for wetland ecosystem health and conservation planning.
Slice Small Finance Bank appoints Rajan Bajaj as MD & CEO
Slice Small Finance Bank appointed its founder Rajan Bajaj as managing director and chief executive officer. The appointment, approved by the bank’s board, shareholders, and the Reserve Bank of India, reflects confidence in Bajaj’s digital-first leadership. Bajaj, IIT Kharagpur alumnus, founded Slice in 2016 as a Bengaluru fintech offering innovative credit and payment solutions for young and underserved customers. After a 2024 merger with North East Small Finance Bank, Slice became a fully regulated small finance bank. Bajaj succeeds Satish Kumar Kalra, with plans to expand credit access and digital banking services across the customer base.
Rajan Bajaj appointed MD & CEO of Slice SFB.
Approval from RBI, board, and shareholders.
Founder of Slice since 2016; fintech focus on underserved customers.
2024 merger with North East Small Finance Bank completed.
New jasmine blossom midge described as Contarinia icardiflores in India
Scientists from the ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (ICAR-DFR), Pune, report a new pest on jasmine flower buds (Jasminum sambac). The species Contarinia icardiflores sp. nov. was described under leadership of Dr. D. M. Firake. The blossom midge poses significant economic risk by damaging buds and lowering yield and market value of jasmine, a key ornamental crop. Contarinia species are globally known pests of ornamentals and crops. The new species is named icardiflores to acknowledge ICAR-DFR’s contributions to floriculture science. The findings underscore the need for monitoring and integrated pest management to protect jasmine cultivation in India.
New pest: Contarinia icardiflores sp. nov. on Jasminum sambac.
Led by Dr. D. M. Firake of ICAR-DFR, Pune.
Pest causes bud damage and yield loss in jasmine crops.
Contarinia is a global pest genus affecting ornamentals.
Name honors ICAR-DFR’s floriculture contributions.
Yogi Adityanath inaugurates IBM AI GovTech Innovation Centre in Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated IBM’s AI GovTech Innovation Centre in Lucknow, describing it as a milestone for technology-driven governance. The centre is a collaboration with IBM to design and scale AI-based solutions for governance, transparency, and public service delivery. The CM highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s potential in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, deep tech, and quantum computing. He recalled India’s first computer being installed at IIT Kanpur with IBM support, framing the initiative within a historic technological trajectory. The centre will serve as a platform for researchers and government agencies to co-create digital governance tools.
IBM’s AI GovTech Innovation Centre opened in Lucknow.
Collaboration aims to develop AI-based governance solutions.
Centre to improve transparency and public service delivery.
State promotes leadership in AI, deep tech, and quantum tech.
Historical link: first Indian computer at IIT Kanpur with IBM support.
Khelo India Winter Games: J&K hosts sixth edition with rising female participation
Jammu and Kashmir is set to host the sixth Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, marking notable growth in female participation and national-level winter sports talent. The four-day event features around 400 athletes competing in snow disciplines such as ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is slated to flag off the games, with state sport councils coordinating the activities. The event follows the Ladakh leg earlier in January and aligns with India's winter sports development strategy. It underscores broader efforts to deepen participation and infrastructure for winter athletics in the region.
6th Khelo India Winter Games held in Gulmarg, JK.
Around 400 athletes across multiple states and disciplines.
Notable rise in female participation in winter sports.
Lt. Governor to flag off the event; four-day schedule.
Part of India’s broader winter sports development plan.
7th India–Japan Dharma Guardian exercise starts in Uttarakhand
The seventh India–Japan Joint Military Exercise, Dharma Guardian 2026, commenced on 24 February at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, and will run until 9 March 2026. The biennial drill, held alternately in India and Japan, brings together 120 personnel from each side. Indian troops come from the Ladakh Scouts, while Japan is represented by the 32nd Infantry Regiment. The exercise focuses on interoperability for joint operations in semi-urban environments, planning, and combined tactics. Activities include setting up operating bases, ISR coordination, cordon-and-search, heliborne missions, and urban-entry drills, strengthening defence cooperation and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Dharma Guardian 2026 began on 24 February in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand.
120 personnel from India and 120 from Japan per side.
Indian contingent: Ladakh Scouts; Japanese contingent: 32nd Infantry Regiment.
Dates: 24 February to 9 March 2026.
Focus: interoperability, semi-urban operations, and urban warfare.
Dharma Guardian 2026 kicks off in Uttarakhand with 120 per side
Dharma Guardian 2026, the seventh India–Japan joint military exercise, commenced in Uttarakhand on 24 February and runs until 9 March. The event gathers 120 personnel from each nation for two weeks of joint training. Indian forces hail from the Ladakh Scouts, while Japan’s contingent comes from the 32nd Infantry Regiment. The exercise emphasizes interoperability for urban and semi-urban operations, counter-terrorism drills, and modern warfare concepts, including ISR integration and heliborne missions. This year’s edition highlights sustained defence cooperation and the practical sharing of best practices between Indian and Japanese forces.
Sachin Tendulkar named UN Global Road Safety Champion
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been designated a Global Champion for Road Safety by the United Nations. He released a video urging safer driving and emphasized habits such as wearing seat belts, using helmets, staying alert, and obeying traffic rules. Tendulkar’s selection aligns with UN road-safety efforts under the Decade of Action to reduce fatalities. In his message, he linked discipline in sports to road safety and highlighted the role of ordinary citizens in preventing deaths. The announcement elevates Tendulkar's public profile in global safety campaigns and underscores India’s engagement with international road-safety goals.
Tendulkar named UN Global Champion for Road Safety.
He released a safety-focused video message.
Campaign highlights seat belts, helmets, alert driving, and rule-following.
Part of UN Decade of Action to cut road fatalities.
Connects sports discipline with road safety advocacy.
Sachin Tendulkar featured again as UN road safety champion in latest campaign
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar is highlighted again in a United Nations road safety campaign, titled to promote safer road use and reduce fatalities. Tendulkar, who previously announced as a UN Global Champion, appears in public service messages urging adherence to safety norms such as seat belt use, helmet wear, and avoiding distractions while driving. The initiative aligns with global efforts to meet road-safety targets by 2030 and leverages Tendulkar’s public stature to motivate citizens toward safer mobility practices. The campaign also showcases collaborations with national and international partners to improve road safety infrastructure and enforcement.
Tendulkar featured in ongoing UN road safety campaign.
Reiterates need for seat belts, helmets, alert driving.
Part of UN targets under the 2030 road-safety agenda.
Uses Tendulkar’s public profile to promote safer mobility.
Supports broader national and international road-safety efforts.
Mumbai Airport wins Asia-Pacific Best Departure Award (ASQ 2025)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai was named Asia-Pacific’s Best Airport for Departures in the over 40-million passengers category at the 2025 Airports Service Quality (ASQ) Awards by Airports Council International. The award reflects passenger feedback on check‑in, security, boarding, ambience, cleanliness and staff responsiveness. CSMIA’s recognition underscores sustained service standards and operational efficiency at a high-traffic gateway. Airport authorities emphasize that departures form a critical first touchpoint in air travel, and the accolade aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance passenger experience at Mumbai’s aviation hub.
CSMIA named Asia-Pacific Best Airport for Departures (over 40M paxs).
Award认证: 2025 Airports Service Quality (ASQ) by Airports Council International.
Based on passenger feedback on check‑in, security, boarding and more.
Highlights service consistency and operational coordination.
Departures as a key first touchpoint for travelers.
Delhi to implement Rah-Veer scheme to reward Good Samaritans
The Delhi government will implement the Centre’s Rah-Veer scheme to reward individuals who assist seriously injured road accident victims. Eligible bystanders can receive ₹25,000 plus a certificate of appreciation, with claims assessed by a district-level committee. The scheme seeks to ensure medical care within the ‘golden hour’ and provides legal protection for Good Samaritans. Ten exemplary rescuers nationwide may receive an additional award of ₹1 lakh. The Centre supports the initiative to improve emergency response and public participation in road safety, complementing ongoing Delhi safety measures and urban transport planning.
Rah-Veer scheme to reward bystanders aiding accident victims.
Cash prize of ₹25,000 plus certificate; assessments by district committee.
Aim: ensure treatment within the ‘golden hour’.
Legal protection for Good Samaritans included.
National awards: ₹1 lakh for 10 top Good Samaritans.
India set to launch its first comprehensive carbon trading programme
India is nearing the launch of its first comprehensive carbon trading programme, the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). Officials from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency say the scheme will cover an emission period from April 2025 to March 2026. Under CCTS, designated units must meet emission targets; those under the limit can earn credits, while those exceeding limits must buy credits or face penalties. The programme aims to improve transparency, measurement, and compliance with national climate goals. Verifiers are being recruited to ensure accurate reporting and verification of emissions data.
Emissions targets set for industrial units; credits awarded for under-fulfilment.
Penalties for over-emitters; credits purchasable trade.
Verifiers being recruited for compliance and transparency.
Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai campaign accelerates India’s digital skilling push
A nationwide campaign titled ‘Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai’ was launched to accelerate India’s digital skilling movement via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). Minister Jayant Chaudhary announced the initiative to broaden SIDH access and expand skilling, employment, and lifelong learning. The campaign leverages initiatives like India Stack to showcase digital capability and includes Amitabh Bachchan as a public ambassador to boost awareness and participation. Officials emphasise that expanding digital skilling will prepare citizens for evolving job markets and drive inclusive growth across the country.
Campaign launched to expand SIDH reach for digital skilling.
Minister Jayant Chaudhary leads the effort; Amitabh Bachchan promotional role.
Link to India Stack and broader Skill India initiatives.
Goal: broaden access to skilling, employment, lifelong learning.
Vizhinjam seafood deaths: tetrodotoxin suspected in coastal poisoning case
Health and food-safety authorities in Thiruvananthapuram are probing a suspected marine toxin poisoning after several people fell seriously ill following seafood consumption at a Vizhinjam restaurant. Three members of a six-member family became critically ill on the night of 16 February, with two fatalities within hours. Six additional cases were later linked to the same establishment. Preliminary tests ruled out spoilage or common bacterial food poisoning. Investigators are examining naturally occurring marine toxins, with tetrodotoxin (TTX) emerging as the primary suspect. Officials are collecting samples to confirm the toxin source and prevent further incidents.
Illness began on 16 February; two family members died.
Six more cases linked to the Vizhinjam restaurant.
Preliminary tests rule out spoilage and bacteria.
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) suspected as primary toxin.
Authorities collecting samples for toxin confirmation.
Bihar passes Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill 2026 replacing 1887 Act
The Bihar Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Bihar Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill, 2026, replacing the Bengal, Agra and Assam Civil Courts Act, 1887. The move modernises the civil courts framework to meet contemporary judicial needs. The Bill was part of four measures cleared during a brief 24-minute sitting. The new Nyayalay framework aims to streamline civil proceedings and align sub‑ordinate courts with current legal requirements, replacing the colonial-era statute that once governed several provinces. The legislation signals Bihar’s push to modernise judicial administration and improve access to justice for citizens.
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