Paramount Skydance Wins Warner Bid as Netflix Walks Away
Paramount Skydance emerged as the winner in a months-long bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery after Netflix declined to raise its offer. The deal would place CNN, HBO, and Nickelodeon under the Ellison-led group if regulators approve. Warner Bros. Discovery’s board has signaled ongoing discussions with Netflix, but Paramount Skydance’s higher bid is advancing as the main path to a combined company. The negotiations involve financing and regulatory considerations, with executives stressing potential shareholder value amid industry consolidation. The outcome could reshape content distribution, rights, and production strategies across the global entertainment landscape.
Netflix chose not to raise its bid; Paramount Skydance remains in the lead.
Potential assets include CNN, HBO, and Nickelodeon under PSky.
Regulatory and financing considerations are central to the deal.
Impact could affect global content rights and production networks.
Smartphone Makers May Get Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0
India is reportedly considering a second phase of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics, with smartphone makers among potential beneficiaries. Government officials and industry bodies are evaluating policy design to sustain domestic manufacturing momentum beyond the current programme, which ends next year. PLI 2.0 could extend incentives, refine eligibility, and address global competition and supply chain challenges, particularly from China. The move aims to attract investment, create jobs, and boost export potential in the electronics sector, while maintaining India’s push for localised supply chains and self-reliant manufacturing. Industry groups stress timely policy design to avoid implementation gaps.
Possible second phase of Electronics PLI; smartphones likely beneficiaries.
Policy to extend incentives and refine eligibility criteria.
Aims to sustain domestic manufacturing and exports.
Considerations include global competition and supply chains.
NBEMS sets Guinness World Record for AI in Healthcare livestream
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) earned a Guinness World Record for the most viewers of an Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare livestream on YouTube. The nationwide online training programme was designed for registered medical practitioners across India. The Union Health Ministry confirmed the milestone, describing it as a landmark in digital transformation of medical education and AI-enabled training. NBEMS noted the livestream demonstrates large-scale interest in AI-based medical learning and could influence future curricula and continuing medical education. The achievement reflects India’s growing use of technology to advance healthcare education.
NBEMS earned Guinness World Record for AI in Healthcare livestream
Largest online audience of registered medical practitioners
Part of nationwide AI in healthcare training
Union Health Ministry confirmed the milestone
Signals digital transformation in medical education
Possible influence on future curricula
IIT Dhanbad Hosts National Conference on Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology
A three-day national conference on Ancient Indian Text, Science and Technology commenced at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, drawing scholars from across the country. The event occurred February 25–27, 2026, and investigates links between classical Indian knowledge systems and modern science. Sponsored by the Indian Council of Philosophical Research and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, the conference is jointly organized by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. The inaugural session was held at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre. Organizers emphasize interdisciplinary methods to revisit ancient texts and explore applications in science and technology.
Dates: February 25–27, 2026.
Supported by Indian Council of Philosophical Research and Anusandhan NRF.
Jointly organized by Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and HSS Department.
Aims to reinterpret ancient Indian texts via modern scientific frameworks.
Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina won his maiden ATP Tour title at the Rio Open in Brazil, defeating Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 in the final. The 26-year-old claimed his first ATP 500 crown and notched his 100th tour-level win during the event, underscoring a rising ascendancy on the circuit. Rain delays forced the semi-final and final to be played on the same day, testing his endurance. Etcheverry had previously been runner-up in three finals, making this breakthrough a major milestone for his career and potential ranking climb.
Etcheverry claimed his first ATP Tour title
Defeated Alejandro Tabilo in the Rio Open final
Won the ATP 500 title and 100th tour-level win
Rain caused semi-final and final to be played on same day
Career milestone may boost rankings and confidence
Army Chief Flags Off Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan at National War Memorial
On 25 February 2026, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi flagged off the Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan expedition from the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The 3,400-kilometre journey, led by the Regiment of Artillery, moves through Gujarat and Rajasthan to highlight border infrastructure development and promote national integration. Senior civil and defence dignitaries attended the event. The RanBhoomi initiative aims to connect people with India’s security history by visiting historically significant battlefields and border regions. The expedition underscores national service, veteran sacrifices, and the importance of border areas in national development across the country.
Flag-off date: 25 February 2026.
Route covers Gujarat and Rajasthan over 3,400 km.
Led by the Regiment of Artillery, with senior dignitaries present.
Aims to promote border infrastructure awareness and national integration.
IAF Prepares for Vayushakti-26 Full-Spectrum Exercise
On 27 February 2026, the Indian Air Force conducted preparations for the Vayushakti-26 exercise at the Pokhran air range in Jaisalmer as part of a major display of air power. The event will showcase full-spectrum capabilities, including Rafale and Tejas aircraft, and highlight interoperability with other services along the western border. Defence analysts say such exercises reinforce deterrence and demonstrate modernization of air operations. The exercise includes planned demonstrations of precision strike, air sovereignty, and rapid deployment capabilities, underscoring the importance of joint training for future security needs and regional stability.
Date: 27 February 2026; location: Pokhran, Jaisalmer.
Showcases Rafale and Tejas; full-spectrum capabilities.
World NGO Day 2026 Observed Globally on 27 February
World NGO Day 2026 will be observed on Friday, 27 February 2026, highlighting the important work of non government organizations across the world. NGOs operate in education, healthcare, environment, human rights, and social welfare, often reaching communities that governments and markets miss. The day promotes awareness, advocacy, and action by citizens, governments, and institutions to strengthen partnerships for social change. Across continents, NGOs coordinate relief during disasters, support sustainable development, and address inequalities. The observance also celebrates dedication, resilience, and volunteer service, inviting the public to engage, donate, and collaborate with civil society. In India, NGOs work with government programs to improve outcomes and accountability.
Date of event: 27 February 2026.
Sectors involved include education, healthcare, environment and human rights.
Goal is to promote awareness, advocacy and action for social change.
Global observance highlights NGO contributions to disaster relief and sustainable development.
RAJMARG PRAVESH portal upgraded to ease NOC process for fuel stations
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today launched the upgraded RAJMARG PRAVESH web portal to simplify obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for fuel stations and related sites. The Ministry stated the portal consolidates permissions for access from National Highways to private properties, industries, and wayside facilities into a single online system. Officials said the redesign aims to make the process faster, more transparent, and easier to navigate for citizens and businesses. Online submissions, status tracking, and real-time updates are emphasized. The government sees the upgrade as part of its broader ease-of-doing-business initiative, with plans to add more permit categories in coming months.
NOC process for fuel stations simplified via online portal
Consolidates permissions for access from National Highways
Aims for faster, transparent, user-friendly approvals
Online submissions with real-time status tracking
Part of broader ease-of-doing-business agenda
Expansion to additional permit categories planned
Madurai Airport declared international status by Union Cabinet
On 10 March 2026, the Union Cabinet approved declaring Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport. The decision was announced from New Delhi and formal orders were issued by the Airports Authority of India. The upgrade enables customs and immigration facilities and allows international flights as bilateral slots are allocated. Officials say the move will boost tourism and trade in southern Tamil Nadu by expanding air links beyond domestic destinations. Local leaders welcomed the decision as a long-pending demand fulfilled, anticipating new routes and greater regional connectivity, with potential downstream benefits for commerce and travel.
Cabinet approved declaring Madurai Airport international
Formal orders issued by Airports Authority of India
Customs and immigration facilities to be established
Expected boost to tourism and trade in Tamil Nadu
Regional connectivity with new international routes
Viewed as a long-pending local demand fulfilled
Jal Jeevan Mission extended to December 2028
The Union Cabinet on 10 March 2026 approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) until December 2028, with a revised total outlay of about Rs 8.69 lakh crore. The policy shift focuses on service delivery and source sustainability, moving from solely infrastructure creation to ongoing rural water service delivery. The mission will adopt a whole-of-government approach, improving coordination among ministries. Gram Panchayats will certify village-level completions and declare Har Ghar Jal only after local operation and maintenance arrangements are in place. States will continue to share costs, while the central government provides oversight, support, and technical guidance.
JJM extended to December 2028
Outlay around Rs 8.69 lakh crore
Shift from infrastructure to service delivery
Whole-of-Government coordination approach
Gram Panchayat certification and Har Ghar Jal criteria
India Ranks 60th in Global Mind Health Study 2025 for Youth
India’s young adults ranked 60th among 84 countries in the Global Mind Health 2025 study by Sapien Labs. The report analysed mental well-being across 78,000 internet users in India, using the Mind Health Quotient, a 47-indicator composite. The 18–34 age group scored an average MHQ of 33, ranking 60th globally, indicating a widening generational gap. In contrast, Indians aged 55 and above scored 96, reflecting near-normal mental functioning and ranking 49th. The findings highlight evolving mental health needs, youth stressors, and the importance of accessible mental health services, education, and stigma reduction as part of public health priorities.
Global sample included 84 countries; 78,000 Indian respondents.
MHQ is a composite of 47 cognitive, emotional, social and physical indicators.
Young adults (18–34) scored 33 on MHQ; ranked 60th globally.
Somanna Launches Book on Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train
Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna released a coffee table book on the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train: Journey of a Thousand Shrines at Rail Bhawan on 23 February 2026. The publication documents the Bharat Gaurav tourism initiative, a flagship Indian Railways project showcasing Karnataka’s heritage and pilgrimage sites while strengthening rail connectivity. The book credits Dr. Anup Dayanand, IRTS (Retd.), as a key driver. Officials describe the project as a model blending faith, culture and modern rail infrastructure to make pilgrimage travel accessible and affordable for a wider public in the state and beyond.
Launch date: 23 February 2026.
Book title: Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train: Journey of a Thousand Shrines.
Authored by Dr. Anup Dayanand, IRTS (Retd).
Aims to make pilgrimage travel more accessible and affordable.
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