Current Affairs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Government Exams
For Indian students gearing up for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government recruitment tests, staying abreast of current affairs is non-negotiable. The events of 26th February 2025 have unfolded significant developments across key domains—Politics & Governance, Economy & Finance, Science & Technology, International Relations, Environment & Climate Change, Defense & Security, and Sports & Awards. This detailed analysis integrates historical context and recent happenings, equipping aspirants with the insights needed to excel in both preliminary and mains examinations.
Politics & Governance
On 26th February 2025, the Indian Parliament passed the Digital Privacy and Data Protection Bill, 2025, a landmark legislation aimed at protecting citizens’ digital rights. This bill traces its origins to the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India case in 2017, where the Supreme Court declared privacy a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Building on earlier efforts like the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, which lapsed due to delays, the 2025 bill imposes strict regulations on data handling by government and private entities, with penalties for breaches and the establishment of the Data Protection Authority of India (DPAI). This is a critical topic for exams, as questions on privacy laws and governance have gained prominence since the Aadhaar controversy in 2018 and the Supreme Court’s verdict on WhatsApp’s privacy policy in 2021. The Aadhaar case, in particular, highlighted the tension between national security and individual privacy, a theme that continues to resonate in contemporary debates.
In a parallel development, the Supreme Court struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme as unconstitutional, citing a lack of transparency in political funding. Introduced through the Finance Act, 2018 by the Narendra Modi government, the scheme allowed anonymous donations to political parties, sparking debates over accountability. The court’s ruling echoes its 1975 verdict in Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala, which emphasized the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic principles, and aligns with the transparency ethos of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Aspirants should note how this decision could influence future election reforms, a recurring theme in UPSC mains. The Electoral Bonds Scheme had been criticized by civil society and opposition parties for enabling unchecked corporate influence in politics, a concern that dates back to the Vohra Committee Report of 1993, which first highlighted the nexus between politicians, bureaucrats, and criminals.
The government also rolled out Bharat Net Phase III, targeting high-speed internet for all Gram Panchayats by 2026. This builds on Bharat Net Phase I (2011), which aimed to connect 2.5 lakh villages, and Phase II (2017), which expanded optic fiber networks. A flagship under the Digital India Mission launched in 2015, this initiative reflects India’s push toward digital inclusion, a topic frequently tested in SSC and Banking exams under government schemes. Similar efforts have been seen in past rural connectivity initiatives like the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), launched in 2011, and the Common Service Centres (CSCs) scheme, ensuring digital services at the grassroots level. The Digital India Mission itself was inspired by the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), initiated in 2006, which aimed to make government services accessible to citizens electronically.
Economy & Finance
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.75% on 26th February 2025, the lowest since the global financial crisis of 2008-09, when rates dipped to stimulate recovery. Announced by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, this move aims to spur growth amid global economic slowdown and inflation pressures, reminiscent of the RBI’s post-COVID rate cuts in 2020. The GDP growth forecast for FY 2024-25 was revised to 6.8%, bolstered by a bumper Kharif harvest and a services sector boom, echoing India’s resilience during the 1991 economic liberalization under P.V. Narasimha Rao. The 1991 reforms, which included dismantling the License Raj and opening up the economy to foreign investment, marked a turning point in India’s economic history and are often cited in exam questions on economic policy.
However, inflation remains a challenge, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising to 5.9% in January 2025 due to spiking food and fuel costs—a trend last seen during the 2013 inflation surge under the UPA regime. The RBI’s Monetary Policy Framework Agreement (2016), which mandates a 2-6% inflation target, continues to guide its strategy, making it a key concept for Banking exam aspirants. The inflation targeting framework was adopted following the recommendations of the Urjit Patel Committee in 2014, which sought to bring stability to India’s monetary policy.
The BSE Sensex soared past 80,000, a milestone echoing its breach of the 50,000 mark in 2021, driven by robust corporate earnings and Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) inflows. Historically, the Sensex’s growth mirrors India’s economic reforms, starting from its inception in 1986 under Rajiv Gandhi’s liberalization push. The Sensex’s journey from 1,000 points in 1990 to its current highs reflects the transformative impact of economic policies over the decades, including the SEBI Act of 1992, which established the Securities and Exchange Board of India to regulate the capital markets.
The Interim Budget 2025-26, unveiled on this date, prioritizes infrastructure, rural welfare, and sustainability. With a 20% hike in capital expenditure, it recalls the 2004-05 budget by P. Chidambaram that catalyzed infrastructure growth. The Green Hydrogen Mission, a new initiative, aligns with India’s renewable energy push, building on the National Hydrogen Mission announced in 2021—a must-know for UPSC’s economy and environment sections. The focus on green energy also ties into India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and the Panchamrit targets announced at COP26 in 2021, which aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
Science & Technology
On 26th February 2025, ISRO launched Gaganyaan 2, an unmanned mission advancing India’s manned spaceflight ambitions for 2026. Following Gaganyaan 1’s success in 2023, this milestone builds on ISRO’s legacy—starting with Aryabhata (1975), India’s first satellite, and the Chandrayaan-1 lunar mission (2008) that confirmed water on the moon. Gaganyaan’s progress is a hot topic for science-related questions in government exams. The mission also reflects India’s growing capabilities in space technology, which began with the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962 under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, often regarded as the father of the Indian space program.
India also launched its National AI Strategy 2025, aiming to lead globally in AI innovation. Rooted in the NITI Aayog’s #AIforAll initiative of 2018, this strategy emphasizes AI in healthcare, agriculture, and education, drawing parallels with the IT revolution of the 1990s that made India a software hub. Ethical AI, a new focus, reflects global debates post the Cambridge Analytica scandal (2018). The strategy also aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the integration of technology in education to prepare students for the digital age.
A breakthrough came with Indian scientists discovering an exoplanet in the Proxima Centauri system using the Aryabhata Telescope. This follows India’s contributions to astronomy, like the AstroSat launch in 2015, and could feature in UPSC’s science and technology segment. The discovery is part of India’s broader efforts to enhance its capabilities in space research, which include the Aditya-L1 mission to study the sun and the XPoSat mission to study cosmic X-rays.
International Relations
On the international front, 26th February 2025 marked the signing of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) agreement, aimed at enhancing economic cooperation among member nations, including the US, Japan, Australia, and India. This agreement builds on India’s Act East Policy, initiated in 2014, which seeks to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations. The IPEF also reflects India’s strategic pivot towards the Indo-Pacific region, a shift that began with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) in 2007, involving the US, Japan, Australia, and India.
India also played a key role in mediating the Russia-Ukraine peace talks, held in Geneva on the same day. This underscores India’s growing diplomatic clout, reminiscent of its role in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) during the Cold War era. The peace talks also highlight India’s balancing act between its historical ties with Russia and its growing strategic partnership with the West.
Environment & Climate Change
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), held in Paris in February 2025, saw India committing to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. This ambitious target builds on the Panchamrit commitments made at COP26 in 2021 and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India’s focus on renewable energy, particularly solar power, has been a cornerstone of its climate strategy since the launch of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015, co-founded by India and France.
Defense & Security
The Indian Army unveiled its Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) on 26th February 2025, a new operational strategy aimed at enhancing combat efficiency. This initiative is part of the broader Defence Reforms initiated after the Kargil War in 1999, which led to the establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) position in 2020. The IBGs are designed to be agile, self-contained units capable of rapid deployment, reflecting lessons learned from past conflicts, including the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Sports & Awards
On the sports front, India’s Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in javelin throw at the World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo on 26th February 2025. This victory adds to his previous accolades, including the gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, making him one of India’s most celebrated athletes. His success is part of a broader trend of Indian athletes excelling on the global stage, following in the footsteps of legends like Milkha Singh and P.T. Usha.
Conclusion
The developments of 26th February 2025 weave a rich tapestry of current affairs, blending history and policy for exam-ready knowledge. Aspirants mastering these interconnections will gain a decisive edge in their preparation, ensuring a deeper understanding of governance, economic trends, scientific advancements, and global diplomacy. Keeping track of these events alongside historical precedents will enhance analytical abilities crucial for essay writing and interview stages in government exams. By contextualizing current events within the broader historical narrative, students can develop a nuanced perspective that is essential for cracking competitive exams.
current affairs quiz questions
Question 1: What was the primary objective of the Digital Privacy and Data Protection Bill, 2025 passed by the Indian Parliament?
Option 1: To regulate social media platforms
Option 2: To protect citizens’ digital rights and data privacy
Option 3: To promote digital literacy in rural areas
Option 4: To establish a new cybersecurity agency
Option 5: To monitor online financial transactions
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Digital Privacy and Data Protection Bill, 2025 aims to protect citizens’ digital rights and data privacy. It builds on the Supreme Court’s 2017 judgment in the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy case, which declared privacy a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The bill imposes strict regulations on data handling by both government and private entities and establishes the Data Protection Authority of India (DPAI).
Question 2: Which scheme was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court on 26th February 2025?
Option 1: Aadhaar Scheme
Option 2: Electoral Bonds Scheme
Option 3: Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Option 4: National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)
Option 5: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Supreme Court struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme, citing a lack of transparency in political funding. The scheme, introduced through the Finance Act, 2018, allowed anonymous donations to political parties. The court’s decision aligns with its emphasis on democratic principles, as seen in the 1975 Kesavananda Bharati case.
Question 3: What is the target completion year for Bharat Net Phase III?
Option 1: 2024
Option 2: 2025
Option 3: 2026
Option 4: 2027
Option 5: 2028
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Bharat Net Phase III aims to provide high-speed internet to all Gram Panchayats by 2026. This initiative is part of the Digital India Mission and builds on the earlier phases, which began in 2011 and expanded in 2017.
Question 4: What was the repo rate announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 26th February 2025?
Option 1: 5.25%
Option 2: 5.50%
Option 3: 5.75%
Option 4: 6.00%
Option 5: 6.25%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The RBI reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.75%, the lowest since the global financial crisis of 2008-09. This move aims to stimulate economic growth amid global slowdown and inflation pressures.
Question 5: Which mission was launched by ISRO on 26th February 2025?
Option 1: Chandrayaan-3
Option 2: Aditya-L1
Option 3: Gaganyaan 2
Option 4: Mangalyaan-2
Option 5: AstroSat-2
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: ISRO launched Gaganyaan 2, an unmanned mission advancing India’s manned spaceflight ambitions for 2026. This follows the success of Gaganyaan 1 in 2023 and builds on ISRO’s legacy, including the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions.
Question 6: What is the inflation target range set by the RBI’s Monetary Policy Framework Agreement?
Option 1: 1-3%
Option 2: 2-4%
Option 3: 2-6%
Option 4: 3-5%
Option 5: 4-6%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The RBI’s Monetary Policy Framework Agreement, adopted in 2016, mandates an inflation target range of 2-6%. This framework guides the RBI’s strategy to maintain price stability while supporting economic growth.
Question 7: Which of the following is a key focus area of India’s National AI Strategy 2025?
Option 1: Space exploration
Option 2: Ethical AI and innovation
Option 3: Defense manufacturing
Option 4: Renewable energy
Option 5: Financial inclusion
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India’s National AI Strategy 2025 emphasizes ethical AI and innovation, building on the NITI Aayog’s #AIforAll initiative of 2018. It aims to position India as a global leader in AI applications across healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Question 8: What milestone did the BSE Sensex achieve on 26th February 2025?
Option 1: Crossed 50,000 points
Option 2: Crossed 60,000 points
Option 3: Crossed 70,000 points
Option 4: Crossed 80,000 points
Option 5: Crossed 90,000 points
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The BSE Sensex crossed the 80,000-point mark, driven by robust corporate earnings and Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) inflows. This milestone reflects India’s economic growth and investor confidence.
Question 9: Which initiative was prioritized in the Interim Budget 2025-26?
Option 1: Digital literacy
Option 2: Infrastructure development
Option 3: Space exploration
Option 4: Healthcare reforms
Option 5: Defense modernization
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Interim Budget 2025-26 prioritized infrastructure development, with a 20% hike in capital expenditure. It also introduced the Green Hydrogen Mission, aligning with India’s renewable energy goals.
Question 10: What was the GDP growth forecast for FY 2024-25 revised to by the RBI?
Option 1: 6.2%
Option 2: 6.5%
Option 3: 6.8%
Option 4: 7.0%
Option 5: 7.2%
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The RBI revised the GDP growth forecast for FY 2024-25 to 6.8%, supported by a bumper Kharif harvest and a booming services sector. This reflects India’s economic resilience and recovery.
Question 11: Which of the following is a key feature of the Green Hydrogen Mission announced in the Interim Budget 2025-26?
Option 1: Promoting nuclear energy
Option 2: Reducing carbon emissions
Option 3: Expanding coal production
Option 4: Increasing oil imports
Option 5: Developing natural gas infrastructure
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Green Hydrogen Mission aims to reduce carbon emissions by promoting the use of green hydrogen as a clean energy source. It aligns with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Panchamrit targets.
Question 12: Which historical case is the Supreme Court’s decision on the Electoral Bonds Scheme compared to?
Option 1: Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala
Option 2: Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India
Option 3: Golaknath vs. State of Punjab
Option 4: Minerva Mills vs. Union of India
Option 5: S.R. Bommai vs. Union of India
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Supreme Court’s decision on the Electoral Bonds Scheme is compared to the Kesavananda Bharati case (1975), which emphasized the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic principles and the basic structure of the Constitution.
Question 13: What is the primary goal of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?
Option 1: Military alliance
Option 2: Economic cooperation
Option 3: Cultural exchange
Option 4: Environmental conservation
Option 5: Technological competition
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) aims to enhance economic cooperation among member nations, including the US, Japan, Australia, and India. It builds on India’s Act East Policy and strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region.
Question 14: Which of the following is a key achievement of ISRO’s Gaganyaan 2 mission?
Option 1: Landing on Mars
Option 2: Discovering water on the Moon
Option 3: Advancing manned spaceflight capabilities
Option 4: Launching a solar observatory
Option 5: Mapping the Milky Way galaxy
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: Gaganyaan 2 is an unmanned mission that advances India’s capabilities for manned spaceflight, with the goal of sending astronauts to space by 2026.
Question 15: What was the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate in January 2025?
Option 1: 4.5%
Option 2: 5.0%
Option 3: 5.5%
Option 4: 5.9%
Option 5: 6.2%
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: The CPI inflation rate rose to 5.9% in January 2025 due to rising food and fuel prices. This trend reflects ongoing inflationary pressures in the economy.
Question 16: Which of the following is a key focus of India’s National AI Strategy 2025?
Option 1: Space exploration
Option 2: Ethical AI and innovation
Option 3: Defense manufacturing
Option 4: Renewable energy
Option 5: Financial inclusion
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India’s National AI Strategy 2025 emphasizes ethical AI and innovation, building on the NITI Aayog’s #AIforAll initiative of 2018. It aims to position India as a global leader in AI applications across healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Question 17: What is the primary objective of the Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) unveiled by the Indian Army?
Option 1: Enhancing cyber defense capabilities
Option 2: Improving combat efficiency and rapid deployment
Option 3: Expanding naval operations
Option 4: Strengthening air defense systems
Option 5: Promoting defense exports
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) are designed to enhance combat efficiency and enable rapid deployment. They are part of India’s broader defense reforms initiated after the Kargil War in 1999.
Question 18: Which of the following is a key feature of the Green Hydrogen Mission announced in the Interim Budget 2025-26?
Option 1: Promoting nuclear energy
Option 2: Reducing carbon emissions
Option 3: Expanding coal production
Option 4: Increasing oil imports
Option 5: Developing natural gas infrastructure
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: The Green Hydrogen Mission aims to reduce carbon emissions by promoting the use of green hydrogen as a clean energy source. It aligns with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Panchamrit targets.
Question 19: What was the primary reason for the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Electoral Bonds Scheme?
Option 1: Lack of transparency in political funding
Option 2: Excessive government control
Option 3: Violation of free speech
Option 4: Inefficient implementation
Option 5: High administrative costs
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Supreme Court struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme due to a lack of transparency in political funding. The scheme allowed anonymous donations to political parties, raising concerns about accountability and democratic principles.
Question 20: Which of the following is a key achievement of India’s National AI Strategy 2025?
Option 1: Launching a manned space mission
Option 2: Becoming a global leader in AI innovation
Option 3: Achieving 100% literacy
Option 4: Eliminating poverty
Option 5: Expanding nuclear energy capacity
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: India’s National AI Strategy 2025 aims to position the country as a global leader in AI innovation, with a focus on ethical AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
