NATIONAL NEWS

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Launches Blockchain India Challenge

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Blockchain India Challenge in New Delhi to promote blockchain-based digital governance solutions.

The initiative was launched by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, in the presence of senior officials from MeitY and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

The objective of the challenge is to encourage Indian startups to develop permissioned blockchain-based solutions for government use cases.

The focus areas of the challenge include: Regulatory control, Security and trust, Auditability, Tamper-proof records and Single source of truth across systems

The initiative aims to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in public service delivery through blockchain technology.

Startups are also allowed to propose innovative blockchain solutions beyond the listed sectors in collaboration with relevant government departments.

The initiative is being implemented by C-DAC with the support of MeitY.

Startups recognized under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in partnership with government departments, will receive stage-wise funding support.

The challenge aims to develop ten impactful blockchain-based use cases across ten categories, which are expected to be scalable and deployable across India.

Eligible startups can register and access detailed information, including eligibility criteria, guidelines and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) provisions, on the official challenge website.

Uttar Pradesh CM Inaugurates IBM’s AI GovTech Innovation Centre in Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated IBM’s AI GovTech Innovation Centre in Lucknow to strengthen technology-driven governance in the state.

The Centre has been established in collaboration with IBM to design and scale AI-based solutions aimed at improving governance, transparency, and public service delivery.

The Chief Minister stated that the initiative will help Uttar Pradesh emerge as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Tech, and Quantum Computing.

Uttar Pradesh is advancing rapidly in the fields of: Artificial Intelligence (AI),Robotics, Drone Technology, Medical Technology (MedTech) and Quantum Computing

The state budget has made provisions for setting up Centres of Excellence in Robotics and Drone Technology. Collaboration with IIT Kanpur is also underway in the MedTech sector.

During the programme, IBM signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Uttar Pradesh Government:
– With the Department of IT and Electronics to develop AI-based applications across government departments.
– With the Directorate of School Education to introduce AI literacy programmes for students and teachers from Classes 6 to 12.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Uttar Pradesh Government, IBM, and IIT Kanpur.

Delhi to Implement ‘Rah-Veer’ Scheme to Encourage Road Accident Assistance

The Government of Delhi has decided to implement the Centre’s ‘Rah-Veer’ Scheme in the national capital to encourage citizens to help seriously injured road accident victims.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that individuals assisting accident victims to receive timely medical care will be rewarded.

Reward includes ₹25,000 cash incentive along with a certificate of appreciation for helping a seriously injured victim reach the hospital within the golden hour.

Maximum Reward includes ₹25,000 per accident, even if multiple victims are saved.

National Recognition 10 outstanding Rah-Veers will receive a national award of ₹1 lakh annually.

Objective is to ensure treatment of seriously injured victims within the ‘golden hour’, which is critical for saving lives after accidents.

The scheme provides safeguards under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which includes Good Samaritan provisions protecting helpers from legal harassment.

The initiative aims to reduce road accident fatalities, promote public participation, and encourage compassion and responsible citizen behaviour in emergency situations.

National Arogya Fair 2026 to be Held in Shegaon, Maharashtra

The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress, will organise the National Arogya Fair 2026 from 25–28 February 2026 at Shegaon, Buldhana district.

The event will be inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu on 25 February 2026 at Visava Maidan, Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, Shegaon.

The programme will also be attended by the Governor of Maharashtra and Union Minister of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav.

Objective is to expand access to Ayush-based preventive and promotive healthcare and enhance public awareness about traditional systems of medicine.

Visitors will receive free consultations, health check-ups, and free medicines under various Ayush systems including Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.

The fair will feature yoga demonstrations, expert lectures, therapy showcases, and exhibitions by reputed Ayush institutions.

A special session titled “Ayurvedic Farming: Production, Value Addition and Marketing” will be held on 27 February 2026, focusing on cultivation of medicinal plants, agroforestry, post-harvest management, and market linkages.

The initiative aims to encourage farmers in the Vidarbha region to diversify into medicinal crops and strengthen the Ayush supply chain.

The National Arogya Fair 2026 will serve as a convergence platform for public healthcare services, knowledge sharing, and rural livelihood enhancement, reinforcing the role of Ayush in improving public health and economic development.                                

 

BANKING

ADB Signs USD 108 Million Financing Deal with Aavas Financiers Limited

Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a senior secured debt financing package of up to USD 108 million (about ₹983 crore) with Aavas Financiers Limited.

The objective of the financing is to expand affordable housing loans and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) lending in underserved states across India.

The funding will support housing loans for self-built homes and green-certified houses, promoting climate-resilient and energy-efficient housing solutions for lower-middle-income borrowers.

The financing will also provide business loans to MSMEs, thereby improving access to credit in regions with limited formal financial penetration.

The package includes USD 8 million in concessional debt financing through the Canadian Climate and Nature Fund for the Private Sector in Asia (CANPA), administered by ADB.

The concessional component is aimed at encouraging green housing initiatives and sustainable development practices in the housing finance sector.

The transaction further includes up to USD 150,000 in technical assistance, which will be used to: Strengthen institutional capacity, Promote awareness about green and climate-resilient housing and Enhance implementation of sustainable housing finance practices

The initiative aligns with ADB’s broader objective of promoting inclusive growth, climate resilience and sustainable infrastructure development in India.

 

DEFENCE

Army Chief Flags In Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan Expedition at National War Memorial

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi flagged in the Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan Expedition at the National War Memorial, in the presence of senior civil and defence dignitaries.

The 3,400-kilometre expedition began from Dwarka, Gujarat, and covered key battlefields and border areas across Gujarat and Rajasthan before concluding in New Delhi.

The initiative was led by the Regiment of Artillery and aimed to honour India’s war heroes, preserve military heritage, highlight border infrastructure development, and promote national integration.

The route covered strategically significant locations including Bhuj, Rann of Kutch, Munabao, Longewala, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Ambala, traversing remote desert terrain in the Rann of Kutch and the Thar Desert.

The 35-member contingent included personnel from the Regiment of Artillery, the Indian Navy, and the Border Security Force, reflecting joint cooperation among multiple security forces.

During the expedition, homage was paid at major war memorials and historic battle sites along the Western Front. Engagement activities included interactions with Veer Naris and Viranganas, veterans, National Cadet Corps cadets, students, and residents of border villages.

The expedition showcased enhanced border connectivity and infrastructure development in forward areas, reinforcing India’s operational preparedness and outreach efforts in strategic regions.

The Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan initiative connects India’s historic military sacrifices with present-day defence readiness, inspiring youth and strengthening the bond between the Armed Forces and civilians, particularly in remote border areas.

7th India–Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ Held in Uttarakhand

The 7th edition of the India–Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand and is being conducted from 24 February to 9 March 2026.

It is an annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), held alternately in India and Japan.

Both countries have deployed a 120-member contingent. The Japanese side is represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment, while the Indian contingent is drawn from the Ladakh Scouts.

The exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation, enhance interoperability, and improve combined operational capabilities, particularly in semi-urban operational environments.

The drill focuses on joint planning, synchronised tactical operations, and application of modern military technologies to address emerging security challenges.

The exercise is designed to achieve high physical endurance standards, seamless coordination, and enhanced joint combat readiness under realistic operational conditions.

‘Dharma Guardian’ remains a key pillar of India–Japan defence ties, reinforcing mutual trust and preparedness to respond effectively to regional security concerns.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Slice Small Finance Bank Appoints Rajan Bajaj as MD and CEO

Slice Small Finance Bank has appointed its founder Rajan Bajaj as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The appointment has been approved by the Board of Directors, shareholders, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Rajan Bajaj founded Slice in 2016 as a Bengaluru-based fintech startup focused on credit and payment solutions for young and underserved customers.

In 2024, Slice merged with North East Small Finance Bank, transforming into a fully regulated Small Finance Bank. He earlier served as Executive Director post-merger and now succeeds Satish Kumar Kalra as MD & CEO.

The bank has raised over USD 250 million from global investors including Tiger Global, Insight Partners, and Advent International.

Slice SFB offers digital-first banking products such as savings accounts with daily interest credits, fixed deposits, UPI services, borrowing solutions, and India’s first UPI-led bank branch.

Under Bajaj’s leadership, the bank aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deliver personalised banking services, strengthen financial inclusion, and expand access to affordable financial products, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World NGO Day 2026

World NGO Day 2026 is observed on the 27th of February 2026

G.O. is an acronym for non-governmental organization.

World NGO Day is a day set aside to recognize, celebrate, and honor the fundamental contributions and profound impact that these independent organizations have had on the world.

World NGO Day was originally founded in 2009 by Marcis Liors Skadmanis, a social entrepreneur.

However, it was observed for the first time on February 27, 2014.

It’s a day set aside to honor all non-governmental and nonprofit organizations, recognizing their impact on the world.

The holiday was officially declared back in 2010 by the 12 member countries of the Baltic Sea NGO Forum, recognized as a partner of the Council of the Baltic Sea States.

However, it only received international recognition in 2014 from the European Union, the United Nations, and other international organizations.