Current Affairs 23 February 2026

Bela Gram – India’s First Net-Zero Panchayat

Bela Gram in Bhandara district, Maharashtra (Vidarbha region) has been recognised as India’s first net-zero panchayat, highlighting the importance of local self-governments in climate action. The achievement was showcased during Mumbai Climate Week 2026.

Key Climate Initiatives in Bela Gram

• Plantation of 90,000+ trees during weddings and festivals
• Transition from traditional smoky chulhas to LPG
• Installation of solar panels in homes, anganwadis and panchayat buildings
• Doorstep waste segregation
• Elimination of single-use plastics

India Participated as Observer in ‘Board of Peace for Gaza’ Meeting

India participated as an observer in the first meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza held in Washington D.C. India was represented by Namgya Khampa, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C.

India’s Stand on the Israel–Palestine Issue

• India reiterated its consistent position supporting a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders.
• India also supported the Gaza Peace Plan initiative, efforts under UNSC Resolution 2803.

International Mother Language Day – 21 February

On the occasion of International Mother Language Day (21 February), UNESCO emphasised the importance of Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) for inclusive and quality learning in India. Theme of International Mother Language Day 2026 is “Youth voices on multilingual education”.

India’s Linguistic Diversity

• India has 1,300+ mother tongues and 121 constitutionally recognised languages (according to Census 2011).
• Nearly 44% of children enter school with a language different from the medium of instruction (NCERT, 2022).

UNESCO Report: State of the Education Report for India 2025: “Bhasha Matters”

• Multilingual education improves:
  • Foundational literacy and numeracy
  • Learning outcomes
  • Confidence and retention
• Treats linguistic diversity as an asset, not a barrier.
• Recommends a National Mission for Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education.

Andhra Pradesh signs 7 MoUs at AI Summit

The Andhra Pradesh Government signed seven MoUs at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to strengthen quantum computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure and skilling. The agreements were signed with the aim of transforming the State into a global Quantum–AI Hub through the proposed Quantum Valley in Amaravati.

Key collaborations include:

1. UNICC – Establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Quantum & AI
2. IBM – Training 1 lakh youth in quantum, AI, and cybersecurity
3. NIELIT – Setting up a Quantum AI Deemed University
4. BharatGen–NexGen–IBM consortium – Creation of a state-level indigenous AI tech hub/stack
5. Calibo AI – AI Academies & AI Sandboxes in 50 higher education institutions
6. Vizer – Centre of Excellence in Amaravati
7. IIT Madras – AI Tutor for school students

India assumes chairmanship of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) after 16 years

• India assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from Thailand at the 9th Conclave of Naval Chiefs held in Visakhapatnam.
• India will hold the chair for a two-year term.
• IONS is a voluntary maritime initiative launched by the Indian Navy in 2008 to enhance cooperation among navies of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• It provides a platform for maritime security collaboration, dialogue, and information sharing.
• The conclave saw participation from Chiefs of Navies and maritime agencies of 33 countries, including members and observers.

Bandar-i-Mubarak

Masulipatnam (Machilipatnam) was referred to as ‘Bandar-i-Mubarak’ (Auspicious Port) in the records of the Golconda Sultanate during the 17th century, highlighting its special economic and strategic importance as a major maritime trade centre. However, after the Mughal conquest of Golconda, the port lost its exclusive status and became one among many ports in the vast Mughal Empire.

New Delhi Declaration at AI Impact Summit 2026

The AI Impact Summit 2026, held in New Delhi on 18–19 February 2026, concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, marking a major step in global cooperation on artificial intelligence. The declaration has been endorsed by 89 countries and international organisations, reflecting a broad global consensus on using AI for economic growth, social good, and inclusive development.

India’s First Quantum & AI University in Amaravati

The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), under the Ministry of Electronics & IT, signed an MoU with the Government of Andhra Pradesh on 20 February 2026 at the India AI Impact Summit to establish India’s first dedicated Quantum & Artificial Intelligence University campus in Amaravati.

Indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine

Our country launched the indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. The vaccine has been included in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which is the world’s largest immunisation programme.

Hoysala era temples

Hoysala-era temples and basadis in Karnataka’s Hassan, Mandya and Mysuru districts highlight the architectural and cultural brilliance of the Hoysala dynasty (11th–13th centuries). Built mainly with soapstone, these monuments are known for star-shaped platforms, richly sculpted walls, finely turned pillars and trikuta/dvikuta/ekakuta shrine layouts. Important sites include the Bucheshwara temple (Koravangala), Lakshminarasimha temple (Javagal), Lakshmidevi temple (Doddagaddavalli) and the 12th-century Hulikere Kalyani stepwell, which reflects advanced Hoysala water architecture.

Sandalwood production

India, once the world’s largest producer of sandalwood (Santalum album), has been overtaken by Australia, which now accounts for about 69% of global production, while India’s share has declined to nearly 20%. The fall is attributed to restrictive forest laws, illegal harvesting (about 75% in Karnataka), lack of research, high security costs, long gestation period (15–20 years), and theft risks.

Sandalwood remains highly valuable due to its use in the perfume industry, Ayurveda, attar production, and its high essential oil content. Karnataka is the largest Sandalwood producer in India.

Disclaimer: This article is prepared for competitive exam preparation using publicly available information.