In Current Affairs for 23 February 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 23 February 2026
World Peace and Understanding Day 2026
World Peace and Understanding Day 2026 will be observed on 23 February 2026. The day commemorates the first meeting of Rotary International, which took place in 1905 in Chicago. Founded by Paul P. Harris, Rotary began as a small gathering of professionals and gradually evolved into a global humanitarian network.
Celebrated during World Understanding Month, the day emphasizes peacebuilding, ethical leadership, and international collaboration. Over the decades, Rotary expanded across major American cities, leading to the formation of the International Association of Rotary Clubs, which later became Rotary International.
Key Milestones
- 1905: First Rotary meeting in Chicago
- Expansion to other American cities
- Formation of the International Association of Rotary Clubs
- Transformation into Rotary International
Significance in 2026
World Peace and Understanding Day highlights Rotary’s guiding principle, “Service Above Self.” The observance encourages responsible leadership, humanitarian service, dialogue among cultures, and global cooperation. It reflects Rotary’s continued commitment to conflict resolution, community development, and ethical governance worldwide.
India’s First Namo Bharat RRTS Launched
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) and dedicated the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the nation on 22 February 2026 in Meerut.
This marks a historic milestone as it is the first time in India that rapid rail and metro services are operating from the same station and sharing the same track infrastructure. The Prime Minister described the project as the beginning of a new era of world-class transport infrastructure for Uttar Pradesh and the country.
The Delhi–Meerut corridor is India’s first operational Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). Simultaneously, the Meerut Metro was also launched from the same platform, enabling seamless travel within the city and to the national capital.
Key Features
- First integration of Namo Bharat and Metro rail on the same track and station
- Unified transport model for intra-city and inter-city travel
- Faster connectivity between Delhi and Meerut
- Direct travel options from a single platform
India–Brazil Sign 10 Major Agreements
India and Brazil have signed ten significant agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, defense, technology, health, and critical minerals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held detailed discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
Both leaders agreed to raise bilateral trade to over $20 billion within the next five years, building upon the Strategic Partnership established in 2006.
Major Focus Areas
- Critical minerals and rare earth elements
- Digital and technological collaboration
- Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
- MSMEs and entrepreneurship
- Traditional knowledge exchange
- Mass communication and defense cooperation
Current Direction
- Target of $20 billion trade volume in five years
- Expanded cooperation in energy, agriculture, defense, and technology
- Increased participation of the private sector
India and Brazil also coordinate closely in international platforms such as BRICS, G20, International Solar Alliance, IBSA, and the G-4. Their collaboration extends to multilateral institutions including the UN, WTO, and UNESCO.
Indian Navy to Commission Anjadip
The Indian Navy will commission ‘Anjadip’, the third vessel under the eight-ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project, at Chennai Port on 27 February 2026. The vessel will join the Eastern Naval Command.
The project highlights India’s push towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Anjadip is specifically designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations in coastal regions.
Key Capabilities
- Equipped with Hull Mounted Sonar Abhay
- Armed with lightweight torpedoes and ASW rockets
- Designed for submarine detection, tracking, and neutralization
- Capable of coastal surveillance and low-intensity maritime operations
- Search and Rescue operations
The 77-meter-long vessel uses a high-speed water-jet propulsion system and can achieve speeds up to 25 knots, ensuring swift response during maritime missions.
MoU Between Digital Bharat Nidhi and Andhra Pradesh Government
A Memorandum of Cooperation has been signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The agreement aims to accelerate the implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme in the state.
The Amended BharatNet Programme is a publicly funded initiative worth ₹1.39 lakh crore (approximately $16.9 billion). It seeks to extend optical fiber connectivity and broadband access to every village in India.
Under this initiative in Andhra Pradesh, a Special Purpose Vehicle named Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (APBIL) will oversee execution.
Project Scope in Andhra Pradesh
- Coverage of 13,426 Gram Panchayats
- Upgradation of 1,692 Phase I Gram Panchayats to ring topology
- Coverage of 11,254 Phase II Gram Panchayats
- Inclusion of 480 newly created Gram Panchayats
- On-demand connectivity to 3,942 villages
The initiative aims to strengthen rural digital infrastructure, improve last-mile connectivity, and bridge the digital divide across the state.
Review Questions
1. World Peace and Understanding Day is observed annually on which date?
A) 21 February
B) 22 February
C) 23 February
D) 24 February
Answer: C) 23 February
Explanation: The day is observed on 23 February to mark the first meeting of Rotary International held in 1905.
2. Who founded Rotary in 1905?
A) Andrew Carnegie
B) Paul P. Harris
C) Woodrow Wilson
D) John D. Rockefeller
Answer: B) Paul P. Harris
Explanation: Paul P. Harris founded Rotary in Chicago in 1905 to promote professional fellowship and service.
3. India’s first Namo Bharat RRTS corridor connects Delhi with which city?
A) Lucknow
B) Kanpur
C) Meerut
D) Agra
Answer: C) Meerut
Explanation: The Delhi–Meerut corridor is India’s first operational Regional Rapid Transit System inaugurated by Narendra Modi.
4. What is unique about the Namo Bharat RRTS project?
A) It is India’s first bullet train
B) It runs only underground
C) Rapid rail and metro operate from the same station and track
D) It is fully solar-powered
Answer: C) Rapid rail and metro operate from the same station and track
Explanation: For the first time in India, rapid rail and metro services operate from the same platform and track infrastructure.
5. India and Brazil aim to increase bilateral trade to what target within five years?
A) $10 billion
B) $15 billion
C) $20 billion
D) $25 billion
Answer: C) $20 billion
Explanation: India and Brazil have set a target of over $20 billion trade volume in the next five years.
6. India and Brazil coordinate closely in which of the following forums?
- BRICS
- G20
- International Solar Alliance
- NATO
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: India and Brazil cooperate in BRICS, G20, and International Solar Alliance, but not NATO.
7. The Indian Navy is set to commission which vessel under the ASW-SWC project?
A) Vikrant
B) Anjadip
C) Arihant
D) Kolkata
Answer: B) Anjadip
Explanation: The Indian Navy will commission Anjadip, designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare operations.
8. What is the primary role of the vessel Anjadip?
A) Aircraft carrier operations
B) Amphibious assault
C) Anti-Submarine Warfare
D) Missile defense
Answer: C) Anti-Submarine Warfare
Explanation: Anjadip is equipped with sonar and torpedoes for detecting and neutralizing enemy submarines.
9. The Amended BharatNet Programme aims to provide what to every village?
A) Electricity supply
B) Road connectivity
C) Optical fiber broadband connectivity
D) Banking services
Answer: C) Optical fiber broadband connectivity
Explanation: The programme seeks to extend high-speed internet through optical fiber to rural areas.
10. In Andhra Pradesh, BharatNet implementation will be executed through which Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)?
A) AP Digital Corporation
B) Andhra Telecom Limited
C) Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited
D) AP Connectivity Board
Answer: C) Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited
Explanation: A dedicated SPV has been formed to ensure effective rollout of BharatNet in the state.
