PM Modi in Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Wednesday during his two-day State Visit. The leaders are scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks, with Modi also expected to meet President Isaac Herzog, address the Knesset, and participate in key programmes.

National Arogya Fair

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the four-day National Arogya Fair at Shegaon, in Maharashtra’s Buldana district. Speaking on the occasion, the President emphasized that healthy citizens are vital for a healthy nation. She also highlighted medicinal plant farming as a way to improve farmers’ financial conditions while enhancing soil health and sustainability.

SC Flags NCERT

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of references to judicial corruption in a Class 8 NCERT textbook. Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi termed the issue a matter of grave concern, stressing the need for careful review of educational content.

Kerala Name Change

The Union Cabinet approved altering the name of Kerala to “Keralam.” The Kerala Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution in June 2024. The President will now refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Assembly before it is introduced in Parliament for final approval.

Odisha HPV Drive

Odisha will launch a free HPV vaccination programme to prevent cervical cancer. Director of Family Welfare Shakti Mishra announced that vaccines, earlier available only in private hospitals, will now be provided at government facilities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the drive on February 28.

Puri Beach Locker System

Puri Municipality has introduced a baggage locker system at the sea beach to enhance tourist safety. Two trial facilities have been installed near Victoria Hotel and Digbareni Khunti Square. Visitors can now safeguard belongings while enjoying the beach without worrying about theft or loss.

Record Cash Seizure

Odisha Vigilance unearthed over Rs 4 crore in cash from the Bhubaneswar flat of Debabrata Mohanty, Deputy Director of Mines, Cuttack Circle. He was caught accepting a Rs 30,000 bribe. The seizure, the largest in the agency’s history, also included Rs 1.20 lakh from his office drawer.

Rain Alert

The IMD said that the cyclonic circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level. Coastal Odisha and several districts may see rain or thunderstorms. A yellow warning was issued for lightning and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph at isolated places.

ED Attaches Ambani Assets

The Enforcement Directorate attached Anil Ambani’s Mumbai residence ‘Abode’ and other properties worth Rs 3,716 crore under PMLA. The action is linked to alleged loan frauds of over Rs 13,600 crore by Reliance Communications and related entities, marking a major step in the ongoing probe.

T20I World Cup

In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand and Sri Lanka are playing a Group 2 Super 8 match at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. Earlier, England defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a thrilling Super 8 clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.