Prelims Current Affairs includes Central Excise Day, Lutyens Statue to Be Replaced by C. Rajagopalachari, Meri Rasoi Scheme , Ai Summit Hosting Announcements, Prahaar – National Counter-Terrorism Policy, Constitution of India – Tamil and Gujarati Editions & Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026

Important Day

1. CENTRAL EXCISE DAY

Observed annually on 24 February in India

Aim :  to recognise the role of the Central Excise Department in revenue collection and tax administration.

• Objective: Promote integrity, efficiency, and transparency in excise duty administration

POLITY

2. LUTYENS STATUE TO BE REPLACED BY C. RAJAGOPALACHARI

Current Context: The Prime Minister announced that the statue of Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced with a statue of C. Rajagopalachari as part of efforts to remove colonial-era symbols.

ABOUT THE DECISION

• Location: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
• Announcement Platform: Mann Ki Baat address
• Objective: Replace colonial symbols with Indian national icons
• Event Linkage: Statue to be unveiled during Rajaji Utsav
• Significance: Reflects emphasis on decolonisation of public spaces

EDWIN LUTYENS

• Profession: British Architect
• Known For: Designed key landmarks in New Delhi
• Major Works: Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, North Block, South Block

1. RAJAGOPALACHARI (RAJAJI)

• Role: Freedom fighter, statesman, political thinker
• Historic Position: India’s only and last Governor-General (1948–1950)
• Other Contributions: Founder of Swatantra Party, close associate of Mahatma Gandhi
• Significance: Prominent figure in India’s early constitutional history

SCHEME

3. MERI RASOI SCHEME

Current Context: The Government of Punjab launched the Meri Rasoi Scheme to provide free nutritional support to economically weaker families.

ABOUT MERI RASOI SCHEME

• Launched By: Government of Punjab
• Beneficiaries: Approximately 40 lakh families
• Eligibility: Blue card holder families
• Distribution Cycle: Three months at a time

FIRST PHASE PROVISIONS (APRIL–JUNE)

• Food Items: Chana dal, sugar, iodised salt, turmeric powder, mustard oil
• Cost to Beneficiaries: Free of cost
• Objective: Address nutritional gaps and strengthen food security

SUMMIT

4. AI SUMMIT HOSTING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Current Context: Switzerland announced that Geneva will host the Artificial Intelligence Summit 2027, while the United Arab Emirates will host the 2028 edition.

ABOUT AI SUMMIT 2027

• Host Country: Switzerland
• Host City: Geneva
• Focus: Global Artificial Intelligence governance and cooperation
• Significance: Reinforces Geneva’s role as a multilateral diplomacy hub

AI SUMMIT 2028

• Host Country: United Arab Emirates
• Significance: Highlights growing role of emerging economies in Artificial Intelligence leadership.

DEFENCE

5. PRAHAAR – NATIONAL COUNTER-TERRORISM POLICY

Current Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs introduced Prahaar as India’s new national counter-terrorism policy.

ABOUT PRAHAAR POLICY

• Launched By: Ministry of Home Affairs
• Framework: Zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism
• Core Pillars: Prevention, response, capacity building, legal safeguards
• Objective: Strengthen intelligence coordination and operational readiness
• Significance: Promotes whole-of-government counter-terrorism strategy

POLITY

6. CONSTITUTION OF INDIA – TAMIL AND GUJARATI EDITIONS

Current Context: The Vice-President released updated Tamil and Gujarati editions of the Constitution of India on International Mother Language Day.

ABOUT THE INITIATIVE

• Released By: Vice-President of India
• Languages Added: Tamil and Gujarati
• Objective: Improve constitutional accessibility in regional languages
• Significance: Supports linguistic diversity and inclusive governance

HIMACHAL NEWS

7. EXERCISE VAJRA PRAHAR 2026

Current Context: India and the United States will conduct the 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.

ABOUT VAJRA PRAHAR

• Type: India–United States Joint Special Forces Exercise
• Edition: 16th
• Location: Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh
• Participating Forces: Indian Army Special Forces and United States Army Green Berets
• Objective: Enhance interoperability and joint operational capability

KEY TRAINING AREAS

• Operational Focus: Counter-terrorism, close-quarter combat, urban warfare
• Strategic Importance: Strengthens bilateral defence cooperation

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