UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 22 February 2026

International Energy Agency (IEA)

February 22, 2026

International Energy Agency Latest News

Recently, energy ministers from 54 countries reinforced global cooperation on energy security, critical minerals and the clean energy transition at the ministerial meeting of the International Energy Agency.

About International Energy Agency

It is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation within the OECD framework.
It works with governments and industry to shape a secure and sustainable energy future for all.
Background: It was established in 1974, in the wake of the 1973-1974 oil crisis, to help its members respond to major oil supply disruptions, a role it continues to fulfill today.
Mandate: Tracking and analyzing global key energy trends, promoting sound energy policy, and fostering multinational energy technology cooperation.
Focus Area: It focuses on four main areas: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness, and engagement worldwide.
Member Countries: It consists of 31 member countries and eleven association countries.
- A candidate country to the IEA must be a member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
India joined this organization in 2017 as an Associate member.
Reports published by IEA: World Energy Outlook, World Energy Balances, Energy Technology Perspectives, World Energy Statistics and Net Zero by 2050.
Headquarters: Paris, France.

Source: DTE

International Energy Agency FAQs

Q1: Where is the IEA headquartered?

Ans: Paris

Q2: What is the main goal of the IEA?

Ans: Ensure energy security and promote sustainable energy

Merchandise Trade Indices

February 22, 2026

Merchandise Trade Indices Latest News

Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics revised base year of Merchandise Trade Indices to FY 2022–23 to reflect current trade structure and global patterns.

About Merchandise Trade Indices

It is compiled and published by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
Purpose: It measures changes in the unit values (prices) of India’s exports and imports over time.
Base Year: It was revised from FY 2012–13 to FY 2022–23.
The revised series includes
- Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Indices (Export Unit Value Index,Import Unit Value Index).
- Principal Commodity (PC) Classification wise Trade Indices (Export/Import).
- Standard International Trade Classification-wise (SITC) Trade Indices.
- Broad economic categories-wise (BEC) Trade Indices.
- Bilateral and Region-wise Trade Indices of Top 20 Export and Import partner nations of India.
- Terms of Trade (Gross terms of trade, Net terms of trade and Income terms of trade).
Significance: These indices serve as important indicators of external sector price movements and are widely used for economic analysis, including national accounts compilation and assessment of terms of trade.

Source: PIB

Merchandise Trade Indices FAQs

Q1: What is the primary purpose of Merchandise Trade Indices?

Ans: To measure changes in unit values (prices) of exports and imports

Q2: Which organization compiles and publishes Merchandise Trade Indices in India?

Ans: Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S)

Floreana Island

February 22, 2026

Floreana Island Latest News

More than 150 giant tortoises have been recently reintroduced to Floreana Island in Ecuador's famed Galapagos archipelago, where they disappeared more than a century ago.

About Floreana Island

Floreana, officially "Santa Maria," is located on the southern end of the Galápagos Archipelago off the west coast of continental Ecuador.
Spanning approximately 173 sq.km., it is a volcanic landmass.
Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean — roughly 1,000 kilometers from the mainland coast — it remains a remote and vital ecological site.
It supports a range of habitats, including coastal lagoons, volcanic highlands, and offshore reefs.
It was the first island to be colonized by Ecuadorians in 1832. It was a penal colony that didn’t last long because of the lack of fresh water.
Today, only around 150 people live here, most in the small coastal settlement of Puerto Velasco Ibarra, one of the smallest and most isolated communities in the Galapagos.
The majority of the inhabitants of Floreana Island still make a living through farming.
The main water source for the entire island is one natural pond that only fills up during the rainy season.
It is known for the historic Post Office Bay, where a barrel mail system (dating to the 18th century) is still used by visitors.
Of all the Galápagos Islands, Floreana is the one most affected by the presence of humans and their introduction of goats, which ended up roaming loose on the island for many years.
The goats and some other non-native species were completely removed by the Galápagos National Park in 2007.
It has the highest concentration of species threatened by invasive mammals of any Galápagos Island, with 54 IUCN Red-Listed species present.

Source: ETVB

Floreana Island FAQs

Q1: Where is Floreana Island located?

Ans: At the southern end of the Galápagos Archipelago, off the west coast of Ecuador.

Q2: What is the official name of Floreana Island?

Ans: Santa Maria.

Q3: What types of habitats are found on Floreana Island?

Ans: Coastal lagoons, volcanic highlands, and offshore reefs.

Q4: When was Floreana Island first colonized by Ecuadorians?

Ans: In 1832.

Q5: Why is Floreana Island ecologically significant among the Galápagos Islands?

Ans: It has the highest concentration of species threatened by invasive mammals, with 54 IUCN Red-listed species.

Baglihar Hydropower Project

February 22, 2026

Baglihar Hydropower Project Latest News

Operations were suspended at the 450 MW stage 1 Baglihar hydropower project on the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir after it got flooded recently.

About Baglihar Hydropower Project

It is a 900 MW run-of-the-river power project on the Chenab River in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir.
It consists of a concrete gravity dam 144.5 m high and 363 m long, which has a total volume of 1.9 million m³, creating a reservoir with a capacity of 475 million m³.
The underground powerhouse is 221 m long, 24 m wide, and 51 m high.
The project consists of two stages of 450 MW each.
The project construction commenced in 1999 and subsequently entered into commercial operation in 2008.

Key Facts about Chenab River

It is the largest of the five tributaries of the Indus River.
Course:
- Origin: It is formed by the confluence of two streams, Chandra and Bhaga, in the Lahaul and Spiti Districts of Himachal Pradesh.
- In its upper reaches, it is also known as the Chandrabhaga.
- It flows through the Jammu and Kashmir union territory, Himachal Pradesh, and after receiving the Jhelum River near Trimmu, the Chenab empties into the Sutlej River.
Total Length: 974 kilometers
The Chenab valley is a structural trough formed by the great Himalayan and Pir Panjal ranges.
Major Tributaries:
- Left Bank: Niru, Tawi, Neeru, and Liddrari.
- Right Bank: Ans, Bhut Nalla, Bichleri, Kalnai Marusudar, and Miyar Nalla.
Major Dams on Chenab River: Salal (rockfill dam), Aalal (concrete dam), Baglihar, and Dul.

Source: TOI

Baglihar Hydropower Project FAQs

Q1: On which river is the Baglihar Hydropower Project located?

Ans: The Chenab River.

Q2: What is the total installed capacity of the Baglihar Hydropower Project?

Ans: 900 MW.

Q3: What type of hydropower project is Baglihar?

Ans: A run-of-the-river power project.

Q4: What type of dam has been constructed under the Baglihar Project?

Ans: A concrete gravity dam.

Indian Star Tortoise

February 22, 2026

Indian Star Tortoise Latest News

A slow-moving star-shelled tortoise was rescued and safely relocated to another part of the forest while escaping a fast-spreading ground fire in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve.

About Indian Star Tortoise

It is a medium-sized terrestrial tortoise.
Scientific Name: Geochelone elegans.
Their name comes from the star-like pattern on their shell.
These patterns act as camouflage by helping to break up the shell outline so that it more easily blends into its surroundings.
Distribution: It is native to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka where it inhabits dry areas and scrub forest.

Indian Star Tortoise Features

It can grow to 10 inches long. Females are considerably larger than their male counterparts.
The upper shell or carapace is coloured in dark brown or black with light brown or yellow lines radiating out from the centre of each scale to provide the star pattern.
The pattern itself varies greatly from a simple pale ‘X’ shape in some tortoises to an intricate and complex array of stripes spreading from the central hub of each scale.
It has a lifespan of 35 to 80 years in the wild.
These solitary animals do not hibernate, but when it is very dry and hot, or very cold, they stay inactive.

Indian Star Tortoise Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Vulnerable' under the IUCN Red List.

Key Facts about Amrabad Tiger Reserve

It is located in the Nallamala hills of the Eastern Ghats in Telangana state.
Spread over 2611.4 sq.km., it is one of the largest tiger reserves in India.
It was originally part of the larger Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve before the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2014.
The reserve is renowned for its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and dense forests.
Within the reserve lies the historic Nagalapuram fort.
The Krishna River and its perennial streams originating within the reserve contribute to the water supply of major reservoirs such as the Srishailam Dam and Nagarjunsagar Dam.
The Chenchu tribe is one of the major tribal communities that live in the ATR.
Flora:
- It is characterized by dry deciduous forests, primarily made up of sal, teak, bamboo, and acacia trees.
- The forest is rich in medicinal plants and shrubs, which have long been used by local tribes for traditional remedies.
Fauna:
- Apart from tigers, the reserve supports a range of other big cats, such as leopards and wild cats, along with herbivores like sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), nilgai (blue bull), wild boar, and the Indian bison (gaur).
- Over 303 bird species have been identified in this region. Some important groups include Eagles, Pigeons, Doves, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Drongos, etc.

Source: DC

Indian Star Tortoise FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of the Indian Star Tortoise?

Ans: Geochelone elegans

Q2: In which countries is the Indian Star Tortoise naturally found?

Ans: India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Q3: What type of habitat does the Indian Star Tortoise prefer?

Ans: Dry areas and scrub forests.

Q4: What is the IUCN conservation status of the Indian Star Tortoise?

Ans: Vulnerable

Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026

February 22, 2026

Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026 Latest News

The Indian and US armies will hold the 16th edition of joint Special Forces exercise, Vajra Prahar, at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.

About Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026

It is the joint Special Forces exercise between the Indian Army and US Army.
The exercise is designed to deepen defence cooperation, enhance interoperability and joint operational readiness, and enable the exchange of advanced special operations tactics, techniques, and procedures.
The year 2026 marks the 16th edition of the exercise.
- It will be held at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
- The focus this year will be on the exchange of advanced special operations tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs), honed through rigorous training in realistic combat scenarios.
- It will place strong emphasis on counter-terror operations, precision strikes, intelligence-based missions, and joint planning under simulated battlefield conditions.

Source: RW

Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026 FAQs

Q1: Exercise Vajra Prahar is conducted between the armed forces of which two countries?

Ans: India and the United States.

Q2: What is the primary objective of Exercise Vajra Prahar?

Ans: To enhance defence cooperation, interoperability, and joint operational readiness.

Q3: Where will the 2026 edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar be held?

Ans: At the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh in Himachal Pradesh.

Q4: Which edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar is being conducted in 2026?

Ans: The 16th edition.

Taftan Volcano

February 22, 2026

Taftan Volcano Latest News

Taftan Volcano in southeastern Iran has nudged upward by about 3.5 inches (9 centimeters) in 10 months.

About Taftan Volcano

It is a stratovolcano located in southeastern Iran, close to the border with Pakistan.
It rises approximately 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level, making it the tallest mountain in southeastern Iran.
The volcano contains two summits (Narkuh and Matherkuh).
It hosts an active hydrothermal system and smelly, sulfur-emitting vents called fumaroles.
It is the only active volcano in the Makran continental volcanic arc formed by the subduction of the Arabian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.
It isn't known to have erupted in human history.
Geologists estimate that its last major eruption occurred around 700,000 years ago, long before the emergence of Homo sapiens.
Today, it still vents heat and gas through fumaroles near its summit, evidence that geothermal activity persists below.

Source: EARTH

Taftan Volcano FAQs

Q1: Where is Taftan Volcano located?

Ans: In southeastern Iran, near the border with Pakistan.

Q2: What type of volcano is Taftan?

Ans: A stratovolcano.

Q3: What is the significance of Taftan’s elevation in southeastern Iran?

Ans: It is the tallest mountain in southeastern Iran.

Q4: What are fumaroles?

Ans: Vents that release hot gases and sulfur from beneath the Earth’s surface.

Red Sanders

February 22, 2026

Red Sanders Latest News

Recently, forest officials said that the busy Tirupati pilgrimage route makes Red Sanders smuggling easy in south Andhra Pradesh.

About Red Sanders

Red Sanders Pterocarpus santalinus, or Red Sandalwood, is an endemic tree species with distribution restricted to the Eastern Ghats of India.
Required Climatic Conditions: It usually grows in rocky, degraded and fallow lands with Red Soil and a hot and dry climate.
Characteristics of Red Sanders
- The species is also fire-hardy and resistant to droughts.
- Maturity: It takes 25-40 years to reach maturity being a slow-growing species.
- The Red Sanders wood is a bit brittle when compared to other timber such as teak.
Applications
- 'Santalin' is a natural dye obtained from its heartwood and is used in pharmaceutical preparations, food articles, leather, and textile industries.
- Wood can be used for the perfume industry, medicinal purposes.
Threats: It has been under heavy threat due to its high commercial value, leading to rampant smuggling.

Conservation Status of Red Sanders

IUCN: Endangered
CITES: Appendix II
The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule IV

Source: DTE

Red Sanders FAQs

Q1: Where is Red Sandalwood primarily found in India?

Ans: Eastern Ghats

Q2: What is Red Sandalwood also known as?

Ans: Pterocarpus santalinus

Rwanda

February 22, 2026

Rwanda Latest News

Recently, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology said India is ready to deepen its engagement with Rwanda in emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems and next-generation sectors including AI, biotechnology, and nuclear energy.

About Rwanda

Location: It is a landlocked country located south of the equator in east-central Africa.
It is part of the Great Rift Valley region of Africa.
It is often referred to as the “land of a thousand hills”, Rwanda’s landscape is mostly hilly and mountainous.
Borders: It shares a border with the four nations of Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Capital: Kigali
Population: The Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups make up most of the country’s population.

Geographical Features of Rwanda

Major Moutain Ranges: Albertine Rift and Virunga.
Highest Peak: Mount Karisimbi which is 4,507 m tall.
Major Rivers: Two major African rivers, the Nile and the Congo, flow through Rwanda.
Other major rivers are Kagera, Nyabarongo, Ruzizi, Luhwa, and Akanyaru.
Lake: Lake Kivu which is located on the western border of the country with DRC.
Natural Resources: Rwanda has a few deposits of gold, tin ore, tungsten ore, and methane.

Source: PIB

Rwanda FAQs

Q1: What is the capital of Rwanda?

Ans: Kigali

Q2: Which ethnic group is the majority in Rwanda?

Ans: Hutu and Tutsi

Black-Necked Crane

February 22, 2026

Black-Necked Crane Latest News

Black-Necked Crane which is threatened by the loss of habitat and its safeguarding requires urgent, coordinated action.

About Black-Necked Crane

The Black-Necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) is classed as a medium-sized member of the crane family.
It is locally is known as “cha thung-thung” in Ladakh and “thungdung karma” in Arunachal Pradesh.
Appearance: It has a largely whitish-grey body contrasted by a jet-black head and upper neck, splashes of red around the eye, and long, elegant legs built for wading through alpine bogs.
Distribution: High altitude marshes and lakes of Tibetan Plateau (Tibet, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Gansu), Sichuan (China), and eastern Ladakh (India).
- A small wintering population is also found in Sangti and Zimithang valleys of Arunachal Pradesh in India.
Diet: These are carnivores and herbivores. They feed on the tubers of sedges, plant roots, earthworms, insects and other invertebrates, frogs.
Breeding: The cranes breed at elevations between 2,600 and 4,900 metres, choosing gently sloping wetlands where they build simple nests of grasses and sedges.
Threats: Habitat loss is severe, driven by expanding human settlements, encroaching agriculture and unregulated construction.

Conservation Status of Black-Necked Crane

IUCN: Near Threatened
CITES: Appendices I
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
It is also protected under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.

Source: DTE

Black-Necked Crane FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of the Black-Necked Crane?

Ans: Grus nigricollis

Q2: Where is the Black-Necked Crane primarily found?

Ans: India and Tibetan Plateau