This is the current affairs of 24 & 25 February 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
1. The Central Government has constituted an authority for the eastern region of which state, granting it a high degree of administrative and financial autonomy?
a. Assam
b. Mizoram
c. Nagaland
d. Tripura
Answer: c. Nagaland
– A tripartite agreement was signed on 5 February 2026 between the Central Government, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO).
– Under this, a semi-autonomous administrative authority named the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) was created.
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2. Which authority was formed by the Central Government, granting administrative and financial autonomy to the former 6 districts of Nagaland?
a. FNTA
b. ENPO
c. NOKN
d. LNGN
Answer: a. FNTA (Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority)
– A tripartite agreement was signed on 5 February 2026 between the Central Government, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO).
– Under this, a semi-autonomous administrative authority named the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) was created.
– This authority has been given greater decision-making and financial powers in six districts of eastern Nagaland.
– Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and ENPO members were present during the agreement.
Region and Districts
– This arrangement will apply to six eastern districts of the state of Nagaland in Northeast India: Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang.
Why was semi-autonomy granted?
– Demand for equitable development: The eastern Nagaland region has remained economically and administratively backward for decades, and tribal communities there felt imbalance in political representation and resources.
– ENPO’s demand: Since 2010, ENPO (Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization) had been demanding a separate state/autonomy under the name “Frontier Nagaland,” but now the agreement has been approved in the form of a semi-autonomous authority.
– Security importance: The region is near the Myanmar border; increasing unrest could pose risks to national security.
How FNTA will function and its special powers
– Semi-autonomous governance: FNTA (Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority) has been granted administrative and financial powers over 46 subjects, such as local governance, land use, rural development, etc., so that decisions can be taken quickly and effectively at the local level.
– Financial autonomy: Fund management and implementation of development schemes will be under FNTA’s control.
– Legal safeguards: This new authority does not alter Nagaland’s status. Protection of religious, social, and customary laws under Article 371(A) will continue.
Constitutional and administrative significance
– Article 371(A): Grants special constitutional protection to Nagaland (protection of local traditions, land rights, and customary justice practices). This protection remains unaffected by FNTA.
– This model is an example of cooperation between the Centre and the State, where decentralization of powers has been done keeping in mind the aspirations of local communities.
Where else in India are such autonomy or special provisions present?
– Article 371(A) – Nagaland: Protection of religious/social practices and land rights.
– Article 371(C) – Manipur: Provision of a Hill Areas Committee for hill regions.
– Article 371(D)-(J) – Several states/regions: Special provisions for Maharashtra-Gujarat (participation), Andhra-Telangana (local employment), Karnataka-Assam, etc.
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3. In which North American country did the military launch a campaign against drug lords, leading to widespread violence and arson?
a. Mexico
b. Guatemala
c. Belize
d. USA
Answer: a. Mexico
– The Mexican military launched an operation on 22 February 2026 based on U.S. intelligence inputs.
– During the army’s operation in the city of Talpala, Mexico, 59-year-old Oseguera Cervantes alias El Mencho was injured.
– He was being airlifted to Mexico City but died on the way.
– Apart from Mencho, 9 other criminals were also killed in the operation.
– After this, Mencho’s supporters blocked highways across the country and vandalized vehicles.
Who is El Mencho?
– El Mencho was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
– The Jalisco cartel is notorious in Mexico for manufacturing and selling drugs, extorting local businesses, and intimidating people in several regions.
– In childhood, El Mencho dropped out of school and worked in farming.
– Later, he illegally entered the U.S. and joined a drug gang.
– He was arrested multiple times in smuggling cases and deported.
– After returning to Mexico, he joined the Milenio cartel.
– After the breakup of the Milenio cartel in 2009–11, El Mencho formed his own gang.
– The cartel has a presence in all 50 U.S. states.
– The U.S. had announced a reward of ₹136 crore ($15 million) for his arrest.
Such violent incidents have occurred before
– In 2016, after the arrest of El Chapo, head of the Sinaloa cartel.
– In 2024, similar violence occurred during the arrest of El Mayo.
– In 2019, when Ovidio Guzmán, son of El Chapo, was captured, his men held the city of Culiacán hostage for hours.
– The government later had to release him.
Trump was pressuring Mexico for action
– Under El Mencho’s leadership, the Jalisco cartel had become Mexico’s largest drug network.
– It used to send cocaine, methamphetamine, and in recent years synthetic drugs like fentanyl to the U.S.
– U.S. President Trump was pressuring Mexico to take strict action against cartels.
– After action against Venezuela, President Donald Trump warned that his administration would soon begin targeting drug cartels on the ground.
– In February 2026, the Trump administration declared the cartel a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
– The Mexican government has clearly stated that any U.S. attack would violate its sovereignty, but intelligence-level cooperation between the two countries has increased.
Drug trafficking to the U.S.
– Mexico is considered the hub of one of the world’s largest drug trafficking networks; cocaine, heroin, meth, and fentanyl are sent from there to the U.S.
– The U.S. is the world’s largest drug market.
– Every year, millions fall victim to drug addiction.
– Thousands of deaths occur due to drugs like fentanyl.
– Drug-related deaths in the U.S. range from 80,000 to 100,000 annually.
– The U.S. government remains under constant pressure to take strict measures against drug trafficking.
– That is why its focus remains on cartels operating in Mexico.
– On the other hand, cartels in Mexico have become so powerful that in many regions they challenge the police and government.
– Due to armed gangs, threats, corruption, and violence, local administration often fails to control them.
– Some cartels operate like a shadow government.
The Sinaloa cartel has more than 600 aircraft
– The Sinaloa cartel possesses more than 600 aircraft and helicopters.
– This number is five times more than Mexico’s largest airline, Aeromexico.
– Cartels are now focusing more on drones and armored vehicles.
– For example, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has groups equipped with machine guns, tanks, and body armor.
– The estimated number of cartel members/private armies in 2022–2023 was between 160,000 and 185,000.
– According to Mexico’s Home Ministry 2022 report, cartels possess stockpiles of assault rifles such as AK-47 and M-80.
– Every year, more than 20,000 assault rifles are seized from drug cartels by security agencies.
– Drug cartels among the highest-earning criminal groups
– According to the UN World Drug Report 2025, Mexican drug cartels are now among the world’s highest-earning criminal groups.
– They earn more than $12.1 billion annually (about ₹1 lakh crore).
– This income comes from trafficking cocaine, heroin, meth, and fentanyl.
Mexico
Capital: Mexico City
President: Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo
Language: Spanish
Population: 132.6 million
Currency: Mexican Peso
Neighboring countries: United States, Guatemala, and Belize
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4. In which country did the Indian Embassy issue an advisory for its citizens in view of the violence that broke out after the death of a drug smuggler?
a. Mexico
b. Guatemala
c. Belize
d. USA
Answer: a. Mexico
– After the situation deteriorated in Mexico, the Indian Embassy issued an advisory on 23 February 2026 for Indian citizens living there.
– Indians living in the states of Jalisco (Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, Guadalajara), Tamaulipas (Reynosa), Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León were asked to exercise special caution.
– The embassy appealed to citizens to remain in safe places, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay away from crowds.
– They were also asked to inform family and friends about their situation.
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5. Which Indian-origin woman has been appointed the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming Xbox?
a. Swati Tiwari
b. Neera Tandon
c. Asha Sharma
d. Pramila Jayapal
Answer: c. Asha Sharma
– Asha Sharma will replace Phil Spencer, who is retiring after 40 years.
– Asha will report directly to Satya Nadella.
– She has pledged to take Xbox to every household.
– Asha Sharma was previously a key part of Microsoft’s AI platform and product leadership team.
– She has extensive experience working in senior positions at Meta and the well-known delivery company Instacart.
– She is considered an expert in leading teams during challenging times and taking businesses to new heights.
What is Xbox?
– It is Microsoft’s gaming brand.
– It includes gaming consoles as well as several online streaming services.
– Millions of gamers worldwide use Xbox gaming consoles.
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6. Who won the Best Film award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA Awards 2026)?
a. Sinners
b. Hamnet
c. Frankenstein
d. ‘One Battle After Another’
Answer: d. ‘One Battle After Another’
– The awards were announced on 22 February 2026 at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
– Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra was paid tribute.
– Scottish actor, writer, and host Alan Cumming hosted the BAFTA award show.
– The movie ‘One Battle After Another’ won 6 awards out of 14 nominations.
– These included Best Film, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, and Supporting Actor.
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7. Which Manipuri film won the Best Children & Family category award at the 79th BAFTA Awards 2026?
a. Bong
b. Arco
c. Lilo & Stitch
d. Zootropolis 2
Answer: a. Bong
– This was the first time an Indian movie won an award in the Children & Family category at the BAFTA Awards.
– The film was produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under Excel Entertainment.
– The Manipuri emotional drama ‘Bong’ defeated strong international nominees like Arco, Lilo & Stitch, and Zootropolis 2.
– Farhan Akhtar attended the ceremony with his wife Shibani Dandekar.
– The film’s debut director is Lakshmipriya Devi.
– After receiving the trophy from Paddington Bear, who is playing the lead role in the West End show ‘Paddington the Musical,’ she made an emotional appeal for peace in Manipur.
– Assistant director Rahul Sharda was also present.
– Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam are the main actors of ‘Bong.’
– ‘Bong’ was released in 2024.
– The film was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival 2024 and the Warsaw International Film Festival, among other major international platforms.
The story revolves around a little boy
– The film’s story revolves around a young boy who wants to surprise his mother with a special gift. He believes that bringing back his father, who does not live with them, would be the most precious gift. During his journey to find his father, his world changes, and in the end, he receives a gift he had never imagined.
So far only 5 Indians have won BAFTA
– 1982: Rohini Hattangadi – Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Film: Gandhi)
– 1998: Shekhar Kapur – Outstanding British Film (Film: Elizabeth)
– 2008: Resul Pookutty – Best Sound (Film: Slumdog Millionaire)
– 2010: A. R. Rahman – Best Original Music (Film: 127 Hours)
– 2026: Lakshmipriya Devi – Best Family Film (Film: Bong)
Note: So far, a total of 19 Indians have received BAFTA nominations.
– Only 5 have won the award.
About BAFTA
– The BAFTA Film Awards is an annual award show organized by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts to honor the best British and international contributions to film.
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8. List of winners of the 79th BAFTA Awards 2026:
– Best Film – One Battle After Another
– Best Director – Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
– Best Actress – Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
– Best Actor – Robert Aramayo (I Swear)
– Best Supporting Actress – Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners)
– Best Supporting Actor – Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)
– Outstanding British Film – Hamnet
– Best Children & Family Film – Bong (Indian film)
– Best Film Not in the English Language – Sentimental Values
– Best Screenplay – Sinners
– Best Animated Film – Zootopia 2
– Best Documentary – Mr. Nobody Against Putin
– Best Cinematography – One Battle After Another
– Best Editing – One Battle After Another
– Special Visual Effects – Avatar: Fire and Ash
– British Short Film – This Is Endometriosis
– Rising Star – Robert Aramayo (Sinners)
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9. Which Indian actress played the role of presenter at the BAFTA Awards 2026?
a. Sana Shaikh
b. Priyanka Chopra
c. Deepika Padukone
d. Alia Bhatt
Answer: d. Alia Bhatt
– Earlier, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone had also served as presenters at BAFTA, and now in 2026, Alia became part of it.
– She presented the award in the “Best Film Not in the English Language” category.
– She began her presentation by saying “Namaskar” in Hindi before announcing the award, which became widely discussed in the Indian entertainment industry.
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10. Which country won the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 title?
a. Nepal
b. Sri Lanka
c. India
d. Bangladesh
Answer: c. India (India won by defeating Bangladesh in the cricket match)
– India has won the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament for the second time.
– The first season of the Asia Cup Rising Stars was held in Hong Kong in 2023.
– There, India-A defeated Bangladesh-A by 31 runs to win the title.
– The 2026 final match was played on 22 February at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok.
– India-A won by 46 runs.
– India-A set a target of 135 runs for Bangladesh-A, but their entire team was bowled out for 88 runs in 19.1 overs.
– Tejal Hasabnis played an unbeaten half-century for India and was named Player of the Match.
Captains of both teams
– Indian Team: Radha Yadav (Captain)
– Bangladesh: Fahima Khatun (Captain)
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11. ‘Rajaji Utsav’ was celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 23 February 2026, under which the statue of which Indian Governor-General was unveiled?
a. C. Rajagopalachari
b. Warren Hastings
c. Lord Mountbatten
d. Sarojini Naidu
Answer: a. C. Rajagopalachari
– C. Rajagopalachari was the first Indian Governor-General of independent India.
– He was a lawyer and freedom fighter.
– He became the only Indian to serve as Governor-General of India.
– The post was abolished in 1950.
– A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, he edited the journal ‘Young India’ during Gandhi’s imprisonment and participated in the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements.
– Before the statue of C. Rajagopalachari, a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens stood there, which was replaced at the Prime Minister’s request.
Edwin Lutyens
– Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869–1944) was a prominent British architect known as the chief planner and architect of New Delhi.
– He designed iconic buildings such as the Viceroy’s House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan) and India Gate.
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