National Affairs

Union Agriculture Minister Launches Farmers' Digital Companion 'Bharat Vistaar' in Rajasthan

On February 17, 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Rural Development, launched 'Bharat-Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources (Bharat-VISTAAR)' at the State Institute of Agricultural Management (SIAM) in Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

About Bharat VISTAAR:

• Integration: The AI-driven platform integrates AgriStack, India's federated DPI that consolidates farmer registries, land records, and crop data with farm practice packages of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Access Modes: Farmers can access services through the toll-free helpline 155261 powered by the AI voice assistant Bharati on basic phones, via MoAFW web portal. Chatbot services are available in English and Hindi.
• Phase 1: Bharat–VISTAAR has been launched in Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat, and Rajasthan with integration of state-level systems such as Vasudha and MahaVistaar (Maharashtra), BiharKrishi (Bihar), and AmulAI's Sarlaben (Gujarat).
• 10 Schemes Integrated: PM-KISAN, PMFBY, SHC, KCC, PM-AASHA, PMKSY, AIF, PDMC, MISS, and SMAM.

GoI Unveils India's First Comprehensive AI Governance Framework

In February 2026, the Government of India introduced India's first comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance framework, as part of the IndiaAI Mission, to promote safe, trusted AI innovation across healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, and public administration through seven guiding principles without standalone legislation.

About the AI Governance Framework:

• AI Governance Philosophy: In July 2025, MeitY formed a committee to develop AI Governance Guidelines. The framework includes four parts:
• Guiding Principles
• Key Issues and Recommendations
• Action Plan
• Practical Guidelines for Industry & Regulators

Seven Guiding Principles (Sutras):

• Trust is the Foundation
• People First
• Innovation over Restraint
• Fairness & Equity
• Accountability
• Understandable by Design
• Safety, Resilience & Sustainability

Practical Guidelines:

• For Industry: Compliance with Indian laws, adopt voluntary best practices, establish grievance redressal mechanisms, and publish transparency reports.
• For Regulators: Avoid unnecessary compliance burdens, encourage innovation-friendly regulation, and promote the use of techno-legal solutions.

Supreme Court Declares 'Menstrual Health' as a Fundamental Right under Article 21

In January 2026, a Supreme Court of India (SCI) bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan delivered a landmark ruling in the case of Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Government of India & Ors., officially recognizing 'Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH)' as a Fundamental Right under Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity) of the Constitution of India.

Implementation Framework:

• Provision: All government and private schools must provide free oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins (Classes 6–12) through vending machines and establish Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) corners with spare uniforms, innerwear, and disposal bags.
• Infrastructure: Schools must ensure functional, gender-segregated toilets with running water, soap, and safe disposal systems in compliance with Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026.
• Oversight: District Education Officers (DEO) must conduct annual inspections, while the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) supervise compliance, supported by anonymous student feedback mechanisms.

President Murmu Inaugurates Centenary Celebrations of Ol Chiki Script in New Delhi

On February 16, 2026, President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Centenary Celebrations of the Ol Chiki script in New Delhi, organised by the Ministry of Culture to mark 100 years of the script, highlighting it as a powerful symbol of Santal identity and a vital tool for preserving the Santhali language worldwide.

During the event, President Murmu released a commemorative coin and a special postage stamp and felicitated 10 achievers from the Santal community for their contributions to promoting the script.

About Ol Chiki:

• Origin: Before Ol Chiki, Santhali was written in Roman, Devanagari, Odia, Bengali, and other local scripts in Nepal, Bhutan, and Mauritius, which failed to capture its original phonetics.
• Inventor: The script was devised in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu of Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj (Odisha) to create a phonetic, culturally rooted writing system with 30 letters.
• Recognition: Santhali, an Austroasiatic language spoken across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and beyond, was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India in 2003 with Ol Chiki as its official script.
• Initiatives: The UPSC examination is now conducted in the Ol Chiki script, and the Constitution of India was translated into the Santali language in December 2025.

IA Hosts First Ever UN Fellowship Training Programme on SALW Control in Jabalpur, MP

The Indian Army is hosting the first ever United Nations Fellowship Training Programme on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Control, particularly for the Asia-Pacific region, from February 16 to March 6, 2026, at the Military College of Materials Management (MCMM) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, marking the first time the programme is being held in Asia.

About UN Fellowship Training Programme on SALW Control:

• Organisers: The training was organised by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) through its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD).
• Framework: It is conducted under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• Participants: The event includes participation of delegates from 13 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Focus Areas: Strengthening technical and operational skills related to small arms control and supporting implementation of UN frameworks such as the UN Programme of Action (PoA) and the International Tracing Instrument (ITI). It also includes enhancing regional cooperation, improving tracing systems, and promoting responsible stockpile management of weapons.

NHAI to Develop India's First 'Bee Corridors' Along National Highways

In February 2026, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has launched a first-of-its-kind ecological initiative to develop dedicated pollinator or 'Bee Corridors' along National Highways, as part of its sustainable infrastructure development programme.

The project aims to reduce ecological stress on honeybees and other pollinators while enhancing agricultural productivity and biodiversity.

About Bee Corridor:

• Design: The Bee Corridors comprise continuous linear stretches of bee-friendly vegetation — trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses with nectar and pollen-rich species, preserved dead wood and hollow trunks, and staggered flowering cycles to ensure near year-round blooming.
• Species: Native species such as Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash, Bottle Brush, Jamun, and Siris will be planted based on local agro-climatic suitability.
• Implementation: Corridors will be developed along suitable NH stretches and vacant land parcels of the NHAI, with flowering clusters planted at 500 m–1 km intervals aligned to honeybee foraging ranges.
• Targets: During 2026–27, NHAI plans to plant around 40 lakh trees along NH, with approximately 60% of them under the Bee Corridor initiative, and field offices will identify sections to develop at least three pollinator corridors.

Tamil-Brahmi Inscriptions Discovered in Egypt's Valley of the Kings

In February 2026, archaeologists identified around 30 ancient inscriptions inside rock-cut royal tombs in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

About Ancient Inscriptions Identified:

• Inscriptions Languages: About 20 of the identified inscriptions are in Tamil-Brahmi script, along with others in Sanskrit and Prakrit. Many of the inscriptions date from the 1st to 3rd century CE.
• Inscription of "Cikai Korran": The name Cikai Korran appears eight times across five tombs, inscribed near entrances and high on interior walls. In one tomb, it is found about four metres above the entrance.
• Documentation: The inscriptions were documented by scholars including Professor Ingo Strauch, University of Lausanne (Switzerland), and Professor Charlotte Schmid, French School of Asian Studies. They presented their work at an International Conference on Tamil Epigraphy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

About Tamil-Brahmi Inscriptions:

• It is an early form of the Tamil writing system. They appear to be short markings, possibly merchant names, trade symbols, or ownership marks.

India's First National Biobank for LSDs Launched in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

In February 2026, the Government of India launched India's first government-supported National Biobank dedicated to Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) at the Foundation for Research in Genetics and Endocrinology (FRIGE), Institute of Human Genetics, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

About Biobank:

• It is a central repository that collects, stores, and manages biological samples and related data such as DNA, blood, plasma, and urine, so researchers can use them to study diseases and develop treatments.
• It includes samples and data from 530 patients collected over a 17-year period from 2008 to 2025.

About LSDs:

• LSDs are rarely inherited metabolic diseases caused by enzyme deficiencies in cells. The toxic substances build up inside cells and damage organs such as the brain, liver, spleen, and skeleton, without the necessary enzymes.

About National Biobank:

• The biobank is expected to advance research, help develop new diagnostics, drug targets, and therapies, and provide a centralised national resource for clinical, enzymatic, and genomic data.
• Collaboration: A collaborative initiative has been launched with the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, to utilise biobank-derived samples for developing human stem cell–based disease models aimed at studying and understanding rare genetic disorders.

Banking & Finance

DFS Releases Socio-Economic Impact Analysis of Incentive Scheme at Chintan Shivir

In February 2026, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance released a report titled 'Socio-Economic Impact Analysis of Incentive Scheme for Promotion of RuPay Debit Card and low-value BHIM-UPI (Person-to-Merchant) transactions' during the Chintan Shivir held on February 13-14, 2026, at Coorg, Karnataka.

The report assesses the effectiveness of GoI's incentive framework in promoting digital payments, bolstering payment infrastructure, and driving financial inclusion nationwide.

About Social Impact Analysis:

• Conducted By: Social Impact Analysis, an initiative led by the DFS, has been conducted by Ipsos Research Pvt. Ltd, as the independent 3rd-party research agency in consultation with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• UPI Dominance: The report revealed that UPI has emerged as the most preferred mode of transaction, which accounts for 57% of total payment transactions, exceeding cash transactions at 38%.
• Surge in Digital Transactions: As per the report, digital transactions surged nearly 11 times between 2021 and 2025, with UPI's share in total digital transactions increasing to 80%.

RBI Approves Airtel Money to Operate as Type-II NBFC-ND

On February 17, 2026, Airtel Money, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, received a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a Type II – Non-Deposit Taking Non-Banking Financial Company – Investment and Credit Company (Type‑II NBFC‑ND (ICC)).

Key Details:

• Regulatory Basis: The certificate was issued under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934.
• Deposit Restrictions: Being a non-deposit taking NBFC, Airtel Money is prohibited from accepting public deposits, ensuring adherence to RBI's prudential norms.
• Permitted Operations: The company is authorised to engage in credit and investment-related activities, including lending and financial transactions, without soliciting deposits from the public.

IDFC First Bank Launches FD-Linked Credit Card 'Hello Cashback Credit Card'

On February 16, 2026, IDFC First Bank launched 'Hello Cashback Credit Card', a Fixed Deposit (FD)-backed credit card, designed especially for first-time users and people with no credit history.

About Hello Cashback Credit Card:

• Access: It includes no eligibility conditions such as credit score or income proof. Customers can avail it by opening a minimum FD of Rs. 10,000 and the credit limit is set at 100% of the FD value.
• Key Features: It also integrates standard credit card functionalities, including contactless payments, EMI conversion options, and enhanced security features.
• Rewards: The card offers tiered online cashback of 3% on the first Rs. 10,000 of online spending on a billing cycle and 5% on spends beyond Rs. 10,000, along with 1% cashback on UPI payments made through IDFC FIRST Bank apps.
• Joining Fees: The card requires a Rs. 1,000 joining fee, waived until March 31, 2026, and an annual fee of Rs. 1,000, which is fully waived on annual spends of Rs. 2 lakh or more and 50% waived on Rs. 1 lakh spends.
• It also includes benefits such as Rs. 2 lakh personal accident cover, Rs. 25,000 purchase protection, and fuel surcharge waivers.

Economy & Business

Air India and Lufthansa Group Sign MoU to Strengthen India–Europe Air Connectivity

In February 2026, Air India and the Lufthansa Group signed an MoU to explore the formation of a joint business partnership aimed at enhancing air connectivity between Air India and Lufthansa Group's carriers and subsidiaries, including Air India Express, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), and other affiliated airlines.

Partnership Framework:

• Alliance Membership: Both airlines are members of the Star Alliance and currently cooperate through codeshare agreements and alliance-based coordination.
• Integration Scope: The agreement establishes a framework for deeper integration through:
• Coordinated flight schedules
• Joint route planning
• Aligned sales and commercial strategies
• Loyalty programme integration
• Enhanced IT and customer experience systems

Reliance Consumer Products Forms Majority-Owned Joint Venture with Nigeria's TGI Group

In February 2026, Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), the FMCG arm of Reliance Industries Limited, signed a definitive agreement to form a majority-owned joint venture with Tropical General Investments Group (TGI Group), Nigeria.

The partnership marks a significant step in RCPL's global expansion strategy and is subject to customary regulatory and legal approvals.

Joint Venture Overview:

• Market Entry: Under the joint venture, RCPL will introduce a wide range of its FMCG products in Nigeria by leveraging TGI Group's manufacturing capabilities and distribution network.
• TGI Profile: Established in 1980, TGI Group is a Lagos-based multinational conglomerate operating across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in multiple sectors.
• RCPL Profile: Established in 2022, RCPL is the FMCG arm of Reliance Industries Limited, which reported revenue of USD 125.3 billion in FY2024–25.

Awards & Recognitions

Union Minister Rajnath Singh Felicitates 'Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award 2026' in Coimbatore, TN

In February 2026, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence, felicitated distinguished individuals with the inaugural Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award during the Mahashivaratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

About Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award:

• Institution: The award was launched in 2026 by the Isha Foundation under Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, and is a national-level honour presented annually.
• Categories: Presented across seven key categories including:
• Science and Technology
• Arts and Culture
• Sports
• National Security
• Corporate Leadership
• Literature
• Community Welfare
• 2026 Awardees:
• Nambi Narayanan and A. S. Kiran Kumar — space research
• Alarmel Valli and N. Rajam — contributions to classical arts
• Vikram Sampath — literature
• Saina Nehwal — sports
• Indian Armed Forces — service during Operation Sindoor

Appointments & Resignations

Tarique Rahman Sworn in as 11th PM of Bangladesh

On February 17, 2026, Tarique Rahman, the Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh after the formation of a new government following the 2026 general elections. He became the first PM of Bangladesh following the July Revolution.

Tarique Rahman's swearing-in ended the 18-month interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, who served as Chief Adviser from August 2024 to February 2026 and resigned on February 16, 2026.

Bangladesh Transition 2026:

• Oath: The swearing-in ceremony held at the Bangabhaban (Presidential Palace) in Dhaka, where the oath of office was administered by Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of Bangladesh. Alongside the PM, 25 cabinet ministers and 24 state ministers took their oaths.
• Electoral Mandate: In the 2026 general elections, the BNP and its allies won 212 of 299 seats in the 13th parliamentary polls, which recorded a 59.44% voter turnout. The Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies secured 77 seats, the National Citizen Party (NCP) won 6 seats, and Independents claimed 7 seats.

About Bangladesh:

• President: Mohammed Shahabuddin
• Capital: Dhaka
• Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)

Science & Technology

First Indigenous Cadet Training Ship 'Krishna' Launched at L&T Kattupalli, Chennai

In February 2026, the first indigenously designed and built Cadet Training Ship (CTS) 'Krishna' (Yard 18003) of the Indian Navy was launched at the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipbuilding facility at Kattupalli near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

It was launched by Anupama Chauhan, President of Defence Wives Welfare Association (DWWA), in the presence of General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and other senior officials of the Indian Armed Forces and M/s L&T Shipbuilding.

About CTS Krishna:

• Name: The newly inaugurated ship, the first of the three CTS under construction at M/s L&T, is named after River Krishna, India's 3rd longest river.
• Key Specifications:
• Length: 122 metres
• Displacement: 4,700 tonnes
• Maximum Speed: Nearly 20 knots
• Endurance: Nearly 60 days at sea
• Key Functions: These ships are mainly designed to provide basic training to Naval cadets that will include seamanship, navigation drills, ship handling, and practical exposure to life on board a navy vessel.

Obituary

Oscar-Winning Filmmaker Frederick Wiseman Passed Away

On February 16, 2026, renowned American documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman passed away at the age of 96 in Massachusetts, USA. He was born on January 1, 1930, in Boston, Massachusetts.

In 2016, he received an Honorary Academy Award (Oscar) from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to documentary filmmaking.

About Frederick Wiseman:

• Profile: He was an American documentary filmmaker and was widely regarded as a master of observational filmmaking.
• Career: Over a career spanning more than five decades, he directed over 40 documentaries focusing on institutions such as schools, hospitals, courts, libraries, police departments, and cultural organizations.
• Notable Works: He was best known for his influential documentaries such as Titicut Follies, High School, Welfare, Juvenile Court, Boxing Gym, La Danse, Central Park, and Crazy Horse. He also directed 'The Last Letter', his only fiction feature film.

State News

Assam FM Ajanta Neog Presents Rs. 62,295 Crore Interim Budget for FY27

In February 2026, Ajanta Neog, Finance Minister of Assam, presented the Rs. 62,294.78 crore interim budget for FY2026-27 in the state legislative assembly in Dispur, Assam, ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections scheduled in March-April 2026.

This interim budget was presented as a vote-on-account, aimed to cover expenditure for the initial months of the next fiscal year.

While presenting the budget, FM Ajanta Neog highlighted that the state is expected to become a Rs. 10 lakh crore economy by 2028.

Key Financial Indicators:

• GSDP: The state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) increased by 45% from FY20 to FY25, higher than the nation's 29% GDP growth. The economic survey of Assam projected the state's growth rate of 16.93% with GSDP estimated at Rs. 8,71,451 crore for FY27.
• Per Capita Income: The state's per capita income has more than doubled over the last 5 years — from Rs. 86,947 crore (in FY21) to Rs. 1,85,429 crore (in FY26), marking an increase of 113%.