NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NHAI
Launches India’s First Bee Corridors Initiative: Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable
infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a
pioneering initiative to develop pollinator or ‘Bee Corridors’ along National
Highways. The move marks a transition from ornamental roadside plantations to
ecologically driven green corridors aimed at supporting honeybees and other
pollinators.The initiative seeks to address rising ecological stress that has
affected pollination services, agricultural productivity and overall biodiversity.The
Bee Corridor will comprise continuous stretches of bee-friendly vegetation,
including flowering trees and plants that provide nectar and pollen throughout
the year. By ensuring staggered flowering cycles, the project aims to maintain
near-continuous blooming across seasons.Pollinators play a crucial role in food
production and ecosystem stability. Declining bee populations have raised
concerns globally, as nearly one-third of food crops depend on animal
pollination. Roadside plantations offer a unique opportunity to create long,
connected habitats that can support pollinator survival.
2. Kerala
Approves India’s First Comprehensive Graphene Policy: Kerala has approved India’s first
comprehensive graphene policy, aiming to position the
state as a global hub for research, development and manufacturing of the
advanced material. Graphene, often described as a wonder material,
is known for its exceptional strength, conductivity and flexibility. The policy
marks a strategic push to integrate high-technology industries into Kerala’s long-term economic growth model. As an initial step, the
Union Cabinet has approved the Grefine Park to accelerate graphene-based
innovation and manufacturing. The state government plans to establish a
dedicated graphene industrial park in Palakkad, alongside a Digital Innovation
Centre backed by an investment of ₹200 crore.To attract domestic and
international investors, Kerala will provide a 50 per cent subsidy on lease
payments for manufacturing units set up in government-managed parks. The
initiative seeks to reduce entry barriers and create a competitive ecosystem
for advanced material production.
3. J&K
Plans Ravi Diversion, Revives Tulbul Project: The Jammu & Kashmir government is
exploring new water management measures following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reportedly raised with the Centre proposals to
divert surplus water from the Ravi river to the Jammu region and to revive the
long-pending Tulbul Navigation Barrage project in Kashmir.The Centre placed the
1960 treaty in abeyance in 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack, opening
policy space for fresh hydrological planning in the Union Territory.The Tulbul
Navigation Barrage project on the Wular Lake was launched in 1984 but halted in
1987 after Pakistan objected under provisions of the IWT. The project
aimed to regulate water flow to ensure year-round navigation and maintain
minimum water depth in Wular Lake. With the treaty suspended, the J&K
government has proposed maintaining adequate water levels in the lake to
restore navigation, rejuvenate the ecosystem and benefit surrounding farmlands.
Officials believe the project could provide ecological and economic gains for
the Kashmir valley.
4. Assam
Grants 3% Quota to Tea Tribes, Adivasis: In a significant policy move ahead of assembly elections, the Assam Cabinet has approved a 3%
reservation in Class I and Class II state government jobs for tea tribes and
Adivasi communities within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. The Cabinet
also expanded the Mission for Minority and Underprivileged Areas (MMUA) scheme to
include over one lakh additional women beneficiaries. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the
reservation for tea tribes and Adivasis was previously limited to Grade III and
Grade IV posts. The new decision extends the 3% quota to Grade I and Grade II
positions, including state civil services and professorial posts.The revised
policy will apply to higher-level recruitment from next year, while for other
posts advertised immediately, the new provision will come into force at once.
The decision marks a structural shift in employment access for historically
marginalised communities in Assam.
5. Pravina
Deshpande Dies at 60 After Cancer Battle: Veteran actress Pravina Deshpande passed away on
February 17 after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was 60. Her family
confirmed the news through a statement shared on her official social media
account, informing that her last rites were conducted the same day at the Hindu
Crematorium in Chakala Parsiwada, Andheri East, Mumbai.Her demise has prompted an
outpouring of tributes from colleagues and industry bodies, marking the end of
a distinguished career across film, television, theatre and digital
platforms.Pravina Deshpande built a versatile career spanning Hindi and Marathi
cinema. She was known for her impactful supporting performances and strong
screen presence. In Hindi cinema, she appeared in films such as Ready alongside
Salman Khan, Ek Villain featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor, and
Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran with John Abraham.On television, she became a
familiar face in popular shows including Ghar Ek Mandir, Kumkum, Karam Apnaa
Apnaa and Kulfi Kumar Bajewala. Her work also extended to theatre and web series,
reflecting her adaptability across formats.
6. India’s
First Private Helicopter Assembly Line Launched: India has operationalised its first
private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) with the inauguration of
the Airbus H125 facility at Vemagal in Karnataka. The
plant, owned by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), was inaugurated virtually by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, signalling a
deepening of Indo-French aerospace cooperation.The development marks a
milestone in India’s defence and civil aviation manufacturing ambitions under
the ‘Make in India’ initiative.The Vemagal facility represents the first instance
of an Indian private company undertaking full-scale manufacturing, integration,
testing and maintenance of a rotary-wing aircraft within the country. TASL, in
partnership with Airbus Helicopters, will assemble the civil H125 helicopter
and potentially its military variant, the H125M.The facility is expected to
provide localised lifecycle support, strengthening India’s maintenance, repair
and overhaul (MRO) ecosystem. The first “Made in India” H125 helicopter is
scheduled for delivery in early 2027, with export plans for the South Asian
region.
7. Jaisalmer
to Host First Jain Chadar Mahotsav: Rajasthan’s desert city of Jaisalmer will host
the country’s first Jain Chadar Mahotsav from 6 to 8 March 2026. The three-day
religious event will centre on the worship of the 872-year-old garments of Dada
Shri Jindatt Suri Maharaj, preserved in the Gyan Bhandar library of the Jain
temple in Jaisalmer. Organisers expect participation from senior political
leaders, Jain saints and over 30,000 devotees from across India. According to the Jaisalmer Jain Trust, the garments date
back to Vikram Samvat 1211, when the first Dada Gurudev attained samadhi in
Ajmer. It is believed that while his mortal remains were cremated, the garments
remained intact. Around 145 years ago, during a severe epidemic in Vikram
Samvat 1945, the then Maharawal requested that the garments be brought from
Patan in Gujarat to Jaisalmer. Since then, they have been preserved
in the temple’s manuscript repository.The relics include the Chadar, Cholpatta
and Muhpatti associated with Dada Shri Jindatt Suri Maharaj, revered within the
Khartar Gachchh sect of Jainism.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Iran
Temporarily Closes Strait of Hormuz During US Talks: Iran temporarily announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid
fresh indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States in
Geneva. The move, described as a safety measure during live-fire drills, marked
a rare escalation at a time of heightened regional tension.The Strait of Hormuz,
through which nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply passes, is one of
the most strategically sensitive maritime chokepoints globally.Iran’s state media
reported that Revolutionary Guard forces fired live missiles toward the strait
and declared it closed for several hours over “safety and maritime concerns”.
It was the first time Tehran publicly announced a temporary closure of the
waterway in this context.Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern
warning, signalling that Iran would respond strongly to any aggression.
Analysts viewed the drills as a message to the international community that
military action against Iran could disrupt global energy flows.
2. BioAsia
2026 Summit Begins in Hyderabad: Telangana Chief
Minister A. Revanth Reddy will inaugurate the 23rd edition of BioAsia 2026, an
international life sciences summit, at the Hyderabad International Convention
Centre (HICC). The two-day global conference positions Telangana as a
growing centre for TechBio innovation and advanced healthcare technologies.This
year’s theme, ‘TechBio Unleashed – AI, Automation, and the Revolutionary
Changes in Life Sciences,’ reflects the rapid integration of digital
technologies with biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.The summit will
explore how artificial intelligence, automation and data-driven systems are transforming
drug discovery, biologics development and healthcare delivery. As India
strengthens its footprint in biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing, the
event will examine the role of TechBio in accelerating research and reducing
development timelines.Delegates will deliberate on next-generation biologics,
AI-driven research and development, digital transformation in laboratories and
manufacturing, and the future trajectory of pharma and biotech industries.
3. India,
South Korea Reaffirm Special Strategic Partnership: India and South Korea have reaffirmed
their commitment to deepening their Special Strategic Partnership, signalling
sustained diplomatic momentum ahead of 2026. The pledge was made during the 6th
Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) held in Seoul, reflecting both
sides’ intent to expand cooperation across political, economic and security
domains. The dialogue
was co-chaired by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in India’s Ministry of External
Affairs, and Park Yoon-joo, First Vice Foreign Minister of the Republic of
Korea. Discussions covered the entire spectrum of bilateral engagement,
including defence, security, science and technology, culture and
people-to-people exchanges.The two sides agreed to pursue a series of
high-level visits and joint commission meetings in 2026. These engagements are
expected to inject fresh impetus into diplomatic coordination and policy
alignment under the Special Strategic Partnership framework.
4. ZSI
Discovers New Diplura Species in Himalayas: Scientists from the Zoological Survey of
India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of Diplura in the eastern Himalayas,
marking a milestone in Indian entomology. The wingless, soil-dwelling
micro-arthropod has been named “Lepidocampa sikkimensis”. The discovery ends
nearly five decades of limited research on Diplura in India and represents the
first species of its kind to be formally described by an Indian research
team.The findings were published on 7 January in the international taxonomic
journal “Zootaxa”.Diplurans are primitive hexapods, a group of six-legged
arthropods under the class Hexapoda. They are blind, soil-dwelling organisms
commonly known as two-pronged bristletails. Researchers believe “Lepidocampa
sikkimensis” belongs to an ancient evolutionary lineage of hexapods.Until now,
17 Diplura species had been recorded in India, all identified by foreign
scientists. The new discovery signals a revival of indigenous taxonomic
research in this lesser-known invertebrate group.
5. India-France
Special Global Strategic Partnership Announced: India and France have elevated their
bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, signalling a new
phase of cooperation across defence, innovation and global governance. The
announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following wide-ranging
talks with French President Emmanuel Macron during the latter’s official visit
to India from February 17 to 19.Addressing a joint press conference, Prime
Minister Modi described the relationship as expansive and forward-looking. He
emphasised that innovation thrives on collaboration and underscored the need
for deeper cooperation in a period of global uncertainty.The Special Global
Strategic Partnership aims to broaden collaboration in defence, energy, space,
advanced technology and critical minerals. Both leaders highlighted the
strategic depth of the relationship, noting that cooperation extends “from deep
oceans to the highest mountains”.The framework builds upon the long-standing
strategic partnership established in 1998. The new designation reflects shared
ambitions in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor technologies and green energy
transitions.
6. Nitai
Roy Chowdhury: Lone Hindu Minister in Bangladesh Cabinet: The swearing-in of Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman,
marks a significant political transition following a decisive electoral
victory. Among the members of the newly formed cabinet, Nitai Roy Chowdhury
stands out as the lone Hindu minister, drawing attention both for his minority
representation and his long political career within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Nitai Roy Chowdhury is a seasoned politician and lawyer
with decades of experience in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Currently
serving as Vice-Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, he has been
closely associated with the party’s central leadership. Known for his legal
acumen and organisational skills, Chowdhury has played a strategic advisory
role within the BNP during both opposition and government phases.His political
journey spans multiple regimes, reflecting his enduring presence in national
politics. He has consistently advocated constitutional governance and
institutional reforms within party forums.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Iran
Unveils Khorramshahr-4 Amid US Tensions: Iran has released
dramatic footage of its Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile, one of Tehran’s most
powerful medium-range weapons, amid rising tensions with the United States. The
video, circulated through state-linked platforms, appears aimed at signalling
deterrence as American aircraft carriers operate near the Persian Gulf.The
display comes at a time of heightened strategic rivalry, with both sides
reinforcing their military postures in the region.The Khorramshahr-4 is
assessed to have a range of approximately 2,000 kilometres. With a heavy
payload capacity, the missile can potentially place key US military bases and
naval assets within striking distance. It forms part of Iran’s broader missile
programme designed to offset conventional limitations through long-range strike
capability.Iran has invested significantly in ballistic missile development
over the past two decades, viewing it as a core element of national defence and
deterrence strategy.
2. INS
Tarangini Anchors IFR and MILAN 2026: Sail training ship INS
Tarangini is among the prominent vessels arriving in Visakhapatnam for the
International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 and the multinational naval exercise
MILAN, commencing February 18. Around 75 naval vessels are expected to
participate in the twin maritime events, including 20 foreign warships,
underlining India’s expanding naval diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific. Commissioned in 1997,
INS Tarangini serves as the Indian Navy’s sail training ship. In 2003–2004, she
became the first Indian naval vessel to circumnavigate the globe. The ship also
represented India at the International Fleet Review during the Sri Lankan
Navy’s diamond jubilee celebrations in December 2010.On that occasion, Tarangini
was the only tall ship present and the first to be reviewed by the Sri Lankan
President. Her decks and yards were ceremonially manned by Indian naval cadets
alongside midshipmen of the Sri Lanka Navy, symbolising maritime camaraderie.
SPORTS
1. Rashid
Khan Reaches 700 T20 Wickets Milestone: Afghanistan captain
Rashid Khan scripted history in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by becoming
the first bowler to claim 700 wickets in men’s T20 cricket. The landmark was
achieved during Afghanistan’s group-stage match against the United Arab Emirates at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. His
solitary wicket in the contest was enough to take him past the unprecedented
mark.Already the leading wicket-taker in T20 Internationals, Rashid’s latest
achievement reinforces his reputation as one of the most dominant spinners in
modern cricket.Afghanistan restricted the UAE to 160 for 9 after opting to
field first. While Rashid celebrated his record, the team continues to grapple
with setbacks in the tournament. A dramatic double Super Over defeat to South Africa earlier
in the competition dented their hopes of progressing deep into the event.Rashid
acknowledged the emotional toll of narrow losses but emphasised resilience and
long-term learning. He noted that limited exposure to top-tier opposition often
increases pressure during major ICC events.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Delhi
Launches AI-Driven CM Shri School Model: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on
Tuesday inaugurated the CM Shri School at Sarojini Nagar, marking the launch of
what the government describes as India’s first AI-driven comprehensive
education model. The foundation stones for 75 CM Shri School projects across
the national capital were also laid. The initiative aligns with the National Education
Policy and aims to provide technology-integrated, high-quality public
education. The event was attended by Union Education
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Delhi Education
Minister Ashish Sood, along with public representatives, officials, teachers,
parents and students. The Union Minister congratulated the Delhi Government,
stating that significant progress had been made within a year towards strengthening
the education sector.The CM Shri Schools are designed to meet high academic and
infrastructural standards. Officials said the project seeks to ensure effective
implementation of the National Education Policy while expanding access to
quality education for a large student population in the Capital.
2. Ancient
Ice Bacterium Shows Modern Antibiotic Resistance: Scientists have identified a
5,000-year-old bacterium preserved in underground ice in Romania that can resist multiple modern
antibiotics. The discovery has raised concerns about the risks posed by melting
ice in a warming climate. The strain, recovered from Scărișoara Ice Cave,
survived millennia in frozen isolation yet carries resistance to drugs commonly
used in present-day clinical practice.
Researchers drilled a 25-metre ice core from the “Great Hall” of Scărișoara Ice
Cave in north-west Romania. The ice represents nearly 13,000 years of accumulation.
To prevent contamination, samples were handled in sterile conditions and
transported frozen to laboratories for analysis. Several bacterial strains were
isolated and sequenced.The most significant was Psychrobacter SC65A.3, a
cold-adapted bacterium belonging to a genus previously linked to infections in
humans and animals. Despite its ancient origin, it demonstrated notable
resilience to modern medicines.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Menstrual
Health Recognised as Fundamental Right: In a
landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has held that menstrual health forms part of
the right to dignity and merits constitutional protection. The judgement marks
a decisive step towards addressing “period poverty” in India and reframes
menstrual health as a matter of equality and public policy rather than welfare
alone.The court observed that despite improvements in toilet construction and
household tap connections, these inputs have not translated into the effective
elimination of menstrual deprivation. Access remains uneven and many facilities
are non-functional, exposing gaps between policy intent and ground
realities.The ruling flagged serious implementation deficits. Ten states and
eight Union Territories reportedly failed to respond to directions issued three
years ago regarding menstrual hygiene management policies under key ministries,
including drinking water and sanitation, women and child development, and
education.This lack of reporting indicates that menstrual health has not
received adequate administrative priority. The court clarified that even though
menstruation directly affects only part of the population, the right to
dignified menstrual health warrants constitutional safeguards.
2. Delhi Rolls Out Bhu-Aadhaar for Unique Land IDs: The Delhi government has announced the rollout of
‘Bhu-Aadhaar’, a system to assign every land parcel in the national capital a
unique 14-digit identification number. The initiative forms part of the broader
implementation of the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) system
aimed at modernising land records and improving transparency in property
ownership.Under the scheme, each plot will receive a geo-referenced
identification code, enabling accurate mapping and verification of land
ownership. Authorities expect the move to reduce disputes related to unclear
boundaries and prevent instances of multiple registrations of the same
property.The government will create a comprehensive digital land map through
drone surveys and high-resolution ortho-imaging. Around 2 terabytes of
geospatial data are being processed to ensure precision in demarcation and
record-keeping.Implementation is being handled by the IT branch of the revenue
department in coordination with the Survey of India. The system will be
introduced in phases across the city under a standard operating procedure with
defined timelines.Initially, the rollout will cover 48 villages already mapped
under the SVAMITVA scheme. Gradual expansion is planned to ensure uniform
digitisation of land records throughout Delhi.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award Launched by Sadhguru: Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev has launched the ‘Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award’, a national honour recognising individuals for their exceptional contributions to India’s growth and well-being. The award was presented during the Mahashivaratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Center, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attending as chief guest. The initiative seeks to acknowledge excellence across diverse sectors that shape the nation’s progress. The Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award aims to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions in fields such as national security, business, arts and entertainment, sports, community welfare, science and technology, and literature and academia. According to the Isha Foundation, the award is envisioned as a tribute to citizens whose work strengthens the social, cultural and technological fabric of the country. By instituting this honour, Sadhguru has sought to create a platform that recognises sustained service and transformative impact.
