NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India’s First Private-Sector Helicopter Assembly Line
Inaugurated by TASL for Airbus H125: India’s first private-sector helicopter Final
Assembly Line (FAL) for the Airbus H125 has
been established at Vemagal, Karnataka, by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd
(TASL) and inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
President Emmanuel Macron.The facility will assemble civil H125 helicopters and
potentially the military variant H125M, offering localised maintenance and
lifecycle support for missions like tactical reconnaissance, high-altitude
logistics, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.The “Made in India” H125
aims to serve civil and para-public sectors, including emergency medical
services, disaster management, law enforcement, and regional connectivity under
the UDAN scheme; it is also notable for being the only helicopter to have landed
on Mount Everest and accumulating over 40 million flight hours.
2. UP Government Launches District-Level Manuscript
Digitisation Drive Under ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’: The Uttar Pradesh
Government has launched a district-level manuscript digitisation
initiative under the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’, directing all districts to
identify, document, and digitally present manuscripts on a global platform to
revive India’s rich knowledge and intellectual heritage.The Chief Development
Officer (CDO) of each district has been designated as the nodal officer to
supervise the identification, survey, cataloguing, preservation, and
digitisation of manuscripts and rare texts.The initiative covers handwritten
texts, palm-leaf and birch-bark manuscripts, and rare documents preserved in
government and private institutions, temples, monasteries, libraries,
educational institutions, and with individual collectors, aiming to make them
accessible to researchers, students, and the public.
3. Rekha Gupta Launches India’s First AI-Driven CM Shri
School in Delhi: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurated the first CM Shri School at
Sarojini Nagar, launching what is described as India’s first AI-driven comprehensive
education model, with foundation stones laid for 75 such schools across
Delhi.The CM Shri Schools focus on modern infrastructure and academic
excellence, targeting students from economically weaker and middle-income
families, with the goal of making Delhi’s children globally competitive through
advanced teaching methods and upgraded facilities.
4. Kiren Rijiju Launches NIGRANI App at Nalanda
University to Boost PMJVK Monitoring: Kiren Rijiju launched the NIGRANI
App at the ‘Chintan Shivir’ held at Nalanda University, aimed at
strengthening monitoring mechanisms.The NIGRANI App facilitates real-time
tracking and transparent implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas
Karyakram (PMJVK), ensuring better infrastructure development in
minority-concentrated areas.The Ministry of Minority Affairs also introduced
the Haj Wrist Band, a digital identification band designed to support and
efficiently manage Indian Haj pilgrims during their pilgrimage.
5. Union Home Minister to Launch Vibrant Villages Programme-II
in Assam’s Cachar District: Amit Shah will launch the Vibrant Villages Programme-II in
Assam’s Cachar district, a ₹6,800+ crore initiative aimed at developing
border villages and promoting sustainable livelihoods in line with the vision
of Viksit Bharat 2047.The programme will be implemented across 15 States and 2
Union Territories through a saturation-based, convergence-driven approach to
strengthen border communities and enhance internal security.
6. Supreme Court To Hear CAA Petitions From
May 5: The Supreme Court of India will commence hearings on petitions challenging the
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, from May 5, 2026. A three-judge bench
comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and
Justice Vipul Pancholi scheduled the matter while issuing procedural
directions. The petitions question the constitutional validity of the
legislation enacted by Parliament in December 2019.The matter was last listed in
March 2024. The upcoming hearings will address challenges filed from across the
country, including separate pleas concerning Assam and Tripura.The Citizenship Amendment Act, passed on
December 11, 2019, amends provisions of the Citizenship Act to provide a
fast-track pathway to Indian citizenship for members of Hindu, Sikh,
Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities from Pakistan,
Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Eligible applicants must have entered India on or
before December 31, 2014, and demonstrate five years of residence.The Act does
not grant automatic citizenship but makes specified groups eligible to apply.
Applicants must establish that they fled religious persecution and meet
documentation requirements prescribed under the rules notified subsequently.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Google Unveils $15 Billion ‘America-India Connect’
Subsea Cable Project to Boost AI Connectivity: Google announced the
‘America-India Connect’ initiative at the India AI Impact Summit, a
$15 billion investment over five years to link India and the USA through new
subsea cables.As part of the initiative, a new international subsea gateway will
be established in Vizag, along with three new subsea paths connecting India to
Singapore, South Africa, and Australia, and four strategic fibre-optic
routes.Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated that the project will enhance AI
connectivity between India, the USA, and multiple locations across the southern
hemisphere, supporting India’s extraordinary AI growth trajectory.
2. Kerala to launch India’s first graphene policy to
become global tech hub: Kerala has approved India’s first comprehensive Graphene
Policy, aiming to position the state as a global hub for research, development,
and production of graphene, often referred to as the “wonder material” of the
future.The Union Cabinet has approved the Graphene (Grefine) Park, with the
state government offering strategic incentives such as a 50% subsidy on lease
payments for manufacturing units set up in government-managed parks to attract
domestic and global investors.As part of its broader advanced materials vision,
Kerala plans to establish a graphene industrial park in Palakkad and a
dedicated Digital Innovation Centre backed by an investment of ₹200 crore.
3. India Sets Guinness World Record with Over 2.5 Lakh AI
Responsibility Pledges in 24 Hours: India achieved a Guinness World Record
for the “Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24
hours,” securing 250,946 valid pledges between February 16–17 during
the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.The
achievement was announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Electronics
and IT, and officially verified by a Guinness World Records adjudicator in the
presence of senior officials from MeitY, IndiaAI Mission, and Intel.The
nationwide AI Responsibility Pledge campaign, launched under the IndiaAI
Mission in collaboration with Intel India, encouraged citizens to commit to the
ethical, inclusive, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence through a
dedicated online portal.
4. India Signs Five-Year Rice Pact with WFP: India has signed a
five-year agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to
support global hunger relief through sustained rice supplies. The move
strengthens New Delhi’s role in addressing food insecurity amid rising
humanitarian crises across Africa, West Asia and conflict-affected regions. The
pact reflects India’s growing engagement in global food security and
humanitarian cooperation. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has
been signed between the Food Corporation
of India (FCI) and the World Food Programme.
Under the agreement, India will supply up to 200,000 metric tonnes of rice over
five years to support emergency food assistance operations. The rice supplied
may include up to 25 per cent broken grains, in line with humanitarian
distribution norms.The agreement may be extended beyond five years by mutual
consent. It aims to ensure predictable and timely availability of food grains
for vulnerable populations in crisis-hit regions.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. DRDO Qualifies Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute
in Key Test: India’s maiden human spaceflight mission
received a major boost after the successful qualification level load test of
the drogue parachute for the Gaganyaan programme. The test was conducted at the Rail Track
Rocket Sledge (RTRS) facility in Chandigarh by
the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with
the Indian Space
Research Organisation (Isro).The milestone strengthens
India’s preparedness for crewed spaceflight under the ambitious Gaganyaan mission.The qualification test was
carried out on February 18 at DRDO’s specialised Rail Track Rocket Sledge
facility. RTRS is designed for high-speed aerodynamic and ballistic
evaluations, enabling simulation of extreme dynamic conditions.The drogue
parachute was subjected to qualification-level loads higher than the maximum
expected during actual flight. This ensured validation of structural integrity
and demonstrated additional safety margins in the design. The successful
outcome confirms India’s capability in designing and manufacturing
high-strength ribbon parachutes for human-rated missions.
2. INS Aridhaman to Boost India’s Sea-Based
Nuclear Deterrent: India is set to strengthen its sea-based
nuclear deterrent with the commissioning of INS Aridhaman, the third indigenous
Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). The
submarine, designated S4, is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy by
April-May after completing final stages of sea trials.Once commissioned, it will mark a significant
milestone in India’s quest for credible and continuous at-sea nuclear
deterrence.Built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project at the Ship
Building Centre in Visakhapatnam, INS Aridhaman displaces around 7,000 tonnes,
making it larger than its predecessors INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, which are
6,000-tonne platforms.The submarine will be armed with 24 K-15 Sagarika
submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 750 km and eight
longer-range K-4 SLBMs capable of striking targets up to 3,500 km away. Powered
by an 83 MW pressurised water reactor, it features improved acoustic damping
through anechoic tiles to reduce detectability.
3. Exercise MILAN 2026 Inaugurated in
Visakhapatnam: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated
the 13th edition of Exercise MILAN-2026 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking
the commencement of one of the world’s prominent multilateral naval exercises.
The event underscores India’s expanding maritime outreach and its role as a
trusted and responsible maritime partner.Addressing the gathering, the Defence
Minister stated that the 2026 edition, with participation from 74 nations, is
the largest and most inclusive in the exercise’s history. He noted that the
growing scale of participation reflects the confidence of the global maritime
community in India’s leadership and commitment to cooperative security.Exercise MILAN began
as a regional initiative and has evolved into a major international naval
engagement. Over successive editions, it has expanded in both scale and scope,
bringing together friendly foreign navies for coordinated training and
engagement.The 2026 edition is being conducted under the Eastern Naval Command
at Visakhapatnam. Senior naval officials reviewed operational preparedness
ahead of the formal inauguration.
SPORTS
1. 6th National Rafting Championship “The Ultimate River
Battle” Begins in Doda, J&K: The 6th National Rafting Championship, “The
Ultimate River Battle,” has commenced at Shibnote in Doda district, Jammu
& Kashmir, aiming to showcase top rafting talent and promote adventure
tourism in the region.Held on the scenic and challenging Chenab River, known
for its strong rapids and breathtaking landscape, the event is expected to
attract professional rafting teams, adventure enthusiasts, and tourists from
across India.
2. Pramod Bhagat Wins SL3 Gold at BWF Para World
Championships: India’s Pramod Bhagat won the men’s SL3 gold medal at the
BWF Para World Championships in Bahrain, defeating Indonesia’s Muhammad Al Imran
in straight games (21-12, 21-18).The 37-year-old secured his fourth consecutive
singles gold and sixth overall world title in the SL3 category, surpassing Lin
Dan to become the most decorated singles champion in world championship history
across the sport.
3. Harmanpreet Kaur becomes highest capped woman in
international cricket: Harmanpreet Kaur became the highest-capped player in women’s
international cricket, making her 356th appearance for India in a
T20I against Australia and surpassing Suzie Bates.Since her debut in
2009, Kaur has played 6 Tests, 161 ODIs, and 189 T20Is, scoring eight
centuries and 38 fifties, and leading India to their first Women’s World Cup
title on home soil.Despite her milestone and a top score of 36 in the match,
India lost to Australia by 19 runs in the second T20I, levelling the
three-match series.
4. IPC Lifts Russian Paralympics Ban for 2026
Games: Russian and Belarusian
athletes will compete under their national flags at the Milano-Cortina 2026
Winter Paralympics, marking a significant reversal of restrictions imposed in
2022. The International
Paralympic Committee (IPC) has confirmed
limited quota allocations for both nations, allowing their athletes to
participate with full national recognition, including flags and anthems during
medal ceremonies. The IPC has formally awarded six slots to
Russia across three disciplines. These include two places in Para-alpine
skiing, two in Para cross-country skiing, and two in Para-snowboard. The
distribution ensures representation of both male and female athletes in
selected events.Belarus has been allocated four slots, all in Para
cross-country skiing. The IPC clarified that athletes from both nations will be
treated like competitors from any other country. Medal ceremonies will feature
national flags and anthems if podium finishes are achieved. The decision
applies exclusively to the Winter Paralympics and does not automatically extend
to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. JioHotstar Partners with OpenAI to Launch
ChatGPT-Powered Conversational Streaming in India: JioHotstar has partnered
with OpenAI to introduce a ChatGPT-powered voice and text interface,
transforming how Indian audiences discover and engage with streaming
content.The integration replaces traditional keyword searches and menu
navigation with multilingual, natural-language conversations, offering a first-of-its-kind
conversational streaming experience in India.Through Multilingual Cognitive
Search, the feature aims to solve the “what to watch” dilemma by enabling
viewers to explore content based on their mood, intent, and context, turning
streaming into a two-way interactive experience.
2. LHS 1903 System Reveals Rare Inside-Out
Planetary Pattern: LHS 1903,
also known as TOI-1730 or G 107-55, is a small M-dwarf star located 116.3
light-years away in the constellation Lynx. Cooler and dimmer than the Sun, it hosts
a compact planetary system that has challenged prevailing models of planet
formation. Observations by the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS spacecraft have
revealed an unusual configuration that defies established expectations. The system initially appeared conventional. Closest to the star is LHS
1903b, a rocky planet orbiting at short range. Beyond it lie two gaseous
planets, LHS 1903c and LHS 1903d, consistent with the standard pattern in which
rocky worlds form near stars and gas giants form farther out in cooler regions.However, astronomers from
the University of Warwick, led by Thomas Wilson, identified a fourth planet,
LHS 1903e, at the system’s outer edge. Contrary to predictions, this distant
planet is rocky rather than gaseous. This creates an “inside-out” sequence:
rocky, gaseous, gaseous, and then rocky again. Such a configuration is rare and
unexpected.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Bharti Airtel arm receives RBI nod to operate as Type
II NBFC-ND: Bharti Airtel’s subsidiary, Airtel Money, has received
a Certificate of Registration from the RBI to operate as a Type
II Non-Deposit Accepting Non-Banking Financial Company [Type II-NBFC-ND (ICC)],
allowing it to commence non-banking financial operations without accepting
public deposits.The certificate (Registration No. N-14.03676, dated 13 February
2026) was issued under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934, with RBI clarifying
that it does not guarantee the company’s financial soundness, correctness of statements,
or repayment of liabilities.
2. IDFC FIRST Bank Launches Hello Cashback Credit Card
with Tiered Rewards and Credit-Building Benefits: IDFC FIRST
Bank launches Hello Cashback Credit Card targeted at digitally
savvy young adults (18+) with online-first and UPI-led spending habits,
allowing them to build credit history while enjoying cashback rewards.5% on
online spends above ₹10,000, 3% on online spends up to ₹10,000, and 1% on
in-store, contactless, UPI transactions, including essentials like utilities,
education, and insurance.Joining fee of ₹1,000 (waived until 31 March 2026) and
annual fee of ₹1,000 (waived on annual spends of ₹2,00,000 in the previous
year), offering a strong mix of rewards, access, and credit-building benefits.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. FAO Awards International Certificate to West Bengal for ‘Matir Srishti’ Programme: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations awarded an international certificate to West Bengal, as announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.The recognition was given for the community-based ‘Matir Srishti’ programme (launched in 2020), which focuses on converting barren and dry land into cultivable land and promoting multi-crop farming, horticulture, and vegetable cultivation.FAO also recognised three aromatic rice varieties of West Bengal — Gobindobhog, Tulaipanji, and Kanakchur — adding to the state’s earlier global recognition when the Kanyashree scheme received the UN Public Service Award in 2017.
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