🗞️ Why in News February 16, 2026 saw a historic governance shift as India inaugurated the Seva Teertha — a new integrated complex housing the PMO, Cabinet Secretariat, and NSC Secretariat — ending over eight decades of governance from colonial South Block; the Defence Acquisition Council simultaneously cleared India’s largest-ever defence deal.

Polity & Governance

Seva Teertha — India’s New PMO Complex Inaugurated

The Seva Teertha integrated administrative complex was inaugurated, marking the end of the Prime Minister’s Office’s eight-decade residence in South Block, a British-era colonial building constructed in the 1930s.

Three buildings:

Building Occupant
Seva Teertha-1 Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
Seva Teertha-2 National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)
Seva Teertha-3 Cabinet Secretariat

Key design details:

  • Architect: Dr. Bimal Patel (same architect who designed the Central Vista redevelopment)
  • Green rating: 4-star (Ministry of Environment standards)
  • Inscription: “Nagrik Devo Bhava” (Citizen is God) — reflecting citizen-centric governance philosophy
  • Features “India House” — a dedicated complex for hosting international bilateral and multilateral summits
  • Architectural motifs: Chalukyan stone screen-work (11th–13th century tradition); dome inspired by Buddhist stupa form
  • Inaugurated on the 95th anniversary of New Delhi’s formal inauguration (February 13, 1931)

First policy decision from Seva Teertha: The PM RAHAT Scheme — assures cashless hospitalisation of up to ₹1.5 lakh for road accident victims within the first 7 days of injury, regardless of the victim’s ability to pay.

UPSC Relevance: GS-2 (Indian governance, PM’s Office, Central Vista project); Prelims: Bimal Patel, Nagrik Devo Bhava, PM RAHAT.

North and South Blocks — “Yuge Yugeen Bharat” National Museum

The Union Cabinet approved the conversion of North Block and South Block into the “Yuge Yugeen Bharat” National Museum (translation: India Across the Ages). The museum will chronicle India’s civilisational journey — from ancient history through the freedom struggle to post-independence development. The move symbolically transitions these buildings from colonial administrative heritage to national cultural heritage.

Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) — Cabinet Approval

The Union Cabinet approved the Urban Challenge Fund with Rs 1,00,000 crore central assistance (FY 2025–26 to 2030–31). The UCF aims to catalyse Rs 4 lakh crore total urban investment. Funding structure: 25% central + minimum 50% market sources + 25% state/ULB contribution. Three verticals: Cities as Growth Hubs, Creative Redevelopment, and Water and Sanitation. Eligible cities: population ≥10 lakh, all state/UT capitals, major industrial cities ≥1 lakh. A Rs 5,000 crore Credit Repayment Guarantee corpus supports smaller cities in accessing market financing.

Rajasthan Budget 2026–27 Presented

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari presented the Rajasthan Budget for 2026–27. Key figures:

  • Total outlay: Rs 6,10,956 crore
  • Revenue receipts: Rs 3,25,740 crore
  • Fiscal deficit: Rs 79,492.52 crore (3.69% of GSDP)
  • Major allocations: Rs 5,000 crore for Jal Jeevan Mission-Urban; Rs 350 crore for industrial parks; Rs 1,800+ crore for roads and highways.

Defence & Security

114 Rafale Jets — DAC Approves India’s Largest Ever Defence Deal

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France at an estimated cost of Rs 3.25 lakh crore (~USD 40 billion) — the largest single defence procurement deal in India’s history.

Deal structure:

  • 18 jets in fly-away condition (direct delivery)
  • 96 jets to be manufactured in India under Make in India framework (HAL–Dassault Aviation partnership)

Cumulative Rafale fleet: With 36 jets already inducted (IAF, 2020–21 batch) and 26 Rafale-Marine approved for the Navy, India’s total Rafale force will reach 176 jets.

Route: An Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with France — same route as the 2016 deal — bypasses conventional tendering and is used for Government-to-Government strategic procurements.

Context: India’s Air Force requires 42 operational squadrons; current strength is approximately 31 squadrons — below the mandated minimum. Ageing MiG-21 fleet retirements have accelerated the deficit.

HAL Dornier 228 Aircraft for Coast Guard — Rs 2,312 Crore Deal

The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 2,312 crore procurement deal with HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) Kanpur Transport Division for 8 Dornier 228 aircraft with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard. The Dornier 228 is a 19-seater German-origin STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) twin-turboprop aircraft powered by Garrett TPE 331 engines. India’s Coast Guard aims to expand its air fleet from 80 to 100 aircraft by 2030.

Indian Navy Commands CTF-154 for First Time

The Indian Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF-154) for the first time. Commander: Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Shaurya Chakra (based in Manama, Bahrain). CTF-154 was established in May 2023 under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) — a 44-nation naval partnership headquartered in Bahrain — and focuses on maritime training, anti-piracy operations, and counter-trafficking. India’s leadership of CTF-154 marks a significant step in its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.

Reports & Indices

Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025 — India Ranks 91st

Transparency International (founded 1993, HQ: Berlin) released the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, evaluating 182 countries on a 0–100 scale (0 = most corrupt, 100 = least).

India: Ranked 91st with a score of 39/100 — an improvement from 96th in CPI 2024. India outperforms all South Asian neighbours except Bhutan (score 71, rank 18).

Global highlights:

  • Top performers: Denmark (89, 8th consecutive year as global top), Finland, Singapore, New Zealand, Norway
  • Bottom performers: Somalia and South Sudan (9); Venezuela (10)
  • Global average: 42/100 — lowest in over a decade; 122 countries scored below 50
  • 829 journalists killed globally since 2012 while investigating corruption

NITI Aayog Technology Services Roadmap

NITI Aayog released “Technology Services — Reimagination Ahead”, presented by Union Minister Piyush Goyal. Target: India’s tech services sector to grow from USD 265 billion to USD 750–850 billion by 2035. Five priority levers: Agentic AI, Software & Products, Digital Infrastructure, Innovation-led Engineering, India-for-India solutions.

Judiciary & Law

Supreme Court — Telecom Spectrum is a Public Resource

The Supreme Court ruled that telecom spectrum is a Union of India public resource and cannot be treated as a corporate asset or monetised under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. Spectrum is a limited, conditional, revocable privilege — not a proprietary right. Legal title vests exclusively with the Union of India. The ruling invokes the Public Trust Doctrine and is governed by the Telecommunications Act 2023 and TRAI Act 1997. The ruling impacts financial creditors (such as SBI) seeking to monetise spectrum from defaulting operators (Aircel, RCom) and enables the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to reclaim airwaves.

Science & Technology

LHS 1903 — Four-Planet System Discovered

ESA’s Cheops Space Telescope discovered a four-planet system around red dwarf star LHS 1903, located 117 light-years from Earth. The system contains two Super-Earths (rocky planets) and two mini-Neptunes (gaseous). Notably, the outermost planet is rocky despite being beyond the gaseous planets — challenging standard planetary formation theory. The fourth planet has a surface temperature of ~60°C, suggesting potential habitability. LHS 1903 is a red dwarf with 50% of the Sun’s mass and 5% of its luminosity.

IIT Delhi — Chirality-Based Electronics Device

A study published in Nature by IIT Delhi and a German research team describes a device that separates electrons by chirality (left/right-handed quantum state) without requiring powerful magnetic fields. The material used is palladium gallium (PdGa) crystal, which has a “twisted” band structure. The three-armed device functions as a chiral valve. Applications: low-power computing and novel magnetic memory devices — significant for quantum and neuromorphic computing.

C-DOT — Quantum-Vulnerable Algorithm Detection Tool

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Synergy Quantum India Pvt Ltd developed a tool to identify quantum-safe vs. quantum-vulnerable cryptographic algorithms in existing systems. Target sectors: defence, telecom, banking, and government IT systems. The tool enables preparedness for post-quantum cybersecurity migration.

IIT Bombay–Columbia University AI Centre for Manufacturing

The “Columbia–IIT Bombay Centre of AI for Manufacturing” was announced at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Focus areas: semiconductors, industrial robotics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, petrochemicals, and construction.

Economy & Finance

WPI Inflation Hits 10-Month High

India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation for January 2026 rose to 1.81% — the highest in 10 months and the third consecutive monthly increase. Drivers: higher food article prices, non-food items, and manufactured products (basic metals, textiles). Fuel and power remained in deflation territory.

NIPL–PayNet Malaysia — Cross-Border UPI-DuitNow QR Agreement

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) signed a cross-border QR payment agreement with PayNet (Payments Network Malaysia). Phase 1: Indian visitors use UPI apps (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) at Malaysian merchants via DuitNow QR. Phase 2: Malaysians scan UPI QR in India using DuitNow-linked apps. UPI is currently operational across UAE, Nepal, Mauritius, Singapore, France, Bhutan, and now Malaysia.

GAIL — New CMD Appointed

Deepak Gupta was appointed CMD of GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited), effective March 1, 2026 (term: until February 28, 2029). He succeeds Sandeep Kumar Gupta (retiring February 28, 2026). Deepak Gupta currently serves as Director (Projects) at GAIL with expertise in natural gas pipelines and LNG.

Environment & Ecology

Kerala — India’s First Comprehensive Urban Policy

Kerala became the first state in India to adopt a comprehensive urban policy, approved by the State Cabinet under CM Pinarayi Vijayan. Prepared by the Local Self-Government Department, the policy projects 80% urbanisation by 2050 and focuses on climate-smart cities, coastal erosion management, and reducing spatial inequalities.

International

Henley Passport Index — India Ranks 75th

The Henley Passport Index placed India at 75th rank with 56 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. Top-ranked passport: Singapore (192 destinations); Japan and South Korea rank second (187 destinations each). Lowest: Afghanistan (101st, 24 destinations).

Sports

Magnus Carlsen Wins 2026 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship

Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen defeated Fabiano Caruana 2.5–1.5 in the final at Weissenhaus, winning the inaugural FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship — his 21st world title across chess formats. This was the first official FIDE-recognised Freestyle (Chess960) World Championship.

Appointments

CA Prasanna Kumar D Elected ICAI President

CA Prasanna Kumar D was elected the 74th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for 2026–27. He has been a qualified CA since 1984 (40+ years experience) and is from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. CA Mangesh Pandurang Kinare was elected Vice-President for 2026–27.

AU Small Finance Bank MD Reappointed

RBI approved the reappointment of Sanjay Agarwal as MD & CEO of AU Small Finance Bank for a three-year term from April 19, 2026. Agarwal founded AU SFB and the bank received in-principle approval for Universal Bank status in 2025.

Culture & Heritage

National Cow Culture Museum — Mathura

India’s first dedicated cattle heritage museum was established in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, on the campus of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University. The museum focuses on indigenous cattle breeds, dairy production, sustainable agriculture, and conservation.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

Seva Teertha — Core Data:

  • Three buildings: PMO (Seva Teertha-1), NSCS (Seva Teertha-2), Cabinet Secretariat (Seva Teertha-3)
  • Architect: Dr. Bimal Patel
  • Inscription: “Nagrik Devo Bhava”
  • Green rating: 4-star building standards
  • Inauguration: 95th anniversary of New Delhi (Feb 13, 1931)
  • First decision: PM RAHAT — cashless hospitalisation ₹1.5 lakh, 7-day window

Rafale 114 Jets — Core Data:

  • DAC approval: chaired by Rajnath Singh
  • Deal value: Rs 3.25 lakh crore (~USD 40 billion) — India’s largest defence deal
  • Composition: 18 fly-away + 96 Make in India
  • Total Rafale fleet: 36 (IAF existing) + 26 (Navy approved) + 114 (new) = 176 jets
  • Framework: Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with France
  • IAF target: 42 squadrons; current ~31 squadrons

CPI 2025 — India Data:

  • India: Rank 91, Score 39/100 (improved from 96th in 2024)
  • Best in South Asia after Bhutan (rank 18, score 71)
  • Publisher: Transparency International (founded 1993, Berlin)
  • Top: Denmark (89); Bottom: Somalia/South Sudan (9)
  • Global average: 42/100; 122 countries below 50

Supreme Court Spectrum Ruling:

  • Spectrum = Union of India’s public resource; not a corporate asset
  • Cannot be monetised under IBC 2016
  • Doctrine invoked: Public Trust Doctrine
  • Governing law: Telecommunications Act 2023, TRAI Act 1997
  • Impacts: Aircel, RCom spectrum recovery by DoT

LHS 1903 System:

  • Telescope: ESA Cheops; Distance: 117 light-years
  • 4 planets: 2 Super-Earths (rocky) + 2 mini-Neptunes (gaseous)
  • Unusual: outermost planet is rocky — challenges formation models
  • 4th planet surface temp: ~60°C (potential habitability)

Other Relevant Facts:

  • CTF-154: established May 2023 under Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) — 44-nation partnership, HQ Bahrain
  • Dornier 228: German-origin STOL aircraft; HAL manufactures at Kanpur; Coast Guard fleet target: 100 aircraft by 2030
  • Urban Challenge Fund: ₹1 lakh crore central; target ₹4 lakh crore total investment; 3 verticals (Cities as Growth Hubs, Creative Redevelopment, Water & Sanitation)
  • NITI Aayog tech target: USD 265B → USD 750–850B by 2035
  • NIPL: NPCI International Payments Limited; partners include UAE, Nepal, Mauritius, Singapore, France, Bhutan, Malaysia (new)
  • Kerala urban policy: 80% urbanization by 2050; India’s first comprehensive state urban policy
  • Rajasthan Budget: fiscal deficit 3.69% GSDP; Rs 5,000 cr for Jal Jeevan Mission-Urban
  • Magnus Carlsen: Norwegian; 21st world title across chess formats; FIDE Freestyle = Chess960 format
  • ICAI: founded 1949; regulates CA profession in India; 74th President: CA Prasanna Kumar D (Visakhapatnam)

Sources: Drishti IAS, AffairsCloud, IndiaBix