Cadet Training Ship Krishna Launched at L&T Kattupalli

India launched the indigenously built Cadet Training Ship (CTS) Krishna at L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The ship was launched by Anupama Chauhan, President of the Defence Wives Welfare Association (DWWA).

Specifications: Length: 122 metres; displacement: 4,700 tonnes; max speed: 20 knots; endurance: 60 days at sea. The ship is named after the River Krishna — India’s third longest river. Purpose: provide basic naval cadet training in seamanship, navigation, and ship-handling. India plans a total of three Cadet Training Ships (CTS) under the programme.

The launch is a milestone in naval indigenisation — reducing dependence on foreign training platforms and building domestic shipbuilding capacity at L&T’s Kattupalli yard.

UPSC angle: Naval indigenisation, Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), L&T Shipbuilding (private sector in defence), Make in India in defence, India’s strategic maritime training, iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence).

India AI Impact Summit 2026 — Sarvam AI, VoicERA, AI Governance Framework

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 (February 16–20, New Delhi) saw major Indian AI announcements:

Sarvam AI (Bengaluru-based):

  • Unveiled Sarvam-30B and Sarvam-105B large language models (30-billion and 105-billion parameters)
  • Launched “Vikram” multilingual chatbot supporting Indian languages
  • Represents India’s push for sovereign AI infrastructure — LLMs built on Indian data

MeitY VoicERA:

  • Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched VoicERA — an open-source, end-to-end Voice AI stack for Indian languages
  • Supports multilingual voice interfaces for government services and rural outreach

India’s National AI Governance Framework:

  • MeitY released India’s first comprehensive AI governance principles (February 2026)
  • Seven principles: Trust, People First, Innovation, Fairness, Accountability, Understandability, Safety
  • Sectors: healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, public administration

Google America-India Connect Initiative:

  • Google announced a $15 billion subsea cable project with a new international gateway at Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
  • Three new subsea cable routes: to Singapore, South Africa, Australia

UPSC angle: IndiaAI Mission (₹10,371 crore), sovereign AI, AI governance frameworks, Digital India, MeitY’s role in AI regulation, data centres, AI ethics.

Supreme Court: Menstrual Health is a Fundamental Right

The Supreme Court of India declared menstrual health a Fundamental Right under Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity) in the case Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Government of India (decided January–February 2026). Bench: Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan.

Key directions:

  • Free sanitary napkins must be provided in government schools from Classes 6–12
  • Oversight by District Education Officers and NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights)
  • States must ensure dignified sanitation infrastructure in schools

UPSC angle: Article 21 (Right to Life), expansion of fundamental rights through judicial interpretation, women’s health as a constitutional right, NCPCR, Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) under Swachh Bharat Mission.

Rajya Sabha Biennial Elections — 37 Seats in 10 States

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced biennial elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states. Rajya Sabha elections are held via proportional representation with single transferable vote by state/UT Legislative Assemblies (Members of Legislative Assembly vote). The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairperson of Rajya Sabha. Rajya Sabha members serve 6-year terms, with one-third retiring every 2 years. The house has a maximum strength of 250 members (238 elected + 12 nominated).

UPSC angle: Rajya Sabha composition (Article 80), election method (proportional representation + single transferable vote), special powers of Rajya Sabha (Articles 249, 312), open ballot system, Federal Chamber vs People’s House.

Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Gujarat Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026, enabling women to work night shifts (9 pm–6 am) with mandatory safeguards: employer-arranged transportation, crèche facilities, and protection against sexual harassment. The bill also raised the daily working hours limit from 9 to 10 hours and quarterly overtime limits from 125 to 144 hours.

UPSC angle: Labour laws in India, women’s workforce participation, International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, maternity and workplace safety regulations, state labour law amendments under the concurrent list.

India Signs Five-Year Rice Pact with UN World Food Programme

India signed a five-year agreement with the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide sustained rice supplies to support WFP’s global hunger relief operations. The pact consolidates India’s role as a key donor of food grain to WFP amid growing global food insecurity concerns.

UPSC angle: WFP (UN World Food Programme) — established 1961, HQ Rome; India’s food security architecture (FCI, PDS); India’s humanitarian diplomacy; global food insecurity and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Tarique Rahman Sworn as Bangladesh Prime Minister

Tarique Rahman (57) was sworn in as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on February 17, 2026 at Bangabhaban (Presidential Palace), Dhaka. His party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), won 212 of 299 seats in the general election (voter turnout: 59.44%). A cabinet of 25 ministers + 24 state ministers was formed. Rahman succeeds Muhammad Yunus (Chief Adviser, August 2024–February 2026).

UPSC angle: India-Bangladesh bilateral relations, Teesta river water sharing, Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh’s political landscape, India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, trade with Bangladesh (India’s largest trading partner in South Asia).

Ol Chiki Script Centenary — President Murmu Inaugurates

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script on February 16, 2026, in New Delhi. The script was devised in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu from Rairangpur, Odisha to write the Santhali language. A commemorative coin and postal stamp were released. The Santhali language was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003 (92nd Constitutional Amendment Act).

UPSC angle: Eighth Schedule (22 languages), Santhali, Ol Chiki script, Pandit Raghunath Murmu, tribal languages of India, 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act 2003, Presidential Mansion (Rashtrapatna Bhavan).

Tamil-Brahmi Inscriptions Found in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings

Researchers from Lausanne University and French School of Asian Studies documented approximately 30 inscriptions in rock-cut royal tombs at the Valley of the Kings, Egypt, including ~20 in Tamil-Brahmi script dating to the 1st–3rd century CE. The name “Cikai Korran” appears 8 times across 5 tombs — likely an ancient Tamil trader or pilgrim. The findings were presented at the International Conference on Tamil Epigraphy, Chennai.

UPSC angle: Ancient Indian trade routes (Indo-Roman trade), Tamil maritime history, Sangam Age, Tamil-Brahmi script, India’s cultural soft power and civilisational outreach, Indic inscriptions abroad.

Kerala Declares Tidal Flooding a State-Specific Disaster

Kerala became the first state to officially declare tidal flooding (coastal inundation) as a state-specific disaster, enabling affected communities to access financial assistance from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). This recognises tidal flooding as distinct from storm surges or tsunamis — driven by combined effects of sea-level rise, land subsidence, and high tides.

UPSC angle: SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) vs NDRF (National Disaster Response Fund), Disaster Management Act 2005, NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority), climate change adaptation, Kerala’s coastal vulnerability.

NHAI Bee Corridors — 40 Lakh Trees in 2026-27

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched the Bee Corridor initiative, targeting the planting of 40 lakh trees along national highways in 2026-27, of which 60% will be under Bee Corridor plantings of pollinator-friendly native species: Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash. Planting intervals: 500 m–1 km to support bee foraging ranges.

UPSC angle: Pollinators and food security, biodiversity conservation, green highways, NHAI’s environmental obligations, India’s declining bee populations, SDG 15 (Life on Land).

SALW Training — First Time in Asia, Hosted by Indian Army

The Indian Army (at Military College of Materials Management (MCMM), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) is hosting a UN Fellowship Training programme on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) from February 16 – March 6, 2026. Organised by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the programme includes participants from 13 Asia-Pacific nations — the first time this training has been conducted in Asia.

UPSC angle: UNODA, SALW proliferation as a global security challenge, India-UN defence cooperation, India’s peacekeeping role, Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), disarmament conventions.

Maldives: India Provides High-Speed Ferry under HICDP Phase III

India provided its first high-speed ferry to the Maldives under High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) Phase III, operating under the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) network and connecting Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls. HICDP is a grant-based community development programme under India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.

UPSC angle: India-Maldives bilateral relations, India’s Indian Ocean Region (IOR) strategy, HICDP, Neighbourhood First Policy, India’s SAARC commitments, Maldives geopolitical significance (China vs. India influence).

National Biobank for Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSD) — Gujarat

India’s first National Biobank for Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) was launched in Ahmedabad, Gujarat by the Foundation for Research in Genetics and Endocrinology (FRIGE) in collaboration with Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), Bengaluru. The biobank contains 530 patient samples (2008–2025) for rare genetic disorders research.

UPSC angle: Rare diseases policy in India (National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021), biobanks and health research infrastructure, public-private collaboration in healthcare, genome sequencing, TIGS.

GalaxEye-NSIL SyncFused Imagery Partnership

Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye signed a data reseller agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) — ISRO’s commercial arm — to distribute its SyncFused OptoSAR imagery (combined optical + Synthetic Aperture Radar data). Applications: agriculture monitoring, disaster management, infrastructure planning.

UPSC angle: NSIL (NewSpace India Limited), India’s commercial space economy, Earth Observation satellites, SAR imagery applications, Make in Space India, ISRO commercialisation framework.

Assam Interim Budget 2026-27 — ₹62,294 Crore

Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog presented the Interim Budget (Vote-on-Account) for FY 2026-27 of ₹62,294.78 crore ahead of state elections. Key highlights: projected GSDP growth of 16.93% (estimated ₹8,71,451 crore in FY27); per capita income grew 113% from FY21 to FY26; Assam GSDP grew 45% from FY20–FY25 (vs. national GDP 29%); target: ₹10 lakh crore economy by 2028.

UPSC angle: State fiscal policy, Vote-on-Account vs full budget, GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product), fiscal federalism, Assam’s development trajectory under North-East Special Package.

Persons in News

  • Manik Gupta: Veteran cricket umpire; passed away after a bee swarm attack during an under-13 cricket league match in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Frederick Wiseman: Legendary American documentary filmmaker; passed away on February 16, 2026 at age 96. Honorary Academy Award (2016); directed 40+ films including Titicut Follies and High School.
  • Nambi Narayanan, A.S. Kiran Kumar, Saina Nehwal: Felicitated with Bhavya Bharat Bhushan Award 2026 by Union Minister Rajnath Singh at Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

Cadet Training Ship Krishna:

  • Launched: L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli, Chennai, February 19, 2026
  • Launched by: Anupama Chauhan (DWWA President)
  • Length: 122 m | Displacement: 4,700 tonnes | Speed: 20 knots | Endurance: 60 days
  • Named after: River Krishna (India’s 3rd longest river)
  • Programme: 3 Cadet Training Ships (CTS) total planned

India AI Impact Summit 2026 (Feb 16-20, New Delhi):

  • Sarvam AI: Sarvam-30B + Sarvam-105B LLMs + “Vikram” multilingual chatbot
  • MeitY VoicERA: Open-source Voice AI stack for Indian languages
  • AI Governance Framework: 7 principles — Trust, People First, Innovation, Fairness, Accountability, Understandability, Safety
  • Google: $15 billion subsea cable project; new gateway at Vizag; routes to Singapore, South Africa, Australia
  • IndiaAI Mission: ₹10,371 crore (approved 2024)

SC on Menstrual Health (Article 21):

  • Case: Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Government of India
  • Bench: Justice J.B. Pardiwala + Justice R. Mahadevan
  • Right: Menstrual health = Fundamental Right under Article 21
  • Direction: Free sanitary napkins in schools (Classes 6-12); oversight by NCPCR

Rajya Sabha Elections:

  • Seats announced: 37 seats across 10 states
  • Max strength: 250 (238 elected + 12 nominated by President)
  • Election method: Proportional representation + Single Transferable Vote (STV)
  • Tenure: 6 years | One-third retire every 2 years
  • Chairman: Vice-President (ex-officio)
  • Special powers: Article 249 (State List legislation) | Article 312 (All-India Services)

Ol Chiki Script:

  • Devised: 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, Rairangpur, Odisha
  • Language: Santhali | Added to Eighth Schedule: 2003 (92nd Amendment Act)
  • Centenary event: Inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, Feb 16, 2026

Tamil-Brahmi Inscriptions (Egypt):

  • Location: Valley of the Kings, Egypt (rock-cut royal tombs)
  • Count: ~30 inscriptions; ~20 Tamil-Brahmi | Date: 1st–3rd century CE
  • Key name: “Cikai Korran” (appears 8 times, 5 tombs)
  • Documented by: Lausanne University + French School of Asian Studies

Kerala — Tidal Flooding as State Disaster:

  • First state to declare tidal flooding a state-specific disaster
  • Enables SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) assistance
  • DM Act: Disaster Management Act, 2005

SALW Training (Indian Army):

  • Venue: MCMM, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh | Period: Feb 16–Mar 6, 2026
  • Organised by: UNODA (UN Office for Disarmament Affairs)
  • Participants: 13 Asia-Pacific nations | First time in Asia

Tarique Rahman (Bangladesh PM):

  • Sworn: February 17, 2026 | Party: BNP | Seats: 212/299
  • Venue: Bangabhaban (Presidential Palace), Dhaka
  • Predecessor (as Chief Adviser): Muhammad Yunus (Aug 2024–Feb 2026)

National Biobank for LSD:

  • Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Institute: FRIGE
  • Collaborator: TIGS (Tata Institute for Genetics and Society), Bengaluru
  • Samples: 530 patient samples (2008–2025)

Other Relevant Facts:

  • India-WFP Rice Pact: 5-year agreement for sustained rice supply to global hunger relief
  • GalaxEye-NSIL: SyncFused OptoSAR imagery (optical + SAR); NSIL = ISRO’s commercial arm
  • Gujarat Shops & Establishments Bill 2026: Women night shifts (9 pm–6 am); daily limit raised 9→10 hrs; OT limit 125→144 hrs/quarter
  • NHAI Bee Corridors: 40 lakh trees in 2026-27; 60% under Bee Corridor; native species: Neem, Karanj, Mahua, Palash
  • Assam Interim Budget 2026-27: ₹62,294.78 crore | FM: Ajanta Neog | GSDP target: ₹8,71,451 crore (FY27)
  • Maldives Ferry (HICDP Phase III): Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls; Raajje Transport Link (RTL) network
  • Death Penalty India 2025: Zero SC death sentences last 3 years; 574 on death row (highest since 2016); Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980) key precedent

Sources: AffairsCloud, GKToday, Drishti IAS, IndiaBix