Weekly Important News ( 15 feb-22feb)

Fresh SSB Batches Start around 1st and 15th of every month.

PM Inaugurates Seva Teerth: New Integrated Administrative Complex

• Institutional Shift: Houses PMO, NSCS, and Cabinet Secretariat, ending nearly 8 decades of functioning from South Block.

 • Historic Occasion: Inaugurated on 13 February, marking 95 years of New Delhi as India’s capital.

 • Symbolism & Design: ‘Seva’ (service) and ‘Teerth’ (sacred duty); designed by Dr. Bimal Patel with Chalukyan temple and stupa-inspired architecture under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.

 • First Decision: Launch of PM RAHAT Scheme ensuring assured hospitalization and treatment for road accident victims.

Four-Planet System Around LHS 1903 Challenges Planet Formation Theories

• Discovery: Astronomers using the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS Space Telescope identified a four-planet system orbiting the red dwarf LHS 1903, located 117 light-years away.

• System Composition: The system has two Super-Earths (rocky) and two mini-Neptunes (gaseous); surprisingly, the outermost planet is rocky, contradicting traditional formation models.

 • Formation Paradox: Conventional theory suggests rocky planets form near stars and gas giants farther away, but this system indicates either sequential gas depletion or atmospheric loss of the outer planet.

 • Scientific Significance: The fourth planet has an estimated surface temperature of ~60°C, raising potential habitability interest; the host red dwarf has 50% of the Sun’s mass and 5% of its luminosity, typical of common Milky Way stars.

India-AI Impact Summit 2026 Begins at Bharat Mandapam

• The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 commenced at Bharat Mandapam, organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

 • It is the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South, highlighting India’s leadership in inclusive and development-oriented AI.

• Hosted under the India AI Mission. • The summit shifts the global focus from “AI Safety” to “AI for Development and Impact.”

Key highlights
India-AI Impact Summit 2026 – Theme, Framework & Expected Outcomes

 • Theme & Philosophy: Anchored in the Indian ethos “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” (Welfare for all, happiness for all); guided by Three Sutras — People (AI for healthcare, education, financial inclusion), Planet (AI for sustainability & climate resilience), and Progress (AI for economic growth & governance).

 • Seven Chakras (Working Groups): Focus areas include Health, Agriculture, Safe & Trusted AI, Science, Inclusion, Democratizing AI Resources, and Economic Development

. • Institutional Backbone: Led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the IndiaAI Mission, supported by Software Technology Parks of India and the Digital India initiative to ensure scalable and inclusive AI adoption.

 • Expected Outcomes: 15+ tangible deliverables on AI governance and innovation; India’s participation in the US-led Pax Silica initiative for resilient semiconductor supply chains; stronger global AI ethics cooperation; expansion of the AI Safety Institute model; and emphasis on AI-driven jobs and efficient public service delivery.

Emerging Challenges in India–Bangladesh Relations

• The “Hasina” Factor & Extradition: Former PM Sheikh Hasina has been sheltering in India since 2024; a new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government may demand her extradition, creating diplomatic strain.

 • Security & Siliguri Corridor Concerns: Instability could impact India’s strategic “Chicken’s Neck” (Siliguri Corridor); fears of revival of safe havens for Northeast insurgent groups (e.g., ULFA) and possible expansion of Pakistan’s footprint.

 • Border & Infiltration Risks: Electoral gains of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh in border districts raise concerns over infiltration, smuggling, and cross-border radical networks affecting West Bengal and Assam.

• Rise of Islamist Politics & Minority Safety: Regime shifts in Bangladesh have historically seen violence against minorities (especially Hindus), raising fears of radicalisation and potential refugee influx impacting demography in Assam and West Bengal.

• Geopolitical Realignment: BNP’s tilt towards China and the Islamic world could accelerate Belt and Road Initiative projects, complicating India’s regional influence amid rising “India Out” sentiment.

NGT Clears ₹81,000-Crore Great Nicobar Project with Safeguards

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) approved the ₹81,000-crore Great Nicobar Project, stating it found “no good ground” to interfere.

• The tribunal recognised the strategic importance of the project for national security and infrastructure development.

• It observed that adequate environmental safeguards have been incorporated in the environmental clearance.

 • Approval comes with stringent conditions to minimise ecological damage and ensure environmental compliance.

International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS) 2026 Concludes in Bengaluru

• The International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS) 2026 concluded in Bengaluru, strengthening India’s dam safety ecosystem and policy coordination.

 • Dam Safety Framework: Emphasised effective implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 and the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) to enhance structural integrity and longevity of dams.

• Sediment & Risk Management: Highlighted reservoir sedimentation as a key water security threat; recommended catchment treatment, remote sensing, simplified risk screening, and dam-break assessment tools.

• Flood & Emergency Preparedness: Stressed forecast-informed, basin-level coordinated reservoir operations using dynamic rule curves, along with stronger Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), floodplain zoning, and early warning systems.

PM RAHAT Scheme

 • Launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to provide immediate cashless treatment during the Golden Hour (first 1 hour after injury).

• Coverage: Up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for 7 days on any road; stabilization care for 24–48 hours.

•Digital Framework: Integrates eDAR and National Health Authority’s TMS 2.0 for seamless reporting and claim settlement.

 • Funding: Through Motor Vehicle Accident Fund; insured cases by insurers, uninsured/hit-and-run via government support.

 • Emergency Linkage: Connected with Emergency Response Support System (Dial 112) and district-level grievance redressal system.

IAF–Thailand In-Situ Exercise in the Indian Ocean Region

• The Indian Air Force conducted an In-situ Exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force in the Indian Ocean Region, strengthening ties under India’s Act East Policy (2014).

 • Assets Deployed: IAF fielded Su-30MKI, IL-78 mid-air refuellers, and AWACSaircraft, while Thailand participated with SAAB Gripen jets.

 • Operational Model: IAF operated from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while Thai Gripens flew from bases in Thailand — showcasing long-range coordination.

 • Strategic Significance: Demonstrated interoperability and highlighted the role of the Andaman & Nicobar Command as a forward hub, aligning with Thailand’s Act West Policy (2016)

Exercise Vajra Ghaat Conducted at Pokhran

• The Indian Army conducted Exercise Vajra Ghaat at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, showcasing the desert warfare capability of the K9 Vajra artillery system.

 • Objective: To validate refined Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for improved survivability and operational effectiveness; spearheaded by the White Tiger Division in the Thar Desert.

 • Outcome

Successful validation strengthens the Army’s combat posture in the western sector, ensuring rapid deployment of heavy artillery in harsh terrain.

• K9 Vajra System: A tracked self-propelled howitzer derived from South Korea’s K9 Thunder; compatible with Indian and NATO ammunition, featuring armoured protection, procured under the ‘Buy Global’ category.

Key Outcomes of French President’s Visit to India

• Defence: Deal for 26 Rafale-Marine jets from Dassault Aviation; launch of H125 (TATA-Airbus) helicopter line; joint advanced technology group.

 • Nuclear & Energy: Cooperation on SMRs/AMRs; progress on Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant; support for India’s 100 GW nuclear target by 2047.

 • Space & Innovation: 3rd Strategic Space Dialogue (2026); India to join France’s Space Summit; launch of India-France Innovation Network.

• Indo-Pacific & Climate: Enhanced cooperation under Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative; support for BBNJ Treaty; stronger trilaterals (Australia, UAE).

 • Global & Education: France backed India’s permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council; target of 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030.

Bharat VISTAAR – AI-Based Advisory for Farmers Launched

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare launched Phase-1 of Bharat VISTAAR in Jaipur to digitally empower farmers.

• About: A multilingual AI-based conversational system enabling farmers to ask queries via mobile and receive instant advisory; helpline 155261 offers local language support and real-time mandi prices.

 • Integrated Platform: Combines AgriStack, Indian Council of Agricultural Researchknowledge systems, India Meteorological Department weather data, market prices, and government schemes.

• Farmer ID & Services: Digital Farmer ID integrates schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Soil Health Card; provides guidance on seeds, fertilisers, irrigation, insurance, and loans.

 • Innovation Push: Launch accompanied by an AI Hackathon and Agri Kosh AI Strategy Roadmap to strengthen tech-driven agriculture.


SAHI & BODH Launched to Strengthen Health AI Ecosystem

• The Union Health Minister launched Secure AI for Health Initiative (SAHI) and Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI (BODH) at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

 • SAHI: A national governance roadmap ensuring responsible AI adoption with accountability, privacy protection, and citizen-centric safeguards.

• BODH: A validation platform to test, benchmark, and certify AI health solutions for safety, performance, and real-world readiness.

 • Digital Backbone: Builds on National Health Policy 2017 and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission for interoperable, consent-based health data systems.

 • Impact: Promotes government–academia–industry collaboration; AI to enhance diagnostics, drug discovery, clinical decisions, and affordable healthcare delivery.

13th Exercise MILAN 2026 & MILAN Village in Visakhapatnam

• The Indian Navy established a dedicated MILAN Village in Visakhapatnam for delegates of the 13th Exercise MILAN (15–25 Feb 2026), with participation from 70+ countries including first-timers Germany, Philippines, and UAE.

• About MILAN: A biennial multilateral naval exercise launched in 1995 under the Andaman and Nicobar Command; now one of the largest maritime engagements in the Indo-Pacific.

 • Objectives: To enhance trust, interoperability, and cooperation for a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order.

• Phases & Policy Linkage: Includes Harbour and Sea phases (HADR, ASW, tactical drills); aligns with India’s Act East Policy (2014) and MAHASAGAR vision, reinforcing India’s role as a preferred security partner.

🇮🇳 India’s M.A.N.A.V. Vision for AI – 4 Key Points
1️⃣ Ethical & Moral AIAI systems must follow strict ethical guidelines with fairness, transparency, and bias mitigation at the core.
2️⃣ Accountable GovernanceThrough the IndiaAI Mission, India is building strong regulatory and monitoring frameworks for responsible AI deployment.
3️⃣ National SovereigntyFocus on data ownership, secure digital infrastructure, and semiconductor self-reliance under initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission.
4️⃣ Inclusive & Trustworthy AIAI should be accessible to all, lawful, verifiable, and beneficial for sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Iran Conducts Naval Drills in Strait of Hormuz Amid Nuclear Talks
▪ Iran temporarily closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz for live-fire naval drills during ongoing negotiations with the United States.
▪ The strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and handles nearly 20% of global oil and gas trade.
▪ Major oil exporters rely on this route, making it critical for global energy security.
▪ India’s energy security is directly affected, as around 50% of its crude oil and 60% of gas imports pass through this chokepoint.