Indian Polity & Governance
Inauguration of Seva Teerth & Secretariat Complexes:
Context
India inaugurated Seva Teerth (new PMO) and new Central Secretariat buildings, marking the end of the historic North/South Block tenure.
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- PM inaugurated Seva Teerth on 13 Feb 2026.
- North/South Block served since British era.
- New offices house key ministries (Finance, Health, etc.).
- Designed with digital integration and sustainability.
- Kartavya Bhavan complexes form the new secretariat.
- It signifies administrative modernization.
- 4-Star GRIHA sustainability certification.
- Part of broader Central Vista redevelopment.
(TH+PMO)
Expansion of BharatNet Phase-III:
Context
The Government announced accelerated rollout under BharatNet Phase-III to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to all remaining unconnected Gram Panchayats, with emphasis on aspirational districts.
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- BharatNet is the world’s largest rural broadband project.
- Implemented by Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
- Phase-III focuses on last-mile connectivity and service delivery.
- Uses optical fibre + satellite + radio technologies.
- Targets 100% Gram Panchayat connectivity.
- Supports Digital India, e-governance, tele-medicine & online education.
- Involves Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
- Network ownership remains with Government.
- Integrated with PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
(PIB)
Supreme Court Observations on Environmental Compensation:
Context
The Supreme Court reiterated that environmental compensation can be imposed without proving direct damage, strengthening the polluter pays principle.
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- Environmental compensation is remedial, not punitive.
- Based on Polluter Pays Principle.
- No requirement to show actual ecological damage.
- Linked with Article 21 – Right to Life.
- CPCB & SPCBs empowered to assess compensation.
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- Compensation differs from criminal penalties.
- Reinforces precautionary environmental governance.
- Aligns with NGT jurisprudence.
(TH)
Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment
India-France Strategic Dialogue on Indo-Pacific:
Context
India and France held strategic talks emphasizing Indo-Pacific stability, maritime security and climate cooperation.
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- France is India’s key Indo-Pacific partner.
- France has overseas territories in Indo-Pacific.
- Cooperation in maritime domain awareness.
- Joint naval exercises like Varuna.
- Emphasis on freedom of navigation.
- Climate change & blue economy cooperation.
- Defence technology and submarines collaboration.
- Support for rule-based international order.
- Indo-Pacific is a geopolitical priority area.
(DD)
Release of India State of Forest Report:
Context
In news due to preliminary indicators discussed in February 2026 pointed to regional variations in forest cover, especially in northeastern and central India.
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- ISFR is released biennially.
- Published by Forest Survey of India (FSI).
- Uses satellite imagery + ground truthing.
- Forest cover classified into very dense, moderately dense & open forest.
- Mangrove cover tracked separately.
- Accounts for tree cover outside forests.
- Carbon stock estimation included.
- Supports India’s NDC commitments.
- Helps in REDD+ reporting.
(DTE)
Science & Technology
India’s First Musical Road (Mumbai):
Context
India’s first musical road was inaugurated on the Mumbai Coastal Road Corridor. It uses grooves to produce a melody when vehicles pass at specific speeds.
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- Located on northbound lane, Nariman Point–Worli.
- Song played: “Jai Ho” when vehicles move at 70–80 km/h.
- Grooves produce sound via tyre friction.
- Aim: improve driving experience and safety speed compliance.
- Concept used internationally (e.g., Japan).
- Installed with warning signboards.
- Part of coastal infrastructure upgrades.
(TOI+TH)
Defence & Security
India Takes Command of CTF-154:
Context
The Indian Navy took command of the Combined Task Force 154, a key multinational maritime security initiative, highlighting India’s role in Indo-Pacific security.
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- India assumed command of CTF-154 (security grouping) in 2026.
- Combined Task Force structures operate under navies from participating countries.
- CTF-154 focuses on security, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy in the region.
- Enhances maritime cooperation with global partners.
- Signals India’s growing role in maritime security architecture.
- Aligns with SAGAR vision (Security And Growth for All in the Region).
- Involves coordination with ASEAN & Quad partners.
- Important for India’s forward naval presence.
- Displays interoperability and logistics capability.
(PIB)
Important data/facts
Economy
New CPI Series & Retail Inflation Data:
Context
The National Statistical Office (NSO) introduced a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) base year 2024=100 and released inflation data for Jan 2026. Inflation levels directly influence monetary policy and socio-economic planning.
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- CPI measures retail price changes for a typical household basket.
- New base year: 2024=100, replacing 2012=100.
- Retail inflation (YoY) in January 2026 stood at 75% under the new series.
- CPI is India’s headline inflation metric used by RBI in policy.
- Weights now reflect Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24.
- Methodology uses Jevons index at item level.
- This data will shape assessment of demand-side inflation pressures.
(TH)
Defence & Security
Defence Acquisition Approvals by DAC:
Context
The Defence Acquisition Council approved proposals worth ₹3.60 lakh crore to modernise armed forces capabilities.
Important Points
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- Clearance for procurement of MRFA Rafale, missiles, AS-HAPS.
- More fighters to be manufactured in India.
- Strengthens deterrence across conflict spectrum.
- Anti-tank mines and armoured vehicles for Army.
- Marine gas turbines for Navy.
- P8I maritime aircraft for surveillance.
- Electro-optical systems for Coast Guard.
- HAL signed contract for eight Dornier 228 aircraft.
- Focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
(TH)
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