Indian Polity & Governance
Telecom Regulatory Authority Enhances Consumer Apps:
Context
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India launched upgraded versions of TRAI DND and TRAI MySpeed apps to help consumers curb spam and monitor network quality.
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- DND app revamp simplifies spam complaint registration and tracking.
- Features include “Know Your Sender,” dual-SIM support and multilingual interface.
- MySpeed app helps measure download/upload speeds, latency, jitter and video streaming tests.
- Integrated with Telco Service Providers via APIs for timely compliance.
- Telecom sector serves 1.31 billion subscribers, underlying the scale of impact.
- Enhances consumer empowerment and transparency in service quality reporting.
- Helps identify network performance issues across regions.
- Key for digital inclusion and informed choice.
(PIB)
Rajya Sabha Elections Notification by ECI:
Context
The Election Commission of India announced the Rajya Sabha biennial election schedule for 37 seats on 16 March 2026.
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- Notification for Rajya Sabha elections to fill 37 seats from 10 states was issued.
- Polling scheduled on 16 March 2026, with notification on 26 Feb 2026.
- Rajya Sabha elections occur by single transferable vote through MLAs.
- These elections shape the upper house composition impacting legislative business.
- Seats vacated due to retirement/end of term drive these periodic polls.
- EC scheduling aligns with constitutional provisions under Articles 80 and 83.
(DD)
Economy
Assam Underwater Road-Cum-Rail Tunnel Approval (CCEA):
Context
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved a project including a 15.79 km underwater road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra, among other highway projects, a first of its kind in India.
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- The twin-tube tunnel will be part of a 33.7 km greenfield corridor connecting Gohpur to Numaligarh in Assam.
- Estimated cost around ₹18,662 crore — significant infrastructure investment.
- First underwater road–rail tunnel in India and second globally in concept.
- Expected to reduce travel time drastically and enhance regional connectivity.
- Tunnel utilises TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) technology, showcasing engineering prowess.
- Highway projects upgrade key national highways in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana under CCEA approvals.
- Boosts economic activity, trade flows and mobility in Northeast India.
(IE)
Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment and DM
Reunion Island Volcano Activity:
Context
Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Reunion Island erupted again.
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- Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active shield volcanoes in the world.
- The 2026 eruption was the second in a month, indicating a period of heightened volcanic activity.
- Shield volcanoes produce extensive lava flows with low viscosity.
- Located on La Réunion in the Indian Ocean — a UNESCO World Heritage natural site.
- Volcanic monitoring includes seismic and gas sensors to predict eruptions.
- While eruptions are often non-explosive, lava flow threatens local infrastructure.
- Scientific study of eruptions aids hazard mitigation and geoscience.
- Impacts tourism and local economy.
(IQAir)
Circular Economy in Agriculture:
Context
Government highlighted progress in implementing circular economy principles in agriculture, converting waste into wealth through schemes like GOBARdhan.
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- A circular economy minimises waste and keeps resources in use longer, vital for sustainable agriculture.
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- India generates around 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually.
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- GOBARdhan scheme covers over 50% of districts, installing biogas plants converting waste to bio-CNG and organic manure.
- Energy potential from crop residues is estimated at ~18,000 MW.
- Circular economy enhances soil health and reduces reliance on chemical fertilisers.
- Reduces methane emissions by capturing waste gas, aiding climate change mitigation.
- New revenue sources improve farmers’ incomes.
- Links to SDGs (Zero Hunger, Responsible Consumption).
(PIB)
Defence
International Fleet Review & Naval Diplomacy at Vizag:
Context
India hosted the Indian Navy-led International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 on 18 February, a large multinational naval event showcasing maritime cooperation, strength and strategic partnerships.
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- The IFR 2026 was held in Visakhapatnam, involving over 50 warships from more than 70 countries, marking India’s largest-ever naval gathering since independence.
- The event is part of a broader programme including Exercise MILAN 2026, an Indian Ocean Naval Symposium conclave and other maritime initiatives.
- The President of India reviewed the fleet aboard INS Sumedha, symbolising civil–military synergy and national pride.
- Participation included major navies (US, Russia, Australia, Thailand, Bangladesh, UAE, Indonesia, Germany, Philippines, etc.), reflecting India’s inclusive maritime diplomacy.
- The IFR enhances India’s role in the Indo-Pacific security architecture and underlines strategic cooperation with friendly nations.
- These events reinforce freedom of navigation principles in international waters.
- Showcases India’s indigenous platforms such as INS Vikrant and offshore patrol vessels.
- Naval diplomacy fosters bilateral military engagement and interoperability.
(DD)
History, Art & Culture
Gandhi–Era Historical Commemoration: 1946 RIN Revolt:
Context
18 Feb 2026 marked the 80th anniversary of the 1946 Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Revolt, a significant event in India’s freedom struggle.
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- The revolt began on 18 Feb 1946 as a protest against British colonial discrimination within the navy.
- Indian sailors protested poor conditions, low wages and racial bias.
- It catalysed a wider anti-colonial movement involving workers and civilians.
- British suppression involved firing on protestors, causing civilian casualties.
- The uprising shook colonial confidence in maintaining armed control.
- Demonstrated solidarity beyond communal lines during nationalist struggle.
- It preceded India’s independence in 1947.
(TH)
Miscellaneous
Rashid Khan’s T20 Wicket Milestone:
Context
Afghan spinner Rashid Khan became the first bowler to reach 700 T20 wickets during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
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- Achieved the milestone in a match against UAE in Delhi.
- Reached 700 wickets in 518 matches, a global T20 record.
- Surpassed records of prominent bowlers like Dwayne Bravo.
- Dismissed 432 different batters, highest diversity dismissal.
- Highlights Afghan cricket’s rise on world stage.
- Motivates emerging cricketers from associate nations.
- T20 cricket continues open formats with global participation.
(IE)
India’s Drone Ecosystem:
Context
Transformational developments in India’s drone ecosystem covering regulatory reforms and expanded applications in public services.
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- Government policy shifts have transformed drones from restricted platforms to public service instruments.
- Regulatory liberalisation (Drone Rules) boosted startups and operational ease.
- Drones support agriculture spraying, disaster response, healthcare delivery.
- Integration with Aadhaar-linked systems improved tracking and compliance.
- Industry standards promoting indigenous manufacturing (Make in India).
- Usage in mapping, surveillance and environmental monitoring enhanced governance.
- Capacity building generates remote jobs & tech adoption in rural areas.
- Security protocols keep misuse in check.
- Policy dovetails with national missions like Smart Cities.
(PIB)
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