• 17 Feb 2026

PM Inaugurates Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu in Assam

Why in News? 

The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu, a major six‑lane bridge over the Brahmaputra River in Assam in February 2026, enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure development. 

Key Points: 

• Strategic Bridge: The bridge provides direct road connectivity between Guwahati and North Guwahati, reducing travel time from 45–60 minutes to about 7–10 minutes. 
• Project Cost: The project was executed with an estimated investment of approx. ₹3,030 crore to strengthen regional transport infrastructure. 
  • The bridge uses advanced extradosed prestressed concrete technology suitable for high seismic activity and heavy river flows in the region. 
• Length and Span: The main span of the bridge is approximately 1.24 km, making it one of the longest bridges over the Brahmaputra. 
• Boosts Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Easier access across the Brahmaputra encourages tourism, cultural interactions, and economic integration. 
• Significance: The bridge is expected to boost trade, commerce, and overall urban development in Guwahati and surrounding areas. 
  • The bridge enhances the strategic transport network in Assam, supporting the movement of goods, people, and defence logistics across the Brahmaputra. 

Read More:  Brahmaputra River 

PM’s First Decisions from Seva Teerth

Why in News? 

The Prime Minister of India announced several significant decisions from Seva Teerth, New Delhi, aimed at strengthening social security, women’s financial inclusion, agriculture infrastructure, and the startup ecosystem. 

Key Points: 

• PM RAHAT Scheme: The scheme offers cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for accident victims to ensure timely and affordable medical care. 
• Lakhpati Didis Target Increased: The government doubled the target of Lakhpati Didis beneficiaries from 3 crore to 6 crore by March 2029 to expand financial inclusion and women-oriented savings benefits. 
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Target: The loan allocation under the fund has been increased to strengthen farmers’ access to credit and enhance agricultural value chains. 
• Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 Receives ₹10,000 Crore Corpus:  
  • Aimed at boosting innovation and supporting early-stage startups, the fund will provide financial support to new technology-driven ventures across the country. 
• Decisions Reflect Citizen-Centric Governance and Social Welfare: The initiatives collectively focus on social security, economic growth, women empowerment, and innovation-led development. 

Read More:  Seva Teerth, Lakhpati Didis, Financial inclusion 

Indian Coast Guard Inaugurates Waterjet Production & Testing Facility in Goa

Why in News? 

The Indian Coast Guard has inaugurated a state‑of‑the‑art Waterjet Production and Testing Facility at Goa, marking a major step towards maritime self‑reliance and enhanced operational capability. 

Key Points: 

• Inauguration: The Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, Paramesh Sivamani, inaugurated the facility in February 2026, strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. 
• Partner: Established in partnership with M/s Marine Jet Power (MJP) India. 
  • The unit was developed under the Manufacturing and Transfer of Technology (ToT) framework to enable in‑country production and testing of waterjet systems.  
• India Becomes Third Country: With this development, India joins only the United States and South Korea as the third nation globally to host an advanced waterjet production and testing facility. 
  • The facility will strengthen operational sustainment and maintenance of waterjet propulsion systems used in ICG vessels and reduce dependency on foreign testing infrastructure. 
• Support: The unit is expected to support the domestic supply chain, generate employment, and bolster the MSME ecosystem by integrating local manufacturing partners into defence production. 
  • The facility will also serve as a regional hub for South Asia and adjoining regions for testing and maintenance of waterjet systems, positioning India as a key maritime engineering centre. 
• Boosts Coast Guard Fleet Capability: The Indian Coast Guard currently operates more than 100 MJP waterjet propulsion systems onboard its vessels. 

Read More:  Indian Coast Guard, MSME 

Gujarat Launches India’s First CBDC-Based Public Distribution System

Why in News? 

The Government of Gujarat has launched India’s first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) aimed at transforming food subsidy delivery using digital currency.  

Key Points: 

• First in India: India launched its first CBDC-enabled public distribution system in Gujarat, using Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-authorised digital currency tokens for subsidy delivery. 
• Digital Tokens: Under the system, beneficiaries receive CBDC-linked digital coupons or tokens in their wallets. 
  • This can be used to redeem subsidised foodgrains at fair price shops using QR codes or Aadhaar-based OTP authentication. 
• ATM for 24×7 Access: A ‘Annapurti Grain ATM’ was introduced in the Sabarmati zone (Ahmedabad), capable of dispensing up to 25 kg of food grains in 35 seconds. 
  • The new PDS model also includes distribution of essential commodities such as tur dal and chana in 1-kg sealed packs instead of loose supplies to maintain hygiene and quality.  
• Significance: By using CBDC tokens, the system aims to improve transparency, reduce corruption in the food supply chain, ensure traceability of transactions, and strengthen accountability in subsidy delivery. 
• Developed by: The CBDC platform has been developed by Punjab National Bank under the RBI-authorised framework, enabling secure and traceable transactions for beneficiary welfare. 

Read More: Public Distribution System, Transparency and accountability, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) 

PM Modi Congratulates Barbados PM Mia Mottley on Historic Victory

Why in News? 

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, extended warm congratulations to Mia Amor Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, on her historic third consecutive electoral victory in the general elections held in Barbados.  

Key Points: 

• Historic Victory: Mia Amor Mottley secured a third successive term as Prime Minister after her party won all seats in the House of Assembly, marking a significant political milestone. 
  • The Prime Minister of India congratulated her on this achievement, recalling their previous meeting on the sidelines of the India-CARICOM Summit 2024 and expressing India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. 
• Deep-Rooted Relations: PM Modi emphasised that India deeply values its long-standing friendship with Barbados, which continues to expand across diverse areas of cooperation. 
  • He highlighted the intent to work closely with Barbados to further enhance partnership for the benefit of both nations’ peoples. 
• Global & Regional Context: Mia Mottley has emerged as a globally recognised leader, advocating climate action, economic reforms, and South-South cooperation, contributing to Barbados’ diplomatic profile. 

Read More: Barbados 

Reliance Secures US Licence to Import Venezuelan Crude Oil

Why in News? 

Reliance Industries has been granted a general licence by the United States government to directly import crude oil from Venezuela, enabling the company to resume discounted heavy oil imports and boost its refining margins. 

Key Points: 

• Venezuelan Oil Imports: The United States issued a licence permitting Reliance to directly purchase Venezuelan crude oil without violating sanctions. 
  • Venezuelan heavy crude is sold at a discount and is compatible with the sophisticated units at Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery. 
• Diversifies Sources: The licence helps India’s largest private refiner reduce dependence on a narrow set of suppliers and diversifies crude sources amid global market uncertainties. 
  • Reliance had halted Venezuelan crude imports in 2025 due to sanctions but had earlier imported through traders. 
• Impact: Venezuelan oil imports may help reduce India’s dependence on Russian crude, ensuring a more stable and reliable supply of oil for Indian refineries. 
• Strategic Energy Interests: By securing discounted heavy crude, Reliance enhances its competitive edge and contributes to secure energy supply chains while navigating international sanctions frameworks. 

Read More: Venezuelan Crisis 

6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue to Be Held in Bengaluru

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Defence has announced that Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will co-chair the 6th India–France Annual Defence Dialogue with the Minister of the Armed Forces of France in Bengaluru, Karnataka, in February 2026. 

Key Points: 

• Focus: The dialogue will review the entire spectrum of defence cooperation between India and France, with an emphasis on expanding industrial collaboration and strategic ties. 
  • A long-term defence cooperation agreement between India and France is expected to be renewed for another 10 years during the dialogue.  
• Joint Venture: An MoU is likely to be signed for a joint venture to manufacture Hammer missiles, indicating deeper collaborative defence manufacturing efforts. 
• Reciprocal Military Deployment: Discussions are expected to cover reciprocal deployment of officers between the Indian Army and French Land Forces, enhancing interoperability and exchange. 
  • Both Ministers also slated to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter final assembly by Tata Airbus at Vemagal, Karnataka. 
• Strong Defence Relations: India and France have a long history of defence collaboration, including joint military exercises such as Exercise Shakti, Exercise Varuna, and Exercise Garuda, as well as high-level state visits that have reinforced strategic trust. 

Read More: India-France, Hammer missiles,