• 18 Feb 2026

PM Inaugurates Northeast’s First Emergency Landing Facility in Assam

Why in News? 

The Prime Minister inaugurated the first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) of India’s Northeast region in Dibrugarh, Assam in February 2026. 

Key Points: 

• First of Its Kind: This is the Northeast’s first dedicated Emergency Landing Facility, positioning Dibrugarh as a key hub for disaster management and aviation operations in the region. 
  • This facility is crucial for strengthening the region’s ability to handle emergency situations by offering a dedicated landing site for relief aircraft. 
  • The Emergency Landing Facility will allow quick landing and take-off of aircraft during crises such as floods, earthquakes, or other emergencies, reducing response time and saving lives. 
• Regional Connectivity: The facility may support improved connectivity and facilitate operations by civil and defence aviation in the Upper Assam and neighbouring areas.  
  • This can be used by both civil and defence aircraft, improving operational synergy during emergencies and security situations. 
• Supports Infrastructure: The project reflects the Government’s continued focus on expanding critical infrastructure in the Northeast region. 
  • The facility adds to the aviation ecosystem of Assam, enhancing its emergency preparedness capacity. 

Read More: Disaster management 

Kerala Becomes First State in India to Frame Urban Policy

Why in News? 

Kerala has become the first state in the country to frame a comprehensive Urban Policy aimed at guiding long‑term development and managing rapid urbanisation effectively. 

Key Points: 

• Vision 2050: The policy envisions the state in 2050 as a continuous network of climate‑smart cities and towns, emphasising scientific planning and sustainable governance. 
• Approval: The draft policy was approved by the Kerala cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, after nearly two years of preparation by the Local Self Government Department. 
  • The initiative was first announced in the 2023–24 state budget, and a Kerala Urban Policy Commission comprising national and international experts was set up to develop the roadmap. 
• Consultations: The Commission submitted the Nava Kerala Urban Policy report in March 2025, and inputs from a global conference in Kochi were incorporated into the policy.  
  • According to the Commission’s estimates, Kerala’s urban population is expected to reach nearly 80% by 2050, requiring proactive and inclusive urban governance.  
• Focus Areas: The policy outlines key thematic areas including reforms in laws and institutional systems, capacity building, infrastructure development, people‑centric services, and spatial planning.  
  • It aims to harness the benefits of urbanisation to reduce inequalities, strengthen social support systems, and improve the quality of infrastructure across urban areas. 

Read More: Urbanisation,  Local Self Government,  climate‑smart cities 

Government Launches Bodhan AI to Integrate AI in Education

Why in News? 

The Government of India has announced plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into the education system across all levels—from pre‑primary to higher education. 

Key Points: 

• Bodhan AI: A not‑for‑profit company named Bodhan AI has been launched at the Centre of Excellence in AI for Education, hosted by IIT Madras, with the goal of building foundational AI technologies for the education sector. 
  • Bodhan AI will develop the Bharat EduAI Stack as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)—similar in concept to UPI—to enable large‑scale, interoperable AI services for education. 
• Objective: The Centre plans to incorporate AI tools into teaching and learning processes nationwide to make education more adaptive, effective, and accessible.  
  • Focus Areas: The initiative will prioritise research and development of AI capabilities in Indian languages, including automatic speech recognition, speech synthesis, and multilingual language models. 
  • Emphasis will be on multilingual AI systems capable of understanding and interacting in various Indian languages so students can receive feedback and support in their mother tongue.  
• Applications: AI tools are expected to support personalized student learning, assist teachers with intervention strategies, and aid administrators in evaluating educational outcomes at district and school levels. 
• Data Privacy and Ethics: Experts involved in the initiative have highlighted the need to protect student data and ensure that personal information is not stored on public forums, and to balance AI use with responsible screen engagement. 
• Policy Framework: The development and implementation of AI tools will align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, incorporating NCERT and SCERT educational frameworks into the AI ecosystem. 

Read More: AI, IndiaAI Stack, Bodhan AI,  Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) 

Assam interim Budget 2026-27

Why in News? 

The Government of Assam presented its interim budget of ₹62,294.78 crore for the financial year 2026-27 in the Assam Legislative Assembly. 

Key Points: 

• Budget Presentation: Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog tabled the vote on account (interim budget) of ₹62,294.78 crore in the Assembly to cover government expenditure for the initial months of FY 2026-27. 
  • The interim budget comes at a politically significant time as Assam prepares for assembly elections likely to be held in March-April 2026 across 126 constituencies.  
• Flagship Welfare Schemes: Major flagship schemes providing direct cash benefits will continue, including: 
  • Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Asoni: Monthly financial assistance (₹1,000-₹2,500) to over 5.5 lakh girl students, credited with reducing dropout rates and increasing enrolment. 
  • Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Scheme: Monthly support (₹1,000-₹2,000) for 47,428 boys from economically weaker families in higher education. 
  • Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana Scheme: Monthly assistance of ₹2,500 to 48,319 fresh graduates. 
  • Pragyan Bharti: Fee waivers (~₹780 crore) benefiting about 3.5 lakh UG and PG students yearly. 
• Orunodoi Programme: The state’s flagship poverty alleviation scheme has expanded from 19 lakh to nearly 40 lakh families, including Divyangjan, transgender persons, and other vulnerable groups, making it one of Assam’s largest social assistance programmes. 
• Women’s Empowerment: Under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyaan, over 30.63 lakh women received ₹10,000 seed capital each through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), resulting in 8.80 lakh “Lakhpati Baideo” driving rural economic activity. 
• Economic Growth Targets: The budget speech highlighted Assam’s rapid economic trajectory: 
  • Assam is projected to become a ₹10 lakh crore economy by 2028, ahead of the earlier target of 2030. 
  • Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is estimated at ₹8.71 lakh crore for 2026-27. 
  • Between FY 2019-20 and 2024-25, the state’s GSDP grew by 45%, outperforming the national average. 
• Per Capita Income: Assam’s per capita income more than doubled over five years, from ₹86,947 in 2020-21 to ₹1,85,429 in 2025-26—an increase of 113%. 
• Revenue Performance: The state’s own tax revenue surged by 75% between FY 2020-21 and FY 2024-25, reflecting improved fiscal management and reduced dependency on central transfers.  
• Fiscal Outlook: In her budget speech, the Finance Minister stated that Assam is currently one of India’s fastest-growing states and projected that the state economy could reach ₹10 lakh crore by 2028, ahead of its earlier target. This reflects sustained economic momentum and growth. 
• Capital Expenditure & Debt Management: Capital expenditure expanded significantly, and the state managed borrowing prudently, channeling funds toward productive assets while maintaining a sound debt-to-GSDP ratio. 
• Social Sector Progress: The budget also emphasised achievements in food security (covering over 70 lakh families under NFSA), expansion of healthcare infrastructure, and improvement in educational facilities including doubling medical colleges and investing in new ones. 
• Poverty Alleviation & Inclusion: The government highlighted continued efforts to include vulnerable groups under various social safety nets, insurance schemes, and welfare programmes such as PMAY (urban/rural) and pension schemes.

Mud Volcano Erupts After Two Decades in Andaman

Why in News? 

A mud volcano that had been dormant for more than two decades erupted unexpectedly at Shyamnagar in Diglipur in North Andaman, causing thick mud and gas to be released from the ground. 

Key Points: 

• Geological Significance: Mud volcanoes are geological formations that expel mud, gas, and water due to underground pressures and fluid movements, and are distinct from conventional lava-spewing volcanoes. 
  • Location: The mud volcano is located near Jal Tikrey in North Andaman’s Diglipur, a region known for its chain of mud volcanoes set amid green forest landscapes. 
• Monitoring: The unexpected activity has attracted geologists who are likely to monitor the site more closely to understand underground processes and fluid dynamics beneath the islands. 
• Impact: Local authorities have taken precautionary measures by restricting public access to the eruption site to ensure safety, though no major injuries or structural damage have been reported.  
  • Experts note that mud volcano eruptions are generally linked to tectonic activity and underground pressure rather than external climate factors, and such events can provide insights into regional geology.  

Read More: volcano, A&N Islands 

Tarique Rahman Set to Become Bangladesh’s Next Prime Minister

Why in News? 

Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is poised to become the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh after his party won a landslide victory in the general elections held in February 2026. 

Key Points: 

• Election: The elections marked a significant political shift in Bangladesh after a period of political uncertainty and transitions in leadership. 
• BNP Victory: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a decisive win in the 2026 general elections, allowing it to form the next government with a clear parliamentary majority. 
• Tarique Rahman:  
  • He emerged as the top leader of the BNP and is expected to take office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.  
  • He is the son of former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.  
  • He has been a leading figure in BNP politics for years, even during periods of exile and political challenges. 
• Return from Exile: Rahman had spent almost two decades living abroad before returning to Bangladesh in late 2025 following political changes that cleared the way for his participation in domestic politics. 
• Campaign Focus: The BNP’s election campaign centred on promises of economic revival, political reform, and national unity, resonating with voters across the country. 
• Significance to India: Bangladesh is India’s key neighbour in South Asia, sharing a long land boundary and deep economic, cultural, and strategic ties.  
  • A new BNP-led government may influence bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, connectivity projects, border management, counter-terrorism coordination, and regional groupings like BIMSTEC and SAARC.  

Read More: India-Bangladesh Relations, BIMSTEC ,SAARC 

Commando Competition Begins in Gurugram

Why in News?

The 16th All India Police Commando Competition (AIPCC) commenced on 16 February 2026 at the National Security Guard (NSG) Garrison in Manesar, Gurugram. 

Key Points: 

• Organiser: Organised under the All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB), the event brings together elite police and paramilitary tactical teams from across India.  
• Objective: Test readiness, tactical skills and decision-making of police commando units across high-risk operational scenarios including a stand-alone sniper competition.  
• Specialized Sniper Segment: A key highlight is the dedicated Sniper Competition, which focuses on: 
  • Advanced Marksmanship: Testing precision at long ranges (up to 1500 meters). 
  • Operational Decision-Making: Evaluating composure and lethal accuracy in variable, high-pressure environments. 
• Key Focus: Simulating high-risk scenarios, including urban counter-terror operations, hostage rescue, and critical infrastructure protection. 
• Strategic Relevance: The rigorous tests evaluate not just physical fitness but also strategic thinking and procedural discipline under stress—attributes central to counter-terror and internal security deployments. 
• Capacity Building and Standardisation: By providing a competitive platform with uniform assessment standards, the AIPCC promotes interoperability and shared best practices among India’s diverse tactical units. 

Economic Survey of Madhya Pradesh 2025-26

Why in News?

The Madhya Pradesh Economic Survey 2025–26 was tabled in the State Legislative Assembly on 17 February 2026. It highlights a robust expansion of the state’s economy, driven by high growth in the tertiary sector and a significant rise in per capita income. 

Key Points: 

• Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP):The state’s GSDP (nominal) for 2025-26 is projected at approximately ₹16.69 lakh crore, indicating robust economic expansion. 
  • Nominal Rate: The nominal growth rate is estimated at 11.14%, reflecting acceleration in economic activity compared with the previous year. 
  • Real Rate: In real terms (constant 2011-12 prices), the state’s economy is expected to grow at 8.04%, demonstrating substantial growth after adjusting for inflation. 
• Fiscal Deficit: The fiscal deficit for 2025–26 is estimated to remain at 4.6% of GSDP. 
• Per Capita Income: The survey highlights a significant rise in per capita income to ₹1,69,050 in 2025-26 at current prices, up from ₹38,497 in 2011-12 — a more than four-fold increase over the decade. 
  • On constant prices, per capita income is estimated at ₹76,971, indicating real improvement in living standards. 
• Fiscal Balance:The state is projected to achieve a revenue surplus of ₹2,618 crore in 2025-26. 
  • Tax revenue growth is expected to be higher, with a projection of around 13.57% in 2025-26. 
• Debt Sustainability:The debt-to-GSDP ratio is estimated at 31.3%, demonstrating sustained debt management compared with higher levels in the recent past. 
• Sectoral Contribution to GSDP:The Survey provides a clear picture of sectoral contributions, demonstrating diversification and balanced growth across primary, secondary and tertiary activities: 

Sector	Share in GSDP (2025-26)
Primary Sector	43.09%
Secondary Sector	19.79%
Tertiary Sector	37.12%

• Growth Trends: The tertiary sector recorded the fastest growth at 15.8%. The primary sector grew by 7.31%, and the secondary sector by 9.93% 
• Agriculture and Rural Development: The primary sector continues to be significant, with enhancements in crop production, livestock and allied activities. 
  • Infrastructure expansion such as rural roads and housing programmes contributes to livelihood resilience and structural transformation in rural areas. 
• Industry and Investment:Allocation of industrial land to 1,028 units with proposed investment exceeding ₹1.17 lakh crore indicates improving industrial confidence. 
  • Projected employment generation from these investments is estimated at around 1.7 lakh jobs, addressing the state’s employment challenge. 
• Services, Startups and Tourism:The services sector has grown rapidly, leveraged by trade, transport, hospitality and digital services. 
  • The state has 1,723 startups and 103 incubation centres, signalling rising entrepreneurial activity. 
  • Tourism and related service activities contribute significantly to the GSDP and job creation. 
• Education:Primary school dropout rate has reached zero, reflecting progress in universal education access. 
  • At the upper primary level, dropout rates have declined to 6.3%. 
  • Budgetary allocation to education stands at 10.37% of total expenditure — a significant policy priority for human capital development.  
• Health:Expansion of Ayushman health coverage and improvements in key health outcomes such as maternal mortality indicate enhanced public health infrastructure.  
• Strategic Goal: The state aims to reach a $2 trillion economy by 2047 and targets doubling its budget and GSDP by 2029.