UPSC Current Affairs 19 February 2026

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

DGCA proposes swift ban on disruptive passengers, Pg1

DGCA proposes airlines to impose a 30-day flying ban on disruptive passengers without committee referral, enhancing onboard safety measures.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

DGCA proposes swift ban on disruptive passengers, Pg1

DGCA proposes airlines to impose a 30-day flying ban on disruptive passengers without committee referral, enhancing onboard safety measures.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: IT and Computers

India’s Sarvam AI brings out large language model Vikram, Pg1

Sarvam AI unveils 'Vikram' language models, marking a milestone in India's AI development with focus on Indian languages.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: IT and Computers

India’s Sarvam AI brings out large language model Vikram, Pg1

Sarvam AI unveils 'Vikram' language models, marking a milestone in India's AI development with focus on Indian languages.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: IT and Computers

Nvidia, OpenAI announce partnerships with Indian firms, educational institutes, Pg1

Nvidia, OpenAI partner with Indian firms and academia to boost AI development; Sarvam AI unveils indigenous language models.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: IT and Computers

Nvidia, OpenAI announce partnerships with Indian firms, educational institutes, Pg1

Nvidia, OpenAI partner with Indian firms and academia to boost AI development; Sarvam AI unveils indigenous language models.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Intellectual Property Rights, IPR

India’s moment to restoring balance to copyright, Pg8

AI Summit highlights copyright law's need for reform to foster AI innovation, advocating for flexible exceptions and balance between creator rights.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Intellectual Property Rights, IPR

India’s moment to restoring balance to copyright, Pg8

AI Summit highlights copyright law's need for reform to foster AI innovation, advocating for flexible exceptions and balance between creator rights.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Inclusive GrowthGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

AI for people, applying technology for social good, Pg8

AI Impact Summit in Delhi advocates for human-centered AI, focusing on social justice, job creation, and inclusive growth.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Inclusive GrowthGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

AI for people, applying technology for social good, Pg8

AI Impact Summit in Delhi advocates for human-centered AI, focusing on social justice, job creation, and inclusive growth.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Role of External State and Non State ActorsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Military AI and urgency of guardrails, Pg9

India abstains from pledge on AI in warfare amid concerns over curbing technological advancement and national security implications.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Role of External State and Non State ActorsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Military AI and urgency of guardrails, Pg9

India abstains from pledge on AI in warfare amid concerns over curbing technological advancement and national security implications.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 4: Ethics and Human InterfaceGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

At the last frontier of thought: will AI kill creativity?, Pg9

AI's Rise Sparks Ethical Concerns: Eroding Creativity, Fueling Misinformation, and Threatening Democracy, as Critical Thinking Declines.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 4: Ethics and Human InterfaceGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

At the last frontier of thought: will AI kill creativity?, Pg9

AI's Rise Sparks Ethical Concerns: Eroding Creativity, Fueling Misinformation, and Threatening Democracy, as Critical Thinking Declines.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

The need for diversity in the judiciary, Pg10

Private member Bill seeks judicial diversity via constitutional amendment, mandating representation for marginalized groups and regional Supreme Court benches.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

The need for diversity in the judiciary, Pg10

Private member Bill seeks judicial diversity via constitutional amendment, mandating representation for marginalized groups and regional Supreme Court benches.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Centre to bring 1,954 border villages under development scheme, Pg12

Centre expands Vibrant Village Programme to 1,954 villages bordering Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar for integrated development.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Centre to bring 1,954 border villages under development scheme, Pg12

Centre expands Vibrant Village Programme to 1,954 villages bordering Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar for integrated development.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local LevelsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Simultaneous polls panel mulling curbs on no-trust motion, Pg13

JPC mulls barring no-confidence motions against governments with one year left, aiming for simultaneous polls by 2029.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local LevelsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Simultaneous polls panel mulling curbs on no-trust motion, Pg13

JPC mulls barring no-confidence motions against governments with one year left, aiming for simultaneous polls by 2029.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

South African cheetah gives birth to three cubs in Kuno, Pg14

Kuno National Park welcomes three new cheetah cubs, boosting India's cheetah population to 38, marking ninth successful litter.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

South African cheetah gives birth to three cubs in Kuno, Pg14

Kuno National Park welcomes three new cheetah cubs, boosting India's cheetah population to 38, marking ninth successful litter.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna

Loggerhead turtles facing threats from climate change, PgII

Climate change threatens loggerhead turtles: Reduced egg production, smaller size, and altered breeding patterns observed in West Africa.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna

Loggerhead turtles facing threats from climate change, PgII

Climate change threatens loggerhead turtles: Reduced egg production, smaller size, and altered breeding patterns observed in West Africa.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

India pitch: Democratising AI, respecting sovereignty, Pg3

India champions democratized AI use, affordability, and Global South interests at AI Impact Summit with Brazil, asserting dominance.

India pitch: Democratising AI, respecting sovereignty, Pg3

India champions democratized AI use, affordability, and Global South interests at AI Impact Summit with Brazil, asserting dominance.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Google subsea cables to link India-US, Govt bodies to get frontier AI, Pg3

Google's $15 Billion India-US Subsea Cable Project to Boost AI Connectivity; DeepMind Partners with Govt for AI Advancement.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Google subsea cables to link India-US, Govt bodies to get frontier AI, Pg3

Google's $15 Billion India-US Subsea Cable Project to Boost AI Connectivity; DeepMind Partners with Govt for AI Advancement.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Through AI analysis of coughs, a report of lung health in your smartphone, Pg8

AI-powered 'Swaasa' app analyzes coughs to detect lung diseases like COPD, asthma, and tuberculosis with high accuracy.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Through AI analysis of coughs, a report of lung health in your smartphone, Pg8

AI-powered 'Swaasa' app analyzes coughs to detect lung diseases like COPD, asthma, and tuberculosis with high accuracy.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

EU opens legal gateway office in Delhi; Jaishankar says ‘mobility with purpose’, Pg11

EU launches first Legal Gateway Office in Delhi to facilitate Indian talent mobility in ICT sector across member states.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

EU opens legal gateway office in Delhi; Jaishankar says ‘mobility with purpose’, Pg11

EU launches first Legal Gateway Office in Delhi to facilitate Indian talent mobility in ICT sector across member states.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Linkages between Development and Spread of ExtremismGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

In final push against Maoists, forces zero in on last pockets, Pg12

Security forces intensify final operations against Maoists, targeting remaining 300 operatives before the 2026 deadline, focusing on welfare and development.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Linkages between Development and Spread of ExtremismGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

In final push against Maoists, forces zero in on last pockets, Pg12

Security forces intensify final operations against Maoists, targeting remaining 300 operatives before the 2026 deadline, focusing on welfare and development.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

A new tango with Paris, Pg14

India and France elevate ties with focus on defence, AI, and Indo-Pacific amid shifting global order.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

A new tango with Paris, Pg14

India and France elevate ties with focus on defence, AI, and Indo-Pacific amid shifting global order.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

CCI vs WhatsApp is a pivotal battle in regulatory evolution, Pg14

Supreme Court scrutinizes WhatsApp's data-sharing practices, challenging NCLAT's relief and highlighting concerns over user consent mechanisms.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

CCI vs WhatsApp is a pivotal battle in regulatory evolution, Pg14

Supreme Court scrutinizes WhatsApp's data-sharing practices, challenging NCLAT's relief and highlighting concerns over user consent mechanisms.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 4: Right to Information and Transparency in GovernmentGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Can't have AI Impact if you shrink right to information, Pg15

Digital Personal Data Protection Act amendment undermines Right to Information, hindering transparency and citizen empowerment in the digital age.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 4: Right to Information and Transparency in GovernmentGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Can't have AI Impact if you shrink right to information, Pg15

Digital Personal Data Protection Act amendment undermines Right to Information, hindering transparency and citizen empowerment in the digital age.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Nicobar project's strategic & ecological consequences, Pg16

NGT greenlights ₹81,000 Cr Great Nicobar project amidst ecological concerns, strategic importance cited for transshipment hub near Malacca Strait.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Nicobar project's strategic & ecological consequences, Pg16

NGT greenlights ₹81,000 Cr Great Nicobar project amidst ecological concerns, strategic importance cited for transshipment hub near Malacca Strait.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS 1: Art FormsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine

When SC reviews 2018 Sabarimala ruling, the issues on the table, Pg16

Supreme Court to review Sabarimala verdict; examines constitutional validity of faith-based restrictions on women's entry to the temple.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS 1: Art FormsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine

When SC reviews 2018 Sabarimala ruling, the issues on the table, Pg16

Supreme Court to review Sabarimala verdict; examines constitutional validity of faith-based restrictions on women's entry to the temple.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

‘Accident is not act of god, but act of humans, AI can only help in getting better data and analysis’, Pg17

MoRTH launches 'Sanjaya' AI-driven road safety platform across 100 accident-prone districts, inspired by Mahabharata, aiming to reduce casualties through data analysis.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

‘Accident is not act of god, but act of humans, AI can only help in getting better data and analysis’, Pg17

MoRTH launches 'Sanjaya' AI-driven road safety platform across 100 accident-prone districts, inspired by Mahabharata, aiming to reduce casualties through data analysis.

News Analysis

DGCA proposes swift ban on disruptive passengers, Pg1

DGCA proposes swift ban on disruptive passengers, Pg1

India’s Sarvam AI brings out large language model Vikram, Pg1

India’s Sarvam AI brings out large language model Vikram, Pg1

Nvidia, OpenAI announce partnerships with Indian firms, educational institutes, Pg1

Nvidia, OpenAI announce partnerships with Indian firms, educational institutes, Pg1

India’s moment to restoring balance to copyright, Pg8

India’s moment to restoring balance to copyright, Pg8

AI for people, applying technology for social good, Pg8

AI for people, applying technology for social good, Pg8

Military AI and urgency of guardrails, Pg9

Military AI and urgency of guardrails, Pg9

At the last frontier of thought: will AI kill creativity?, Pg9

At the last frontier of thought: will AI kill creativity?, Pg9

The need for diversity in the judiciary, Pg10

The need for diversity in the judiciary, Pg10

Centre to bring 1,954 border villages under development scheme, Pg12

Centre to bring 1,954 border villages under development scheme, Pg12

Simultaneous polls panel mulling curbs on no-trust motion, Pg13

Simultaneous polls panel mulling curbs on no-trust motion, Pg13

South African cheetah gives birth to three cubs in Kuno, Pg14

South African cheetah gives birth to three cubs in Kuno, Pg14

Loggerhead turtles facing threats from climate change, PgII

Loggerhead turtles facing threats from climate change, PgII

India pitch: Democratising AI, respecting sovereignty, Pg3

India pitch: Democratising AI, respecting sovereignty, Pg3

Google subsea cables to link India-US, Govt bodies to get frontier AI, Pg3

Google subsea cables to link India-US, Govt bodies to get frontier AI, Pg3

Through AI analysis of coughs, a report of lung health in your smartphone, Pg8

Through AI analysis of coughs, a report of lung health in your smartphone, Pg8

EU opens legal gateway office in Delhi; Jaishankar says ‘mobility with purpose’, Pg11

EU opens legal gateway office in Delhi; Jaishankar says ‘mobility with purpose’, Pg11

In final push against Maoists, forces zero in on last pockets, Pg12

In final push against Maoists, forces zero in on last pockets, Pg12

A new tango with Paris, Pg14

A new tango with Paris, Pg14

CCI vs WhatsApp is a pivotal battle in regulatory evolution, Pg14

CCI vs WhatsApp is a pivotal battle in regulatory evolution, Pg14

Can't have AI Impact if you shrink right to information, Pg15

Can't have AI Impact if you shrink right to information, Pg15

Nicobar project's strategic & ecological consequences, Pg16

Nicobar project's strategic & ecological consequences, Pg16

When SC reviews 2018 Sabarimala ruling, the issues on the table, Pg16

When SC reviews 2018 Sabarimala ruling, the issues on the table, Pg16

‘Accident is not act of god, but act of humans, AI can only help in getting better data and analysis’, Pg17

‘Accident is not act of god, but act of humans, AI can only help in getting better data and analysis’, Pg17

More News Analysis

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