UPSC Current Affairs 26 February 2026

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Balancing faith, dignity and constitutional rights, Pg8

Supreme Court to review Sabarimala verdict amid debate on essential religious practices versus constitutional values and individual dignity.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Balancing faith, dignity and constitutional rights, Pg8

Supreme Court to review Sabarimala verdict amid debate on essential religious practices versus constitutional values and individual dignity.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

A jab well done, Pg8

India rolls out nationwide HPV vaccination for 14-year-old girls, aiming to combat cervical cancer amidst vaccine hesitancy concerns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

A jab well done, Pg8

India rolls out nationwide HPV vaccination for 14-year-old girls, aiming to combat cervical cancer amidst vaccine hesitancy concerns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Unpackaging the myth of safe bottled water in India, Pg8

Studies reveal microplastic contamination in Indian bottled water, raising health concerns and regulatory gaps in quality monitoring.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Unpackaging the myth of safe bottled water in India, Pg8

Studies reveal microplastic contamination in Indian bottled water, raising health concerns and regulatory gaps in quality monitoring.

EthicsGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 1: Modern HistoryGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Decolonising and de-Nobelising science, Pg9

Article urges decolonizing science by re-evaluating recognition metrics beyond Nobel Prizes, emphasizing inclusivity and diverse contributions in India.

EthicsGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 1: Modern HistoryGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Decolonising and de-Nobelising science, Pg9

Article urges decolonizing science by re-evaluating recognition metrics beyond Nobel Prizes, emphasizing inclusivity and diverse contributions in India.

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 InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

Modi’s Israel visit: Balancing ties amid West Bank tensions, Pg9

Modi's Israel visit highlights growing ties amidst West Bank tensions, with bilateral trade reaching $3.6 billion in 2024-25.

Modi’s Israel visit: Balancing ties amid West Bank tensions, Pg9

Modi's Israel visit highlights growing ties amidst West Bank tensions, with bilateral trade reaching $3.6 billion in 2024-25.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

How are Indian firms training LLMs?, Pg10

Indian firms pioneer cost-effective LLM training with government support, aiming for AI models tailored to Indian languages and contexts.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

How are Indian firms training LLMs?, Pg10

Indian firms pioneer cost-effective LLM training with government support, aiming for AI models tailored to Indian languages and contexts.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

What are carbon capture and utilisation technologies?, Pg10

India advances Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, focusing on industrial decarbonization.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

What are carbon capture and utilisation technologies?, Pg10

India advances Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, focusing on industrial decarbonization.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Govt. to procure business jets for defence dignitaries and chiefs of armed forces, Pg12

Defence Ministry seeks long-range business jets for VIP transport amid fleet upgrade and safety concerns after recent aviation accidents.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Govt. to procure business jets for defence dignitaries and chiefs of armed forces, Pg12

Defence Ministry seeks long-range business jets for VIP transport amid fleet upgrade and safety concerns after recent aviation accidents.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

Loose connection made satellite miss orbit: panel, Pg14

ISRO panel reveals loose connection caused NVS-02 satellite to miss orbit, impacting NavIC constellation, corrective measures implemented.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

Loose connection made satellite miss orbit: panel, Pg14

ISRO panel reveals loose connection caused NVS-02 satellite to miss orbit, impacting NavIC constellation, corrective measures implemented.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial BodiesGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

Bill to replace UGC, AICTE is with Ministries, says govt., Pg14

VBSA Bill 2025 proposes single higher education commission, sparking debate over autonomy and federalism concerns in educational governance.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial BodiesGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

Bill to replace UGC, AICTE is with Ministries, says govt., Pg14

VBSA Bill 2025 proposes single higher education commission, sparking debate over autonomy and federalism concerns in educational governance.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization and Decolonization

Treaty on Chagos deal paused for holding discussions with U.S., says U.K. Minister, Pg16

UK pauses Chagos treaty operationalization amid US concerns over Diego Garcia base, potentially impacting Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

Treaty on Chagos deal paused for holding discussions with U.S., says U.K. Minister, Pg16

UK pauses Chagos treaty operationalization amid US concerns over Diego Garcia base, potentially impacting Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and FaunaGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Temperature spikes lead to change in El Nino labelling, PgII

El Nino labelling altered due to global warming; triple-dip La Nina contributed to earth's energy imbalance and temperature spikes.

Temperature spikes lead to change in El Nino labelling, PgII

El Nino labelling altered due to global warming; triple-dip La Nina contributed to earth's energy imbalance and temperature spikes.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 1: ArchitectureGS 3: Role of External State and Non State ActorsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Linked by blood and sacrifice, back Gaza peace: PM to Israel Parliament, Pg1

PM Modi advocates Gaza peace, emphasizes India-Israel ties, and condemns terrorism during historic Israel Parliament address.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 1: ArchitectureGS 3: Role of External State and Non State ActorsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Linked by blood and sacrifice, back Gaza peace: PM to Israel Parliament, Pg1

PM Modi advocates Gaza peace, emphasizes India-Israel ties, and condemns terrorism during historic Israel Parliament address.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

US slaps 126% tariff on solar firms, cites Adani not joining subsidy probe, Pg1

US imposes 126% tariff on Indian solar firms after Adani Group withdraws from subsidy probe, impacting $792.6 million exports.

US slaps 126% tariff on solar firms, cites Adani not joining subsidy probe, Pg1

US imposes 126% tariff on Indian solar firms after Adani Group withdraws from subsidy probe, impacting $792.6 million exports.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 2: Education Sector

Will not let anyone defame institution: CJI on NCERT book, Pg1

CJI condemns NCERT textbook section on judicial corruption; Supreme Court initiates suo motu case, book sales halted.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and JudiciaryGS 2: Education Sector

Will not let anyone defame institution: CJI on NCERT book, Pg1

CJI condemns NCERT textbook section on judicial corruption; Supreme Court initiates suo motu case, book sales halted.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Environmental Impact Assessment

2020-25: In 4 of 5 appeals, green watchdog NGT rules in favour of developers to clear projects, Pg1

NGT shows pro-industry tilt, favouring developers in 80% of cases related to environmental clearances between 2020-25, raising concerns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Environmental Impact Assessment

2020-25: In 4 of 5 appeals, green watchdog NGT rules in favour of developers to clear projects, Pg1

NGT shows pro-industry tilt, favouring developers in 80% of cases related to environmental clearances between 2020-25, raising concerns.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Constitutionally impermissible to vilify any community: SC judge, Pg2

Supreme Court emphasizes constitutional prohibition against community vilification, highlighting fraternity and free speech balance in film title dispute.

EthicsGS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Constitutionally impermissible to vilify any community: SC judge, Pg2

Supreme Court emphasizes constitutional prohibition against community vilification, highlighting fraternity and free speech balance in film title dispute.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Environmental Impact Assessment

NGT has space for experts, most of them now are former Govt officers, Pg9

NGT appointments face scrutiny as ex-government officers dominate expert roles, raising conflict of interest concerns and compromising environmental justice.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Environmental Impact Assessment

NGT has space for experts, most of them now are former Govt officers, Pg9

NGT appointments face scrutiny as ex-government officers dominate expert roles, raising conflict of interest concerns and compromising environmental justice.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

India's recent defence surge is not a sign of militarism. It is a sign of maturity, Pg11

India boosts defence spending by 15.19% to modernize military and deter aggression amid rising geopolitical tensions with China and Pakistan.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

India's recent defence surge is not a sign of militarism. It is a sign of maturity, Pg11

India boosts defence spending by 15.19% to modernize military and deter aggression amid rising geopolitical tensions with China and Pakistan.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

US import duties on Indian solar panels may hit domestic OEMs, Pg13

US imposes 12.6% countervailing duty on Indian solar panel imports, threatening domestic manufacturers amid oversupply and pricing pressures.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

US import duties on Indian solar panels may hit domestic OEMs, Pg13

US imposes 12.6% countervailing duty on Indian solar panel imports, threatening domestic manufacturers amid oversupply and pricing pressures.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India's first P2P decentralized energy trading pilot demonstrated (REC showcased a live demonstration of the PSP energy trading pilot program under the India Energy Stack, which allows consumers and farmers to trade renewable energy.), Pg18

REC demonstrates India's first P2P decentralized energy trading pilot under India Energy Stack, empowering consumers and farmers to trade renewable energy.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India's first P2P decentralized energy trading pilot demonstrated (REC showcased a live demonstration of the PSP energy trading pilot program under the India Energy Stack, which allows consumers and farmers to trade renewable energy.), Pg18

REC demonstrates India's first P2P decentralized energy trading pilot under India Energy Stack, empowering consumers and farmers to trade renewable energy.

News Analysis

Balancing faith, dignity and constitutional rights, Pg8

Balancing faith, dignity and constitutional rights, Pg8

A jab well done, Pg8

A jab well done, Pg8

Unpackaging the myth of safe bottled water in India, Pg8

Unpackaging the myth of safe bottled water in India, Pg8

Decolonising and de-Nobelising science, Pg9

Decolonising and de-Nobelising science, Pg9

Modi’s Israel visit: Balancing ties amid West Bank tensions, Pg9

Modi’s Israel visit: Balancing ties amid West Bank tensions, Pg9

How are Indian firms training LLMs?, Pg10

How are Indian firms training LLMs?, Pg10

What are carbon capture and utilisation technologies?, Pg10

What are carbon capture and utilisation technologies?, Pg10

Govt. to procure business jets for defence dignitaries and chiefs of armed forces, Pg12

Govt. to procure business jets for defence dignitaries and chiefs of armed forces, Pg12

Loose connection made satellite miss orbit: panel, Pg14

Loose connection made satellite miss orbit: panel, Pg14

Bill to replace UGC, AICTE is with Ministries, says govt., Pg14

Bill to replace UGC, AICTE is with Ministries, says govt., Pg14

Treaty on Chagos deal paused for holding discussions with U.S., says U.K. Minister, Pg16

Treaty on Chagos deal paused for holding discussions with U.S., says U.K. Minister, Pg16

Temperature spikes lead to change in El Nino labelling, PgII

Temperature spikes lead to change in El Nino labelling, PgII

Linked by blood and sacrifice, back Gaza peace: PM to Israel Parliament, Pg1

Linked by blood and sacrifice, back Gaza peace: PM to Israel Parliament, Pg1

US slaps 126% tariff on solar firms, cites Adani not joining subsidy probe, Pg1

US slaps 126% tariff on solar firms, cites Adani not joining subsidy probe, Pg1

Will not let anyone defame institution: CJI on NCERT book, Pg1

Will not let anyone defame institution: CJI on NCERT book, Pg1

2020-25: In 4 of 5 appeals, green watchdog NGT rules in favour of developers to clear projects, Pg1

2020-25: In 4 of 5 appeals, green watchdog NGT rules in favour of developers to clear projects, Pg1

Constitutionally impermissible to vilify any community: SC judge, Pg2

Constitutionally impermissible to vilify any community: SC judge, Pg2

NGT has space for experts, most of them now are former Govt officers, Pg9

NGT has space for experts, most of them now are former Govt officers, Pg9

India's recent defence surge is not a sign of militarism. It is a sign of maturity, Pg11

India's recent defence surge is not a sign of militarism. It is a sign of maturity, Pg11

US import duties on Indian solar panels may hit domestic OEMs, Pg13

US import duties on Indian solar panels may hit domestic OEMs, Pg13

India's first P2P decentralized energy trading pilot demonstrated (REC showcased a live demonstration of the PSP energy trading pilot program under the India Energy Stack, which allows consumers and farmers to trade renewable energy.), Pg18

India's first P2P decentralized energy trading pilot demonstrated (REC showcased a live demonstration of the PSP energy trading pilot program under the India Energy Stack, which allows consumers and farmers to trade renewable energy.), Pg18

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