1. SUPREME COURT DIRECTS JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS FOR WEST BENGAL AMID SIR PROBE
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Supreme Court of India has directed the immediate appointment of district judicial officers in West Bengal to oversee legal challenges arising from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- This directive follows reports of large-scale deletions and objections in the voter lists, with the Court emphasizing that judicial oversight is necessary to ensure “voter inclusivity” and prevent arbitrary disenfranchisement.
- In a separate ruling, the Court reiterated the Doctrine of Basic Structure, warning that any changes to electoral processes must adhere to the principles of free and fair elections.
- The Ministry of Law and Justice also tabled a report in the Rajya Sabha suggesting a permanent statutory body for the Special Intensive Revision process to institutionalize transparency across all states.
- Civil society groups have lauded the Court’s intervention, citing it as a critical check on executive overreach in the management of democratic databases.
- Concepts: Article 324 – Powers of the Election Commission of India; Judicial Oversight – The power of courts to review the actions of executive and legislative bodies to ensure they remain constitutional.
2. TAMIL NADU ASSEMBLY CONCLUDES SESSION WITH VOTE ON ACCOUNT AND WELFARE PUSH
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES / TAMIL NADU
- The final session of the current Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly concluded today, February 20, 2026, with the passage of the ‘Vote on Account’ to fund government expenditure for the first few months of the upcoming fiscal year.
- Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu highlighted that the state’s Debt-to-GSDP ratio has stabilized, allowing for an additional allocation of ₹5,000 crore toward the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (Women’s Basic Income) scheme.
- The government announced a new Urbanization Policy Framework to manage the rapid growth of tier-II cities like Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy, focusing on “Smart Transit Corridors.”
- A high-level committee was formed to implement the Tamil Nadu Climate Summit 4.0 recommendations, including a mandate for 30% green cover in all new industrial parks by 2030.
- Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) cleared the Great Nicobar mega project, a move that impacts strategic logistics but has drawn concern from environmentalists regarding tribal displacement.
- Concepts: Vote on Account (Article 116) – A grant in advance to allow the government to function until the regular budget is passed; GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) – The total value of goods and services produced within a state.
3. INDIA JOINS US-LED ‘PAX SILICA’ COALITION FOR SEMICONDUCTOR SECURITY
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- On the sidelines of the AI India Summit, India officially signed an agreement to join Pax Silica, a U.S.-led global coalition aimed at securing supply chains for critical minerals, semiconductors, and AI hardware.
- Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that this pact will reduce India’s dependence on “hostile geographies” for high-tech components, aligning with the iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology) framework.
- At the same summit, 75 countries adopted the “Delhi Declaration on AI,” a non-binding pledge to ensure that artificial intelligence remains a “global public good” and is used ethically in governance.
- The European Union (EU) launched its European Legal Gateway Office in India to facilitate the mobility of Indian ICT talent and researchers to EU member states.
- Additionally, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed an MoU with the World Food Programme (WFP) to supply 2 lakh metric tonnes of rice for global humanitarian aid, reinforcing India’s role as the “World’s Pharmacy and Food Basket.”
- Concepts: Friend-shoring – A trade practice where supply chain networks are focused on countries that are social and political allies; Delhi Declaration – A collective international stance on emerging technology ethics.
4. GOLD IMPORTS SURGE TO $12 BILLION AMID RISING HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS IN EQUITIES
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Data released today shows Gold imports in India surged to a record $12.07 billion in January 2026, nearly tripling compared to previous months, driven by inflows into gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).
- Despite the “Gold Rush,” there is a notable shift in household savings; financial assets in equities and mutual funds have risen from 7% in 2023 to 15% in early 2026.
- The 16th Finance Commission has recommended a “GDP Criterion” for horizontal devolution, rewarding states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for their fiscal efficiency and contribution to the national economy.
- The RBI introduced a CBDC-based (Central Bank Digital Currency) Public Distribution System pilot to ensure leak-proof delivery of subsidies to rural households.
- Concerns remain regarding the Current Account Deficit (CAD), as the January import surge has pushed the goods trade deficit close to a $35 billion mark.
- Concepts: Horizontal Devolution – The distribution of the net proceeds of taxes between the states; Financialization of Savings – The process where households move savings from physical assets (gold/real estate) to financial instruments (stocks/bonds).
5. INS ARIDHAMAN: INDIA TO COMMISSION 3RD INDIGENOUS NUCLEAR SUBMARINE
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The Indian Navy is set to commission its third indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridhaman, which is expected to enter active service by April 2026.
- Developed under the secretive Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project, Aridhaman features a streamlined hull and the indigenous USHUS integrated sonar system, making it significantly quieter than its predecessors.
- The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the submarine will carry K-4 missiles (range 3,500 km), providing India with a credible second-strike capability and completing the nuclear triad.
- In Bengaluru, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France’s Safran signed a Master Production Agreement to manufacture Hammer precision-guided missiles in India.
- The government also approved ₹7,453 crore as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to catalyze early offshore wind energy projects along the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for strategic energy security.
- Concepts: Nuclear Triad – The capability to launch nuclear missiles from land-based silos, strategic bombers, and submarines; SSBN (Submersible Ship Ballistic Nuclear) – A nuclear-powered submarine capable of deploying ballistic missiles.
