1. INDIA AND ISRAEL ELEVATE TIES TO SPECIAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu formally elevated bilateral relations to a “Special Strategic Partnership” during the PM’s landmark visit to Jerusalem.
- The two nations signed a plethora of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), specifically in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and Critical Minerals.
- A major digital milestone was achieved with the agreement to launch UPI (Unified Payments Interface) services in Israel, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions for tourists and businesses.
- Both leaders vowed to fast-track the conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost trade beyond the current defense-heavy portfolio.
- On the humanitarian front, India reiterated its support for the Gaza Peace Initiative, emphasizing that “humanity must never become a victim of conflict.”
- Concepts: De-hyphenation Policy – India’s strategy of maintaining independent relationships with Israel and Palestine based on its own national interests; Strategic Autonomy – Navigating complex West Asian geopolitics without joining formal military blocs.
2. MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS UNVEILS ‘PRAHAAR’ COUNTER-TERRORISM STRATEGY
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES / POLITY
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released ‘PRAHAAR’, India’s first comprehensive National Counter-terrorism Policy and Strategy, aiming for a “whole-of-government” approach.
- The policy outlines a proactive framework to protect Indian interests both domestically and abroad, focusing on swift, proportionate responses to evolving terror threats.
- ‘PRAHAAR’ emphasizes aggregating internal capacities across state and central agencies to ensure synergy in intelligence sharing and tactical operations.
- A key pillar of the strategy includes attenuating radicalization through community engagement and counter-narrative programs, moving beyond just kinetic military action.
- The document aligns Indian efforts with global standards, ensuring that all mitigation processes remain rooted in the ‘Rule of Law’ and human rights frameworks.
- Concepts: Internal Security Doctrine – The evolving set of principles guiding India’s response to non-traditional threats; Article 355 – Duty of the Union to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance.
3. UNION MINISTER LAUNCHES ₹1,500 CRORE PROJECTS AT VOC PORT, TUTICORIN
SUBJECT: TAMIL NADU / ECONOMY
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for infrastructure projects worth over ₹1,500 crore at the V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tuticorin.
- The projects are aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, focusing on modernizing port infrastructure and enhancing digital security for global trade.
- A significant portion of the investment is dedicated to Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy (solar and wind) initiatives, positioning VOC Port as a green energy hub.
- The Minister also inaugurated the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum, dedicated to the history of India’s maritime prowess and the contributions of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar.
- Upgraded rail and road connectivity projects were launched to reduce logistics costs and improve the “last-mile” efficiency for Tamil Nadu’s industrial hinterland.
- Concepts: Blue Economy – Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth; Sagarmala Programme – National initiative for port-led development.
4. DRAFT DEFENCE ACQUISITION PROCEDURE (DAP) 2026 PIVOTS TO ‘OWNED BY INDIA’
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The Ministry of Defence released the Draft DAP 2026, marking a strategic shift from the ‘Made in India’ assembly model to an ‘Owned by India’ technology sovereignty model.
- The new policy mandates that for the preferred Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, equipment must be indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured, with IP rights held by Indian entities.
- The minimum Indigenous Content (IC) requirement has been raised from 50% to 60%, with financial incentives for companies achieving even higher localization.
- DAP 2026 introduces a new financial formula (CBCP–CFC) for more accurate verification of indigenous content across the entire supply chain.
- The draft emphasizes IP and Source Code ownership, ensuring that India retains the authority to upgrade and modify critical defense systems without foreign permission.
- Concepts: Technological Sovereignty – The ability of a nation to create and control its own critical technologies; IDDM – Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured.
5. INDIAN ECONOMY PROJECTED TO CROSS 8% GROWTH IN Q3 FY26
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Ahead of the official NSO release, reports indicate that India’s GDP growth for the October-December quarter (Q3) is expected to reach 8.1%, outperforming global peers.
- Growth is being driven by a resilient rural consumption uptick and a consistent increase in urban demand following the extended festive season.
- The NSO is preparing to release the Second Advance Estimates on February 27, which will incorporate a new base year of 2022-23 for more accurate economic tracking.
- While manufacturing and services remain strong, the economy faces headwinds from FII outflows (totaling $2.5 billion in recent months) and global trade uncertainties.
- Forex reserves remain robust at approximately $650 billion, providing a sufficient cushion against rupee volatility in the international market.
- Concepts: Base Year Revision – Periodic updating of the benchmark year to reflect structural changes in the economy; GVA (Gross Value Added) – Measure of the value of goods and services produced in an area, industry or sector of an economy.
6. CYCLONIC CIRCULATION TO BRING LIGHT RAIN TO SOUTH TAMIL NADU
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT / GEOGRAPHY
- The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast light to moderate rain for the Western Ghats and Southern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu until March 4.
- This unusual February weather is attributed to a cyclonic circulation over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and another system over South Interior Karnataka.
- Met officials noted a rare phenomenon where two low-pressure areas formed in the Bay within a week during February, a first in 23 years for this month.
- While Chennai is expected to remain mostly dry, early morning mist and haze are likely to prevail in the city and northern coastal pockets like Tiruvannamalai.
- Fishermen in the southern peninsula have been advised to stay alert to gusty winds accompanying isolated thunderstorms in the hilly terrains.
- Concepts: North-East Monsoon Retreat – The tail-end of the seasonal cycle; Cyclonic Circulation – An area of low pressure where winds blow counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
