12 February 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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IT (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026

Why in News

• The Government has notified the IT Rules Amendment, 2026, strengthening regulation of synthetically generated and AI-based content, especially deepfakes and impersonation.
• The amendment modifies the IT Rules, 2021.

Core Objective

To regulate AI-generated content (Synthetic Generated Information – SGI) and strengthen platform accountability while preserving lawful digital innovation.

Key Provisions

1. Legal Recognition of Synthetic Content

• First formal definition of Synthetically Generated Information (SGI) in India.
• Covers: Deepfakes, AI impersonation, Fabricated media
• Excludes: Routine editing, Academic or research materials, Training datasets

2. Mandatory Labelling & Traceability

• All SGI must be clearly and prominently labelled and contain embedded metadata / unique identifiers
• Platforms cannot allow removal or suppression of AI labels and Origin-tracking metadata

Ensures traceability and accountability.

3. Obligations for Significant Social Media Intermediaries (SSMIs)

SSMIs must:

• Verify user declarations regarding synthetic content.
• Ensure disclosure of SGI before publication.
• Maintain due diligence mechanisms.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

• Loss of Safe Harbour Protection under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000.

Safe Harbour

Section 79 protects intermediaries from liability for third-party content, provided they act as neutral hosts and follow due diligence obligations

4. Prohibited Synthetic Content

Intermediaries must block SGI involving:

• Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
• Non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII)
• False official documents
• Fraudulent impersonation
• Deceptive or malicious misinformation

5. Faster Compliance Timelines

• Takedown on lawful order: 3 hours (earlier: 36 hours)
• Grievance redressal: 7 days (earlier: 15 days)

Why Regulation Was Needed

1. Disinformation Crisis

• AI-generated deepfakes erode trust in Elections, Public discourse, Media ecosystems

2. Cybercrime & Exploitation

• Rise in CSAM, NCII, Financial fraud via AI voice cloning

3. Law Enforcement Gap

• Lack of formal legal definition previously hindered targeted enforcement.
• Metadata tagging helps in investigation & prosecution.

Complementary Legal & Institutional Framework

1. Legal

• DPDP Act, 2023 – Data misuse & consent violations
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 – Forgery, impersonation, misinformation offences

2. Regulatory

• MeitY advisories (2023–2025) on AI due diligence

3. Institutional

• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) – Monitoring AI-enabled cyber threats

Constitutional & Policy Dimension (For Mains)

• Balances Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech) with Article 19(2) reasonable restrictions and Public order, decency, morality
• Raises debate on Over-regulation vs innovation, Platform liability vs intermediary neutrality, Privacy vs traceability

Draft Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) – 2026

Why in News

• The Department of Defence has prepared the Draft DAP-2026, which will replace DAP-2020 once approved.
• It aims to strengthen jointness, promote stmanirbharta, sccelerate force modernisation and scale India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem

Core Objective

To align defence procurement with:

• Rapidly evolving geo-strategic realities
• Growth of India’s economy
• Expansion of private defence industry
• Technological imperatives of modern warfare (AI, cyber, space, unmanned systems)

Key Provisions of Draft DAP-2026

1. Institutionalised Atmanirbharta

• Strong preference for Buy (Indian–IDDM) category
  (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed & Manufactured)

Highest priority procurement category to reduce import dependency.

2. Easing Financial & Experience Criteria

• Relaxed eligibility norms
• Greater inclusion of Startups, MSMEs, New private players
• Delegation of decision-making for faster approvals

Encourages wider industry participation.

3. Digitisation & Automation

• End-to-end digital acquisition processes
• Automation in documentation, evaluation & approvals
• Improved transparency and efficiency

4. Categorisation Based on Tech & Manufacturing Readiness

• Projects classified based on Technological maturity, Indigenous capability, Manufacturing readiness levels
• Aligns procurement cycles with fast technological evolution.

5. Support for Startups & MSMEs

• Advance payments allowed Against IP rights or bank guarantees
• Promotes innovation-led defence ecosystem

6. Revamped Trials & Quality Assurance

• Streamlined trial procedures
• QA aligned with Manufacturing readiness and Short technology cycles
• Reduced time lags in induction

Strategic Significance

1. Military Modernisation

• Faster procurement cycle
• Better alignment with AI-driven warfare, Cyber capabilities, Space-based systems, Unmanned technologies

2. Economic Multiplier

• Defence manufacturing ecosystem scaling
• Boost to Make in India, Defence exports, Private industry participation

3. Strategic Autonomy

• Reduces reliance on imports
• Enhances national security resilience
• Strengthens India’s position as defence exporter

Comparison: DAP-2020 vs Draft DAP-2026

India’s Strategy to Democratize Artificial Intelligence (AI)

What is AI Democratization?

• AI Democratization refers to making AI accessible, affordable, inclusive, and usable for a wide and diverse group of users — including startups, researchers, MSMEs, governments, and citizens.
• It goes beyond access to applications and includes access to Computing power, Datasets, Reusable models, Infrastructure, Skills.

Key Pillars of AI Democratization

1. Democratizing AI Applications for Public Impact

AI solutions focused on public welfare:

• Bhashini – Multilingual AI platform enabling digital language access.
• Kisan e-Mitra – AI chatbot assisting farmers with agricultural advisories.
• MausamGPT – AI-driven disaster prediction and climate analytics tool.

Focus: Inclusive governance & last-mile service delivery.

2. Accessible Data & Models

• AIKosh – National AI Resource Platform
• 7,500+ datasets, 273 reusable AI models, Shared infrastructure for developers, startups, and academia
• Reduces entry barriers for innovation.

3. Affordable Computing Power

• Under the IndiaAI Mission: 38,000+ high-end GPUs onboarded
• Subsidized rate: ₹65 per hour (far lower than global rates)
• Addresses the biggest constraint in AI development — compute costs.

4. Robust Infrastructure & Connectivity

• 5G coverage in 99.9% of districts
• Digital backbone under BharatNet and Digital India

Enables scalable AI deployment nationwide.

5. Sustainable AI Infrastructure

• AI is energy-intensive.
• India’s approach 50% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources (June 2025)
• Alignment with climate commitments

Balancing AI growth with Net Zero goals.

Policy & Regulatory Support

1. GI Cloud (MeghRaj)

• Cloud infrastructure for e-Governance
• Secure hosting of government AI services

2. Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023

• Strengthens safeguards around personal data
• Enables responsible AI ecosystem

Education, Skilling & AI Literacy

Skill Development Initiatives

• 5 National Centres of Excellence for Skilling
• Skilling for AI Readiness Initiative
• YUVAi Initiative (Youth for AI)
• AI Competency Framework

Builds human capital for AI ecosystem.

Strategic Significance

1. Economic Growth

AI expected to contribute significantly to GDP, Boost to startups & deep-tech innovation

2. Inclusive Development

Language access (Bhashini), Farmer support, Disaster resilience

3. Digital Sovereignty

Indigenous compute + datasets, Reduced reliance on foreign AI models

4. Global Positioning

Positions India as a Global South AI leader, Promotes ethical, inclusive AI model

Removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker

Recently, the Opposition moved a resolution seeking the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Constitutional Provisions

Article 94 – Vacation, Resignation & Removal

• Article 94 deals with Vacation of office, Resignation, Removal of Speaker & Deputy Speaker

Article 94(c)

• A Speaker (or Deputy Speaker) may be removed:
• By a resolution of the House of the People passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.

⚠️ This means effective majority: Majority of total effective strength (excluding vacancies).

Procedure for Removal

1. Notice of Resolution

• Must be given in writing to the Secretary-General of Lok Sabha.
• Requires support of at least 50 members for admission.

2. Mandatory Notice Period

• Minimum 14 days’ notice must be given before moving the resolution.

3. Listing of Motion

• After notice, a motion for leave to move the resolution is included in the List of Business on a day fixed.

Speaker’s Position During Removal Proceedings

1. Cannot Preside

The Speaker cannot preside over the House during discussion on their removal.

(Deputy Speaker or another member presides.)

2. Rights Retained

Can Speak in the House, Participate in proceedings, Vote in the first instance

3. No Casting Vote

• Cannot exercise a casting vote in case of a tie.

Important Clarifications

Historical Instances

• Notices have been moved against: G.V. Mavalankar (1954), Sardar Hukam Singh (1966), Balram Jakhar (1987)
• None were actually removed.

Comparison with Other Constitutional Removals

NLST and NLOT

The Union Budget 2026–27 sanctioned two major astronomical facilities in Ladakh:

• National Large Solar Telescope (NLST)
• National Large Optical Telescope (NLOT)

These aim to strengthen India’s capabilities in solar physics and deep-space astronomy.

1. National Large Solar Telescope (NLST)

• Location: Merak, Ladakh
• Type: 2-metre aperture ground-based solar telescope
• Objective: Study solar dynamics, Analyse solar magnetism, Monitor space weather
• Significance: Will become India’s third ground-based solar observatory

Existing Solar Observatories:

Importance:

• Improves prediction of solar storms
• Protects satellites, power grids, navigation systems
• Complements Aditya-L1 mission

2. National Large Optical Telescope (NLOT)

• Location: Hanle, Ladakh
• Type: 13.7-metre segmented mirror telescope
• Optical–Infrared wavelength observation
• Research Focus: Study of exoplanets, Early universe formation, Galaxy evolution, Stellar formation processes

Why Hanle?

• High altitude, Minimal light pollution, Clear and dry atmosphere, One of the best astronomical sites in the world

Why Ladakh?

• Cold desert climate, Low atmospheric turbulence, High altitude (better clarity), Low humidity, Minimal urban light interference

Strategic & Scientific Significance

1. Space & Astronomy Leadership

Positions India among countries with advanced ground-based telescopes.

2. Space Weather Monitoring

Crucial for Satellite protection, Defence communication, Power grid stability

3. Global Collaboration

Enables participation in international astronomy research.

4. Boost to Ladakh

Promotes scientific tourism and local development.

Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

Context

Union Budget 2026–27 reduced the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) rate for education and medical expenses abroad under LRS.

What is TCS?

• Tax Collected at Source (TCS) is collected by sellers from buyers at the time of sale of specified goods/services.
• Governed under Section 206C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Under LRS, banks collect TCS on foreign remittances beyond prescribed thresholds.

About Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

1. Introduced:

• 2004 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

2. Who Can Use It?

• All resident individuals (including minors).
• Not available to Corporates, Partnership firms, HUFs, Trusts

3. Remittance Limit:

• Up to USD 2,50,000 per financial year
• For Current account transactions, Capital account transactions or a combination of both

Permissible Transactions under LRS

1. Current Account Transactions:

Education abroad, Medical treatment, Travel expenses, Maintenance of relatives abroad, Gifts and donations

2. Capital Account Transactions:

Purchase of property abroad; Investment in foreign stocks, bonds, mutual funds; Setting up wholly owned subsidiaries or joint ventures (individual capacity)

3. Prohibited Transactions

Gambling, Lottery, Trading in foreign exchange abroad, Speculative activities

Significance of LRS

• Promotes Financial Globalisation: Allows Indian residents to participate in global markets.
• Facilitates Education & Healthcare Access: Supports students and patients seeking services abroad.
• Investment Diversification: Enables individuals to diversify portfolios internationally.
• Capital Account Liberalisation: Represents a calibrated step towards currency convertibility.

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)

Context

• The Union Home Minister launched the State Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (S4C) dashboard under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The S4C dashboard aims to enhance coordination between Centre and States in tackling cybercrime.

About I4C

1. Ministry:

• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

2. Timeline:

• Scheme approved: 2018
• Dedicated to the Nation: 2020

 3. Aim:

• To provide a comprehensive framework and ecosystem for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to deal with cybercrime in a coordinated manner.

Objectives of I4C

• Nodal Agency: Acts as the central nodal point to curb cybercrime in India.
• Women & Child Protection: Strengthens efforts against cybercrimes targeting women and children (e.g., cyberstalking, CSAM, online trafficking).
• Capacity Building: Training police personnel, prosecutors, and judicial officers in cyber forensics and investigation.
• Public Awareness: Conducts awareness campaigns on cyber hygiene and digital safety.
• Research & Innovation: Develops tools and technologies to detect, prevent, and investigate cybercrime.

Key Components Under I4C

• National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP): Online platform to report cybercrime, Special focus on financial fraud and crimes against women & children.
• Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting & Management System: Enables quick reporting and freezing of fraudulent transactions, Linked with banks and financial institutions.
• National Cyber Crime Training Centre: Provides training and skill enhancement for law enforcement agencies.
• Cyber Forensic-cum-Training Labs: Established across States/UTs for advanced cyber investigation.
• S4C Dashboard: Enhances real-time coordination with States, Data-driven monitoring of cybercrime trends.

Significance

1. Rising Cyber Threats

• Digital payment frauds, Phishing & ransomware, Deepfakes and AI-driven fraud

2. National Security Dimension

• Terror financing, Dark web activities, Cross-border organised crime

3. Protection of Vulnerable Groups

• Focus on crimes targeting women, children, and elderly citizens.

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