18 February 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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Demand for Separate Census Column for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)

The Office of the Registrar General of India has decided to enumerate Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) in the upcoming 2027 Census, following demands for a dedicated column to accurately capture their demographic profile.

Who are DNTs?

1. Definition:

Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes are communities that

• Were labelled as “criminal tribes” under the Criminal Tribes Act by the British colonial government
• Were officially denotified in 1952 after repeal of the Act
• Historically faced systemic stigma, surveillance, and marginalisation

2. Categories:

• Denotified Tribes (DNTs) – Formerly listed as criminal tribes, later denotified
• Nomadic Tribes (NTs) – Move continuously for livelihood
• Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs) – Partially settled but retain migratory lifestyle

Census Enumeration History

• Enumerated in: 1911 and 1931 Census
• 1931 Census was the last census with detailed data on these communities
• No dedicated enumeration since Independence
• 2027 Census will reintroduce systematic enumeration

Population and Classification Status

According to National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (Idate Commission):

• Identified nearly 1,200 DNT communities
• Many included under Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC) but 268 communities remain unclassified

The Anthropological Survey of India recommended proper categorisation of these unclassified groups.

Key Institutional Mechanisms

• Renke Commission (2008): First national commission dedicated to DNT identification and Highlighted severe deprivation
• Idate Commission (2014–17): Prepared State-wise lists & Recommended separate welfare measures and proper classification
• National Commission for DNTs (2014): Advisory body for policy recommendations
• Development and Welfare Board for DNTs: Implements welfare programmes and Monitors development initiatives

Government Welfare Schemes for DNTs

• SEED Scheme (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs): Provides Education support, Health insurance, Housing assistance, Livelihood support
• Dr. Ambedkar Scholarships: Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships
• Nanaji Deshmukh Hostel Scheme: Residential hostels for DNT students

Why Separate Census Column is Important

• Accurate Population Data: Currently no reliable demographic data and Essential for evidence-based policymaking
• Targeted Welfare Delivery: Helps identify unclassified and vulnerable communities
• Proper Social Justice Classification: Enables inclusion in SC/ST/OBC lists where appropriate
• Policy Planning and Budget Allocation: Ensures equitable resource distribution

Report on Digital Payments: 10 Years of Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

The Department of Financial Services released a report titled “Socio-Economic Impact Analysis of Incentive Scheme for Promotion of RuPay Debit Card and low-value BHIM-UPI Transactions (P2M)”, highlighting UPI’s transformative impact on India’s digital economy after a decade of its launch.

Key Highlights of the Report

1. Dominance of UPI in Digital Payments:

• UPI has emerged as the most preferred mode of transaction (57%)
• Surpassed cash usage (38%)
• Demonstrates India’s rapid transition toward a less-cash economy

2. India’s Global Leadership in Instant Payments:

• India accounts for 49% of global instant payment transactions
• Makes India the world leader in real-time digital payments
• UPI has become a global model for interoperable payment infrastructure

3. High Merchant Adoption:

• 94% of merchants accept UPI
• Key benefits for merchants: Instant settlement, Lower transaction costs, Improved transparency and record-keeping, Reduced dependence on cash handling

4. Major Contribution to Economic Growth:

• UPI contributed approximately $16.2 billion to India’s GDP in 2022
• Impact driven by: Reduced transaction costs, Higher efficiency, Increased financial formalisation, Boost to digital commerce ecosystem

5. International Expansion of UPI;

• UPI is now operational in 8 countries, including UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Qatar, Mauritius

Recommendations of the Report

• Expand Merchant Acceptance: Deploy more QR codes, Soundboxes, POS terminals and Focus on Tier-3 to Tier-6 cities and rural areas
• Strengthen Offline Payment Capability: Promote tools like UPI Lite an UPI 123Pay. These enable transactions in low-internet or feature-phone environments
• Improve Financial Inclusion: Integrate UPI with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes. Enhance subsidy delivery efficiency and Promote usage among rural populations and women entrepreneurs
• Improve Security and Fraud Prevention: Deploy AI-based anomaly detection systems, Real-time fraud alerts, Secure authentication systems
• Introduce Advanced Payment Features: Scheduled payments for Education fees, Healthcare payments, Utility bills and Enhance automation and convenience

Key Challenges Identified

• Network and Infrastructure Limitations: Poor internet connectivity in rural and remote areas, Limits adoption of advanced UPI features
• Cybersecurity and Fraud Risks: Rising digital fraud and phishing threats, User concerns over data privacy and security
• Digital Literacy Gap: Low awareness of advanced features like UPI Lite, UPI AutoPay, UPI 123Pay

Significance of UPI for India

• Economic Impact: Boosts formal economy, Improves tax compliance, Reduces transaction costs
• Financial Inclusion: Enables access for unbanked and underbanked populations, Supports direct subsidy transfers
• Governance Benefits: Improves transparency, Reduces corruption and leakages
• Global Soft Power: Enhances India’s leadership in fintech diplomacy

National Green Tribunal clears Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project

National Green Tribunal (NGT), highlighting the strategic importance of the project, upheld its environmental clearance, stating compliance with the Island Coastal Regulation Zone and Coastal Regulation Zone norms.

About the Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project

1. Location:

• Situated on Great Nicobar Island, the southernmost island of India
• Covers areas including Galathea Bay, Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve

2. Implementing Agency:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation
• With strategic planning support from NITI Aayog

3. Major Components of the Project:

• International container transshipment terminal
• Dual-use civil–military airport
• Integrated township
• 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant
• Road and supporting infrastructure

Strategic Objectives

• Develop a Global Transshipment Hub: Reduce India’s dependence on foreign ports. Currently, about 75% of India’s transshipment cargo is handled abroad
• Enhance Defence and Strategic Presence: Strengthen India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region. Improve surveillance and military logistics capability
• Improve Connectivity and Economic Development: Boost tourism and trade, Create employment opportunities, Develop Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a logistics hub

Strategic Importance of Great Nicobar Island

Proximity to Strait of Malacca

• One of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints
• About 40% of global trade passes through this route
• Critical for monitoring global shipping and energy supply routes

Environmental and Social Concerns

• Threat to Biodiversity: The project involves diversion of approximately 130 sq. km of tropical rainforest and cutting of nearly 1 million trees Threatened species include: Nicobar megapode, Nicobar tree shrew, Giant leatherback turtle, Coral ecosystems
• Environmental Assessment Issues: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) based on single-season data. Concerns over inadequate ecological evaluation
• Inadequate Compensatory Afforestation: Proposed afforestation in Haryana cannot replicate tropical rainforest ecosystem
• Impact on Tribal Communities: Particularly affects Shompen (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) and Nicobarese tribe. Concerns include Loss of habitat, Cultural disruption, Livelihood impact
• Disaster Vulnerability: Island lies in highest seismic risk zone, vulnerable to Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Climate change impacts

Significance of the Project for India

• Strategic Significance: Enhances India’s maritime security and Counters growing geopolitical competition in Indo-Pacific
• Economic Significance: Reduces logistics costs, Promotes trade competitiveness, Boosts regional economic growth
• Defence Significance: Enables dual-use military and civilian infrastructure and Improves naval and air operational reach
• Connectivity and Development: Strengthens integration of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Promotes tourism and investment

Regulatory Framework: Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ)

ICRZ norms regulate:

• Development activities on islands
• Protection of fragile coastal ecosystems
• Sustainable development of island territories

India AI Impact Summit 2026 begins in New Delhi

India hosted the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, marking the first multilateral Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit organised in the Global South. The summit reflects India’s growing leadership in shaping inclusive, ethical, and development-oriented AI governance globally.

Theme

• “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” (Welfare for all, Happiness for all)
• This theme emphasises the use of AI for inclusive growth, societal welfare, and equitable development.

Key Objectives of the Summit

• Translate Global AI Discussions into Development Outcomes: Align AI solutions with national initiatives such as IndiaAI Mission and Digital India. Focus on practical, scalable AI applications.
• Promote Responsible and Ethical AI: Encourage development of safe, transparent, and trustworthy AI systems. Address issues like Algorithmic bias, Privacy protection, Accountability
• Strengthen Global Cooperation: Build partnerships between Governments, Startups, Academia, Industry
• Position India as a Global AI Hub: Enhance India’s leadership in AI innovation & Promote indigenous AI ecosystem and startups

Conceptual Framework of the Summit

• 3 Sutras (Guiding Principles): These define how AI should be used for: Inclusive development, Ethical innovation, Sustainable societal impact
• 7 Chakras (Priority Cooperation Areas): These represent key sectors where global collaboration is focused, such as: Healthcare, Agriculture, Education, Governance, Climate action, Digital economy, Social inclusion

Flagship Initiatives and Programs

1. AI for ALL:

• Identifies scalable AI solutions for development challenges
• Implemented with Startup India

2. AI by HER:

• Promotes women-led AI innovation
• Implemented with NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform

3. YUVAi Initiative:

• Encourages AI innovation among youth aged 13–21
• Implemented with MyBharat and National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology

4. Global Impact Challenges:

• Identify innovative AI solutions for Public service delivery, Healthcare, Agriculture, Education

Major Multilateral AI Forums (Global Context)

• Global Partnership on AI (GPAI): Promotes human-centric and trustworthy AI. 29 member countries (India is a founding member)
• UK AI Safety Summit: Focuses on risks from frontier AI systems. Adopted Bletchley Declaration on AI safety
• G7 Hiroshima AI Process: Establishes global guardrails for advanced AI systems & Promotes responsible AI governance

Strategic Significance for India

• Leadership in Global South: Positions India as a voice of developing nations in AI governance
• Boost to India’s AI Ecosystem: Supports startups, research, and innovation & Strengthens India’s AI talent and infrastructure
• Supports Digital Transformation: Enhances public services using AI & Improves governance efficiency
• Promotes Inclusive Development: Focus on AI solutions for Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Financial inclusion

Net Neutrality

Indian telecom operators have urged the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to revise the 2016 Net Neutrality framework to allow 5G network slicing, which enables premium and specialised network services.

What is Net Neutrality?

• Net Neutrality is the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) must treat all internet traffic equally, without discrimination, restriction, or preferential treatment.
• This means telecom operators cannot: Block websites, Slow down specific apps or services, Charge extra for faster access to certain platforms, Prioritize their own or partner services unfairly

Core Principles of Net Neutrality

• Equal Treatment of Data: All internet traffic must be treated equally regardless of Website, Application, Content type, User, Platform
• No Blocking: Telecom providers cannot block lawful content, apps, or services.
• No Throttling: Providers cannot deliberately slow down specific services like YouTube, Netflix, WhatsApp, etc.
• No Paid Prioritization: Telecom companies cannot charge content providers for faster delivery.

Why Net Neutrality is Important

• Protects Consumer Rights: Users get free and open access to all internet content.
• Ensures Fair Competition: Prevents telecom companies from favouring large corporations. Supports startups and innovation.
• Maintains Open Internet Ecosystem: Encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and free expression.

What is 5G Network Slicing?

• Network slicing allows creation of multiple virtual networks on a single physical 5G infrastructure, each designed for specific needs.
• Example:

Why Telecom Companies Want Changes

• Telecom operators argue that network slicing requires differential service quality, which may conflict with strict net neutrality rules.
• They want to offer Premium high-speed services, Industry-specific network slices, Specialized enterprise services

India's Net Neutrality Framework

• India adopted strong net neutrality protections based on TRAI recommendations.
• Key Provisions (2016 & later rules): No blocking, throttling, or discrimination; No paid prioritization
• Exceptions allowed for Emergency services, Law enforcement, Specialized services (under regulation)

Ol Chiki Script

The President of India inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script, marking 100 years since its creation and recognizing its importance in preserving tribal linguistic and cultural identity.

About Ol Chiki Script

• Developed in: 1925
• Developer: Raghunath Murmu
• Purpose: Specifically created for writing the Santhali language

Key Features

• It is an indigenous script, not derived from any existing script.
• Designed to accurately represent the sounds, grammar, and phonetics of Santhali.
• Helped transform Santhali from a primarily oral language into a written language.
• Strengthened preservation, education, and transmission of Santhali literature and culture.

About Santhali Language

1. Linguistic Classification:

• Belongs to the Austroasiatic language family
• One of the major tribal languages of India

2. Geographic Distribution:

• Spoken mainly in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Parts of Nepal and Bangladesh

3. Constitutional Status:

• Included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution
• Added through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003
• This gave Santhali official recognition and support for its promotion and preservation

United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)

The Indian Army hosted the first UN training programme on Small Arms Control for the Asia-Pacific region in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, organised by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). The programme was conducted under the aegis of India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence, highlighting India’s expanding role in global arms control and capacity-building.

About UNODA

1. Establishment and Evolution:

• Established in 1998 by the UN Secretary-General.
• Originally known as the Department for Disarmament Affairs, later renamed as UNODA.
• Functions as part of the United Nations Secretariat.

2. Headquarters:

• New York, USA

3. Core Objective:

• Complete elimination of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs), especially nuclear weapons
• Effective regulation and reduction of conventional weapons, including small arms and light weapons
• Strengthening international peace and security through disarmament

Gas Turbine Engine

The Minister for Defence reviewed the progress of indigenous military gas turbine engine development under the Kaveri Programme at the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation in Bengaluru. This programme is crucial for strengthening India’s self-reliance in military aviation propulsion systems.

What is a Gas Turbine Engine?

• A Gas Turbine Engine is a type of internal combustion engine that converts the chemical energy of fuel into mechanical energy and thrust using high-temperature, high-pressure gases.
• It is widely used in Fighter aircraft, Helicopters, Naval ships, Power generation plants

About Kaveri Engine Programme

• Developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment under DRDO
• Indigenous jet engine programme for fighter aircraft
• Intended to power the LCA Tejas aircraft
• Part of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology

Akash Missile System

The Defence Minister flagged off the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment combat systems and inaugurated the Mountain Fire Control Radar at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, strengthening India’s air defence capability, especially in high-altitude regions.

About Akash Missile System

• Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Produced in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited
• Type: Medium-range, Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM)
• Purpose: Provides air defence against aerial threats

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