20 February 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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Sovereign AI Models Launched by India – Key Points

Why In News?

• India unveiled three Sovereign AI models at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
• Part of the broader IndiaAI Mission to promote India-first AI capabilities.
• Government also announced addition of 20,000 new GPUs, beyond existing 38,000 GPUs.

What is Sovereign AI?

1. Meaning:

Sovereign AI refers to the ability of a country to develop, deploy, and govern AI systems using domestic infrastructure, data, and talent, without relying on foreign corporations.

2. Key Elements:

• Control over AI lifecycle (data → training → deployment → governance)
• Data sovereignty and security
• Technological independence
• Strategic autonomy in AI

IndiaAI Mission – Key Facts

• Launched: 2024
• Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Budget: ₹10,371.92 crore (5 years)
• GPU target: Initially 10,000 → Achieved 38,000 → expanding further

Six Key Pillars:

• IndiaAI Compute Capacity
• IndiaAI Application Development Initiative
• IndiaAI Datasets Platform (AIKosh)
• IndiaAI FutureSkills
• IndiaAI Startup Financing
• Safe & Trusted AI

Three Sovereign AI Models Launched

1. Large Language Models (LLMs) – by Sarvam AI:

• Advanced language models capable of generating human-like text
• Reportedly outperform global models like DeepSeek R1 and Gemini Flash on some benchmarks

2. Vachana – Text-to-Speech Model by Gnani.ai:

• Converts text into human-like speech, Supports 12 Indian languages, Can clone human voices

3. Param2 17B – Foundational Model by BharatGen:

• Multilingual foundational AI model
• Uses Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) architecture
• Developed under government-supported BharatGen initiative
• Designed specifically for Indian languages and contexts

Significance for India

• Strategic Importance: Reduces dependence on foreign AI platforms and Enhances digital sovereignty
• Economic Importance Economic Importance: Strengthens AI ecosystem and startups & Supports innovation and digital economy
• Governance and Security: Ensures data privacy and national control & Enables secure AI deployment in defence, governance, and public services
• Language Inclusion: Supports Indian languages and digital inclusion

America-India Connect Initiative

Why in News?

The America-India Connect initiative was announced at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 as a major global digital infrastructure collaboration.

What is America-India Connect?

• It is a collaborative subsea digital infrastructure initiative.
• Aims to establish a new international subsea cable gateway at Visakhapatnam (Vizag).
• Anchored by a $15 billion AI and digital infrastructure investment over five years.

Key Connectivity Corridors

1. India’s East Coast Connectivity:

Direct fibre-optic links from: Vizag → Chennai → South Africa

• Connects American East Coast → Africa → India

Direct fibre route Vizag → Singapore

• Connects American West Coast → Australia → India

2. India’s West Coast Connectivity:

• Direct fibre-optic path: Mumbai → Western Australia
• Complements existing subsea cables such as: Blue cable, Raman cable, Sol cable
• These form a data corridor linking: American East Coast → Red Sea → Mumbai → India

Strategic Significance

1. India as a Global Digital Hub:

• Establishes Visakhapatnam as a major international subsea gateway
• Strengthens India’s position in global internet infrastructure

2. Boost to AI and Digital Economy:

• Supports massive AI computing requirements
• Enables faster data transfer for cloud, AI, and digital services

3. Strategic and Geopolitical Importance:

• Creates alternative routes bypassing vulnerable chokepoints
• Enhances digital resilience and data security

4. Economic and Trade Benefits:

• Converts traditional maritime routes into digital trade routes
• Supports digital economy, startups, and IT exports

About Undersea / Submarine Communication Cables

• Fibre-optic cables laid on ocean floor connecting continents for data transmission.

1. Importance:

• Carry more than 95% of global internet traffic and can transmit multiple terabits per second

2. Technical Features:

• Optical fibre core (glass strands), Steel armour protection, Waterproof insulation, Repeaters to amplify signal

3. Vulnerabilities:

• Physical damage by Ship anchors, Fishing trawlers; Sabotage and cyber-security risks; Geopolitical disruptions (e.g., Red Sea cable attacks)

Related Indian Initiatives

• Chennai–Andaman & Nicobar submarine cable
• Kochi–Lakshadweep submarine cable
• Strengthening island connectivity and digital infrastructure

International Solar Alliance launches Global AI-for-Energy Mission

The International Solar Alliance launched a Global AI-for-Energy Mission at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to accelerate clean energy transition using artificial intelligence.

Objective of the Mission

• Fast-track adoption of AI in clean energy systems across 120+ ISA member countries
• Place digital infrastructure and citizen-centric platforms at the core of energy transition
• Improve efficiency, affordability, and sustainability of energy systems

Role of AI in Energy Systems

1. Energy Savings:

• AI applications could save over 13 exajoules (EJ) of energy globally by 2035
• Improves efficiency in generation, transmission, and consumption

2. Cost Reduction and Affordability:

• Example: AI platform by TCS reduced operational costs by 15–20% in off-grid projects (Uttar Pradesh)

3. Grid Optimization:

• AI systems can Forecast electricity demand, Simulate power flows, Detect transmission losses, Improve load balancing
• Example: Pravah startup’s AI engine digitizes grid operations.

4. Predictive Maintenance:

• AI predicts equipment failures before breakdown
• Reduces downtime and maintenance costs
• Example: AI-based management for electric bus charging infrastructure

5. Mineral Exploration for Clean Energy:

• AI improves detection of critical minerals
• Helps identify deposits essential for Solar panels, Batteries, Wind turbines

Challenges in AI Adoption in Energy Sector

1. Increased Energy Consumption

• AI data centres may consume ~3% of global electricity by 2030
• Raises concerns about sustainability and emissions

2. Pressure on Grid Infrastructure

• Rapid AI expansion may strain existing grid capacity
• Requires infrastructure upgrades and policy adaptation

Key ISA Initiatives

• One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)
• Global Solar Facility (GSF)
• Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C)
• AI-for-Energy Mission (new initiative)

Gender Budget in India – Major Increase in Union Budget 2026–27

The Union Budget of India 2026–27 witnessed a significant rise in Gender Budget (GB) allocation, reflecting the government’s growing focus on gender-responsive governance.

Key Highlights (Union Budget 2026–27)

• Total Gender Budget allocation: ₹5.01 lakh crore
• Increase: 11.55% higher than previous financial year
• Share in total Union Budget: 9.37%
• Coverage expanded to 53 Ministries/Departments and 5 Union Territories

This represents one of the highest allocations since gender budgeting was introduced in India.

What is Gender Budgeting?

Definition:

Gender Budgeting is a policy tool that examines government budgets from a gender perspective, ensuring that public expenditure promotes gender equality.

Important clarification:

• It does NOT mean creating a separate budget for women
• Instead, it ensures existing budgets benefit women equitably

India formally adopted Gender Budgeting in 2004–05.

Structure of Gender Budget (Three Parts)

Part A

• Schemes with 100% allocation for women
• Example: Women-specific welfare schemes

Part B

• Schemes where at least 30% of allocation benefits women
• Example: Health, education, livelihood schemes with significant women beneficiaries

Part C (New category – introduced in 2024–25)

• Schemes where less than 30% allocation benefits women
• Helps track partial gender impact across broader schemes

Institutional Mechanism

Gender Budget Cells (GBCs)

• Established in ministries and departments
• Responsible for Gender analysis of schemes, Budget allocation monitoring, Gender-responsive planning

Gender budgeting is implemented at National level, State level, Local government level

Major Government Initiatives Supporting Gender Budgeting

1. Gender Budgeting Scheme:

• Under Mission Shakti – Samarthya sub-scheme
• Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development
• Objective: Achieve 100% gender budgeting coverage

2. Gender Budgeting Knowledge Portal (2025):

• Digital repository of gender budgeting practices
• Supports ministries, states, and policymakers

3. State-Level Initiatives:

• Odisha: Women Component Plan (since 2004–05)
• Karnataka: Gender audit manual for monitoring budget impact

Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2026

The Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2026, released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), warns that the region is significantly off track in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the 2030 deadline.

Major Findings of the Report

1. Severe Overall Lag in SDG Achievement:

• Out of 117 measurable SDG targets, the region is projected to miss 103 targets by 2030
• Only 14 targets are currently on track
• This means approximately 88% of targets will not be achieved on time

This reflects a major slowdown in sustainable development progress across Asia-Pacific.

2. Environmental Crisis – Major Area of Regression:

The report highlights serious setbacks in environmental sustainability, especially in:

• Climate action (SDG 13)
• Marine ecosystem protection (SDG 14)
• Biodiversity conservation (SDG 15)

Consequences:

• Increased natural disasters
• Ecosystem degradation
• Threat to long-term economic growth

Environmental decline is directly undermining development gains.

3. Strong Performance in Industry and Infrastructure (SDG 9)

The region shows positive progress in SDG 9, which focuses on:

• Industry development
• Innovation capacity
• Infrastructure expansion

Examples of improvements include:

• Digital infrastructure expansion
• Industrial growth
• Technology adoption

This remains one of the few SDGs progressing satisfactorily.

What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 global goals. Adopted in 2015. Target year: 2030
• They cover areas such as Poverty eradication, Education, Climate action, Gender equality, Sustainable economic growth

Reasons for Slow Progress in Asia-Pacific

• Climate change impacts: Floods, cyclones, droughts increasing
• COVID-19 pandemic effects: Economic slowdown & Increased poverty and inequality
• Environmental degradation: Deforestation, Pollution, Biodiversity loss
• Financing gaps: Insufficient investment in sustainable development

Municipal Bonds in India

Municipal Bonds are debt instruments issued by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to raise funds from investors for infrastructure and development projects.

Definition

Municipal bonds are marketable debt securities issued by municipalities, municipal corporations, or their special purpose entities to finance public infrastructure.

• Investors lend money to the municipality
• Municipality repays with interest over a fixed period

Issuing Authorities

• Municipal Corporations (e.g., Pune, Ahmedabad)
• Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
• Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs)
• Statutory municipal entities

Objective and Uses

• Urban infrastructure projects; Water supply and sanitation systems; Metro rail and transport systems; Roads, bridges, and drainage systems; Smart city projects; Refinancing existing loans; Meeting working capital requirements

Regulation

• Municipal bonds in India are regulated by Securities and Exchange Board of India under SEBI (Issue and Listing of Municipal Debt Securities) Regulations, 2015
• These regulations ensure Transparency, Investor protection, Proper disclosure, Creditworthiness assessment

Historical Background

• First municipal bond in India issued by Bangalore Municipal Corporation in 1997
• Revival phase began after 2015 reforms and Smart Cities Mission

Types of Municipal Bonds

• General Obligation Bonds: Backed by municipality’s general revenues and Lower risk
• Revenue Bonds: Backed by revenues from specific projects. Example: Metro rail, toll road
• Green Municipal Bonds: Used for environmentally sustainable projects. Example: renewable energy, sewage treatment

Importance of Municipal Bonds

• Strengthens Urban Infrastructure: Provides funding for large infrastructure projects
• Reduces Dependence on Government Grants: Encourages financial autonomy of ULBs
• Promotes Fiscal Discipline: Requires credit rating, transparency, accountability
• Supports Urbanisation: Helps finance Smart Cities and AMRUT projects

Government Initiatives to Promote Municipal Bonds

• AMRUT Scheme Incentives: Cities issuing bonds receive additional funds
• Credit Rating of Cities: Mandatory credit ratings for municipalities
• Capacity Building: Training for municipal officials
• Consultation by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to deepen the municipal bond market

Food Corporation of India (FCI)

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is India’s central agency responsible for food grain procurement, storage, distribution, and ensuring national food security.

Genesis and Legal Status

• Established in 1965
• Created under the Food Corporations Act, 1964
• Operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Core Objectives of FCI

FCI was established to fulfil the following key national food policy objectives:

• Ensure remunerative prices to farmers
• Ensure availability of food grains at reasonable prices to consumers
• Maintain buffer stock for food security
• Support Public Distribution System (PDS)

Core Functions of FCI

1. Procurement of Food Grains:

• Procures food grains (mainly wheat and rice) from farmers
• Procurement is done at Minimum Support Price (MSP) declared by the Government
• Helps protect farmers from distress sales

2. Storage and Warehousing:

• Maintains large storage infrastructure including Warehouses, Covered godowns, Modern steel silos
• Ensures safe preservation of food grains

3. Buffer Stock Management:

• Maintains strategic buffer stock
• Used to Stabilize prices, Meet emergency requirements (drought, floods, disasters), Support welfare schemes

4. Distribution of Food Grains:

• Supplies food grains under Public Distribution System, National Food Security Act (2013), Welfare schemes such as PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

5. Quality Control:

• Ensures procurement of food grains meeting quality standards
• Quality Control (QC) wing monitors Procurement quality, Storage quality, Preservation standards

About WFP

• Established: 1961
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy
• It is the food assistance branch of the United Nations
• World’s largest humanitarian organization fighting hunger
• Nobel Peace Prize winner (2020)

VoicERA and BHASHINI

VoicERA was officially launched on the BHASHINI National Language Infrastructure during the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

VoicERA

• VoicERA is an open-source, end-to-end Voice AI stack launched on the BHASHINI National Language Infrastructure during the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

Developed by:

• Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD)
• Under Digital India Corporation (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology)

Purpose:

• VoicERA serves as a national execution layer for multilingual Voice and Language AI systems.

Key Functions:

• Enables real-time speech processing
• Supports conversational AI systems
• Enables multilingual telephony systems
• Facilitates voice-based interaction at population scale
• Expands BHASHINI beyond translation into full speech-based AI ecosystem

BHASHINI (Bhasha Interface for India)

• BHASHINI is an AI-powered national language translation and speech platform launched under the Digital India initiative.
• Objective: To bridge Language divide, Literacy divide and Digital divide
• Aim: Make digital services accessible to all Indians in their native languages.

Key Features of BHASHINI

• AI-based language translation across Indian languages
• Speech-to-text and text-to-speech capabilities
• Supports multilingual governance and public services
• Enables digital inclusion in rural and non-English speaking regions
• Supports conversational AI and voice assistants

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