UPSC current affairs · Friday

Current Affairs, 20 February 2026

12 issues picked from 85 PIB releases · about 2 minutes each · written by UPSC Grade, each fact checked against its PIB release or by a second model

How to readRead “Why in news” and “What it is” for every issue. Open For Prelims or For Mains for the exam you’re preparing for, then Test yourself at the foot of each card. Half the news questions in Prelims are answered from background, not the news itself.

In 60 seconds

Pax Silica. India signs Pax Silica declaration to secure the AI and semiconductor supply chain with the US.
Export Promotion Mission (EPM). Seven new MSME export support interventions launched under Export Promotion Mission; ten of eleven now operational.
Border Area Development Programme and Vibrant Villages Programme. VVP-II, worth ₹6,839 crore, extends border village development to 1,954 villages in 17 states.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). CAQM reviews expert source-apportionment report, adds 46 monitoring stations, tightens industrial particulate norms across Delhi-NCR.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and EEZ Fishing Rules 2025. India launches a free online Access Pass for Indian vessels to fish in its EEZ.
Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI). Core industries grew 4.0% in January 2026, led by cement and steel.
National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. NHAI proposes digital-only tolls, FASTag or UPI, from 1 April 2026, ending cash payments.
GDP Base Year Revision (2022-23). MoSPI shifts GDP to base 2022-23 and adopts double deflation for real estimates.
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). India takes over IONS chair after 16 years; Philippines added as Observer.
UIDAI AI-based Biometric Deduplication. UIDAI deploys AI biometric deduplication and document verification to keep one Aadhaar per resident.
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB). Chhattisgarh reports 88,000+ completed works under JSJB 2.0 groundwater recharge drive; Centre urges speed before monsoon.
NITI Aayog Report on Apprenticeship Ecosystem. NITI Aayog's report offers 20 recommendations in five pillars to strengthen India's apprenticeship system.

International relations

Pax Silica

GS2 International RelationsGS3 Science and TechnologyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 20 February 2026, the fifth day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, India formally joined the US-led Pax Silica coalition by signing its declaration.
What it is: Pax Silica is a coalition of trusted nations that aims to secure the whole 'silicon stack'. The stack runs from critical minerals and chip fabrication to advanced AI systems and the infrastructure that deploys them. It is led by the United States and seeks to cut dependence on concentrated supply chains.

What the coalition covers: Pax Silica aims to secure the full silicon stack: critical minerals, semiconductor fabrication, advanced AI systems and deployment infrastructure.
Stated aims: It seeks to reduce overconcentration in supply chains, prevent economic coercion and keep emerging technologies governed by open, democratic societies.
When and where India joined: India formally joined on the fifth day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
US signatory: Jacob Helberg, US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, spoke at the signing; the US Ambassador to India is Sergio Gor.
Skills need: The Minister said the semiconductor industry will need about one million new skilled professionals.

Don’t confuse with Pax Silica vs India Semiconductor Mission: Pax Silica is an international coalition on supply chain security. The India Semiconductor Mission is a domestic programme to build chip manufacturing in India.

Don’t confuse with Pax Silica vs iCET/TRUST: The India-US initiative on critical and emerging technology is a bilateral framework. Pax Silica is a wider coalition of trusted nations.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

Test yourselfMains

Source: PIB, Ministry of Electronics & IT, 20 Feb, 12:56 IST · Release 284626

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

GS3 Economy, external sectorPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 20 February 2026, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal launched seven more interventions under the Export Promotion Mission, taking 10 of 11 proposed interventions live.
What it is: The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) is a Commerce Ministry mission that bundles financial and non-financial support for exporters into one framework. It is run through DGFT with Export Promotion Councils and industry bodies as partners. It covers areas such as export credit, factoring, warehousing and logistics, certification, trade intelligence and market access.

Rollout status: Ten EPM interventions are already rolled out. The branding component is still under stakeholder consultation.
Interest subvention: After industry feedback, interest subvention was extended to small and micro exporters on identified tariff lines.
Committee schedule: The Norms Committee, Policy Relaxation Committee, EPCG Committee and Exim Facilitation Committees will meet fortnightly. The SCOMET inter-ministerial group meets monthly.
District Export Hubs drive: A 90-day activation drive for District Export Hubs began on 1 June 2026, using District Export Promotion Committees and District Export Action Plans.
Implementing agency: DGFT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the main agency for foreign trade policy and facilitation.
EPM period: The Export Promotion Mission is approved for FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, aimed at export competitiveness, especially for MSMEs.
RELIEF outlay: RELIEF has a financial outlay of Rs 497 crore under EPM, to support exporters amid West Asia logistics disruptions.
Cover for already insured consignments: Exporters with ECGC cover for eligible consignments get up to 100% risk coverage over and above existing cover, for 14 Feb to 15 Mar 2026.
Support for upcoming consignments: For 16 Mar to 15 Jun 2026, exporters are encouraged to take ECGC cover, with Government support for up to 95% risk coverage over existing cover.
Reimbursement for non-insured MSMEs: Eligible MSME exporters without ECGC insurance get partial reimbursement of up to 50% of freight and insurance surcharge burden, capped at Rs 50 lakh per exporter.
Two sub-schemes: EPM has NIRYAT PROTSAHAN for trade finance (interest subvention, factoring, collateral guarantees) and NIRYAT DISHA for other enablers (quality, branding, market access, logistics, trade intelligence).
Nodal agency: ECGC Ltd, wholly owned by the Government of India under the Commerce Ministry, verifies claims, pays out and monitors RELIEF.
Outlay: RELIEF has an approved outlay of Rs 497 crore, funded under EPM.
Cover for existing ECGC policyholders: Exporters with ECGC cover get up to 100% extra risk coverage for consignments from 14 Feb to 15 Mar 2026.
Cover for future shipments: For consignments from 16 Mar to 15 Jun 2026, government support covers up to 95% risk coverage over existing ECGC cover.
MSME reimbursement: Non-ECGC-insured MSME exporters can get up to 50% partial reimbursement of freight and insurance surcharges, capped at Rs 50 lakh per exporter.
Review: The EPM Steering Committee will review RELIEF periodically and may modify, continue or withdraw it.
Approval and outlay: The Government approved EPM in November 2025. Its outlay is ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31.
LIFT: LIFT supports hinterland exporters on transport costs. It covers up to 30% of the cost, capped at ₹20 lakh per exporter per year.
Two verticals: EPM combines financial support under Niryat Protsahan with trade ecosystem support under Niryat Disha, in a digitally monitored framework.
TRACE: Reimburses 60% (Positive List) or 75% (Priority Positive List) of testing, inspection and certification costs, up to ₹25 lakh per IEC a year.
Status: With this launch, 10 of the 11 proposed EPM interventions are operational.
Implementing ministries: Jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME and Ministry of Finance.
Collateral guarantee: Offered with CGTMSE: cover up to 85% for Micro and Small exporters, 65% for Medium, with max guaranteed exposure of ₹10 crore per exporter per year.

Don’t confuse with EPC vs DGFT: Export Promotion Councils are industry-facing bodies of exporters that promote specific sectors. DGFT is the government office that administers foreign trade policy.

Don’t confuse with EPCG vs EPC: EPCG is the Export Promotion Capital Goods scheme allowing concessional duty on capital goods imports. EPC is a Council of exporters.

Don’t confuse with NIRYAT PROTSAHAN vs NIRYAT DISHA: PROTSAHAN deals with trade finance; DISHA covers non-financial enablers such as compliance, branding, market access, logistics and trade intelligence.

Don’t confuse with ECGC cover vs RELIEF support: ECGC is the credit insurer; RELIEF is a Government intervention that adds cover on top of ECGC's existing cover or reimburses costs for uninsured MSMEs.

Don’t confuse with ECGC vs EXIM Bank: ECGC insures exporters against non-payment and political risk. EXIM Bank is a financial institution that lends for trade.

Don’t confuse with RELIEF vs EPM: EPM is the umbrella mission. RELIEF is one time-bound intervention under it.

Don’t confuse with EPM vs earlier schemes: EPM replaces earlier schemes such as the Interest Equalisation Scheme and the Market Access Initiative, whose arrears are being cleared under it.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Why it matters

Brings exporter support schemes under one mission, helping use of FTA market access.
District-level hubs can bring new exporters and local products such as GI goods into exports.
Cushions exporters, especially MSMEs, from conflict-driven freight and insurance cost shocks.
Sustains shipment flows and exporter confidence during logistics uncertainty.
Cushions exporters and jobs, especially MSMEs, from conflict-driven freight and insurance costs.
Shows EPM can be used flexibly for quick response to external shocks.
Using ECGC's existing machinery lets support reach exporters fast.
Merges scattered export aid into one framework, reducing fragmentation for MSME exporters.
Eases credit, compliance and logistics costs, which can help competitiveness and market diversification.
Lowers the cost of capital and widens trade finance options for MSMEs.
Helps MSMEs meet international standards and cut logistics disadvantages, supporting broad-based export growth.
Lowers the cost of export credit and eases working capital for MSME exporters.
Improves bank lending to export-oriented MSMEs and supports market diversification and global value chain integration.

Problems

Low uptake of schemes by exporters, especially small ones, needs outreach and handholding.
Pendency and delays in facilitation committees hurt predictability for exporters.
Support is time-bound and conditional on documentary verification and ceilings, so smaller exporters may face compliance burden.
Exporters outside the eligible windows or without ECGC cover (non-MSME) get limited relief.
Fiscal cost is open-ended if the disruption lasts beyond the support window.
Documentary verification and claim processing may delay MSMEs' relief.
Only ECGC-linked or MSME exporters are covered, so other exporters stay exposed to higher costs.
Many separate interventions with caps and eligibility lists may be hard for small exporters to navigate.
Early uptake is low for some components, such as about 60 exporters for collateral support since January 2026.
MSMEs may find it hard to access schemes and claim reimbursements, and many lack awareness of them.
Caps on assistance per IEC or MSME may limit impact, and export growth also depends on global demand and trade barriers.
Caps (₹50 lakh per IEC) and a positive list may limit reach; the pilot depends on RBI and CGTMSE guidelines.
Banks' risk aversion and operational readiness can delay uptake, especially for emerging-market incentives.

Way forward

Run focused outreach with banks and Export Promotion Councils, and track measurable outcomes.
Use FTAs to target new markets and products, with district action plans.
Speed up claim verification and disbursal through digital processes.
Diversify routes and markets, and build lasting logistics resilience beyond one-off relief.
Keep real-time dashboard tracking and review the scheme as conditions change.
Widen ECGC coverage among MSMEs and diversify routes and markets to cut dependence on chokepoints.
Simplify applications on the digital portals and spread awareness among first-time exporters.
Track uptake and release funds on time, including arrears under older schemes.
Keep the digital claim process simple and time-bound, and run outreach through EPCs and district export hubs.
Review outcomes regularly and link support to FTA market opportunities.
Use pilot feedback and data to refine rates, caps and the positive list, with bi-annual reviews.
Pair finance support with NIRYAT DISHA measures on compliance, logistics and market access.

Put in your answer

District Export Hubs: Example of last-mile export promotion: District Export Promotion Committees and District Export Action Plans identify products and districts with export potential.

EPM structure: Cite EPM's two sub-schemes, NIRYAT PROTSAHAN (trade finance) and NIRYAT DISHA (trade enablers), as an example of integrated export support.

RELIEF under EPM: A targeted, time-bound intervention with Rs 497 crore to offset war-related freight and insurance costs.

EPM outlay: ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, with a focus on MSMEs.

Interest subvention rate: Interest subvention of 2.75%, up to ₹50 lakh, on pre- and post-shipment export credit for MSMEs.

Cost of capital and compliance: The new interventions aim to address MSME constraints: high cost of capital, limited trade finance instruments, compliance burdens, logistics disadvantages and market entry barriers.

FTA reach: Nine concluded FTAs give access to nearly 70% of global GDP and two-thirds of global trade, as stated by the Minister.

Mission outlay: ₹25,060 crore over FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, focused on MSMEs, first-time exporters and labour-intensive sectors.

Guarantee design: Cover of 85% for Micro and Small and 65% for Medium exporters, up to ₹10 crore exposure per exporter.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 19

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.ECGC Ltd has been designated the nodal agency for implementing RELIEF.
2.RELIEF is funded separately from the Export Promotion Mission through a standalone allocation.
3.For existing ECGC policyholders, RELIEF offers up to 100% additional risk coverage for consignments in the period 14 February to 15 March 2026.
4.Non-ECGC-insured MSME exporters can get partial reimbursement of up to 50% of surcharge burdens, subject to a ceiling of Rs 50 lakh per exporter.
5.ECGC provides export credit insurance against commercial and political risks.
6.RELIEF is a permanent scheme with no provision for withdrawal.
7.Under the Export Promotion Mission, financial enablers are grouped under Niryat Protsahan and trade ecosystem support under Niryat Disha.
8.The export factoring intervention offers an interest subvention of 2.75% on factoring cost.
9.TRACE reimburses a higher share of testing and certification costs for items on the Priority Positive List than on the Positive List.
10.LIFT is meant to reduce the geographical disadvantage of exporters in districts with high export intensity.
11.INSIGHT can provide up to 100% support for proposals from Central and State Government institutions and Indian Missions abroad.
12.All 11 proposed interventions under the Export Promotion Mission are now operational.
13.The Export Promotion Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2025.
14.The Mission is implemented solely by the Department of Commerce.
15.NIRYAT DISHA focuses on access to affordable trade finance, while NIRYAT PROTSAHAN supports non-financial enablers such as branding and logistics.
16.The base interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit is 2.75 per cent.
17.The interest subvention applies to all tariff lines without restriction.
18.The collateral guarantee for export credit is being introduced in partnership with CGTMSE.
19.Guarantee coverage is up to 65 per cent for Micro and Small exporters and up to 85 per cent for Medium exporters.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 20 Feb, 13:36 IST · Release 284631

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Border Area Development Programme and Vibrant Villages Programme

GS3 Internal security: border areasGS2 SchemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 20 February 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the ₹6,839 crore Vibrant Villages Programme-II at Nathanpur village in Assam. It covers border villages in 17 states.
What it is: The Border Area Development Programme (BADP) is a Ministry of Home Affairs scheme that funds basic infrastructure in villages near international borders. The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) is a newer border scheme for comprehensive development of select villages in border blocks, with the aim of improving living conditions and reducing out-migration.

BADP coverage: BADP covers villages and towns within 0-10 km (aerial distance) of the first habitation at the international border, in 16 States and 2 UTs.
BADP status: BADP is in its sunset phase and funds are allocated only for committed liability.
BADP method: BADP provides infrastructure such as health, education, roads, agriculture, sports, drinking water and sanitation, by convergence of central, State, UT and local schemes.
VVP-I: VVP-I was approved on 15 February 2023 for 662 select villages in blocks abutting the Northern border, in 4 States and 1 UT.
VVP-II: VVP-II was approved on 2 April 2025 for 1954 villages along International Land Borders other than the northern border, in 15 States and 2 UTs, till FY 2028-29.
Nodal ministry: BADP is run by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Scheme type and outlay: VVP-II is a Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of ₹6839 crore till FY 2028-29.
Coverage: 1954 villages in blocks abutting international land borders, excluding the Northern Border covered under VVP-I.
Focus areas: Livelihood, roads, energisation, village infrastructure including health, financial inclusion, youth skills, cooperatives/SHGs/FPOs, tourism and culture, education, TV and telecom connectivity.
Implementing ministry: The scheme is run by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
BADP: BADP funds basic infrastructure in villages near international borders; it is also a Home Ministry scheme.
Outlay: VVP-II is launched at a cost of ₹6,839 crore.
Border covered: It targets blocks adjoining the international border.
Components: The programme includes schemes on security, saturation of welfare schemes and connectivity.
Ministry: The scheme is run by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Assam share: Assam has 140 villages in 26 blocks of 9 districts under the programme.
Launch: VVP-II is launched at Nathanpur village in Cachar district, Assam, on 20 February 2026.
Type and outlay: VVP-II is a Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of ₹6,839 crore up to FY 2028–29.
Approach: It uses a saturation-based and convergence-driven approach to develop border villages.
Security role: Residents are meant to act as the eyes and ears of the nation, aiding border security and preventing cross-border crime.

Don’t confuse with BADP vs VVP: BADP funds basic infrastructure in a 0-10 km border strip and is now in sunset phase. VVP gives comprehensive development to select villages in border blocks and is the current programme.

Don’t confuse with VVP-I vs VVP-II: VVP-I covers the Northern border (662 villages, 2023). VVP-II covers other land borders (1954 villages, 2025, till FY 2028-29).

Don’t confuse with Central Sector vs Centrally Sponsored: Central Sector schemes are fully funded by the Centre. Centrally Sponsored Schemes share costs with States.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Why it matters

Border villages get better infrastructure and services, which can reduce out-migration.
Settled border populations strengthen security and surveillance.
Better livelihoods and services in border villages can reduce out-migration and strengthen border security.
Gives border villages roads, telecom, education and livelihood support, which reduces out-migration.
Settled border populations strengthen border security and act as the eyes and ears of the state.
Develops border villages and curbs out-migration, keeping border areas populated.
Residents act as the eyes and ears of the nation, aiding border security and countering cross-border crime.

Problems

Difficult terrain and remoteness slow execution of projects.
Overlap between BADP, VVP and other schemes can cause coordination gaps.
Difficult terrain, remoteness and weak last-mile delivery slow infrastructure work.
Remote terrain, harsh weather and weak connectivity delay work and raise costs.
Local jobs and livelihoods are scarce, so saturating welfare schemes may not stop migration.
Difficult terrain, remoteness and poor connectivity slow work in border villages.
Coordinating many departments for convergence and delivering on time is hard.

Way forward

Strengthen convergence of central, State and local schemes under VVP.
Monitor outcomes at village level and complete BADP committed works.
Converge with other schemes and involve local communities, SHGs and cooperatives for asset upkeep.
Converge with other schemes and monitor with local participation.
Build livelihood options such as tourism, handicrafts and local enterprises.
Monitor outcomes with clear village-level indicators and third-party review.
Involve local communities and Panchayats in planning, and link livelihoods to local strengths.

Put in your answer

VVP-I: 662 villages in 4 States and 1 UT along the Northern border, approved February 2023.

VVP-II: 1954 villages in 15 States and 2 UTs along other land borders, till FY 2028-29.

Aim of the scheme: Develop border villages at par with others, stop migration and prevent infiltration.

Security through development: Strengthened villages let residents serve as the eyes and ears of the nation against cross-border crime.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 25

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.BADP covers villages situated within 0-10 km of the first habitation at the international border.
2.BADP is presently in its sunset phase, with funds allocated for committed liability.
3.Vibrant Villages Programme-I was approved in February 2023 for villages along the Northern border.
4.Vibrant Villages Programme-II covers villages along the Northern border only.
5.BADP is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
6.Vibrant Villages Programme-II has been approved as a Central Sector Scheme.
7.VVP-II covers villages along the Northern Border.
8.The programme includes Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat among its States.
9.VVP-II is funded till FY 2028-29 with an outlay of ₹6839 crore.
10.The programme excludes development of cooperatives, SHGs and FPOs from its focus areas.
11.VVP-II is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
12.Vibrant Villages Programme-II covers villages in 17 states and Union Territories.
13.The programme covers about 1,954 villages in 334 blocks adjoining the international border.
14.The programme was launched from a village in Assam's Barak Valley.
15.Vibrant Villages Programme-II is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
16.The programme includes components related to security, saturation of welfare schemes and connectivity.
17.Assam has 140 villages under the programme, spread over 9 districts.
18.The programme is limited to the northern border with China.
19.Vibrant Villages Programme–II is a Central Sector Scheme.
20.VVP-II is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in which States share the cost.
21.VVP-II is to be implemented across 15 States and 2 Union Territories.
22.VVP-II has an outlay of ₹6,839 crore up to FY 2028–29.
23.VVP-II was launched from Nathanpur village in Cachar district of Tripura.
24.VVP-II follows a saturation-based and convergence-driven approach.
25.The Border Area Development Programme is implemented by the Ministry of Defence.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Home Affairs, 20 Feb, 16:27 IST · Release 284642

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Environment

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

GS3 Environment / PollutionGS2 Statutory bodiesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 20 February 2026, CAQM held its 27th Full Commission meeting. It reviewed a 33-expert report on pollution sources in Delhi and approved 46 more air quality stations and stricter industrial PM norms.
What it is: CAQM is the statutory body for air quality management in the NCR and adjoining areas, set up under a 2021 law. It replaced the EPCA and can issue binding directions. GRAP is the Graded Response Action Plan, a set of stage-wise emergency measures that CAQM's Sub-Committee triggers as air quality worsens.

Trigger: The Sub-Committee on GRAP reviewed air quality and IMD/IITM forecasts on 6 November 2026 before invoking Stage-III.
AQI data source: The daily AQI bulletin of the CPCB put Delhi at 382, in the 'Very Poor' category.
Cumulative stages: Stage-III actions apply in addition to Stage-I and Stage-II actions already in force.
Implementing agencies: Pollution Control Boards of NCR States and the DPCC must ensure strict implementation of all three stages.
Legal basis: CAQM was set up under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, and replaced the EPCA.
PAVAN full form: PAVAN stands for Platform for Air quality Vigilance and Analytics for NCR. It is the name of CAQM's Integrated Command and Control Centre (I3C).
Data integrated: The platform uses over 30 APIs and data streams, including air quality, emissions, weather, satellite, camera, mobility, complaint and compliance data.
Working principle: The centre works on 'Detect, Analyse, Act'. Deviations from norms or Statutory Directions trigger alerts and escalation to the concerned agency.
States covered: The State Action Plan module covers Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Industries covered: The order covers all 17 highly polluting categories identified by CPCB, Red Category medium and large air-polluting industries, food and textile units with boilers or thermic fluid heaters, and metal units with furnaces.
Camera placement: Cameras must cover fuel-feeding points, gas meters, stack emissions and OCEMS sampling ports, and fume extraction areas where applicable.
Live feed: Video must stream continuously in real time using RTSP to the servers or portals of CPCB, the SPCBs and DPCC.
Enforcement: The State Governments of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and the GNCTD, with CPCB and the SPCBs/DPCC, must ensure implementation.
State split: Punjab has 18 districts and Haryana has 16 districts covered.
Reporting: Squads report the ground situation and steps taken to the CAQM Cell daily. The cell is at SAS Nagar.
Predecessor: CAQM replaced the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) for the NCR.
Revised GRAP size: The revised GRAP has 48 actions: 25 in Stage-I, 8 in Stage-II, 10 in Stage-III and 5 in Stage-IV.
Shift of actions to Stage-I: Actions on DG sets and entry of BS-IV and below buses moved from Stage-II to Stage-I.
Sonipat added: Restrictions on older LMVs (BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel) now extend to Sonipat, along with the existing HVD districts.
C&D portal monitoring: The web-portal monitoring of dust control at C&D sites extends to eligible projects beyond municipal limits; the 500 sq m plot threshold is unchanged.
Technical Members: The ACC approved two full-time Technical Members for three years or until age 70, whichever is earlier.
Direction: Statutory Direction No. 98 sets a uniform PM emission limit of 50 mg/Nm³ for identified industries in Delhi-NCR.
Basis: The standard rests on CPCB recommendations, IIT Kanpur studies and a CPCB Technical Committee.
Timelines: Large and medium industries must comply from 1 August 2026; the remaining industries from 1 October 2026.
Who implements: NCR State Governments, the Delhi Government, the Pollution Control Boards of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee must implement it.
Main pollutant: PM2.5 is the dominant pollutant affecting Delhi's AQI. Both local emissions and transboundary movement across the airshed matter.
Direction on stubble: Direction No. 96 of 13.02.2026 mandates time-bound implementation of State Action Plans to end wheat stubble burning in 2026.
States addressed: The Direction is addressed to Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Delhi (GNCTD) and Rajasthan are only advised to make efforts.
Fire count, April-May 2025: Fire events recorded in the wheat season were 10207 in Punjab, 1832 in Haryana and 259 in the NCR districts of Uttar Pradesh. The standard protocol was developed by ISRO/IARI.
Parali Protection Force: States must set up a dedicated Parali Protection Force at district or block level to monitor and guard against open burning.
Support for small farmers: CRM machines must be available rent-free to small and marginal farmers through Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs).
Who invoked Stage-IV: The Sub-Committee on GRAP of CAQM took the decision at an urgent evening meeting.
Stage-IV trigger: Stage-IV is the 'Severe+' category, with Delhi's AQI above 450. It was invoked proactively, before that level was reached, and applies on top of Stages I-III.
Stage-III band: Stage-III of GRAP is for 'Severe' air quality (AQI 401-450). It was invoked early, as a proactive measure, while the AQI was still 'Very Poor'.
Legal basis of CAQM: CAQM is a statutory body created under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, replacing EPCA.

Don’t confuse with CAQM vs EPCA: EPCA was the earlier body set up under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 on Supreme Court direction. CAQM is a statutory commission under its own 2021 Act and replaced EPCA.

Don’t confuse with CAQM vs CPCB: CPCB publishes the AQI bulletin and monitors air quality nationally. CAQM issues binding directions for the NCR and adjoining areas.

Don’t confuse with CPCB vs SPCB/DPCC: CPCB is the central pollution control body. SPCBs and DPCC are state and Delhi bodies that monitor compliance locally.

Don’t confuse with CAAQMS vs manual stations: CAAQMS are continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations giving real-time data. Manual stations sample periodically.

Don’t confuse with In-situ vs ex-situ management: In-situ management treats residue in the field itself. Ex-situ management removes the straw for other uses such as fodder or fuel.

Don’t confuse with GRAP Stage-III vs Stage-IV: Stage-III applies to 'Severe' (AQI 401-450). Stage-IV is for 'Severe+' (AQI above 450).

Environment: Prelims tests bodies, programmes and the law behind them; Mains asks why plans fall short.

Why it matters

A statutory body with binding powers gives a single authority across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, which have separate governments.
A single data platform can cut delays in spotting and acting on pollution sources.
It supports regional coordination across States, since air pollution crosses State borders.
Live video lets regulators check fuel use and emissions remotely, which reduces reliance on periodic inspections.
It targets industrial pollution, a major NCR source in winter when pollutants disperse poorly.
A dedicated NCR-level body can direct neighbouring States, which tackles air pollution that crosses State borders.
Daily field reporting allows quick follow-up on fires in the harvest season.
A single statutory body can give binding, region-wide directions across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and UP, overcoming fragmented state action.
Stage-wise GRAP allows pre-emptive, graded action rather than emergency steps after air quality turns severe.
A uniform stack limit removes uneven norms across NCR states and targets a major source of PM and secondary particulates.
Source apportionment gives a scientific basis for targeted action on transport, dust, industry and biomass burning.
More monitoring stations improve regional data for an airshed-wide approach beyond Delhi.
A binding direction gives CAQM enforceable control over State action on a cross-border pollution source.
Extending action to the wheat season addresses a gap beyond paddy-season measures.
Shows CAQM acting as a single regional authority with power to bind NCR States and agencies.
Staged, pre-agreed GRAP curbs allow quick, predictable emergency response.
Pre-emptive action on forecasts can limit the worst pollution days in the NCR.
A single commission acting across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and UP reduces fragmented, state-wise responses.

Problems

GRAP is reactive: it acts after air quality has already worsened rather than preventing the pollution.
Enforcement depends on State agencies and on citizen compliance.
Alerts help only if State agencies and SPCBs act on them; enforcement capacity varies.
Stubble burning and weather-driven pollution have farm-economy and seasonal causes that data alone cannot fix.
Industries must install cameras and ensure power backup and connectivity within a short deadline.
Regulators need servers and staff to review large volumes of live video, and states must enforce consistently.
Farmers have a short window between paddy harvest and wheat sowing and face costs of alternatives.
Enforcement depends on State agencies, and the issue is politically sensitive.
Enforcement depends on State agencies; Haryana's plantation achievement (60 lakh of 1.2 crore target) shows uneven delivery.
Curbs on vehicles and construction impose economic costs on small traders and workers, and compliance is hard to monitor.
Monitoring thousands of stacks needs capacity in State pollution boards, and smaller units may struggle with the cost of control equipment.
Transboundary pollution and secondary particulates need coordination across several States with different capacities.
Enforcement of directions on stubble, dust and industry depends on weak local agencies, and compliance is uneven.
Enforcement depends on State machinery, and punitive measures may hurt small farmers.
Straw storage and a year-round supply chain for ex-situ use need investment.
Curbs are reactive and often invoked only after AQI is already severe.
Enforcement depends on several State governments and agencies, and curbs on construction and transport hurt livelihoods.
Many measures depend on state governments and pollution boards for enforcement, and compliance varies.
GRAP curbs fall hardest on daily-wage construction workers and small businesses, and it treats symptoms rather than root sources.

Way forward

Move towards preventive, year-round action on sources such as vehicles, dust, industry and biomass burning.
Use forecasts to trigger measures earlier and strengthen coordination among NCR States.
Tie alerts to time-bound action and public reporting of follow-up.
Pair monitoring with support for farmers on crop residue management and cleaner fuel and transport.
Link camera feeds with OCEMS data and use automated alerts for violations.
Impose penalties for non-compliance and publish compliance reports.
Ensure affordable access to crop residue machinery and in-situ and ex-situ management of residue.
Combine monitoring with incentives and crop diversification away from water-intensive paddy.
Strengthen monitoring through web portals, the Enforcement Task Force and real-time data, with action against non-compliance.
Address the root causes: clean transport, cleaner fuels, and alternatives to stubble burning, with coordination among states.
Use continuous emission monitoring with public data, and give small units technical and financial support to comply.
Use the apportionment findings to set season-specific, sector-wise targets with regular public reporting.
Back farmers with crop residue machinery and alternatives, and strengthen State and municipal enforcement capacity.
Pair monitoring and environmental compensation with free machinery access and viable markets for straw.
Use satellite data and monthly progress reports to hold States accountable.
Act earlier on forecasts and cut year-round sources such as vehicles, dust and industry.
Strengthen coordination and monitoring among NCR States, with support for affected workers.
Shift to year-round source control: cleaner transport, industry and power, and dust management.
Coordinate regional action on stubble burning and provide livelihood support when curbs apply.

Put in your answer

CAQM Act, 2021: A statutory commission replaced the EPCA, giving the NCR air quality regime legal backing and binding directions.

PAVAN-I3C data sources: The centre draws on 111 CAAQMS in Delhi-NCR, over 2,300 industries and over 3,200 construction sites, which shows the scale of integration.

Shift in compliance: CAQM moves from manual, agency-reported monitoring to digital, data-driven compliance management.

CAQM Flying Squads: Inspections by CAQM Flying Squads found use of unapproved fuels in NCR industries, showing the need for stronger surveillance.

Secondary particulate matter: Industrial emissions add to secondary particulate matter besides raising direct PM levels, and the effect is prominent in winter.

CAQM Act 2021: The 2021 Act created a statutory commission with powers to issue directions to curb air pollution in the NCR region.

Enforcement Task Force data: As on 17.09.2026, 1,831 violating units were issued closure orders, 1,479 of which got resumption orders after compliance.

Industrial stacks: Industrial stack emissions are a significant source of elevated PM in Delhi-NCR and cause secondary particulate formation.

Winter PM2.5 sources (Delhi): Expert report: secondary particulates 27%, transport 23%, biomass burning 20%, dust 15%, industry 9%.

Wheat-season fire data: Satellite monitoring of April-May 2025 recorded 10207 fires in Punjab, 1832 in Haryana and 259 in NCR districts of UP. This shows stubble burning is not only a paddy-season problem.

Farm-level mapping and nodal officers: The Direction requires mapping each farm's residue management mode and tagging at most 100 farmers to each nodal officer. This is an example of last-mile monitoring.

Stage-IV measures: Example of emergency curbs: BS-IV truck entry stopped, C&D bans extended to linear public projects, hybrid classes for schools.

GRAP Stage-III invoked, Jan 2026: CAQM acted on forecasts of a 'Severe' AQI, showing a shift toward pre-emptive, forecast-based action.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 11

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.The revised GRAP schedule contains a total of 48 actions across its four stages.
2.Under the revision, actions on DG sets and entry of BS-IV and below buses were moved from Stage-III to Stage-II.
3.Restrictions on older four-wheeler LMVs now cover Sonipat in addition to Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.
4.The amendment to Direction Nos. 11-18 lowers the plot-area threshold for C&D site registration below 500 square metres.
5.The Technical Members of CAQM were appointed with the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
6.CAQM was established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 as an authority under Section 3 of that Act, replacing the Central Pollution Control Board.
7.The revision removed the exemption for BS-IV and below goods vehicles carrying essential commodities in Stages III and IV.
8.The expert report considered by CAQM was prepared pursuant to directions of the Supreme Court.
9.According to the report, in winter the largest single contributor to PM2.5 in Delhi is transport.
10.Of the new stations, Uttar Pradesh is to get the most, followed by Haryana and Delhi.
11.CAQM was established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, replacing the EPCA.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change., 20 Feb, 18:39 IST · Release 284669

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and EEZ Fishing Rules 2025

GS3 Agriculture and fisheriesGS2 SchemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 20 February 2026, the Fisheries Minister launched the online, free Access Pass for fishing in India's EEZ at Veraval, Gujarat, under the 2025 EEZ Rules.
What it is: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is the flagship scheme of the Department of Fisheries for fisheries and aquaculture development. It runs from 2020-21 and funds harbours, cold chains, insurance and climate-resilient fishing villages.

Outlay and start: PMMSY began in 2020-21 with an outlay of Rs 20,750 crore.
Fish production: India's fish production reached 183.93 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, with inland fisheries giving 75.57 percent.
Kisan Credit Card for fishers: The KCC facility was extended to fishers and fish farmers in 2018-19 for working capital.
Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages: The CRCFV programme builds fisheries infrastructure and promotes seaweed cultivation, artificial reefs and green fuel. Turtle Excluder Devices are a PMMSY component.
Seafood exports: Seafood exports rose from Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 62,408 crore in 2024-25.
Potential yield of EEZ: An Expert Committee estimated India's EEZ potential yield at 53.1 lakh tons.
Training nodal agency: NFDB is the nodal agency for the PMMSY training component, working with CIFNET.
PMMSY start: PMMSY has been implemented from 2020-21 and includes support for acquiring deep-sea vessels for traditional fishermen.
EEZ extent: India's EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.
Legal basis: The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025 were notified on 4 November 2025 under the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, EEZ and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976.
How it is issued: The pass is free and issued online via the ReALCRaft portal, built by NIC and the Department of Fisheries.
Export link: ReALCRaft is integrated with MPEDA for catch certificates and with the Export Inspection Council for health certificates.
Sea safety: One lakh free transponders are being fitted on fishing vessels; over 50,000 are installed.
Access Pass: A completely online, free-of-cost pass for authorised Indian vessels to fish in the EEZ, launched at Veraval, Gujarat.
EEZ Rules 2025: The 'Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ, 2025' Rules were notified on 4 November 2025, in line with the Budget 2025-26 announcement.
Foreign vessels: The Rules strictly prohibit entry of foreign fishing vessels into the Indian EEZ.
Fishing Harbour Cluster: Veraval has been designated a 'Fishing Harbour Cluster' under PMMSY.
Duty-free catch: Fish catch by any Indian vessel in the EEZ/high seas is duty-free as per Budget 2026.
VCSS rollout: The National Rollout Plan for VCSS covers one lakh mechanized and motorized marine fishing vessels in all 13 coastal states and UTs, with an outlay of Rs 364 crore.
ISRO role: VCSS is implemented with technical support from ISRO.
What VCSS does: It is a satellite-based two-way communication system giving weather alerts, No Fishing Zone alerts and IMBL geo-fencing, and it integrates with the Nabhmitra App.
Progress: More than 49,000 transponders have been installed so far.
Banned methods in EEZ: Bull trawling, pair trawling and artificial or LED lights for fishing are prohibited in the Indian EEZ. Purse seine fishing is not prohibited in the EEZ beyond territorial waters, on an Expert Committee's recommendation.
Enforcement: States and UTs enforce fishing rules under their Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts, including seizure, penalties and prosecution.

Don’t confuse with PMMSY vs Blue Revolution: The Blue Revolution scheme preceded PMMSY, which is the current flagship scheme from 2020-21.

Don’t confuse with Blue Revolution vs PMMSY: Blue Revolution was the earlier Centrally Sponsored Scheme; PMMSY (from 2020-21) is the later flagship Central sector scheme.

Don’t confuse with EEZ vs territorial sea: Territorial sea reaches 12 nautical miles with full sovereignty; EEZ reaches 200 nautical miles with sovereign rights over resources.

Don’t confuse with Territorial waters vs EEZ: Territorial waters extend up to 12 nautical miles; the EEZ lies from 12 to 200 nautical miles, where India has sovereign rights over resources.

Don’t confuse with ReALCRaft vs Access Pass: ReALCRaft is the online registration and licensing portal; the Access Pass is the permit for EEZ fishing issued through it.

Don’t confuse with EEZ vs territorial waters: Territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles with full sovereignty; the EEZ extends to 200 nautical miles with sovereign rights over resources.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Why it matters

Supports livelihoods of over 2.8 crore fishers and fish farmers.
Raises exports and value addition through post-harvest and cold-chain infrastructure.
Access passes bring larger vessels into a regulated system, helping track and manage EEZ fishing.
Deep-sea support shifts traditional fishers toward under-used EEZ resources.
Taps under-used EEZ resources such as tuna, raising fishers' incomes and seafood exports.
Gives a legal and traceable framework that supports conservation and compliance with international obligations.
Routes access through cooperatives and FFPOs, so small fishers gain from deep-sea fishing.
Opens under-used deep-sea resources such as tuna and raises fisher incomes.
Digital passes improve traceability and protect the EEZ from foreign vessels.
Transponders improve safety of fishers at sea and help stop accidental crossing of the IMBL.

Problems

Approved central share (Rs 9,189.79 crore) is well below the full outlay, and funds released lag approvals in many states.
Inland output dominates, leaving marine fisheries and coastal communities exposed to climate risk.
Actual EEZ catch is small against the 53.1 lakh tonne potential yield, and vessel costs are high.
Traditional fishers need skills and capital for deep-sea operations.
Deep-sea vessels, skills and capital are costly for small fishers, who may be crowded out by large operators.
Monitoring and enforcement across a vast EEZ is hard, with risks of overfishing and maritime boundary incidents.
Small fishers lack deep-sea vessels, capital and skills.
Overfishing and monitoring of far-off vessels are difficult.
Enforcement lies with states and rules differ across territorial waters, so harmful methods persist.
Small fishers may find it hard to maintain and use the devices.

Way forward

Speed up release of funds and project completion.
Expand insurance and credit coverage and climate-resilient livelihoods for coastal fishers.
Expand training and subsidised finance for deep-sea vessels.
Enforce monitoring of access passes while protecting fish stocks.
Expand training through CIFNET and FSI and finance cooperative-owned deep-sea vessels, including under PMMSY.
Strengthen vessel tracking, stock assessment and catch limits to keep harvesting sustainable.
Organise fishers into cooperatives and FFPOs and support vessel upgrades.
Expand training, transponder tracking and sustainable catch limits.
Harmonise state Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts and coordinate Coast Guard and state patrols.
Use transponder data for monitoring and stock management.

Put in your answer

Fish production: 183.93 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, 75.57% inland.

Seafood exports: Exports doubled from Rs 30,213 crore to Rs 62,408 crore between 2013-14 and 2024-25; value-added share rose from 2% to 11%.

EEZ potential yield: The Expert Committee put India's EEZ potential yield at 53.1 lakh tons.

Access passes issued: 707 access passes had been issued by 5 March 2026.

Fisher welfare data: Accident insurance cover is raised to ₹5 lakh, benefiting over 33 lakh fishers.

EEZ size: India's EEZ spans nearly 24 lakh sq km but is under-utilised.

Safety measures: Transponders for real-time tracking and PFZ advisories are cited as safety systems.

Banned practices: Bull trawling, pair trawling and LED-light fishing are prohibited in the EEZ.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 23

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025 were notified under the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976.
2.The National Fisheries Development Board is the nodal agency for the training component of PMMSY.
3.PMMSY has been implemented since 2020-21.
4.Access passes for EEZ fishing are applied for on the ReALCraft portal.
5.India's Exclusive Economic Zone extends up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline.
6.The Access Pass for fishing in the EEZ is issued free of cost through the ReALCRaft portal.
7.Traditional non-motorised fishing crafts are exempt from the Access Pass requirement.
8.The EEZ of India extends from the coastline up to 200 nautical miles.
9.The ReALCRaft portal is integrated with MPEDA and the Export Inspection Council for export-related certificates.
10.Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep together account for about 49% of India's EEZ.
11.PMMSY is a scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
12.The Access Pass for fishing in India's EEZ is issued through an online portal free of cost.
13.The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules were notified in November 2025.
14.Veraval has been designated a Fishing Harbour Cluster under PMMSY.
15.PMMSY was launched in 2020-21 and is implemented by the Department of Fisheries.
16.India's Exclusive Economic Zone extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.
17.The Vessel Communication and Support System is being implemented with technical support from ISRO.
18.The VCSS project is planned to cover one lakh marine fishing vessels in all coastal states and UTs.
19.VCSS is a one-way broadcast system that only sends weather alerts to fishers.
20.Purse seine fishing is prohibited in the Indian EEZ beyond territorial waters.
21.Enforcement against prohibited fishing is primarily done by State/UT governments under their Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts.
22.The Coast Guard and State Fisheries Departments conduct regular joint patrols to enforce fishing rules.
23.The Indian Exclusive Economic Zone extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, 20 Feb, 15:49 IST · Release 284639

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Economy

Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI)

GS3 Economy: industry and infrastructurePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 20 February 2026 the Commerce Ministry released the Index of Eight Core Industries for January 2026. The combined index rose 4.0 per cent (provisional) over January 2025.
What it is: The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) tracks the output of eight key infrastructure industries. It uses base year 2011-12=100. These industries make up a large share of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and give an early signal of industrial trends.

Eight industries: ICI covers coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement and electricity.
Share in IIP: The eight industries carry 40.27% of the weight of items in the IIP.
Smallest weight: Fertilizers have the lowest weight at 2.63%; they fell 24.6% in March 2026.
Renewables: Since April 2014, electricity generation from renewable sources is also included.
Weight in IIP: The eight core industries make up 40.27 per cent of the weight of items in the IIP.
Renewables included: Since April 2014, electricity generation from renewable sources is also included.
Revision: The latest month's data is provisional and is revised or finalised later; December 2025 data was final.

Don’t confuse with ICI vs IIP: ICI covers eight industries and is a subset in terms of items; IIP covers mining, manufacturing and electricity broadly and is released by MoSPI.

Don’t confuse with Weights in ICI vs in IIP: The ICI weights are the IIP weights scaled pro rata so that they add up to 100, so they differ from the weights in IIP.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 20 Feb, 17:00 IST · Release 284649

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008

GS3 InfrastructurePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 20 February 2026, the Road Transport Ministry said NHAI is considering ending cash payments at all National Highway fee plazas from 1 April 2026. Only FASTag or UPI would be accepted.
What it is: The National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 set how user fee (toll) is fixed and collected on national highways, permanent bridges, bypasses and tunnels. They are framed under the National Highways Act, 1956. The rules fix fee by vehicle type and are amended from time to time, including the penalty for entering a lane without valid FASTag.

Penalty for no valid FASTag, paying cash: A vehicle without a valid, functional FASTag pays twice the applicable user fee if it pays in cash.
UPI rate: A user without FASTag who pays by UPI is charged 1.25 times the user fee for the vehicle category.
FASTag penetration: FASTag penetration is over 98 percent. It uses RFID tags fixed on vehicles.
Scale: The change would cover over 1,150 fee plazas on National Highways and Expressways.
Legal basis: The fee rules are made under the National Highways Act, 1956.
Change made: On a National Expressway not open end to end, the completed length will be charged at the lower National Highway rate.
Earlier position: Expressway fee was 25% above the normal National Highway fee, even for a partly completed expressway.
Name of amendment: It is titled the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
Stated aim: To push traffic onto the opened expressway stretches and decongest parallel old highways, speeding up logistics and cutting pollution.
Parent law: The 2008 Rules are made under the National Highways Act, 1956, administered by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.

Don’t confuse with FASTag vs UPI payment: FASTag is a prepaid RFID tag that debits automatically. UPI is a mobile instant payment system used at the plaza by those without FASTag.

Don’t confuse with NHAI vs Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: NHAI implements the toll plan. The Ministry frames the policy and the fee rules.

Don’t confuse with National Highway vs National Expressway fee: Expressways are access-controlled and normally carry a fee 25% higher than normal National Highways. The cut applies only to the completed length of a partly open expressway.

Don’t confuse with Fee Rules 2008 vs National Highways Act 1956: The Act is the parent law. The Rules are delegated legislation framed under it that set fee rates and collection.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, 20 Feb, 17:01 IST · Release 284646

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Economy

GDP Base Year Revision (2022-23)

GS3 National income accountingPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 20 February 2026 MoSPI released the report of the Sub-Committee for Constant Price Estimates for the new GDP series with base 2022-23. The new series is due on 27 February 2026.
What it is: The base year is the reference year whose prices and structure are used to measure real output and to weight indices. India revises it every several years so that GDP, IIP and price indices reflect the current economy. The previous GDP series used 2011-12 as base.

New base year: GDP base year changed from 2011-12 to 2022-23; revised estimates released on 27 February 2026.
Classification used: GDP compilation uses National Industrial Classification (NIC)-2025.
CPI 2024 series: The CPI 2024 series introduces Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) for price collection using handheld devices.
IIP new base: The new IIP series has base year 2022-23, with wider coverage and updated weights.
Nowcasting: Economic Survey 2025-26 presents a nowcasting framework using high-frequency indicators to give early GDP growth estimates before official quarterly data.
Monthly Economic Review: The Department of Economic Affairs publishes the Monthly Economic Review.
Release date: The new series is scheduled for release on 27 February 2026.
Data sources sub-committee: It was headed by Manish Sinha, CEO of GSTN, with members from academia, Centre, States and RBI.
GST data use: GST outward supplies data will be used to allocate GVA of private corporations among States/UTs.
ASUSE and PLFS: Household sector and quasi-corporation GVA is now compiled from ASUSE (annual since 2021-22) and PLFS (since 2017-18), removing the need to extrapolate base-year estimates.
Advisory Committee: ACNAS, chaired by Prof. B.N. Goldar, advised on methodology and new data sources.
Double deflation: Output and intermediate consumption are deflated separately to get Value Added at constant prices; used for manufacturing industries.
Deflators used: The new series uses CPI (Base 2024), UVI (Base 2022-23) and WPI (Base 2022-23) or PPI when available.

Don’t confuse with Real vs nominal GDP: Real GDP is measured at base-year (constant) prices; nominal GDP at current prices.

Don’t confuse with GDP vs GVA: GVA is output minus intermediate consumption; GDP equals GVA plus product taxes minus product subsidies.

Don’t confuse with GVA vs GDP: GDP equals GVA plus product taxes minus product subsidies.

Don’t confuse with PFCE vs GFCF: PFCE is household consumption spending; GFCF is investment in fixed assets.

Don’t confuse with Double deflation vs single deflator: Single deflator uses one price index for the whole sector; double deflation deflates output and inputs separately.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 17

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.The revised GDP series released in February 2026 uses 2022-23 as its base year.
2.The CPI 2024 series introduces Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing for price data collection.
3.The Monthly Economic Review is published by the Department of Economic Affairs.
4.Nowcasting uses high-frequency indicators such as GST collections, e-way bills and electricity consumption to estimate economic activity before official quarterly GDP data.
5.Changing the base year of GDP changes the year whose prices are used to calculate nominal GDP.
6.The Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics for the revision was chaired by Manish Sinha.
7.In the new series, GST data will be used to allocate the GVA of private corporations among States and UTs.
8.In the 2011-12 series, GST data was not used in any national accounts compilation.
9.ASUSE has been conducted annually by MoSPI since 2021-22.
10.PFCE benchmark estimates in the new series are based mainly on the Annual Survey of Industries.
11.For GVA of private NBFCs, the new series replaces proxy-based loan growth with actual financial data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs database.
12.The new GDP series of India uses 2022-23 as its base year.
13.Under double deflation, only the output is deflated by a price index, while intermediate consumption is kept at current prices.
14.In the new series, double deflation is adopted for various industries in the manufacturing sector.
15.The new series uses Unit Value Indices at commodity-group level to deflate exports and imports of goods.
16.The Advisory Committee on National Account Statistics for the new series was chaired by Prof. B.N. Goldar.
17.National Accounts Statistics in India are compiled and released by the Reserve Bank of India.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, 20 Feb, 17:37 IST · Release 284656

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

International relations

Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)

GS2 International RelationsGS3 SecurityPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 20 Feb 2026, at the 9th IONS Conclave of Chiefs in Visakhapatnam, the Indian Navy took over the IONS Chairmanship from the Royal Thai Navy.
What it is: The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium is a voluntary forum of navies of Indian Ocean littoral states. It was launched by India in 2008 to build maritime cooperation, shared understanding and trust. It works through a rotating Chair and working groups, and the Chair is held by a member navy for about two years.

Chair change: India took the IONS Chair from the Royal Thai Navy, returning after 16 years.
First chair: India held the inaugural Chairmanship from 2008 to 2010.
Working groups: The Chair's vision stresses three Working Groups: Maritime Security, HADR, and Information Sharing and Interoperability.
Membership changes: The Philippines was included as an Observer, and Oman joined the HADR Working Group.
India's agenda: India plans the IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX), continued IOS SAGAR deployments and Maritime Information Sharing Workshops.

Don’t confuse with IONS vs IORA: IONS is a forum of navies; IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) is an intergovernmental body for economic and regional cooperation.

Don’t confuse with IONS vs Milan: Milan is an Indian Navy-hosted multilateral naval exercise at Visakhapatnam; IONS is a standing forum with a rotating Chair.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Defence, 20 Feb, 20:30 IST · Release 284701

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Science and technology

UIDAI AI-based Biometric Deduplication

GS3 Science and TechnologyGS2 GovernancePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 20 February 2026, the Ministry of Electronics & IT said UIDAI has deployed an AI-enabled biometric deduplication and document verification platform for Aadhaar enrolment and updates.
What it is: Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by UIDAI to residents of India. Deduplication checks each new enrolment's biometrics (fingerprint, face, iris) against the existing database so that one person gets only one number. The new AI layer aims to make these checks more accurate and to verify documents faster.

Biometric modalities covered: AI models have been built for fingerprint, face and iris matching.
Development partner: The models were developed with IIIT Hyderabad.
Computing infrastructure: The models run on NVIDIA DGX high-performance inference infrastructure.
Scope of check: Every new enrolment is cross-checked against the whole Aadhaar database to ensure uniqueness.
Document verification: AI extracts document metadata and verifies it against the source of truth using DigiLocker APIs.
Rollout status: Enhanced deduplication is done for several states, with nationwide completion expected in the coming months.

Don’t confuse with Deduplication vs authentication: Deduplication happens at enrolment or update to ensure one person has one number. Authentication later checks that a person matches their existing Aadhaar.

Don’t confuse with UIDAI vs DigiLocker: UIDAI issues Aadhaar. DigiLocker is a separate digital document platform whose APIs UIDAI uses to verify documents.

Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting topic on Aadhaar and AI use in governance, but few testable facts and no clear debate for a question.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Electronics & IT, 20 Feb, 13:14 IST · Release 284627

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB)

GS3 Water conservationGS2 Government schemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 20 February 2026, Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil and Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai reviewed JSJB 2.0 with the State's District Collectors. Chhattisgarh reported over 88,000 works completed under it.
What it is: Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari is a community-led water conservation initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, launched on 6 September 2024. It builds low-cost groundwater recharge and storage structures and revives defunct borewells. It is guided by the 3Cs: Community, CSR and Cost.

Launch: JSJB was launched on 6 September 2024 with community partnership and ownership at its centre.
Focus: It focuses on low-cost recharge and storage structures and reviving defunct borewells.
3Cs: JSJB is guided by the 3Cs: Community, CSR and Cost.
JSJB 2.0: JSJB 2.0 was launched in June 2025; over 1.5 crore recharge structures were built under it by May 2026.
Odisha schemes: Odisha uses the CHHATA scheme for rooftop harvesting and ARUA for recharge from water bodies into aquifers.
Implementing arm of the review: The review meeting was organised by the National Water Mission under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
Local models: Korea district's '5 percent model' has farmers set aside part of their land for rainwater recharge. The CREDAI-Raipur model is a low-cost recharge model made with Raipur Municipal Corporation.
Funding convergence: Funds under MGNREGA are earmarked for water conservation, and districts were asked to use them before 31 March 2026. Focus was urged on critical and semi-critical districts.
Launch and guiding principle: JSJB was launched on 6 September 2024 and is guided by the 3Cs: Community, CSR and Cost.

Don’t confuse with JSJB vs Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain: JSA: CTR is a separate earlier campaign; in June 2026 JSJB was integrated with it as JSJB: CTR.

Don’t confuse with JSJB vs Jal Jeevan Mission: JSJB is about groundwater recharge and conservation; Jal Jeevan Mission is about rural tap water supply.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Jal Shakti, 20 Feb, 16:49 IST · Release 284644

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Report or index

NITI Aayog Report on Apprenticeship Ecosystem

GS2 Skill Development and EmploymentGS3 EconomyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 20 February 2026, NITI Aayog released a policy report on revitalizing India's apprenticeship ecosystem. Dr. Arvind Virmani and CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam released it.
What it is: This is a NITI Aayog policy report on India's apprenticeship landscape. It reviews insights and challenges, gives recommendations and compiles best practices from States, industry and abroad. It treats apprenticeships as a strategic investment in human capital and national competitiveness.

Releasers: Dr. Arvind Virmani, NITI Aayog Member (Skill Development, Labour & Employment), and CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam released the report.
Recommendations: The report has 20 action-oriented recommendations with an action plan that assigns responsibilities and measurable metrics.
Five pillars: The pillars are policy and systemic reforms, structural and regulatory strengthening, state and district interventions, industry and employer engagement, and apprentice-level support.
Best practices: It includes a compendium of best practices from States, industry and international experience.
Legal basis: Apprenticeships in India are governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961.

Don’t confuse with Apprenticeship vs internship: An apprenticeship is structured on-the-job training under a contract, legally governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961. An internship is usually short and has no such statutory framework.

Reports and indices: 14 Prelims questions since 2013; they test who publishes a report and what it measures.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Report with a proposed Apprenticeship Engagement Index; worth reading, but reports are only 14 of 327 Prelims questions and facts are thin.

Source: PIB, NITI Aayog, 20 Feb, 18:01 IST · Release 284659

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Quick facts

The Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine, made by CRI Kasauli, is to replace the TT vaccine in India's immunisation programme on NTAGI's recommendation.
DGCI&S has moved the base year of India's Merchandise Trade Indices from FY 2012-13 to FY 2022-23.

Source: PIB, 20 Feb

What we left out: 71 of 85 releases

Speeches without a decision (5)
Condolences and greetings (4)
Same issue as another release (5)
Summit events and meetings (28)
Routine enforcement notices (1)
Visits and bilateral meetings (12)
Local project showcase (1)
Seminars and webinars (3)
Ceremonies and campaigns (6)
Routine fund releases (1)
Review meetings (2)
Routine notices (2)
Other releases (1)

Practise the day’s news

In UPSC’s formats, inside each issue. The answer and why come after you choose.

1Pax Silica6 true or false
2Export Promotion Mission (EPM)MCQ · 19 true or false · Mains
3Border Area Development Programme and Vibrant Villages ProgrammeMCQ · 25 true or false · Mains
4Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)MCQ · 11 true or false · Mains
5Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and EEZ Fishing Rules 2025MCQ · 23 true or false · Mains
6Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI)MCQ · 8 true or false
7National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008MCQ · 4 true or false
8GDP Base Year Revision (2022-23)MCQ · 17 true or false
9Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)MCQ · 6 true or false
10Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB)MCQ · 4 true or false

Mains question of the day

15 marks · 250 words

India has formally joined the US-led Pax Silica coalition, which aims to secure the full 'silicon stack' from critical minerals to advanced AI systems. Examine what this means for India's technology and supply chain security, and discuss the challenges India may face in balancing such coalitions with its strategic autonomy.

From: Pax Silica

Write and get it marked

Keep reading

The day before

Thursday, 19 February 2026Border Area Development Programme and Vibrant Villages Programme · India AI Impact Summit 2026 and IndiaAI Mission · Boilers Act, 2025 and 3 more

The day after

Saturday, 21 February 2026Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and EEZ Fishing Rules 2025 · Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) · India AI Impact Summit 2026 and IndiaAI Mission

All days

Practice · 10 Mains question