Overview
Between 16‑22 February 2026 a series of high‑impact developments reshaped India’s foreign, economic and security landscape. The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, India elevated its ties with Israel, pursued full membership of the IEA, and hosted a Canada‑India bilateral visit. Simultaneously, the government introduced major policy moves – the NMP 2.0, the Prahaar counter‑terrorism framework, and an EMI model for streetlights. Health and environment sectors also saw a nationwide HPV vaccination drive and the third batch of African cheetahs released under Project Cheetah.
Geopolitical Flashpoint: US‑Israel Operations against Iran
- The United States and Israel executed a massive, coordinated strike on Iranian leadership and strategic infrastructure, code‑named Operation Epic Fury by the US and Roaring Lion by Israel.
- The operation was triggered by the collapse of nuclear negotiations in Oman and Geneva.
- Several tanker owners, oil majors and trading houses halted crude, fuel and LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and IRGC chief were reported killed, raising regional security concerns.
India‑Israel “Special Strategic Partnership” – 17 New Pacts
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel (25‑26 Feb 2026) and upgraded bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity.
- Key agreements include a ministerial‑level science‑technology commission, a tech‑gateway initiative, a financial dialogue, 20 joint agricultural fellowships, a quota of up to 50,000 Indian workers in Israel over five years, and the India‑Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Energy Diplomacy: India’s Quest for Full IEA Membership
- India submitted a formal request in Oct 2023 for full membership of the IEA.
- IEA currently admits only OECD members as full members; 33 full members exist, with Colombia the latest.
- Since 2017 India is an associate member, participating in policy discussions without voting rights.
Canada‑India Talent & Innovation Strategy – Bilateral Visit
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited India (27 Feb‑2 Mar 2026), launching the Canada‑India Talent and Innovation Strategy.
- Canada hosts over 1.8 million Indo‑Canadians and a million NRIs, and is a G7 and Five‑Eyes intelligence partner, aligning with India’s strategic interests.
Trade & Security Updates
- The US Department of Commerce imposed a 126 % tariff on Indian solar products after two Adani Group firms withdrew from an anti‑dumping investigation.
- Pakistan’s Tehrik‑i‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was targeted by Afghan airstrikes; the group is linked to the 2012 Malala Yousafzai attack and has a history of cross‑border terrorism.
- India’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced Prahaar, a unified counter‑terrorism policy integrating existing agencies like NIA, MAC, NSG, CAPFs, etc.
Economic Indicators: New GDP Series & Asset Monetisation Plan 2.0
- MoSPI released a revised national income series shifting the base to 2022‑23; GDP growth was 7.8 % in Q3 2025‑26 and 7.6 % for the full FY.
- The new series uses a double‑deflation method and incorporates data from GST, e‑Vahan, PLFS, etc., reducing the ‘discrepancy’ between production and expenditure approaches.
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched NMP 2.0, building on the 2021 Phase 1 that monetised brownfield assets without transferring ownership.
Science, Environment & Defence Highlights
- Eight African cheetahs from Botswana were translocated to Kuno National Park, bringing the total to 46 under Project Cheetah.
- Indian Navy’s Exercise MILAN 2026 concluded aboard INS Vikrant with 42 ships/submarines and 29 aircraft.
- Air Force’s Vayu Shakti demonstration showcased multi‑domain strike capability, including simulated missions of Operation Sindoor.
- CBSE will introduce a third language (foreign language) from 2026‑27, aligning with NEP‑2020 and NCFSE‑2023.
- Delhi’s “EMI model” for smart LED streetlights ties contractor payments to 40 lux performance, enhancing accountability.
- Prime Minister Modi launched a nationwide HPV vaccination drive for 14‑year‑old girls, using a one‑dose Gardasil regimen.
UPSC Relevance
These events touch upon multiple GS papers: international relations (US‑Israel‑Iran dynamics, India‑Israel partnership, Canada‑India strategy), polity (Prahaar policy, NITI Aayog CEO change, EC round‑table), economy (IEA membership, new GDP methodology, NMP 2.0, US solar tariff), environment & biodiversity (cheetah translocation), health (HPV vaccination), and defence (MILAN, Vayu Shakti). Aspirants should note dates, code‑names, policy objectives and the strategic rationale behind each development.
Way Forward for Aspirants
- Memorise key code‑names (Operation Epic Fury, Roaring Lion) and partnership titles.
- Link India‑Israel strategic partnership to broader Indo‑Pacific and defence‑technology cooperation.
- Understand IEA’s role in global energy governance and implications of full membership for India’s energy security.
- Analyse the impact of NMP 2.0 on infrastructure financing and fiscal prudence.
- Relate Prahaar to India’s evolving counter‑terrorism architecture and its integration with existing agencies.
- Track health policy trends – HPV vaccination as a preventive health measure under the National Health Mission.