GK One-Liners

What: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, running from February 16-20. The summit brings together over 20 heads of state and is anchored on 3 Sutras (guiding principles): People, Planet, and Progress—emphasizing human-centric, sustainable, and inclusive AI development.

How: The summit serves as a platform for international collaboration on AI governance, ethics, and deployment strategies. It follows India’s release of its first comprehensive AI Governance Framework and positions India as a leader in shaping global AI norms alongside initiatives like the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) hosted by India in 2023.

Why: This is highly exam-relevant for UPSC, connecting to India’s technology diplomacy, multilateral leadership, and AI policy themes. Questions on international summits hosted by India, Bharat Mandapam (the new ITPO convention centre), and India’s stance on emerging technology governance frequently appear in Prelims and GS-II International Relations.

What: The government has approved the ₹18,662 crore Brahmaputra Tunnel project spanning 33.7 km, including a 15.79 km twin-tube underwater tunnel. The project connects Gohpur to Numaligarh in Assam, reducing travel distance dramatically from 240 km to just 34 km.

How: The tunnel will be constructed using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) under the Brahmaputra River bed. The twin-tube design ensures safety with separate passages for traffic flow and emergency evacuation. This project is part of the larger Bharatmala Pariyojana and Act East connectivity initiatives aimed at enhancing Northeast infrastructure.

Why: Northeast connectivity is a priority theme for UPSC, linking to border area development, Act East Policy, and strategic infrastructure. The project connects to recurring exam topics like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and infrastructure challenges in difficult terrain. Questions on major tunnels (Atal Tunnel, Zojila Tunnel) and their strategic significance are common in GS-III.

What: The government has launched the Urban Challenge Fund with ₹1 lakh crore central assistance for the period FY26-FY31. The fund follows a 25:50 funding model where the Centre contributes 25% and enables cities to raise 50% through market borrowings, with remaining funds from state/local sources. The focus is on developing climate-responsive cities.

How: Cities will access funds through competitive challenges, incentivizing innovation in urban solutions. The climate-responsive mandate means projects must address urban heat islands, flood management, sustainable transport, green buildings, and waste management. This builds upon earlier urban missions like AMRUT 2.0 and Smart Cities Mission.

Why: Urban governance and climate adaptation are high-priority UPSC themes spanning GS-I (Urbanization), GS-II (Governance), and GS-III (Environment, Infrastructure). The fund’s innovative financing model through municipal bonds and market borrowings connects to fiscal federalism and urban local body empowerment—frequent Mains topics.

What: India has released its first comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Framework ahead of the AI Impact Summit 2026. This framework establishes principles, guidelines, and institutional mechanisms for responsible AI development and deployment across sectors in India.

How: The framework likely covers key areas including algorithmic transparency, data privacy, bias mitigation, accountability mechanisms, and sector-specific guidelines for high-risk AI applications in healthcare, finance, and law enforcement. It positions India alongside the EU’s AI Act and other international regulatory efforts while maintaining a pro-innovation stance.

Why: AI governance is an emerging UPSC theme bridging technology, ethics, and policy. The framework connects to questions on data protection (Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023), algorithmic accountability, and India’s approach to tech regulation. Understanding the balance between innovation and regulation is crucial for GS-III Science & Tech and Ethics papers.

What: The government has amended the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules to mandate labelling of AI-generated content and reduce takedown timelines from 24-36 hours to just 2-3 hours. The amendments come into effect on February 20, 2026.

How: Social media platforms and digital intermediaries must now implement systems to identify and label synthetic or AI-generated content including deepfakes, AI-generated text, and manipulated media. The accelerated takedown requirement addresses rapid viral spread of harmful content, requiring platforms to maintain 24/7 compliance teams and automated detection systems.

Why: Digital regulation and platform governance are priority UPSC topics. The IT Rules, 2021 and subsequent amendments frequently appear in questions about free speech, intermediary liability, and safe harbour provisions. Understanding the evolution of India’s digital regulatory framework—from IT Act, 2000 to DPDP Act, 2023—is essential for GS-II Governance and GS-IV Ethics.

What: Kerala has launched India’s first comprehensive state-level Graphene Policy, offering significant incentives including 50% land subsidy, 45% capital expenditure (CAPEX) support, and complete stamp duty exemption for graphene-related industries establishing operations in the state.

How: The policy aims to position Kerala as a hub for graphene research, manufacturing, and applications. Graphene—a single layer of carbon atoms in a hexagonal lattice—is a revolutionary material with exceptional conductivity, strength, and flexibility. Applications span electronics, energy storage, water purification, and healthcare.

Why: Advanced materials and state-level industrial policies are relevant for UPSC Science & Tech and Governance sections. Graphene represents the future of nanotechnology and materials science. Kerala’s policy model connects to questions on competitive federalism, state industrial strategies, and emerging technology ecosystems—themes important for GS-II and GS-III.