The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday directed authorities to ensure full and strict compliance with environmental clearance (EC) conditions while disposing of multiple applications challenging the Great Nicobar Island development project, holding that adequate safeguards are in place and found no grounds to interfere with the project at this stage.

In a detailed order dated February 16, a bench led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava observed that a balanced approach is necessary, considering the project's strategic importance and environmental sensitivities.

The Tribunal concluded that concerns raised in the second round of litigation had already been addressed through safeguards and review by a High-Powered Committee (HPC), and therefore the project could proceed subject to strict adherence to EC conditions.

The Polish army has banned Chinese cars from entering military facilities, hoping to prevent the collection of sensitive data by technologically advanced automobiles.

Modern vehicles equipped with cutting-edge sensors and communication systems are capable of “uncontrolled acquisition and use of data,” the Polish army wrote in a statement justifying the ban.

Vehicles are now able to collect video, sound and location, and there is a fear that Chinese producers might share some of this potentially sensitive data with their authorities.

Archaeological enthusiasts are worried that the government has not taken any steps to protect the rock paintings at Kumittipathi Hills near Thirumalaiyampalayam in Coimbatore.

In July 2024, the Tamil Nadu government announced plans to develop the site as a tourist destination. This was part of a broader initiative by the Archaeology Department to preserve and promote 10 historically important archaeological locations across the state. The announcement aimed to provide wider exposure to the rock paintings while ensuring their conservation. However, no action has been taken so far. Meanwhile, concerns persist among archaeological enthusiasts and locals following the recent alterations to the cave including partial cement flooring, additions of sacred stones, and modern white paint writings, despite its protected status.

Uttarakhand has achieved a significant milestone in the field of renewable energy by surpassing 1 gigawatt (1000 megawatts) of installed solar power capacity in the state. According to the latest figures, the total installed solar capacity has exceeded approximately 1027.87 megawatts, reflecting the state’s strong commitment toward clean and green energy. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that crossing the 1 gigawatt mark in solar capacity is the result of the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his clear policy focus on renewable energy.

The Chief Minister said that the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) and green energy put forward by the Prime Minister has inspired Uttarakhand to transform solar energy into a mass movement. Through the coordination of Central Government schemes and proactive state initiatives, thousands of youth and local entrepreneurs have gained new self-employment opportunities. He expressed confidence that under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, Uttarakhand will further strengthen its position among the leading solar energy states in the country.

Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Wednesday announced that India has achieved the Guinness World Records title for the "Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours".

India achieved the Guinness title after collecting 2,50,946 valid pledges during the 24-hour period (February 16-17, 2026), according to an official statement.

The nationwide 'AI Responsibility Pledge' campaign, launched under the IndiaAI Mission in collaboration with Intel India on February 16, invited citizens to commit to "the ethical, inclusive, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence through the dedicated portal, aipledge.indiaai.gov.in.", the statement from IT Ministry said.

In a major boost to rail connectivity in the Northeast, India’s first direct passenger train service between Silchar in Assam and Sairang in Mizoram was inaugurated on February 9, 2026. The new rail link, virtually flagged off by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is being seen as a game-changer for travel, trade, and economic integration between the two states.

The service directly connects Silchar in Assam’s Barak Valley with Sairang, located close to Mizoram’s capital Aizawl, marking a historic milestone in the region’s transport network.

In Mizoram, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma attended a special commemorative programme at Sairang Railway Station, joined by Rural Development Minister Lalnilawma, Revenue Minister B. Lalchhanzova, and Adviser to the CM and MLA TBC Lalvenchhunga.

The landmark judgement by the Supreme Court is likely to be remembered not only for the public consensus it has generated but for the legal clarity with which it expands the meaning of life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. By recognising access to menstrual health as a fundamental right, the court has acknowledged a long-ignored reality: that millions of adolescent girls in India navigate puberty without adequate education, equity, health or dignity.

In a departure from past approaches, the Bench led by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan reframed menstrual health and hygiene not as a matter of welfare or budgetary discretion, but as an enforceable constitutional entitlement. The judgement affirms that prioritising girls’ menstrual health is not a policy preference, but a requirement of gender-inclusive constitutional justice.

Two years after it was announced, India’s first private sector helicopter final assembly line (FAL)—to manufacture Airbus’s best-selling H125 helicopters—was inaugurated on Tuesday at Vemagal in Karnataka’s Kolar district. The facility, built by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in partnership with European aerospace major Airbus, was inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron. The project, seen as a big boost to aircraft manufacturing in India, was first announced on Republic Day in 2024 in conjunction with Macron’s visit to India at the time.

While Modi and Macron inaugurated the facility virtually from Mumbai, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, and France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin, were present at the FAL site for the inauguration. The delivery of the first made-in-India H125 helicopter is expected in early 2027, and the FAL will serve the Indian market as well as other markets in the region.

Leaving a complete void in the entertainment industry, veteran star Pravina Deshpande breathed her last at the age of 60 on February 17. The actress, known for her memorable supporting roles in Marathi and Hindi cinema, passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer since 2019. Her family shared the heartbreaking news on social media, revealing her final rites were conducted on the same day in the afternoon at the Hindu Crematorium in Andheri, Mumbai.

Best remembered for her role in Salman Khan’s 2011 film Ready, as well as impactful roles in several TV serials, Pravina Deshpande enjoyed a career spanning decades, working across Hindi and Marathi films, television serials, and web series.

The Delhi Government has taken a historic step in modernising school education with the launch of CM Shri Schools, the nation’s first AI-driven comprehensive education model. One of these schools was inaugurated on Tuesday by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at Sarojini Nagar. The foundation stones for 75 such schools across the Capital were also laid.

This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy, aiming to provide students with technology-integrated, globally competitive education directly within government schools. CM Shri Schools are being developed as “Centres of Excellence”, offering modern infrastructure, skill development, career guidance, and holistic personality growth.

“These schools are not just new buildings, they represent our commitment to making Delhi’s children globally competitive,” said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. AI-enabled smart classrooms, equipped with interactive panels, digital content, and advanced learning tools, will allow personalised education based on each student’s ability.