UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 February 2026
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 February 2026 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2:
• Bridging a divide with an Indian Scientific Service
Bridging a divide with an Indian Scientific Service
GS Paper 3:
• Creative Industries as Growth Engines
Creative Industries as Growth Engines
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• UNEP FI Impact Centre
UNEP FI Impact Centre
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• PM RAHAT Scheme
PM RAHAT Scheme
• Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0
Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0
• Bio-based Chemicals and Enzymes
Bio-based Chemicals and Enzymes
• Urban Challenge Fund (UCF)
Urban Challenge Fund (UCF)
• Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS)
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS)
Mapping:
• Country’s First Underwater Road-cum-Rail Tunnel under Brahmaputra River
Country’s First Underwater Road-cum-Rail Tunnel under Brahmaputra River
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 February 2026
GS Paper 2 :
Bridging a divide with an Indian Scientific Service
Source: TH
Subject: Role of Civil Services in a Democracy
Context: The proposal for an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) is in the spotlight following the Economic Survey 2025-26 and recent high-level meetings of the Empowered Technology Group, which highlighted the need for a specialized cadre to manage India’s Deep-Tech and AI-first governance transition.
About Bridging a divide with an Indian Scientific Service:
What is the Indian Scientific Service (ISS)?
The ISS is envisioned as a permanent, all-India specialized cadre of scientists and technocrats. Unlike the generalist Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the ISS would:
• Integrate scientific expertise directly into the decision-making hierarchy of ministries.
• Operate under distinct service rules that prioritize scientific integrity and peer review over traditional administrative neutrality.
• Provide a structured career path for researchers to contribute to policy without being stifled by colonial-era conduct rules.
Key Trends in India’s Science & Technology (2025-26):
• Innovation Ascent: India has climbed to 38th rank in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, leading the lower-middle-income group for 15 consecutive years.
• R&D Stagnation: Despite growth, India’s Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) remains at 0.64% of GDP, significantly lower than the US (3.48%) or South Korea (4.91%).
• Patent Surge: Patent applications nearly doubled between 2020 and 2025, with India now ranking 6th globally in total patents filed.
• Deep-Tech Focus: The government has operationalized mega-missions including the National Quantum Mission (₹6,003 crore) and the IndiaAI Mission, shifting focus from services to high-end hardware and IP creation.
The Need for a Dedicated ISS:
• Complexity of Modern Governance: Generalists often lack the technical depth to regulate emerging sectors like Bio-technology or AI.
E.g. The rapid drafting of the Digital India Act 2025 required deep understanding of algorithmic bias that standard administrative training does not cover.
• Bridging the Valley of Death: India struggles to translate lab research (TRL 1-3) into market-ready products (TRL 7-9).
E.g. Despite world-class research in Green Hydrogen, scaling the technology for industrial use has been delayed by fragmented technical oversight.
• Scientific Integrity and Independence: Current rules (CCS Conduct Rules 1964) can penalize scientists for speaking truth to power if it contradicts policy.
E.g. During recent Himalayan ecological crises, scientists often faced bureaucratic hurdles in officially recording environmental warnings that challenged infrastructure projects.
• Global Competitiveness: To lead in global standards (G2G certifications), India needs Scientist-Diplomats.
E.g. Negotiating Semiconductor supply chains with the US and EU requires negotiators who understand lithography and material sciences at a granular level.
• Long-term Foresight: Administrative roles are often rotating and short-term, whereas scientific challenges require decades of continuity.
E.g. The National Supercomputing Mission requires a decade-long roadmap that transcends the typical 3-year tenure of a Joint Secretary.
Best Global Practices:
• United States (Scientific Integrity Policies): US federal agencies have formal policies that protect scientists from political interference and ensure that data is not altered for political convenience.
• United Kingdom (Government Science & Engineering Profession): The UK maintains a dedicated GSEP cadre with over 10,000 members across government, ensuring that the Chief Scientific Adviser in every ministry has a structured team of specialists.
Challenges Associated with ISS:
• Generalist vs. Specialist Friction: Integration might lead to a turf war over seniority and authority between IAS and ISS officers.
E.g. Historical friction in the Ministry of Health between medical professionals and administrative secretaries often slows down health policy implementation.
• Lateral Entry Resistance: Bringing in high-caliber scientists at mid-career levels faces pushback from traditional service associations.
E.g. The limited success of Lateral Entry initiatives in the early 2020s showed significant internal systemic resistance.
• Salary Parity: Attracting top-tier scientists from the private sector or Silicon Valley is difficult given government pay scales.
E.g. ISRO and DRDO often lose talent to global tech giants offering 5x higher compensation for specialized roles in AI and Rocketry.
• Rigid Promotion Structures: Scientific merit is often ignored in favor of seniority-based promotions.
E.g. Senior scientists in CSIR labs have often expressed frustration over administrative roles being prioritized over active research for career growth.
• Defining the Boundary: Deciding where scientific advice ends and political policy begins is a delicate balance.
E.g. In Climate Change negotiations, a scientist may argue for zero emissions, but the government must balance this with economic growth goals.
Way Ahead:
• Pilot Cadres: Start with high-impact sectors like the Indian Environmental & Ecological Service and Indian Public Health Service.
• Structural Protection: Legally mandate that scientific assessments be placed on the official record, even if the final policy differs.
• Dynamic Pay Scales: Implement performance-linked incentives and market-competitive salaries for the ISS to prevent brain drain.
• Collaborative Training: Conduct joint training programs at the LBSNAA (Mussoorie) for IAS and ISS to foster a Whole-of-Government approach.
• NIDHI-style Grants: Empower ISS officers with financial autonomy to fund high-risk, high-reward indigenous research without multi-layered approvals.
Conclusion:
The creation of an Indian Scientific Service is the final piece in India’s transition from a colonial administrative state to a modern, technology-driven power. By institutionalizing expertise, India can ensure that its policies are not just efficient, but also scientifically sound and future-proof. It is time to treat science as the foundation of governance, rather than its decorative accessory.
Q. “Civil service autonomy is a prerequisite for safeguarding the rule of law and democratic accountability”. What structural reforms are needed to ensure impartial and effective functioning of the civil services? (10 M)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 February 2026 GS Paper 3:
Creative Industries as Growth Engines
Source: PIB
Subject: Economics
Context: The creative industries are in the spotlight following the Union Budget 2026-27 and the Economic Survey 2025-26, which projected a requirement of 2 million professionals in the AVGC sector by 2030 and announced the establishment of 15,000 Content Creator Labs in schools.
About Creative Industries as Growth Engines:
What is the Orange Economy?
• The Orange Economy (a term coined by Iván Duque and Felipe Buitrago) refers to the ecosystem of activities where value is derived primarily from creativity, culture, and intellectual property.
• It bridges the gap between traditional heritage (arts, crafts, festivals) and modern digital industries (gaming, VFX, OTT platforms). In the Indian context, it is being hailed as the dawn of an era where imagination is a tradeable global commodity.
Key Stats on India’s Creative Economy (2024-26):
• Sectoral Valuation: The media and entertainment (M&E) sector reached approximately ₹2.5 trillion ( billion) in 2024, projected to hit ₹3.06 trillion by 2027.
• Employment Engine: The sector supports over 10 million livelihoods directly and indirectly, with creative occupations paying roughly 88% higher than non-creative roles.
• Export Growth: Creative services exports rose by 20% in 2023, contributing significantly to diversifying India’s service basket beyond traditional IT.
• Gaming Explosion: India is now one of the world’s largest gaming markets, with a revenue of ₹232 billion and a user base of nearly 500 million gamers.
• VFX Intensity: Modern Indian blockbusters now allocate up to 25-30% of total production costs specifically to visual effects.
Creative Economy as a Growth Engine:
• Massive Job Creation for Youth: The AVGC-XR sector is a labor-intensive digital industry that absorbs young talent from non-metro areas.
E.g. The government’s projection of 2 million new jobs by 2030 has led to the rapid expansion of private design and animation studios in Tier-2 cities like Pune and Indore.
• Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy: Exports of Indian content shape global narratives and boost tourism.
E.g. The global success of films like Project K and RRR has turned Indian cinematic locations into major tourism hubs for international audiences.
• Multiplier Effect on Urban Economies: Live entertainment and festivals stimulate hospitality, transport, and local retail.
E.g. Massive stadium concerts in Ahmedabad and Navi Mumbai in late 2025 saw a 40% spike in local hotel bookings and short-term gig employment.
• Technological Spillover: Innovations in gaming and VFX often find applications in healthcare, education, and defense (Digital Twins).
E.g. Indian AVGC firms are now using Unreal Engine (originally for games) to create immersive training simulations for Indian medical students.
• Democratization of Opportunity: Digital platforms allow creators from remote regions to monetize their talent directly.
E.g. The Creator’s Corner initiative on DD National has successfully mainstreamed micro-influencers from rural India into the national advertising ecosystem.
Key Initiatives Taken So Far:
• WAVES Summit (2025): The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit created a global marketplace (WAVES Bazaar) for scripts and music rights.
• IICT Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies was established as a National Centre of Excellence to institutionalize AVGC-XR skilling.
• Content Creator Labs: Budget 2026 allocated ₹250 crore to set up labs in 15,000 secondary schools to introduce students to digital storytelling early.
• Create in India Challenge: A nationwide talent hunt across 33 categories that links winners to international platforms like the Tokyo and Madrid cultural festivals.
Challenges Associated with the Creative Economy:
• The Platform Trap: Creators are highly dependent on global algorithms that can demonetize or shadowban them without transparency.
E.g. Recent policy shifts in global short-video platforms led to a sudden 30% revenue drop for many Indian micro-influencers.
• IP Financing Gaps: Creative MSMEs struggle to get bank loans because they lack physical assets (machinery/land) to use as collateral.
E.g. Animation studios in Bengaluru often rely on high-interest private credit because banks do not yet fully recognize digital characters as valid collateral.
• Skill-Industry Mismatch: Many graduates know how to use software but lack fundamental storytelling and design principles.
E.g. Industry leaders at the 2026 IGDC (India Game Developer Conference) noted that while India has button-pushers, there is a shortage of original game designers.
• Infrastructure Bottlenecks: High-end rendering and cloud computing costs remain prohibitive for small independent studios.
E.g. Small Indian studios still outsource complex CGI rendering to overseas servers due to a lack of affordable local high-performance computing (HPC) clusters.
• Regulatory Complexity for Live Events: Organizers often need 10–15 separate clearances for a single concert, leading to delays and corruption.
E.g. Several international music festivals planned for early 2026 were reportedly scaled back due to the complexity of navigating multi-agency local permissions.
Way Ahead:
• Formalizing IP-Backed Lending: Collaborate with RBI to create a framework for using copyrights and trademarks as collateral for institutional credit.
• National AVGC Policy Implementation: Finalize the Model State Policy to ensure uniform incentives for creative clusters across all Indian states.
• AI-Native Creative Tools: Invest in domestic AI tools for animation and dubbing to reduce the cost of content production and global localization.
• Single-Window Clearance for Events: Operationalize the proposed LEDC (Live Entertainment Development Cell) to streamline permissions for concerts and festivals.
• Focus on Original IP: Shift from being the back-office (outsourcing) of Hollywood to a creator of original Indian IP that can be licensed globally.
Conclusion:
India’s transition to a dominant Orange Economy represents a strategic evolution where imagination is organized into a scalable economic engine. By bridging the gap between classroom skilling and global market access, India is ensuring that its demographic dividend translates into a creative dividend. The next decade will see the Created in India tag become as globally synonymous with quality as Designed in California.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 February 2026 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
UNEP FI Impact Centre
Context: UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) has launched the UNEP FI Impact Centre, consolidating its SDGs & Impact workstream into a dedicated centre of expertise.
About UNEP FI Impact Centre:
What it is?
• The UNEP FI Impact Centre is a specialised centre of expertise under the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) focused on advancing impact management in financial institutions.
• It brings together UNEP FI’s work on aligning financial portfolios with internationally recognised environmental and social standards through a holistic impact methodology.
• To embed impact management into financial institutions’ business strategies and operations.
• To help align financial flows with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• To enable organisations to manage environmental and social risks while achieving business objectives.
Key Features:
• Holistic Impact Methodology: Provides a structured framework to align portfolios with global sustainability standards.
• Five Dedicated Workstreams: Covers impact methodology, interoperability, implementation support, advisory services, and consensus-building.
• Member Implementation Support: Offers technical assistance and tools to UNEP FI members.
• Interoperability Solutions: Enhances alignment between different sustainability frameworks and reporting standards.
• Convening Platform: Facilitates collaboration and consensus among mainstream financial players.
• Legacy of Positive Impact Finance: Builds on UNEP FI’s leadership since defining positive impact finance in 2017.
Relevance for UPSC Exam:
• GS Paper II – International Relations
• Role of UN bodies and global initiatives in sustainable development governance.
• Role of UN bodies and global initiatives in sustainable development governance.
• GS Paper III – Environment & Economy
• Sustainable finance, ESG frameworks, green finance, and SDG-linked financial reforms. Climate finance and alignment of financial systems with environmental goals.
• Sustainable finance, ESG frameworks, green finance, and SDG-linked financial reforms.
• Climate finance and alignment of financial systems with environmental goals.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –16 February 2026 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
PM RAHAT Scheme
Source: News on Air
Subject: Government Schemes
Context: The Government has launched PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) to provide cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for road accident victims during the Golden Hour.
About PM RAHAT Scheme:
What it is?
• PM RAHAT is a national cashless emergency treatment scheme providing financial coverage up to ₹1.5 lakh per road accident victim for 7 days from the date of accident, with a focus on timely Golden Hour intervention.
Organisations involved:
• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH): Policy oversight; integration via Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform.
• National Health Authority (NHA): Claims processing through Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0).
• To ensure no life is lost due to lack of immediate medical assistance after road accidents.
• To strengthen India’s structured emergency response ecosystem.
• To provide financial certainty to hospitals, encouraging uninterrupted treatment.
Key features:
• Cashless Coverage: Up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for 7 days from accident date.
• Golden Hour Focus: Integration with 112 helpline for rapid hospital access.
• Stabilization Window: 24 hours (non-life-threatening) and 48 hours (life-threatening cases).
• Digital Integration: Seamless linkage between eDAR (MoRTH) and TMS 2.0 (NHA) for end-to-end claim management.
• Police Authentication: Mandatory confirmation within 24–48 hours to ensure accountability.
• Funding Mechanism: Through Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF), insured cases via insurance contributions, uninsured/Hit & Run via budgetary support.
• Time-bound Payment: Claims approved by State Health Authorities paid within 10 days.
• Grievance Redressal: District-level oversight by Road Safety Committee chaired by District Collector/DM.
Significance:
• Addresses India’s high road accident fatality burden, where nearly 50% of deaths are preventable with timely treatment.
• Strengthens the Good Samaritan (Rah-Veer) ecosystem by enabling immediate hospital coordination.
• Enhances digital governance in healthcare and road safety through integrated platforms.
Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0
Source: HT
Subject: Government Schemes
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (FoF 2.0) with a ₹10,000 crore corpus to mobilise venture capital for India’s startup ecosystem.
About Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0:
What it is?
• Startup India FoF 2.0 is a ₹10,000 crore government-backed fund designed to mobilise long-term domestic capital by investing in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which in turn invest in startups.
Established in:
• Approved in 2026 by the Union Cabinet.
• Launched under the broader Startup India initiative.
• Builds on the earlier Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS 1.0) launched in 2016.
• To accelerate the next phase of India’s startup growth.
• To strengthen the domestic venture capital ecosystem.
• To support innovation-led, technology-driven entrepreneurship.
• To reduce early-stage funding gaps and high-risk capital constraints.
Key Features:
• ₹10,000 crore Corpus: Dedicated government-backed capital to catalyse venture funding.
• Targeted Segmented Funding: Focus on deep-tech and innovative manufacturing sectors.
• Support to Early-Growth Startups: Reduces early-stage failures due to capital shortages.
• Pan-India Investment Reach: Encourages funding beyond major metro cities.
• High-Risk Capital Gap Bridging: Channels funds to priority and strategic sectors.
• Strengthening Domestic VC Base: Supports especially smaller AIFs to deepen local capital markets.
• FoF Model Structure: Invests in SEBI-registered AIFs rather than directly in startups.
Significance:
• Builds on FFS 1.0, which committed ₹10,000 crore to 145 AIFs investing ₹25,500+ crore in 1,370+ startups.
• Promotes deep-tech capabilities in AI, robotics, biotech, clean-tech and advanced manufacturing.
• Enhances India’s economic resilience and innovation competitiveness.
Bio-based Chemicals and Enzymes
Source: TH
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: India is prioritising bio-based chemicals and enzymes under the Department of Biotechnology’s BioE3 policy to strengthen sustainable manufacturing and reduce petrochemical imports.
About Bio-based Chemicals and Enzymes:
What it is?
• Bio-based chemicals are industrial chemicals derived from renewable biological feedstocks such as sugarcane, corn, starch, or agricultural residues instead of fossil fuels.
• Enzymes are biological catalysts (mainly proteins) that accelerate chemical reactions in industrial and biological processes.
Origin:
• Bio-based chemical production originates from the concept of the bioeconomy, which integrates biology with industrial production to create sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals.
• Enzyme use dates back centuries, but modern industrial enzyme engineering expanded in the 20th century with biotechnology advancements.
How it is formed?
• Bio-based chemicals are typically produced through fermentation, enzymatic conversion, or microbial processes using biomass as feedstock.
• Enzymes are produced through microbial fermentation, followed by purification and formulation for industrial applications.
Key Characteristics:
• Renewable Feedstock Base: Derived from biomass rather than fossil hydrocarbons.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Generally reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to petrochemical pathways.
• Energy Efficient: Enzymes operate at lower temperatures and pressures, reducing energy use.
• Biodegradable Nature: Many bio-based products are more environmentally friendly.
• High Specificity: Enzymes provide precise catalytic action, improving process efficiency.
Applications:
• Chemical Industry: Production of organic acids (lactic acid), bio-alcohols, solvents, and intermediates.
• Pharmaceuticals & Vaccines: Fermentation expertise used in active ingredient synthesis.
• Food & Beverage: Enzymes used in brewing, baking, dairy processing.
• Textiles & Detergents: Enzymes enhance stain removal and fabric processing.
• Biomanufacturing & Clean Tech: Used in sustainable plastics, biofuels, and specialty chemicals.
Urban Challenge Fund (UCF)
Source: PMI
Subject: Government Scheme
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with ₹1 lakh crore Central assistance to drive market-led urban transformation.
About Urban Challenge Fund (UCF):
What it is?
• The Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme designed to support transformative and bankable urban infrastructure projects through a competitive “challenge mode” framework.
Organisation involved:
• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) – Nodal ministry for implementation and monitoring.
• To build resilient, inclusive, productive and climate-responsive cities.
• To mobilise market finance and private participation in urban infrastructure.
• To position cities as growth hubs driving India’s next phase of economic development.
Salient Features of the Urban Challenge Fund:
• ₹1 Lakh Crore Central Assistance: Central share covers 25% of project cost to catalyse investments.
• Market-Linked Financing Model: Minimum 50% project funding must be mobilised from market sources.
• Challenge-Based Selection: Competitive framework prioritising high-impact, reform-oriented proposals.
• Reform-Linked Funding: Fund release tied to governance, financial, planning, and operational reforms.
• ₹5,000 Crore Credit Enhancement Corpus: Strengthens creditworthiness of 4,223 cities, especially Tier-2 & Tier-3.
• Credit Repayment Guarantee Scheme: Provides up to ₹7 crore guarantee for first-time loans to smaller ULBs.
• Operational Period: FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31 (extendable till 2033–34).
• Project Verticals: Focus on Cities as Growth Hubs, Creative Redevelopment, and Water & Sanitation.
• Digital Monitoring: Paperless tracking via single MoHUA digital portal.
• Outcome-Oriented Evaluation: Projects assessed on economic impact, climate resilience, and service equity.
Significance:
• Catalyses an estimated ₹4 lakh crore total urban investment over five years.
• Encourages fiscal discipline and improves ULB creditworthiness.
• Promotes municipal bonds and PPP ecosystem in urban infrastructure.
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS)
Source: PIB
Subject: Government Scheme
Context: The Union Home Minister launched India’s first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
About Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS):
What it is?
• The CBDC-based PDS is a digitally enabled ration distribution system that integrates Central Bank Digital Currency into the Public Distribution System to ensure secure and transparent food grain delivery.
Organisations Involved:
• Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution – Nodal ministry overseeing PDS reforms and implementation.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – Issuer of the Central Bank Digital Currency (Digital Rupee).
• To eliminate corruption and leakages in ration distribution.
• To operationalise the vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” in welfare delivery.
• To ensure secure, efficient, and transparent access to subsidised food grains.
Key Features:
• Launched in Gandhinagar: The system has been started in Gandhinagar, Gujarat as the first implementation.
• Linked with Digital India: The ration distribution process is integrated with the broader Digital India framework.
• Use of CBDC in Transactions: The Central Bank Digital Currency is used within the ration distribution mechanism.
• Annapurna Machine for Distribution: An automated machine dispenses 25 kg of food grains in 35 seconds with accuracy.
• Ensures Transparency: Digital processes aim to prevent corruption and safeguard beneficiaries’ rights.
• Nationwide Expansion Planned: The system will be gradually rolled out across the country in the next 3–4 years.
Significance:
• Strengthens Digital India in welfare delivery systems.
• Enhances efficiency and transparency in serving nearly 80 crore beneficiaries.
• Reduces fiscal leakages and improves public trust in welfare schemes.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 February 2026 Mapping:
Country’s First Underwater Road-cum-Rail Tunnel under Brahmaputra River
Source: IE
Subject: Mapping
Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in Assam at a cost of ₹18,662 crore.
About Country’s First Underwater Road-cum-Rail Tunnel under Brahmaputra River:
What it is?
• A 33.7 km four-lane access-controlled Greenfield connectivity project, including a 15.79 km twin-tube underwater tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
• It will connect Gohpur (NH-15) and Numaligarh (NH-715), reducing distance from 240 km to 34 km.
Key Features:
• Twin-Tube Underwater Tunnel: Two parallel tubes ensure traffic segregation, safety redundancy, and easier emergency evacuation.
• Road-cum-Rail Connectivity: Combines highway and railway infrastructure to enable seamless passenger and freight movement.
• EPC Mode Development: Government funds the project while a contractor handles end-to-end execution under fixed timelines.
• Cost – ₹18,662 crore: Reflects large-scale investment in high-end tunnelling, safety systems, and connectivity infrastructure.
About Brahmaputra River:
What it is?
The Brahmaputra River is one of the largest rivers of Central and South Asia and ranks among the world’s top rivers in terms of average discharge.
Origin:
• Originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier near Lake Mapam in Tibet at ~5,300 m elevation.
• Known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, Siang/Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh, and Jamuna in Bangladesh.
Nations it flows through: China (Tibet Autonomous Region), India, and Bangladesh.
Indian States it flows through:
• Arunachal Pradesh
• (Drainage basin also covers Nagaland, Meghalaya, West Bengal, and Sikkim)
Key Features of the Brahmaputra River:
• Length – ~2,900 km: Flows from the Tibetan Plateau to the Bay of Bengal, making it one of Asia’s longest rivers.
• Massive Discharge: Among the world’s highest river discharges, contributing significantly to the Ganga-Brahmaputra system.
• World’s Deepest Gorge: Cuts through the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, one of the deepest gorges globally.
• Highly Braided Channel: In Assam, heavy sediment and reduced slope create multiple shifting river channels.
• Delta Formation: Merges with the Ganga to form the world’s largest delta in Bangladesh.
Facts for Prelims – 16 Feb 2026 Current Affairs Video
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