Global Governance & Multilateral Diplomacy
BRICS Sherpas Meeting – India’s Chairship 2026
The first meeting of BRICS Sherpas & Sous Sherpas was convened in New Delhi.
Why it matters:
-
Sherpas shape summit agendas and negotiation priorities.
-
Reflects India’s leadership role in Global South diplomacy.
Exam relevance:
✔ BRICS institutional structure
✔ India’s multilateral engagement strategy
✔ Consensus-building diplomacy
Digital Governance & Regulation
Amendment to IT Rules (2026)
MeitY amended the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
Core significance:
-
Strengthens intermediary accountability.
-
Addresses misinformation, compliance, and platform governance.
Exam angle:
✔ Digital regulation frameworks
✔ Safe harbour principles
✔ Platform liability debates
Science, Technology & Research Infrastructure
New National Telescope Projects
Government sanctioned:
🔭 National Large Solar Telescope (NLST)
🔭 National Large Optical-Near Infrared Telescope (NLOT)
Strategic importance:
-
Enhances India’s astronomical research capacity.
-
Supports solar physics & deep-space observation.
GS relevance:
✔ Scientific infrastructure development
✔ Space & astrophysics research
✔ Technology sovereignty
Environment & Biodiversity Governance
Pangolin Hunting Ban – Nagaland
United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP) banned pangolin hunting & trade.
Why important:
-
Community-driven wildlife conservation.
-
Pangolins = highly trafficked endangered species.
Exam relevance:
✔ Biodiversity protection models
✔ Role of tribal governance institutions
✔ Wildlife trafficking control
Technology & Digital Economy
India – 2nd Largest Smartphone Installed Base (2025)
As per Counterpoint Research.
Implications:
-
Growth of digital consumer economy.
-
Expands fintech, e-commerce, DPI usage.
Exam angle:
✔ Digital penetration metrics
✔ Mobile-driven economic transformation
✔ Platform economy growth
Month: Current Affairs - February 17, 2026
Category: