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2026 current affairs

16th Finance Commission Recommendations 2026 – Key Highlights, Devolution Formula & Fiscal Reforms (UPSC/PSC Notes)

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs /

Why in News?

The 16th Finance Commission (FC) report was tabled in Parliament on February 1, 2026, along with the Union Budget. The Government has accepted key tax devolution and grant recommendations for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31.

16th finance commission recommendations

Key Recommendations:

1. Vertical Devolution (Centre–State Share)

  • 41% of divisible tax pool allocated to States
  • Unchanged from the 15th Finance Commission
  • Ensures continuity and fiscal stability for States

2. Grants-in-Aid (2026–27)

  • Total allocation: β‚Ή1.4 lakh crore
  • Includes:
    • Grants to Rural Local Bodies (Panchayats)
    • Grants to Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities)
    • Disaster management funding

Horizontal Devolution Formula (2026–31)

CriterionΒ 15th FC Weight (2021–26)
16th FC Weight (2026–31)
Income Distance
45.0%		42.5%
Population (2011 Census)15.0%
17.5%
Demographic Performance12.5%10.0%
Area15%10%
Forest & Ecology10%10%
Contribution to GDPΒ (New)–10%
Tax and Fiscal Effort2.5%–

Background:

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body under Article 280. Constituted every 5 years by the President of India. Functions:

  • Recommend tax sharing (Centre–State)
  • Suggest grants-in-aid
  • Promote fiscal federalism

16th Finance Commission

  • Chairman: Dr. Arvind Panagariya
  • Award Period: 2026–27 to 2030–31
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2221390&reg=3&lang=2: 16th Finance Commission Recommendations 2026 – Key Highlights, Devolution Formula & Fiscal Reforms (UPSC/PSC Notes)

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Motion of Thanks Passed Without PM Reply – Constitutional Significance, Article 87 Explained for UPSC, APPSC, TGPSC and other state PSC exams

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Why in News?

The Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address without a reply from Prime Minister. This happened amid continuous protests by the Opposition, making it an unusual parliamentary development.

motion of thanks

Key Highlights

  • Motion of Thanks passed in Lok Sabha without the Prime Minister’s customary reply.
  • Normally, the PM responds to debates before the motion is put to vote.
  • Opposition protests disrupted proceedings.
  • Despite disruptions, the motion was adopted by majority.

What is Motion of Thanks?

A formal parliamentary motion expressing gratitude to the President for the address. Moved in:

  • Lok Sabha
  • Rajya Sabha

Occasions:

  • First session after General Elections
  • First session of every year (Budget Session)

Constitutional basis:

  • Article 87
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lok-sabha-passes-resolution-motion-of-thanks-on-president-address-pm-address/article70594740.ece: Motion of Thanks Passed Without PM Reply – Constitutional Significance, Article 87 Explained for UPSC, APPSC, TGPSC and other state PSC exams

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President’s Address to Parliament 2026 – Budget Session, Article 87 & Key Constitutional Provisions Explained

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Why in News?

Droupadi Murmu addressed the joint sitting of Parliament at the beginning of the Budget Session 2026. The address outlined the government’s roadmap for achieving a Viksit Bharat and highlighted major policy priorities

president’s address parliament

President’s Address – Constitutional Basis

Governed by:

  • Article 87

Mandatory occasions:

  • First session after general elections to Lok Sabha
  • First session of each year (Budget Session)

Purpose:

  • Outlines government policies, achievements, and future agenda
  • Acts as a policy direction statement for Parliament
Motion of Thanks:
  • Moved after President’s Address in both Houses
  • Must be passed in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Key Implication

  • If defeated in Lok Sabha:
    • Considered as No-Confidence Motion
    • Government must resign
https://ddnews.gov.in/en/president-murmu-addresses-parliament-on-opening-day-of-budget-session-calls-2026-pivotal-for-viksit-bharat/: President’s Address to Parliament 2026 – Budget Session, Article 87 & Key Constitutional Provisions Explained

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Gauravelli Reservoir Project: Telangana Pushes for Early Completion

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs /

Why in News?

The Government of Telangana has initiated steps to expedite the completion of the Gauravelli Reservoir Project.

gauravelli reservoir project.

Key Highlights:

Project Location:

  • Gudatipally village, Akkannapet Mandal, Siddipet district

Project Type:

  • Irrigation reservoir project

Storage Capacity:

  • Initially: 1.41 TMC ft
  • Revised: 8.23 TMC ft (significant enhancement)

Irrigation Coverage:

  • Benefits approx. 1.20–1.60 lakh acres

Beneficiary Districts:

  • Siddipet
  • Karimnagar
  • Hanamkonda
  • Jangaon

Current Status:

  • Awaiting environmental clearance
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2026/Feb/24/efforts-on-to-complete-gouravelli-project-at-the-earliest-says-uttam-3: Gauravelli Reservoir Project: Telangana Pushes for Early Completion

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Indiramma Housing Scheme Expanded to Core Urban Region (CURE) in Telangana

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs /

Why in News?

The Government of Telangana has launched construction of houses under the Indiramma Indlu Housing Scheme in the Core Urban Economy Region (CURE) covering Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Medchal districts.

indiramma indlu

Key Highlights:

Scheme Name:

  • Indiramma Indlu (Housing Scheme)

Target Beneficiaries:

  • Economically weaker sections
  • Homeless and landless families

Coverage Expansion:

  • Now extended to Core Urban Economy Region (CURE)
  • Includes:
    • Hyderabad
    • Rangareddy
    • Medchal

Financial Assistance:

  • β‚Ή5 lakh per eligible family for house construction

Land Support:

  • Around 250 sq. yards plot provided to landless beneficiaries

Targets:

  • Total: 22.5 lakh houses in 5 years
https://telugu.samayam.com/telangana/hyderabad/indiramma-houses-for-urban-poor-telangana-govt-to-begin-allotment-in-cure-region/articleshow/129624939.cms: Indiramma Housing Scheme Expanded to Core Urban Region (CURE) in Telangana

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NIELIT to Set Up India’s First Quantum & AI University in Amaravati

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs /

Why in News?

The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology signed an MoU with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish India’s first dedicated Quantum & AI University campus in Amaravati.

india’s first dedicated quantum & ai university

Key Highlights:

Project Location:

  • Amaravati

Implementing Agency:

  • NIELIT under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Nature of Project:

  • India’s first specialised university campus focusing on:
    • Quantum Computing
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2231125&reg=3&lang=1: NIELIT to Set Up India’s First Quantum & AI University in Amaravati

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SAHI & BODH Initiatives Launched to Promote Safe AI in Healthcare

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, National Current Affairs /

Why in News?

The Union Health Minister launched SAHI and BODH initiatives at the India AI Impact Summit. These initiatives aim to ensure safe, ethical, and reliable use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

sahi & bodh

Key Highlights:

SAHI (Strategy for AI in Healthcare for India)

  • Acts as a national roadmap and governance framework
  • Ensures AI systems are:
    • Transparent
    • Accountable
    • People-centric
  • Core Objective:
    • AI should assist healthcare workers, not replace them
    • Promote evidence-based clinical decision-making

BODH Platform

  • Developed by:
    • IIT Kanpur
    • In collaboration with National Health Authority
  • Purpose:
    • Benchmark and validate AI tools in healthcare
    • Ensure accuracy and reliability before large-scale use
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2229226&reg=3&lang=1: SAHI & BODH Initiatives Launched to Promote Safe AI in Healthcare

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India’s First Underwater Road-Cum-Rail Tunnel Approved Under Brahmaputra

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, National Current Affairs /

Why in News?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel project under the Brahmaputra River in Assam.

india’s first underwater road cum rail tunnel project

Key Highlights:

Project Type:

  • Underwater twin-tube road-cum-rail tunnel

Location:

  • Under Brahmaputra River, Assam

Significance:

  • First-of-its-kind underwater tunnel in India

Brahmaputra river

Brahmaputra River:

  • Originates from Chemayungdung Glacier near Lake Mansarovar (Tibet)
  • Known as:
    • Yarlung Tsangpo (Tibet)
    • Siang/Dihang (Arunachal Pradesh)
    • Jamuna (Bangladesh)

Key Features:

  • Great Bend near Namcha Barwa
  • Famous river islands:
    • Majuli (largest inhabited)
    • Umananda (smallest inhabited)

Biodiversity Importance:

  • Supports Kaziranga National Park
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2227981&reg=3&lang=1: India’s First Underwater Road-Cum-Rail Tunnel Approved Under Brahmaputra

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India–GCC FTA Talks Begin: Terms of Reference Signed

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, International Current Affairs /

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council have signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to start negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This marks a major step in strengthening India’s trade and economic ties with Gulf countries.

india–gcc fta talks

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC):

  • A regional political and economic alliance of 6 Gulf countries
  • Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Member Countries:

  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2232327&reg=3&lang=1#:~:text=The%20Joint%20Statement%20on%20the,formally%20launching%20negotiations%20for%20a: India–GCC FTA Talks Begin: Terms of Reference Signed

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US–Russia New START Treaty Ends: Concerns Over Global Nuclear Stability

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Why in News?

The New START Treaty expired on February 5, 2026, ending the last major nuclear arms control pact between the United States and Russia.
This has raised serious concerns about global nuclear stability and arms race risks.

new start treaty

New START Treaty

New START was a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia with the formal name of Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms.

Treaty Expiry:

  • Officially expired on February 5, 2026

Signed:

  • In 2010, came into force in 2011

Duration:

  • Initially 10 years β†’ Extended till 2026

Key Provisions:

  • Limited:
    • Deployed nuclear warheads
    • Strategic delivery systems (ICBMs, SLBMs, bombers)

Significance:

  • Last remaining bilateral nuclear arms control treaty between US and Russia
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/the-last-us-russia-nuclear-pact-ends-today-is-this-the-beginning-of-a-new-arms-race-10515674/: US–Russia New START Treaty Ends: Concerns Over Global Nuclear Stability

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