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February 15, 2026 February 15, 2026 - Current affairs for all the Exams: Strategic Infrastructure and Defence Boost: India’s First Underwater Tunnel and ₹2,312 Crore HAL Deal

India has achieved major milestones in national security and infrastructure with the Union Cabinet's approval of the country's first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River and a ₹2,312 crore contract between the Ministry of Defence and HAL for eight Dornier aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard.

The last 24 hours have seen several landmark developments in India's strategic, infrastructure, and technological landscapes, crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations.

1. India’s First Underwater Road-cum-Rail Tunnel

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in Assam. This 4-lane access-controlled Greenfield corridor will connect Gohpur and Numaligarh. This transformative project is designed to enhance connectivity between North and South banks of the Brahmaputra, significantly reduce logistics costs, and accelerate socio-economic growth across the Northeast region.

2. ₹2,312 Crore Defence Deal for Indian Coast Guard

The Ministry of Defence has signed a pivotal contract worth ₹2,312 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of eight Dornier-228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The contract, signed in Kanpur, aims to bolster India's maritime domain awareness and aerial patrol capabilities. The Dornier-228 is a highly versatile aircraft used for maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and electronic warfare missions, emphasizing the government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision in defence manufacturing.

3. India AI Impact Summit 2026

Preparations are finalized for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from February 16 to February 20, 2026. The summit, themed "Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya" (For the Welfare of All, For the Happiness of All), will host leaders from 20 countries and delegations from 45 nations. It focuses on AI policy, global tech diplomacy, and India's role in shaping ethical AI frameworks.

4. Other Key Current Affairs Highlights:

  • Northeast’s First ELF: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in the Northeast on the Moran bypass (NH-37) in Assam, landing a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to mark the occasion.
  • Alwar’s Insurance Milestone: Alwar district in Rajasthan has become the first in India to achieve 100% insurance coverage under the “Insurance for All by 2047” roadmap.
  • Sthree Suraksha Scheme: The Kerala government launched the Sthree Suraksha Scheme, providing a monthly pension of ₹1,000 to over 1 million unemployed women and transwomen.
  • BrahMos-NG: Plans were announced for the first flight test of the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) missile in 2026, featuring a more compact and lightweight design.

These developments reflect India's multi-sectoral progress in connectivity, maritime security, and digital sovereignty, which are essential topics for UPSC, SSC, and Banking aspirants.

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