TLDR;
Alright guys, this is the daily Hindu newspaper and editorial analysis for February 14, 2026. We'll be discussing important articles from The Hindu, Indian Express, and PIB, focusing on both prelims and mains perspectives. Key topics include the PM Suraj Portal, new telescopes for space observation, lymphatic filariasis, and the Network Readiness Index. We'll also look at previous year questions to understand the exam relevance.
- PM Suraj Portal and entrepreneurship
- New telescopes and space observation
- Lymphatic filariasis and health initiatives
- Network Readiness Index and digital economy
PM Suraj Portal: Boosting Entrepreneurship [1:40]
The PM Suraj Portal, launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to increase entrepreneurship, especially among women, by providing loan support. It's not a direct subsidy scheme but offers credit support. Recently, ₹1389.61 crore has been disbursed as loans to 1.39 lakh entrepreneurs between 2024 and 2025. The portal focuses on startups and first-generation entrepreneurs from disadvantaged sections, differentiating it from schemes like PM Mudra Yojana. It acts as a centralised digital platform for loan applications and tracking, promoting transparency. Beneficiaries include Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes, with loans up to ₹15 lakh at low interest rates via direct benefit transfer. This initiative boosts the Indian economy and supports Atmanirbhar Bharat. Similar schemes include PM Mudra Yojana and Stand Up India, which also focus on supporting entrepreneurship among specific communities.
New Telescopes: Observing the Universe [12:51]
The government has approved the construction of two new telescopes and the upgrade of one in Ladakh to enhance space observation, particularly the study of the Sun. The new telescopes are the National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) and the National Large Optical Near-Infrared Telescope (NLONIT). The NLST will be located in Ladakh near Pangong Tso Lake, chosen for its minimal atmospheric disturbance and light pollution. The existing Himalayan Chandra Telescope will be upgraded. These telescopes will facilitate research on exoplanets and the evolution of the universe. The NLST will study solar dynamics and magnetism, tracking solar flares and coronal mass ejections to understand their impact on space weather, satellites, and communication systems. The NLONIT, to be located in Hanle, Ladakh, will use a large primary mirror to generate high-quality images of distant celestial objects, aiding in the study of exoplanets and the origin of the universe. NLST will be India's third ground-based solar observatory, joining the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in Tamil Nadu and the Udaipur Solar Observatory in Rajasthan.
Lymphatic Filariasis: Eliminating Elephantiasis [24:47]
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a nationwide mass drug administration campaign to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2027. Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis or "haathi paon," is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by worms and spread by mosquitoes, leading to severe swelling in the limbs. It is classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), affecting marginalized populations in tropical regions. The disease damages the lymphatic system, causing body parts to swell. The main cause is parasitic roundworms (nematodes), particularly Wuchereria bancrofti, transmitted by female Culex mosquitoes. The campaign involves administering antifilarial drugs like Diethylcarbamazine, Albendazole, and Ivermectin to prevent the disease. WHO emphasizes breaking the transmission cycle by controlling the mosquito population.
Network Readiness Index: India's Digital Progress [32:19]
The Network Readiness Index (NRI) report for 2025, released by the Portulans Institute in Washington D.C., ranks India at 45th, a four-position improvement from the previous year. The index measures a country's ability to leverage information technology for economic and social development. The NRI assesses digital infrastructure, digital economic growth, and digital innovation. It operates on four pillars: technology, people, governance, and impact. India's improved ranking supports the Digital India mission, driven by initiatives like Bharat Net, UPI, and 5G rollout. Further improvement requires enhancing digital skills and literacy.
Rocket Science: Wet Dress Rehearsal [38:26]
Before launching missions, thorough testing is crucial. Dry dress rehearsals involve checking all parts of the rocket, but wet dress rehearsals take it a step further. Wet dress rehearsals involve starting the rocket to check for fuel leaks, which are a major cause of mission failures. NASA's Artemis II mission used a wet dress rehearsal and discovered a hydrogen leak, preventing a potential explosion. Unlike dry dress rehearsals, wet dress rehearsals simulate launch day conditions by loading cryogenic propellants like liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. This process involves cooling the fuel lines, loading the propellants, and pressurizing the tanks, allowing engineers to detect leaks before ignition.
Labour Codes: Transforming India's Workforce [46:02]
India's new labour codes, implemented last year, consolidate 29 old labour laws into four codes to simplify the labour law system and protect workers' rights. The four codes are: the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Code on Social Security, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code. These codes aim to improve transparency and ease of doing business. A key reform focuses on wages, ensuring that basic pay constitutes at least 50% of the total cost to the company (CTC), leading to higher contributions to provident funds and better retirement savings. The codes also extend social security coverage to gig workers, platform workers, migrant workers, and those in the unorganized sector, providing benefits like insurance and pension. This is expected to have a multiplier effect on the economy by increasing purchasing power and demand. While the codes aim to be pro-worker, trade unions have expressed concerns about potential employer dominance. The new codes are designed to suit the modern economy, promoting decent work and aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 8.
New PMO Office: A Symbol of New India [57:44]
A new Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has been inaugurated in Central Vista, replacing the old colonial-era buildings. The government states that the old buildings had structural issues and space constraints, affecting administrative efficiency. The new office symbolizes a "New India" and aims to provide a more efficient and modern workspace.
