TLDR;
This YouTube video by Gupta Classes presents a comprehensive current affairs update for February 18, 2026, covering national and international events, defense, healthcare, environmental conservation, and key appointments. It emphasizes India's strategic initiatives, technological advancements, and cultural heritage, alongside global events and environmental efforts.
- Mission Sudarshan Chakra for drone defense
- Operation Swadesh for citizen repatriation from Iran
- AIIMS Delhi's face transplant program
- International Childhood Cancer Day awareness
- India AI Impact Summit and its theme "AI for All"
Mission Sudarshan Chakra [1:18]
India has launched "Mission Sudarshan Chakra" to counter aerial threats and drone attacks, aiming to neutralize drones in the sky. This initiative is a response to the increasing use of technology in strategic warfare globally. The mission is named after Lord Krishna's Sudarshan Chakra, symbolizing a system designed to eliminate aerial threats effectively.
Operation Swadesh [2:56]
In January 2026, India initiated "Operation Swadesh" to safely bring back its citizens from Iran amidst escalating tensions in the region. The operation aimed to ensure the well-being of Indian nationals by providing them a secure return to their home country. "Swadesh" translates to "own country," highlighting the focus on repatriation and safety.
First Face Transplant Program [4:11]
AIIMS Delhi has launched India's first face transplant program to aid individuals with severely disfigured faces, often due to acid attacks. This program aims to restore functionality and dignity, enabling patients to reintegrate into society with confidence. The initiative draws inspiration from ancient Indian texts, referencing the story of Lord Ganesha's head transplant as an example of advanced surgical knowledge.
International Childhood Cancer Day [6:52]
International Childhood Cancer Day is observed annually on February 15th to raise awareness about childhood cancer and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis. The theme for the year is "Equal Access to Care for All Children with Cancer," advocating for equitable healthcare services for young cancer patients.
India AI Impact Summit 2026 [8:12]
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held in New Delhi, focuses on the theme "AI for All," promoting the idea of "Sarvajan Hitay Sarvajan Sukhay" (benefit and happiness for all). The summit, hosted at Bharat Mandapam, includes participation from global CEOs like Sundar Pichai and Sam Altman. It emphasizes the importance of AI in adapting to technological disruptions and the need for nationwide AI responsibility.
Mian Amor Motley Becomes Prime Minister [10:25]
Mian Amor Motley has been re-elected as the Prime Minister of Barbados, securing a historic third consecutive term. Her party, the Barbados Labor Party, won all 30 seats in the Assembly. Barbados is a North American country located in the Caribbean Sea, with its capital being Bridgetown and currency being the Dollar.
Newly Elected Prime Ministers [12:39]
A slide presents a list of recently appointed Prime Ministers from various countries, including Sane Takachi of Japan, Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand, and others from Lithuania, Ukraine, the UK, Bhutan, Pakistan, Russia, Italy, Israel, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Tunisia, Estonia, Belgium, Canada, Australia, and Norway.
First National Cow Culture Museum [14:29]
India's first National Cow Culture Museum will be established in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, within the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Veterinary Science University campus. The museum will highlight the cultural, agricultural, and economic significance of cattle in Indian society, featuring digital and physical exhibits of indigenous and rare cattle breeds.
Recent Facts [15:42]
The video lists several "firsts" in India, including the first LAG diesel dual fuel electric multiple unit train in Ahmedabad, the first city with 24/7 potable tap water in Puri, the first hydrogen water taxi in Varanasi, and more. Other highlights include the largest meditation center in Varanasi, the largest office building in Surat, and the first e-waste eco park in Delhi.
Visa Intelligence Commerce Project [17:22]
DBS Bank has become the first issuer in the Asia Pacific region to pilot the Visa Intelligence Commerce (VIC) project. This initiative, in collaboration with Visa, aims to enable digital payments through secure AI agents, extending AI-based payments to online shopping, travel booking, and other digital services.
In C2 Air Exercise 2026 [18:40]
The In C2 Air Exercise 2026 was conducted between the air forces of India and Thailand. The exercise took place from February 9-13, 2026, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, involving aircraft such as the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter and Avakas.
Military Exercises [19:54]
The video provides a list of joint military exercises between India and other countries, including "Dosti" with Sri Lanka and Maldives, "Desert Cyclone" with the UAE, "Surya Kiran" with Nepal, and others with Australia, Vietnam, the UK, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Russia, France, Japan, and the USA.
David J. Farber [22:12]
David J. Farber, often called the "Grandfather of the Internet," is associated with the early development of the Internet Protocol (IP). He passed away on February 7th in Tokyo at the age of 91. His work at Bell Laboratories focused on linking computing with telecommunications.
Upcoming Military Exercises in 2026 [24:34]
A slide lists upcoming military exercises in 2026, including Exercise Equator with the Maldives, Desert Hunt with the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, Bonosagar Naval Exercise with Bangladesh, and Varuna Naval Exercise with France.
Bangladesh Government Ceremony [25:59]
Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh on February 17, 2026, in Dhaka.
Environment and Current Affairs [27:44]
The video transitions to environmental current affairs, noting that India has a total of 98 Ramsar sites, Bangalore is the leopard capital of India, and Goa is the first state to release a bird atlas. Additionally, Himachal Pradesh has the 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and a female cheetah born in India is named Mukhi.
Wetland Conservation [28:21]
India has 98 Ramsar sites, with the 97th being Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and the 98th being Chari Dand in Gujarat. World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd, with the theme "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing." Indore and Udaipur are recognized as India's first Wetland Cities.
New Ramsar Sites [29:57]
The video highlights new Ramsar sites in various states, including Gokul Reservoir and Udaipur Lake in Bihar, Kopra Reservoir in Chhattisgarh, and Udhava Lake Bird Sanctuary in Jharkhand. Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India.
Big Cat Update and Conservation [30:55]
The lion census in 2025 showed a 32% increase in the lion population in Gir National Park, Gujarat, with a total of 891 lions. Under Project Cheetah, eight new cheetahs were imported from Botswana in November 2025, bringing the total to 30. The first cheetah born in India is named Mukhi.
Elephant Conservation [32:48]
A DNA-based survey on elephants revealed a 25% decline in the elephant population in India compared to 2017, mainly due to train accidents. Vatsala, Asia's oldest elephant, died in Panna Tiger Reserve, and Shankar, an African elephant, died in Delhi Zoo due to EMCV virus.
Rare Discoveries [33:42]
A sandalwood leopard, thought to be extinct in India, was sighted in Karnataka in January 2026.
Forest National Park and Biosphere [34:01]
Cold Desert Biosphere Park in Himachal Pradesh is the 13th reserve to join the UNESCO network. Simlipal in Orissa is now the 107th National Park in India. A 0-1 km area around Kumbalgarh in Rajasthan is declared an eco-sensitive zone.
Bird and Insect Conservation [35:16]
Goa became the second state to release a bird atlas in February 2026, with Kerala being the first. A grassland bird census was conducted in Kaziranga, Assam, and a water bird census in Godavari Mohana, Andhra Pradesh. Peru became the first country to grant legal rights to native stingless bees.
