February 16, 2026 - Current Affairs

Bio-Based Chemicals and Enzymes: A New Frontier in India’s Bioeconomy

Context

India is promoting bio-based chemicals and enzymes as key pillars of a green bioeconomy, linking climate action, industrial growth, and rural income diversification.

What Are Bio-Based Chemicals and Enzymes?

Bio-Based Chemicals: Bio-based chemicals are industrial chemicals produced from biological feedstocks such as sugarcane, corn, starch, agricultural residues, or other forms of biomass.

They are manufactured through fermentation, microbial processes, or enzymatic pathways, replacing fossil fuel-based raw materials.

Examples include organic acids (such as lactic acid), bio-alcohols, solvents, surfactants, and intermediates used in plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Renewable Energy to Dominate India’s Grid by 2070: NITI Aayog

Context

As per NITI Aayog India’s electricity mix could shift decisively from coal-heavy to renewable-led by 2070.

Major Highlights of the Study

Coal remains the backbone of India’s electricity landscape, accounting for nearly 74% of generation and providing dependable, low-cost base-load power.

Under the Current Policy Scenario (CPS) renewable energy’s share in electricity generation could rise from around 20% in 2024-25 to more than 80% by 2070.

In the same scenario, coal’s share in electricity generation could decline sharply to 6-10 per cent by 2070.

Bridging a Divide with an ‘Indian Scientific Service’

Context

India’s generalist post-Independence service rules, once vital for nation-building, now hinder effective scientific governance in an era driven by technology and complex environmental challenges.

The Core Issue

Scientists entering government are governed by general civil service rules.

Administrative systems prioritise hierarchy, uniformity, and procedural compliance.

Scientific work requires evidence-based reasoning, transparency, peer review, and open discussion of uncertainty.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transforming Indian Agriculture

Context

India, ranked third in the world in artificial intelligence by Stanford University’s 2025 Global AI Vibrancy rankings and is increasingly using Artificial Intelligence to strengthen sustainability, and resilience in its agriculture sector.

How is AI in Agriculture Critical for India?

Indian agriculture faces structural constraints such as fragmented landholdings, climate variability, price volatility, and low productivity.

Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather events, making predictive technologies essential.

Small and marginal farmers (over 85% of total farmers) require affordable, data-driven advisory systems.

Refurbished Medical Devices in India: Access vs. Regulation

Context

The import of refurbished high-end medical equipment has major implications for healthcare access, industry policy, and patient safety.

What Are Refurbished Medical Devices?

Refurbished medical devices are previously used systems that have been restored to their original operating specifications and resold at significantly lower prices.

These are typically capital-intensive machines used in advanced diagnostics and surgery.

News In Short 16-02-2026

Context

A recent study shows that the Chincha Indians used nitrogen-rich seabird guano to significantly boost maize production in coastal Peru and strengthened the pre-Inca Chincha Kingdom.

Chincha Indians

The Chincha were a pre-Inca civilisation located in the Chincha Valley on the southern coast of present-day Peru.

They flourished between 1000–1400 CE.

At their peak, their population is estimated to have reached nearly 100,000.