UPSC CARE Mains Practice 18th February 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Discuss the significance of the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 in positioning India as a global leader in responsible Artificial Intelligence. (GS Paper III: Science & Technology (AI applications))
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has approved the Great Nicobar Island Project citing its strategic importance while imposing environmental safeguards. Discuss its strategic significance and examine the associated concerns.
Discuss the significance of the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 in positioning India as a global leader in responsible Artificial Intelligence. (GS Paper III: Science & Technology (AI applications))
Introduction:
Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a critical driver of economic growth and governance transformation. The India–AI Impact Summit 2026 reflects India’s ambition to lead global AI development aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
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Significance of the Summit
1. Global Leadership in AI
- First major AI summit hosted in the Global South.
- Promotes multilateral cooperation and equitable AI access.
2. Governance & Responsible AI
- Focus on Safe and Trusted AI frameworks.
- Strengthens regulatory and ethical AI deployment.
3. Economic and Developmental Impact
- AI applications across healthcare, agriculture, education, and finance.
- Supports inclusive growth and productivity enhancement.
4. Capacity Building
- Human Capital Chakra promotes AI skilling.
- Youth and women participation through YUVAi and AI by HER.
5. Innovation Ecosystem
- Startup support through IndiaAI Mission and STPI.
- Democratization of AI resources and compute infrastructure.
Challenges
- Digital divide and unequal AI access.
- Data privacy and ethical concerns.
- Environmental cost of large AI systems.
Way Forward
- Strengthen indigenous AI models.
- Expand AI skilling programs.
- Build robust governance frameworks balancing innovation and safety.
Conclusion:
The India–AI Impact Summit 2026 marks a shift from AI dialogue to implementation, positioning India as a global hub for inclusive, ethical, and development-oriented artificial intelligence.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has approved the Great Nicobar Island Project citing its strategic importance while imposing environmental safeguards. Discuss its strategic significance and examine the associated concerns.
Introduction:
The ₹81,000-crore Great Nicobar Island Project, approved by the NGT in 2026 with stringent safeguards, seeks to develop a transhipment port, greenfield airport, township and power infrastructure in the southernmost island of India. It reflects India’s strategic and economic ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.
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Strategic Significance
- Geostrategic Location:
Located near the Malacca, Sunda and Lombok Straits, the island sits astride major global sea lanes of communication (SLOCs). - Maritime Security:
Strengthens India’s Maritime Domain Awareness and enhances its deterrence capability amid rising Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region. - Economic Potential:
The International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) can reduce reliance on foreign ports like Singapore and Colombo and integrate India into global supply chains. - EEZ Advantage:
Reinforces India’s strategic control over its vast Exclusive Economic Zone under UNCLOS (1982).
Concerns
- Ecological Impact:
Diversion of ~130 sq km of tropical rainforest threatens endemic biodiversity, coral reefs, and turtle nesting sites. - Seismic Vulnerability:
The island lies in a high seismic zone, as seen during the 2004 tsunami. - Tribal Rights:
Potential displacement of Shompen (PVTG) and Nicobarese communities raises concerns under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. - Compensatory Afforestation Issues:
Mainland afforestation cannot replicate unique island ecosystems.
Conclusion:
While strategically transformative, the project must adhere to strict environmental safeguards, ensure genuine tribal consultation, and adopt disaster-resilient planning to balance national security with ecological sustainability.