India Governance Watch: Viksit Bharat’s Policy And Administrative Developments
-
1st - 15th February, 2026 -
February 2026 | Issue I -
15 min read
Contributors
Manasa Sriram
Lead Editor
Veerabhadra Patil
Editor
Shankarjeet
Consultant
Executive Summary
This issue covers trade frameworks with the US and GCC, fiscal devolution, RBI’s neutral monetary policy stance, AI content regulation, deeptech startup recognition, Urban Challenge Fund, civil services rule changes, industrial relations reform, health regulation and defence modernisation.
Key Developments
- India-US interim trade framework was announced.
- 41% vertical devolution to states was retained.
- India and GCC signed Terms of Reference for FTA negotiations.
- RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%.
- AI content rules were tightened.
- Startup recognition for deeptech firms was extended.
- A ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund was approved.
- Industrial Relations Code Amendment Bill passed in Parliament.
- Draft Defence Acquisition Procedure 2026 was released for consultation.
Key Takeaways
- The issue balances trade expansion with domestic institutional reform.
- AI and digital regulation became sharper policy priorities.
- Urban financing and defence modernisation saw large-scale policy movement.
DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT
Access the complete India Governance Watch report including detailed policy analysis, ministry notifications, annexures and regulatory developments.
Read Our Other Reports
-
India Governance Watch January 2026 (Issue II)
16th Jan – 31st Jan 2026 -
India Governance Watch January 2026 (Issue I)
1st Jan – 15th Jan 2026 -
India Governance Watch December 2025 (Issue II)
16th Dec – 31st Dec 2025 -
India Governance Watch December 2025 (Issue I)
1st Dec – 15th Dec 2025 -
India Governance Watch November 2025 (Issue II)
16th Nov – 30th Nov 2025
