Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs February 2026 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs 15th & 16th February 2026, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs 15th & 16th February 2026 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

Daily Current Affairs PDF of 15th & 16th February 2026

Get More: Static GK Pdfs

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Reports Continued Growth in Digital Payments for Six Months Ending September 2025

• The Reserve Bank of India reported further improvement in Digital Payments during the six months ending September 2025, continuing the upward growth trend.
• The RBI-DPI Index rose to 516.76 in September 2025, up from 493.22 in March 2025 and 465.33 in September 2024, indicating steady expansion in payment digitisation.
• The rise in RBI-DPI was mainly driven by strong growth in Payment Performance and Payment Enablers across the country.
• The RBI–Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) has been published since January 2021 with March 2018 as the Base Year to measure the extent of digital payment adoption in India.
• The Index is based on five parameters:

1. Payment Enablers – 25%
2. Payment Infrastructure (Demand Side) – 10%
3. Payment Infrastructure (Supply Side) – 15%
4. Payment Performance – 45% (Highest Weightage)
5. Consumer Centricity – 5%

• The RBI-DPI is released on a Semi-Annual basis on the RBI website with a time lag of 4 months (from March 2021 onwards).
• The September 2025 DPI (516.76) reflects continued acceleration in digital payment usage, compared to March 2025 (493.22) announced on July 28, 2025.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation unveils India’s first retail inflation figures under the new CPI series (Base Year: 2024=100)

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released India’s first retail inflation data under the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series (Base Year: 2024=100).

Key Highlights :

• India’s annual retail inflation stood at 2.75% in January 2026, marking the first inflation reading under the revised CPI base year 2024 series.
• The base revision exercise updated the CPI basket and item weights using findings from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24.
• Total items in CPI basket increased from 299 to 358, including goods rising from 259 to 308 and services from 40 to 50, reflecting expansion of the services economy and modern consumption trends.
• Price data collection coverage expanded to 1,465 rural markets (earlier 1,181) and 1,395 urban markets (earlier 1,114), improving national price representation.
• The new CPI series includes price data from 12 online marketplaces (cities with population above 25 lakh), marking a major methodological advancement in digital price tracking.
• Telangana recorded the highest combined CPI inflation at 4.92%, with food inflation at 2.74%, followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.
• Next CPI release (February 2026 data) is scheduled for 12 March 2026 (Thursday) or the next working day if a holiday.
• The CPI 2024 series adopts the Classification of Individual Consumption According to Purpose (COICOP) 2018 developed by the United Nations Statistics Division, replacing the earlier six-group classification structure.
• Under the revised classification framework, expenditure is structured into 12 divisions, 43 groups, 92 classes, 162 subclasses, and 358 item categories, enabling granular consumption analysis.
• Revised expenditure weights reflect updated household spending behaviour from HCES 2023–24, with Food & Beverages share declining but still remaining the largest component.
• Food & Beverages hold the highest CPI weight at 36.75%, followed by Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas & Other Fuels at 17.67%, making them the most inflation-sensitive categories.
• Other key weight categories include Transport (8.80%), Clothing & Footwear (6.38%), and Health (6.10%), while Recreation, Education, and Personal Care carry lower weights.
• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures changes over time in retail prices of goods and services consumed by households, serving as India’s primary inflation indicator.
• The CPI 2024 compilation uses the Young/Modified Laspeyres’ Index for higher-level indices and the Jevons Index (Short Index Formula) for elementary indices calculation.

About Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation :

•  Minister of State : Rao Inderjit Singh

NPCI International Signs Pact with PayNet Malaysia to Enable QR-Based Merchant Payments Between India and Malaysia

• NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, signed an agreement with Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) to enable QR-based merchant payments between India and Malaysia.
• The initiative will be rolled out in a phase-wise manner to ensure smooth implementation.
•  In the first phase, Indian travellers in Malaysia can use their UPI apps to make payments at DuitNow QR merchant locations.
• In a later phase, Malaysian visitors to India will be able to make payments by scanning UPI QR codes using their DuitNow apps.
• Indian tourists will have access to millions of DuitNow QR acceptance points across Malaysia, including restaurants, retail stores, tourist attractions, and other establishments.
• This collaboration strengthens cross-border payment connectivity by enabling interoperable QR payment infrastructure that supports secure, efficient, and seamless merchant payments for travellers in both countries.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launches Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI platform integrating AgriStack and ICAR agricultural systems

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), a multilingual AI tool integrating AgriStack portals and ICAR agricultural practice packages with AI systems.
• AgriStack was launched in 2024 under the Centre’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Mission to consolidate agriculture data on a single platform.
• AgriStack is a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the farm sector under the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM), approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024.
• AgriStack comprises three foundational registries: Farmer Registry, Geo-referenced Village Maps, and Crop Sown Registry, maintained by State Governments/UTs.
• Each farmer receives a Unique Digital Identity (similar to Aadhaar), known as Kisan Pehchaan Patra, containing landholding details and crop information.
• The Centre targets completion of the Farmer Registry with dynamic Records of Rights (RoR) synchronisation by March 2027; North Eastern States target: March 2028.
• The Crop Sown Registry records season-wise crop data through mobile-based Digital Crop Surveys.
• The Geo-referenced Village Map Registry contains land record geographic data linked with latitude-longitude coordinates.
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) packages provide scientific agricultural practice data integrated into the AI platform.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

NSSTA Celebrates 18th Foundation Day with Focus on Viksit Bharat@2047

• National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), celebrated its 18th Foundation Day at Mahalanobis Auditorium, Knowledge Park-II, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• Theme: “Reimagining Capacity Building for Official Statistics to Achieve Vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.”
• NSSTA functions as a premier Central Training Institute for strengthening India’s official statistical system through skill development, ethics, and technological advancement.
• Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, described data as the “fifth factor of production”, alongside land, labour, capital, and technology.
• Key reforms highlighted:
  – Restructuring of Indian Statistical Service (ISS)
  – Deployment of ISS officers across 60 ministries
  – Focus on district-level granular data dissemination
• The Union Minister inaugurated the Digital Data Lab to promote digital skilling, AI-enabled statistical systems, and Mission Karmayogi strengthening.
• Mr. Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator, termed statistics as the “grammar of development”, crucial for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and India’s Vision 2047.
• Journals “AAROHAN” and “PRATIBIMB” were released by ISS probationers.
• A panel discussion was held on “Communicating Statistics to Policymakers and the Public.”
• Certificates were awarded to top performers in iGOT Karmayogi courses.
• The event reaffirmed NSSTA’s commitment to data-driven governance, AI integration, advanced analytics, and building a future-ready statistical workforce aligned with Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

RECENT NEWS

• · The Government of Uttar Pradesh has presented a ₹9.13 trillion Budget for the financial year 2026–27, reflecting an increase of 12.2% over the previous year’s outlay. The Budget was tabled in the State Assembly by Finance Minister Suresh Khanna.

NITI Aayog Releases 6th Edition of Trade Watch Quarterly (Q2 FY26)

• NITI Aayog released the 6th edition of “Trade Watch Quarterly” for Q2 FY26 (July–September 2025) in New Delhi.
• The report was released by Vice-Chairman Suman Bery in the presence of Member Arvind Virmani.
• The publication provides a detailed analysis of global and domestic trade trends, with a special focus on India’s electronics trade.
• India’s total exports (merchandise + services) recorded a growth of ~8.5% in Q2 FY26.
• Export growth outpaced imports, sustaining overall trade expansion.
• Global trade growth moderated but remained positive, with services trade outperforming goods trade.
• Trade among developing economies has expanded nearly fourfold since 2005, reflecting stronger integration with the Global South.
• Electronics emerged as the second-largest export item in India’s export basket.
• India’s share in global electronics demand grew at a CAGR of 17.2% (2015–2024) compared to global growth of 4.4%.
• Electronics exports increased nearly fivefold (2016–2024), reaching USD 42.1 billion.
• Global electronics trade stands at USD 4.6 trillion.
• Major export destinations include United States, United Kingdom, and UAE.
• Strength areas: Mobile phones, Consumer electronics, Communication equipment.
• The Union Budget allocated ₹40,000 crore under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to boost domestic production.
• Future growth areas include PCB design, Semiconductor assembly & testing, Power electronics, Embedded systems.
• India ranks among the top six global e-commerce markets, with electronics contributing nearly 50% of online retail sales.
• E-commerce exports are projected to contribute 20–30% of India’s merchandise exports by 2030.
• The report highlights the need for global value chain integration, tariff rationalisation, logistics efficiency, and skill development to sustain export competitiveness.

RECENT NEWS

• NITI Aayog has come out with an ambitious clean energy plan for Andhra Pradesh. The policy blueprint aims to transform the State into one of India’s top renewable energy hubs by 2035.

Uttar Pradesh Tables First-Ever Economic Survey 2025-26; Charts Roadmap for $1 Trillion Economy

• The Government of Uttar Pradesh presented its first-ever Economic Survey 2025-26 in the State Legislature, outlining a data-driven strategy to transform the state into a $1 trillion economy in the medium term.
• The survey emphasises investment-led growth, infrastructure expansion, industrial diversification, fiscal discipline, and human development.
• Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) (2024-25): ₹30.25 lakh crore, nearly double from ₹13.30 lakh crore in 2016-17.
• Projected GSDP (2025-26): ₹36 lakh crore, reflecting nearly 12% growth rate.
• CAGR (2016-17 to 2024-25): 10.8%.
• Uttar Pradesh’s contribution to India’s economy increased to 9.1%.
• Per Capita Income (2024-25): ₹1,09,844, expected to reach ₹1,20,000 in 2025-26.
• Achieving the $1 trillion target (approx. ₹83 lakh crore) will require sustained capital investment and productivity enhancement.
• The state has created an investment pipeline exceeding ₹50 lakh crore in industrial proposals.
• Infrastructure expansion includes 22 expressways, making UP India’s expressway hub.
• Uttar Pradesh has the largest rail network in the country.
• The state plans to expand to 24 airports, including five international airports.
• Governance reforms follow the Triple “S” Framework – Safety, Stability, and Speed, supported by digital clearance platform Nivesh Mitra.
• Number of registered factories crossed 30,000, with 25% growth in industrial Gross Value Added (GVA), highest among major states.
• Cluster-based industrial development:
• Lucknow – AI City & Capital Region
• Kanpur – Drone Manufacturing & Testing Hub
• Noida – IT, Electronics & Data Centres
• Bundelkhand – Defence Industrial Corridor
• Uttar Pradesh ranks 4th in Startup Ecosystem and 4th in Export Preparedness Index 2024, while ranking 1st among landlocked states.
• Agriculture contributes 20.6% of India’s total foodgrain output.
• The state accounts for 15.66% of India’s milk production, highest in India.
• Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of sugarcane, milk, and potatoes.
• Agricultural GVA per hectare increased from ₹0.98 lakh (2017-18) to ₹1.73 lakh (2024-25).
• Irrigated area expanded to 2.76 crore hectares, with crop intensity rising to 193.7%.
• State Budget 2025-26 stands at ₹8.33 lakh crore, more than double over nine years.
• Fiscal deficit capped at 3% of GSDP.
• Revenue surplus projected at 2.6% of GSDP.
• Own tax revenue increased 2.5 times to ₹2.09 lakh crore.
• Debt-to-GSDP ratio at 28%, below the national average.
• Urbanisation projected to reach 35.8% by 2046.
• Plans include development of Lucknow State Capital Region and creation of 100 new townships.

About Uttar Pradesh:

• · Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• · Governor: Anandiben Patel
• · Capital: Lucknow
• · National Parks: Dudhwa National Park
• · Wildlife Sanctuaries: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary), Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranipur Wildlife

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority Becomes First Major Port to Receive IGBC Platinum and Shunya Certifications

• V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority became the first Major Port in India to receive the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum Rating.
• The certification was awarded to the Administration Building for excellence in sustainability, energy efficiency and eco-friendly infrastructure.
• The Administration Building operates under a Green Policy and structured waste management plan.
• It is equipped with rooftop solar panels and a high Solar Reflectance Index roof coating, reducing the Urban Heat Island effect and improving energy efficiency.
• Resource conservation measures include:
• Internet of Things-enabled water meters
• Indoor Air Quality monitoring systems
• Rainwater harvesting systems
• Water-saving plumbing fixtures
• These initiatives led to a 37 per cent reduction in potable water consumption.
• All wastewater is treated through an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant and fully reused within the premises.
• The Administration Building operates on 100 per cent renewable energy.
• 89 per cent electricity is generated through on-site solar power.
• 11 per cent electricity is sourced from off-site renewable energy.
• VOC Port also secured Shunya and Shunya Plus certifications from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power.
• Shunya Certification signifies a Net Zero Energy Building.
• Shunya Plus Certification denotes a Net Positive Energy Building.
• Under this framework:
• Port Hospital and Central Industrial Security Force Barracks received Shunya Plus Certification.
• Administrative Building and Guest House received Shunya Certification.
• The Port emphasised health, safety and accessibility, implementing:
• No Smoking Policy
• Use of eco-friendly housekeeping chemicals
• Non-slippery ramps and differently-abled-friendly toilets
• Electric wheelchairs
• Braille-enabled lifts with audio assistance
• The campus maintains over 70 per cent green cover.
• The achievement aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Harit Sagar – Green Port Guidelines, setting a benchmark for sustainable and renewable energy-driven port infrastructure in India.

About Tamil Nadu:

• Capital: Chennai
• Chief Minister: M. K. Stalin
• Governor: R. N. Ravi
• National Parks: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park, Guindy National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

Rajasthan Budget 2026–27 Presented with Focus on Fiscal Consolidation and Vision 2047

• The Rajasthan Government presented the State Budget 2026–27 in the Legislative Assembly.
• The Budget was presented by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Divya Kumari.
• The Budget focuses on fiscal consolidation, capital expenditure growth, agriculture, infrastructure expansion and social welfare, aligned with Vision 2047 (Viksit Rajasthan 2047).
• The government reiterated adherence to Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management norms.
• The total Budget outlay for 2026–27 is approximately ₹6.11 lakh crore.
• Key Fiscal Indicators (₹ Lakh):
• Revenue Receipts: ₹3,25,74,013
• Revenue Expenditure: ₹3,50,05,407
• Capital Receipts: ₹2,85,43,386
• Capital Expenditure: ₹2,60,90,222
• Revenue Deficit: ₹24,31,393
• Fiscal Deficit: ₹79,49,252 (around 3.69% of Gross State Domestic Product)
• Primary Deficit: ₹35,81,730
• Budget Surplus: ₹21,770
• Market Borrowings: ₹27,65,278
• The fiscal deficit has been kept within permissible limits, reflecting financial discipline.
• Major Sector Allocations (₹ Lakh):
• Education, Sports, Art and Culture: ₹68,98,947
• Medical, Health and Family Welfare: ₹32,52,630
• Agriculture and Allied Activities: ₹18,29,068
• Rural Development: ₹33,59,821
• Industries and Minerals: ₹1,41,006
• Key initiatives in Education and Youth Development include:
• VIBRANT Programme for mentoring and entrepreneurship in colleges.
• Raj-PAHAL initiative including School on Wheels for migrant children.
• Upgrade of 400 schools into Chief Minister RISE institutions.
• DREAM Programme to benefit 50,000 students.
• Training of 1,000 youth in foreign languages to enhance global employability.
• In Agriculture and Climate, the Budget announced:
• Carbon Credit Pilot Project to promote climate-friendly farming.
• Digital Agriculture Mission (Raj-AIMS) using Artificial Intelligence and satellite data.
• Mission Raj GIFT for Geographical Indication tagging and market expansion.
• In Health and Social Sector:
• Launch of RAJ-SURAKSHA emergency response system.
• Raj-MAMTA Mental Health Programme with Centre of Excellence at SMS Medical College, Jaipur.
• 500-bed expansion at JK Lon Hospital and 200-bed paediatric facility at Rajasthan University of Health Sciences.
• For Women Empowerment:
• Establishment of Rural Women Business Process Outsourcing centres with ₹100 crore allocation.
• Loan limit under Mukhyamantri Lakhpati Didi Yojana increased to ₹1.5 lakh.
• Loan limit up to ₹1 crore under Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Udyam Protsahan Yojana.
• In Tourism, Information Technology and Infrastructure:
• Development of ultra-luxury tourism zone at Khuri, Jaisalmer.
• Launch of Thar Cultural Circuit and a war museum in Jhunjhunu.
• Announcement of New Information Technology Policy and establishment of Rajasthan Cyber Crime Control Centre.
• ₹32,000 crore allocation for the Yamuna water project in Shekhawati.
• Launch of PRITHWI Project with ₹1,500 crore allocation for wildlife conservation.
• The Budget projects per capita income exceeding ₹2 lakh in the coming years under the Viksit Rajasthan 2047 roadmap.
• Announcement of the Rajasthan State Testing Agency (RSTA) to ensure transparency in competitive examinations.

About Rajasthan:

• Capital: Jaipur
• Governor: Haribhau Bagade
• Chief Minister: Bajan Lal Sharma
• National Parks: Ranthambhore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Desert National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Oil India Limited Wins FIPI Award 2025 at India Energy Week

• Oil India Limited (OIL) has won the FIPI Award 2025 under the category ‘Oil & Gas Production Company of the Year’ (more than 1 MTOE).
• The award recognises OIL’s strong production performance and contribution towards India’s energy security.
• The award was presented by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) during India Energy Week held in Goa.
• The ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• Dr Ranjit Rath, Chairman and Managing Director of OIL, received the award on behalf of the company.
• OIL has demonstrated strong growth through:
• Expansion of exploration activities
• Improved recovery from mature oil fields
• Adoption of advanced technologies
• Enhanced operational efficiency
• These initiatives contribute to:
• Increase in domestic oil and gas production
• Reduction in crude oil imports
• Strengthening India’s energy infrastructure
• Support to the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliance) mission
• OIL is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• The company has a strong operational presence in the Northeast region and is expanding its footprint across India.
• The recognition reinforces OIL’s role in ensuring sustainable energy growth and national energy security.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

Rajasthan Leads India’s Wool Production in FY24; India Ranks 9th Globally

• India ranks 2nd in sheep population globally and 9th in wool production.
• Total sheep population in India stands at 77.4 million.
• India’s total wool production in FY24: 33.69 million kg.
• Rajasthan emerged as the largest wool-producing state with 16,013.50 thousand kg, accounting for 47.53% share of national output.
• Rajasthan’s dominance is supported by its arid climate and extensive grazing lands.
• Major sheep breeds in Rajasthan include Marwari and Chokla, producing mainly coarse wool used in carpets and blankets.
• Jammu & Kashmir produced 7,770 thousand kg (23.06%), known for fine wool from Changthangi and Merino sheep, used in shawls and handicrafts.
• Karnataka produced 6,472 thousand kg, mainly medium to coarse wool for rugs and textiles.
• Telangana recorded 4,422 thousand kg, supported by state-backed sheep rearing schemes.
• Gujarat produced 2,083 thousand kg, contributing coarse wool for carpet industries.
• Maharashtra recorded 1,601.28 thousand kg, mainly from drought-prone regions.
• Himachal Pradesh produced 1,422.69 thousand kg, known for wool used in warm garments and handicrafts.

• Other contributors include:

• Uttar Pradesh – 942 thousand kg
• Andhra Pradesh – 778.23 thousand kg
• Haryana – 674.61 thousand kg

• In terms of Annual Growth Rate (AGR):

• Punjab recorded highest growth at 22.04%
• Tamil Nadu – 17.19%
• Gujarat – 3.20%

• Types of wool produced in India:

• Carpet Grade – 85%
• Apparel Grade – 5%
• Coarser Grade – 10%
• The wool industry operates in both organised and unorganised sectors.
• Organised sector includes composite mills, spinning units, and carpet manufacturing units.
• Unorganised sector comprises power looms, handlooms, knitting units, and dyeing facilities.
• Employment impact:
• Around 1.2 million people employed in the organised sector
• Nearly 2 million people employed in related industries
• Carpet weaving alone provides employment to about 0.3 million workers

• Contribution based on sheep categories:

• Ewes – 71.13%
• Rams and wethers – 14.54%
• Lambs – 14.33%
• With nearly half of national output contributed by Rajasthan, India’s wool sector plays a significant role in rural livelihood, textile production, and carpet exports.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Shikhar Dhawan Named Brand Ambassador for Delhi Government’s Delhi Khel Mahakumbh Sports Initiative

• Shikhar Dhawan, former India cricketer and Arjuna Awardee, has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, a major sports initiative of the Delhi Government.
• The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh is an initiative of the Directorate of Education and Sports, Government of NCT of Delhi, aimed at strengthening grassroots sports participation and talent identification.
• The initiative focuses on promoting sports, nurturing young talent, and integrating sports with education and youth development in the capital.
• The motto of the event is “Aao Delhi Khele”, highlighting mass participation and youth engagement in sports.
• The initial phase will feature seven sports — Kabaddi, Football, Athletics, Wrestling, Basketball, Volleyball, and Squash.
• Competitions will be conducted across 16 different stadiums/venues in Delhi.
• The event will witness participation from thousands of young athletes representing all 12 districts of Delhi.
• The official mascot ‘Ranveer’ was unveiled, symbolising energy, courage, and the sporting spirit of Delhi’s youth.
• The Mahakumbh is designed as a large-scale multi-sport platform bringing together school and community-level athletes to provide structured competition, exposure, and pathways towards professional sports careers.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Air Force to Showcase Combat Strength at Exercise Vayushakti-26 in Pokhran on 27 February 2026

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 on 27 February 2026 at Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range, Jaisalmer, showcasing its combat readiness and firepower capability.

Key Highlights :

• Vayushakti-26 is a large-scale operational exercise aimed at demonstrating the IAF’s role as the nation’s “first, fastest and fiercest responder.”
• The exercise will highlight the IAF’s ability to rapidly punish adversaries, dominate the operational environment and convert tactical actions into strategic outcomes.
• It will exhibit rapid response capability, precision strike power and full-spectrum aerial warfare operations in high-intensity combat scenarios.
• Frontline fighter aircraft participating include Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29 and Hawk executing coordinated strike missions.
• Strategic and tactical airlift platforms such as C-130J, C-295 and C-17 will demonstrate rapid troop deployment and logistics mobility.
• Rotary-wing platforms including Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Apache and Chinook will perform assault, support and rescue operations.
• Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) will undertake surveillance, reconnaissance and strike roles during the exercise.
• The drill will feature advanced weapon systems such as Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM) for precision targeting.
• Akash Surface-to-Air Missile Systems will demonstrate indigenous air defence capability.
• SpyDer Air Defence Systems will showcase quick-reaction aerial threat interception.
• Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) will highlight anti-drone warfare preparedness.
• Operations will be conducted in day, dusk and night conditions to simulate realistic combat environments.
• The exercise reflects the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in strengthening self-reliant defence capabilities.
• Guided by the core values “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek,” the drill emphasises precision, invincibility and accuracy in air operations.
• Vayushakti-26 will also demonstrate the IAF’s role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management (HADR) missions.

Indian Army to conduct inaugural International Military Adventure Challenge Cup 2026 in Eastern Himalayas

• The Indian Army will host the inaugural International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from 18–23 February 2026 in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
• IMACC 2026 aims to bring together military teams from India and friendly foreign nations for a week-long series of adventure and endurance competitions.
• The event is designed to test core soldier attributes including physical fitness, mental resilience, teamwork, leadership, and decision-making under pressure in demanding mountain terrain conditions.
• Participating countries include Bhutan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia, while Indian representation includes the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
• The competitions will feature terrain-based challenges, endurance events, navigation, obstacle crossing, survival skills, and coordinated team manoeuvres in tough mountain environments.
• IMACC replicates real operational conditions, enhancing operational preparedness and promoting best practices in adventure-based military training.
• International military sports events, under the International Military Sports Council (CISM), foster camaraderie and mutual trust among armed forces globally, following the motto “Friendship through Sport”.
• India has been an active participant in CISM activities and previously hosted the 4th CISM Military World Games in 2007, strengthening its profile in global military sporting events.

India, United Kingdom to deepen military training with IAF instructors training British fast jet pilots for first time

• India and the United Kingdom (UK) have agreed to deepen military training cooperation, with Indian Air Force (IAF) instructors set to train British fast jet pilots for the first time.
• The agreement was announced following the 19th UK-India Air Staff Talks held in New Delhi.
• Three Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) from the IAF will be deployed to RAF Valley, the UK’s premier training base for fast jet pilots, initially for a two-year period.
• This marks the first occasion that Indian QFIs will impart fast jet training to Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots at RAF Valley, reflecting growing trust and operational compatibility between the two air forces.
• In January 2026, an IAF officer was deployed as an instructor at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell, which trains future RAF officers.
• With this development, Indian officers now serve as instructors across all three major British military academies:
• ➔ Indian Navy officer at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth since May 2024
• ➔ Indian Army officer at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst since May 2025
• ➔ IAF officers at RAF Valley from 2026
• In 2025, India and the UK conducted the largest-ever maritime exercise involving Carrier Strike Groups, followed by the joint Army exercise Ajeya Warrior in Rajasthan.
• The IAF participated in the UK’s multilateral air exercise Cobra Warrior in 2023 for the first time, while the RAF joined India’s Tarang Shakti exercise in 2024.
• RAF Valley on Anglesey houses No. 4 Flying Training School and trains aircrew for mountain and maritime operations globally.
• IAF instructors will train RAF pilots on BAE Hawk T2 or Texan T1 aircraft, with the Hawk also being India’s main advanced jet trainer, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under licence from BAE Systems.

Indian Coast Guard Chief Paramesh Sivamani Inaugurates MJP Waterjet Production Facility in Goa, Boosting Maritime Aatmanirbharta

• Paramesh Sivamani, Director General of Indian Coast Guard (ICG), inaugurated the Waterjet Production & Testing Facility of Marine Jet Power (MJP) India at Goa, marking a major step toward Maritime Aatmanirbharta.
• With this facility established under the Manufacturing & Transfer of Technology framework, India became the third country globally after the United States and South Korea to host such an advanced waterjet production and testing ecosystem.
• The facility will strengthen the domestic supply chain, enable indigenous testing of waterjet propulsion systems, and position India as a regional hub for South Asia and adjoining regions.
•  The initiative is expected to boost employment generation, support the MSME ecosystem, and enhance technology absorption and indigenisation capabilities in the maritime sector.
• The Indian Coast Guard currently operates 100+ MJP waterjet propulsion systems onboard its vessels, with 42 additional systems planned for ships under construction, improving operational sustenance.
• The new facility will significantly enhance indigenous maintenance, repair and lifecycle support capabilities for ICG platforms.
• This achievement resulted from sustained multi-tier engagements initiated since 2023, reinforcing ICG’s commitment to self-reliance in maritime technology.
• During the visit, DG ICG also reviewed progress of six indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) at Chowgule & Company Pvt Ltd.
• This project represents India’s first indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle programme with nearly 50% indigenous content.
• The delivery of the first ACV under the programme is scheduled for May 2026, strengthening coastal security and rapid response capability.

Second Edition of Indian Navy Half Marathon Held in New Delhi

• The second edition of the Indian Navy Half Marathon was conducted in New Delhi, featuring three race categories: 21.1 km, 10 km, and 5 km.
• The Half Marathon was flagged off by Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) in the presence of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), while the 10 km run was flagged off by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya.
• The event was graced by Padma Bhushan awardees Saina Nehwal and PR Sreejesh, along with senior management of the title partner IDFC First Bank, officials of IOCL, and other associate partners.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Unicorn India Ventures Launch ₹600-Crore Deeptech Fund with ₹400-Crore Greenshoe to Back Early-Stage Startups

• Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Unicorn India Ventures jointly launched the ₹600-crore IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund I with an additional ₹400-crore greenshoe option to support early-stage deeptech startups.
• The fund will invest in engineering-led and IP-driven startups across sectors such as robotics, space technology, defence tech, semiconductors, and medical technology.

Key Highlights :

• Initial investments will range between ₹8–10 crore in 25+ startups, primarily targeting firms at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3–4, where core technology is validated for commercialisation.
• The fund is structured as a 10-year corpus (with a 2-year extension option), with 60% allocated for building the initial portfolio and 40% reserved for follow-on funding to help startups cross the “valley of death.”
• IIT Madras Research Park is partnering in the initiative, with both entities playing an equal role in strategic portfolio construction.
• A significant portion of startups will be sourced from the IIT Madras innovation ecosystem, while the rest will come from the broader Indian deeptech landscape.
• The announcement was made by V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, during the Entrepreneurship Summit 2026 held on campus (6–8 February 2026).
• The fund launch event was attended by Swapnil Jain, Co-founder of Ather Energy, an IIT Madras-incubated startup.
• E-Summit 2026, organised by the Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell), IIT Madras, featured PitchFest and Elevate, offering on-the-spot investments from angel to Series-A funds.
• The Startup Expo (7–8 February 2026) showcased 80+ startups to students, investors, and industry leaders.
• 50 E-Cell supported ventures progressed from ideation to Minimum Viable Product (MVP) through initiatives like Ideasprint and Bootcamp.
• 21 school startups under the E-21 initiative were also showcased, with top five teams qualifying for Ideabaaz Season 2.

Mud Volcano Erupts Near Jol Tekri in Diglipur; Authorities Restrict Public Access in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• mud volcano eruption occurred near Jol Tekri, Diglipur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, leading authorities to restrict public access as a precautionary measure.
• Diglipur, located in North Andaman, witnessed the eruption after loud rumbling sounds, followed by the flow of mud, confirming active underground geological movement; no casualties or structural damage were reported.
• A mud volcano is different from a lava volcano as it ejects mud, water and gases instead of molten rock, and its activity is driven by underground pressure and fluid/gas movement.
• Mud volcanoes are also known as “sedimentary volcanoes” or “gas-oil volcanoes”, and they act as important indicators of subsurface tectonic and fluid dynamics.
• The Andaman region is geologically sensitive because it lies near the convergence of multiple tectonic plates, making it prone to seismic and volcanic activity.
• In India, the only known mud volcano is located on Baratang Island, which is part of the Andaman island chain.
• Geologists plan to collect gas and sediment samples from the Diglipur eruption site to study deeper crustal processes and improve understanding of future geological risks.
• Monitoring methods may include satellite imagery and ground-based sensors to track ongoing or future activity.
• The eruption has temporarily affected nearby forest ecosystems, with mud covering soil and vegetation, though no major wildlife loss has been reported.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

SH Act 2013 Ensures Safe and Secure Workplace Environment for Women

• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (SH Act) aims to provide a safe and secure working environment for women.
• The SH Act covers all women, irrespective of age or employment status, in public and private sectors, organised and unorganised, including domestic workers.
• The Act establishes institutional mechanisms for redressal through Internal Committees (IC) and Local Committees (LC).
• An Internal Committee is mandatory in workplaces with 10 or more employees to handle complaints of sexual harassment.
• A Local Committee is constituted at the district level to address cases in workplaces with fewer than 10 employees or complaints against employers.
• The Act enforces compliance through strict penalties for employers who fail to implement its provisions.
• A first violation attracts a fine of ₹50,000, while repeat violations may lead to a double fine and possible cancellation or non-renewal of business licences.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) is the nodal ministry responsible for effective implementation of the Act.
• The MWCD launched the Sexual Harassment electronic Box (SHe-Box) on 29th August 2024.
• SHe-Box serves as a single-window, centralised digital platform, creating a central repository to strengthen monitoring of the Act’s implementation and track cases filed and disposed of nationwide.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

India Tops Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 with 94 Medals

• India finished 1st in the medal tally at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 held at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi.
• Total Medal Tally:
  – 51 Gold
  – 23 Silver
  – 20 Bronze
  – Total: 94 Medals
• On the final day, India won 6 Gold, 3 Silver, and 4 Bronze, consolidating its dominance.
• 25m Centre Fire Pistol (Senior):
  – Amanpreet Singh – Gold (589-24x)
  – Gurpreet Singh – Silver (584-20x)
  – Ankur Goel – Bronze (570-11x)
  – India also won Team Gold.
• 25m Pistol (Junior):
  – Suraj Sharma – Gold (585-25x)
  – Mukesh Nelavalli – Silver (582-21x)
  – Abhinav Deshwal – Bronze (573-17x)
  – India achieved podium sweep and secured Team Gold.
• 50m Rifle Prone (Women – Senior):
  – Sift Kaur Samra – Silver (623.2)
  – Tejaswani Sawant – Bronze
  – Team Gold won by Sift Kaur Samra, Tejaswani Sawant, and Manini Kaushik.
• 50m Rifle Prone (Women – Junior):
  – Dhavalika Devi Nyamurus – Bronze (614.1)
  – Prachi Gaikwad, Anuskha Thokur, and Dhavalika Devi Nyamurus won Team Gold.
• India recorded multiple podium sweeps and strong performances across senior and junior categories.
• The championship highlighted India’s depth in pistol and rifle events and reinforced its position as a leading shooting nation in Asia.

Daily CA One- Liner: February 15 & 16

• National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), celebrated its 18th Foundation Day at Mahalanobis Auditorium, Knowledge Park-II, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
• NITI Aayog released the 6th edition of “Trade Watch Quarterly” for Q2 FY26 (July–September 2025) in New Delhi
• The Government of Uttar Pradesh presented its first-ever Economic Survey 2025-26 in the State Legislature, outlining a data-driven strategy to transform the state into a $1 trillion economy in the medium term
• V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority became the first Major Port in India to receive the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum Rating
• The Rajasthan Government presented the State Budget 2026–27 in the Legislative Assembly.
• India ranks 2nd in sheep population globally and 9th in wool production
• Oil India Limited (OIL) has won the FIPI Award 2025 under the category ‘Oil & Gas Production Company of the Year’
• India finished 1st in the medal tally at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 held at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi.
• The Reserve Bank of India reported further improvement in Digital Payments during the six months ending September 2025, continuing the upward growth trend.
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released India’s first retail inflation data under the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series (Base Year: 2024=100).
• NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, signed an agreement with Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) to enable QR-based merchant payments between India and Malaysia.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), a multilingual AI tool integrating AgriStack portals and ICAR agricultural practice packages with AI systems.
• Shikhar Dhawan, former India cricketer and Arjuna Awardee, has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, a major sports initiative of the Delhi Government.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 on 27 February 2026 at Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range, Jaisalmer, showcasing its combat readiness and firepower capability.
• The Indian Army will host the inaugural International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from 18–23 February 2026 in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
• India and the United Kingdom (UK) have agreed to deepen military training cooperation, with Indian Air Force (IAF) instructors set to train British fast jet pilots for the first time.
• Paramesh Sivamani, Director General of Indian Coast Guard (ICG), inaugurated the Waterjet Production & Testing Facility of Marine Jet Power (MJP) India at Goa, marking a major step toward Maritime Aatmanirbharta.
• The second edition of the Indian Navy Half Marathon was conducted in New Delhi, featuring three race categories: 21.1 km, 10 km, and 5 km.
• Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Unicorn India Ventures jointly launched the ₹600-crore IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund I with an additional ₹400-crore greenshoe option to support early-stage deeptech startups.
• A mud volcano eruption occurred near Jol Tekri, Diglipur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, leading authorities to restrict public access as a precautionary measure.
• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (SH Act) aims to provide a safe and secure working environment for women.