14th-16th February 2026

1. Defence Acquisition Council clears a ₹3.25 lakh crore proposal for procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets
2. Indian Navy takes command of Combined Task Force 154 in Bahrain
3. IIT Bombay signs an MoU with Columbia University to establish a joint Centre of AI for Manufacturing
4. Ministry of Defence signs a ₹2,312 crore contract with HAL for procurement of eight Dornier aircraft equipment for the Indian Coast Guard
5. Henley Passport Index (February 2026): Singapore ranks first, India improves to 75th position
6. NIPL signs an agreement with Malaysia’s PayNet to enable cross-border QR-based payments
7. Indian Overseas Bank partners with IIM Kozhikode for executive education and capacity building
8. Bulgaria appoints Andrey Gyurov as Acting Prime Minister
9. CA Prasanna Kumar D elected as President of ICAI
10. RBI approves reappointment of Sanjay Agarwal as MD & CEO of AU Small Finance Bank
11. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas appoints Deepak Gupta as CMD of GAIL
12. International Darwin Day observed
13. Rajasthan Deputy CM and Finance Minister Diya Kumari presents a ₹6.11 lakh crore Budget for FY27
14. Kerala becomes the first Indian state to draft and approve a comprehensive Urban Policy
15. Uttar Pradesh district housing India’s first Glass Museum
16. India’s retail inflation stands at 2.75% in January under the new CPI series (Base 2024 = 100)
17. Vast Space signs agreement with NASA for a private ISS mission
18. Joe Simon passes away following cardiac arrest
19. V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority secures IGBC Platinum and Shunya certifications
20. Reliance Industries obtains US licence to import Venezuelan oil
21. Oil India Limited wins FIPI Award 2025
22. Mia Mottley secures a third term as Prime Minister of Barbados
23. Uday Kotak appointed Chairman of GIFT City
24. National Statistical Systems Training Academy marks its 18th Foundation Day
25. Indian Army to host the first International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026
26. WHO prequalifies new nOPV2 vaccine to advance global polio eradication
27. Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam

National News

1. V.O. Chidambaranar Port becomes first Major Port with IGBC Platinum Rating

• What:
  • V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority became India’s first Major Port to receive Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum Rating and also secured Shunya and Shunya Plus certifications from Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
• Tell me more:
  • The Administration Building follows a green policy and runs on 100% renewable energy, mainly solar power. It saves 37% water and reuses all wastewater.
  • The campus has over 70% green cover. It received IGBC Platinum Rating, while some buildings earned Shunya and Shunya Plus energy certifications.

Source: PIB

2. NSSTA celebrates 18th Foundation Day with focus on data-driven governance

• What:
  • National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, celebrated its 18th Foundation Day, focusing on capacity building for official statistics to support Viksit Bharat@2047.
• Tell me more:
  • The event was held at Mahalanobis Auditorium, Greater Noida.
  • The theme was “Reimagining Capacity Building for Official Statistics to achieve vision of Viksit Bharat@2047”.
  • National Statistical Systems Training Academy, a Central Training Institute under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, released journals “AAROHAN” and “PRATIBIMB”, inaugurated the Digital Data Lab, and presented certificates under iGOT Karmayogi courses.

Source: PIB

3. Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 focuses on AI integration in education

• What:
  • Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 and launched the Bodhan AI Centre of Excellence to advance Artificial Intelligence integration across India’s education ecosystem.
• Tell me more:
  • The Conclave was held at Bharat Mandapam and aims to develop the Bharat EduAI Stack, an open and interoperable architecture for Artificial Intelligence-enabled education.
  • The Conclave promotes Artificial Intelligence in school education, higher education, and skilling. It supports research and deep technology. Government, academia, startups, and industry worked together.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Rajasthan’s Rs 6 lakh crore budget for 2026-27

• Focus: Developed Rajasthan by 2047 under Vision 2047 with priority on bijli, sadak, paani, infrastructure expansion, industrial growth, human resource development, social security, agriculture and farmers’ welfare, green growth, digital governance, tourism promotion, and target of a USD 4.3 trillion economy by 2047.
• Initiatives announced:

2. Kerala becomes first state to adopt comprehensive Urban Policy

• Kerala approved a comprehensive Urban Policy, becoming the first state to frame a long-term roadmap for urban development, aiming to build climate-smart cities and towns by 2050.
• The policy plans scientific, climate-aware urban growth as the state may become nearly 80% urban by 2050.

Source: ET

3. Uttar Pradesh district housing India’s first Glass Museum

• Firozabad, famous for glass bangles, houses India’s first high-tech Glass Museum. The museum will show how glass evolved from ancient times to today, using digital displays and live demonstrations.

Source: IE

International News

1. Vast Space signs NASA order for private astronaut mission to ISS

• What:
  • Vast Space signed an order with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeted for launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida.
• Tell me more:
  • Vast Space will send its first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station with National Aeronautics and Space Administration support.
  • The crew will stay up to 14 days. Space Exploration Technologies Corporation’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft will be used. The mission supports science research and future commercial space stations like Haven-1.
  • Vast has an agreement with Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) for increased science throughput.

Source: HBL

2. WHO prequalifies additional novel oral polio vaccine type 2

• What:
  • World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified an additional novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), strengthening global supply for controlling poliovirus type 2 outbreaks and supporting polio eradication efforts.
• Tell me more:
  • It is made by Biological E Limited with Indonesian support. The vaccine is more stable and reduces outbreak risk. It can be used in emergencies, stored flexibly, and has reached millions of children worldwide.

Source: WHO

Banking and Economy

1. NPCI International partners with PayNet for India–Malaysia QR payments

• What:
  • National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International Payments Limited (NIPL) signed an agreement with Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) to enable QR-based merchant payments between India and Malaysia.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement will be introduced in phases. First, Indian travellers can pay in Malaysia using Unified Payments Interface apps at DuitNow QR merchants.
  • Later, Malaysian visitors can pay in India using DuitNow apps at UPI QR locations.
  • Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) operates the DuitNow QR system.

Source: ET

2. Government releases Consumer Price Index with new Base 2024=100

• What:
  • Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the Consumer Price Index with Base 2024=100, updating the item basket and weights using Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24 to improve inflation measurement.
• Tell me more:
  • The revision improves coverage and representativeness of inflation measurement, provides more detailed data, and supports informed decisions by policymakers, financial institutions, businesses, and citizens.

3. Reliance receives US licence to import Venezuelan crude oil

• Reliance Industries Limited received a United States general licence to directly purchase Venezuelan crude oil.
• Reliance operates the world’s largest single-site refining complex at Jamnagar, Gujarat.
• Venezuela holds the world’s largest crude reserves.

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. Henley Passport Index (February 2026)

• What:
  • India improved to 75th position in the Henley Passport Index 2026 from 85th in 2025, although visa-free access reduced to 56 destinations due to policy changes by Iran and Bolivia.
• Tell me more:
  • The index ranks 199 passports across 227 destinations using International Air Transport Association data.
  • It counts visa-free entry, visa on arrival, visitor’s permit, or basic electronic travel authorisation without embassy approval.
  • In 2025, Indian passport holders had access to 57 destinations, which fell to 55 in January 2026 with an 80th rank, and improved to 56 destinations with a 75th rank in February 2026.
  • Singapore is 1st with 192 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea at 2nd position with 187 destinations each.

Source: ET HPI

Defence News

1. Defence Acquisition Council clears ₹3.60 lakh crore defence procurement proposals

• What:
  • The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for proposals worth approximately ₹3.60 lakh crore, including 114 Rafale jets and six P-8I aircraft.
• Tell me more:
  • The is one of the largest capital acquisition clearances in recent years.
  • The Indian Air Force will procure 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft, missiles, and a surveillance platform, with most jets manufactured in India.
  • The Indian Army will receive anti-tank mines and upgraded armoured vehicles. The Indian Navy will acquire six P-8I aircraft and a power generator. The Indian Coast Guard will enhance maritime surveillance systems.

2. Indian Navy conducts trilateral exercise and takes command of CTF 154

• What:
  • The Indian Navy conducted a trilateral naval exercise with Japan and Indonesia in the Andaman Sea and assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), strengthening maritime cooperation and regional security engagement.
• Tell me more:
  • India assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 in Bahrain.
  • The trilateral naval exercise improved joint readiness and cooperation for regional security.
  • The task force, started in May 2023, trains Middle East navies. It conducts Maritime Security Enhancement Training and Compass Rose exercises to tackle piracy, trafficking, and unauthorized migration.

3. Ministry of Defence signs ₹2,312 crore deal with HAL for eight Dornier aircraft

• What:
  • The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure eight Dornier 228 aircraft with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) under the Buy (Indian) category.
• Tell me more:
  • The deal strengthens maritime patrol, surveillance, rescue, and pollution response capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard. It boosts domestic aircraft manufacturing by supporting HAL, MSMEs, and related industries.
  • In September last year, the Ministry signed a ₹62,370 crore contract with HAL for 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A.
  • Delivery of LCA Mk1A will begin in 2027-28 and continue for six years.

Source: IE

Awards

1. MRPL wins two major awards at FIPI Awards during India Energy Week 2026

• What:
  • Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) won the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) Innovator of the Year (Team) Award 2025 and a Young Achiever award at India Energy Week 2026.
• Tell me more:
  • MRPL is a Schedule ‘A’ Central Public Sector Enterprise and subsidiary of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.
  • R. Karthick received the Young Achiever of the Year in Oil Industry (Male) award.
  • Oil India Limited (OIL) also received the FIPI Award 2025 for ‘Oil & Gas Production Company of the Year’ in the category of more than 1 Million Tonnes of Oil Equivalent (MTOE).

Source: PSU NMI

Important Days

1. International Darwin Day – February 12

• Darwin Day is a celebration to commemorate the birthday of Charles Darwin — known as the “Father of Evolutionary Theory” — on 12 February 1809, who authored the “On the Origin of Species”.
• The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, followed by a series of other articles that he penned between 1858 and 1859.

Source: N18

Sports

1. Indian Army to host first International Military Adventure Challenge Cup 2026

• What:
  • Indian Army will host the first International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from February 18 to 23 in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
• Tell me more:
  • India earlier hosted the 4th CISM Military World Games in 2007.
  • International Military Sports Council (CISM) follows the motto “Friendship through Sport.”
  • Military teams from Bhutan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, and Indian armed forces including Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police will participate under the International Military Sports Council (CISM) framework.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. IIT Bombay and Columbia University sign MoU to set up AI Centre for Manufacturing

• What:
  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and Columbia University, United States, signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the Columbia–IIT Bombay Centre of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Tell me more:
  • The centre will apply AI in manufacturing systems and develop scalable solutions for sectors like semiconductors, robotics, pharmaceuticals, and transport.
  • The Ministry of Education has initiated four AI centres so far, and this centre focuses on technology translation in manufacturing systems while strengthening research collaboration between Indian and international institutions in AI.

Source: IE

2. IIM Kozhikode and Indian Overseas Bank sign MoU for executive training

• What:
  • Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) and Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) signed a MoU to design, deliver, and certify customised training programmes for IOB’s senior leadership and executives.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement was signed during the 90th Foundation Day of Indian Overseas Bank. A new Centre of Excellence was announced for training.
  • IIM-Kozhikode, through its Kochi campus, will train senior bank officers. The programmes will match the bank’s goals and improve skills using management expertise.

Source: TH

Appointments

1. Bulgaria’s President Iotova appoints interim Prime Minister in Sofia

• Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov was appointed.

Source: RT

2. CA Prasanna Kumar D elected as President of ICAI

• The 26th Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the world’s largest accounting body, elected CA Prasanna Kumar D as President and CA Mangesh Pandurang Kinare as Vice-President for the 2026–27 term, effective February 12, 2026.

Source: ICAI

3. Sanjay Agarwal appointed as MD & CEO of AU Small Finance Bank

• What:
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the reappointment of Sanjay Agarwal as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AU Small Finance Bank for three years from April 19, 2026.
• Tell me more:
  • AU Small Finance Bank is the first Small Finance Bank in over a decade to receive in-principle approval for universal bank transition.
  • The bank transitioned into a Small Finance Bank in 2017.

Source: BS

4. Deepak Gupta appointed Chairman & Managing Director of GAIL

Source: ET

5. Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley won a historic election victory

Source: RT

6. Uday Kotak appointed Chairman of GIFT City Company

• Gujarat government appointed Uday Suresh Kotak as Chairman of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Limited, replacing Hasmukh Adhia with immediate effect.

Source: TOI

Miscellaneous

1. Veteran Kannada filmmaker Joe Simon passes away at 80

Source: HT

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