Daily Current Affairs: 14 February 2026

Tarique Rahman set to become Prime Minister of Bangladesh after BNP landslide.

[Bangladesh]

Key Updates:

• Tarique Rahman, chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), won two parliamentary seats: Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6.
• BNP and its allies secured at least 212 of the 299 contested seats in the 13th Parliamentary elections.
• Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies won 70 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad.
• The elections were held on February 12, with 127.7 million eligible voters and a 59% turnout reported by 2pm.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on BNP’s victory.

Uday Kotak appointed chairman of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Ltd (GIFT City).

[Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Ltd (GIFT City), Kotak Mahindra Bank]

Key Updates:

• The Gujarat government appointed Uday Kotak as chairman of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Ltd (GIFT City).
• Uday Kotak is the founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
• He chaired the 2017 SEBI Committee on Corporate Governance that recommended sweeping governance reforms.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) launches PNB Soldierathon 2026 marathon to honour Indian Armed Forces.

[Punjab National Bank (PNB)]

Key Updates:

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) announced PNB Soldierathon 2026 on its 132nd Foundation Day at its corporate headquarters in Dwarka.
• The marathon is scheduled for 5 April 2026 under the theme 'Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers'.
• Major Surendra Poonia, VSM and Limca Book Record Holder, was the Chief Guest of the pre-launch ceremony.
• PNB Managing Director and CEO Ashok Chandra and Executive Director Bibhu P. Mahapatra participated in the event alongside Armed Forces representatives and veterans.
• The initiative aims to unite citizens, veterans, and fitness enthusiasts to foster national consciousness and fitness.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposes 6-year Kisan Credit Card (KCC) tenure and higher loan limits.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed merging all existing KCC instructions into a single unified guideline for banks.
• The proposed KCC framework extends total facility validity to six years.
• Credit limits will be aligned with the officially approved Scale of Finance for each crop season.
• Expenses on technological interventions such as modern farm equipment and agri-tech tools may be formally included as eligible uses under KCC.
• Under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), farmers can access short-term crop loans at 7 per cent interest through KCC.
• The government provides 1.5 per cent interest subvention to lending institutions under MISS.
• Timely repayment gives farmers an additional 3 per cent prompt repayment incentive, reducing the effective interest rate to 4 per cent per year.
• The loan limit under MISS has been raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh in the latest Budget.
• For animal husbandry and fisheries, interest benefit is available on loans up to ₹2 lakh under MISS.
• By 31 December 2024, about 5.9 crore farmers had been mapped on the Kisan Rin Portal (KRP).
• Interest subvention claims worth over ₹1.08 trillion had been processed through KRP by 31 December 2024.
• As of March 2024, there were around 7.75 crore KCC accounts with outstanding credit of about ₹9.81 lakh crore.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues draft directions for loan recovery framework effective July 1, 2026

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the draft RBI (Commercial Banks – Responsible Business Conduct) Second Amendment Directions, 2026, to tighten loan recovery rules.
• The new framework is scheduled to come into effect from July 1, 2026, following the Budget 2026 announcement by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
• Regulated entities and stakeholders are required to submit feedback on the draft directions on or before March 6, 2026.
• The draft directions apply to Commercial Banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs), and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
• Banks must implement a mandatory recovery policy, a code of conduct for recovery agents, and a formal grievance redressal mechanism.
• Recovery agents or bank employees are permitted to contact or visit borrowers only between 08:00 hours and 19:00 hours.
• The RBI has mandated that banks must record the content or text of all recovery-related calls and document the time and number of calls made to the borrower or guarantor.
• Recovery agents are strictly prohibited from contacting relatives, friends, or co-workers of the borrower and must interact only with the borrower or the guarantor.
• Banks are required to publish a list of all empanelled recovery agents on their branches, mobile applications, and websites.
• The draft explicitly bans harsh practices including the use of abusive language, sending inappropriate social media messages, making anonymous calls, and physical or verbal intimidation.
• For microfinance loans, recovery must occur at a mutually decided designated place, though field staff may visit residences if the borrower fails to appear on two or more successive occasions.
• Banks are prohibited from initiating legal action as a first resort and must provide a written notice before taking possession of security or initiating legal measures.
• Where a grievance is lodged by a borrower, the bank cannot forward the recovery case to an agent until the grievance is finally disposed of, unless the complaint is found to be frivolous.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Digital Payments Index rises to 516.76 in September 2025.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) for September 2025 stands at 516.76.
• The RBI-DPI was 465.33 in September 2024 and 493.22 in March 2025.
• The index captures digitisation of payments across the country with March 2018 as the base year.

State Bank of India (SBI) pegs zero-tariff share of India’s farm exports to US at 75%

[State Bank of India (SBI), United States]

Key Updates:

• 75% of India’s agricultural exports to the United States will now attract zero tariff, according to a State Bank of India (SBI) report.
• USD 1.36 billion worth of Indian agricultural commodities will receive zero additional US duty access.
• India holds a USD 1.3 billion agricultural trade surplus with the United States.
• Key products set to benefit include rice, spices, oilseeds, tea, coffee and fisheries.
• India commands a 24.7% share in US global rice imports, valued at USD 341 million out of USD 1.378 billion total US rice imports.
• India’s share in US coffee, tea, mate and spices imports is 2.8%, worth USD 396 million out of USD 14.026 billion total US imports in the category.
• India holds a 9.6% share in US fish and aquatic invertebrate imports, supplying USD 1.817 billion out of USD 18.848 billion total US imports.
• India’s share in US edible fruit and nuts imports is only USD 39 million out of USD 21.522 billion total US imports.
• India’s share in US edible vegetables and certain roots imports is USD 109 million out of USD 12.402 billion total US imports.
• India’s share in US prepared vegetables, fruit and nuts imports is USD 192 million out of USD 13.774 billion total US imports.
• Across selected categories, India’s agricultural exports to the US total USD 2.894 billion, representing a 3.5% share of overall US imports of USD 81.950 billion.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposes draft regulatory framework for bank lending to REITs and InvITs

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released draft norms permitting banks to lend to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• To be eligible for bank financing, a REIT must be listed, have a minimum three-year operational track record, and have reported positive net distributable cash flows in the preceding two financial years.
• The aggregate credit exposure of all banks to a REIT, its underlying Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), and holding companies is capped at 49% of the asset value as of March 31 of the preceding financial year.
• Banks are permitted to extend loans only for operational or completed assets, while financing for land acquisition is strictly prohibited.
• The draft framework mandates amortised repayment schedules for loans and explicitly disallows bullet or balloon repayment structures.
• Lending must be fully secured through the mortgage of identified assets and a charge over receivables or escrow arrangements to prevent cash-flow diversion.
• Overseas branches of Indian banks are permitted to lend to overseas REITs provided the jurisdiction has an effective statutory insolvency or bankruptcy framework.
• The proposed directions are scheduled to come into force from July 1, 2026.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) grants EximPe PA-CB licence for cross-border UPI collections.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

• Mumbai-based fintech EximPe received final PA-CB authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The licence enables global merchants and payment platforms to collect payments from India via UPI and other local payment methods.
• Before the authorisation EximPe facilitated over USD 500 million in bank-led cross-border trade payments across key Asia corridors.
• EximPe targets USD 1 billion in annualised UPI payments within the next 24 months.
• EximPe raised USD 5 million in a 2022 seed round led by Leo Capital.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permits ICICI Bank to acquire up to 9.95% stake in eight lenders

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI), ICICI Bank]

Key Updates:

• The RBI has approved the application for ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited (ICICI Prudential AMC), along with group entities of ICICI Bank, to acquire an aggregate holding of up to 9.95% in eight banks.
• The lenders covered under the approval are Bandhan Bank Limited, City Union Bank Limited, Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited, Federal Bank Limited, IDFC First Bank Limited, HDFC Bank Limited, The Karur Vysya Bank Limited, and RBL Bank Limited.
• ICICI Bank, the second-largest private sector lender in India, must complete the acquisition of paid-up equity capital or voting rights within one year from the date of the RBI letter.
• The permissions were granted under the consolidated Master Direction on acquisition and holding of shares or voting rights in banking companies.

Kerala launches Sthree Suraksha scheme with ₹1,000 monthly pension

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the Sthree Suraksha Scheme on 11 February 2026 at Malayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram.
• The scheme provides ₹1,000 per month to 10,18,042 women and transwomen beneficiaries.
• Eligible beneficiaries are women aged 35 to 60 who are economically backward and not receiving other social welfare pensions, as well as trans women.
• The first month’s payment was transferred to the cleared beneficiaries on the afternoon of 10 February 2026.

PM RAHAT scheme approved; Lakhpati Didis target doubled to six crore by 2029

Key Updates:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the PM RAHAT scheme immediately after shifting to the newly inaugurated Seva Teerth complex in New Delhi.
• The government doubled the target for Lakhpati Didis to six crore by 2029.
• The decisions focused on women, youth, farmers and vulnerable citizens to reflect the spirit of 'Seva' or service.

Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme cleared by Delhi Cabinet to link artisans with global markets

[Delhi Cabinet]

Key Updates:

• The Delhi government approved the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme for artisans in khadi, handloom, cottage industries and the unorganised sector.
• The scheme will be implemented through the Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board (DKVIB).
• During 2025-26, 3,728 beneficiaries will be covered under the first phase with an approved outlay of Rs 8.95 crore.
• A proposed outlay of Rs 57.50 crore for 2026-27 is expected to scale up the initiative.
• Each trainee will receive a stipend of ₹4,800 for 12 days (96 hours) of structured training plus Rs 100 per day for meals.
• Essential toolkits, including foot-operated sewing machines, will be provided after training completion.
• Artisans will be digitally onboarded on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform through e-catalogues.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will certify artisans, who will receive a certificate, identity card, and assistance with Udyam registration and credit access.
• In the first phase, nearly 18,000 tailors registered on the e-Shram portal will be targeted.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old; only one member per family is eligible, and government employees and their family members are excluded.
• Aadhaar-based verification is mandatory at enrolment.

RBI classifies NCDC on-lending loans as priority sector lending

[Reserve Bank of India]

Key Updates:

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that loans sanctioned by banks to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) w.e.f. 19 January 2026 for on-lending to cooperative societies are eligible for classification as priority sector lending.
• The classification applies to banks other than Regional Rural Banks, Urban Cooperative Banks, Small Finance Banks and Local Area Banks.
• The loans must comply with purposes and activities laid down in the Master Direction on Priority Sector Lending, 2025.

National Conference on Safety of Women at Workplace and SHe-Box Portal Implementation

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) will organise the National Conference on Safety of Women at Workplace, SHe-Box at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
• The conference aims to strengthen the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
• Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi and Minister of State Savitri Thakur will attend the event to administer a National Workplace Safety Pledge.
• The MWCD launched the SHe-Box portal in August 2024 as a multilingual single-window platform for online complaint filing and real-time tracking.
• The portal serves as a resource hub for workplaces to upload compliance-related information, including Internal Committee details and annual reports under the POSH Act.
• The platform ensures strict confidentiality and automatic forwarding of complaints to the concerned Internal or Local Committee to enhance accountability.

'Karmayoga for Empowered Bharat' campaign launched to promote selfless service rooted in spiritual values.

Key Updates:

• President Droupadi Murmu launched the nationwide 'Karmayoga for Empowered Bharat' campaign during the All-India Conference of the Brahma Kumaris in New Delhi.
• The campaign was inaugurated alongside the silver jubilee celebrations of the Om Shanti Retreat Centre in Gurugram.
• The President emphasised that Karmayoga involves fulfilling responsibilities while adhering to high spiritual principles and practicing selfless service in everyday life.
• She stated that morality and spirituality must guide economic growth and technological advancement to prevent social and environmental imbalances.
• Smt. Murmu highlighted that spirituality offers a moral framework based on integrity, compassion, non-violence and service essential for just governance.
• The campaign aims to inspire citizens to contribute to India’s sustainable and inclusive development by harmonising economic progress with ethical values.

Andhra Pradesh AI-facial recognition attendance system ends proxy attendance for MLAs

[Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

• Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly became the first legislature in India to introduce an Artificial Intelligence-based facial recognition attendance system on 12 February 2026.
• The system records attendance only when Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are physically present and seated in the House.
• Legislature Secretariat officials stated that MLAs who do not attend a minimum of 60 days may face disqualification.

Supreme Court upholds full arrears of disability pension for ex-servicemen without three-year limitation

[Supreme Court of India]

Key Updates:

• The Supreme Court ruled that eligible ex-servicemen are entitled to full arrears of disability pension from the cut-off dates of 1 January 1996 or 1 January 2006.
• The Court dismissed the central government's appeal and confirmed that disability pension is a recognition of sacrifice, not charity or executive largesse.
• The Court held that pension is a deferred portion of compensation and a vested property right protected under Article 300A of the Constitution.
• The central government had argued that arrears should be limited to three years under the Limitation Act, 1963, but the Court rejected this contention.

National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 amended to reduce toll on partially operational Expressways

Key Updates:

• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 with effect from 15 February 2026.
• On partially operational National Expressways, toll will now be levied only on the completed stretch at the lower rate applicable to regular National Highways instead of the 25 per cent higher Expressway rate.
• The amendment will remain valid for up to one year from its enforcement date or until the Expressway becomes fully operational, whichever is earlier.

India launches Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave-2026

Key Updates:

• Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched the two-day Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave-2026 in New Delhi.
• The conclave focuses on four verticals: AI for school education, AI for higher education, AI for skilling and workforce readiness, and AI research and deep technology.
• It aims to integrate AI in education at scale and develop the ‘Bharat EduAI Stack’ by bringing together academia, industry, policymakers, start-ups, innovators, scientific leadership and the skilling ecosystem.
• Pradhan stated that India’s AI will be inclusive by design, interoperable by architecture and sovereign by capability.
• Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow introduced a series of new Artificial Intelligence programmes during the event.
• An MoU was exchanged between Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and Columbia University to establish a Centre of AI for manufacturing at IIT Bombay.
• On 11 February, Pradhan chaired a roundtable with founders of 10 new-age Indian start-ups using AI in education at IIT Delhi to discuss alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Indian Navy assumes command of Combined Task Force 154 under Combined Maritime Forces

[Combined Maritime Forces]

Key Updates:

• Indian Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), a multinational training task force under Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), on 11 February at CMF headquarters in Manama, Bahrain.
• Commodore Milind M Mokashi of the Indian Navy, a Shaurya Chakra awardee, took over as Commander of CTF 154 from the outgoing Italian Navy commander.
• CTF 154, established in May 2023, focuses on training and capacity-building across five pillars: maritime domain awareness, law of the sea, maritime interdiction operations, maritime rescue and assistance, and leadership development.
• The task force conducts maritime security enhancement training events, exercises such as Compass Rose and Northern/Southern Readiness, and outreach to counter threats like illegal trafficking, piracy, and irregular migration.
• CTF 154 operates alongside CMF task forces CTF 150 (maritime security), CTF 151 (counter-piracy), CTF 152 (Arabian Gulf maritime security), and CTF 153 (Red Sea maritime security).

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) clears proposal to buy 114 Rafale jets from France with 90 to be manufactured in India

[France]

Key Updates:

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under an inter-governmental deal for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Of the 114 jets, 90 will be manufactured in India with close to 50 per cent indigenous content.
• The DAC also cleared the procurement of six additional P-8I maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft from the United States for the Indian Navy.
• Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was accorded for multiple proposals worth an estimated Rs 3.60 lakh crore by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafales, and the Indian Navy will induct 26 Rafale M aircraft for carrier operations.
• The P-8I aircraft will be procured in a fly-away condition with no offsets, technology transfer, or other obligations.
• AoNs were also granted for Combat Missiles, Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS), 4 MW Marine Gas Turbine based Electric Power Generator, Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav), and overhaul of Vehicle Platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II).
• The DAC also accorded AoN for procurement of Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system for Dornier aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Indian Army to host 1st International Military Adventure Challenge Cup 2026 in Eastern Himalayas

Key Updates:

• The Indian Army will host the inaugural International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from 18 to 23 February 2026 in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
• Military teams from India and seven friendly nations—Bhutan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia—will participate.
• Indian contingents will include teams from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
• The competition will test physical fitness, mental resilience, leadership, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure in mountainous terrain.
• The event is conducted under the banner of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) whose motto is 'Friendship through Sport'.

India hosts first BRICS Sherpas’ meet of its chairship in New Delhi

[BRICS]

Key Updates:

• The first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas under India’s Chairship was held from 9-10 February 2026 in New Delhi.
• Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela, India’s BRICS Sherpa, chaired the meeting, supported by Joint Secretary (Multilateral Economic Relations) Shambhu L Hakki, India’s BRICS Sous Sherpa.
• BRICS Sherpas and senior officials from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and UAE participated in the meeting.
• India presented its 2026 Chairship priorities under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
• Ministries outlined proposed activities in health, agriculture, labour and employment, disaster risk reduction, environment, climate change, energy, innovation, ICT, security and counter-terrorism, economic and financial domains.
• Presentations on people-centric initiatives included sports, youth connect, cultural engagements, BRICS Academic Forum, BRICS Think Tank Council, BRICS Civil Forum, BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women’s Business Alliance.
• BRICS Members and Partner countries appreciated India’s theme and priorities and shared perspectives on advancing resilience, innovation, cooperation, sustainability and a people-centric approach.
• Delegates visited the National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy and Akshardham Temple during the meeting.

Sangtam Naga apex body bans pangolin hunting in Nagaland

[Nagaland]

Key Updates:

• The United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), apex tribal body of the Sangtam Naga community, passed a resolution banning pangolin hunting within its jurisdiction.
• The ban falls under the Countering Pangolin Trafficking Project led by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) with support from the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Pangolin Crisis Fund.
• WTI’s initiative, launched in Manipur in 2023, targets the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla).
• The Sangtam Naga community primarily inhabits Kiphire and Tuensang districts of Nagaland along the Indo-Myanmar border.

WHO prequalifies Biological E. Limited’s novel oral polio vaccine type 2 to boost outbreak response

[World Health Organization (WHO), Biological E. Limited]

Key Updates:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified an additional novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) on 13 February 2026.
• Biological E. Limited manufactures the vaccine using bulk material transferred from PT Bio Farma.
• UNICEF and other UN agencies can now procure the vaccine for outbreak response programmes.
• nOPV2 is more genetically stable than traditional oral polio vaccine, lowering the risk of seeding new outbreaks.
• WHO noted that expanding nOPV2 manufacturers improves supply reliability for countries facing circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2, especially in under-immunised communities.
• WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported a significant decline in wild polio cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Princeton University’s Bonnie Bassler explains bacterial quorum sensing as multilingual communication

[Princeton University]

Key Updates:

• Bonnie Bassler, molecular biologist at Princeton University, delivered a lecture titled ‘A chemical language that enables communication between diverse organisms’ at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.
• Bacteria use quorum sensing to communicate and coordinate collective behaviour.
• Vibrio cholerae, the cholera-causing bacterium, and Vibrio fischeri, a bioluminescent symbiont of Hawaiian squid, were cited as key examples.
• Anti-quorum sensing therapies are proposed as alternatives to traditional antibiotics.
• The lecture was organised by TNQ, an Indian non-profit supporting basic research in mathematics and life sciences, and coincided with the International Day for Women and Girls in Science.
• Prof. Bassler is the 2022 Wolf Prize in Chemistry and 2023 Canada Gairdner Award winner.

JNCASR-led team discovers wave-like phonon heat transport in Tl2AgI3 enabling ultra-efficient thermal insulators

[Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR)]

Key Updates:

• Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology (DST), demonstrated a particle-to-wave-like crossover in phonon transport in the zero-dimensional inorganic metal halide Tl2AgI3.
• The material exhibits an exceptionally low lattice thermal conductivity of about 0.18 W/m·K and becomes nearly temperature independent above around 125 K, signalling a breakdown of the conventional phonon gas model.
• The study, led by Prof. Kanishka Biswas from the New Chemistry Unit (NCU), JNCASR, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA (PNAS).
• State-of-the-art synchrotron X-ray pair distribution function measurements, low-temperature thermal transport experiments, Raman spectroscopy, and first-principles theoretical calculations were combined to reveal coherence-driven wave-like transport overtaking particle-based transport around 175 K.
• The experimental work was led by first author Dr. Riddhimoy Pathak, Ph.D student of Prof. Biswas, with joint first author Mr. Sayan Paul from the Theoretical Sciences Unit (TSU), JNCASR, providing theoretical insight.
• The research benefitted from national supercomputing resources and international synchrotron facilities under the India@DESY programme.

Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and CSIR-NIScPR sign MoU to advance evidence-based science policy and communication.

[Indian National Science Academy (INSA), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)]

Key Updates:

• Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed an MoU on 10 February 2026 at INSA, New Delhi.
• The MoU targets long-term collaborative activities in science communication and evidence-driven science policy research to support informed policymaking and sustainable STI development in India.
• Dr. Brajesh Pandey, Executive Director of INSA, delivered welcome remarks highlighting the need for partnerships bridging scientific research with communication and policy engagement.
• Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Former Senior Advisor at the Department of Science and Technology (DST), emphasised that sustained collaboration between scientific institutions is essential for advancing evidence-based STI policy research.
• Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, noted the partnership will harness respective strengths in science communication, policy research and academic engagement to create actionable STI policy frameworks.
• Prof. Anurag Agrawal, Vice President (Policy) at INSA, stressed that evidence-driven approaches are crucial for aligning national scientific progress with long-term developmental goals.
• Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, President of INSA, described strong policy foundations as essential for advancing science and technology and ensuring societal well-being.
• Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Hon’ble Member of NITI Aayog, highlighted the need for policy frameworks supporting responsible, ethical and human-centric adoption of disruptive technologies.
• The MoU covers joint policy research studies, co-authored publications, pilot projects for policy innovation, capacity-building programmes and outreach activities.
• The collaboration will engage government institutions, international organisations, think tanks, researchers and young scholars to strengthen India’s STI policy ecosystem.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) join to develop indigenous sensor tech for Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) high-altitude operations.

[Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)]

Key Updates:

• Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) under DRDO and Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) under CSIR will jointly develop wearable sensors for real-time physiological monitoring of defence personnel in varied environmental and service conditions.
• Joint research will assess how extreme temperatures, high altitude and hypoxia affect soldiers’ cognitive performance and decision-making abilities.
• Studies will also examine impact of high-altitude air operations on pilots’ judgment, reaction time and overall mission effectiveness.
• After the 2020 stand-off with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), sustained military deployment in extreme high-altitude areas became the new normal, giving unprecedented impetus to R&D for supporting troops.
• Post-2020, India inducted over 68,000 soldiers, around 90 tanks, 330 BMP infantry combat vehicles, radar systems, artillery guns and other equipment; Indian Air Force deployed fighters, attack helicopters and surveillance aircraft to bolster defence capabilities.
• CSIO, a constituent laboratory of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), focuses on research, design and development of scientific and industrial instruments and has worked on armed-force projects involving sensors and electro-optics.
• DIPAS undertakes physiological and biomedical research to improve performance and well-being of soldiers in harsh desert and high-altitude conditions, covering military physiology, life support systems, ergonomics, clinical and cellular biochemistry, anthropometric data compilation, nutrition, man-machine interface and occupational health.

IN-SPACe selects Astrome, Azista, Dhruva Space to build satellite bus platforms under SBaaS initiative

[Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), Astrome, Azista, Dhruva Space]

Key Updates:

• Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), announced selection of Astrome Technologies, Azista Industries, and Dhruva Space to build indigenous small satellite platforms under its “Satellite Bus as a Service” (SBaaS) initiative.
• Selection followed multi-stage evaluation of 15 proposals after initiative announcement in April 2025.
• SBaaS model aims to provide cost-effective, standardised flight-ready satellite platforms for domestic and global demand.
• Grant disbursement will be milestone-linked and IN-SPACe will facilitate access to ISRO and Department of Space infrastructure, testing facilities, and technical expertise.
• IN-SPACe plans later phases to enable hosted payload missions on these platforms, expanding public-private partnership programmes from platform development to operational missions.

Zimbabwe defeats Australia in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

[Zimbabwe, Australia]

Key Updates:

• Zimbabwe secured a 23-run victory over Australia in Match 19 of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
• The match was held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 13 February 2026.
• Zimbabwe scored 169/2 in 20 overs, while Australia was dismissed for 146 runs in 19.3 overs.
• Blessing Muzarabani was named Player of the Match for his bowling performance of 4 wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs.
• Blessing Muzarabani achieved his 100th T20 International (T20I) wicket and recorded his career-best bowling figures during this match.
• Matt Renshaw was the top scorer for Australia with 65 runs, sharing a 77-run partnership with Glenn Maxwell.
• With this win, Zimbabwe moved to the second position in the Group B points table.
• Zimbabwe now leads Australia 2-0 in the history of Men's T20 World Cups, having previously defeated them in 2007.

National Women’s Day 2026 observed in India on 13 February

Key Updates:

• National Women’s Day 2026 in India is observed on 13 February.
• The day marks the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, known as the Nightingale of India.
• Sarojini Naidu became the first woman president of the Indian National Congress in 1925.
• She was appointed the first woman Governor of an Indian state, the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), in 1947.
• India celebrates a separate National Women’s Day on 13 February, while International Women’s Day is marked worldwide on 8 March.

Bangladesh National Referendum and 13th General Election on 12 February 2026

[Bangladesh]

Key Updates:

• The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies secured a two-thirds majority in the 13th parliamentary election held on 12 February 2026.
• A simultaneous national referendum was conducted to approve the July National Charter (Constitutional Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025.
• The proposed reforms include transitioning the country from a unicameral to a bicameral parliamentary system with a 100-seat upper house.
• The July National Charter introduces a 10-year (two-term) limit for any individual serving as the Prime Minister.
• The reform package seeks to reinstate the caretaker government system, which was previously abolished in 2011.
• The core constitutional principles of Bengali nationalism, democracy, socialism, and secularism are to be replaced by equality, human dignity, social justice, and religious freedom.
• The official nationality of citizens will be changed from Bengali to Bangladeshi under the proposed constitutional framework.
• New fundamental rights proposed in the charter include the right to uninterrupted internet access and the protection of personal information.
• The referendum mechanism was reinstated by a High Court ruling in 2024 following the removal of the previous administration.
• Bangladesh has previously held three national referendums in the years 1977, 1985, and 1991.
• The charter proposes the establishment of two new administrative divisions named Comilla Division and Faridpur Division.
• Article 70 of the Constitution, which prohibits members of parliament from voting against their party line, is proposed to be abolished.
• The number of reserved seats for women in the lower house of parliament is proposed to be increased to 100.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science observed on February 11

Key Updates:

• The United Nations (UN) designated 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
• The 2026 theme is 'Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls'.
• Women currently make up less than one third of the world’s researchers.

International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism observed on 12 February 2026

Key Updates:

• International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism is observed on 12 February 2026.
• United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres released a message for the day.
• United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy marks its twentieth anniversary in 2026.
• United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremement marks its tenth anniversary in 2026.