Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 11 February, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
11 February, 2026

National Affairs

1. Amendment on Information Technology Act, 2021

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Union Government has notified amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandating prominent labelling of photorealistic AI-generated content. The amended provisions will come into force on February 20, 2026.

Key Provisions of the Amendment Rules, 2026

1. Mandatory Labelling of AI-Generated Content

• Social media platforms must clearly label photorealistic synthetic media.
• Applies to AI-generated content that appears real and indistinguishable from actual persons or events.
• A carve-out has been provided for routine smartphone image touch-ups and automatic enhancements.

2. Definition of Synthetic Media

The amended rules define synthetically generated content as:

• Audio, visual, or audio-visual information
• Artificially or algorithmically created, generated, modified, or altered
• Appearing real, authentic, or true
• Likely to be perceived as indistinguishable from a natural person or real-world event

The final definition is narrower than the draft version released in October 2025.

3. Reduced Takedown Timelines

The amendments significantly shorten the timeline for removal of unlawful content:

• Within 3 hours: Content declared illegal by a court or an “appropriate government.”
• Within 2 hours: Sensitive content such as non-consensual nudity and deepfakes.

Earlier, platforms were given 24–36 hours for content removal.

4. Safe Harbour Implications

• Non-compliance with the rules may result in loss of safe harbour protection.
• Safe harbour protects intermediaries from liability for user-generated content, provided due diligence norms are followed.

2. Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE)-III

Why in News?

The proposal to relax emission targets for small cars under the upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE)-III norms is still under discussion, according to the Power Ministry Secretary.

What are CAFE Norms?

CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) norms mandate automobile manufacturers to maintain a prescribed average fuel efficiency across their fleet of vehicles sold in a given year.

• Aim to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
• Encourage adoption of cleaner and more efficient technologies.
• Implemented in phases (CAFE-I, CAFE-II, and upcoming CAFE-III).

Background

• CAFE-I and CAFE-II progressively tightened fuel efficiency standards.
• CAFE-III is expected to introduce stricter emission and fuel efficiency targets in line with India’s climate commitments and energy transition goals.

3. Mangrove Clam (Geloina erosa)

Source: BL

Why in News?

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has successfully achieved induced breeding of the mangrove clam under captive conditions, marking a rare global scientific breakthrough in molluscan aquaculture.

About Mangrove Clam

• Scientific name: Geloina erosa
• Also referred to under genus Polymesoda in some literature.
• Common name: Mangrove clam / Mud clam
• Local name (Kerala): “Kandal Kakka”

Habitat

• Found in mangrove and estuarine ecosystems of South and Southeast Asia.
• Lives in organic-rich muddy substrates of intertidal mangrove zones.
• Tolerates a wide salinity range (brackish to near-freshwater).
• Deep-burrowing, semi-infaunal species:
  • Adults typically inhabit landward zones.
  • Juveniles are less tide-dependent.

4. Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025

Source: PIB

Why in News?

India improved its rank to 45th globally (up 4 places) in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, with its score rising to 54.43/100, reflecting stronger digital and network preparedness.

About Network Readiness Index (NRI)

The Network Readiness Index (NRI) is a global index that assesses how effectively countries leverage information and communication technologies (ICTs) to promote:

• Economic growth
• Innovation
• Governance efficiency
• Social development

Published by

Prepared by the Portulans Institute, an independent non-profit research and educational institution based in Washington, DC.

Aim of the Index

• Measure a country’s readiness to use digital networks and emerging technologies.
• Evaluate how ICT adoption translates into inclusive growth and societal impact.

India’s Performance in NRI 2025

Rank & Score

• Rank: 45th (up from 49th in 2024)
• Score: 54.43 (up from 53.63 in 2024)

Areas of Global Leadership

India ranked 1st globally in:

• Annual investment in telecommunication services
• AI scientific publications
• ICT services exports
• E-commerce legislation

Strong Infrastructure & Usage

India secured 2nd rank globally in:

• FTTH/building internet subscriptions
• Mobile broadband traffic
• International internet bandwidth

Market Scale

• Ranked 3rd in domestic market scale, reflecting India’s large digitally active population.

Income-Level Performance

• Ranked 2nd among lower-middle-income countries.
• Performance exceeds expectations relative to its income level.

5. Form 7 Controversy

Source: TH

Why in News?

Form 7 has become controversial during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls following allegations of bulk and fraudulent deletion requests targeting eligible voters.

What is Form 7?

Form 7 is a statutory form used to object to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll.

It can be used to:

• Seek deletion of one’s own name.
• Object to another person’s inclusion on grounds such as:
  • Death
  • Duplication
  • Shifting of residence
  • Ineligibility due to age or citizenship
  • Misrepresentation

Legal Basis

• Governed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
• Prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, framed under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
• As per Section 13(2), objections must be filed by a person whose name is already included in the electoral roll.
• Booth Level Agents (BLAs) are also authorised to file objections.

Aim of Form 7

• Maintain accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls.
• Remove ineligible, duplicate, shifted, or deceased voters.
• Ensure free and fair elections by preventing electoral fraud.

6. Lyriothemis keralensis

Source: TOI

Why in News?

Researchers have discovered and formally described a new dragonfly species from Kerala, named Lyriothemis keralensis, highlighting the State’s rich but underexplored biodiversity.

About Lyriothemis keralensis

• A newly described species of dragonfly.
• Belongs to Order: Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies).
• Genus: Lyriothemis.
• Endemic to Kerala.

The species name keralensis reflects its geographical origin.

About Odonata

• Odonata includes dragonflies (Anisoptera) and damselflies (Zygoptera).
• Indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems.
• Sensitive to pollution and habitat disturbance.
• Endemic species are vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change.

Banking/Finance

1. Sebi May Tighten Scrutiny of IPO and QIP Proceeds

Why in News?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is considering tightening oversight norms for utilisation of funds raised through public and institutional issuances. At the same time, Gold ETFs have, for the first time, recorded higher net inflows than active equity mutual funds.

Part I: Sebi Proposes Stricter Monitoring of IPO, QIP and Rights Issue Proceeds

Proposed Changes

1. Lowering the Threshold
   • SEBI is examining reducing the threshold from ₹100 crore to ₹50 crore, or removing it entirely.
   • This would expand oversight to smaller issuers.
2. Direct Filing by Monitoring Agencies
   • Proposal to allow agencies to file monitoring reports directly with stock exchanges.
   • Aims to prevent delays and issuer interference.
3. Stronger Disclosure Norms
   • Currently, monitoring reports must be filed within 45 days of each quarter-end.
   • Delays and non-disclosures have limited investor transparency.
4. Tougher Penalties
   • Consideration of stricter action against companies that:
     • Fail to share information with monitoring agencies
     • Delay submissions
     • Withhold payments to agencies

Part II: Gold ETFs Surpass Equity Funds in Inflows

For the first time, Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) attracted higher net inflows than active equity mutual funds.

• Gold ETFs (January 2026): ₹24,040 crore
• December 2025: ₹11,647 crore
• More than doubled month-on-month.

2. RBI Proposes Higher Unsecured Loan Cap for UCBs

Source: News on Air

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft norms proposing changes in the unsecured loan exposure limits for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs).

Higher Unsecured Loan Limit for Urban Cooperative Banks

Key Proposal

• The RBI has proposed raising the unsecured loans cap for UCBs to 20% of total advances of the preceding financial year, from the earlier limit of 10% of total assets.
• The move is part of revised draft norms to rationalise the definition of unsecured advances.

Individual Exposure Limits

Within the overall ceiling, individual unsecured loan limits will be:

• ₹5 lakh – Tier I UCBs
• ₹7.5 lakh – Tier II UCBs
• ₹10 lakh – Tier III & IV UCBs

What are Unsecured Loans?

Unsecured loans are loans that are not backed by collateral or security. The lender does not have any claim over a specific asset if the borrower defaults.

Examples of Unsecured Loans

• Personal loans
• Credit card loans
• Consumer durable loans
• Education loans (in many cases)
• Short-term business loans (without collateral)

3. Surplus Liquidity Fuels Record Parking in RBI’s SDF

Source: ET

Why in News?

Banks have parked a record ₹4.52 lakh crore in the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) window of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), amid surplus liquidity in the banking system.

What is the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)?

• The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) is a liquidity absorption tool introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in April 2022 to manage excess liquidity in the banking system.
• Allows banks to park excess funds with RBI without providing collateral.
• SDF rate currently stands at 5%, which is:
  • 25 basis points below the policy repo rate (5.25%).
• It acts as the floor rate of the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) corridor.

Current LAF corridor structure:

• SDF (Floor): 5%
• Repo Rate (Policy Rate): 5.25%
• MSF (Ceiling): 5.50%

Why Was SDF Introduced?

• To absorb surplus liquidity efficiently.
• To reduce reliance on reverse repo (which requires collateral).
• To strengthen monetary policy transmission.
• To provide a stronger floor to short-term money market rates.

4. RBI Proposes Exempting Smaller NBFCs from Registration Requirement

Source: Mint

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft directions proposing to exempt certain small non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) from mandatory registration, citing their lower risk profile and limited systemic impact.

The draft norms are open for public comments until 4 March and are proposed to take effect from 1 April.

Key Proposal

NBFCs meeting the following criteria may be exempted from registration with RBI:

• Do not accept public funds
• Have no customer interface
• Have an asset size below ₹1,000 crore

These entities will be categorised as “Unregistered Type I NBFCs.”

Rationale

According to RBI:

• Such NBFCs primarily invest their own funds.
• They pose minimal systemic risk.
• Concerns relating to customer protection are not relevant.

The move is intended to reduce compliance burden and improve ease of doing business.

Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) Framework

In October 2021, RBI introduced the Scale-Based Regulatory Framework (SBR) for NBFCs, classifying them into:

• Base Layer (Type I NBFCs)
• Middle Layer
• Upper Layer
• Top Layer

Type I NBFCs (base layer) were recognised as low-risk entities deserving lighter regulation. The present draft operationalises this distinction by offering exemption from registration to eligible entities.

Definitions Clarified by RBI

Public Funds

Includes:

• Any funds from outside sources
• Indirect funds via associates or group entities
• Loans from directors or shareholders (treated as public funds)

Customer Interface

Includes:

• Lending
• Providing guarantees
• Offering financial products/services
• Transactions with group entities, directors, or shareholders

Exception:

• Employee loans provided under employment terms (non-commercial) are excluded.

Agriculture

1. Centre Set to Increase MSP for Minor Forest Produce

Source: ET

Why in News?

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union Government is set to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 87 Minor Forest Produce (MFP) items collected by forest dwellers. The revision is likely to be implemented from the next financial year.

Background

• The MSP for Minor Forest Produce scheme was launched in 2013–14 by the UPA government.
• The scheme aims to protect tribal gatherers from distress sales and exploitation by middlemen.
• MSP is fixed for identified MFP items collected by tribals in remote areas.
• If market prices fall below MSP, state agencies procure the produce.

The guidelines mandate revision of MSP every three years, but no revision has taken place in the last six years. The last hike occurred in May 2020 during the pandemic.

Key Developments

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has collected updated market price data from various states.
• The nodal agency, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), has worked out the proposed increase.
• A notification is expected soon.
• The decision followed discussions in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment, where concerns were raised about stagnant MSP pushing tribals toward middlemen.

About Minor Forest Produce (MFP)

Minor Forest Produce includes:

• Bamboo
• Tendu leaves
• Mahua seeds and flowers
• Lac
• Tamarind
• Sal seeds

These are critical sources of livelihood for forest-dwelling tribal communities.

Facts To Remember

1. Sofiya sets new World record on way to gold

Kazakhstan’s Sofiya Shulzhenko set a new World record in the 50m rifle 3 positions women’s event on her way to winning gold at the Asian Rifle/ Pistol Championship.

2. Unemployment Falls to 4.8% in Q3 FY26, Lowest in Three Quarters

India’s unemployment rate declined to 4.8% in Q3 (October–December) FY26, marking the lowest level in three quarters, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

3. India Ranks 2nd Globally in Enterprise AI Usage: Zscaler Report

India has ranked second globally in enterprise Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) transactions, according to the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2026 AI Security Report, released by Zscaler.

Key Findings:

• India ranked 2nd globally, after the United States, in enterprise AI/ML usage.
• Reflects rapid adoption of AI technologies across Indian enterprises.
• AI-driven transactions and deployment have grown significantly across sectors.

4. Revival in Private Investment: Key to Sustaining 7.4% Growth

India’s economy is projected to grow at 7.4% in FY26 (constant prices), up from 6.5% in FY25. A key driver in the post-pandemic phase has been sustained higher capital expenditure by the government, aimed at reviving growth and crowding in private investment.

5. Exercise Vayu Shakti to highlight success of Op Sindoor, reaffirming IAF’s dominance  in airspace 

  Indian Air Force (IAF) will demonstrate its precision targeting capabilities at Exercise Vayu Shakti to be held in Pokhran, Rajasthan, on the 27th of this month. 

6. DRDO signs agreement with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research for collaborative research

  Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed an agreement with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research for collaborative research, technology development and resource sharing to advance human sustenance and performance in extreme environments. 

7. Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav inaugurates Chintan Shivir on 25 years of National Medicinal Plants Board

Ayush Minister, Prataprao Jadhav, today inaugurated the Chintan Shivir on the completion of 25 years of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) in New Delhi. 

8. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduces Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha

The Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha.

9. India signs agreement with UK & Northern Ireland on Social Security relating to Social Security Contributions

India has signed an Agreement on Social Security relating to Social Security Contributions with the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. 

10. AIIA Signs MoU with General Insurance Council, Enables Cashless Ayurveda Treatment

All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) under the Ministry of Ayush today signed a Common Empanelment Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Insurance Council (GIC) in New Delhi. 

11. Rajasthan Becomes India’s Largest Wool Producer

Rajasthan emerged as India’s largest wool producer with 16,013.50 thousand kg, contributing about 47.5% of total output. As per BAHS 2024–25, India produced 33.69 million kg of wool in FY24, with Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka ranking second and third respectively.

12. IPC Signs Three MoUs to Strengthen Drug Safety

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission signed MoUs with GSPC, QCI, and HITES to enhance pharmacovigilance and medicine quality. The agreements focus on capacity building, infrastructure support, and public awareness on drug safety.

13. India and Greece Sign Defence Cooperation Declaration

India and Greece signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to boost defence industrial cooperation. The pact aims to create a 5-year roadmap aligning India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative with Greece’s defence reforms.

14. ADB Approves USD 182 Million Loan for Assam

The Asian Development Bank approved a USD 182 million loan to strengthen flood and erosion management along the Brahmaputra in Assam. The funding will expand riverbank protection and climate-resilient infrastructure measures.

15. RBI Approves Vijay Anandh as MD & CEO of City Union Bank

RBI approved the appointment of R. Vijay Anandh as MD and CEO of City Union Bank for three years from May 1, 2026. He will succeed Dr. N. Kamakodi, subject to shareholder approval.

16. Shikhar Dhawan Named Brand Ambassador of Delhi Khel Mahakumbh

Former cricketer Shikhar Dhawan was appointed brand ambassador of the inaugural Delhi Khel Mahakumbh. The grassroots sports festival aims to boost participation across multiple disciplines in Delhi.

17. ISRO Identifies Lander Site for Chandrayaan-4

ISRO identified Mons Mouton-4 near the Moon’s south pole as the landing site for Chandrayaan-4. The mission marks a key step toward India’s first lunar sample-return programme.

18. Aditya Pandya Becomes Youngest Indian Male Analog Astronaut

Seventeen-year-old Aditya Pandya from Gujarat became India’s youngest male analog astronaut after completing a lunar habitat simulation mission. The programme simulated Moon-like conditions to prepare for future space missions.

19. Services Win 8th Santosh Trophy Title

Services defeated Kerala 1–0 in extra time to win their eighth Santosh Trophy title in Assam. The championship is India’s premier senior national football tournament organised by AIFF.

20. National Deworming Day – February 10

National Deworming Day is observed on 10 February to protect children from intestinal worm infections. Launched in 2015, the programme provides Albendazole or Mebendazole tablets under the National Health Mission.

21. World Pulses Day – February 10

World Pulses Day is observed annually on 10 February to highlight the role of pulses in food security and sustainable agriculture. The 2026 theme was “Pulses of the World: From Modesty to Excellence.”

22. Gujarat Signs LoI with Starlink

The Government of Gujarat signed a Letter of Intent with Starlink to enhance satellite-based internet connectivity. The initiative will improve digital access in remote and aspirational districts, supporting Digital India goals.