Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 12 February, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
12 February, 2026

International Affairs

1. Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025

Why in News?

In February 2026, Transparency International (TI) released the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, ranking countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption.

India’s Performance

• Rank: 91st out of 182 countries
• Score: 39 out of 100
• Improvement of 5 places from last year (96th rank).
• Score increased by 1 point (from 38 to 39).

Global Highlights

• Global average score: 42 out of 100.
• Marked the lowest global average in over a decade, indicating worsening corruption perceptions worldwide.

Top Performing Countries

1. Denmark – Score: 89 (Retained top position for 8th consecutive year)
2. Finland – Score: 88
3. Singapore – Score: 84

About the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)

• Published annually by Transparency International, a Germany-based NGO.
• Measures perceived levels of public sector corruption.
• Scores range from:
  • 0 (highly corrupt)
  • 100 (very clean)
• Based on expert assessments and surveys of business leaders.

National Affairs

1. PLASTINDIA 2026 Held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The 12th International Plastics Exhibition, Conference & Convention — PLASTINDIA 2026 — was held from February 5 to 10, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi.

About PLASTINDIA 2026

• “Bharat Next”
• Reflects the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
• Focus on strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem and global competitiveness.

Organisers

• Organised by the PlastIndia Foundation.
• Supported by:
  • Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
  • Ministry of Commerce & Industry
  • Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME)

Key Highlights

• Recognised as one of the world’s premier plastics exhibitions.
• Marked as the first 100% Zero-Waste plastics exhibition, promoting sustainability and circular economy practices.
• Showcased innovations in plastics manufacturing, recycling, and green technologies.

Major Announcements & Releases

Plastic Industry Status Report 2025

• Released by Union Minister Chirag Paswan (Ministry of Food Processing Industries).

Startup Search Initiative Awards

• Awards presented to winners of the Startup Search Initiative.
• Organised by PlastIndia Foundation in collaboration with:
  • IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), Kolkata.

2. AIIA Signs MoU with GIC to Enable Cashless Ayush Treatment Across 32 Insurers

Source: News on Air

Why in News?

In February 2026, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Insurance Council (GIC) to introduce cashless treatment facilities for eligible Ayurveda healthcare services.

Key Highlights of the MoU

Coverage and Benefits

• Enables access to cashless Ayurveda treatment under policies issued by 32 insurance companies.
• Enhances affordability of Ayush-based healthcare.
• Strengthens integration of traditional medicine systems with mainstream health insurance.

Ayush Health Insurance Helpline

• Government of India launched a dedicated helpline: 1800-11-0008.
• Aims to assist beneficiaries with Ayush health insurance-related queries.

About AIIA

• An apex institute under the Ministry of Ayush.
• Focuses on Ayurveda education, research, and clinical services.

About General Insurance Council (GIC)

• Established: 2001
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman: Tapan Kumar Singhel
• Apex body representing general and health insurance companies in India.

3. Union MoS Jitin Prasada Launches STQC Lab Automation Portal ‘SATYA’

Source: News on Air

Why in News?

In February 2026, Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada (Ministry of Electronics & IT and Ministry of Commerce & Industry) inaugurated the STQC Lab Automation Portal ‘SATYA’ in New Delhi.

About SATYA Portal

Development

• Developed with technical support from the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under MeitY.

Purpose

• Digitises the entire certification lifecycle for electronics and IT products.
• Operates as a single-window automated platform.

Key Features

• Integration of:
  • Testing
  • Calibration
  • Inspection
  • Certification
  • Real-time tracking
• Reduces manual intervention and procedural delays.
• Modernises and streamlines service delivery.

Beneficiaries

• Industry and manufacturers
• Startups
• MSMEs
• Government departments
• Citizens

4. IAF and Royal Thai Air Force Conduct Joint In-Situ Air Exercise

Source: TOI

Why in News?

On February 10, 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) conducted a joint in-situ air exercise to enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two forces.

About the India–Thailand In-Situ Exercise

• Training conducted under realistic operational conditions.
• Takes place at or near actual mission locations.
• Enhances real-time coordination rather than simulated practice.

Assets Deployed

Indian Air Force (IAF)

• Su-30MKI multirole fighter aircraft
• AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System)
• AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control)
• IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft

Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF)

• Gripen multi-role fighter aircraft (Sweden-made)

5. IAF’s Vayu Shakti 2026

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct its biennial firepower exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 on February 27 at the Pokhran air-to-ground range in Rajasthan. The exercise will prominently feature frontline fighter aircraft and highlight the operational success of Operation Sindoor.

About Vayu Shakti

• A biennial live firepower demonstration by the IAF.
• Held at the Pokhran Field Firing Range near the India-Pakistan border.
• Aims to demonstrate precision strike capability, rapid response, and integrated combat operations.

Major Platforms Participating

• Fighter aircraft: Rafale, Su-30MKI, LCA Tejas, MiG-29, Jaguar, Mirage-2000.
• Helicopters: Apache, Chinook, Light Combat Helicopter (Prachand), Advanced Light Helicopter.
• Transport aircraft: C-130J, C-17, and C-295 (making its debut).
• Air defence and weapons systems: Akash, SpyDer, loitering munitions, and counter-UAS systems.
• More than 120 air assets are expected to participate.

Banking/Finance

1. CPI Base Revision from 2012 to 2024

Why in News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is undertaking a base revision of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 2012 to 2024, aligning the index with changing consumption patterns and improving data collection methods.

What is CPI?

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures changes in prices of goods and services consumed by households.
• It is the primary measure of inflation in India.
• Used by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to guide monetary policy decisions such as interest rates.
• Forms the basis for:
  • Dearness Allowance (DA) revisions
  • Wage adjustments
  • Social security benefits

Why Base Revision is Needed

• Since 2012, India’s economy has changed significantly:
  • Increased urbanisation
  • Expansion of services sector
  • Rise of digital platforms and online purchases
  • Diversified household spending patterns
• Inflation measurement must reflect current consumption realities, not outdated baskets.

Key Features of CPI 2024 Series

• Updated Consumption Basket
  • Based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (2023–24).
  • Higher weight to items with increased spending.
  • Reduced weight to items with lower spending share.
  • Greater representation of services and lifestyle-related expenditure.
• Improved Methodology
  • Alignment with international statistical standards.
  • Retains India-specific features for domestic relevance.
• Enhanced Data Collection
  • Continued traditional market surveys for essentials.
  • Inclusion of online prices (telecom services, airfares, etc.).
  • Use of computer-assisted price collection to reduce errors and enable real-time validation.
• Integration of Administrative Data
  • Greater reliance on official sources for:
    • Rail fares
    • Postal charges
    • Fuel prices
    • Public Distribution System (PDS) items
  • Improves accuracy and reduces survey bias.

2. RBI Proposes Ban on Third-Party Sales Incentives

Source: BS

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft amendment directions to curb mis-selling of financial products by banks. The proposals include banning third-party sales incentives and introducing stricter consumer protection norms. Public comments have been invited until March 4, 2026. The norms are proposed to come into effect from July 1, 2026.

Background

• Banks earn fee income by distributing insurance, mutual funds, and other third-party financial products.
• Concerns over aggressive cross-selling and mis-selling have been raised repeatedly.
• In November 2025, the Union Finance Minister emphasised the need to protect public confidence in the banking system.
• RBI has consistently advised banks to focus on core banking activities.

What are Third-Party Sales Incentives?

Third-party sales incentives are rewards or payments given to bank employees (or agents) by external financial companies—such as insurance companies, mutual fund houses, or NBFCs—for selling their products through the bank.

Key Proposals

Ban on Third-Party Incentives

• No direct or indirect incentives to bank employees from third parties for selling products.
• Sales competitions must not encourage mis-selling.

No Bundling or Forced Sales

• Banks cannot bundle third-party products with their own products.
• Sale of a bank product cannot be made contingent on purchase of a third-party product.
• Customers must have the option to choose any provider.

Explicit Customer Consent

• Products (bank’s own or third-party) can be sold only with explicit consent.
• Loan facilities cannot be used to fund product purchases without explicit approval.

Refund and Compensation

• Full refund required where mis-selling is established.
• Compensation for customer losses as per approved policies.

Customer Protection Measures

Feedback Mechanism

• Banks must seek customer feedback within 30 days of sale.
• Customers may lodge complaints within 30 days of receiving signed terms and conditions (if sector regulator has not specified otherwise).
• Half-yearly reports to review findings and update policies.

Suitability Assessment

• Banks must assess product suitability based on:
  • Risk-return profile
  • Time horizon
  • Complexity
  • Fee structure
  • Customer age, income, and financial literacy

Conduct Norms for Agents

• Tele-calling and visits allowed only between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. (beyond with consent).
• Third-party agents must be clearly distinguishable from bank staff.
• Code of conduct mandatory for employees, DSAs, and DMAs.
• Penal provisions for violations.

3. SEBI Mandates 2x Peak Load Capacity for Commodity Exchanges

Source: ET

Why in News?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a new infrastructure planning and real-time performance monitoring framework for exchanges and clearing corporations in the commodity derivatives segment.

Key Provisions

Capacity Requirement

• Critical IT systems must maintain installed capacity of at least two times (2x) the projected peak load.
• Applies to exchanges and clearing corporations in the commodity derivatives market.

Earlier Norm (2016 Guidelines)

• Commodity exchanges were required to maintain 4x peak load capacity for trading systems.

Objective of the New Framework

• Strengthen system resilience.
• Ensure consistent response times during high-volume trading.
• Improve scalability and robustness of IT infrastructure.
• Enhance regulatory oversight of technology systems.

Background

• The move follows industry representations.
• Consultations were held with SEBI’s Technical Advisory Committee.
• Commodity derivatives markets rely heavily on high-speed, real-time trading systems, making IT stability critical.

Agriculture

1. BIOFACH 2026

Source: BS

Why in News?

India has been designated as the ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic food and agriculture, held annually in Nuremberg, Germany.

What is BIOFACH?

• The world’s premier trade fair for organic food and agriculture.
• Serves as a global platform for organic trade, sustainability, and innovation.
• Held annually at the Nuremberg Messe Exhibition Centre, Germany.
• Organised and managed by NürnbergMesse GmbH.

Organising Authority

• India’s participation is being organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
• APEDA functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
• APEDA has been participating in BIOFACH for over a decade.

Aim

• Promote global trade in certified organic products.
• Facilitate B2B networking among producers, exporters, retailers, and policymakers.
• Encourage sustainable agriculture and environmentally responsible consumption.
• Showcase innovation in organic farming and food processing.

Significance of ‘Country of the Year’ Status

Strengthening India’s Global Organic Leadership

• Positions India as a key supplier of certified organic produce.
• Enhances India’s image in the global sustainable food ecosystem.

Boost to Agricultural Exports

• Supports exports of:
  • Organic rice
  • Spices
  • Pulses
  • Oilseeds
  • Cashew
  • Turmeric
  • Ginger
  • Mango puree
  • Essential oils

Promotion of GI-Tagged Products

• Showcases five GI-tagged rice varieties, highlighting India’s agricultural heritage and biodiversity.

Empowerment of FPOs and Regional Producers

• Participation from over 20 States and Union Territories.
• Encourages integration of grassroots producers into global value chains.

Soft Power & Culinary Diplomacy

• Live tastings (e.g., organic biryani, heritage rice varieties).
• Promotes India’s organic identity and food culture globally.

Products Showcased

Organic rice (including basmati), Oilseeds, Herbs and spices, Pulses, Cashew, Ginger, Turmeric, Large cardamom, Cinnamon, Mango puree, Essential oils

Facts To Remember

1. Bhanwala wins bronze in 25m rapid-fire pistol

Anish Bhanwala clinched bronze in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol event of the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range. It is his third Asian Championship medal.

2. FDI Inflow in Banking Sector Declines in FY25

The Ministry of Finance informed the Rajya Sabha that FDI equity inflows into the banking sector fell to USD 115 million in FY25 from USD 898 million in FY23. SBI recorded the highest foreign shareholding among PSBs at 11.07%, and over 56.31 crore Mudra loans worth Rs 37.31 lakh crore have been sanctioned since PMMY’s launch.

3. BOBCARD Launches Braille-Enabled Premier Credit Card

BOBCARD introduced a Braille-enabled Premier Credit Card to enhance accessibility for visually impaired users. The card combines inclusive design with premium benefits such as travel rewards and lounge access.

4. PB Pay Receives RBI Authorisation as Payment Aggregator

PB Pay Private Limited received RBI’s Certificate of Authorisation to operate as a Payment Aggregator under the PSS Act, 2007. The approval allows it to onboard merchants and process digital payments including UPI and card transactions.

5. Safer Internet Day – February 10

Safer Internet Day 2026 was observed on 10 February under the theme “Smart Tech, Safe Choices.” India ranked first in the 2026 Digital Well-Being Index, marking its fourth consecutive year at the top.

6. World Unani Day – February 11

World Unani Day is observed annually on 11 February to mark the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan. The 2026 theme was “Innovation and Evidence in Unani Practice,” highlighting integration of traditional medicine with modern research.

7. Delhi Launches Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana

The Delhi Government announced the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana to provide financial support to girls from low-income families. The scheme, effective from April 1, 2026, will offer phased deposits maturing to over Rs 1 lakh.

8. India–UK Sign Social Security Agreement

India and the United Kingdom signed a reciprocal Social Security Agreement (SSA), also known as a Double Contributions Convention (DCC). The pact prevents dual social security payments for employees on temporary assignments of up to 36 months, allowing them to contribute only to their home country’s system.

9. No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker

The Opposition moved a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Under Article 94(c) of the Constitution, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha.

10. Centre Issues New Guidelines on ‘Vande Mataram’

The Union Government issued fresh guidelines mandating the singing of all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official functions. The directive coincides with the 150th anniversary of the song’s creation.

11. Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project

The Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project is a 1,856 MW run-of-the-river project on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir. Implemented by NHPC, it is the largest hydropower project in J&K and among the biggest in Northern India.

12. India–UK Sign Social Security Agreement

India and the United Kingdom signed a reciprocal Social Security Agreement (SSA), also known as a Double Contributions Convention (DCC). The pact prevents dual social security payments for employees on temporary assignments of up to 36 months, allowing them to contribute only to their home country’s system.

13. No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker

The Opposition moved a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Under Article 94(c) of the Constitution, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha.

14. Centre Issues New Guidelines on ‘Vande Mataram’

The Union Government issued fresh guidelines mandating the singing of all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official functions. The directive coincides with the 150th anniversary of the song’s creation.

15. Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project

The Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project is a 1,856 MW run-of-the-river project on the Chenab River in Jammu & Kashmir. Implemented by NHPC, it is the largest hydropower project in J&K and among the biggest in Northern India.

16. CES Hosts 4th Vidya Utsav

The Child Education Society (CES) organised the 4th Vidya Utsav on February 7 at the Manekshaw Centre Auditorium, focusing on reimagining education to create future-ready citizens.