Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 13 February, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
13 February, 2026

National Affairs

1. Govt. Unveils New CPI Series

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series with 2024 as the base year, replacing the earlier 2012 base year. Under this revised series, retail inflation for January 2026 is recorded at 2.75%.

Key Highlights:

• New Base Year: Updated from 2012 to 2024.
• First Data Release: Historical comparison with previous CPI series is not yet available.
• Expanded Item Basket:
  • Total items: 358 (earlier 299)
  • Goods: 308 (earlier 259)
  • Services: 50 (earlier 40)
• Revised Consumption Weights: Based on Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24.
• Wider Market Coverage:
  • Rural markets: 1,465 (earlier 1,181)
  • Urban markets: 1,395 (earlier 1,114)

What is CPI (Consumer Price Index)?

CPI (Consumer Price Index) is a measure that tracks the average change in prices of goods and services that people commonly buy over time. It is the most widely used indicator to measure inflation at the retail (consumer) level.

What is a Base Year?

A base year is a specific reference year used for comparison when measuring changes in economic indicators over time, such as inflation, GDP, or price levels.

In that year, the value of the index is usually set to 100, and all future values are compared with it.

How it Works (Example – CPI)

If 2024 is the base year for the Consumer Price Index (CPI):

• CPI in 2024 = 100 (reference point)
• CPI in 2026 = 110 → prices are 10% higher than in 2024

So, the base year helps measure how much prices or economic activity have increased or decreased compared to that reference year.

Reason for Revision

• Significant changes in consumption patterns and economic structure over the past decade.
• Need for a more accurate and updated measure of price changes reflecting modern lifestyles.

2. The States and the 16th Finance Commission

Subject: TH

Why in News?

The 16th Finance Commission has submitted its recommendations for the 2026–31 period, introducing important fiscal reforms such as a new “Contribution to GDP” criterion for tax distribution and stricter fiscal discipline norms for States.

What is the Finance Commission?

The Finance Commission of India is a constitutional body under Article 280 that recommends:

• Vertical Devolution: Distribution of central taxes between the Union and the States.
• Horizontal Devolution: Distribution of the States’ share among individual States.

Taxes in the divisible pool include:

• Corporation Tax
• Personal Income Tax
• Central GST (CGST)
• Centre’s share of Integrated GST (IGST)

Major Demands of the States

1. Higher share of central taxes
   • Increase from 41% to 50% due to rising welfare and development expenditure.
2. Inclusion of cess and surcharge in divisible pool
   • States argue increasing reliance on cesses reduces their effective tax share.
3. Reward for economic performance
   • Industrialised States sought recognition of GDP contribution.
4. Flexible and untied grants
   • States requested fewer conditional transfers and more autonomy in spending.

Major Recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission

Vertical Devolution

• States’ share retained at 41% for 2026–31.

New Horizontal Criterion

• Contribution to GDP given 10% weight, rewarding economically productive States.

Fiscal Discipline Measures

• Fiscal deficit of States capped at 3% of GSDP.
• Off-budget borrowings discontinued — all liabilities must appear in State budgets.

Power Sector Reform

• Recommendation for privatisation of power distribution companies (DISCOMs) to reduce debt burdens.

Local Government Funding

• ₹9.47 lakh crore recommended for local bodies and disaster management.
• Discontinuation of state-specific and sector-specific grants.

Environmental Incentives

• Rewards for increase in forest cover, not just maintenance of existing forests.

3. Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Source: TOI

Why in News?

The Lok Sabha has passed the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to remove legal ambiguity regarding the repeal and continuity of laws replaced by the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.

Key Objective

• To avoid future legal confusion about the repeal of earlier labour laws.
• To ensure continuity and legal certainty after the implementation of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.

Background

The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 replaced three major labour laws:

1. Trade Unions Act, 1926
2. Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946
3. Industrial Disputes Act, 1947

These laws dealt with:

• Trade unions
• Industrial employment conditions
• Settlement of industrial disputes

4. DAC Approves ₹3.6 Lakh Crore Defence Acquisitions

Source: FE

Why in News?

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for major defence procurement proposals worth about ₹3.6 lakh crore, including 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and six P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the Indian Navy.

Major Defence Approvals

1. Rafale Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA)

• 114 fighter jets to be procured from France.
• Dassault Rafale is a twin-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by France’s Dassault Aviation.
  It is designed to perform multiple types of combat missions using a single platform.

2. S-400 Air Defence Missiles

• Includes both short-range and long-range missiles.
• Intended to replenish air defence stocks and strengthen layered missile defence.
• Advanced surface-to-air missile system.
• Capable of targeting aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.
• Engagement range: approximately 40 km to 400 km.

5. Ayushman Sahakar Scheme

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Union Minister for Home and Cooperation informed the Rajya Sabha about the implementation status and funding framework of the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme, highlighting its role in expanding cooperative-led healthcare infrastructure.

What is the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme?

The Ayushman Sahakar Scheme is a dedicated financial assistance programme of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to support cooperative societies in establishing, modernising and expanding healthcare infrastructure across India.

Launch and Administrative Control

• Launched: 2020
• Implementing Agency: NCDC
• Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Cooperation
• Aligned with the objectives of the National Health Policy, 2017.

Objectives

• Promote affordable, community-based healthcare through cooperative institutions.
• Strengthen healthcare access in underserved areas.
• Support integration of AYUSH services and digital health systems.
• Expand cooperative participation in India’s public health delivery system.

Key Features

1. Eligible Institutions

• Cooperative societies registered under State or Multi-State Cooperative Societies Acts.
• Healthcare activities must be included in their bye-laws.

2. Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage

Financial support for:

• Hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres
• Modernisation of existing facilities
• AYUSH healthcare services
• Digital health and telemedicine
• Health insurance services
• Working capital requirements

3. Financial Assistance Structure

• Term loans or investment loans based on project needs.
• Loan tenure up to 8 years with 1–2 year moratorium.

4. Incentive for Women-led Cooperatives

• 1% interest rebate for cooperatives with majority women members (subject to timely repayment).

5. Funding Mechanism

• Financing through State governments or directly through NCDC.
• Up to 90% of project cost may be financed.
• Requires collateral or guarantee as per norms.

6. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)

Source: BS

Why in News?

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has approved new guidelines for the injection of Compressed Biogas (CBG) into Natural Gas Pipeline (NGPL) and City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks.
This step supports the expansion of clean energy and integration of biofuels into India’s gas infrastructure.

What is PNGRB?

PNGRB is a statutory regulatory authority responsible for regulating the downstream petroleum and natural gas sector in India.

Establishment and Structure

• Established: 2006
• Legal Basis: Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006
• Headquarters: New Delhi

Objectives

• Protect consumer interests in petroleum and natural gas markets.
• Promote fair trade and competition.
• Ensure uninterrupted and adequate supply of petroleum products and natural gas across the country.

7. India to Establish Two New Advanced Telescopes in Ladakh

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The Union Budget 2026 has approved the establishment of two major ground-based astronomical telescopes in Ladakh and the upgrade of the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, significantly strengthening India’s observational astronomy capabilities.

Overview of the Initiative

India will develop advanced observatories to study the Sun and deep space, taking advantage of Ladakh’s:

• High altitude
• Dry climate
• Minimal atmospheric disturbance
• Exceptionally dark skies

These facilities will enhance research in:

• Solar physics (heliophysics)
• Exoplanets
• Stellar evolution
• Cosmology

National Large Solar Telescope (NLST)

A 2-metre aperture ground-based solar telescope to observe the Sun in visible and near-infrared wavelengths.
Location: Merak region near Pangong Tso, Ladakh.

Key Features

• High-resolution solar observation system.
• Studies solar magnetism and dynamic solar activity.
• High-altitude site reduces atmospheric distortion.
• India’s third ground-based solar observatory after Kodaikanal and Udaipur.
• Will complement solar data from India’s space missions.

National Large Optical–Near Infrared Telescope (NLOT)

A 13.7-metre segmented mirror optical–infrared telescope, among the largest of its kind globally.
Location: Hanle, Ladakh.

Key Features

• Primary mirror made of 90 hexagonal segments functioning as one large mirror.
• Observes faint and distant celestial objects in optical and near-infrared wavelengths.
• High-altitude dry environment ensures superior observation quality.
• Builds on India’s experience in large global telescope collaborations.

8. Dolphin Census in Odisha

Source: TNIE

Why in News?

Odisha has recorded 765 marine dolphins in the 2026 state-wide dolphin census, the highest count in the last five years, indicating improving conservation outcomes.

What is the Dolphin Census?

The Dolphin Census is an annual scientific survey conducted to estimate the population, distribution and diversity of dolphins and other cetaceans in Odisha’s marine and estuarine ecosystems.

Conducted by:
Wildlife Wing of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha, with participation from forest officials, marine scientists and field teams using boat- and shore-based surveys.

Key Findings of the 2026 Census

Total Dolphins Recorded: 765

Species-wise Distribution:

• Humpback dolphins – 497
• Irrawaddy dolphins – 208
• Bottlenose dolphins – 55
• Spinner dolphins – 3
• Finless porpoise – 2

Major Conservation Zones

Chilika Lake

• 159 Irrawaddy dolphins
• Largest known single-area concentration of Irrawaddy dolphins globally.

Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary

• 474 Humpback dolphins

Overall trends suggest stable or improving populations due to habitat protection and community-based conservation.

About Dolphins

• Biological Classification: Aquatic mammals belonging to the order Cetacea.
• Habitat: Oceans, coastal waters, estuaries and some freshwater systems. In India, major habitats include Chilika Lake and coastal marine regions.

Conservation Status and Legal Protection

• Irrawaddy dolphin: Endangered (IUCN Red List)
• Dolphins: Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Species Found in Odisha

• Humpback dolphin
• Irrawaddy dolphin
• Bottlenose dolphin
• Spinner dolphin
• Finless porpoise

6. Tamil Brahmi Inscriptions Discovered in Egypt

Source: The New Times of India

Why in News?

Researchers have identified nearly 30 ancient Indian inscriptions — including Tamil Brahmi, Prakrit and Sanskrit — inside tombs in the Valley of the Kings, dating to the 1st–3rd centuries CE, indicating the presence of Indians in Roman-era Egypt.

What is the Discovery?

Ancient inscriptions, mainly in Tamil Brahmi script, have been found in Egyptian tombs. These likely represent names or markings left by Indian traders or visitors, showing direct contact between South India and Egypt during early historical times.

• Location: Six tombs in the Valley of the Kings, part of the Theban Necropolis along the Nile.

Key Findings

• Around 30 inscriptions identified in Tamil Brahmi, Prakrit and Sanskrit.
• The Tamil name “Cikai Korran” appears repeatedly (eight times across five tombs), suggesting frequent visits by a Tamil individual.
• Other Tamil names found include Kopan, Catan and Kiran, associated with Sangam-era Tamil culture.
• Similar Tamil inscriptions had earlier been found at Berenike, a Red Sea port of Roman Egypt.
• The inscriptions were carved alongside Greek graffiti, showing that Indian visitors followed local commemorative practices.

About the Valley of the Kings

• Major royal burial ground of ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers.
• Located near Luxor on the west bank of the Nile.
• Used roughly between 1539–1075 BCE.
• Burial site of pharaohs including Tutankhamun.
• Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Ancient Thebes complex).

Banking/Finance

1. RBI Tightens Rules on Loan Recovery Agents

Source: ET

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft guidelines to regulate the conduct of loan recovery agents, aiming to prevent harassment and ensure responsible recovery practices. The proposed rules will take effect from July 1, 2026, after public consultation.

Background

Complaints about recovery agents using coercion, intimidation and public humiliation have increased in recent years. To address this, the RBI has proposed comprehensive behavioural norms under the Responsible Business Conduct Second Amendment Directions, 2026.

What Will Be Treated as “Harsh Recovery Practices”?

Banks and recovery agents will be strictly prohibited from:

• Using threatening, abusive or humiliating language.
• Making repeated or excessive calls, or calling outside permitted hours.
• Sending inappropriate or coercive messages through phone or social media.
• Harassing borrowers, guarantors, or their relatives, friends or colleagues.
• Publicly shaming or intimidating borrowers.
• Threatening violence or damage to reputation or property.
• Providing false or misleading information about the debt or legal consequences.

New Responsibilities for Banks

Banks must institutionalise responsible recovery by:

• Creating a formal policy on loan recovery and engagement of recovery agents.
• Conducting due diligence before hiring recovery agents.
• Setting clear codes of conduct and performance standards.
• Establishing procedures for taking possession of collateral in a lawful manner.

Mandatory Grievance Redressal

• Every bank must create a dedicated mechanism to handle complaints related to recovery practices, ensuring timely resolution.

Regulatory Significance

• Strengthens borrower rights and financial consumer protection.
• Promotes ethical and transparent lending practices.
• Enhances accountability of banks and recovery agencies.
• Reinforces trust in the banking system.

2. Government to Monetise CPSE Assets through REITs

Source: ET

Why in News?

In the Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed monetising real estate owned by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) through Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to unlock the value of idle government assets.

Key Objective

• Unlock an estimated ₹10 lakh crore worth of government-owned real estate.
• Convert underutilised public assets into income-generating investments.
• Strengthen public sector finances and deepen capital markets.

What is the Plan?

• Create dedicated REIT structures for CPSE-owned commercial properties.
• Allow investors (domestic and global) to invest in these assets and earn rental yields.
• Enable CPSEs to raise capital and reinvest funds into infrastructure and core operations.

What is a REIT?

A REIT pools money from many investors and invests it in large real estate projects that generate regular rental income.
Investors earn returns through:

1. Dividends (from rental income)
2. Capital appreciation (increase in REIT unit price)

REIT units are usually traded on stock exchanges, so they can be bought and sold like shares.

Key Features

• Invests in income-producing real estate
• Regular income distribution (often mandatory high payout)
• Listed and tradable like stocks
• Professionally managed
• Low entry cost compared to buying property
• Offers liquidity (easy to buy/sell)

In many countries (including India), REITs must distribute at least 90% of their income to investors.

Types of REITs

1. Equity REITs – Own and rent properties (most common)
2. Mortgage REITs – Finance real estate loans and earn interest
3. Hybrid REITs – Combination of both

3. IRDAI Clarifies Investment Norms for Insurers in AIFs

Source: BL

Why in News?

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued clarifications on investment norms for insurers in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), allowing greater flexibility while tightening safeguards on overseas investments.

Key Clarifications

1. Restriction on Overseas Deployment of Policyholder Funds

• Insurers cannot deploy policyholder funds abroad through AIFs.
• Investments made using insurers’ capital must remain within India.

2. Aggregation of Exposure Limits

• Insurers must comply with single AIF exposure limits by combining:
  • Direct investments in AIFs, and
  • Indirect exposure through Fund of Funds (FoFs).
• Ensures accurate assessment of total risk exposure.

3. Greater Investment Flexibility

• While tightening safeguards, IRDAI has provided more operational clarity and flexibility for insurers investing in AIFs.

Objective of the Move

• Protect policyholder funds from overseas risk exposure.
• Improve transparency in investment limits.
• Strengthen prudential regulation of insurer investments.
• Balance investment flexibility with financial stability.

Agriculture

1. RBI Proposes Inclusion of Agri-Tech Expenses in Farm Loans

Source: News on Air

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed revised draft norms for the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme to expand farm credit coverage and support technology adoption in agriculture.

Key Proposals

1. Agri-Tech Expenses Eligible for Farm Loans

Expenses related to modern agricultural practices can now be covered under farm loans, including:

• Soil testing
• Real-time weather forecasting tools
• Certification for organic or good agricultural practices

These will be included within the existing 20% additional component allowed for repair and maintenance of farm assets.

2. Easier Access to Credit

• Collateral and margin requirements waived for agricultural and allied activity loans up to ₹2 lakh per borrower.
• Aims to improve credit access, especially for small and marginal farmers.

3. Standardisation of Crop Loan Cycles

To ensure uniformity in repayment and loan sanction:

• Short-duration crops: 12 months
• Long-duration crops: 18 months

4. Longer Loan Tenure

• KCC loan tenure extended to 6 years to better match crop cycles, especially for long-duration crops.

5. Credit Limits Linked to Actual Cultivation Costs

• Drawing limits aligned with the scale of finance for each crop season, ensuring adequate credit based on real production costs.

6. Flexi-KCC for Marginal Farmers

• Flexible credit limit of ₹10,000 to ₹50,000, depending on landholding and crops.
• Designed to meet both working capital and investment needs.

Objective of the Reform

• Promote adoption of modern agricultural technologies.
• Improve access to institutional credit.
• Align loan structure with real farming cycles and costs.
• Support small and marginal farmers.

2. Pulses Imports and India–U.S. Trade Concerns

Source: TH

Why in News?

Reports that a proposed India–U.S. trade arrangement could involve India purchasing pulses from American suppliers triggered concern among Indian farmers, as it may increase imports and depress domestic prices.

Key Highlights

• India manages pulse demand through:
  • Import policy
  • Price stabilisation measures
  • Conditional Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement
• Domestic production: ~2.5 crore tonnes annually
• Estimated demand: ~3 crore tonnes
• Imports fill the supply gap
• Pulses:
  • Provide about 25% of non-cereal protein intake
  • Support nearly 5 crore farmers and their families

Farmer Concerns

• Imports can reduce prices for domestic farmers.
• MSP procurement for pulses is weak compared to rice and wheat.
• Government procurement under the Price Support Scheme (2019–24):
  • Only 2.9% to 12.4% of production
• Many states lack sufficient procurement centres.
• Pulses are largely rain-fed crops with lower yields than global competitors.

Result: Farmers underinvest in pulses, leading to continued import dependence.

Government Initiative

Self-Sufficiency Mission for Pulses (October 2025)

• Outlay: ₹11,440 crore
• Target cultivation: 310 lakh hectares
• Production target: 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31
• Aim: Reduce import dependence and boost domestic output

However, farmers remain sceptical due to poor implementation of past commitments.

Structural Issues Identified

• Weak procurement infrastructure
• Lack of assured MSP support
• Low productivity in rain-fed areas
• Market incentives favour other crops
• Continued reliance on imports → food security vulnerability

Facts To Remember

1. Pak. launches its indigenous Earth Observation Satellite from China

Pakistan on Thursday successfully launched its second indigenous Earth Observation Satellite, EO-2, from China’s Yangjiang Seashore Launch Centre, according to the state media. The satellite is designed to significantly enhance the country’s earth observation and high-resolution imaging capabilities. 

2. Aishwary claims 50m rifle 3P gold

Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar hit a 10.7 in the final shot to clinch the 50m rifle 3 positions (3P) gold in the Asian Rifle/ Pistol Championship at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range.

3. Telangana Launches ‘Aikam’ to Boost AI Ecosystem

The Telangana Government launched ‘Aikam’, an autonomous organisation aimed at strengthening the AI ecosystem through workforce upskilling, startup support, compute infrastructure, and an AI Fund-of-Funds. The initiative seeks to position Telangana among the top global innovation hubs and promote responsible AI adoption.

4. Assam Launches ‘Atal Vichal Agragami Assam’ Scheme

Assam launched the ‘Atal Vichal Agragami Assam’ scheme to financially support research scholars and boost innovation. Under the scheme, scholars will receive ₹25,000 per month, while Divyang scholars will get ₹40,000, promoting research, talent development, and a knowledge-driven academic ecosystem.

5. Gujarat Signs LoI with Starlink for Digital Connectivity

The Gujarat Government signed a Letter of Intent with Starlink to enhance satellite-based internet connectivity in remote and border areas. The initiative will connect CSCs, schools, PHCs, and governance facilities, strengthening digital infrastructure and supporting the Digital India vision.

6. SBI Crosses ₹10 Lakh Crore Market Capitalisation

State Bank of India crossed ₹10 lakh crore market capitalisation, becoming the sixth Indian company to reach the milestone. SBI joined the elite club alongside Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, TCS, and ICICI Bank.

7. Moody’s Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.4% for FY27

Moody’s Ratings projected India’s real GDP growth at 6.4% for FY 2026–27, the fastest among G20 economies. The estimate is slightly lower than the Economic Survey’s projection of 6.8–7.2%.

8. SEBI Approves IIFL Capital Subsidiary at GIFT IFSC

SEBI granted a No Objection Certificate to IIFL Capital Services to set up a wholly owned subsidiary at GIFT IFSC. The entity will operate as a separate legal unit to expand international financial services operations.

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

RBI approved the appointment of R. Vijay Anandh as MD & CEO of City Union Bank for three years, effective May 1, 2026, subject to shareholder approval. He will succeed N. Kamakodi, who has served since 2011.

10. Shikhar Dhawan Appointed Brand Ambassador for Delhi Khel Mahakumbh

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan was appointed Brand Ambassador of the inaugural Delhi Khel Mahakumbh 2026, a grassroots sports festival to be held across 16 locations in all 12 districts of Delhi.

11. Manu Bhaker Wins Silver at Asian Shooting Championship

Olympian Manu Bhaker won the silver medal in the women’s 25m pistol event at the Asian Shooting Championship in New Delhi after a shoot-off against Vietnam’s Nguyen Thuy Trang.

12. Books Released by Odisha Governor

Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati released two books authored by Biswabhusan Harichandan—“E Mati Katha Kahe” (Odia) and “Buxi Jagabandhu: The Great Commander” (English).

13. First-Ever Liquor Export Policy by a State — Uttar Pradesh Sets Precedent

Uttar Pradesh has become the first Indian state to introduce a dedicated policy for liquor exports, aiming to promote state-manufactured alcoholic beverages in international markets and boost industrial growth.

14. Important Days

• International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on 11 February to promote gender equality in STEM, with the 2026 theme “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap.”
• Safer Internet Day is observed globally to promote safe and responsible digital usage, with the 2026 theme “AI Aware: Safe, Smart, In Control.”
• Darwin Day is observed on 12 February to commemorate Charles Darwin and promote scientific thinking, evolution studies, and evidence-based understanding of natural phenomena.

15. India’s Growth Least Affected by Global Trade Shifts: Fitch Ratings

Global rating agency Fitch Ratings has stated that economic growth in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines is likely to be least affected by changing global trade patterns, as their economies rely less on manufacturing exports.