Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 15&16 February, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
15&16 February, 2026

National Affairs

1. New Urban Challenge Fund (UCF)

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at financing large-scale urban infrastructure through market-linked funding and competitive project selection.

Key Features of Urban Challenge Fund

• Central Assistance: ₹1 lakh crore
• Implementation Period: FY 2025–26 to 2030–31 (extendable up to 2033–34)
• Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Funding Structure

• Central government support: 25% of project cost
• Minimum 50% must be raised from the market, such as:
  • Municipal bonds
  • Bank loans
  • Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Expected total investment mobilised: About ₹4 lakh crore in the urban sector over five years.

Coverage and Eligibility

Eligible Cities

• Cities with population ≥ 10 lakh (2025 estimates)
• All State and Union Territory capitals
• Major industrial cities with population ≥ 1 lakh

Special Support Mechanism

• Credit Repayment Guarantee Scheme for:
  • Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in hilly and northeastern States
  • Smaller ULBs with population below 1 lakh

Objectives of the Fund

1. Mobilise market finance for urban infrastructure
2. Reduce dependence on public grants
3. Encourage private sector participation
4. Build productive, inclusive and climate-responsive cities
5. Strengthen cities as engines of economic growth

2. Seva Teerth & Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2

Source: News on Air

Why in News?

The inauguration of Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2 marks a major step in restructuring India’s administrative infrastructure to enable modern, efficient and citizen-centric governance.

What Are These Complexes?

They are new central government administrative complexes designed to:

• Consolidate key ministries and offices
• Replace fragmented and ageing infrastructure
• Improve coordination and service delivery

They form part of the broader transformation of India’s governance architecture.

Seva Teerth — Key Features

Houses major decision-making institutions:

• Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
• National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)
• Cabinet Secretariat

These were earlier located separately.

Purpose → Improve strategic coordination and executive functioning.

Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2 — Key Features

Accommodates major Union ministries, including:

• Finance
• Defence
• Health
• Education
• Agriculture
• Information & Broadcasting

Purpose → Administrative integration and operational efficiency.

3. The Sangtam Community (Nagaland)

Source: TH

Why in News?

The apex body of Nagaland’s Sangtam community has passed a resolution to protect pangolins within its jurisdiction, highlighting the role of indigenous communities in wildlife conservation.

Who are the Sangtam?

• One of the recognised Naga tribes of Nagaland.
• Primarily inhabit:
  • Kiphire district
  • Tuensang district (eastern Nagaland)
• Part of the larger Naga ethnic group of Northeast India.
• Known for strong customary governance systems.

Origin and Historical Background

• Oral traditions trace their migration through areas of present-day Myanmar before settling in eastern Nagaland.
• The name “Sangtam” is believed to derive from “Sangdang”, an ancestral village name.
• The term appeared in British administrative records in the late 19th century.

3. AI Impact Summit 2026 & India AI Expo

Source: PIB

Why in News?

India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, with the Prime Minister inaugurating the India AI Impact Expo 2026. The summit brings together global leaders, policymakers, and technology companies to discuss the opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence.

Event Overview

• Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
• Dates: 16–20 February 2026
• Edition: 4th global AI Impact Summit
• Previous hosts: United Kingdom, South Korea, France
• Participation: Delegates from around 100 countries

Significance → First time the summit is hosted in a Global South country.

India AI Impact Expo 2026

• Global exhibition of AI technologies and startups
• Over 300 exhibitions and live demonstrations
• More than 3,000 speakers across 500 sessions
• Expected visitors: over 2.5 lakh
• Thematic framework:
  • People
  • Planet
  • Progress

4. New Army Ant Species Discovered in Eastern Ghats

Why in News?

Scientists from Karnataka and Odisha have discovered two new army ant species in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity.

Newly Discovered Species

• Aenictus chittoorensis
• Aenictus lankamallensis

Location of Discovery

• Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary
• Southern Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh

What Are Army Ants?

Army ants are highly social, nomadic predatory ants known for:

• Coordinated mass hunting raids
• Large colonies functioning as a single unit
• Continuous movement rather than permanent nesting

They are among the most efficient collective predators in tropical ecosystems.

5. ISRO Launch Vehicle Debris Found in Maldives

Source: TH

Why in News?

Debris bearing the ISRO logo and India’s National Emblem has been found on an uninhabited island in the Maldives. The object is believed to be part of a launch vehicle payload fairing.

Key Details

• Location: Island near L. Kunahandhoo, Maldives
• Date found: February 12, 2026
• Object: Payload fairing (PLF) fragment from a launch vehicle
• Likely origin: LVM3-M6 mission (as per spaceflight tracking sources)
• ISRO has not officially confirmed the origin yet.

Possible Mission Link

• LVM3-M6 / BlueBird Block-2 mission
• Launch date: December 2025
• Type: Dedicated commercial mission
• Payload: BlueBird Block-2 satellite (AST SpaceMobile, USA)

About Payload Fairing

• Protective nose cone of a rocket
• Shields satellite from heat and pressure during launch
• Detaches after the rocket exits dense atmosphere
• Detached parts fall into designated ocean zones

About LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3)

• Heaviest rocket developed by ISRO
• Three-stage configuration:
  1. Two solid strap-on boosters
  2. Liquid core stage
  3. Cryogenic upper stage

Uses

• Heavy communication satellites
• Commercial satellite launches
• Human spaceflight missions (Gaganyaan class)

Banking/Finance

1. Commercial Papers (CPs) vs Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

Source: BS

Why in News?

Investors are increasingly shifting from Commercial Papers (CPs) to Certificates of Deposit (CDs) due to higher CD issuances, better yields, and lower perceived credit risk.

Key Trend

• Outstanding CP issuances declined by ~₹1 trillion since August 2025.
• Outstanding CD issuances increased by ~₹1 trillion during the same period.

Commercial Papers (CPs) vs Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

Basis	Commercial Paper (CP)	Certificate of Deposit (CD)
Definition	Short-term unsecured promissory note issued for working capital needs	Short-term negotiable time deposit issued to raise funds
Issuer	Corporates, financial institutions, NBFCs	Banks and select financial institutions
Nature of Instrument	Unsecured debt	Bank deposit instrument
Purpose	Corporate short-term financing	Bank short-term liquidity management
Credit Risk	Higher (depends on corporate creditworthiness)	Lower (issued by regulated banks)
Return / Yield	Generally higher to compensate for higher risk	Usually slightly lower but currently rising due to demand
Liquidity	Tradable but relatively less liquid	More liquid and widely traded
Investor Base	Mutual funds, banks, institutions, corporates	Mutual funds, banks, institutions, corporates
Regulation	Regulated by RBI guidelines for money market instruments	Regulated by RBI banking and money market norms
Typical Maturity	7 days to 1 year	7 days to 1 year (banks)
Collateral Requirement	No collateral (unsecured)	Backed by bank’s financial strength
Risk Perception	Sensitive to corporate financial health	Considered safer due to bank backing
Market Trend (Recent)	Issuances declining	Issuances rising
Main Reason for Current Shift	Higher perceived risk, competitive bank lending	Higher yields, better liquidity, strong bank demand
Economic Indicator	Reflects corporate borrowing conditions	Reflects banking system liquidity needs

Why Investors Are Shifting from CPs to CDs

Factor	Explanation	Impact on Market
Higher Yields	Rising interest rates on CDs have made them more attractive than CPs.	Investors shift funds toward CDs for better returns.
Lower Credit Risk	CDs are issued by banks, which are perceived safer than corporate issuers of CPs.	Preference for risk-adjusted returns increases demand for CDs.
Greater Liquidity	CDs are more easily tradable in secondary markets.	Investors prefer CDs for flexibility and easier exit.
Higher Bank Issuances	Banks are issuing more CDs to meet funding needs.	Increased supply boosts CD market share.

Why Banks Are Issuing More Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

Driver	Explanation	Effect
Credit–Deposit Gap	Loan demand growing faster than deposit growth.	Banks raise short-term funds via CDs.
Credit Growth	Around 13.1% year-on-year growth.	Higher funding requirement for lending.
Deposit Growth	Around 10.6% year-on-year growth.	Insufficient deposit mobilisation.
Deposit Tightness	Weak retail deposit growth and intense competition for deposits.	Banks rely more on market borrowing (CDs).
Liquidity & Monetary Conditions	RBI liquidity measures influence short-term interest rates.	CDs become flexible and responsive funding tool.

2. RBI Restores Default Loss Guarantees (DLGs) for NBFCs

Source: ET

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has restored the use of Default Loss Guarantees (DLGs) for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), reversing earlier restrictions that increased provisioning requirements for loans sourced through fintech partnerships.

What Is the Decision?

• NBFCs can again factor in DLGs while calculating loan loss provisions.
• Condition: The guarantee must be an integral part of the loan structure.
• Lenders must revise loss estimates each time the guarantee is invoked, as available protection declines.
• The revised framework is effective immediately.

Background — Earlier RBI Rule (2025)

• RBI had required NBFCs to ignore fintech-provided DLGs when setting aside buffers for risky loans.
• NBFCs had to make full provisions, increasing credit costs.
• This reduced lending through fintech partnerships.

Impact:

• Lower profitability
• Reduced digital loan origination
• Higher provisioning burden

What Are Default Loss Guarantees (DLGs)?

A DLG is a risk-sharing arrangement in digital lending:

• Fintech partner guarantees part of loan losses.
• If borrower defaults, guarantor covers agreed portion.
• Usually capped at around 5% of loan portfolio.
• Often backed by fixed deposits.

Purpose → Reduce lender risk and enable credit expansion.

3. RBI Initiates Talks to Ease Overseas Investment (OI) Norms

Source: ET

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has begun consultations with banks to review and simplify overseas investment rules, following industry concerns over procedural hurdles and regulatory ambiguities.

What Is the Development?

• RBI held discussions with major private and multinational banks.
• Objective → streamline the overseas investment (OI) framework.
• Aim → Reduce compliance burden and clarify regulatory provisions.

This has raised expectations of policy changes to facilitate outbound investment by Indian entities and individuals.

Current Overseas Investment Framework

Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) Limits

An Indian company can invest abroad up to:

• 4 times its net worth, or
• $1 billion (whichever is lower)

What is Overseas Investment (OI) Framework

The Overseas Investment (OI) framework is India’s regulatory system that governs how Indian residents, companies, and financial institutions invest abroad.

It lays down:

• Who can invest overseas
• How much they can invest
• In which sectors they can invest
• Reporting and compliance requirements

The framework ensures orderly capital outflows while safeguarding financial stability.

Legal and Regulatory Basis

The OI framework operates under:

• Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999
• Overseas Investment Rules and Regulations (latest major overhaul in 2022)
• Administered by:
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) → implementation and reporting
  • Central Government → policy decisions (especially non-debt investments)

Main Types of Overseas Investment

1. Overseas Direct Investment (ODI)

Long-term investment where the investor has control or significant influence in a foreign entity.

Examples:

• Setting up a foreign subsidiary
• Acquiring shares in an overseas company
• Joint ventures abroad

Typical corporate ODI limit:

• Up to 4 times net worth or $1 billion, whichever is lower (general rule, subject to conditions).

2. Overseas Portfolio Investment (OPI)

Passive investment without control.

Examples:

• Buying foreign stocks
• Investing in foreign bonds
• Investment through mutual funds or ETFs

4. RBI’s New Rules on M&A Financing and Broker Funding

Source: BL

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new guidelines on merger & acquisition (M&A) financing and broker funding, introducing stricter conditions while also increasing lending limits.

Part I: M&A (Acquisition) Financing Rules

Key Provisions

1. Funding for Increased Stake Acquisition

• Banks can finance acquisitions where:
  • The acquirer already holds control (≥26%)
  • Seeks to increase stake up to 90%

2. Eligibility Criteria

For Listed Companies:

• Minimum ₹500 crore net worth
• At least three consecutive years of net profit

For Unlisted Companies:

• Must have investment-grade credit rating

3. Exposure Limits

• Banks’ exposure to acquisition financing capped at:
  • 20% of eligible capital base
  • (Higher than earlier proposed 10% of Tier-1 capital)

4. Funding Structure

• Maximum 75% bank financing
• Minimum 25% equity contribution by acquirer

Part II: Stricter Rules for Broker Financing

New Collateral Requirements

1. Bank Guarantees

• Must be backed by at least 50% tangible collateral.

2. Proprietary Trading Exposure

• Bank funding must be fully secured with high-quality collateral.

Agriculture

1. 40 Years of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

Why in News?

The Union Minister congratulated the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on completing 40 years of establishment, highlighting its role in promoting India’s agricultural exports.

About APEDA

• Full Form: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
• Nature: Statutory export promotion body
• Established under: APEDA Act, 1985 (Act 2 of 1986)
• Operational from: 13 February 1986
• Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Replaced: Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC)

Objective

To promote, develop, and regulate exports of agricultural and processed food products from India and enhance global competitiveness.

Key Functions

1. Export Promotion and Market Development

• Financial assistance for exporters
• Market intelligence and trade facilitation
• Global branding of Indian agri-products

2. Registration of Exporters (RCMC)

• Registers exporters of scheduled products
• Ensures compliance with export regulations

3. Quality Standards and Certification

• Fixes export quality standards
• Inspects products like meat and processed foods

4. Packaging and Value Addition

• Promotes improved packaging and labeling
• Supports value-added processing

5. Organic Export Regulation

• Secretariat for National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)
• Certification and monitoring of organic exports

6. Trade Data and Policy Support

• Collects and publishes export statistics
• Supports policy formulation

7. Monitoring of Sugar Imports

• Oversees import regulation of sugar

Product Coverage

APEDA covers a wide range of agricultural and processed products, including:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Basmati rice
• Meat and dairy products
• Cereals
• Honey
• Guar gum
• Floriculture
• Herbal and medicinal plants
• Cashew
• Beverages

Facts To Remember

1. Gomez, Ferreira Silva in the final; doubles title for Poonacha & Isaro

Federico Agustin Gomez had enjoyed smooth sailing in the draw till he faced his first big test in the Chennai Open ATP Challenger semifinal against Maks Kasnikowski before winning in three sets to set up a title clash with Frederico Ferreira Silva.

2. India-AI Impact Summit 2026 begins in New Delhi

The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is underway in New Delhi. The five-day Summit is the first-ever global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South.

3. DDA organises annual Palaash Flower Festival 2026 in Delhi

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has organised an annual Palaash flower Festival 2026 across multiple locations in the national capital. 

4. Union Minister JP Nadda attends 111th birth anniversary celebration of Thakur Ram Singh

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda attended the 111th birth anniversary celebration of Thakur Ram Singh at the Thakur Ram Singh Institute of Historical Research in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh.  

5. HM Amit Shah launches country’s first, Central Bank’s digital currency to bring transparency in delivery mechanism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reaffirmed the Narendra Modi government’s commitment to the agricultural community, ensuring that the interests of farmers, cattle rearers, and fishermen will remain protected in all international trade agreements. 

6. EAM S Jaishankar meets his counterparts from G-4 countries in Germany

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met his counterparts from the G-4 countries comprising India, Germany, Japan and Brazil in Germany.

7. PM Modi Launches PM RAHAT Scheme for Cashless Road Accident Treatment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the launch of the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme.

8. EAM Jaishankar Stresses Dynamic Foreign Policy at Munich Security Conference 2026

External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar today said that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is meant to ensure connectivity, logistics and trade. 

9. Kenya’s Kemboi & Renu Singh Win Aizawl International Half Marathon 2026

Kenya’s Kemboi Kevin Kiprono won the men’s 21-km race, while Renu Singh topped the women’s event at the second Aizawl International Half Marathon 2026, which concluded today with nearly 3,000 runners.

10. Akashvani News Launches New Series ‘Prakriti ki Baat’ on India’s Environmental Achievements

Akashvani News is starting a new series, ‘Prakriti ki Baat, Akashvani ke Sath’. In the first episode, we speak to Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. 

11. G-4 Geological and Radiometric Surveys Commence in Koderma for Exploration of Rare & Strategic Minerals

In Koderma Lok Sabha constituency of Jharkhand, G-4 level geological and radiometric surveys have begun to explore rare and strategic minerals under the Department of Atomic Energy’s Atomic Minerals Directorate.

12. Cabinet approves launch of Urban Challenge Fund with a total Central Assistance of Rs one lakh crore 

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today said that the last Cabinet meeting at South Block was held yesterday.

13. PM Modi inaugurates Seva Teerth complex in Delhi

The inauguration of Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2 marks a transformative milestone in India’s administrative governance architecture and reflects the Prime Minister’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, accessible and citizen-centric governance ecosystem. 

14. INSA and CSIR-NIScPR Sign MoU for Science Communication

Indian National Science Academy and CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research signed an MoU in New Delhi to strengthen science communication and evidence-based policy research. The collaboration will focus on joint publications, policy research, capacity-building programmes, outreach initiatives, and stakeholder consultations to support robust Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policymaking.

15. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary Records 6.42 Lakh Birds in Census 2026

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary recorded 6,42,232 birds of 270 species in the 2026 census conducted by the Gujarat Forest Department. Recognised as a Ramsar Site since 2012, it is Gujarat’s largest wetland, with surveys conducted across 50 zones involving experts, officials, and local communities.

16. CCI Approves Key Acquisition Deals and Penalises Intel

The Competition Commission of India approved Innomotics India’s acquisition of the low-voltage motor business of Siemens Limited and Fidelity Funds’ 6.63% stake acquisition in Valuedrive Technologies (Spinny Group). It also imposed a ₹27.38 crore penalty on Intel Corporation for anti-competitive practices related to its India-specific warranty policy in the boxed microprocessors market.

17. RBI Digital Payments Index Rises to 516.76

RBI’s Digital Payments Index (DPI) increased to 516.76 in September 2025 from 465.33 in September 2024, indicating rapid growth in digital payment adoption. The index, with March 2018 as the base year (100), is published semi-annually and measures payment enablers, infrastructure, performance, and consumer centricity.

18. India’s Retail Inflation at 2.75% Under Revised CPI Series

India’s retail inflation stood at 2.75% in January under the revised CPI series with base year updated to 2024 from 2012. Rural inflation was 2.73% and urban inflation 2.77%, while food inflation was 2.13%, with the rise mainly driven by higher prices in services, clothing, education, and personal care.

19. IN-SPACe Selects Start-ups for Satellite Bus Initiative

IN-SPACe selected Astrome Technologies, Azista Industries, and Dhruva Space under the Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative. Each firm will receive ₹5 crore to develop indigenous modular satellite bus platforms capable of supporting multiple payloads for cost-effective space missions.

20. Agneevasthraa Signs MoU with Indian Army

Agneevasthraa signed an MoU with the Indian Army to supply advanced carbon fabrics and composite materials for critical defence applications, enhancing indigenous defence manufacturing and access to high-performance material technologies.

21. World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day – 14 February

World Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Day is observed on 14 February to raise awareness about birth-related heart defects, emphasising early diagnosis, treatment, research support, and improved access to cardiac healthcare.