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 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 2. Registration of Exporters (RCMC) 3. Quality Standards and Certification 4. Packaging and Value Addition 5. Organic Export Regulation 6. Trade Data and Policy Support 7. Monitoring of Sugar Imports Product Coverage APEDA covers a wide range of agricultural and processed products, including:
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 14 February, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz14 February, 2026 National Affairs 1. Henley Passport Index (HPI) February 2026 Source: TH Why in News? Henley & Partners released the Henley Passport Index (HPI) – February 2026, ranking passports worldwide based on travel freedom. About Henley Passport Index (HPI) Purpose → Measures global mobility and travel freedom of citizens. India’s Position Top Countries — HPI 2026 Rank Country / Countries Visa-Free Access 1 Singapore 192 destinations 2 Japan, South Korea 187 4 Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland 185 5 Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal 184 Lowest Ranked Country 2. Cabinet Approves ₹10,000 Crore Startup India Fund 2.0 Source: TH Why in News? The Union Cabinet has approved the second tranche of the Startup India Fund of Funds Scheme (FFS 2.0) with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore to support startups, especially in manufacturing and high-technology sectors. Key Highlights: About Fund of Funds Scheme (FFS) 3. Privilege Notice Against Leader of Opposition Source: News on Air Why in News? The Union Government has announced that it will move a Privilege Notice against the Leader of Opposition for allegedly making baseless and misleading statements during the Budget discussion in the Lok Sabha. What is a Privilege Notice? Constitutional Basis When Can It Be Moved? The Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) decides whether to admit the notice. 4. Dal Lake Conservation Plan Revised in Jammu & Kashmir Source: TH Why in News? The Jammu & Kashmir government has shelved the ₹416.72-crore Dal Lake restoration plan and proposed an in-situ conservation strategy, allowing residents to remain within the lake ecosystem. About Dal Lake Location Origin & Formation 5. India to Procure Dornier 228 Aircraft for Indian Coast Guard Source: IE Why in News? The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard. What is the Dornier 228? Manufacturing Major Variants Banking/Finance 1. RBI to Revamp Lead Bank Scheme (LBS) Source: ET Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft revised guidelines to overhaul the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS) to improve district-level credit delivery, coordination, and financial inclusion across the country. Objective of the Revamp Key Proposed Reforms About the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS) 2. RBI Allows Bank Loans for Takeovers of Listed and Unlisted Companies Source: BS Why in News?The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued final norms permitting banks to finance acquisitions (takeovers) of both listed and unlisted non-financial companies, with safeguards to ensure prudent lending and long-term value creation. Key Provisions Eligibility Criteria for Acquiring Companies Control and Ownership Rules Financial Safeguards Bridge Financing Change from Draft Proposal 3. 60% Credit-Deposit Ratio for Rural & Semi-Urban Branches Source: BS Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its draft revised guidelines for the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS), has proposed that banks maintain a 60% credit-deposit (C/D) ratio for rural and semi-urban branches to improve credit flow and financial inclusion. Key Proposal Monitoring Based on C/D Ratio Expansion of Banking Infrastructure Credit–Deposit Ratio (C/D Ratio) Credit–Deposit Ratio (CDR) measures how much of the deposits collected by banks are used for lending. It is the percentage of total bank deposits that are given out as loans (credit). Formula Credit–Deposit Ratio = {Total Loans (Credit)×100} / Total Deposits 4. RBI Proposes to Allow Bank Loans to REITs from July 1 Source: TOI Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft regulations proposing to allow banks to lend to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), with safeguards to manage risk and ensure proper use of funds. Key Provisions Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are companies or trusts that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate and allow investors to earn returns from real estate without directly buying property. A REIT pools money from many investors and invests it in commercial real estate, such as: 5. SEBI Proposes Easing Reporting Norms for Stockbrokers Source: Mint Why in News? The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a consultation paper proposing to ease reporting requirements for stockbrokers, especially those that also function as primary dealers, to improve ease of doing business. Key Proposal Background What Will Change? Facts To Remember 1. BNP secures landslide victory in Bangladesh The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by chairman Tarique Rahman, is set to return to power in Dhaka after two decades, following a landslide victory in the February 12 parliamentary election, winning an absolute majority of seats, according to the Election Commission of Bangladesh. 2. Tissa Vitarana, Sri Lanka’s LSSP leader, dies at 91 Tissa Vitarana, leader of Sri Lanka’s leftist Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and a key figure in the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) formed in 2006 to develop a political solution to the island’s civil war, died in Colombo early Friday. He was 91. 3. India ends Asian championship on a high, tops table India topped the standings in commanding fashion in the Asian rifle/pistol championship, securing a total of 94 medals, including 51 gold, 23 silver and 20 bronze, as the event concluded at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range. 4. MoES Signs MoU with Puducherry for Marine Cooperation The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) signed an MoU with the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Puducherry, on 12 February 2026 to strengthen marine research, coastal development, and Blue Economy activities in Puducherry. 5. PM Inaugurates Seva Teerth Complex in New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Seva Teerth Complex’ in New Delhi on 13 February 2026. The integrated complex will house the Prime Minister’s Office, National Security Council Secretariat, and Cabinet Secretariat, which were earlier located separately, and reflects administrative integration and citizen-centric governance with the motto “Nagrik Devo Bhava”. 6. NITI Aayog Releases 10-Year Roadmap on Technology Services NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub released a 10-year roadmap titled “Technology Services – Reimagination Ahead” to scale India’s USD 265
60% Credit-Deposit Ratio for Rural & Semi-Urban Branches
Source: BS Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its draft revised guidelines for the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS), has proposed that banks maintain a 60% credit-deposit (C/D) ratio for rural and semi-urban branches to improve credit flow and financial inclusion. Key Proposal Monitoring Based on C/D Ratio Expansion of Banking Infrastructure Credit–Deposit Ratio (C/D Ratio) Credit–Deposit Ratio (CDR) measures how much of the deposits collected by banks are used for lending. It is the percentage of total bank deposits that are given out as loans (credit). Formula Credit–Deposit Ratio = {Total Loans
RBI Allows Bank Loans for Takeovers of Listed and Unlisted Companies
Source: BS Why in News?The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued final norms permitting banks to finance acquisitions (takeovers) of both listed and unlisted non-financial companies, with safeguards to ensure prudent lending and long-term value creation. Key Provisions Eligibility Criteria for Acquiring Companies Control and Ownership Rules Financial Safeguards Bridge Financing Change from Draft Proposal
RBI to Revamp Lead Bank Scheme (LBS)
Source: ET Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft revised guidelines to overhaul the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS) to improve district-level credit delivery, coordination, and financial inclusion across the country. Objective of the Revamp Key Proposed Reforms About the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS)
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 13 February, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz13 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: 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): So, the base year helps measure how much prices or economic activity have increased or decreased compared to that reference year. Reason for Revision 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: Taxes in the divisible pool include: Major Demands of the States Major Recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission Vertical Devolution New Horizontal Criterion Fiscal Discipline Measures Power Sector Reform Local Government Funding Environmental Incentives 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 Background The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 replaced three major labour laws: These laws dealt with: 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) 2. S-400 Air Defence Missiles 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 Objectives Key Features 1. Eligible Institutions 2. Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage Financial support for: 3. Financial Assistance Structure 4. Incentive for Women-led Cooperatives 5. Funding Mechanism 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 Objectives 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: These facilities will enhance research in: 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 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 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: Major Conservation Zones Chilika Lake Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary Overall trends suggest stable or improving populations due to habitat protection and community-based conservation. About Dolphins Conservation Status and Legal Protection Species Found in Odisha 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. Key Findings About the Valley of the Kings Banking/Finance 1. RBI Tightens Rules on Loan Recovery Agents Source: ET Why in News? The
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 Farmer Concerns Result: Farmers underinvest in pulses, leading to continued import dependence. Government Initiative Self-Sufficiency Mission for Pulses (October 2025) However, farmers remain sceptical due to poor implementation of past commitments. Structural Issues Identified
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: New Responsibilities for Banks Banks must institutionalise responsible recovery by: Mandatory Grievance Redressal Regulatory Significance
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 2. Aggregation of Exposure Limits 3. Greater Investment Flexibility Objective of the Move
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: These will be included within the existing 20% additional component allowed for repair and maintenance of farm assets. 2. Easier Access to Credit 3. Standardisation of Crop Loan Cycles To ensure uniformity in repayment and loan sanction: 4. Longer Loan Tenure 5. Credit Limits Linked to Actual Cultivation Costs 6. Flexi-KCC for Marginal Farmers Objective of the Reform
