National Productivity Council Celebrates 68th Foundation Day with Focus on MSME Clusters

• The National Productivity Council (NPC) celebrates its 68th Foundation Day on 12 February 2026, observing National Productivity Week from 12-18 February across India with theme “Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs”
• Cluster-based development creates economies of scale, improves supply chain integration, encourages technology adoption, and enhances export readiness for MSMEs
• NPC, established in 1958, provides consultancy and training in industrial engineering, environmental management, agri-business, quality management, HR, and technology management
• The council operates as an autonomous society under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, supporting both public and private organizations for global competitiveness
• NPC is a constituent of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) with India serving as founding member and current chair, promoting international cooperation for productivity standards

White Revolution 2.0: Government Launches Major Dairy Sector Initiative to Boost Milk Production

• White Revolution 2.0, announced by Ministry of Cooperation, aims to strengthen India’s dairy sector through cooperative-based model, targeting 50% increase in milk procurement over five years with daily target of 1,007 lakh kilograms by 2028-29
• The programme will establish approximately 75,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) in uncovered villages while upgrading 46,422 existing DCS to improve efficiency and market linkages
• Infrastructure support includes Automatic Milk Collection Units (AMCUs), Data Processing Units, Milk testing equipment, and Bulk Milk Coolers, funded under National Dairy Development Programme 2.0
• Nearly 70% of India’s dairy workforce comprises women; the initiative formalizes women’s participation through women-led cooperatives and increased representation in dairy institutions, strengthening economic independence
• Decentralized storage system enables farmers to store produce locally, access pledge financing, avoid distress sales, and sell at better prices, especially benefiting small and marginal farmers

Mumbai Inaugurates India’s First Melody Road Playing ‘Jai Ho’ on Coastal Road

• Mumbai has introduced India’s first-ever melody road on the Coastal Road, a 500-metre musical stretch that plays “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire as vehicles pass at 70-80 km/h speed
• The melody road works through precisely cut grooves (rumble strips) that create vibrations when vehicles drive over them, producing musical notes audible even inside closed cars
• Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioned the project at estimated cost of ₹6.21 crore with safety measures including warning boards placed at 500m, 100m, and 60m before the stretch
• The concept originated in Japan in 2007 by engineer Shizuo Shinoda; similar roads exist in Hungary, South Korea, and UAE, with Mumbai’s using Hungarian engineering technology
• The melody stretch aims to promote patriotism, create joyful driving experience, and potentially reduce sudden braking while improving traffic flow on the 10.5 km-long Mumbai Coastal Road

Indian Air Force Conducts First International Exercise of 2026 with Royal Thai Air Force

• Indian Air Force conducted first international air exercise of 2026 with Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) near strategically vital Strait of Malacca, featuring IAF’s Su-30MKI fighters alongside RTAF’s JAS 39 Gripen aircraft
• The joint drills focused on advanced aerial combat manoeuvres, long-range mission execution, mid-air refuelling, surveillance integration, and maritime domain awareness from bases in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Thai air bases
• The Strait of Malacca carries nearly one-quarter of global seaborne trade and critical share of oil and LNG shipments, making it vital for global energy security and Indo-Pacific stability
• Swedish defence manufacturer Saab AB is aggressively promoting Gripen-E/F fighter jets to IAF under MRFA programme, proposing full-scale production in India with technology transfer and Make in India support
• IAF plans to procure 114 multirole fighter aircraft under MRFA programme; besides Gripen-E/F, Dassault Rafale and Sukhoi Su-57 are competing, with final decision yet to be announced

India Revises Consumer Price Index Base Year from 2012 to 2024

• India is rolling out revised Consumer Price Index (CPI) series with base year updated from 2012 to 2024, a technical change with direct implications for monetary policy, interest rates, and household finances decided by Ministry of Statistics
• The revision incorporates updated consumption weights, expanded data sources, methodological improvements, and greater digital price coverage to reflect current consumption patterns rather than outdated economic structures
• Food and beverages weight reduced from 45.86% to 36.75% as households spend smaller share on staples and more on services like transport, housing, health, communication, and recreation as incomes grow
• The revised CPI could increase overall inflation by around 20-30 basis points and will include price data from 12 online markets in cities with populations above 25 lakh, capturing growing e-commerce consumption
• New CPI will track 358 weighted items (308 goods and 50 services) across 1,465 rural and 1,395 urban markets, making inflation measurement more representative of modern, urbanized, service-oriented, and digitally connected India

India Approves Seven New High-Speed Rail Corridors Worth ₹16 Trillion

• Government of India initiated viability assessment for seven new high-speed rail (bullet train) corridors spanning nearly 4,000 kilometres estimated to cost around ₹16 trillion following Union Budget announcement to expand India’s high-speed rail network
• Proposed corridors include Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi, and Varanasi-Siliguri to strengthen connectivity between major economic and urban hubs
• Railway Board directed National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) to update Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) with revised cost estimates, conduct financial viability assessments, and initiate pre-construction activities and contract documentation
• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized higher levels of indigenization in future corridors, leveraging valuable experience from Mumbai-Ahmedabad project in civil engineering, overhead systems, signalling, rolling stock, and station construction
• Expansion of bullet train corridors will reduce travel time significantly, promote regional economic integration, generate employment, enhance technological capability in rail infrastructure, and support Make in India initiative

Adani Power Enters Nuclear Energy Sector with New Subsidiary Adani Atomic Energy Ltd

• Adani Power announced formation of new subsidiary Adani Atomic Energy Ltd, marking one of first clear moves by private Indian utility into country’s newly opened nuclear power sector focused on generating, transmitting, and distributing nuclear electricity
• Government of India is allowing greater private sector participation in nuclear energy to meet rising electricity demand, reduce carbon emissions, expand clean energy capacity, and strengthen long-term energy security
• Currently, nuclear power generation in India is largely controlled by state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) with total installed nuclear capacity of 8.8 gigawatts (GW) and all operational plants owned by NPCIL
• Adani Power’s announcement follows Tata Power’s recent statement evaluating potential sites for nuclear projects, signaling growing private interest in nuclear energy sector among major Indian utilities
• Nuclear energy serves as stable, low-carbon baseload power source; private players’ entry will accelerate technology adoption, infrastructure development, investment inflows, and capacity expansion supporting India’s clean energy ecosystem

World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector Strengthens Decentralized Agricultural Infrastructure

• Government of India implementing World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector (WLGSP) to strengthen decentralized storage infrastructure at grassroots level, enhance food security, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve farmers’ income
• Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh selected as pilot district with 500 MT godown constructed at Bahudeshiya Prathamik Krishi Saakh Sahakari Society, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 February 2024
• Plan implemented at PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) level through convergence of multiple schemes including Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI), Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), and PMFME
• Key amendments include loan repayment period extended from 2+5 to 2+8 years for PACS, margin money reduced from 20% to 10%, and subsidy increased from 25% to 33.33% with additional support for ancillary infrastructure
• Decentralized system enables farmers to store produce locally, access pledge financing, avoid distress sales, and sell at better prices; especially beneficial for small and marginal farmers facing storage facility challenges

India Ranks 3rd Globally in AI Development with ₹131.31 Billion Market Projected by 2032

• India emerging as global leader in Artificial Intelligence, ranking 3rd globally in Stanford University’s 2025 Global AI Vibrancy Ranking behind United States and China, with AI market projected to reach USD 131.31 billion by 2032 at CAGR of 42.2%
• India’s AI readiness demonstrated by score of 49.3 in IMF’s AI Preparedness Index (above emerging market average), ranked 27th in Oxford’s Government AI Readiness Index (2025), reflecting growth in AI research, talent, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship
• Over 65% of India’s population under 35 with large digitally skilled workforce, 100+ crore internet users, 400+ million 5G users, 42.36 lakh route km optical fiber network, government acquired 38,000 GPUs, and national data centers with 100 PB storage capacity
• AI-related job postings in South Asia doubled between 2023-2025; India leads globally in AI talent hiring with approximately 33% annual hiring rate; AI roles offer 28% wage premium compared to regular jobs; 87% of enterprises actively using AI solutions
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched National Program on Artificial Intelligence focusing on National Center on AI, Data Management Office, Skilling in AI, Responsible AI, with goal to empower 1 crore citizens with foundational AI skills under “AI for All”

Uttar Pradesh Presents ₹9.13 Trillion Budget for FY 2026-27 with Focus on Education and Infrastructure

• Government of Uttar Pradesh presented ₹9.13 trillion Budget for financial year 2026-27, reflecting 12.2% increase over previous year’s outlay, focusing on fiscal discipline, infrastructure development, employment generation, and strengthening social sectors
• Fiscal deficit limit for 2026-27 fixed at 3% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) following Sixteenth Finance Commission recommendations, maintaining ceiling until 2030-31 to ensure sustainable growth while managing borrowing levels effectively
• Key sector-wise allocations include Education at 12.4% of total outlay, Health at 6%, and Agriculture and allied services at 9%, highlighting government’s focus on human capital development and rural development
• Large-scale employment-oriented training initiatives to be implemented in mission mode with existing skill development centres upgraded and new centres established across districts to enhance employment opportunities for youth
• Job placement and skill centres will be established under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model ensuring private sector participation, reflecting state’s strategy of combining fiscal prudence with growth-oriented spending to strengthen economic base

Swami Dayanand Saraswati Marks 202nd Birth Anniversary with National Recognition

• India marks 202nd birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, great social reformer and Vedic scholar who founded Arya Samaj in 1875, widely regarded as key figure in India’s social and cultural awakening in 19th century
• Swami Dayanand was among first leaders to give call for “Swaraj” (self-rule) in 1876, advocating “India for Indians” vision that inspired nationalist leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak who popularized “Swaraj is my birthright” slogan
• Arya Samaj promoted return to Vedic teachings, social reforms, women’s education, opposition to social evils, and spread of Sanskrit learning, playing crucial role in social and cultural reform movements across India and educational development
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative coins marking 200th birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and 150th anniversary of Arya Samaj, recognizing his contribution to social reform, education, and national awakening
• Swami Dayanand Saraswati remains symbol of reform, rational thought, and national pride, whose ideas continue to influence Indian society through his work on women’s empowerment, education advancement, and nationalist ideology

Tropical Cyclone Gezani Causes Widespread Destruction in Madagascar with Over 2,700 Displaced

• Tropical Cyclone Gezani caused widespread destruction in Madagascar after making landfall in eastern port city of Toamasina with wind speeds exceeding 195 km/h, resulting in at least 20 deaths and several injuries
• Toamasina, Madagascar’s main port city, suffered extensive infrastructure damage with approximately 2,700 people displaced, at least 33 people injured, nearly 75% of city’s infrastructure affected, and widespread power outages reported
• President Michael Randrianirina visited affected region to review situation and oversee relief efforts as emergency services work to restore electricity and provide temporary shelter to displaced families, cyclone moving westward with concerns about further flooding
• Cyclone Gezani struck just weeks after Cyclone Fytia impacted Madagascar, compounding country’s humanitarian crisis as frequent cyclones in southwest Indian Ocean region have made Madagascar highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters
• Back-to-back storms strained relief systems and disrupted recovery efforts, leaving country bracing for more extreme weather events in coming months requiring sustained international humanitarian assistance and disaster management support

Practice Current Affairs Quiz to stay updated with national, international, economic, and banking news. This quiz is based on the previous day’s current affairs and is designed to boost your exam readiness, improve speed and accuracy, strengthen memory, and build confidence for competitive exams and interviews.

Q1. In February 2026, the Indian Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces. What is the primary role of CTF 154 within the CMF structure?
(a) Counter-terrorism operations
(b) Anti-submarine warfare
(c) Training and capacity building of member nations
(d) Coastal surveillance of the Indian Ocean
(e) Humanitarian evacuation missions

Answer: c

Solution:

• In a significant step toward strengthening multinational maritime security, the Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154.
• CTF 154 is a multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
• The change of command ceremony was held on 11 February 2026 at the CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain.
• The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Curt A. Renshaw, Commander of CMF, US NAVCENT, and the US Fifth Fleet.
• Commodore Milind M. Mokashi of the Indian Navy formally took over as Commander of CTF 154 from the outgoing Italian Navy commander.
• CTF 154 was established in May 2023 under the CMF framework.
• It focuses on training and capacity building for member nations to enhance maritime security.
• The task force reflects the growing trust in India’s operational expertise and its role as a Preferred Security Partner among the 47 CMF member nations.

Q2. National Productivity Week observed from 12 to 18 February, 2026. Which organisation conducts this annual observance across India?
(a) NITI Aayog
(b) National Productivity Council
(c) Ministry of MSME
(d) FICCI
(e) Quality Council of India

Answer: b

Solution:

• The National Productivity Council (NPC) celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on 12 February 2026.
• To mark the occasion, National Productivity Week is being observed from 12 to 18 February 2026 across the country.
• The theme for the 68th National Productivity Week is: “Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs.”
• These activities are being conducted through 12 Regional Directorates of NPC located in:
  Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Gandhinagar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Patna.
• The National Productivity Council is an autonomous society under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• NPC was established in 1958 with the objective of becoming a knowledge leader in productivity and supporting India’s global competitiveness through sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development.

Q3. In February 2026, the CEO of Rolls-Royce met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss plans to expand the company’s operations in India under the Viksit Bharat vision. Who is the CEO of Rolls-Royce who attended this meeting?
(a) Warren East
(b) John Rishton
(c) Tufan Erginbilgic
(d) Leena Nair
(e) Guillaume Faury

Answer: c

Solution:

• On 11 February 2026, Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
• During the meeting, both sides discussed plans to significantly expand Rolls-Royce’s operations in India.
• The expansion is aligned with the Government of India’s “Viksit Bharat” vision for economic growth and industrial development.

Q4. Under the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector (WLGSP), which district in Madhya Pradesh was selected as the pilot district for the project?
(a) Indore
(b) Balaghat
(c) Jabalpur
(d) Gwalior
(e) Rewa

Answer: b

Solution:

• Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh was selected as the pilot district under the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector (WLGSP).
• Under the pilot project, a 500 metric tonne (MT) godown was constructed at the Bahudeshiya Prathamik Krishi Saakh Sahakari Society Maryadit, Parswada in Balaghat district.
• The project was fully completed and inaugurated on 24 February 2024 by the Prime Minister of India.
• The newly constructed godown has been hired by the Madhya Pradesh Warehousing and Logistics Corporation (MPWLC).
• The plan is being implemented at the level of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and other cooperative societies.
• The initiative aims to strengthen storage infrastructure, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the cooperative agricultural ecosystem.

Q5. V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority became India’s first major port to receive the IGBC Platinum Rating, which is the highest certification in green building standards. Which organisation awards the IGBC Platinum Rating?

(a) Bureau of Energy Efficiency
(b) Indian Green Building Council
(c) Central Pollution Control Board
(d) National Green Tribunal
(e) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Answer: b

Solution:

• V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has become India’s first major port to receive the IGBC Platinum Rating, the highest certification of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
• The Administration Building follows the port’s Green Policy and waste management plan to promote sustainability.
• The building is equipped with rooftop solar panels and a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) reflective roof coating to reduce the Urban Heat Island effect and improve energy efficiency.
• Resource efficiency has been enhanced through IoT-enabled water meters, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring systems, rainwater harvesting, and water-saving plumbing fixtures.
• These measures have resulted in a 37% reduction in potable water usage.
• All wastewater is treated in an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and fully reused.
• The Administration Building operates on 100% renewable energy.
• 89% of electricity is generated on-site through solar power, while 11% is sourced from off-site renewable energy.
• The port has also received Shunya and Shunya Plus certifications from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power.
• The Shunya Certification system ensures that a building’s annual energy demand is met entirely through renewable energy sources.
• A Shunya building is a Net Zero Energy Building that produces as much energy as it consumes annually, with an Energy Performance Index (EPI) between 0 and 10 kWh/m²/year.
• A Shunya Plus building is a Net Positive Energy Building that generates more renewable energy than it consumes, with an EPI of less than 0 kWh/m²/year and exports surplus energy to the grid.
• At the port, the Hospital and CISF Barracks have received the Shunya Plus certification.
• The Administrative Building and Guest House have received the Shunya certification.