Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (13th February 2026)

National News

PM Modi Launches Seva Teerth on Historic Day, Highlights Service-Driven Governance

• In a major administrative shift, Narendra Modi has moved the Prime Minister’s Office from South Block to the newly built Sewa Teerth on Raisina Hill, ending its 78-year presence there.
• The relocation aims to modernise governance by consolidating the PMO, Cabinet Secretariat, and National Security Council Secretariat into one digitally integrated, secure campus under the Central Vista redevelopment plan.
• South Block and North Block will be repurposed into the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum, preserving heritage while redefining administrative spaces.
• The sustainable Sewa Teerth complex features smart systems, renewable energy infrastructure, and 4-Star GRIHA standards, reflecting India’s evolving governance framework.

India Becomes World’s No. 2 Smartphone Giant! With This Whooping Numbers Of Users

• India has become the second-largest active smartphone market globally, with over 740 million active devices, according to a 2025 report by Counterpoint Research.
• This means more than half of the 1.45 billion population actively uses smartphones, reflecting strong adoption, device longevity, and ecosystem loyalty.
• The metric of active installed base captures real device usage rather than annual shipments, showing digital maturity and stable user retention.
• India trails China but has rapidly grown due to affordable 4G/5G phones, Digital India initiatives, expanding rural connectivity, and local manufacturing under PLI schemes.
• Indian users retain smartphones for Nearly 42 months, signaling rising demand for mid-range and premium devices.

State News

Naga Community Bans Pangolin Hunting in Nagaland – A Big Boost for Wildlife Conservation

• The Sangtam Naga, through its apex body, United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), has officially banned pangolin hunting and trade within its jurisdiction, marking a major step in pangolin conservation in Northeast India.
• The resolution strengthens community enforcement, complements national wildlife laws, and supports ongoing efforts to curb illegal trafficking.
• Pangolins, including the Indian and Chinese species, are endangered and heavily trafficked for scales, meat, and black-market trade.
• This ban aligns with the Countering Pangolin Trafficking Project, promoting local awareness, sustainable conservation, and stronger law enforcement. Community-led protection in Nagaland exemplifies how indigenous governance can safeguard wildlife effectively.

Delhi Govt. Unveils Scheme to Empower Artisans with Global Market Access

• The Delhi government launched the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme to empower artisans in khadi, handloom, and cottage industries, combining traditional skills with modern market access.
• Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted that artisans are custodians of Delhi’s cultural heritage and need digital tools, branding, and quality upgrades to compete globally.
• Implemented via the Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board, the scheme provides 12-day training, stipends, toolkits, and digital onboarding on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
• Initial funding of ₹8.9 crore (2025–26) will expand to ₹57.5 crore (2026-27), linking skill development to dignified employment, wider market access, and the national vision of Viksit Bharat.

Kerala Launches ‘Sthree Suraksha’ Scheme for Over 10 Lakh Beneficiaries

• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the Sthree Suraksha Scheme on February 11, 2026, granting ₹1,000 monthly pension to economically backward women and transwomen aged 35-60.
• The first installment reached 10,18,042 verified beneficiaries via Direct Benefit Transfer at Malayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram.
• The scheme promotes financial independence for unemployed and vulnerable women not covered under other pensions.
• Linked to Kerala’s gender budgeting model and Left Democratic Front welfare policies, it strengthens gender justice, complements safety initiatives like the Pink Police wing, and reinforces inclusive development through transparent, timely fund transfers.

International News

Tarique Rahman Set to Lead Bangladesh? BNP Claims ‘Decisive Victory’ in 2026 Election

• Bangladesh is undergoing a major political transition as Tarique Rahman is set to become Prime Minister after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) claimed a decisive victory in the 2026 general elections.
• His rise follows the 2024 mass protests that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, marking a dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape.
• The son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman returned from London in December 2025 after 17 years in exile.
• With legal hurdles cleared, he campaigned on restoring democracy, institutional stability, and economic confidence amid ongoing governance and financial challenges.

India Hosts First BRICS Sherpas Meeting 2026 – What Are the Key Priorities Under India’s Chairship?

• India officially began its BRICS Chairship 2026 by hosting the first BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas meeting in New Delhi on February 9–10, chaired by Sudhakar Dalela and supported by Shambhu L. Hakki.
• The year-long engagement follows the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” focusing on economic stability, technological innovation, climate resilience, and inclusive global governance.
• The meeting brought together representatives from all BRICS members and partner countries, with discussions covering health, agriculture, labour, disaster management, energy, security, and innovation
• . India emphasized a people-centric approach, highlighting academic, civil, business, youth, women, and cultural forums to broaden participation and strengthen grassroots cooperation within BRICS.

Banking News

RBI Draft Loan Recovery Rules 2026: Key Changes Explained

• On February 12, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India issued draft directions to reform loan recovery practices, mandating civil conduct, borrower privacy protection, and a uniform recovery framework across regulated entities.
• Public feedback is invited until March 6, 2026, and the rules are proposed to take effect from July 1, 2026.
• Banks must adopt formal recovery policies, ensure due diligence before appointing agents, and require certification from the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance.
• Agents must avoid harassment, respect contact norms, and protect borrower data. Grievance safeguards bar recovery action during pending complaints, and compliance with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India communication regulations is mandatory.

RBI Digital Payments Index Soars to 516.76 – A Big Win for India’s Cashless Economy

• India’s digital economy strengthened as the Reserve Bank of India reported the Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) for September 2025 at 516.76, up from 493.22 in March 2025.
• The rise reflects wider adoption of digital transactions and expanding payment infrastructure across the country.
• The increase was driven by strong growth in Payment Performance, measuring transaction volume and value, and Payment Enablers, including internet penetration, bank accounts, and payment systems.
• Launched in 2021 with March 2018 as the base, the RBI-DPI captures India’s shift toward a less-cash economy, reflecting deeper penetration of UPI, IMPS, card payments, and mobile banking, supported by connectivity improvements and financial inclusion initiatives.

PNB Soldierathon 2026: Honoring Armed Forces While Promoting Fitness and National Pride

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) announced the launch of ‘PNB Soldierathon 2026’ at its corporate office in Dwarka, marking the beginning of celebrations for the bank’s 132nd Foundation Day.
• This is the second edition of PNB’s flagship marathon event, scheduled for April 5, 2026, organized under the theme “Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers,” reflecting the bank’s commitment to honoring the Indian Armed Forces.
• The pre-launch ceremony was graced by Major Surendra Poonia, VSM, a Limca Book Record holder and former Special Forces officer, as Chief Guest, along with PNB MD & CEO Ashok Chandra and senior officials.
• The marathon aims to promote fitness and healthy living, strengthen national pride, encourage youth participation, and enhance civil-military connect through a nationwide movement.
• PNB Soldierathon 2026 brings together soldiers, veterans, citizens, youth, and fitness enthusiasts to inspire unity and collective participation, aligning with the bank’s mission of community engagement and social responsibility.

Defence News

Indian Navy Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 154 – First Time Leading Multinational Maritime Initiative

• The Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF-154) under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), marking the first time India has led this multinational training task force.
• The change of command ceremony took place at Combined Maritime Forces Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, presided over by Vice Admiral Curt A. Renshaw, symbolizing international confidence in India’s naval capabilities.
• CTF-154, established in May 2023 as part of the 47-nation Combined Maritime Forces, focuses primarily on training and capacity building rather than operational anti-piracy or counter-smuggling missions.
• The task force conducts Maritime Security Enhancement Training (MSET) programs and organizes multinational exercises like Compass Rose, Northern Readiness, and Southern Readiness to strengthen interoperability across the Indian Ocean Region.
• India’s leadership reinforces its strategic focus on the Indian Ocean Region and enhances its diplomatic engagement, defense partnerships, and influence within international maritime security frameworks.

Awards News

From Puducherry to Washington DC! Doctors Win Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026

• Two senior ophthalmologists from Puducherry, Dr Haripriya Aravind and Dr R Venkatesh of the Aravind Eye Care System, have been selected for the Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026.
• They will receive the award at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Foundation conference in Washington DC on April 11, 2026, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to fighting cataract blindness and expanding affordable eye care.
• The award, instituted in 2017, carries a $100,000 grant, which the doctors will donate back to Aravind Eye Care System to strengthen its non-profit initiatives.
• Both have pioneered high-volume, low-cost cataract surgery models, trained young ophthalmologists, and led outreach programmes, making a global impact in preventable blindness reduction.

Schemes News

RBI Revises Kisan Credit Card Norms to Cover Agri-Tech &

• The Reserve Bank of India has released revised draft norms for the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, aiming to expand farm loan coverage and support modern agriculture.
• Proposed changes include inclusion of agri-tech expenses such as soil testing, weather forecasting, and organic certification, along with higher collateral-free limits up to ₹2 lakh and extended KCC validity to six years.
• Flexible credit limits (₹10,000–₹50,000) for marginal farmers, standardized crop tenures, and alignment with crop-wise finance scales will improve financial inclusion and ease administrative processes.
• Public feedback is invited until March 6, 2026, after which final norms are expected, strengthening access to affordable, technology-driven farm credit.

Kerala Launches ‘Sthree Suraksha’ Scheme for Over 10 Lakh Beneficiaries

• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the Sthree Suraksha Scheme on February 11, 2026, providing a monthly pension of ₹1,000 to economically backward women and transwomen aged 35–60 years.
• The first installment was credited via Direct Benefit Transfer to 10,18,042 verified beneficiaries at a ceremony in Malayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram.
• The scheme targets unemployed and financially vulnerable individuals not covered under other social welfare pensions, aiming to promote economic independence and dignity.
• Linked to Kerala’s gender budgeting framework and broader welfare policies, the initiative strengthens the state’s commitment to gender justice and inclusive development.

Summits & Conference News

AI Impact Summit 2026: Indigenous AI Models and Data Centre Funding on Agenda

• With less than a week to go, the AI Impact Summit 2026 in India will showcase breakthroughs in indigenous AI, including Sarvam’s first fully homegrown Large Language Model (LLM) and several Small Language Models (SLMs) developed by startups and research institutions.
• The five-day summit, organized under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), aims to promote AI tools built in India, foster government-startup collaboration, and strengthen the national AI ecosystem.
• The event also highlights infrastructure support, including AI data centres, ensuring technical readiness, security, and reliability.
• These indigenous models will advance applications in governance, healthcare, education, and fintech while supporting data sovereignty and India’s broader Digital India vision.

Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026: Integrating AI into India’s Education Ecosystem

• The Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 commenced at Bharat Mandapam to integrate Artificial Intelligence into India’s education ecosystem through collaboration among government bodies, academic institutions, startups, and industry leaders.
• Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Bodhan AI Centre of Excellence and emphasized India’s vision to become AI-ready with an inclusive, interoperable, and sovereign ecosystem.
• The conclave focuses on four priority verticals: AI for School Education, AI for Higher Education, AI for Skilling and Workforce Readiness, and AI Research and Deep Technology.
• Key initiatives announced include an MoU between IIT Bombay and Columbia University to establish a Centre of AI for manufacturing, launch of the IIM Lucknow AI Programme, and IIM Ranchi’s “Teaching with AI” initiative.
• The Bharat EduAI Stack, an open and interoperable architecture, will be developed to build, integrate, and scale AI-powered learning solutions across India, supporting ethical and responsible AI development.

Sports News

Zimbabwe Pulls Off Stunning 23-Run Victory Over Australia in T20 World Cup 2026

• Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning 23-run victory over Australia in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo, with disciplined bowling and steady batting helping them defend a competitive total of 169 for 2.
• Brian Bennett anchored Zimbabwe’s innings with an unbeaten 64 runs, displaying maturity and composure while Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl each contributed 35 runs to build momentum.
• Zimbabwe reached 125 for one in 15 overs before slowing down, but Australia’s absence of frontline pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood significantly weakened their bowling attack.
• Bennett and Marumani stitched together a solid 61-run opening partnership that dominated the powerplay, while spinner Adam Zampa endured a wicketless outing as Zimbabwe’s batters played cautiously.
• Despite hitting only one six and restricting their scoring rate, Zimbabwe’s balanced approach ensured a defendable total, and their bowlers maintained tight lines to restrict Australia to falling short by 23 runs.

Important Days News

World Radio Day 2026: Why Radio Still Matters in the Age of AI and Digital Media

• UNESCO observes World Radio Day 2026 on February 13, marking the 1946 launch of United Nations Radio and celebrating radio as a vital public service medium worldwide.
• Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2012, the day highlights radio’s historic role, including India’s Independence announcement, uniting citizens nationwide.
• The 2026 theme, “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice,” stresses ethical AI use to support not replace human judgement and credibility.
• In India, All India Radio and 528 community stations continue informing, educating, and connecting millions across urban and remote regions.

National Women’s Day 2026 India: Significance of 13 February and Sarojini Naidu

• India celebrates Sarojini Naidu Birth Anniversary on 13 February every year, honoring the “Nightingale of India” for her contributions to the freedom struggle, literature, and women’s empowerment.
• Born in 1879 in Hyderabad, Sarojini Naidu was a poet, nationalist, and political leader who became the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress (1925) and the first woman Governor of United Provinces (1947).
• The day is also observed as National Women’s Day 2026, recognizing her efforts toward gender equality, education, and social justice.
• Her lyrical poetry, including The Golden Threshold and The Bird of Time, reflects her patriotism and literary brilliance, making her legacy an enduring inspiration for India.