Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (14th February 2026)

WHO Prequalifies Novel Oral Polio Vaccine Type 2 (nOPV2) to Strengthen Global Polio Eradication

• The World Health Organization has prequalified an additional novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to strengthen global capacity in responding to outbreaks caused by circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2)
• The nOPV2 vaccine is genetically more stable than older OPV vaccines with a lower risk of mutating into virulent strains while maintaining the ability to rapidly stop virus transmission
• The newly prequalified vaccine is produced by Biological E Limited in Hyderabad, expanding global production beyond the earlier manufacturer in Indonesia and improving supply resilience
• The vaccine has a shelf life of up to 24 months and can be stored under standard vaccine temperatures, making it accessible for deployment in resource-limited settings
• This prequalification strengthens India’s outbreak preparedness and supports the country’s role as a global vaccine manufacturing hub while maintaining its polio-free status since 2014

India Dominates Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 with Historic 94-Medal Haul

• Indian shooters delivered a dominant performance at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 held at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, securing the top position on the medal table with an impressive haul of 94 medals including 51 gold, 23 silver, and 20 bronze
• On the final day alone, Indian shooters secured 6 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze medals, with notable victories in 25m Centre Fire Pistol (Amanpreet Singh), 25m Pistol Junior (Suraj Sharma), and multiple team gold medals
• India achieved multiple podium sweeps in both senior and junior categories, demonstrating exceptional depth of talent across pistol and rifle events
• The championship showcased strong individual performances with medal winners including Olympic and Deaflympics medallist Abhinav Deshwal, 2010 World Champion Tejaswani Sawant, and consistent performers like Sift Kaur Samra
• The championship reinforced India’s position as a leading shooting nation in Asia and demonstrated the country’s strength in both individual and team competitive events

Indian Army to Host First International Military Adventure Challenge Cup 2026

• The Indian Army will host the first-ever International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from February 18-23 in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, bringing together military teams from India and seven friendly foreign nations for week-long adventure and endurance-based competitions
• The competition is designed to test physical fitness, mental resilience, teamwork, leadership, and decision-making capabilities of soldiers in challenging mountain terrain that simulates real operational conditions
• Participating teams include forces from Bhutan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia, along with Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police representatives
• International military sports events like IMACC promote trust, cooperation, and camaraderie among armed forces under the International Military Sports Council (CISM) banner, guided by the motto “Friendship through Sport”
• The event enhances defence diplomacy, promotes interoperability among friendly nations, and strengthens India’s role in global military cooperation while encouraging physical and mental excellence among soldiers

National Statistical Systems Training Academy Celebrates 18th Foundation Day with Vision for Viksit Bharat@2047

• The National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) celebrated its 18th Foundation Day with the theme “Reimagining Capacity Building for Official Statistics to Achieve Vision of Viksit Bharat@2047,” highlighting the institution’s commitment to strengthening India’s official statistical system through skill development and technological advancement
• Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh emphasized that statistics forms the foundation of evidence-based governance and capacity building must adopt Big Data, AI, and Machine Learning technologies to align with the philosophy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas
• The Digital Data Lab was inaugurated to promote digital skilling and provide hands-on training in emerging technologies, supporting AI-enabled statistical systems and strengthening Mission Karmayogi initiatives
• Secretary MoSPI Dr Saurabh Garg described data as the “fifth factor of production” alongside land, labour, capital, and technology, highlighting the restructuring of the Indian Statistical Service with deployment across 60 ministries for enhanced governance
• The celebration reaffirmed NSSTA’s commitment to strengthening official statistics and integrating AI and advanced analytics, building a future-ready statistical workforce essential for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and India’s Vision 2047

NITI Aayog Releases Trade Watch Quarterly Report Highlighting India’s Electronics Boom

• NITI Aayog released the sixth edition of “Trade Watch Quarterly” for Q2 FY 2025-26, providing detailed assessment of global and domestic trade trends with a thematic focus on India’s rapidly growing electronics trade sector
• India’s exports in services and merchandise grew by approximately 8.5% in Q2 FY26, with export growth outpacing imports and sustaining trade expansion while global trade growth moderated but remained positive
• Electronics has emerged as the second-largest item in India’s export basket, with India’s share in global electronics demand growing at a CAGR of 17.2% (2015-2024) compared to global growth of 4.4%, and electronics exports increasing nearly fivefold between 2016 and 2024 to reach USD 42.1 billion
• The Union Budget allocated ₹40,000 crore under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to boost domestic production and value addition, with major export destinations including the United States, United Kingdom, and UAE
• E-commerce exports are projected to contribute 20-30% of India’s merchandise exports by 2030, supported by logistics improvements, regulatory facilitation, and MSME participation, positioning electronics as a major driver of India’s manufacturing transformation and technological advancement

Uday Kotak Appointed as Chairman of GIFT City Gujarat

• The Gujarat government has appointed Uday Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, as the new Chairman of GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance-Tec City) in Gandhinagar, replacing Hasmukh Adhia who previously served as non-executive chairman
• GIFT City is India’s first operational Smart City and inaugural International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), a flagship financial hub envisioned during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister with banking assets of $100.14 billion as of September last year
• Uday Kotak brings extensive banking and financial sector expertise along with a strong global financial network and experience in capital markets and financial services that are expected to strengthen GIFT City’s global competitiveness
• GIFT City currently operates 35 IFSC Banking Units including Kotak Mahindra Bank and has achieved cumulative banking transactions of $142.98 billion, recently participating in the World Economic Forum at Davos to expand its global footprint
• The appointment reflects a strategic push to strengthen India’s IFSC ecosystem and efforts to attract global financial institutions, with the government yet to clarify whether the post will be executive or non-executive in nature

RBI Approves Three-Year Extension for Sanjay Agarwal as AU Small Finance Bank MD & CEO

• The Reserve Bank of India has approved the reappointment of Sanjay Agarwal as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AU Small Finance Bank for a further period of three years, with the new tenure effective from April 19, 2026 to April 18, 2029
• The reappointment marks Sanjay Agarwal’s third consecutive RBI-approved term following the bank’s transition into a Small Finance Bank in 2017, and he has served as MD since February 14, 2008 and as MD & CEO since April 19, 2017
• Under his leadership, AU Small Finance Bank has focused on digital banking expansion, financial inclusion, retail and SME lending growth, and strengthening technological capabilities to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency
• AU Small Finance Bank was the first Small Finance Bank in over a decade to receive in-principle approval from RBI to transition into a universal bank, reflecting the regulatory confidence and strong growth trajectory under Sanjay Agarwal’s stewardship
• The RBI’s approval reinforces leadership stability and continuity in governance, demonstrating regulatory confidence in the bank’s management and positioning AU SFB as a key player in India’s small finance banking sector with momentum towards universal banking status

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley Wins Historic Third Consecutive Election Victory

• Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has won a historic third consecutive election victory, with her Barbados Labour Party (BLP) sweeping all 30 seats in the House of Assembly for the third time in the island nation’s electoral history
• The election outcome demonstrates strong public support for Mottley’s global-facing diplomacy and climate advocacy, as the opposition leader Ralph Thorne was unseated and Mottley becomes only the second leader to serve more than two consecutive terms in Barbados
• In her victory speech, Mottley pledged to reduce poverty, improve infrastructure, strengthen healthcare, and enhance road safety, while declaring a public holiday to celebrate the landslide electoral win with the nation
• Mottley has been a leading global voice on debt reform for climate-vulnerable nations, promoting innovative debt-for-climate swaps after Barbados reduced its debt-to-GDP ratio to just under 100% last year from previous bond default in 2018
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Mottley on her clear electoral victory and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation on crime control, drug trafficking prevention, and regional security, reinforcing Barbados’ strategic importance in the Caribbean region

Reliance Industries Secures U.S. License to Import Venezuelan Crude Oil

• Reliance Industries has obtained a general license from the United States to import crude oil from Venezuela, allowing the Indian private-sector refiner to purchase Venezuelan crude while remaining compliant with U.S. regulations
• Reliance was previously a regular buyer of Venezuelan crude before the U.S. imposed sanctions on the government of President Nicolas Maduro during 2019-20, which restricted global oil trade with Venezuela and impacted refiners like Reliance that sourced heavy crude from the South American nation
• Reliance operates the world’s largest single-site refining complex at Jamnagar in Gujarat, which is specifically designed to process heavy oil that makes Venezuelan crude particularly suitable for its refining operations and strategic sourcing requirements
• The license provides supply diversification amid global geopolitical uncertainties, enhancing India’s crude sourcing flexibility and supporting refining margins while strengthening energy security in the context of volatile global oil markets affected by geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions
• The development reflects evolving U.S.-Venezuela oil policy and could significantly impact global crude trade flows, positioning Reliance to capitalize on improved crude supply options and supporting India’s energy security objectives

Oil India Limited Receives FIPI Award 2025 for Outstanding Oil & Gas Production Performance

• Oil India Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise, has been honoured with the FIPI Award 2025 for ‘Oil & Gas Production Company of the Year’ (more than 1 MTOE), recognizing the company’s strong performance and significant contribution to India’s energy security
• The award was presented by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry during India Energy Week held in Goa, with Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Secretary Dr Neeraj Mittal from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in attendance at the award ceremony
• Oil India Limited has demonstrated strong growth in oil and gas production by expanding exploration activities, improving recovery from mature oil fields, adopting advanced technology, and increasing operational efficiency to support India’s energy security goals and reduce crude oil imports
• As a Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Oil India Limited maintains a strong presence in the Northeast region of India and is expanding operations to other parts of the country, playing a vital role in increasing domestic production and strengthening energy infrastructure
• The recognition reinforces Oil India Limited’s significant contribution toward building a secure and sustainable energy future for India while supporting the nation’s self-reliance mission and energy independence objectives

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Becomes First Major Port in India to Achieve IGBC Platinum Rating

• V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority has become the first Major Port in India to receive the prestigious IGBC Platinum Rating, the highest certification awarded by the Indian Green Building Council for outstanding sustainability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly infrastructure
• The Port’s Administration Building operates under a structured Green Policy and waste management plan, equipped with rooftop solar panels and high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) roof coating that reduces the Urban Heat Island effect and improves overall energy efficiency through innovative green design
• The Port has implemented IoT-enabled water meters, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring systems, rainwater harvesting systems, and water-saving plumbing fixtures, resulting in a 37% reduction in potable water consumption with all wastewater treated through an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and fully reused within the premises
• The Administration Building now runs entirely on renewable energy with 89% electricity generated through on-site solar power and 11% sourced from off-site renewable energy, supported by additional Shunya and Shunya Plus certifications signifying Net Zero Energy and Net Positive Energy Building status respectively
• The Port has prioritised health, safety, and accessibility with a No Smoking Policy, eco-friendly housekeeping chemicals, and universal accessibility features including non-slippery ramps, differently-abled-friendly toilets, electric wheelchairs, and Braille-enabled lifts with audio assistance, maintaining over 70% green campus cover

India Dominates Global Wool Industry as Second Largest Sheep Population and Ninth in Production

• India continues to remain a major player in the global wool industry, ranking second in sheep population with 77.4 million sheep and ninth in wool production worldwide, with the sector playing a crucial role in rural livelihoods, textiles, and carpet manufacturing across the nation
• In FY24, India’s total wool production stood at 33.69 million kg, with Rajasthan emerging as the largest wool-producing state, contributing 16,013.50 thousand kg or 47.53% of the national output supported by arid climate and extensive grazing lands producing coarse wool mainly used in carpets and blankets
• Major wool-producing states following Rajasthan include Jammu & Kashmir (7,770 thousand kg, 23.06%), known for fine wool from Changthangi and Merino sheep; Karnataka (6,472 thousand kg); Telangana (4,422 thousand kg); and other significant contributors like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh
• India produces three main types of wool with Carpet Grade constituting 85% of production, Apparel Grade 5%, and Coarser Grade 10%, with the industry operating in both organized sectors like composite mills and spinning units, and unorganized sectors including power looms, handlooms, and knitting units
• The wool sector supports around 1.2 million people in the organized sector with nearly two million employed in related industries including carpet weaving which alone provides employment to about 0.3 million workers, with ewes contributing 71.13% of production

Uttar Pradesh Presents Economic Survey 2025-26 Targeting $1 Trillion Economy

• Uttar Pradesh government has presented its first-ever Economic Survey 2025-26 in the state legislature, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to transform the state into a $1 trillion economy over the medium term through investment-led growth, infrastructure expansion, industrial diversification, and human development
• The state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has shown strong growth with 2024-25 GSDP at ₹30.25 lakh crore, doubling from ₹13.30 lakh crore in 2016-17, with projected 2025-26 GSDP of ₹36 lakh crore implying nearly 12% growth and a CAGR of 10.8% from 2016-17 to 2024-25
• Uttar Pradesh has built an investment pipeline exceeding ₹50 lakh crore with 22 expressways positioning the state as India’s expressway hub, the largest rail network in the country, and planned expansion to 24 airports including five international airports following the Triple “S” Framework of Safety, Stability, and Speed
• The state has achieved registered factories crossing 30,000 with industrial gross value added growing by 25% (highest among major states), fourth position in startup ecosystem, and fourth rank in Export Preparedness Index 2024, with cluster-based development in Lucknow (AI City), Kanpur (Drone Manufacturing Hub), Noida (IT and Electronics), and Bundelkhand (Defence Industrial Corridor)
• Agriculture remains the state’s economic backbone contributing 20.6% of India’s total foodgrain output and 15.66% of India’s milk production (highest in India), with GVA per hectare increasing from ₹0.98 lakh to ₹1.73 lakh and urbanization projected to reach 35.8% by 2046

Rajasthan Presents Budget 2026-27 Focusing on Fiscal Consolidation and Vision 2047

• Rajasthan government has presented the State Budget 2026-27 with a total outlay of approximately ₹6.11 lakh crore, outlining a roadmap focused on fiscal consolidation, capital expenditure growth, agricultural strengthening, infrastructure expansion, and social welfare initiatives aligned with Vision 2047 strategy
• The fiscal position shows Revenue Receipts of ₹3,25,74,013 lakh, Revenue Expenditure of ₹3,50,05,407 lakh, and a Fiscal Deficit capped at 3.69% of GSDP within permissible limits, reflecting financial prudence and adherence to FRBM norms with Revenue Deficit of ₹24,31,393 lakh and Primary Deficit of ₹35,81,730 lakh
• Major sector allocations include Education, Sports, Art & Culture (₹68,98,947 lakh), Medical, Health & Family Welfare (₹32,52,630 lakh), Agriculture & Allied Activities (₹18,29,068 lakh), and Rural Development (₹33,59,821 lakh), with education initiatives including VIBRANT Programme, Raj-PAHAL for migrant children, and upgrade of 400 schools into CM-RISE institutions
• The budget introduces climate-focused agriculture measures including a Carbon Credit Pilot Project and Digital Agriculture Mission (Raj-AIMS) using AI and satellite data, women empowerment through Rural Women BPOs with ₹100 crore allocation and increased loan limits under Lakhpati Didi Yojana up to ₹1.5 lakh
• Infrastructure projects include ₹32,000 crore allocation for Yamuna water project in Shekhawati, ultra-luxury tourism zone at Khuri in Jaisalmer, Thar Cultural Circuit, and PRITHWI Project with ₹1,500 crore for wildlife conservation, supporting the state’s Vision 2047 projection of per capita income above ₹2 lakh

Veteran Kannada Filmmaker Joe Simon Passes Away After Sudden Cardiac Arrest

• Veteran Kannada filmmaker Joe Simon, 80, passed away on Friday after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during an emergency executive committee meeting at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), leaving the Kannada film industry in mourning over the loss of a creative visionary
• Joe Simon was actively participating in discussions and had just proposed organizing a celebratory programme for the industry when he suddenly collapsed after stepping out of the meeting hall around 4:30 pm, with members unable to revive him despite immediate medical attention
• Joe Simon built a remarkable career spanning several decades, contributing to more than 100 films in multiple capacities as director, actor, lyricist, and writer, earning widespread respect for his versatility and unwavering commitment to cinema and storytelling
• His notable directorial ventures included “Sahasa Simha” starring legendary actor Vishnuvardhan, “Mr. Vasu,” “Snehada Kadalalli,” “Simha Jodi,” “Wanted,” and “Ravivarma,” all recognized for their strong storytelling, emotional appeal, and commercial success in Kannada cinema
• Condolences poured in from across political and film circles with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar describing his death as an “irreparable loss” to the industry, while colleagues, actors, and fans expressed grief on social media recalling his creative vision and lasting contributions to Sandalwood cinema