Daily current affairs: 12 February 2026

Long Description : The National Statistical Office (NSO) released the maiden print of the revised Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Thursday, showing retail inflation at 2.75% for January 2026. This new series represents a significant shift in economic data tracking, moving the base year from 2012 to 2024 and adjusting the weights of key components like food and housing to reflect modern Indian consumption patterns. While the rate increased due to volatility in food and gold costs, it remains well within the Reserve Bank of India’s comfort zone of 2–6%. This revision is expected to provide policymakers with a more accurate picture of current inflationary pressures.

Long Description : A joint forum of fourteen national trade unions and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) organized a 'Bharat Bandh' on February 12, 2026, to protest against the government's labor and trade policies. The strike aimed at the repeal of four new labor codes and expressed concerns over the India-US interim trade deal, which farmers fear will flood domestic markets with cheap imports. While normal life remained largely unaffected in several regions, banking services and public transport were significantly disrupted in states like Kerala, Odisha, and Punjab. Union leaders claimed the participation of nearly 30 crore workers, emphasizing demands for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.

Long Description : In a major boost to defense indigenization, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth Rs 2,312 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on February 12, 2026. The agreement facilitates the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) under the 'Buy (Indian)' category. These aircraft will be produced at HAL’s Kanpur facility and equipped with advanced operational role equipment to enhance maritime surveillance. The project aligns with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision, aiming to generate significant local employment and support an extensive network of MSMEs within the domestic aerospace production and maintenance ecosystem.

Long Description : The Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 commenced on February 12, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the development of a sovereign 'Bharat EduAI Stack' to make India AI-ready. A major highlight was the MoU exchange between IIT Bombay and Columbia University to establish a Centre of AI for Manufacturing. The conclave focuses on four priority verticals: School Education, Higher Education, Skilling, and Deep Tech Research. It aims to build scalable, ethical, and India-centric AI solutions. The event also showcased 'Bodhan.ai', an AI Centre of Excellence for Education established at IIT Madras, to drive systemic educational reforms.

Long Description : Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia informed Parliament on February 12, 2026, that the BharatNet project has successfully connected over 2.14 lakh gram panchayats, bridging the rural digital divide. India has now surpassed one billion internet and broadband subscribers, with mobile penetration reaching 92%. The government has introduced the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, which sets a clear roadmap for universal high-speed connectivity by 2030. The Minister highlighted that right-of-way (RoW) reforms and Centre-State collaboration have been instrumental in accelerating the rollout. These infrastructure developments are seen as the backbone for India's digital transformation into a 'Viksit Bharat' or developed nation.

Long Description : Bangladesh is currently in the process of counting votes after a pivotal national election concluded on February 12, 2026. This election is the first since the massive student-led uprising in 2024 that reshaped the country's political landscape. Key contenders include Tarique Rahman of the BNP, with the international community closely monitoring the results for regional stability. While sporadic incidents of violence were reported, the Election Commission deployed heavy security across thousands of sensitive polling stations. For India, the outcome is critical for bilateral ties, regional security, and trade cooperation, as both nations look toward a stable and democratic neighbor in South Asia.

Long Description : French President Emmanuel Macron is set to arrive in India on February 17, 2026, for a high-level strategic visit. The talks with Indian leadership are expected to focus on furthering defense ties, specifically in the realms of underwater technologies and aerospace. This visit follows a period of intensifying bilateral engagement and aims to finalize several pending trade agreements. Both nations are looking to strengthen their Indo-Pacific partnership, addressing common security challenges and promoting a multipolar world order. For India, France remains a key strategic ally in technology transfer and civil nuclear energy, making this visit a significant milestone in 2026’s diplomatic calendar.

Long Description : The election authorities in Assam released the updated and final electoral rolls on February 12, 2026, after a comprehensive Special Summary Revision. The exercise led to the deletion of approximately 2.4 lakh names from the previous list following detailed verification and scrutiny. This revision is part of the Election Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure the accuracy and integrity of voter data in the state. The updated list is crucial for upcoming local and state-level polls, as it reflects demographic shifts and addresses concerns regarding illegal entries. Officials stated that the process was transparent and followed all statutory guidelines for electoral roll maintenance.

Long Description : During a parliamentary session on February 12, 2026, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha proposed the introduction of a 'Right to Recall' law. He argued that such a legal provision is necessary to empower citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable throughout their tenure, rather than only during elections. The proposal suggests that if a representative fails to meet their duties or loses public confidence, a structured process should allow voters to initiate a recall. While the idea has sparked debate on its practical implementation and potential for political misuse, Chadha maintains it is a vital step toward deepening democracy in India.

Long Description : In a significant move to regulate artificial intelligence, the Union government notified updated regulations for digital platforms on February 12, 2026. Under these new norms, all social media intermediaries must prominently label AI-generated or synthetic content to prevent misinformation. Furthermore, a strict three-hour deadline has been set for platforms to take down or block unlawful content once notified by authorities. These rules are aimed at curbing the spread of deepfakes and harmful AI-driven misinformation that could threaten public order or individual privacy. Non-compliance could lead to the loss of 'safe harbor' protection for these digital intermediaries under Indian law.

Long Description : The CBSE announced on February 12, 2026, that it is implementing a new on-screen marking (OSM) system for the Class 12 board examinations. This reform is designed to modernize the evaluation process by digitizing answer scripts, allowing examiners to mark them on secure digital platforms. The board expects this transition to significantly reduce the time required for result declaration and minimize human errors in totaling and transcription. It is part of a broader push under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to leverage technology for more efficient and transparent examination systems, ensuring that the evaluation process is both fair and scalable.

Long Description : Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted India's rapid ascent in the global telecommunications sector. He noted that while India followed the world in 4G and matched it in 5G, the nation is now positioned to lead in the development and standardization of 6G technology. The government has already established the 'Bharat 6G Alliance' to foster collaboration between industry, academia, and the government. With over one billion broadband subscribers and a robust digital public infrastructure, India aims to become a global hub for 6G research and patent filings, ensuring that the next generation of connectivity is 'Made in India'.

Long Description : Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on February 12, 2026, that the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has successfully prevented the loss of over Rs 8,000 crore swindled by cyber criminals. This achievement is part of a broader government initiative to combat institutionalized cybercrime and financial fraud. The Minister emphasized the role of real-time reporting mechanisms and inter-agency cooperation in freezing suspicious transactions. Despite these successes, he warned that scamsters have attempted to swindle nearly Rs 20,000 crore until late 2025, underlining the continued need for public awareness and advanced technical interventions to safeguard India's rapidly growing digital economy.

Long Description : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is advancing its plans for the Chandrayaan-4 mission, also known as MM-4. This ambitious project marks India’s first attempt at a lunar sample-return mission, following the success of the Chandrayaan-3 landing. The mission aims to land on the Moon's south pole, collect geological samples, and return them safely to Earth for advanced laboratory analysis. Scientists believe these samples will provide critical insights into the Moon's history and the presence of water ice. The mission represents a significant leap in ISRO's technical capabilities, involving complex maneuvers such as docking in lunar orbit and a precision return-to-Earth trajectory.

Long Description : Scientific studies reported on February 12, 2026, indicate that the Indian Ocean is experiencing a notable dip in salinity levels. This change in the ocean's chemical balance is linked to increased freshwater influx from melting glaciers and altered precipitation patterns. Experts warn that lower salinity can disrupt the ocean’s thermal structure, which is a primary driver of the Indian Summer Monsoon. For a country like India, where agriculture is heavily dependent on seasonal rains, these changes could lead to more unpredictable and extreme weather events. The findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced oceanographic monitoring to better predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Long Description : The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) issued a statement on February 12, 2026, expressing strong opposition to the Union government's latest mandate. The directive requires the recitation of six verses of 'Vande Mataram' at official events and educational institutions before the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'. The Board described the move as "unconstitutional" and argued that it violates religious freedom. They maintained that such mandates conflict with the religious beliefs of many citizens. This development has sparked a fresh debate on the intersection of national symbols, state directives, and constitutional rights regarding religious practices in India's diverse socio-political landscape.