Daily current affairs: 13 February 2026

Long Description : The 'Seva Teerth' complex was inaugurated in New Delhi as the new hub for India’s top executive functions. Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the event as a historic milestone in the country's journey toward a self-reliant and developed India. The building is designed with advanced digital infrastructure and green building standards, symbolizing the government's commitment to "Public Service First." By housing the PMO, NSCS, and Cabinet Secretariat under one roof, the facility aims to enhance inter-departmental coordination and speed up decision-making processes. This development marks a significant upgrade to India’s administrative core under the ongoing Central Vista redevelopment vision.

Long Description : The 2026 Bangladesh parliamentary elections concluded with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) securing a two-thirds majority in the 300-member Parliament. This victory marks a significant shift in the neighborhood's political landscape following the 2024 political unrest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first global leaders to congratulate Tarique Rahman on the "decisive mandate." For India, the return of the BNP necessitates a complex diplomatic re-calibration regarding security, connectivity, and trade. Experts suggest that while historical ties have seen friction, both nations now signal a pragmatism aimed at regional stability and economic cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.

Long Description : White Revolution 2.0' is designed to transform India's dairy landscape by strengthening the cooperative model. The initiative focuses on the creation and revitalization of nearly 1.20 lakh primary dairy cooperative societies, including Multipurpose-PACS. A key objective is to increase the participation of women in the organized dairy value chain, providing them with better credit access and technological support. By leveraging the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the government aims to boost milk procurement and double the income of small-scale farmers. This mission aligns with the broader 'Sahakar-se-Samriddhi' vision, aiming to make India a global leader in dairy exports through cooperative excellence.

Long Description : The newly signed Social Security Agreement (SSA) between India and the UK is a landmark step in enhancing bilateral economic ties and labor mobility. Under this pact, employees sent on short-term assignments will not be required to pay social security taxes in both countries simultaneously. Indian professionals in the IT, finance, and engineering sectors are the primary beneficiaries, as the deal reduces the financial burden on both individuals and employers. The agreement also provides for the "portability" of benefits, allowing workers to claim social security credits earned in the UK upon their return to India, fostering a more fluid and cost-effective professional exchange.

Long Description : Inaugurating an All-India Conference, President Droupadi Murmu launched the 'Karmayoga for Empowered Bharat' campaign organized by the Brahma Kumaris. The President highlighted that while economic and technological advancements are vital for a prosperous nation, they must be grounded in morality to prevent social imbalances. She advocated for the practice of 'Karmayoga'—selfless service—as a tool for sustainable development. The campaign aims to inspire citizens and administrators to make decisions based on integrity, compassion, and the welfare of all. Additionally, the President celebrated the silver jubilee of the Om Shanti Retreat Centre, noting that spiritual values are essential for building a peaceful, just society.

Long Description : India is set to significantly enhance its space research capabilities with the approval of two advanced telescopes in the high-altitude region of Ladakh. These observatories will study solar activity and deep-space phenomena, including the search for habitable exoplanets. Ladakh’s dry climate and clear skies make it one of the world’s best locations for optical and infrared astronomy. The project also includes an upgrade to the existing Himalayan Chandra Telescope. By investing in this infrastructure, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) aims to place India at the forefront of global astronomical research, fostering international collaborations and nurturing the next generation of space scientists.

Long Description : India and the United States have reached an interim trade agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers and enhancing strategic cooperation. The US will lower its reciprocal tariffs on a wide range of Indian exports to 18%, down from the previous 25% level. In return, India will provide greater market access for American industrial and agricultural goods. Key concessions were secured for Indian generic pharmaceuticals and certain aircraft parts. The deal also focuses on technology trade, specifically in Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and data center equipment. This pact is seen as a precursor to a more comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, strengthening the Indo-Pacific economic partnership.

Long Description : The government has appointed Uday Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, to lead the board of GIFT City. Kotak’s extensive experience in global finance is viewed as a strategic asset for positioning GIFT City as a global financial hub comparable to Singapore and Dubai. His mandate includes attracting international banks, hedge funds, and fintech firms to the IFSC. Under his chairmanship, the focus is expected to shift toward deepening the offshore capital markets and simplifying the regulatory framework to encourage ease of doing business. This appointment comes at a time when GIFT City is expanding its footprint in aircraft leasing and ship financing.

Long Description : To ensure the timely implementation of newly enacted maritime legislations, the government has constituted 12 technical committees to draft rules under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. The new laws are designed to replace archaic colonial-era regulations with a modern legal framework that supports digital documentation and green shipping. Key focus areas include the licensing of foreign vessels in coastal waters and the creation of a National Database for coastal shipping. These reforms are expected to improve the ease of doing business in the maritime sector, enhance port efficiency, and support India's goal of becoming a major global maritime power by the year 2030.

Long Description : Researchers from 28 medical institutions across India have collaborated to launch the National Biobank for LSD. This biobank will store biological samples and clinical data from patients suffering from rare genetic disorders, enabling scientists to study disease progression and genetic markers. Previously, Indian researchers relied on international databases, which often lacked diversity suitable for the Indian population. By centralizing this data, the Ministry of Health aims to reduce the cost of diagnosis and accelerate the development of personalized medicines. This initiative is a critical component of India's National Policy for Rare Diseases, focusing on "Atmanirbhar" solutions for complex healthcare challenges.

Long Description : Kubota Corporation has identified India as a "growth driver" in its mid-term business plan for 2030. Through its joint venture, Escorts Kubota Ltd, the company plans to leverage India's manufacturing prowess to supply basic tractors to global markets, including Europe and Africa. The company has been allotted 200 acres of land in Uttar Pradesh to set up a massive manufacturing plant. By utilizing India as a sourcing hub, Kubota aims to improve cost competitiveness across its global supply chain. This move highlights India's growing importance as a global manufacturing center, supported by strong domestic demand and favorable government policies like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

Long Description : A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the investigation of crimes committed during the Manipur ethnic clashes. The Court directed the CBI to provide copies of the chargesheets to the victims' families to ensure they are informed of the legal proceedings. The status report must detail whether sufficient evidence has been gathered to "bring home the guilt" of the accused. This judicial intervention underscores the Supreme Court's role in monitoring sensitive human rights cases and ensuring that the investigative process is not stalled, providing a sense of justice to the affected communities in the Northeast.

Long Description : The BSE Sensex fell by over 900 points, while the NSE Nifty dropped below the 25,500 mark in a volatile trading session. The sell-off was primarily driven by major IT firms like TCS and Infosys, which faced pressure following global warnings about the "Anthropic shock"—the rapid displacement of traditional IT services by advanced AI agents. While the broader market suffered, banking stocks like HDFC and Bajaj Finance remained resilient. Analysts suggest that this correction reflects a structural shift in the tech industry, forcing Indian IT giants to pivot toward AI-centric business models to sustain long-term growth and profitability in a changing global landscape.

Long Description : India has officially begun its fourth chairship of the BRICS group by hosting the Sherpas' and Sous-Sherpas' meeting. Led by Secretary Sudhakar Dalela, India outlined its priorities for the 2026 summit, focusing on disaster risk reduction, climate finance, and digital public infrastructure (DPI). The meeting served as a platform for member nations to align their agendas on global economic reform and multilateralism. India aims to use its leadership to promote the interests of the Global South, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and representative global governance structure. This meeting sets the stage for the high-level BRICS Summit scheduled for later this year.

Long Description : The 2026 T20 World Cup saw Australia face Zimbabwe in a high-octane Group B encounter in Colombo, while Canada took on the UAE at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. In a spin-heavy contest in Chennai, the USA battled the Netherlands. These matches are critical for determining the final standings before the Super 8 stage. India, having recently registered a massive win against Namibia, remains a top contender in the tournament. The event has seen record-breaking attendance across Indian venues, highlighting the massive popularity of the T20 format. Cricket experts are closely watching the performance of associate nations, who have provided several upsets in the early stages.

Long Description : To maintain the dignity and uniformity of the National Song, the MHA has issued a new set of guidelines for its performance at government functions and public gatherings. The protocol specifies the duration, posture, and occasions suitable for singing or playing 'Vande Mataram.' It clarifies that while standing is a mark of respect, there is no legal compulsion similar to the National Anthem, though the song holds an equal constitutional status. This move aims to educate citizens on the historical significance of the song in India’s freedom struggle and ensure that it is rendered with appropriate solemnity during national celebrations and official ceremonies across all states.