Daily current affairs: 14 February 2026

Long Description : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a significant ₹3,030 crore bridge over the Brahmaputra River in Assam, aimed at boosting regional connectivity. Alongside this, he unveiled a state-of-the-art IIM Data Centre. These projects are part of the 'Act East Policy' to transform the Northeast into a major economic hub. The bridge is expected to drastically reduce travel time between districts and improve the movement of goods and services. The inauguration emphasizes the government's commitment to building world-class infrastructure in the Northeast. This development also supports the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by integrating remote areas into the national mainstream through better logistics and digital infrastructure.

Long Description : Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the new interim trade agreement between India and the United States will prioritize India's rising energy demands. The deal facilitates the procurement of crude oil, LNG, and LPG at more competitive prices from the US. Both nations aim to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Under the framework, the US will reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, while India will cut duties on American industrial and agricultural products. This strategic alliance is expected to enhance supply security for coking coal and provide India better access to advanced infrastructure and data centre technology.

Long Description : On February 14, 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved the transition of governance hubs from the British-era North and South Blocks to the newly inaugurated 'Seva Teerth' (PMO) and 'Kartavya Bhavans'. This move marks a symbolic end to colonial administrative structures. The historic South Block, which hosted 16 Prime Ministers, will now be integrated into the 'Yuge Yugeen Bharat' National Museum. The new workspaces are designed to be modern, technologically advanced, and environmentally friendly, aimed at increasing the productivity of the workforce. This transition reflects India's resolve to embrace a 'Viksit Bharat' identity while preserving historical legacy through the national museum project.

Long Description : In a historic move, the Union Cabinet approved India’s first twin-tube underwater rail-cum-road tunnel under the Brahmaputra River. Spanning 15.8 km, the tunnel will connect Gohpur and Numaligarh in Assam. The project, with a total length of 34 km including approach roads, is estimated to cost ₹18,662 crore and will be completed in five years. This engineering marvel will provide all-weather connectivity and has strategic importance for the movement of defense equipment and personnel to the border areas. It is a landmark project under the 'Act East Policy,' significantly reducing the distance between northern and southern banks while ensuring seamless multi-modal transport.

Long Description : The Reserve Bank of India has proposed revised guidelines for the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS) to modernize its operations. Originally introduced in 1969, the LBS serves as a framework for coordinating the activities of banks, government agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance credit flow to priority sectors. The new proposal aims to streamline the functioning of district-level committees and ensure better monitoring of financial inclusion targets. By leveraging digital data and better coordination, the RBI intends to make the scheme more effective in addressing regional imbalances in credit delivery. This is a crucial step towards deepening financial penetration in rural and semi-urban districts across India.

Long Description : The IAF and Royal Thai Air Force conducted a joint air exercise in the strategic Strait of Malacca. The drill was described as an "In-situ" exercise, meaning it was carried out under real-world operational conditions rather than a simulated environment. Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets participated in the maneuvers, focusing on interoperability and maritime domain awareness. The Strait of Malacca is a vital global trade route, and the exercise underscores India's 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' (SAGAR) vision. This collaboration strengthens bilateral defense ties and enhances the capability of both nations to respond to regional security challenges and maintain maritime stability.

Long Description : Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ET Now Global Business Summit 2026, focusing on India's growth amidst global volatility. Reflecting on the theme, "A Decade of Disruption, A Century of Change," he highlighted how India navigated the pandemic and supply chain shocks to emerge as a global growth engine. He described the current era as India riding the "Reform Express," where the budget has shifted from being purely outlay-focused to outcome-centric. The PM emphasized that technology and innovation are the core drivers of India's development. He reaffirmed India's readiness to compete globally, citing recent trade deals as a sign of a confident and self-reliant nation.

Long Description : The aviation regulator, DGCA, imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Air India after a probe revealed that the airline operated an Airbus A320 Neo plane on at least eight routes without the necessary airworthiness certification. The incident, which occurred last year, was flagged as a significant breach of aviation safety protocols. The regulator emphasized that such lapses compromise passenger safety and operational integrity. The fine follows a rigorous audit process initiated in December 2025. This action serves as a stern warning to all Indian carriers to strictly adhere to regulatory certifications and safety standards, reflecting the DGCA’s commitment to maintaining a robust and safe aviation ecosystem.

Long Description : The 29th Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated at the Exhibition Ground in Chandigarh by the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar. The Mela is a flagship initiative to provide market exposure and economic independence to Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) from across the country. It showcases a wide range of products, including handicrafts, textiles, and traditional arts. The Minister emphasized that the event is not just an exhibition but a movement towards dignity and self-reliance. This initiative aligns with the government's vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,' ensuring that specially-abled entrepreneurs are integrated into India's mainstream economic journey through skill development and market access.

Long Description : India has formally assumed command of the Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, operating under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). CTF 154 focuses on multinational training and maritime security across the Middle East. This leadership role underscores India's growing influence as a 'Net Security Provider' in the Indian Ocean and adjacent regions. The task force aims to foster cooperation among member nations to tackle piracy, smuggling, and other maritime threats. India's participation and leadership in such high-level international task forces demonstrate its commitment to global maritime rules-based order and the protection of critical sea lanes that are vital for international trade and energy security.

Long Description : In the Bangladesh general elections held on February 12, 2026, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman secured a landslide victory, winning 218 out of 300 general seats. Following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina in 2024 and an interim government period, the BNP's win marks a new political era. Key priorities for the incoming government include renegotiating the Ganga Waters Treaty and addressing the presence of Sheikh Hasina in India. India has congratulated the leadership, emphasizing continued bilateral cooperation. For India, the transition is crucial due to shared borders and security concerns, making the stability and policy direction of the new Dhaka administration a top diplomatic priority.

Long Description : The Union Law Minister revealed in the Lok Sabha that 8,360 complaints were filed against sitting judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts over the past decade (2016–2025). This data highlights the growing citizen engagement with judicial grievance mechanisms. While judicial independence is a "Basic Structure" of the Constitution, the report emphasizes the need for accountability to maintain public legitimacy. Currently, India lacks an independent statutory body to handle such complaints, relying instead on "in-house" mechanisms or the rare process of impeachment. The disclosure has sparked discussions on the potential need for a formal judicial standards and accountability framework to address minor ethical lapses and misconduct effectively.

Long Description : The Union Cabinet approved two major highway expansion projects to improve logistics and connectivity. In Maharashtra, the Ghoti–Trimbak–Jawhar–Palghar section of NH-160A will be upgraded at a cost of ₹3,320 crore. In Telangana, the widening of NH-167 from Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar on the Hyderabad-Panaji Economic Corridor was cleared with an outlay of ₹3,175 crore. These projects aim to facilitate smoother transit on vital economic corridors and reduce transportation costs. The expansion is part of a larger ₹1.60 lakh crore infrastructure push recently approved by the Cabinet, focusing on high-traffic zones to support the 'Viksit Bharat' vision by improving the ease of doing business through better road networks.

Long Description : The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) entered a partial shutdown on February 13, 2026, as the Senate failed to secure the 60 votes needed for its funding bill. The deadlock arose primarily over immigration enforcement policies. While core security operations remain functional, the shutdown affects the TSA, Secret Service, and FEMA. For India, this development is significant as prolonged disruptions could lead to delays in international flights and visa processing. This marks the second partial shutdown in the US this month, highlighting deep political divisions in Washington. Indian travelers and students are advised to monitor potential impacts on airport security screenings and travel regulations.

Long Description : The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved the extension of Noida's Aqua Line Metro, a project valued at ₹2,244 crore. The extension is designed to provide better connectivity for commuters in the NCR, linking residential hubs with commercial districts more efficiently. This infrastructure boost is expected to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions by encouraging the use of public transport. The project is part of the government’s wider urban transformation agenda, focusing on creating sustainable and high-speed transit systems in major metropolitan areas. The expansion will benefit thousands of daily commuters and stimulate economic activity along the new metro corridor.

Long Description : Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national extradited to the US, pleaded guilty before a Manhattan federal court in connection with a murder-for-hire plot targeting Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The case has been a point of significant diplomatic tension between India and the United States. Gupta’s plea is a critical development in the ongoing investigation, which the US alleges involved an Indian government official. India has consistently denied any state involvement and set up a high-level inquiry committee to look into the inputs provided by the US. The outcome of this case is expected to have lasting implications on Indo-US strategic and intelligence cooperation.