Daily current affairs: 15 February 2026

Long Description : Speaking to PTI, the Prime Minister emphasized that the latest Budget reflects a national conviction and a whole-of-society resolve toward economic transformation. He noted that unlike traditional "bahi-khata" documents, his government’s budgets provide a clear-cut roadmap and sequential actions. The PM highlighted that the current economic stability, characterized by low inflation and strong growth, serves as a "bright spot" in a difficult global environment. The focus remains on empowering the youth, women, and farmers while addressing structural gaps through tech-driven, human-centric welfare. This interview marks a significant push for the "Viksit Bharat" vision for the second quarter of the 21st century.

Long Description : The expo is a key part of the larger India AI Impact Summit 2026, where global leaders will discuss the "Global South" perspective on AI governance. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) announced a nationwide digital campaign to promote responsible AI use. The event will showcase finalists of the Global AI Impact Challenges and highlight India's potential to lead in AI-driven socio-economic change. This summit is the first of its kind held in the Global South, aiming to position India as a pioneer in regulating artificial intelligence while fostering innovation across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Long Description : The "SHANTI Act" (Strategic Harnessing of Atomic Energy for National Transformation and Innovation) marks a historic shift in India’s energy policy. By recasting India’s Nuclear Liability framework, the Act aims to attract private investments and international partnerships into the nuclear power sector. Previously, the sector was strictly under government control. This move is expected to accelerate India’s transition to clean energy and meet its net-zero targets. The Act also addresses concerns of international suppliers regarding liability, potentially unlocking stalled projects and encouraging domestic private players to set up small modular reactors (SMRs) for industrial use.

Long Description : Updating the base year from 2012 to 2024 is a crucial step in modernizing India’s retail inflation framework. The new series reflects updated consumption patterns, giving more accurate weightage to items like electronics, processed foods, and services that have become prominent in Indian households. This recalibration is expected to help the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the government in more precise monetary and fiscal policy formulation. The move aligns India with global standards of periodic base-year revisions to ensure economic indicators remain relevant to current market realities and consumer behavior across urban and rural demographics.

Long Description : The ₹100-crore project involved landing a C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft to demonstrate the facility's capability. Built by the IAF in coordination with NHAI, this 3-km stretch on NH-37 will serve both military and civil emergency needs. It is strategically vital for the Northeast, enhancing the Indian Air Force’s operational reach and providing a landing option during natural disasters or medical emergencies. This is the latest in a series of ELFs across India, aiming to utilize the national highway network for national security and humanitarian assistance, particularly in border and remote mountainous regions.

Long Description : The dialogue centered on deepening the strategic partnership between India and France, particularly in maritime security and advanced aerospace technology. Both nations discussed the co-development of jet engines and the transfer of technology for underwater domain awareness. The French minister’s visit coincides with India’s push for self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defense manufacturing. This meeting is critical as France remains one of India’s closest defense allies, following the successful Rafale and Scorpene-class submarine deals. The discussions also covered regional security in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the shared interests of both nations in maintaining a free and open maritime corridor.

Long Description : This pilot project integrates the Reserve Bank of India’s Digital Rupee with the PDS, allowing beneficiaries to receive food subsidies directly into their digital wallets. The move aims to eliminate leakages, reduce the cost of physical cash management, and promote financial literacy among the rural poor. By using blockchain-based CBDC, the government ensures that the funds are "programmable," meaning they can only be used at designated fair-price shops. If successful, this model will be scaled nationally to transform the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) landscape, making it the world’s largest use case for retail CBDC in a welfare program.

Long Description : Building on the success of NUDGE 1.0, which focused on general compliance, NUDGE 2.0 (Non-intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Encourage) uses the SAKSHAM framework. This includes Sankalan (data compilation), Anusandhan (analytics), and Kriyanvyan (implementation) to identify taxpayers with income above ₹12 lakh who have undisclosed foreign assets. Instead of immediate enforcement, the department sends targeted SMS and emails to "nudge" individuals toward voluntary compliance. This preventive approach has already helped the department collect over ₹8,800 crore in additional tax, demonstrating the power of behavioral insights and digital communication in modern tax administration.

Long Description : Launched by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), the scheme provides financial assistance to cooperatives to set up or upgrade hospitals, medical colleges, and diagnostic centers. The latest report highlights a significant increase in the participation of rural cooperatives, which are now providing affordable healthcare services in underserved areas. The scheme also supports the "Ayushman Bharat" mission by expanding the network of wellness centers. It encourages cooperatives to take up healthcare as a service, thereby creating jobs and improving the quality of life in rural India. The government’s focus is on making healthcare "cooperative and community-driven."

Long Description : This fund-of-funds will focus on sectors like quantum computing, biotechnology, space-tech, and advanced materials. By providing early-stage capital, the government aims to bridge the funding gap for Indian startups working on complex scientific breakthroughs. The fund is expected to act as a catalyst, encouraging private venture capital firms to co-invest in Indian deep-tech. This initiative is a part of the broader strategy to ensure India’s "technological sovereignty" and reduce reliance on imported high-tech components. The fund will be managed by a professional board to ensure merit-based allocation and support for the "National Deep Tech Startup Policy."

Long Description : Despite the invitation, PM Modi declined due to scheduled bilateral talks with the French President and the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. The representation by Speaker Om Birla signifies India’s continued engagement with its neighboring nation following a historic election and referendum in Bangladesh. The diplomatic focus remains on maintaining regional stability and enhancing trade ties under the "July Charter." External Affairs Ministry statements emphasized a commitment to bilateral ties based on equality and diplomatic balance. This interaction is being closely watched as a bellwether for India-Bangladesh relations under the new leadership in Dhaka.

Long Description : ISM 2.0 builds upon the initial ₹76,000 crore incentive scheme by adding support for specialized compound semiconductors and silicon photonics. The goal is to move India up the value chain from testing and packaging to full-scale fabrication and design. The mission now includes a "Semiconductor Talent Hub" to train 85,000 engineers and researchers. With global tech giants like Micron and Tata Electronics already setting up facilities, ISM 2.0 aims to make India a resilient node in the global semiconductor supply chain. This is vital for national security and the growth of the domestic electronics manufacturing industry.

Long Description : Announced in the Budget, MGGSI focuses on empowering rural artisans through technological integration and global market access. The initiative provides interest-free loans and marketing support to Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) units. A key feature is the creation of "Gram Swaraj Hubs" in every district, which will act as centers for training, quality control, and export facilitation. By reviving the traditional sectors, the government aims to create sustainable livelihoods and promote "Vocal for Local" at an international level. The scheme also includes a digital portal for artisans to sell products directly to global consumers.

Long Description : The match was preceded by controversy regarding a "no handshake" policy between the captains, reflecting ongoing diplomatic strains. Despite the off-field tensions, the game remains the biggest commercial success of the tournament. The ICC and various cricket boards have been under pressure to balance the sports rivalry with political realities. On the field, Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s Salman Agha were the key players in focus. Security was at its highest in Colombo, with thousands of fans traveling from across the globe. This match continues to be a focal point of sports diplomacy in South Asia.

Long Description : Sant Sevalal Maharaj is a revered figure, particularly within the Banjara community, known for his teachings on social reforms, environmental conservation, and truth. The Prime Minister’s tribute emphasized how his ideals continue to inspire the government’s mission of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas." Cultural events were held across various states, particularly in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana, to commemorate the occasion. The day is significant for understanding India’s rich history of spiritual-social movements that focused on the upliftment of marginalized communities and the preservation of natural resources.

Long Description : The summit served as a platform for global business leaders and Indian policymakers to discuss the country’s trajectory toward a $5-trillion economy. Key highlights included Maharashtra’s roadmap to become a $1-trillion regional economy and Uttar Pradesh’s claim that it will be among the top two states in manufacturing and exports by 2030. The Prime Minister shared glimpses of the event, reinforcing the theme of "Preparation and Inspiration." Discussions also touched upon Japanese FDI, which has crossed ₹2.7 lakh crore, and the role of AI and data centers in powering India’s next industrial revolution.