🇮🇳 National News
In February 2026, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), informed Lok Sabha that MoC has launched ‘White Revolution 2.0’, a cooperative-led initiative to expand dairy coverage and strengthen women’s empowerment.
- Target: Increase milk procurement by dairy cooperatives by 50% over the next 5 years, reaching 1,007 kg per day by 2028–29
- Strategy: Two-pronged approach – expanding coverage and strengthening existing cooperatives in the organised sector
- Infrastructure Development: Establish/strengthen nearly 1.20 lakh new/existing Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS)/M-DCS/M-PACS with infrastructure like automatic milk collection units and bulk milk coolers
In February 2026, India signed a bilateral Social Security Agreement (SSA) with the United Kingdom (UK) to prevent double taxation on social security payments for cross-border workers.
- Beneficiaries: Around 75,000 Indian professionals in IT, engineering, finance, and consultancy sectors
- Certificate of Coverage (CoC): Indian workers obtain CoC through EPFO or MEA; exempts dual contributions for short-term assignments
- Impact: Reduces financial burden on individuals and employers; facilitates smoother mobility for cross-border professionals
SSAs are bilateral treaties that eliminate dual social security taxation for workers on international assignments. India has similar agreements with multiple countries to protect workers from paying social security contributions in both home and host countries.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued comprehensive guidelines to standardise official protocol for rendering ‘Vande Mataram’ at government and public events.
- Duration: Approved version includes all six stanzas; approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds
- Sequence: When performed with National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’, Vande Mataram must be rendered first
- Protocol: Audience must stand at attention; mass singing encouraged at cultural/ceremonial events
‘Vande Mataram’ was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Sanskrit and Bengali. It first appeared in his novel ‘Anandamath’ (1882). The song played a vital role in India’s independence movement and holds the status of India’s national song.
The 1st BRICS Sherpas’ and Sous Sherpas’ meeting was held from February 9–10, 2026 in New Delhi, chaired by Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations).
- Participants: Sherpas from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and UAE
- BRICS 2026 Theme: ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability’
- India’s BRICS Chairship: 4th time in 2026 (previously held in 2012, 2016, and 2021)
BRICS has expanded from its original 5 members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, making it a significant coalition representing emerging economies globally.
The Ministry of Education’s Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026, focused on artificial intelligence in education and skilling, concluded on 13 February 2026.
The conclave emphasised integrating AI technologies into India’s education sector to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for future job markets.
The initiative aligns with India’s vision to leverage emerging technologies for educational transformation, making learning more personalized, accessible, and industry-relevant for students across the country.
🛡️ Defence
On February 11, 2026, Agneevasthraa, a domestic manufacturer of carbon fabrics, signed an MoU with the Indian Army to supply advanced carbon fabrics and composite materials.
- Products: Carbon fabrics, lightweight high-strength textiles, and composite materials for armour systems, protective gear, and defence platforms
- Alignment: Supports Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in the defence sector
This partnership exemplifies India’s push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, reducing dependency on imports for critical military materials and equipment.
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) signed a collaborative agreement with CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) on February 11, 2026, for joint R&D in technologies for human sustenance in extreme environments.
- Focus Areas: High-altitude survival, human performance enhancement, off-grid energy systems, and waste management for remote environments
- Resources: Shared personnel, laboratories, technology platforms, and scientific equipment
This partnership between India’s premier defence R&D organisation and its largest scientific research body will accelerate innovation in critical technologies for military operations in challenging terrains like Siachen and high-altitude border areas.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range, Jaisalmer, on 27 February 2026.
This large-scale firepower demonstration will showcase IAF’s strike capabilities and operational preparedness across various platforms and weapon systems.
Vayushakti is a periodic exercise conducted by the IAF to demonstrate its firepower and combat readiness. The exercise involves participation of fighter aircraft, helicopters, and various air-to-ground weapons systems in live firing scenarios.
🌐 International News
According to WIPO’s Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 data, India ranked 7th globally in R&D spending in 2024, investing approximately USD 75.73 billion.
| Rank | Country | R&D Spending (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | USD 785.9 billion |
| 2 | USA | USD 781.8 billion |
| 3 | Japan | USD 186.0 billion |
| 4 | Germany | – |
| 5 | South Korea | – |
| 6 | United Kingdom | – |
| 7 | India | USD 75.73 billion |
| 8 | France | – |
| 9 | Türkiye | – |
| 10 | Brazil | – |
Global Total: World R&D expenditure reached USD 2.87 trillion in 2024, representing approximately 2% of global GDP. India’s investment demonstrates its commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
Centre-left Socialist candidate António José Seguro won Portugal’s presidential runoff election on 8 February 2026, defeating far-right candidate André Ventura.
This election marks a significant moment in Portugal’s politics, with voters choosing a centre-left candidate over a far-right alternative, reflecting the country’s political trajectory amid broader European political shifts.
Pro-democracy former media tycoon Jimmy Lai received a 20-year prison sentence on 9 February 2026, the longest sentence under China’s national security law.
Jimmy Lai is the founder of Apple Daily, a now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper in Hong Kong. His sentencing represents a significant development in Hong Kong’s political landscape under China’s national security law implemented in 2020.
💼 Business & Economy
ICICI Prudential AMC received RBI approval to acquire up to 9.95% of paid-up share capital in eight banks.
- Banks: Bandhan Bank, City Union Bank, Equitas SFB, Federal Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, HDFC Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, and RBL Bank
- Conditions: Complete acquisition within 1-year validity period; maintain aggregate holding below 9.95%; comply with Banking Regulation Act, FEMA, and SEBI LODR regulations
This approval allows ICICI Prudential AMC to strategically invest in multiple banking institutions while staying within regulatory limits, diversifying its portfolio across India’s banking sector.
EximPe, a Singapore-headquartered fintech, received final RBI Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) authorisation without a domestic PA licence.
- Track Record: Previously facilitated over USD 500 million in bank-led cross-border payments across Asia corridors
- Target: USD 1 billion in annualised UPI payments
PA-CB licence enables fintech companies to facilitate cross-border digital payments. EximPe’s approval represents a significant milestone in India’s digital payments ecosystem, particularly for international transactions using UPI.
Punjab National Bank (PNB) announced the 2nd edition of ‘PNB Soldierathon 2026’, a themed half marathon to honour the Indian Armed Forces.
- Theme: ‘Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers’
- PNB Foundation Day: 132nd, to be celebrated on April 12, 2026
The Soldierathon initiative reflects PNB’s commitment to honoring India’s armed forces while promoting health and fitness. The event combines patriotism with community engagement and social responsibility.
🔬 Science & Technology
The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and CSIR-NIScPR (National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research) signed an MoU to promote collaborative activities in science communication and STI policy research.
- Attendees: Dr. V.K. Saraswat (NITI Aayog), Prof. Shekhar C. Mande (INSA President)
- Focus Areas: Joint policy research, co-authored publications, capacity-building, and outreach programmes
This collaboration aims to strengthen India’s science communication ecosystem by combining INSA’s academic excellence with CSIR-NIScPR’s expertise in science policy research and public outreach, promoting scientific temper across the nation.
📅 Important Days
February 13 is observed as National Women’s Day in India, marking the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu (1879–1949), the ‘Nightingale of India’.
- First Indian Woman President of INC: Elected President of the Indian National Congress in 1925
- First Woman Governor: Appointed Governor of United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) in 1947
- Achievements: Prominent poet, freedom fighter, and advocate for women’s rights and education
Sarojini Naidu’s contributions to India’s independence movement, literature, and women’s empowerment continue to inspire generations. Her eloquent poetry and powerful speeches earned her the title ‘Nightingale of India’.
February 13 is observed as World Radio Day by UNESCO to celebrate radio’s enduring relevance in informing, entertaining, and educating people worldwide.
- World Radio Day Conclave 2026: Organised by All India Radio, Raipur
- Theme: ‘Radio: A Century of Informing, Entertaining and Educating’
Proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011, World Radio Day acknowledges radio as a powerful medium for promoting diversity, building communities, and fostering democratic discourse. Despite the digital age, radio remains one of the most accessible and trusted media platforms globally.
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