Daily Current Affairs & GK Updates

Union Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Mountain Fire Control Radar & BEL’s AI PolicyOn February 16, 2026, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), inaugurated a Missile Integration Facility, flagging off Akash 3rd & 4th Regiment Combat Systems, unveiling the Mountain Fire Control Radar and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy at BEL in Bengaluru, Karnataka.He also remotely inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for AI (CoE-AI) in Pune, Maharashtra.About Mountain Fire Control Radar: It is a new radar system designed to operate effectively in mountainous and high-altitude environments, which are traditionally challenging for surveillance and tracking systems.About BEL’s AI Policy: It is a formal AI policy introduced by BEL to integrate AI across defence products, platforms, and development processes. It focuses on embedding AI into real-time decision-making systems, supporting autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms, and enhancing data analytics, threat prediction, and early-warning tools.About CoE-AI: CoE-AI will serve as a dedicated hub for Research and Development (R&D) in AI technologies, collaboration between BEL, start-ups, academia, and industry partners, and prototyping and field-testing of AI-driven systems.

18 Feb, 2026

Union Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Mountain Fire Control Radar & BEL’s AI PolicyOn February 16, 2026, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), inaugurated a Missile Integration Facility, flagging off Akash 3rd & 4th Regiment Combat Systems, unveiling the Mountain Fire Control Radar and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy at BEL in Bengaluru, Karnataka.He also remotely inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for AI (CoE-AI) in Pune, Maharashtra.About Mountain Fire Control Radar: It is a new radar system designed to operate effectively in mountainous and high-altitude environments, which are traditionally challenging for surveillance and tracking systems.About BEL’s AI Policy: It is a formal AI policy introduced by BEL to integrate AI across defence products, platforms, and development processes. It focuses on embedding AI into real-time decision-making systems, supporting autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms, and enhancing data analytics, threat prediction, and early-warning tools.About CoE-AI: CoE-AI will serve as a dedicated hub for Research and Development (R&D) in AI technologies, collaboration between BEL, start-ups, academia, and industry partners, and prototyping and field-testing of AI-driven systems.

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International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 Held in Bengaluru, KarnatakaThe International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 (ICDS 2026) was held from February 13 to 14, 2026, at the J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka), under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and III.Highlights of ICDS 2026:Inauguration: The conference was inaugurated by Chief Minister (CM) of Karnataka Siddaramaiah and presided over by Dr. K. Shivakumar, Deputy CM (Dy CM) of Karnataka.Organizers: The conference was organized by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS); Water Resources Department, Government of Karnataka; Central Water Commission (CWC), IISc Bengaluru, and the World Bank.Key Initiatives Launched:During the event, DAMCHAT, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based knowledge platform and Jal Shakti Data Management Platform.Alignment: The initiatives align with Government of India (GoI)’s dam safety norms such as the Implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.

18 Feb, 2026

International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 Held in Bengaluru, KarnatakaThe International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 (ICDS 2026) was held from February 13 to 14, 2026, at the J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka), under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and III.Highlights of ICDS 2026:Inauguration: The conference was inaugurated by Chief Minister (CM) of Karnataka Siddaramaiah and presided over by Dr. K. Shivakumar, Deputy CM (Dy CM) of Karnataka.Organizers: The conference was organized by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS); Water Resources Department, Government of Karnataka; Central Water Commission (CWC), IISc Bengaluru, and the World Bank.Key Initiatives Launched:During the event, DAMCHAT, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based knowledge platform and Jal Shakti Data Management Platform.Alignment: The initiatives align with Government of India (GoI)’s dam safety norms such as the Implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.

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CCEA Approved Rs 11,000 Crore Highway Projects in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and TelanganaIn February 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved a series of Highway projects worth more than Rs 11,000 crore in 3 states namely, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana.The CCEA also approved the construction of India’s 1st underwater twin tube road-cum-rail tunnel project with estimated Cost of Rs 18,662 crore under Brahmaputra river in Assam.Key Approvals:Upgradation of NH-160A in Maharashtra: It includes the rehabilitation and upgradation of the Ghoti-Trimbak (Mokhada)-Jawhar-Manor-Palghar section of NH-160A in Maharashtra.4-lanning of Key NH-56 Stretches in Gujarat: The upgradation of NH-56 will be done at a cost of Rs 4,583.64 crore under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).Widening of NH-167 to 4-Lanes in Telangana: It includes the widening of the 80.01 km-long NH-167 stretch from Gudebellur to Mahbubnagar to 4-lane standards in Telangana.

18 Feb, 2026

CCEA Approved Rs 11,000 Crore Highway Projects in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and TelanganaIn February 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved a series of Highway projects worth more than Rs 11,000 crore in 3 states namely, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana.The CCEA also approved the construction of India’s 1st underwater twin tube road-cum-rail tunnel project with estimated Cost of Rs 18,662 crore under Brahmaputra river in Assam.Key Approvals:Upgradation of NH-160A in Maharashtra: It includes the rehabilitation and upgradation of the Ghoti-Trimbak (Mokhada)-Jawhar-Manor-Palghar section of NH-160A in Maharashtra.4-lanning of Key NH-56 Stretches in Gujarat: The upgradation of NH-56 will be done at a cost of Rs 4,583.64 crore under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).Widening of NH-167 to 4-Lanes in Telangana: It includes the widening of the 80.01 km-long NH-167 stretch from Gudebellur to Mahbubnagar to 4-lane standards in Telangana.

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PM Narendra Modi Approves Launch of ‘PM RAHAT Scheme’ for Road Accident VictimsIn February 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the launch of the ‘ Pradhan Mantri(PM) RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) scheme’, to provide immediate, life-saving medical care to road accident victims across India, from his newly inaugurated office Seva Teerth, New Delhi (Delhi).He also approved doubling the Lakhpati Didis target to 6 crore and increasing the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund outlay from Rs 1 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore.About PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) scheme:Purpose: The scheme focuses on delivering cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh per victim for 7 days from the date of accident.Integration: This new scheme is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 helpline ensures victims reach hospitals within the Golden Hour.Implementation: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH): Policy oversight and integration via Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform.National Health Authority (NHA): Claims processing through Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0).

18 Feb, 2026

PM Narendra Modi Approves Launch of ‘PM RAHAT Scheme’ for Road Accident VictimsIn February 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the launch of the ‘ Pradhan Mantri(PM) RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) scheme’, to provide immediate, life-saving medical care to road accident victims across India, from his newly inaugurated office Seva Teerth, New Delhi (Delhi).He also approved doubling the Lakhpati Didis target to 6 crore and increasing the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund outlay from Rs 1 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore.About PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) scheme:Purpose: The scheme focuses on delivering cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh per victim for 7 days from the date of accident.Integration: This new scheme is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112 helpline ensures victims reach hospitals within the Golden Hour.Implementation: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH): Policy oversight and integration via Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform.National Health Authority (NHA): Claims processing through Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0).

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International Childhood Cancer Day 2026 – February 15International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is observed annually across the world on 15 February to raise awareness about childhood cancer, show support for children and adolescents with cancer, and advocate for equitable access to care worldwide.Campaign: The 2026 campaign continues the three-year ICCD initiative (2024–2026), organised by Childhood Cancer International (CCI) in partnership with the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP).

17 Feb, 2026

International Childhood Cancer Day 2026 – February 15International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is observed annually across the world on 15 February to raise awareness about childhood cancer, show support for children and adolescents with cancer, and advocate for equitable access to care worldwide.Campaign: The 2026 campaign continues the three-year ICCD initiative (2024–2026), organised by Childhood Cancer International (CCI) in partnership with the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP).

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National Women’s Day 2026 – February 13National Women’s Day is observed annually on 13 February across India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, popularly known as the ‘Nightingale of India’ and ‘Bharat Kokila’.13 February 2026 marks the 147th birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu.About Sarojini Naidu:Contribution to Women’s Rights: In 1917, she co-founded the Women’s Indian Association (WIA) along with Annie Besant and other leaders to promote women’s rights and welfare.Indian National Movement: A key leader in India’s freedom struggle, she played a significant role in the Indian Nationalist Movement and became the first woman President of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1925.Leadership: In 1930, she became the President of the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC). In 1931, she was also appointed President of the All-Asian Women’s Conference (AAWC).First Woman Governor: Post-Independence, she became the first woman Governor of Independent India, serving as the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh, UP) from 15 August 1947 until her death.

17 Feb, 2026

National Women’s Day 2026 – February 13National Women’s Day is observed annually on 13 February across India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, popularly known as the ‘Nightingale of India’ and ‘Bharat Kokila’.13 February 2026 marks the 147th birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu.About Sarojini Naidu:Contribution to Women’s Rights: In 1917, she co-founded the Women’s Indian Association (WIA) along with Annie Besant and other leaders to promote women’s rights and welfare.Indian National Movement: A key leader in India’s freedom struggle, she played a significant role in the Indian Nationalist Movement and became the first woman President of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1925.Leadership: In 1930, she became the President of the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC). In 1931, she was also appointed President of the All-Asian Women’s Conference (AAWC).First Woman Governor: Post-Independence, she became the first woman Governor of Independent India, serving as the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh, UP) from 15 August 1947 until her death.

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GalaxEye Partners with ISRO’s NSIL to Sell its Satellite Imagery SolutionsIn February 2026, GalaxEye, a leading Indian space-tech startup, signed a data reseller partnership agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).Following this agreement, GalaxEye became the 1st private Indian satellite operator to formally collaborate with NSIL to resell its Earth Observation data.Key Details of MoU:GalaxEye Imagery: Under the agreement, NSIL will resell GalaxEye’s portfolio, including its ‘SyncFused OptoSAR’ imagery products in domestic and global markets.Applications : The data is mainly used in critical sectors like: agriculture, disaster management, natural resource and inventory management, infrastructure planning and development and environmental monitoring.GalaxEye: Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), Tamil Nadu(TN), incubated space-tech GalaxEye has specialisation in building payloads like: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), a special type of imaging radar that is deployed in space.

17 Feb, 2026

GalaxEye Partners with ISRO’s NSIL to Sell its Satellite Imagery SolutionsIn February 2026, GalaxEye, a leading Indian space-tech startup, signed a data reseller partnership agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).Following this agreement, GalaxEye became the 1st private Indian satellite operator to formally collaborate with NSIL to resell its Earth Observation data.Key Details of MoU:GalaxEye Imagery: Under the agreement, NSIL will resell GalaxEye’s portfolio, including its ‘SyncFused OptoSAR’ imagery products in domestic and global markets.Applications : The data is mainly used in critical sectors like: agriculture, disaster management, natural resource and inventory management, infrastructure planning and development and environmental monitoring.GalaxEye: Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), Tamil Nadu(TN), incubated space-tech GalaxEye has specialisation in building payloads like: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), a special type of imaging radar that is deployed in space.

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Gujarat Govt Appoints Uday Kotak as Chairman of GIFT CityIn February 2026, the Gujarat Government, led by Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel, appointed industrialist and veteran banker Uday Suresh Kotak as the Chairman of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Limited (GIFTCL), with immediate effect.He replaces Hasmukh Adhia, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and former Secretary of Ministry of Finance(MoF), who had been serving as the non-executive chairman of GIFT City since June 19, 2023.About Uday Suresh Kotak:Profile: He is one of India’s most distinguished bankers and entrepreneurs, renowned as the founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited(KMBL), one of the nation’s top private-sector banks.Previous roles: He is the Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of KMBL and served as Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) until 1 September 2023.Awards: He received Padma Bhushan in 2026 in the field of Trade and Industry.

17 Feb, 2026

Gujarat Govt Appoints Uday Kotak as Chairman of GIFT CityIn February 2026, the Gujarat Government, led by Chief Minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel, appointed industrialist and veteran banker Uday Suresh Kotak as the Chairman of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Limited (GIFTCL), with immediate effect.He replaces Hasmukh Adhia, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and former Secretary of Ministry of Finance(MoF), who had been serving as the non-executive chairman of GIFT City since June 19, 2023.About Uday Suresh Kotak:Profile: He is one of India’s most distinguished bankers and entrepreneurs, renowned as the founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited(KMBL), one of the nation’s top private-sector banks.Previous roles: He is the Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of KMBL and served as Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) until 1 September 2023.Awards: He received Padma Bhushan in 2026 in the field of Trade and Industry.

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Barbados PM Mia Mottley Re-elected as PM of Barbados for Third Consecutive TimeIn February 2026, Prime Minister (PM) of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley has been re-elected as PM of Barbados for the third straight term after the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) won all 30 seats in the 2026 general election held on 11 February 2026.Election Results:Vote Share: The BLP obtained approximately 69.83% of the total votes polled, while the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) secured around 27.31% of the popular vote.Parliamentary Seats: The BLP achieved a clean sweep by winning all 30 seats in the House of Assembly, leaving no representation for the opposition.PM Mia Amor Mottley defeated opposition leader Ralph Thorne, with the opposition failing to win any seat in the election.About Barbados:Capital – BridgetownCurrency – Barbadian Dollar (BBD)

17 Feb, 2026

Barbados PM Mia Mottley Re-elected as PM of Barbados for Third Consecutive TimeIn February 2026, Prime Minister (PM) of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley has been re-elected as PM of Barbados for the third straight term after the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) won all 30 seats in the 2026 general election held on 11 February 2026.Election Results:Vote Share: The BLP obtained approximately 69.83% of the total votes polled, while the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) secured around 27.31% of the popular vote.Parliamentary Seats: The BLP achieved a clean sweep by winning all 30 seats in the House of Assembly, leaving no representation for the opposition.PM Mia Amor Mottley defeated opposition leader Ralph Thorne, with the opposition failing to win any seat in the election.About Barbados:Capital – BridgetownCurrency – Barbadian Dollar (BBD)

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DBS Becomes 1st Bank in Asia-Pacific to Pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce for Daily PaymentsIn February 2026, DBS Bank Limited, Southeast Asia’s largest lender, entered into a strategic partnership with Visa, a global leader in digital payments, to drive the future of agent-initiated payments through a joint pilot under Visa Intelligent Commerce (VIC).With this, DBS has now become the 1st issuer in Asia Pacific to drive real-world agentic commerce use cases.Key Details of Collaboration:About VIC: It will offer a comprehensive suite of integrated Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and partner programmes, leveraging Visa’s secure infrastructure to enable safe, transparent and consent-driven payments by Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents, on behalf of consumers.Pilot: Under the pilot, AI-powered agents successfully carried out food and beverage transactions on behalf of customers using DBS/POSB credit and debit cards, with payments processed through secure, issuer-controlled flows and customer consent.Expansion: Following the successful demonstration, DBS and Visa plan to expand the pilot to include online shopping, travel bookings, and other routine digital payment transactions.

17 Feb, 2026

DBS Becomes 1st Bank in Asia-Pacific to Pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce for Daily PaymentsIn February 2026, DBS Bank Limited, Southeast Asia’s largest lender, entered into a strategic partnership with Visa, a global leader in digital payments, to drive the future of agent-initiated payments through a joint pilot under Visa Intelligent Commerce (VIC).With this, DBS has now become the 1st issuer in Asia Pacific to drive real-world agentic commerce use cases.Key Details of Collaboration:About VIC: It will offer a comprehensive suite of integrated Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and partner programmes, leveraging Visa’s secure infrastructure to enable safe, transparent and consent-driven payments by Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents, on behalf of consumers.Pilot: Under the pilot, AI-powered agents successfully carried out food and beverage transactions on behalf of customers using DBS/POSB credit and debit cards, with payments processed through secure, issuer-controlled flows and customer consent.Expansion: Following the successful demonstration, DBS and Visa plan to expand the pilot to include online shopping, travel bookings, and other routine digital payment transactions.

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