Daily GK Update- 13th Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Parliament Passes Industrial Relations Code Amendment Bill 2026: Parliament has passed the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aiming to bring legal clarity to labour-related provisions under the four labour codes. The legislation was cleared by voice vote in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha amid sharp exchanges between the government and the opposition. While the ruling alliance described it as a historic reform to strengthen labour welfare and industrial growth, opposition parties criticised it as anti-worker and tilted in favour of corporate interests. Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the amendment seeks to remove ambiguities arising after the implementation of the four labour codes nearly three months ago. He emphasised that the codes guarantee minimum wages, mandate issuance of appointment letters, and ensure equal wages for the same work irrespective of gender. According to the government, the reforms aim to protect workers while also promoting ease of doing business. The minister asserted that trade unions and workers support the framework and that the government remains committed to safeguarding both labour rights and industrial stability.

 

2. India Launches First National Biobank For LSD Rare Diseases: Researchers from 28 medical and research institutions across six states and two Union Territories have established India’s first government-supported national biobank dedicated to Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs). The initiative integrates biological samples and detailed clinical, biochemical and genetic data of 530 patients from 15 states.Funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the biobank aims to support the development of affordable screening tools and therapies for children affected by these life-threatening genetic disorders.Lysosomal Storage Disorders are a group of over 70 rare, inherited metabolic conditions caused by the deficiency of specific enzymes. In the absence of these enzymes or their activators, fats and sugars accumulate inside cells, leading to progressive organ damage.More than 12,000 patients in India are estimated to be living with LSDs. Currently, treatments exist for only a small fraction of rare diseases, and available therapies often cost over Rs 1 crore per patient annually. Of the 530 patients in the biobank cohort, nearly 60% have died, and only eight are receiving treatment.

 

3. Akashvani Raipur to Host World Radio Day Conclave: All India Radio, Raipur, will organise the World Radio Day Conclave 2026 on February 13 to mark the global observance of radio’s enduring relevance. The event, themed “Radio and Artificial Intelligence,” is being held in collaboration with UNESCO and will take place at Hotel Babylon Capital in Raipur from 10:00 am, with registration commencing at 9:30 am.The conclave aims to explore the evolving role of radio in the digital age, particularly its interface with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.This year’s theme reflects the growing integration of artificial intelligence in broadcasting, content production and audience engagement. Discussions are expected to examine how AI tools are transforming newsroom operations, automating workflows and enhancing multilingual outreach, while preserving the credibility and trust associated with radio.

The initiative seeks to position radio as a resilient and adaptive medium amid rapid technological change.

 

4. IAF to Showcase Power at Exercise Vayushakti-26: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer on 27 February 2026. The large-scale firepower demonstration will underline the IAF’s readiness as the nation’s first, fastest and fiercest responder. The exercise aims to exhibit rapid response capability, precision strike power and operational dominance across the full spectrum of aerial warfare.Vayushakti is among the IAF’s most significant operational showcases, highlighting its ability to transform tactical actions into strategic outcomes in high-intensity scenarios.The exercise will feature full-spectrum operations involving fighter, transport and helicopter platforms. Frontline combat aircraft including Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29 and Hawk will participate in coordinated strike missions. Strategic and tactical airlift platforms such as C-130J, C-295 and C-17 will demonstrate rapid mobility operations.Rotary-wing assets including Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Apache and Chinook helicopters will execute assault and support roles. Remotely Piloted Aircraft will also undertake surveillance and strike missions.

 

5. Indian Students Abroad Decline 31% Since 2023: The number of Indian students pursuing higher education overseas has declined sharply over the past three years, according to government data presented in Parliament. Figures shared by the Ministry of Education indicate a consistent fall from 2023 to 2025, marking a significant shift in outbound student mobility. The data, sourced from the Bureau of Immigration, reflects changing preferences, economic considerations and policy developments within India’s higher education landscape. More than 9.08 lakh Indian students travelled abroad for higher studies in 2023. This number dropped to 7.7 lakh in 2024 and further declined to 6.26 lakh in 2025. The cumulative reduction of nearly 2.82 lakh students over two years represents a fall of around 31 per cent. The figures were shared in response to a written question in the Rajya Sabha and are based on Bureau of Immigration records between 2023 and 2025.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Tarique Rahman’s Win Bangladesh General Elections: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has claimed a sweeping victory in Bangladesh’s general elections, positioning Tarique Rahman as the country’s next prime minister. The development marks a major political shift following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. For India, which shares a 4,000-km border and deep historical ties with Bangladesh, the outcome carries significant diplomatic and strategic implications. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman on leading the BNP to victory and reaffirmed India’s commitment to a democratic and progressive Bangladesh. The message signalled New Delhi’s readiness to engage with the new leadership despite strained ties following Hasina’s removal. Bilateral relations are critical, spanning trade, connectivity, border management, and security cooperation in India’s northeast.

 

2. Tamil-Brahmi Inscriptions Found In Egypt’s Valley Of The Kings: A path-breaking discovery has revealed close trade and cultural links between ancient Tamilagam and the Roman world. Nearly 30 inscriptions in Tamil-Brahmi, Prakrit and Sanskrit have been identified inside tombs in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, dating between the 1st and 3rd centuries C.E.The inscriptions were documented during fieldwork conducted in 2024–25 by Charlotte Schmid of the French School of Asian Studies (EFEO), Paris, and Ingo Strauch of the University of Lausanne. The team recorded the inscriptions across six tombs in the Theban Necropolis.The inscriptions were carved as brief graffiti marks by visitors who left their names on walls and corridors, following an established practice also seen in Greek graffiti. Earlier, French scholar Jules Baillet had documented over 2,000 Greek graffiti marks in 1926.The Indian inscriptions appear within this multilingual context, suggesting that merchants or travellers from the Indian subcontinent visited the tombs during the Roman period.

 

3. Bulgaria Appoints Andrey Gyurov As Interim Prime Minister: Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova has appointed central bank deputy governor Andrey Gyurov as interim prime minister to steer the country towards national elections scheduled for April 19. The move comes amid prolonged political instability in the European Union and NATO member state, which is set to hold its eighth election in five years.The caretaker government will be tasked primarily with organising a free and fair vote in a deeply fragmented political landscape.President Yotova announced that Gyurov will propose his cabinet within seven days. Following presidential approval, the formal election date will be confirmed. The appointment is aimed at stabilising governance after repeated failures to form a durable coalition in parliament.Bulgaria has experienced recurring elections and short-lived governments, leading to public frustration and declining trust in institutions.

 

4. Brazilian MMA Fighter Pablo Oliveira Costa Dies At 31: Brazilian mixed martial artist Pablo Oliveira Costa has died at the age of 31 following a tragic electrocution accident in São José. The incident occurred while he was installing an air-conditioning unit, underscoring the risks he faced balancing his sporting ambitions with everyday work.Costa had reportedly completed the installation and was moving a metal ladder when it came into contact with a high-voltage power line. The electric shock left him unconscious. Emergency responders arrived swiftly and attempted resuscitation, but he was declared dead at the scene after prolonged efforts to revive him.According to local reports, Costa suffered severe burns and cardiac arrest following the shock. Witnesses said he briefly showed signs of life and attempted to stand before collapsing. Paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for approximately 40 minutes, but the injuries proved fatal.The accident has drawn attention to the dangers associated with electrical installations and working near overhead power lines.

 

5. Brazilian President Lula To Visit India For AI Summit: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will undertake a state visit to India from February 18 to 22 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit, his sixth to India, reflects deepening strategic ties between the two democracies amid growing cooperation in global governance, technology and South-South engagement.India and Brazil have maintained a strategic partnership since 2006, anchored in shared democratic values and coordinated positions on major international issues.A key highlight of the visit will be President Lula’s participation in the second edition of the AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 19-20. His presence underscores the importance both nations attach to emerging technologies, digital public infrastructure and inclusive growth.Artificial intelligence, innovation ecosystems and technology-driven development are expected to feature prominently in discussions, signalling closer collaboration in high-technology sectors.

 

6. Bangladesh Holds First General Election After Hasina Ouster: Bangladesh on Thursday began voting in its 13th parliamentary elections, the first national polls since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 following massive nationwide protests. The election is being closely watched as a test of the country’s democratic transition under the interim administration led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.Polling commenced at 7:30 am local time in 299 of the 300 constituencies and is scheduled to continue until 4:30 pm. Voting in one constituency was cancelled due to the death of a candidate. Counting is expected to begin soon after polling ends.The parliamentary election is being held alongside a referendum on an extensive 84-point reform package aimed at restructuring governance and strengthening institutions. Authorities described the exercise as one of the most complex electoral processes in Bangladesh’s history. Nearly 127 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots, with first-time voters accounting for around 3.58 per cent.For the first time, nearly 800,000 expatriate Bangladeshis registered with the Election Commission are voting through an IT-based postal ballot system.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. IAF Conducts Joint Air Exercise With Royal Thai Air Force: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is undertaking a joint in-situ air exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), aimed at enhancing operational coordination and interoperability between the two forces. The exercise marks another milestone in expanding defence cooperation between India and Thailand. According to the IAF, frontline platforms including Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, and IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft are participating alongside RTAF’s Gripen fighter jets.India and Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation on 25 January 2012. Since then, defence ties have expanded to include joint maritime patrols, annual staff talks, expert exchanges and training programmes. High-level visits have further strengthened the partnership. The Chief of Defence Force of the Royal Thai Armed Forces visited India in January 2025, underlining sustained military engagement.

 

2. Defence Ministry Signs Rs 2,312 Crore Dornier Deal: The Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The agreement was finalised in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, marking another step in strengthening India’s maritime surveillance capabilities.The acquisition has been executed under the “Buy (Indian)” category, reinforcing the government’s push for indigenous defence manufacturing.The contract covers the supply of eight Dornier 228 aircraft along with operational role equipment tailored to the requirements of the Indian Coast Guard. The aircraft will enhance coastal surveillance, maritime reconnaissance and search-and-rescue operations across India’s vast coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).The Dornier 228 is a versatile, short take-off and landing aircraft widely used for maritime patrol and utility roles.

 

3. Indian Air Force Instructors to Train RAF Fighter Pilots: India and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen military training cooperation, with Indian Air Force instructors set to train British fast jet pilots for the first time. The decision was announced following the 19th UK-India Air Staff Talks held in New Delhi.Under the agreement, three Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) from the Indian Air Force will be deployed to RAF Valley, the United Kingdom’s premier training base for fast jet pilots. The deployment is initially planned for a two-year period.With the latest development, Indian officers are now serving as instructors across all three major British military academies. An Indian Navy officer has been posted at the Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth since May 2024, while an Indian Army officer has been serving at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst since May 2025.The presence of Indian instructors across the UK’s premier defence institutions underlines the expanding scope of bilateral military cooperation.

 

4. Assam Rifles To Induct Indigenous Dog Breeds Under Atmanirbhar Bharat: assam-rifles/">Assam Rifles is set to induct Indian dog breeds into its canine squad as part of the Centre’s push for indigenisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The country’s oldest paramilitary force has already introduced the Tangkhul Hui breed from Manipur as a pilot project and plans to begin inducting the Kombai breed from Tamil Nadu in April.Full induction of both indigenous breeds is targeted by March 2027, with training being conducted at the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC) in Jorhat, Assam.The move follows directives from the Union home ministry encouraging greater use of Indian breeds in security forces. Officials stated that indigenous dogs are disease-resistant and well-suited to local climatic conditions. Six Tangkhul Hui dogs were inducted in 2022 under a pilot initiative and are currently deployed in narcotics detection roles. The Kombai, known for its agility and guarding instincts, will be the next breed to join the force.

 

5. Defence Acquisition Council Clears Rs 3.6 Lakh Crore Rafale Deal: India has approved one of its largest-ever defence procurement proposals, with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) clearing projects worth approximately Rs 3.6 lakh crore. The decision includes the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets under the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, advanced combat missiles, Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) systems, and key platforms for the Army, Navy and Coast Guard. The move aims to strengthen India’s deterrence posture amid evolving regional security challenges. The DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 114 Rafale jets. Most aircraft are expected to be manufactured in India, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and boosting domestic aerospace capabilities.The Indian Air Force (IAF), currently operating around 30 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, faces growing security concerns along its western and northern borders. The induction of Rafale jets will enhance air superiority, long-range strike capability and overall combat readiness. The deal is likely to progress to technical and commercial negotiations before final approval.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Italy Register Maiden T20 World Cup Win Against Nepal: Italy scripted history with their first-ever victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, defeating Nepal by 10 wickets in a commanding performance. Playing only their second match in the tournament, Italy chased down 124 with 7.2 overs to spare, underlining their rapid progress on the global stage.After being outplayed by Scotland in their tournament opener, Italy responded with discipline and confidence to stun pre-match favourites Nepal.Italy’s spinners set up the win by bundling Nepal out for 123. Ben Manenti delivered a miserly spell of 2 for 9 in four overs, while Crishan Kalugamage claimed 3 for 18 with accurate variations. Former South Africa international JJ Smuts chipped in with one wicket as Nepal struggled to build partnerships. Nepal captain Rohit Paudel showed brief resistance with two sixes, while Aarif Sheikh top-scored with 27. However, disciplined bowling and sharp fielding prevented any late surge. A direct-hit run-out from stand-in skipper Harry Manenti sealed Nepal’s innings.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Odisha To Introduce QR Codes On Land Records: Odisha will introduce QR codes on land ownership documents to enable instant digital verification of property details. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced that each land patta, or Record of Rights (RoR), will soon carry a QR code providing comprehensive information about ownership, location and transaction history. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, curb fraud and streamline property transactions across the state. Once implemented, scanning the QR code on a land document will display the property’s full profile, including its location, parcel map and complete purchase history. Currently, buyers rely on encumbrance certificates (ECs) issued by tehsil offices, which provide records of registered transactions for only the past 30 years.The QR-based system will offer historical data beyond the 30-year EC window, helping prospective buyers verify ownership status more efficiently and reducing the scope for fraudulent sales.

 

2. Russia Blocks WhatsApp, Urges Shift To Max Messenger: Russia has blocked the popular messaging platform WhatsApp, citing non-compliance with domestic legislation. The Kremlin confirmed the move, affecting an estimated 100 million users across the country. Authorities have encouraged citizens to migrate to Max, a state-backed messaging service positioned as a national alternative.The development marks a significant escalation in Moscow’s efforts to tighten control over digital communications and promote domestic technology platforms.Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the decision to block WhatsApp was implemented due to its “reluctance to comply with the norms and letter of Russian law.” Russian authorities have in recent years imposed stricter regulations on foreign technology companies, requiring data localisation and greater state oversight.The government argues that foreign platforms must adhere fully to national laws governing data storage, content moderation and information security.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Uttar Pradesh Presents ₹9.12 Lakh Crore Budget 2026-27: Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna on Wednesday presented a ₹9,12,696.35 crore Budget for 2026-27 in the State Assembly, marking a 12.9 per cent increase over the previous year. The Budget introduces new schemes worth ₹43,565.33 crore and places emphasis on capital expenditure, fiscal prudence, law and order, healthcare expansion and technology-driven growth. Capital expenditure has been pegged at 19.5 per cent of the total outlay. Education has received 12.4 per cent allocation, agriculture and allied sectors 9 per cent, and medical and health services 6 per cent.In line with the 16th Central Finance Commission’s recommendations, the fiscal deficit for 2026-27 has been capped at 3 per cent of GSDP, applicable until 2030-31. The state’s debt-to-GSDP ratio, which rose during the Covid-19 period, has been reduced to below 27 per cent in 2024-25, with a target of 23.1 per cent in 2026-27. The state’s GSDP for 2024-25 is projected at ₹30.25 lakh crore, reflecting 13.4 per cent growth. Per capita income has increased from ₹54,564 in 2016-17 to ₹1, 09,844 and is expected to reach ₹1, 20,000 in 2025-26.