Daily GK Update- 14th Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Joe Simon Dies After Cardiac Arrest at KFCC Meeting: Veteran Kannada filmmaker Joe Simon passed away on Friday after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest during a meeting at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). He was 80. The incident has sent shockwaves across the Kannada film fraternity, marking the end of a prolific career that spanned several decades and more than 100 films. Joe Simon was attending an emergency executive committee meeting at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce when he collapsed at around 4.30 pm. According to those present, he was actively participating in discussions and offering suggestions about future initiatives. He reportedly even proposed organising a celebratory programme. Shortly after stepping out of the meeting hall, he sat on an attendant’s chair and suddenly collapsed. Members later confirmed that he suffered a severe cardiac arrest.

 

2. Sangtam Resolution Boosts Pangolin Protection in Nagaland: The apex body of Nagaland’s Sangtam community has adopted a resolution to protect pangolins within its jurisdiction, marking a significant step in combating wildlife trafficking along the India–Myanmar border. The initiative covers areas in Kiphire and Tuensang districts, which lie close to Myanmar and are known transit routes for illegal wildlife trade.Pangolins are the world’s most trafficked wild mammals, targeted primarily for their scales and meat. The 1,643-km India–Myanmar border has emerged as a major corridor for smuggling pangolins from northeastern India to international markets.The resolution was passed by the United Sangtam Likhum Pumji, the apex organisation of the Sangtam tribe. Conservationists have termed it a major milestone under the Countering Pangolin Trafficking Project led by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).The project is supported by the Wildlife Conservation Network’s Pangolin Crisis Fund and focuses on reducing illegal trade through community engagement and enforcement coordination.

 

3. National Conference on Workplace Safety and SHe-Box: The Ministry of Women and Child Development will organise a ‘National Conference on Safety of Women at Workplace (SHe-Box)’ at Vigyan Bhawan on February 14, 2026. The conference aims to reinforce the Government’s commitment to ensuring safe, dignified and harassment-free workplaces across sectors and to strengthen implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.The event will be attended by Union Minister Annpurna Devi and Minister of State Savitri Thakur, along with senior officials from Central Ministries, States and Union Territories, representatives of Internal and Local Committees, international organisations, industry leaders, and civil society. The Ministry launched the SHe-Box portal on August 29, 2024, as a secure, multilingual, single-window digital platform. It allows women to file complaints online with assured confidentiality. Complaints are automatically forwarded to the concerned Internal Committee (IC) or Local Committee (LC), with real-time tracking to enhance transparency and accountability.The portal also functions as a compliance resource hub. Workplaces can upload committee details, annual reports, and information on awareness and training initiatives, strengthening enforcement of the POSH Act.

4. President Murmu Launches Karmayoga for Empowered Bharat Campaign: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated an All-India Conference and launched the nationwide campaign ‘Karmayoga for Empowered Bharat’ of the Brahma Kumaris in New Delhi on February 13, 2026. She also commenced the silver jubilee celebrations of the Om Shanti Retreat Centre in Gurugram, marking 25 years of its establishment.Addressing the gathering, the President emphasised the need to integrate moral values and spirituality with material advancement to ensure balanced and holistic development of the nation.The President observed that economic progress drives prosperity, while technological advancement fosters innovation and efficiency. Together, they form the foundation of a modern nation. However, she cautioned that development devoid of ethical considerations can create social imbalances. She highlighted that unethical economic expansion may result in wealth concentration, environmental degradation, and exploitation of vulnerable communities. Similarly, technology used without moral restraint can pose risks to humanity.

 

5. Supreme Court Upholds Full Disability Pension Arrears: In a significant relief to thousands of ex-servicemen, the Supreme Court has ruled that eligible Armed Forces personnel are entitled to full arrears of disability pension from the applicable cut-off dates—January 1, 1996, or January 1, 2006—without restriction to a three-year limitation period.The Court underscored that disability pension is not charity but a recognition of sacrifice made in service of the nation. It held that once the right to receive disability pension is established, the benefit must be granted from the date it became due.A Bench comprising Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe dismissed appeals filed by the Union government and allowed those of ex-servicemen seeking complete arrears.The principal issue was whether arrears should be restricted to three years preceding the filing of claims before the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). The Centre argued that such claims were governed by the Limitation Act, 1963, and that even continuing wrongs could not extend beyond the prescribed limitation period.Rejecting this contention, the Court clarified that disability pension is a vested right and cannot be curtailed by procedural limitations.

 

6. New Toll Rules for Incomplete Expressways Notified: The Centre has amended toll collection norms to ensure commuters do not pay full expressway charges for stretches that are not fully operational. The revised framework will allow toll to be levied only on completed sections of National Expressways, and at rates applicable to National Highways.The changes have been introduced through amendments to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. The new provisions will take effect from February 15, 2026.Under the revised rules, if a National Expressway is not open end-to-end, users will be charged only for the operational portion. The applicable rate will be that of a National Highway, which is lower than the expressway rate.Previously, toll was often collected for the full notified length of an expressway, even if substantial sections were under construction. This meant commuters paid the higher expressway fee despite partial usability.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. WHO Prequalifies New Oral Polio Vaccine nOPV2: The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified another novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), strengthening global efforts to eradicate poliomyelitis. The decision enables United Nations agencies, including UNICEF, to procure and distribute the vaccine for immunisation campaigns worldwide.Prequalification confirms that the vaccine meets international standards of quality, safety and efficacy, facilitating its use in large-scale public health programmes.The nOPV2 vaccine has been engineered to be more genetically stable than earlier oral polio vaccines. Traditional oral vaccines, while effective, carried a rare risk of mutating and triggering circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks.By enhancing genetic stability, nOPV2 lowers the likelihood of such reversions while maintaining the ability to interrupt virus transmission. This innovation addresses a key challenge in the final stages of global polio eradication.

 

2. Bangladesh Approves July Charter in National Referendum: Around 70 per cent of Bangladeshi voters have approved the July National Charter 2025 in a national referendum held alongside general elections. The Election Commission reported a voter turnout of 60.26 per cent, with 4.8 crore votes cast in favour of the reforms and 2.25 crore against.The referendum coincided with a sweeping electoral victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led alliance, paving the way for Tarique Rahman to form the next government. The charter seeks to restructure Bangladesh’s governance framework through wide-ranging constitutional and institutional reforms.The July Charter was drafted after the July 2024 student-led uprising that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. It represents the third major reform charter proposed in Bangladesh’s political history.The document outlines 84 reform points aimed at overhauling the state structure. Of these, 47 require constitutional amendments, while 37 can be implemented through legislation or executive orders. A Constitutional Reform Council is expected to execute the changes within 270 working days.

 

3. India-AI Impact Summit 2026 to Host 20 Leaders: India will host leaders and heads of state from 20 countries at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to 20. The four-day event is spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and aims to deliberate on how artificial intelligence can benefit people and the planet.According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the summit will convene global policymakers, innovators and domain experts to shape a cooperative roadmap for responsible AI development. The event underscores India’s ambition to position itself as a key voice in global AI governance.Among the prominent attendees are French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President

 

4. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, both visiting India on official state visits. Presidents from Estonia, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka and Switzerland are also scheduled to participate.

Prime Ministers from Bhutan, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Kazakhstan, Mauritius and the Netherlands will attend. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein, and Vice Presidents from Bolivia, Guyana and Seychelles will represent their nations.

 

5. 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. Under Khaleda Zia’s leadership, the BNP had a contentious relationship with India. During her tenures from 1991–1996 and 2001–2006, tensions arose over cross-border insurgency, water-sharing disputes, and transit rights. India had accused Dhaka of sheltering insurgent groups such as ULFA and NDFB. The BNP’s alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami further complicated ties. Zia opposed overland transit to India’s northeast and criticised perceived Indian interference.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Northeast’s First Emergency Landing Facility Inaugurated in Assam: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran in Assam’s Dibrugarh district. The strategic infrastructure, located on the Moran Bypass, marks a major boost to India’s defence preparedness and disaster response capability in the region. The Prime Minister made a historic landing at the facility and witnessed a 40-minute aerial display by the Indian Air Force, showcasing fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters. The Emergency Landing Facility is a specially designed highway airstrip constructed in coordination with the Indian Air Force. It enables the landing and take-off of military and select civil aircraft during emergencies. This is the first such facility in Northeast India, a region of high strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders. The ELF enhances rapid deployment capability and strengthens national security infrastructure in the region.

 

2. DAC Clears High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites for IAF: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procuring Air-Ships Based High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (AS-HAPS) systems for the Indian Air Force. The approval forms part of a capital acquisition package worth ₹3.60 lakh crore, which also includes Rafale fighter aircraft and missile systems. Estimated at around ₹15,000 crore, AS-HAPS will significantly upgrade India’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.The proposal will now move to cost negotiations before being placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security for final approval.HAPS are solar-powered unmanned aerial platforms designed to operate in the stratosphere at altitudes of 18–20 km, nearly twice the cruising altitude of commercial aircraft. Unlike satellites orbiting at over 200 km above Earth, HAPS platforms can remain airborne for months using solar panels during the day and high-density batteries at night.They offer satellite-like capabilities at lower cost and with greater flexibility. Equipped with optical and infrared sensors, they function as “towers in the sky” for persistent monitoring and telecommunications.

 

3. Indian Army to Host IMACC 2026: The Indian Army will host the inaugural International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from February 18 to 23 in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. The Ministry of Defence stated that the event will bring together military teams from India and friendly foreign nations for a week-long series of rigorous adventure and endurance competitions.IMACC 2026 is designed to test the core attributes of soldiers, including physical fitness, mental resilience, teamwork, leadership and decision-making under pressure, in demanding mountain terrain conditions.International military sports events have historically served as platforms for fostering camaraderie and mutual trust among armed forces. These initiatives are often conducted under the banner of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), which operates under the motto “Friendship through Sport”.India has been an active participant in CISM activities and previously hosted the 4th CISM Military World Games in 2007, strengthening its profile in global military sporting events.

 

4. 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.

 

SPORTS

 

1. India Dominates Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026: India finished atop the medal standings at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026, securing a commanding 94 medals, including 51 gold, 23 silver and 20 bronze. The championship concluded at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, with the hosts delivering a dominant performance on the final day.India added six gold, three silver and four bronze medals on the concluding day, underlining its supremacy in continental shooting competitions.In the 50m Rifle Prone Women’s event, Olympian Sift Kaur Samra won silver with a score of 623.2. Veteran shooter and 2010 World Champion Tejaswani Sawant earned bronze, marking her return to the international podium after five years. Yelizaveta Bezrukova of Kazakhstan took gold. Sift, Tejaswani and Manini Kaushik secured team gold for India.In the junior category, Dhavalika Devi Nyamurus won bronze with 614.1. Kazakhstan’s Tomiris Amanova and Darya Ponomarenko claimed gold and silver respectively. The Indian trio of Prachi Gaikwad, Anuskha Thokur and Devi clinched team gold.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

2. Bonnie Bassler Highlights Power of Bacterial Communication: Bacteria are often associated with disease and infection, yet they are also essential to life. Renowned molecular biologist Bonnie Bassler of Princeton University described bacteria as “magical microbes” that hold transformative potential in medicine, environmental sustainability and agriculture. Delivering a lecture titled “A Chemical Language that Enables Communication Between Diverse Organisms”, she underscored the remarkable ability of bacteria to communicate and coordinate behaviour.According to Prof. Bassler, bacteria are multilingual organisms capable of collective decision-making. This communication system, known as quorum sensing, reshapes scientific understanding of microbial life.Quorum sensing refers to the chemical signalling process through which bacteria detect their population density and synchronise actions. By releasing and sensing small signalling molecules, bacteria coordinate group behaviours such as biofilm formation, virulence and bioluminescence.This collective communication allows bacteria to act as multicellular communities rather than isolated single cells. It also explains how microbes regulate complex functions essential for survival and adaptation.

 

3. JNCASR Discovers Wave-Like Heat Transport in Tl₂AgI₃: In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, have uncovered an unusual mechanism of heat transport in solids that challenges conventional understanding. The study demonstrates a rare particle-to-wave crossover in phonon behaviour within a crystalline material exhibiting local disorder. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), have significant implications for next-generation thermoelectrics and thermal management technologies.Heat in solids is typically transported by phonons behaving as particle-like entities that scatter across crystal lattices. This classical “phonon gas” model has shaped materials science for decades. However, the new research reveals a distinct regime where heat propagates through wave-like coherence.The team studied Tl₂AgI₃, a zero-dimensional inorganic metal halide with discrete cluster-like building blocks rather than an extended three-dimensional network. The material exhibits an exceptionally low lattice thermal conductivity of about 0.18 W/m·K.Instead of decreasing steadily with rising temperature, as predicted by the phonon gas model, thermal conductivity becomes nearly temperature-independent above 125 K. Around 175 K, wave-like phonon transport overtakes particle-based scattering, signalling a breakdown of conventional theory.

 

4. Andhra Pradesh Assembly Adopts AI Digital Attendance: The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly has introduced an artificial intelligence-based digital attendance system for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), aiming to enhance accountability and transparency. Speaker Ch Ayyanna Patrudu announced the reform at the commencement of the Budget Session, marking a significant administrative shift in legislative functioning.A notification issued by Legislature Secretary General Prasanna Kumar Suryadevara confirmed that, with immediate effect, attendance would be recorded through digital means. The traditional practice of signing physical attendance registers has been discontinued.Under the new mechanism, attendance will be marked using AI-powered facial recognition technology. PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras have been installed inside the Assembly to identify and monitor members accurately.Attendance will be recorded only when a legislator occupies their designated seat within the House. The system will also track the duration of presence, ensuring that late arrivals or early departures are automatically reflected in official records.The reform forms part of broader administrative modernisation efforts in the legislature.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Sthree Suraksha Scheme Launched in Kerala: The Government of Kerala has officially launched the Sthree Suraksha Scheme, a monthly pension initiative aimed at supporting unemployed women and transwomen from economically weaker sections. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the scheme in Malayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram. The first instalment of ₹1,000 was credited to over 10.18 lakh beneficiaries whose applications have been approved.The scheme seeks to strengthen financial independence among women and promote gender justice through direct income support.The Sthree Suraksha Scheme was announced in October last year as part of a broader package of welfare measures targeted at working-class households. The initiative reflects the policy priorities of the Left Democratic Front government, which has emphasised social security and redistributive welfare.The Chief Minister described the scheme as a decisive intervention to reduce financial dependency among women. He noted that economic vulnerability often limits autonomy and participation in public life, and that the pension aims to ensure dignity and self-reliance.

 

2. RBI Draft Norms Tighten Bank Lending to REITs: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed stricter norms permitting banks to lend to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) under defined conditions. As per the draft Second Amendment Directions, 2026, banks may extend credit only to REITs registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), listed on recognised stock exchanges, and having a minimum three-year operational track record with positive cash flows.Parallel draft guidelines have also been issued for Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), with broadly similar exposure norms and safeguards.Under the draft framework, banks’ aggregate credit exposure to a borrowing REIT and its underlying special purpose vehicles (SPVs) or holding companies cannot exceed 49 per cent of the value of the REIT’s assets as on March 31 of the previous financial year. Banks may prescribe a lower cap subject to board approval.The central bank has emphasised prudent risk assessment, given that REITs operate as trusts and hold income-generating real estate assets through SPVs.

 

3. Uday Kotak Appointed Chairman of GIFT City: The Gujarat government has appointed Uday Kotak as Chairman of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Ltd, the state-promoted entity that develops and manages GIFT City. He replaces Hasmukh Adhia, who had been serving as non-executive chairman since June 19, 2023. The appointment takes immediate effect, according to a resolution issued by the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department of the Government of Gujarat.Kotak will continue in the role until further orders. The terms and conditions of his appointment will be notified separately. His elevation comes at a time when GIFT City is expanding its international footprint and regulatory framework.GIFT City, located in Gandhinagar, is India’s first operational smart city and International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). It is designed to serve as a global financial and technology hub with advanced infrastructure and a business-friendly ecosystem. The city houses banking units, capital market intermediaries, insurance entities and fintech firms operating under a unified regulatory framework. The transition in leadership is seen as part of the state’s effort to strengthen institutional governance and attract deeper global participation.