Daily GK Update- 17th Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Inaugurates Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu in Assam: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a six-lane bridge over the Brahmaputra River in Assam.The bridge is named Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu and cost 3,030 crore.It is the 1.24 km-long bridge that connects Guwahati with North Guwahati. It is the first extradosed bridge in the Northeast.An extradosed bridge uses external support cables and low towers to increase strength and span length.

 

2. India to Establish First National Cow Culture Museum in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh: India will set up its first National Cow Culture Museum in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, within the campus of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University.The museum aims to present a balanced narrative by highlighting the cultural, agricultural, and economic importance of cattle, going beyond purely religious symbolism and integrating scientific awareness.It will showcase the spiritual and practical role of cows, including cattle conservation, sustainable farming practices, use of draught power, organic manure, and the role of dairy in supporting rural livelihoods.

 

3. Amazon India Partners with IIT Roorkee to Develop Sustainable Non-Wood Paper Packaging from Agricultural Waste: Amazon India has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee to develop non-wood paper packaging from agricultural waste like wheat straw and bagasse, promoting recyclable and home-compostable materials.The 15-month research, led by IIT Roorkee’s Department of Paper and Packaging Technology and INNOPAP Lab, aims to reduce stubble burning, cut reliance on imported wood pulp, and provide additional income to farmers.

 

4. Kerala CM Launches ‘Sthree Suraksha’ Scheme Providing ₹1,000 Monthly Pension: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan launched the Sthree Suraksha Scheme, providing a monthly pension of ₹1,000 to unemployed women and transwomen in Kerala, with the first payment disbursed to 10,18,042 beneficiaries.The scheme targets economically backward women aged 35–60 who are not receiving benefits from other social welfare pension schemes, along with transwomen, aiming to provide financial support and social security.Part of Kerala’s broader gender-focused welfare initiatives, the scheme aligns with gender budgeting, women-centric projects, and past initiatives like the pink police wing, reinforcing the government’s commitment to women’s safety and empowerment

 

5. Kerala Launches Nawodhan Scheme to Revive Fallow Land and Boost Self-Reliance in Horticulture: Kerala has launched the Nawodhan Scheme to bring large areas of fallow land back into cultivation and boost self-reliance in agricultural produce, especially fruits and vegetables.The scheme promotes modern, high-yield commercial farming through a partnership model where landowners retain ownership, while skilled farmers, investors, agri-startups, and farmer collectives undertake cultivation without any transfer of land rights.Nawodhan is a key component of the KERA Project, implemented by the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers’ Welfare with financial and technical support from the World Bank.

 

6. IIT Madras Partners with Finnish Meteorological Institute to Establish ‘VAYYU’ Climate Research Centre: Indian Institute of Technology Madras has partnered with the Finnish Meteorological Institute to establish VAYYU – a Virtual Research Centre focusing on aerosol–meteorology interactions, Himalayan atmosphere-cryosphere dynamics, and urban air quality.The centre will conduct advanced simulations and state-of-the-art observations to study the impact of aerosols on regional hydro-climate, Himalayan snow and glacier melt, and air pollution in Indian megacities.The collaboration, formalised through an MoU signed by senior IIT Madras and FMI officials, aims to strengthen Indo-Finnish cooperation in climate science, urban sustainability, and next-generation environmental research.

 

7. GAIL (India) Limited Appoints Deepak Gupta as New CMD: GAIL (India) Limited appointed Deepak Gupta as its new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD); he will assume charge on or after 1 March 2026 and serve till 28 February 2029.He will succeed Sandeep Kumar Gupta, who is set to retire on 28 February 2026.The appointment was approved by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

 

Reserve Bank of India Approves Rajan Bajaj as MD & CEO of Slice Small Finance Bank: The Reserve Bank of India approved the appointment of Rajan Bajaj as Managing Director & CEO of Slice Small Finance Bank, following approval from the bank’s board and shareholders.Slice had acquired North East Small Finance Bank in 2023 and later merged it to form Slice Small Finance Bank, marking its transition from a fintech startup to a licensed deposit-taking bank.

 

NHAI Launches India’s First Bee Corridors Initiative: Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a pioneering initiative to develop pollinator or ‘Bee Corridors’ along National Highways. The move marks a transition from ornamental roadside plantations to ecologically driven green corridors aimed at supporting honeybees and other pollinators.The initiative seeks to address rising ecological stress that has affected pollination services, agricultural productivity and overall biodiversity.The Bee Corridor will comprise continuous stretches of bee-friendly vegetation, including flowering trees and plants that provide nectar and pollen throughout the year. By ensuring staggered flowering cycles, the project aims to maintain near-continuous blooming across seasons.Pollinators play a crucial role in food production and ecosystem stability. Declining bee populations have raised concerns globally, as nearly one-third of food crops depend on animal pollination. Roadside plantations offer a unique opportunity to create long, connected habitats that can support pollinator survival.

 

Kerala Approves India’s First Comprehensive Graphene Policy: Kerala has approved India’s first comprehensive graphene policy, aiming to position the state as a global hub for research, development and manufacturing of the advanced material. Graphene, often described as a wonder material, is known for its exceptional strength, conductivity and flexibility. The policy marks a strategic push to integrate high-technology industries into Kerala’s long-term economic growth model. As an initial step, the Union Cabinet has approved the Grefine Park to accelerate graphene-based innovation and manufacturing. The state government plans to establish a dedicated graphene industrial park in Palakkad, alongside a Digital Innovation Centre backed by an investment of ₹200 crore.To attract domestic and international investors, Kerala will provide a 50 per cent subsidy on lease payments for manufacturing units set up in government-managed parks. The initiative seeks to reduce entry barriers and create a competitive ecosystem for advanced material production.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NPCI Extends ‘UPI One World’ Wallet to International Delegates at India AI Impact Summit 2026: National Payments Corporation of India has extended its UPI One World wallet to international delegates attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026, enabling UPI payments without an Indian mobile number or bank account.The pilot is available to delegates from 40+ countries participating in the summit held in New Delhi from 16–20 February, allowing real-time P2M payments by scanning UPI QR codes during their stay.The wallet is issued via authorised PPI issuers at New Delhi International Airport and the NPCI Pavilion at Bharat Mandapam; users register through the Transcorp-powered CheqUPI app using passport/visa verification and a UPI PIN.Wallets can be loaded using international cards with limits of ₹25,000 per transaction and ₹50,000 per month; unused balances are refundable per forex rules, amid strong UPI growth.

 

2. DBS Bank Becomes First in Asia-Pacific to Pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce for AI-Driven Payments: DBS Bank became the first issuer in the Asia-Pacific region to pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce, in collaboration with Visa, marking a key step toward agent-initiated, AI-driven digital payments.The pilot validates AI-ready card credentials, authentication systems, and payment signals, ensuring secure, consent-based transactions executed by artificial intelligence agents within issuer-controlled safeguards. During trials, DBS and Visa successfully enabled real-world food and beverage transactions using DBS and POSB cards; the initiative will now expand to online shopping, travel bookings, and other digital services.

 

3. BioAsia 2026 Summit Begins in Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will inaugurate the 23rd edition of BioAsia 2026, an international life sciences summit, at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC). The two-day global conference positions Telangana as a growing centre for TechBio innovation and advanced healthcare technologies.This year’s theme, ‘TechBio Unleashed – AI, Automation, and the Revolutionary Changes in Life Sciences,’ reflects the rapid integration of digital technologies with biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.The summit will explore how artificial intelligence, automation and data-driven systems are transforming drug discovery, biologics development and healthcare delivery. As India strengthens its footprint in biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing, the event will examine the role of TechBio in accelerating research and reducing development timelines.Delegates will deliberate on next-generation biologics, AI-driven research and development, digital transformation in laboratories and manufacturing, and the future trajectory of pharma and biotech industries.

 

4. India, South Korea Reaffirm Special Strategic Partnership: India and South Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their Special Strategic Partnership, signalling sustained diplomatic momentum ahead of 2026. The pledge was made during the 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) held in Seoul, reflecting both sides’ intent to expand cooperation across political, economic and security domains. The dialogue was co-chaired by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Park Yoon-joo, First Vice Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea. Discussions covered the entire spectrum of bilateral engagement, including defence, security, science and technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges.The two sides agreed to pursue a series of high-level visits and joint commission meetings in 2026. These engagements are expected to inject fresh impetus into diplomatic coordination and policy alignment under the Special Strategic Partnership framework.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. J&K Plans Ravi Diversion, Revives Tulbul Project: The Jammu & Kashmir government is exploring new water management measures following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reportedly raised with the Centre proposals to divert surplus water from the Ravi river to the Jammu region and to revive the long-pending Tulbul Navigation Barrage project in Kashmir.The Centre placed the 1960 treaty in abeyance in 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack, opening policy space for fresh hydrological planning in the Union Territory.The Tulbul Navigation Barrage project on the Wular Lake was launched in 1984 but halted in 1987 after Pakistan objected under provisions of the IWT. The project aimed to regulate water flow to ensure year-round navigation and maintain minimum water depth in Wular Lake.With the treaty suspended, the J&K government has proposed maintaining adequate water levels in the lake to restore navigation, rejuvenate the ecosystem and benefit surrounding farmlands. Officials believe the project could provide ecological and economic gains for the Kashmir valley.

 

2. Iran Unveils Khorramshahr-4 Amid US Tensions: Iran has released dramatic footage of its Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile, one of Tehran’s most powerful medium-range weapons, amid rising tensions with the United States. The video, circulated through state-linked platforms, appears aimed at signalling deterrence as American aircraft carriers operate near the Persian Gulf.The display comes at a time of heightened strategic rivalry, with both sides reinforcing their military postures in the region.The Khorramshahr-4 is assessed to have a range of approximately 2,000 kilometres. With a heavy payload capacity, the missile can potentially place key US military bases and naval assets within striking distance. It forms part of Iran’s broader missile programme designed to offset conventional limitations through long-range strike capability.Iran has invested significantly in ballistic missile development over the past two decades, viewing it as a core element of national defence and deterrence strategy.

 

3. INS Tarangini Anchors IFR and MILAN 2026: Sail training ship INS Tarangini is among the prominent vessels arriving in Visakhapatnam for the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 and the multinational naval exercise MILAN, commencing February 18. Around 75 naval vessels are expected to participate in the twin maritime events, including 20 foreign warships, underlining India’s expanding naval diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific. Commissioned in 1997, INS Tarangini serves as the Indian Navy’s sail training ship. In 2003–2004, she became the first Indian naval vessel to circumnavigate the globe. The ship also represented India at the International Fleet Review during the Sri Lankan Navy’s diamond jubilee celebrations in December 2010.On that occasion, Tarangini was the only tall ship present and the first to be reviewed by the Sri Lankan President. Her decks and yards were ceremonially manned by Indian naval cadets alongside midshipmen of the Sri Lanka Navy, symbolising maritime camaraderie.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. INSA And CSIR-NIScPR Sign MoU To Advance Science Policy Research: Indian National Science Academy and CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research signed an MoU to foster collaboration in science communication and policy research.The partnership aims to promote evidence-based Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy research to support informed and effective policymaking in India.

 

2. Dayananda Sagar University Partners with NVIDIA to Launch India’s First AI-First Factory with ₹175 Crore Investment: Dayananda Sagar University has signed an MoU with NVIDIA to establish India’s first AI-first factory with an investment exceeding ₹175 crore.The AI factory will feature 20 NVIDIA DGX B200 (Blackwell) supercomputing clusters, enabling large-scale AI model training and inference.The initiative aims to bridge gaps in AI infrastructure, reduce dependence on foreign AI models, promote domestic supercomputing technologies, and align academic training with industry requirements.

 

3. Union Minister Jitin Prasada inaugurates STQC Lab Automation Portal, SATYA: Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, inaugurated the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Lab Automation Portal – SATYA, bringing STQC services onto a single, integrated, and user-friendly digital platform.The Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate ensures the quality, security, and reliability of electronic and IT products and services, and the SATYA Portal will benefit citizens, industry, startups, MSMEs, and government departments.The SATYA Portal aims to enhance ease, transparency, accountability, cybersecurity, and data protection, strengthening citizen-centric digital governance and supporting India’s growth as a trusted global technology and manufacturing hub.

 

4. ZSI Discovers New Diplura Species in Himalayas: Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of Diplura in the eastern Himalayas, marking a milestone in Indian entomology. The wingless, soil-dwelling micro-arthropod has been named “Lepidocampa sikkimensis”. The discovery ends nearly five decades of limited research on Diplura in India and represents the first species of its kind to be formally described by an Indian research team.The findings were published on 7 January in the international taxonomic journal “Zootaxa”.Diplurans are primitive hexapods, a group of six-legged arthropods under the class Hexapoda. They are blind, soil-dwelling organisms commonly known as two-pronged bristletails. Researchers believe “Lepidocampa sikkimensis” belongs to an ancient evolutionary lineage of hexapods.Until now, 17 Diplura species had been recorded in India, all identified by foreign scientists. The new discovery signals a revival of indigenous taxonomic research in this lesser-known invertebrate group.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Slaps Fines on Bank of Maharashtra, DCB Bank, CSB Bank, IIFL Finance and Navi Finserv for Non-Compliance with Norms: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties on Bank of Maharashtra (₹32.50 lakh), DCB Bank (₹29.60 lakh), and CSB Bank (₹63.60 lakh) for non-compliance with regulatory directions.The RBI also fined Navi Finserv (₹3.80 lakh) and IIFL Finance (₹5.30 lakh) for regulatory lapses related to customer communication, asset classification, and recovery practices.The penalties were imposed for violations such as failure to report Self Help Group data, non-adherence to loan-to-value norms in gold loans, improper arrangements with business correspondents, non-disclosure of charges, incorrect NPA classification, and recovery calls at odd hours.

 

2. Assam Grants 3% Quota to Tea Tribes, Adivasis: In a significant policy move ahead of assembly elections, the Assam Cabinet has approved a 3% reservation in Class I and Class II state government jobs for tea tribes and Adivasi communities within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. The Cabinet also expanded the Mission for Minority and Underprivileged Areas (MMUA) scheme to include over one lakh additional women beneficiaries. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the reservation for tea tribes and Adivasis was previously limited to Grade III and Grade IV posts. The new decision extends the 3% quota to Grade I and Grade II positions, including state civil services and professorial posts.The revised policy will apply to higher-level recruitment from next year, while for other posts advertised immediately, the new provision will come into force at once. The decision marks a structural shift in employment access for historically marginalised communities in Assam.

 

 

 

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Oil India Limited Bags FIPI Award 2025 as ‘Oil & Gas Production Company of the Year’: Oil India Limited (OIL) has been awarded the FIPI Award 2025 by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry as ‘Oil & Gas Production Company of the Year’ in the category of more than 1 MTOE.The award recognises OIL’s strong performance in boosting domestic oil and gas production, improving operational excellence, and contributing to India’s goal of a secure and self-reliant energy sector.

 

Daily GK Update- 16th Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s First National Cow Culture Museum In Mathura: India is set to establish its first National Cow Culture Museum in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The project will be developed within the campus of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University. Conceived as a blend of tradition and scientific awareness, the museum aims to highlight the cultural, agricultural and economic significance of cattle in Indian society. Authorities state that the initiative seeks to present a comprehensive understanding of cattle beyond religious symbolism. Officials have indicated that the museum will showcase both the spiritual and practical importance of cows. It will explain cattle conservation, sustainable farming practices and the contribution of bovines to rural livelihoods. The project intends to demonstrate how cattle support agriculture through draught power and organic manure, and how dairy production sustains millions of households.

The initiative also aims to educate visitors about the economic link between cattle-based activities and rural development, thereby presenting a balanced narrative rooted in culture and science.

 

2. India Unveils AI Governance Framework Before Impact Summit 2026: India has released its first comprehensive artificial intelligence governance framework ahead of the five-day Impact Summit 2026. The move signals a calibrated shift from policy discussions to structured implementation. Rather than introducing a standalone AI law, the government has opted for a principle-based model supported by existing legislation and new oversight mechanisms. The framework seeks to balance rapid technological innovation with safeguards addressing bias, misuse and opacity in AI systems. The framework outlines seven guiding principles, described as “sutras”, to steer AI development and deployment across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, finance and public administration. These principles emphasise trust as the foundation, a people-first approach, innovation over excessive restraint, fairness and equity, accountability, design transparency and safety with sustainability.AI systems are expected to augment human decision-making rather than replace it. Developers must ensure that algorithms are understandable by design, minimise discriminatory outcomes and incorporate clear accountability structures. The approach aims to promote innovation while embedding responsible practices at every stage of deployment.

 

3. Brahmaputra Rail-Road Twin Tunnel Gets Cabinet Approval: The Union Cabinet has approved a major infrastructure project featuring India’s first underwater rail-cum-road tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra river. The 33.7-kilometre greenfield corridor will connect Gohpur on NH-15 with Numaligarh on NH-715 in Assam at an estimated cost of ₹18,662 crore. Executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode, the project aims to transform connectivity across the Northeast. The centrepiece is a 15.79-kilometre twin-tube tunnel under the Brahmaputra. One tube will accommodate rail provision, while the other will serve a four-lane access-controlled highway. The design also includes a 1.26-kilometre road cut-and-cover section and a 4-kilometre rail cut-and-cover stretch.Once completed, it will be India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel and only the second such structure globally. The corridor will significantly shorten travel between Gohpur and Numaligarh, which currently spans nearly 240 kilometres via the Kaliabhomora bridge route and takes around six hours.

 

4. Indus Valley Civilisation May Date Back 8,000 Years: Fresh archaeological research suggests that the Indus Valley Civilisation could be far older than previously believed. New radiocarbon dating from the site of Bhirrana in northern India indicates that organised settlement in the region may date back nearly 8,000 years. If confirmed, this would place its origins well before the era of Egypt’s earliest pharaohs, potentially reshaping long-held assumptions about the chronology of ancient civilisations. Major sites such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro display sophisticated urban planning. Streets were laid out in grid patterns, and many houses had wells, courtyards, and bathing platforms. Covered drainage systems ran beneath the streets, representing one of the earliest known examples of organised urban sanitation.Large granaries, dockyards, standardised weights, and intricately carved seals indicate complex trade and administrative systems. Unlike ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia, archaeologists have not found monumental temples or grand royal palaces, pointing to a potentially different and less centralised governance model.

 

5. 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.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Modi, Macron Launch India-France Innovation Year: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet French President Emmanuel Macron to launch the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’ and advance strategic cooperation between the two nations. Macron’s three-day visit to India from February 17 to 19 underscores the deepening partnership, with discussions centred on artificial intelligence, defence collaboration, technology partnerships, and the Indo-Pacific.The visit follows sustained high-level engagement between the two leaders and reflects growing alignment amid global geopolitical shifts.A key highlight of the visit will be joint engagement at the AI Impact Summit in Mumbai. The two leaders had earlier co-chaired the AI Action Summit in France, attended by representatives from over 100 countries. That meeting promoted a human-centric, ethical, safe, and inclusive framework for artificial intelligence.The launch of the ‘India-France Year of Innovation’ aims to institutionalise collaboration between start-ups, researchers, and technology leaders. Both countries are expected to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies, digital infrastructure, and AI capacity-building, particularly for developing nations.

 

2. Denmark’s Iron Age Temple Unearthed at Hedegaard: A 2,000-year-old Iron Age temple complex discovered beneath grasslands at Hedegaard near Ejstrupholm in central Jutland is reshaping understanding of early northern European power centres. Danish archaeologists have confirmed that the site, long considered ordinary farmland, conceals a remarkably preserved settlement of significant political, religious, and economic importance. The scale and complexity of the structures suggest Hedegaard was far more than a rural village; it functioned as a fortified hub of influence around the turn of the Common Era. The first major clue emerged in 1986 when archaeologist Orla Madsen uncovered an unusually rich burial ground containing weapons and elite grave goods. Excavations paused in 1993, leaving much of the site unexplored. Research resumed in 2016 under Museum Midtjylland, but it was only in 2023 that archaeologists recognised the burial ground as part of a vast fortified settlement. Surveys revealed workshops, elite residences, defensive palisades, and a central temple structure, indicating an organised and hierarchical community.

 

3. Internet Pioneer David J. Farber Dies At 91: David J. Farber, widely regarded as a “grandfather of the internet”, passed away on 7 February in Tokyo at the age of 91. According to his family, the cause of death was heart failure. A distinguished computer science professor, Farber spent decades shaping the foundations of modern networking and mentoring pioneers who later built the core architecture of the global internet. Since 2018, he had been teaching at Keio University in Japan. Farber began his career in the mid-1950s at Bell Laboratories, a period when computers functioned largely in isolation. His early research focused on linking computing systems with telecommunications, laying the groundwork for networked communication. At a time when data exchange was limited, he advocated for interconnected systems that would eventually evolve into today’s internet infrastructure.His work helped shift computing from standalone machines to interactive communication platforms, a conceptual leap that proved transformative for digital development.

 

4. Philippine Eagle Among World’s Largest Raptors: The Philippine eagle, scientifically known as Pithecophaga jefferyi, is one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey on Earth. Often nicknamed the “monkey-eating bird”, it is endemic to the Philippines and serves as a national symbol. However, the species is now listed as Critically Endangered, with fewer than 500 mature individuals believed to survive in the wild. The Philippine eagle ranks among the world’s largest eagles by body length. Adults measure between 76 and 102 centimetres from head to tail, with an average wingspan of around 1.9 metres. Weight ranges from 4.5 to 8 kilograms, with females typically larger and heavier than males.Its strong, curved beak and long, sharp talons—measuring up to 7.6 centimetres—allow it to grip prey securely in dense forest habitats. Unlike open-country raptors, it is adapted for manoeuvring through thick tree cover.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. US Airlifts Micro Nuclear Reactor in Historic Test: The United States has conducted its first-ever air transport of a micro nuclear reactor aboard a military cargo aircraft, marking a milestone in rapid nuclear deployment capability. The Departments of Energy and Defense jointly transported a Ward microreactor developed by California-based Valar Atomics from California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah aboard a C-17 aircraft. The reactor was flown without nuclear fuel.The demonstration signals Washington’s intent to expand advanced nuclear energy for both military and civilian applications, amid rising energy demands and strategic competition.President Donald Trump’s administration views small nuclear reactors as critical to boosting domestic energy production and supporting national security needs. Last year, the administration issued executive orders aimed at accelerating nuclear deployment to meet growing demand from defence infrastructure and artificial intelligence sectors.The Energy Department has also awarded grants to support development of small modular and microreactor technologies. Officials describe the airlift as proof that compact reactors can be deployed rapidly to remote or strategic locations.

 

2. 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 facility is 4.2 kilometres long and has been built at a cost of around ₹100 crore. It is capable of handling fighter aircraft weighing up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 74 tonnes. Advanced surface engineering ensures durability and high load-bearing capacity. During the inauguration, Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets successfully operated from the strip, demonstrating its operational readiness.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rashid Khan Reaches 700 T20 Wickets Milestone: Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan scripted history in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by becoming the first bowler to claim 700 wickets in men’s T20 cricket. The landmark was achieved during Afghanistan’s group-stage match against the United Arab Emirates at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. His solitary wicket in the contest was enough to take him past the unprecedented mark.Already the leading wicket-taker in T20 Internationals, Rashid’s latest achievement reinforces his reputation as one of the most dominant spinners in modern cricket.The 700-wicket mark spans domestic T20 leagues, franchise tournaments, and international appearances. Rashid’s consistency across formats of the shortest game has been remarkable since his debut as a teenager. His ability to deliver economical spells while striking regularly has made him a sought-after asset in global leagues.The milestone places him well ahead of his contemporaries and underlines Afghanistan’s rise as a competitive force in world cricket.

 

2. Magnus Carlsen Wins FIDE Freestyle Chess Title 2026: Magnus Carlsen secured another major milestone in his illustrious career by winning the 2026 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship. The Norwegian grandmaster defeated American Fabiano Caruana in the final held at Weissenhaus, Germany, from 13 to 15 February. The victory marks the first official Freestyle Chess World Championship recognised by FIDE, adding a new crown to Carlsen’s extensive list of global honours. Carlsen clinched the title with a 2.5–1.5 scoreline in the four-game final. A draw in the fourth game was sufficient to secure victory, and he calmly maintained an equal position to close the contest. The decisive moment came in game three, when Carlsen produced a remarkable comeback from what experts described as a nearly lost position. That turnaround shifted the momentum firmly in his favour heading into the final game.Caruana, one of the world’s leading grandmasters, pushed the match deep into strategic battles, but Carlsen’s precision under pressure proved decisive.

 

3. Ayesha Karim Wins Veergatha 5.0 Super 100 Honour: A Class IV student from Guwahati has brought national recognition to Assam by winning the prestigious Veergatha 5.0 Super 100 title. Ayesha Karim, a student of Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti School in Amingaon, earned the distinction for her evocative artwork portraying the valour of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Her achievement places Assam on the national map, as she is the only student from the state in five years to secure this honour. Ayesha’s winning sketch paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra for his courage during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Through detailed expression and emotional depth, the young artist captured the spirit of selflessness displayed by the Indian Army officer. The jury commended her ability to convey patriotism and resilience through visual storytelling.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. DBS Pilots Visa Intelligent Commerce For AI Payments: DBS Bank has become the first issuer in Asia-Pacific to pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce (VIC), marking a significant milestone in the evolution of agent-initiated digital payments. The collaboration with Visa aims to validate AI-ready card credentials, authentication systems and payment signals, ensuring ecosystem readiness for secure, consent-driven transactions conducted by artificial intelligence agents on behalf of customers.The initiative positions DBS at the forefront of translating agentic commerce from concept to practical deployment across the region.

 

2. DBS Pilots Visa Intelligent Commerce For AI Payments: Visa Intelligent Commerce integrates application programming interfaces and a partner ecosystem to enable secure, transparent payments through AI agents. Using Visa’s secure infrastructure, AI systems can execute transactions within issuer-controlled safeguards.Through pilot trials, DBS and Visa successfully demonstrated real-world food and beverage transactions using DBS and POSB credit and debit cards. AI-powered agents completed everyday purchases while adhering to authentication and authorisation protocols managed by the issuer. The collaboration will now expand to online shopping, travel bookings and other digital services.DBS Bank has become the first issuer in Asia-Pacific to pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce (VIC), marking a significant milestone in the evolution of agent-initiated digital payments. The collaboration with Visa aims to validate AI-ready card credentials, authentication systems and payment signals, ensuring ecosystem readiness for secure, consent-driven transactions conducted by artificial intelligence agents on behalf of customers.The initiative positions DBS at the forefront of translating agentic commerce from concept to practical deployment across the region.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. CCI Imposes ₹27.38 Crore Penalty on Intel Corporation for Anti-Competitive Practices: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of ₹27.38 crore on Intel Corporation for engaging in anti-competitive practices related to its India-specific warranty policy.The Commission found that Intel abused its dominant position in the market for Boxed Micro Processors (BMPs) for desktops in India by enforcing unfair business practices.The ruling reinforces CCI’s commitment to ensuring fair competition and preventing misuse of market dominance in India’s technology and semiconductor sector.

 

2. RBI Proposes Strict Rules to Curb Harsh and Coercive Debt Recovery Practices: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft guidelines to curb harsh and coercive debt recovery practices, explicitly banning abusive language, threats, harassment, public humiliation, misleading claims, and excessive or anonymous calls by banks or recovery agents.Under the proposed norms, recovery calls and visits will be permitted only between 8 am and 7 pm, agents must avoid sensitive occasions (such as bereavement or festivals), and recovery agents can interact only with borrowers or guarantors, not relatives or associates.Banks are required to establish a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism, document and record all recovery calls, notify borrowers in writing when a case is assigned to or changed between recovery agents, and pause recovery if a genuine grievance is pending.

 

3. Reserve Bank of India Digital Payments Index Rises to 516.76 in September 2025: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Digital Payments Index (DPI) increased to 516.76 in September 2025, up from 465.33 in September 2024, indicating rapid growth and adoption of digital payments across India.

The RBI-DPI had earlier stood at 493.22 in March 2025, showing a consistent upward trend in digital payment usage over successive reporting periods.According to the RBI, the rise in the index was mainly driven by strong growth in payment performance and payment enablers, reflecting improvements in both transaction efficiency and enabling infrastructure.Constituted with March 2018 as the base year (index value 100), the RBI-DPI has been published on a semi-annual basis since 1 Jan 2021 and is based on five parameters: payment enablers, payment infrastructure (demand-side and supply-side), payment performance, and consumer centricity.