Daily Current Affairs and GK | 12 February 2026

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

1. The Department of Posts has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

• The agreement enables the distribution of mutual fund products through nationwide network of India Post.
• Department of Posts will work with NSE using its vast network of over 1.64 lakh post offices across India.
• The aim of the partnership is to significantly improve last-mile access to mutual fund products, espacially in rural and semi-urban areas.
• NSE will provide its digital platform for mutual fund transactions, which manages the entire process from order placement to settlement.
• All transactions will comply with SEBI regulations.
• Selected postal employees will be trained under the agreement. They will be certified as mutual fund distributors.
• These employees will offer mutual fund products and related services.
• They must complete National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) certification and Employee Unique Identification Number (EUIN) registration to meet regulatory requirements.
• The initiative aims to improve investor awareness and seeks to promote transparency in financial transactions.
• The MoU was signed on 10 February 2026. It will remain valid for three years from the date of execution. It has provisions for renewal by mutual consent.
• The rollout will begin with a pilot phase, covering selected locations. The program will later be expanded in stages.
• The initiative is expected to increase mutual fund penetration in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and strengthen financial access in rural areas.

Topic: Banking/Finance

2. The Reserve Bank of India has taken new steps to strengthen cooperative banks.

• These steps have been taken in consultation with the Government of India.
• These reforms focus on improving financial stability, governance, and digital inclusion.
• From January 19, 2026, certain loans are eligible as priority sector lending.
• These loans are disbursed by banks to the National Cooperative Development Corporation.
• NCDC will use these funds to further lend to cooperative societies.
• Priority sector benefits apply under the relevant lending category.
• Regional rural banks are not covered under this provision. Urban cooperative banks are also not included.
• Small finance banks and local area banks are also not covered under this rule.
• Eligible loans must comply with the Master Direction on Priority Sector Lending, 2025.
• NCDC operates under the Ministry of Cooperation. It provides financial assistance to cooperative organizations.
• It plays a key role in promoting the cooperative movement.
• The amended regulations aim to increase credit flow to cooperative societies.
• Urban cooperative banks are now permitted to open new branches. This move is expected to improve their reach.
• The housing loan limit for urban cooperative banks has been increased from 10 percent to 25 percent of total loans and advances.
• Amendments have been made to the Banking Regulation Act for cooperative banks.
• The term of directors has been increased from eight years to ten years.
• To promote the adoption of digital payments, the licensing fee for cooperative banks to participate in the Aadhaar-enabled payment system has been reduced.
• The National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation Limited has been established.
• It is a non-deposit taking non-banking financial company.
• It will serve as an umbrella organization for urban cooperative banks.
• A shared service entity called Sahakar Sarathi has been created to provide technological services to rural cooperative banks.
• Rural cooperative banks have been included under the RBI's Integrated Ombudsman Scheme. This strengthens the grievance redressal system.
• Deposits in cooperative banks are insured by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation.
• This insurance covers up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank.

Topic: Defence

3. Joint Air Exercise conducted by Indian Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force to enhance interoperability.

• A joint in-situ air exercise is being conducted between the Indian Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to enhance operational coordination.
• This exercise is being organised from 9 February to 13 February.
• Key combat and support assets of both air forces have been deployed to strengthen interoperability.
• The Indian Air Force has deployed Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, IL-78 refuelling aircraft, and airborne surveillance platforms.
• AWACS and AEW&C aircraft are also participating to enhance situational awareness during operations.
• The Royal Thai Air Force is participating with its Gripen fighter aircraft.
• India and Thailand have historically enjoyed warm and cordial relations.
• The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1947, and both sides celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022.

Topic: State News/Rajasthan

4. Rajasthan Budget 2026–27 presented with focus on youth employment and infrastructure expansion.

• On 11 February, the Rajasthan Budget for the financial year 2026–27 has been presented in the State Assembly by the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Divya Kumari.
• The Budget was tabled during the ongoing session of the Rajasthan Assembly
• Several welfare, infrastructure, and industrial development initiatives have been announced.
• Interest-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh have been announced under the Chief Minister Self-Employment Scheme.
• The scheme is expected to benefit around 30,000 youth across the state.
• A Rajasthan Testing Agency will be established in line with the National Testing Agency to conduct examinations, including online tests
• On the infrastructure development front, Kumari announced plans to build 42,000 km of roads and 250 Atal Pragati Paths at a cost of Rs 500 crore.
• Drinking water projects worth ₹24,000 crore have been approved, with new tap connections planned.
• Within a year, 3 lakh new tap connections will be provided and 6,500 villages will be connected with tap water under the 'Har Ghar Nal' scheme.
• In the industrial development initiative, new industrial parks will be created at a cost of ₹350 crore.
• Approximately 3,600 hectares of land will be developed in the Jodhpur-Pali-Marwar Industrial Region, with an expenditure of ₹600 crore over the next two years.
• The Rajasthan Foundation will open 14 new chapters, including in South Africa and Canada.
• In addition, clay artisans will be provided with electric pottery wheels at a cost of ₹15 crore.

Topic: State News/Delhi

5. The Magenta Line expansion approved to become the longest Delhi Metro corridor.

• The Magenta Line (Line-8) of the Delhi Metro network is set to emerge as the longest corridor upon completion of approved expansions.
• In view of the recently approved Phase-V (A) corridor, i.e. Line 8 (Magenta Line) extension from Ramakrishna Ashram Marg to Indraprastha (via Central Vista), the Indraprastha-Indralok corridor of Phase-IV will be implemented as an extension of the Magenta Line.
• The expanded corridor will operate entirely as a driverless Metro line.
• The Magenta Line, stretching from Noida Botanical Garden to Inderlok, will have a total length of approximately 89 kilometres, making it the longest corridor in the Delhi Metro network.
• A total of 21 interchange stations will be available after completion of the expansions.
• Several stations, including Central Secretariat and New Delhi, will function as triple interchange hubs.
• The corridor will include 65 stations, of which 40 will be underground.
• Engineering landmarks such as the highest elevated and deepest underground stations are located on this line.
• The expansion is expected to reduce congestion and improve seamless travel across Delhi-NCR.

Topic: Environment and Ecology

6. The tripling of tiger numbers in Assam hailed as a major conservation success.

• A significant rise in Assam’s tiger population has been recorded over the past two decades.
• The number of tigers has increased from 70 in 2006 to 227 in 2022.
• The growth has been attributed to sustained conservation efforts and policy support.
• Assam has emerged as one of the safest wildlife habitats in the country.
• Protected areas such as Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Orang National Park and Nameri National Park have played a crucial role.
• Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceros, while species like tigers and pygmy hogs have been re-sighted in Manas.
• The rise in tiger numbers is attributed to a combination of measures, including stricter anti-poaching operations, improved intelligence networks, and enhanced patrolling.
• It has also been supported by the use of modern technology such as camera traps and drones, along with greater coordination between forest departments and security agencies.
• Community participation has helped reduce human–wildlife conflict.
• Conservation efforts have benefited multiple species beyond tigers.

Topic: Defence

7. Exercise Vayushakti-26 will take place at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026.

• It will showcase Indian Air Force’s combat readiness at Pokhran.
• During the exercise, IAF’s role as a first responder will be highlighted.
• It will also highlight the force’s role in humanitarian assistance and disaster management.
• This will be highlighted through rapid airlift, rescue and evacuation operations within India and abroad.
• In Vayushakti-26, full-spectrum operations by fighter, transport and helicopter platforms will be involved.
• These will include Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, Light Combat Helicopter, Apache, Chinook and Remotely Piloted Aircraft.
• Advanced weapon systems will also be included during day, dusk and night missions.
• Advanced weapon systems include Short Range Loitering Munitions, Akash, SpyDer and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems.
• As part of exercise, success of Operation Sindoor will be highlighted.

Topic: State News/ Uttar Pradesh

8. UP Finance Minister Suresh Khanna presented budget for financial year 2026-27 on 11 February 2026.

• A Rs 9,12,696.35 crore budget has been presented, which is an increase of nearly 12.9% over 2025-2026.
• New schemes worth Rs 43,565.33 crore are included in the budget.
• The emphasis of the budget is on capital expenditure, fiscal discipline, strengthening law and order, and expanding health and medical infrastructure.
• Capital expenditure forms 19.5 per cent of the total outlay.
• Education has been given 12.4 per cent of the Budget.
• Medical and health services have been given 6 per cent of the budget.
• Agriculture and allied sectors have received 9 per cent of the budget.
• The fiscal deficit for 2026-27 has been fixed at 3% of GSDP. This limit will be in force until 2030-31.
• The debt-to-GSDP ratio was 29.3% in 2016-17, which declined to 27.9% in 2019-20.
• It rose to 33.4% in 2021-22 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It has been reduced to below 27% in 2024-25.
• The government has fixed target to reduce it to 23.1% by 2026-27. The medium-term goal is to bring it below 20%.
• Significant funds have been allocated to upgrade police infrastructure.
• Reported cases of robbery have fallen by 89% since 2016. Incidents of loot have declined by 85%.
• Murder cases have decreased by 47%. Riots have reduced by 70%. Kidnapping for ransom cases have dropped by 62%.
• Rs 1,374 crore has been earmarked for non-residential police buildings. Rs 1,243 crore has been allocated for residential facilities.
• Rs 346 crore has been set aside for infrastructure in newly created districts.
• Rs 25 crore has been allocated under Mission Shakti for vehicles for female beat officers.
• Medical education has received an allocation of Rs 14,997 crore.
• Medical colleges will be set up in 16 underdeveloped districts under the PPP model.
• Rs 1,023 crore has been proposed for 14 new medical colleges.
• The Medical, Health and Family Welfare Department has been allocated Rs 37,956 crore.
• Rs 8,641 crore has been earmarked for the National Rural Health Mission. Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated for the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
• Rs 315 crore has been allocated for the Cancer Institute in Lucknow. Rs 130 crore has been set aside for free treatment of incurable diseases.
• The GSDP for 2024-25 is estimated at Rs 30.25 lakh crore.
• Per capita income has increased from Rs 54,564 in 2016-17 to s 1,09,844. It is projected to reach Rs 1,20,000 in 2025-26.
• The government states that nearly six crore people have been lifted out of poverty. The unemployment rate has declined to 2.24%.
• The state’s SDG ranking has improved from 29th to 18th.
• The state ranked first among landlocked states in the Export Preparedness Index 2024.
• A data authority will be established. Eight data centre parks are planned.

Topic: Important Days

9. The National Productivity Council celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on 12 February 2026.

• National Productivity Week is being observed from 12 to 18 February 2026 across the country.
• “Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs” is the theme for the 68th National Productivity Week.
• It highlights the importance of cluster-based development for MSMEs.
• It emphasises improving productivity and competitiveness among small businesses.
• Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is the President of the National Productivity Council.
• The government is stressing the need to strengthen MSMEs and also promoting manufacturing competitiveness and sustainable industrial growth.
• Various seminars, workshops and awareness programmes will be organised nationwide through NPC’s 12 Regional Directorates.
• The National Productivity Council is an autonomous organisation under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• NPC was established in 1958. It aims to become a knowledge leader in productivity improvement.
• NPC provides consultancy services to government and industry. It is a member of the Asian Productivity Organisation based in Tokyo.
• The Government of India is a founding member of the APO and India currently holds the chairmanship of the organisation.

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

10. The CBI and the Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Centre organized a two-day national conference in New Delhi.

• The primary objective of the conference was to combat cyber-based financial fraud.
• It also aimed to dismantle the mechanisms that facilitate such crimes.
• The conference concluded on February 11, 2026. Participants discussed the need for regulatory reforms.
• They analyzed ways to combat rapidly evolving cyber threats.
• The use of artificial intelligence in cybercrime investigations was discussed.
• Delegates emphasized the importance of global cooperation.
• They pointed out that many cybercrimes operate across national borders.
• The growing threat of cyber slavery was discussed. The need for preventive measures was emphasized.
• The role of social media platforms in promoting fraud was analyzed.
• Messaging applications were also identified as channels misused for cybercrime.
• Enforcement agencies and online platforms were urged to improve coordination.
• Artificial intelligence-based detection tools were demonstrated during the conference.