NATIONAL NEWS

National Campaign on Karmayoga for Empowered Bharat

• A nationwide campaign on “Karmayoga for Empowered Bharat” was organised in New Delhi to promote ethical governance, duty-based public service, and administrative accountability.
• The initiative aligns with capacity building of civil servants and citizen-centric governance frameworks. Such campaigns reinforce behavioural reforms in bureaucracy and public administration.

PM Approves Major Welfare Decisions at Seva Teerth

• After shifting to the newly inaugurated Seva Teerth complex in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved several major welfare initiatives.
• These include doubling the target of Lakhpati Didis to six crore beneficiaries, doubling the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to ₹2 lakh crore, and launching Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with ₹10,000 crore corpus.
• The decisions aim to support women empowerment, agricultural modernization, entrepreneurship growth, and financial inclusion.
• The announcement reflects the government’s focus on rural income enhancement, startup ecosystem expansion, and socio-economic support for vulnerable sections.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Parliamentary Election

• The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is set to form the next government after securing a two-thirds majority in the 13th national parliamentary election.
• The result marks a major political shift and will influence regional diplomacy, economic cooperation, and India-Bangladesh relations.

Mia Amor Mottley Wins Third Consecutive Election in Barbados

• Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley secured a historic third consecutive electoral victory in Barbados. Her leadership has been marked by economic reforms, climate diplomacy, and transition of Barbados into a republic in 2021.
• The development is significant for Caribbean politics and global climate advocacy, where Barbados plays an influential role among small island nations.

SUMMITS AND CONFERNCES

National Conference on Safety of Women at Workplace (SHe-Box)

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development organised a National Conference on Safety of Women at Workplace at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, focusing on strengthening the SHe-Box grievance redressal system.
• The platform enables women employees to file complaints of workplace sexual harassment online. The initiative supports safe work environments, gender equality, and implementation of the POSH Act.
• The conference highlighted institutional accountability, faster complaint handling, and awareness among employers and employees.

POSH Act enacted: 2013

Naval Armament Organisation Annual Conference

• The Naval Armament Organisation concluded its 24th Officers-in-Charge Conference and 7th IT, Project and Infrastructure Meeting at the Institute of Technology Management, Mussoorie.
• The conference reviewed naval weapons logistics, infrastructure modernisation, and technological integration for operational readiness.
• Such meetings help improve defence inventory management, indigenous weapons development, and digital defence systems coordination.

International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026

• The Indian Army will host the first-ever International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from 18–23 February in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
• The event aims to promote military endurance, tactical mobility, survival skills, and international defence cooperation. Such competitions strengthen interoperability between armed forces and enhance mountain warfare preparedness.
• Hosting the event reflects India’s growing defence diplomacy and its expertise in high-altitude operations, especially relevant given strategic Himalayan deployments.

Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026

• The Ministry of Education organised the Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 in New Delhi to promote artificial intelligence integration in education and research. The conclave focused on AI-driven learning, digital classrooms, innovation ecosystems, and skill development aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.
• Experts from academia, industry, and government discussed AI adoption in curriculum design, educational analytics, and emerging technology infrastructure. The initiative aims to build India’s leadership in AI education and future workforce readiness.
• The event reinforces India's push toward digital transformation and technology-enabled governance.

Quality Assurance Industry Conclave

• A Quality Assurance (QA) Industry Conclave was organised in New Delhi to strengthen manufacturing quality standards, industrial certification, and export competitiveness.
• The event emphasized adopting international standards, improving testing infrastructure, and integrating digital quality monitoring systems.
• Such initiatives are crucial for boosting India’s manufacturing credibility and supporting the Make in India programme.
• Quality assurance reforms directly influence export growth, defence production reliability, and industrial safety compliance.

High-Level CSR Conclave on PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

• The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, in partnership with UNDP India and the Gates Foundation, organised a high-level CSR conclave in New Delhi on leveraging the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana for farmer prosperity.
• The meeting focused on mobilizing corporate social responsibility funds toward agricultural productivity, climate-resilient farming, and rural livelihood support.
• It highlights the increasing role of public-private partnerships and international organisations in India’s agricultural transformation.

APPOINTMENTS

Puneet Agrawal Appointed Ambassador to Thailand

• IFS officer Puneet Agrawal (1997 batch) has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand. Diplomatic appointments are crucial for strengthening India’s Act East Policy and enhancing economic, cultural, and security cooperation with Southeast Asian countries.
• Thailand remains strategically important due to ASEAN engagement, maritime trade routes, and regional connectivity initiatives.

ADB Appoints Sona Shrestha as DG South Asia

• The Asian Development Bank appointed Sona Shrestha as Director General of its South Asia Department, responsible for overseeing development operations across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives.

REPORTS, RANKS AND INDICES

NITI Aayog Releases Trade Watch Quarterly (6th Edition)

• NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery released the 6th edition of Trade Watch Quarterly for Q2 FY 2025-26 in New Delhi.
• The report analyses India’s export trends, import patterns, global trade shifts, and sector-wise performance indicators. Such publications help policymakers monitor trade competitiveness, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and economic growth signals.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

GRSE Won Women in Public Sector Award 2026

• Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. received the Women in Public Sector (WIPS) Award 2026 at the 36th National Meet for promoting workplace inclusivity and gender equality.
• The recognition reflects the growing emphasis on diversity and women’s participation in strategic public sector enterprises.

ECONOMY & BANKING

NLC India Becomes First CPSU with IPMA Certification

• NLC India Limited became the first Central Public Sector Undertaking to receive the IPMA Delta Competence Class 3 certification at the Global Project Professional Forum 2026.
• The certification recognises strong project management systems and operational standards in large infrastructure and energy projects.

TRAI Launches Revamped DND & MySpeed Apps

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India launched upgraded versions of its TRAI DND and TRAI MySpeed mobile applications in New Delhi.
• The revamped apps aim to improve consumer complaint redressal, spam call blocking, and mobile internet speed monitoring.
• The initiative enhances digital transparency, telecom service accountability, and consumer protection in India’s rapidly expanding telecommunications sector.

APEDA Completes 40 Years

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) celebrated its 40th establishment anniversary.
• APEDA plays a key role in promoting India’s agricultural exports, improving quality standards, certification systems, and global market access for Indian food products.
• It supports exporters through infrastructure development, branding initiatives, and export promotion schemes.

C-DOT & Rashtriya Raksha University Sign MoU on Telecom & Cybersecurity

• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) signed an MoU with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar to collaborate on telecom and cybersecurity technologies. The partnership focuses on developing secure communication systems, cyber-defence solutions, and research innovation in next-generation telecom infrastructure.
• The collaboration is significant amid rising cyber threats, data security concerns, and the need for indigenous telecom technology.
• It also aligns with India’s Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by promoting domestic R&D in secure telecom networks.

PERSON IN NEWS

Sarojini Naidu Birth Anniversary: 13 February

• India observed the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a prominent freedom fighter, poet, and political leader known as the “Nightingale of India.”
• She played an important role in the Civil Disobedience Movement and women’s political mobilisation.
• After independence, she became the first woman Governor of Uttar Pradesh. Her legacy continues to inspire women’s participation in governance and literature.

ART & CULTURE

BRICS Sherpas Cultural Event at National Crafts Museum

• The Ministry of External Affairs, along with the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), organised a cultural evening for BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas at the National Crafts Museum.
• The event aimed to showcase India’s handicraft heritage and strengthen diplomatic engagement through cultural diplomacy. Such initiatives support India’s soft-power outreach and reinforce its leadership role in BRICS cooperation frameworks.

ITDC completes 60 Years & The Ashok completes 70 Years

• India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) celebrated 60 years of service along with 70 years of Hotel Ashok, one of India’s premier hospitality landmarks in New Delhi.
• The celebration highlights India’s tourism infrastructure growth and the role of public sector hospitality in promoting international tourism, conference hosting, and cultural diplomacy.
• ITDC has played a major role in hotel management, duty-free shops, travel services, and tourism promotion.
• The Ashok Hotel has hosted numerous diplomatic events, international conferences, and government summits, making it a symbol of India’s hospitality sector. The milestone reflects India’s expanding tourism ecosystem and government efforts to strengthen tourism-led economic growth.

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC)

ENVIRONMENT + SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

BIRAC R&D Innovation Fund Launched

• Science & Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the BIRAC Research, Development and Innovation Fund to support biotechnology research and startup innovation.
• The initiative aims to boost India’s bio-economy, promote healthcare innovation, and strengthen public-private research partnerships. Biotechnology is a strategic growth sector in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, agriculture, and medical research.

DEFENCE NEWS

Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026 Draft Released

• The Ministry of Defence released the draft Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026 to replace the existing 2020 framework.
• The new draft aims to streamline defence procurement, promote indigenous manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and enhance transparency in military acquisitions.
• It emphasizes Make in India in defence, faster procurement timelines, and support for private defence manufacturers and startups. The policy seeks to strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence production and improve operational readiness.

Waterjet Production Facility Inaugurated in Goa

• Director General of the Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani inaugurated a Waterjet Production and Testing Facility in Goa.
• The facility will enhance indigenous marine propulsion manufacturing capability and improve operational readiness of Coast Guard vessels.
• The move supports India’s defence indigenisation goals and maritime security infrastructure strengthening, especially in coastal surveillance and rescue operations.

IAF Conducts Bilateral Exercise with Royal Thai Air Force

• The Indian Air Force conducted a bilateral in-situ exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force in the Indian Ocean Region from February 9-12 to strengthen operational coordination, air combat readiness, and defence cooperation between India and Thailand.

SPORTS

National Skiing Championship at Auli, Uttarakhand

• A four-day National Skiing Championship and Winter Carnival was organised at Auli in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The event promotes winter sports tourism, adventure sports development, and regional economic activity in Himalayan areas. Auli is one of India’s premier ski destinations and is increasingly promoted as an international winter sports hub.

Indian Athletes Win Medals at Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026

• Indian athletes performed strongly in the men’s hammer throw at the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, where Kishorakumar Chandira Mogan won gold and Mohammad Ansar secured bronze in the 30+ category.
• The performance highlights India’s growing participation in masters-level international athletics and veteran sports competitions.

India Finishes Asian Shooting Championships 2026 with 33 Medals

• India completed its Asian Shooting Championships 2026 campaign in New Delhi with a total of 33 medals in senior rifle and pistol events, including 13 gold, 11 silver, and 9 bronze.
• The performance underscores India’s continued strength in shooting sports and its growing international competitiveness.