Current Affairs – 15 February 2026

1️⃣ Government Launches National Digital Agriculture Mission 2.0

The Government of India has officially launched Digital Agriculture Mission 2.0 to modernize farming practices across the country. The new version focuses on artificial intelligence, satellite mapping, and real-time crop monitoring.

Under this mission:

• Farmers will receive weather alerts directly on mobile phones.

• Soil health data will be digitally recorded.

• Crop insurance claims will be processed faster.

• AI-based pest detection systems will be introduced.

The mission aims to double farmers’ income by improving productivity and reducing crop losses. It will also integrate state agricultural databases into one national platform.

This initiative is important for exams because digital transformation in agriculture is a frequently asked topic in UPSC and State PCS exams.

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2️⃣ India and France Strengthen Defence Partnership

India and France signed a new defence cooperation agreement to enhance joint military exercises and technology sharing.

Key highlights:

• Joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean.

• Collaboration in advanced fighter jet engines.

• Expansion of cyber security cooperation.

• Agreement on space-based defence surveillance.

This agreement strengthens India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Defence partnerships are crucial topics in international relations for competitive exams.

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3️⃣ RBI Announces New Guidelines for Digital Lending Platforms

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released new regulations to protect borrowers from unfair practices by digital loan apps.

Important provisions include:

• Mandatory disclosure of interest rates.

• No automatic access to customer contact lists.

• Strict data privacy norms.

• Transparent grievance redressal system.

The RBI has taken this step to stop rising cases of harassment and fraud linked to digital lending apps. Financial awareness and regulatory reforms are important for banking and SSC exams.

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4️⃣ ISRO Successfully Tests Reusable Launch Vehicle

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a successful landing experiment of its reusable launch vehicle (RLV).

Why this is important:

• Reduces satellite launch costs.

• Makes India competitive in the global space market.

• Supports private sector participation in space technology.

Reusable rockets can significantly lower space mission expenses. This achievement marks a major step toward India’s goal of becoming a global space power.

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5️⃣ India’s Inflation Rate Falls to 4.8%

The Ministry of Statistics released new data showing that India’s retail inflation dropped to 4.8% in January 2026.

Reasons for decline:

• Decrease in vegetable prices.

• Stable fuel prices.

• Improved supply chain management.

Lower inflation helps common people as it reduces the cost of living. It also allows the RBI to maintain stable interest rates. Inflation data is important for banking and economic awareness sections.

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6️⃣ Supreme Court Issues Guidelines on AI Regulation

The Supreme Court of India asked the central government to frame guidelines for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence.

Key concerns:

• Data privacy

• Deepfake technology

• Algorithm bias

• Online misinformation

The court emphasized the need to balance innovation with citizen rights. AI governance is an emerging topic and can be asked in essays and interviews.

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7️⃣ National Education Policy Implementation Review Meeting Held

The Ministry of Education held a high-level meeting to review the progress of the National Education Policy (NEP) implementation.

Major focus areas:

• Multilingual education

• Skill-based curriculum

• Digital classrooms

• Teacher training programs

The government reported that over 60% of universities have started reforms based on NEP guidelines. Education reforms are important for UPSC GS Paper 2.

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8️⃣ India Wins 12 Medals at Asian Athletics Championship

India delivered a strong performance at the Asian Athletics Championship by winning 12 medals including 4 gold medals.

Highlights:

• Gold in javelin throw

• Gold in 400m relay

• Silver in long jump

• Bronze in high jump

The performance reflects growing investment in sports infrastructure under the Khelo India program.

Sports achievements are commonly asked in general awareness sections.

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9️⃣ Global Climate Summit 2026 Begins in Brazil

The Global Climate Summit 2026 started in Brazil with participation from over 100 countries.

Main agenda:

• Reducing carbon emissions

• Climate financing for developing countries

• Renewable energy targets

• Forest conservation agreements

India reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Climate change is a highly important topic for UPSC and State PCS exams.

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🔟 Government Approves Expansion of Vande Bharat Trains

The Indian Railways approved the launch of 25 new Vande Bharat Express trains to improve high-speed rail connectivity.

Benefits:

• Faster travel time

• Energy-efficient trains

• Better passenger facilities

• Boost to domestic manufacturing

Railway modernization is part of India’s infrastructure growth plan.

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1️⃣1️⃣ Digital India Program Crosses 10-Year Milestone

The Digital India initiative completed 10 years of implementation.

Achievements include:

• Expansion of UPI payments

• Growth in digital banking

• Increased internet connectivity in rural areas

• E-governance services expansion

India is now among the top countries in digital transactions globally.

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1️⃣2️⃣ Startup India Funding Support Increased

The government increased financial support under the Startup India initiative.

Key updates:

• Increased seed funding limits

• Special incentives for women entrepreneurs

• Simplified tax compliance process

• Focus on AI and green startups

Startup-related questions often appear in economic sections of exams.

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