Current Affairs – 17 February 2026

1. India and France Strengthen Defence Cooperation

India and France signed a new defence cooperation agreement to enhance their strategic partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held high-level discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The talks focused on advanced defence technology, joint military exercises, maritime security, and collaboration in aerospace systems. France has already been one of India’s key defence partners, especially in the supply of fighter jets and naval equipment.

The new agreement is expected to promote joint research, technology transfer, and co-production of defence equipment. This move strengthens India’s position in the Indo-Pacific region and enhances strategic balance.

Exam Focus Points:

• Indo-Pacific strategy

• Strategic partnerships

• Defence technology cooperation

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2. Reserve Bank of India Issues New Digital Payment Security Guidelines

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released new guidelines to improve digital payment safety and reduce online fraud.

India has seen rapid growth in digital transactions, especially through UPI platforms. With increased usage, cyber fraud cases have also risen. To address this, RBI introduced:

• Stronger two-factor authentication for large transactions

• Faster customer complaint resolution systems

• Advanced cybersecurity monitoring for banks

• Mandatory fraud reporting timelines

These measures aim to build public trust in digital banking and promote a secure cashless economy.

Exam Focus Points:

• Financial security reforms

• Digital economy growth

• Role of RBI in regulating banks

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3. ISRO Successfully Tests Reusable Launch Vehicle

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a major test of its reusable launch vehicle (RLV). The test took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Reusable rockets are important because they can be used multiple times, reducing the cost of space missions. This development is seen as a big step toward making India’s space missions more affordable and globally competitive.

ISRO is working toward advanced launch systems that will support satellite launches, space research, and possibly future human space missions.

Exam Focus Points:

• Cost reduction in space missions

• Reusable rocket technology

• India’s growing role in global space industry

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4. India Performs Strongly at Asian Athletics Championship

India delivered an impressive performance at the Asian Athletics Championship, winning multiple gold and silver medals.

Indian athletes showed remarkable performance in sprint, long jump, and javelin throw events. This reflects the improvement in sports infrastructure, coaching standards, and athlete training programs in the country.

Government initiatives such as sports development schemes have played a major role in improving India’s international performance.

Exam Focus Points:

• International sports achievements

• Government sports schemes

• Olympic preparation strategies

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5. United Nations Releases Climate Warning Report

The United Nations released a climate report warning that global temperatures are increasing faster than earlier estimates.

The report highlights:

• Rising sea levels

• Severe floods and droughts

• Increasing heatwaves

• Rapid melting of glaciers

The UN urged countries to accelerate renewable energy adoption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change remains one of the biggest global challenges affecting agriculture, food security, and coastal populations.

Exam Focus Points:

• Climate change impacts

• Global environmental governance

• Renewable energy transition

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6. Government Launches New Startup Promotion Scheme

The Government of India introduced a new startup support scheme under the Startup India initiative. The scheme aims to support young entrepreneurs with easier loans, tax benefits, and mentorship opportunities.

Key focus areas include:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Green and renewable technologies

• Rural innovation

• Digital services

The government aims to encourage innovation, create employment, and strengthen India’s startup ecosystem.

Exam Focus Points:

• Startup India mission

• Entrepreneurship development

• Economic growth and job creation

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7. India’s GDP Growth Forecast Revised Upward

Economic analysts revised India’s GDP growth forecast upward due to strong performance in manufacturing, services, and exports.

Factors contributing to growth include:

• Infrastructure investment

• Rising domestic consumption

• Expansion of digital economy

• Strong export demand

A higher GDP growth rate improves investor confidence and strengthens India’s global economic standing.

Exam Focus Points:

• GDP indicators

• Role of manufacturing sector

• Economic policy reforms

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8. Progress in National Education Policy Implementation

The government provided updates on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). More schools and universities are adopting digital classrooms and skill-based learning methods.

The focus is on:

• Vocational training programs

• Digital literacy

• Multilingual education

• Research and innovation

The policy aims to make Indian education more practical, flexible, and globally competitive.

Exam Focus Points:

• Education reforms

• Skill development

• Digital learning expansion

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Important Summary for Exams

✔ India–France defence agreement
✔ RBI digital security reforms
✔ ISRO reusable launch vehicle test
✔ Asian Athletics Championship achievements
✔ UN climate warning
✔ Startup promotion scheme
✔ GDP growth revision
✔ NEP implementation progress