Current Affairs – 18 February 2026

1. India Launches New Digital Agriculture Mission 2026

The Government of India has launched a new Digital Agriculture Mission 2026 to support farmers through modern technology. The aim of this mission is to increase crop productivity and provide real-time information to farmers.

Under this mission:

• Farmers will receive weather updates on mobile apps.

• Soil health data will be available digitally.

• Satellite images will help monitor crop conditions.

• AI tools will guide farmers on fertilizers and irrigation.

The government said that this mission will help small and marginal farmers the most. It will reduce farming costs and increase profits. Experts believe this is a big step towards smart farming in India.

This scheme also focuses on creating a national database of farmers, which will help in direct benefit transfers and crop insurance claims.

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2. Reserve Bank of India Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged

The Reserve Bank of India announced that it has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged in its latest monetary policy meeting.

The repo rate is the rate at which banks borrow money from the RBI. When the repo rate increases, loan interest rates increase. When it decreases, loans become cheaper.

The RBI decided to maintain the rate due to:

• Stable inflation levels

• Global economic uncertainty

• Need to balance growth and price stability

The RBI Governor said that inflation is under control but global risks remain. Therefore, the central bank is taking a cautious approach.

This decision is important for:

• Home loan borrowers

• Business investors

• Banking sector

• Stock markets

Experts say this move will provide stability to the economy.

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3. ISRO Successfully Tests New Reusable Launch Vehicle

The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully tested its new Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology.

This vehicle is designed to reduce the cost of launching satellites. Currently, rockets are used only once. But reusable rockets can be used multiple times.

Key Highlights:

• The test was conducted at a space center in Karnataka.

• The vehicle successfully landed after the experiment.

• It used advanced navigation and autonomous landing technology.

This is a major achievement for India’s space program. It will make satellite launches cheaper and more competitive globally.

India is becoming a strong player in the global space industry, competing with countries like the USA and China.

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4. India Wins 5 Gold Medals at Asian Athletics Championship

India performed exceptionally well at the Asian Athletics Championship 2026. Indian athletes won:

• 5 Gold Medals

• 3 Silver Medals

• 4 Bronze Medals

The championship was held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Indian players showed excellent performance in:

• Javelin throw

• 400m race

• Long jump

• Shot put

Sports experts say that India’s performance is improving year by year due to better training facilities and government support under the Khelo India program.

This victory has boosted confidence ahead of upcoming international events.

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5. Government Announces New Skill Development Program for Youth

The Ministry of Skill Development announced a new program to provide advanced technical training to youth.

The program will focus on:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Cybersecurity

• Electric Vehicle Technology

• Renewable Energy

• Drone Technology

The aim is to make Indian youth job-ready and increase employment opportunities. Training centers will be set up in rural and semi-urban areas.

This initiative is expected to benefit lakhs of students across India.

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6. Supreme Court Issues Important Judgment on Environmental Protection

The Supreme Court of India delivered a major judgment related to environmental protection.

The court ordered strict action against industries that violate pollution control rules. It directed state governments to:

• Monitor pollution levels regularly

• Submit environmental compliance reports

• Take immediate action against illegal mining

The court said that development should not harm the environment.

This judgment is important because pollution and climate change are serious concerns in India.

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7. India’s GDP Growth Forecast Revised to 7.2%

India’s GDP growth forecast for the financial year 2026 has been revised to 7.2%.

Reasons for growth:

• Strong domestic demand

• Infrastructure development

• Growth in manufacturing sector

• Increase in exports

Economists believe that India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world.

However, global challenges like oil prices and geopolitical tensions may impact future growth.

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8. New Expressway Inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh

The Prime Minister inaugurated a new expressway in Uttar Pradesh.

Key benefits:

• Reduced travel time between major cities

• Boost to tourism

• Improved transport facilities

• Economic development in nearby areas

The expressway is part of India’s infrastructure development plan. Better roads help in trade, business, and job creation.

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9. India Signs Defence Cooperation Agreement with France

India signed a new defence cooperation agreement with France.

The agreement includes:

• Joint military exercises

• Defence technology sharing

• Advanced fighter aircraft discussions

• Naval cooperation

This strengthens India’s international partnerships and boosts national security.

India continues to expand its strategic relationships with major global powers.

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10. International News: United Nations Climate Meeting Begins

A major climate meeting began under the United Nations.

World leaders gathered to discuss:

• Carbon emission reduction

• Renewable energy targets

• Climate financing

• Green technology

Developing countries demanded more financial support to fight climate change.

Climate change remains one of the biggest global challenges.

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📌 Important Points for Exams

✔ RBI kept repo rate unchanged
✔ ISRO tested reusable launch vehicle
✔ India won 5 gold medals in Asian Athletics
✔ Supreme Court gave environmental protection ruling
✔ GDP growth forecast at 7.2%
✔ New Digital Agriculture Mission launched
✔ Defence agreement signed with France
✔ UN climate meeting started