Current Affairs Today – Latest Current Affairs - 12 February 2026

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By: Priyanka Deshmukh

Last updated: February 16, 2026

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Current Affairs Today - 12 February 2026

1. Centre discusses banking, credit and digital access under Financial Inclusion 2.0 plan to deepen financial services in India

The Government of India has started preparations for Financial Inclusion 2.0, a new phase of the country’s financial inclusion strategy designed to deepen access to banking, credit, insurance, pension, and digital financial services.
A high-level meeting in New Delhi was chaired by M. Nagaraju, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), to discuss and outline the roadmap for implementing Financial Inclusion 2.0 across the nation.
Discussions on Financial Inclusion 2.0 emphasized the importance of expanding both physical banking infrastructure and digital financial access, particularly in underserved rural and remote areas of the country.
The initiative seeks to bring informal borrowers into the formal credit system, ensuring that individuals and small enterprises can access credit at reasonable terms and fair interest rates.
Financial Inclusion 2.0 also emphasises digital financial services, such as mobile banking, payments, and digital wallets, to drive financial transactions and inclusion.
Promoting financial literacy and awareness is a central component of the plan, helping people understand financial products and avoid fraud, thus increasing the quality of financial inclusion.

2. Indian Air Force to conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran on February 27 to show combat readiness and capabilities

Exercise Vayushakti-26 is a planned demonstration of the Indian Air Force’s combat readiness and operational capabilities, set to take place on 27 February 2026 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
The exercise will feature full-spectrum operations involving fighters, transport aircraft, helicopters, and advanced weapon systems to validate India’s ability to conduct coordinated and precise military action in various scenarios.
A prominent theme of the event is its link to Operation Sindoor, a recent strategic IAF operation, with the exercise reaffirming the Air Force’s role in airspace dominance, precision strikes, and multi-domain warfare.
Exercise Vayushakti-26 will also highlight the Indian Air Force’s humanitarian and disaster relief roles, showcasing its rapid airlift, rescue and evacuation capabilities from conflict or disaster-affected areas.

3. Government to move privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly misleading Parliament during Budget debate

The Government of India has announced its intention to move a privilege notice against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he made misleading and baseless statements in the Lok Sabha during the Union Budget 2026-27 debate, which the ruling side says is a breach of parliamentary procedure.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that serious allegations against another member of Parliament must be preceded by formal notice and supporting evidence, and he criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly not following these procedural rules.
The decision to move the privilege notice came after Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the India–United States interim trade deal and other issues in Parliament, which the government described as unsubstantiated and misleading.
Parliamentary privilege notices are formal mechanisms under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, used to address alleged violations of the privileges of Parliament or its members and can lead to further disciplinary action if upheld.
Parliamentary privileges are provided under Articles 105 and 194 of the Indian Constitution for Parliament and State Legislatures respectively.
A privilege notice can be raised against ministers, MPs, private individuals, media houses, or authorities if their actions obstruct the functioning or dignity of Parliament.
The Speaker or Chairman decides whether the privilege notice is admissible and may refer it to the Committee of Privileges for detailed examination.

4. India and Bahrain discuss strengthening bilateral ties and naval cooperation, including information sharing and joint training

India and Bahrain held high-level discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and naval cooperation, underlining the strategic partnership between the two countries and their shared interest in maritime security.
Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, met HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister of Bahrain, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in defence and security.
The talks focused on deepening cooperation in information sharing, joint training exercises, capacity building initiatives, and planning for future naval warfare challenges, reflecting growing military engagement.
These discussions took place at Riffa Palace in Bahrain, demonstrating the continued diplomatic engagement and mutual interest in expanding ties between India and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
India’s ongoing naval cooperation with Bahrain supports its broader maritime strategy, including the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, which aims to promote regional security and stability through collaboration with friendly nations in the Indian Ocean region.
India’s defence and naval cooperation with Bahrain aligns with SAGAR’s goals of collective maritime security, freedom of navigation, and protection of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
The Persian Gulf is strategically vital for India due to energy security, trade flows, and the large Indian diaspora; Bahrain’s location enhances cooperative security outcomes.
India–Bahrain cooperation includes naval interactions, defence exchanges, training, and information sharing, contributing to regional stability.

5. CBI and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre conclude national conference on tackling cyber frauds and strengthening digital safety

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) jointly concluded a two-day National Conference on Tackling Cyber-Enabled Frauds and Dismantling the Ecosystem in New Delhi to address the growing threat of online frauds.
A principal aim of the conference was to build a shared understanding of the scale, trends, and evolving nature of cyber-enabled fraud so that effective strategies could be developed to dismantle fraud-supporting infrastructure.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the New Cybercrime Branch of the CBI during the event, which will strengthen the agency’s ability to investigate and prosecute complex cybercrime cases.
At the conference, the State Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (S4C) Dashboard was launched, a new tool under I4C designed to enhance real-time monitoring, analysis, and coordination across various cybercrime-response stakeholders.
Government data shared at the conference noted that over ₹8,000 crore of funds lost to cybercrime had been saved or frozen by enforcement agencies, reflecting India’s proactive measures against digital fraud.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India’s premier investigating agency dealing with complex crimes, including economic offences and cyber-related crimes with inter-state or international links.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and serves as the nodal body to deal with cyber crimes in a coordinated manner.

6. Textile industry welcomes India-US interim trade agreement as it will cut export tariffs and boost textile exports

The Indian textile industry has welcomed the India-US Interim Trade Agreement, as it reduces reciprocal tariffs on Indian textile and apparel exports to around 18 per cent, improving export competitiveness in the US market
The United States is the largest export destination for Indian textile products, with exports valued at approximately $10.5 billion, mainly comprising apparel and made-up goods.
The Government stated that the interim trade deal opens up a global textile and apparel market worth about $118 billion, offering opportunities for Indian exporters to expand their overseas reach.
Indian textile and garment company stocks rallied in the market after the interim trade framework was announced, reflecting industry optimism about lower tariffs and improved prospects.
Despite the optimism, concerns have emerged from a U.S.–Bangladesh trade agreement that may offer zero-tariff access to some Bangladeshi textile products, potentially challenging India’s competitive position.
Lower tariffs help Indian exporters compete more effectively with textile-exporting countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China.

7. Assam’s tiger population has tripled since 2006, says Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

The tiger population in the Indian state of Assam has shown a remarkable increase from 70 in 2006 to 227 in 2022, effectively tripling over 16 years due to enhanced conservation efforts.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted that strong political commitment, sustained actions by wildlife authorities, and active community participation were key contributors to this success in tiger conservation.
Protected areas in Assam such as Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Orang National Park, and Nameri National Park have played a crucial role in safeguarding tigers and other endangered species.
Assam has emerged as one of the safest habitats in India not only for tigers but also for a wide range of other wildlife species, including elephants, deer, and various birds.
Community involvement through eco-development committees, awareness programmes, and cooperation with forest departments has been vital in reducing human-wildlife conflict and protecting natural ecosystems in the state.
Assam is home to several important protected areas, including Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Orang National Park, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
These protected areas support Asian elephants, swamp deer, hog deer, sambar, and other herbivores, along with apex predators like tigers.

8. Centre issues guidelines on how and when to sing or play the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ at official events

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has issued the first official protocol for the rendition of the national song Vande Mataram, which formalises how and when it should be performed at government and public functions.
Under the new guidelines, the full six stanzas of Vande Mataram, as originally written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, must be sung or played at all official state events and ceremonies, unlike earlier practice where only the first two stanzas were frequently used.
When both the national song Vande Mataram and the national anthem Jana Gana Mana are to be performed at the same event, the guidelines instruct that Vande Mataram should be rendered first, followed by the national anthem.
The official duration of the national song as per the MHA’s protocol is 3 minutes and 10 seconds, and all attendees present at the performance must stand at attention to show respect, except in specified situations like cinema screenings where standing may not be practical.
The new Vande Mataram guidelines apply to various occasions including the unfurling of the national flag, arrival and departure of the President or Governors at official functions, civilian award ceremonies, and cultural events where the national song is rendered.
Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and was first published in the novel Anandamath (1882).
The song played a major role in India’s freedom movement and inspired nationalistic feelings among Indians.
The first two stanzas of Vande Mataram were adopted as the National Song of India by the Constituent Assembly in 1950.

9. NHRC issues notices to Meghalaya over illegal mine blast deaths and to Haryana police over captivity of five children

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of a deadly blast at an illegal coal mine in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, which reportedly killed 18 workers and left others trapped, and issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Meghalaya for action and explanation.
The NHRC directed the Meghalaya authorities to provide a detailed report within two weeks on the status of the rescue operation, compensation paid to the victims’ families, police investigation, and measures taken to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
In Gurugram, Haryana, the NHRC took suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that five minors were held captive for 18 hours in an under-construction building, where they were reportedly stripped, tortured and sexually assaulted on suspicion of attempted theft.
The rights panel issued a notice to the Commissioner of Police, Gurugram, seeking a detailed report within two weeks on the circumstances, actions taken, and protection of human rights in the case involving the captivity of the five children.
The NHRC functions under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which empowers it to act on suo motu notices, conduct inquiries, and recommend actions where violations of human rights are reported or suspected.
The NHRC was established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It is a statutory body, not a constitutional body.
The NHRC can take suo motu cognisance of cases involving alleged violations of human rights. It has the power to seek reports from state governments, police authorities, and other public officials.

10. Chemical Export Council welcomes India-US interim trade agreement as it will reduce tariffs and boost chemical exports

The Chemicals & Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL) hailed the Interim Trade Agreement between India and the United States, believing that tariff reductions will boost exports and strengthen India’s competitive position in the US market.
CAPEXIL highlighted that India’s export market for products such as perfume bottles in the United States will benefit significantly from the reduction in trade barriers under the Interim Trade Agreement framework.
The Interim Trade Agreement has resulted in the United States agreeing to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports to around 18 percent, restoring market competitiveness for many Indian goods.
Export sectors beyond chemicals, including the electronics industry, have welcomed the agreement, as tariff reductions are expected to increase access and competitiveness for Indian products in the large US market.
The Interim Trade Agreement between India and the United States is widely seen as a step towards strengthening bilateral economic ties, and it is expected to pave the way for a more comprehensive trade pact in the future.
The 18 percent tariff rate under the India-US interim framework is lower than previous steep tariff levels, reflecting improved market access for Indian exporters.