Current Affairs - February 12, 2026 Current Affairs

Phase 2 of the 72-hour ‘Operation Prahar’ was launched by the police force of Punjab to strengthen action against gangsters and wanted criminals across the state. The first phase resulted in more than 3,000 arrests and the seizure of 69 weapons, indicating a strong crackdown on organised crime. Senior headquarters officers were deputed to supervise operations statewide, ensuring strict monitoring and coordination. The Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, also encouraged citizens to provide information through the Anti-Gangster Helpline to support ongoing enforcement efforts.

Mumbai has introduced India’s first-ever musical road on its Coastal Road project, creating a unique blend of infrastructure and innovation. The special stretch, located on the northbound carriageway between Nariman Point and Worli, plays the tune of “Jai Ho” when vehicles travel at a steady speed of 70–80 km/h. Precisely cut grooves on the road surface generate vibrations that produce musical notes over a 500-metre stretch. Commissioned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the initiative also incorporates safety measures such as advanced warning signboards to ensure smooth traffic flow and a safe driving experience.

Global Research and Development expenditure reached $2.87 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 3% year-on-year increase and nearly tripling since 2000. Asia accounts for 45% of the total global share, highlighting the region’s growing innovation capacity. China leads global R&D spending with $785.9 billion, slightly ahead of the United States at $781.8 billion. India holds the 7th position with an expenditure of $75.7 billion. Although India’s R&D spending has grown more than threefold since 2000, it remains about one-tenth of China’s total outlay, indicating scope for further expansion.

February 12 marks the 68th Foundation Day of the National Productivity Council (NPC) in 2026. The celebration also coincides with the beginning of National Productivity Week, observed from February 12 to 18 across India. The 2026 theme, “Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximising Productivity in MSMEs,” focuses on strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through cluster-based development. Established in 1958, NPC functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It promotes productivity enhancement through consultancy, training, research, and international cooperation, including engagement with the Asian Productivity Organisation.

Aditya Pandya has achieved the distinction of becoming India’s youngest male analog astronaut at the age of 17. He completed an eight-day lunar habitat simulation conducted in Dholavira, Kutch, where a four-member crew lived in a container-based habitat designed to replicate Moon-like conditions. The mission focused on simulating isolation and autonomous operations similar to real space missions. Advanced technologies such as digital twin systems, IoT sensors, biometric tracking, and real-time telemetry were employed to monitor habitat conditions and crew health, demonstrating innovation in space research and training methodologies.

The SBI report highlights a significant boost to India’s agricultural exports to the United States, with 75% of export items now receiving zero-tariff access. This improved tariff framework enhances price competitiveness and expands market opportunities for Indian exporters. Agricultural products worth over $1 billion are assured zero reciprocal tariff benefits, strengthening India’s existing $1.3 billion trade surplus in agri-trade with the US. Key beneficiary sectors include rice, fisheries, tea, coffee, and spices. The move is expected to increase export volumes, improve price realisation, and support farmers and rural income growth through better global market integration.

India’s doctor-population ratio has improved significantly, reaching 1:811, which is better than the World Health Organisation’s prescribed norm of 1:1000. This improvement is based on the Health Dynamics 2022–23 report that considers 13.88 lakh allopathic and 7.51 lakh AYUSH doctors, assuming 80% of them are actively available for service. The strengthened healthcare workforce indicates progress in medical infrastructure and human resource planning. Additionally, government support through initiatives like the National Health Mission has contributed to addressing gaps in healthcare personnel across states, enhancing overall public health service delivery.

India has assumed the chair of the Kimberley Process for 2026, marking an important role in the global regulation of the diamond trade. The Kimberley Process is a tripartite initiative involving governments, the diamond industry, and civil society to prevent the circulation of conflict diamonds. It functions through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), which is a voluntary and consensus-based arrangement rather than a legally binding treaty. Compliance is ensured through domestic laws of participating countries, reflecting a cooperative international framework aimed at maintaining transparency and ethical practices in the diamond industry.

The Indian Air Force carried out its first international air exercise of 2026 with Thailand, specifically with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The joint drills were conducted near the strategically significant Strait of Malacca, a key maritime chokepoint handling nearly one-quarter of global seaborne trade and a substantial share of global energy shipments. The exercise featured IAF’s Su-30MKI fighters alongside Thailand’s Gripen aircraft and focused on advanced aerial combat, mid-air refuelling, surveillance integration, and maritime domain awareness. The engagement strengthens Indo-Thai defence cooperation and enhances India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Madhya Pradesh has selected the Balaghat district selected as the pilot district for implementing the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the cooperative sector. A 500 MT godown was inaugurated in February 2024 under this initiative. The plan is implemented through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and cooperative societies by converging schemes such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI), Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), and PMFME. Reforms include reducing the beneficiary margin from 20% to 10%, revising construction costs, and enhancing scientific storage capacity to reduce post-harvest losses and support farmers.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a protocol regarding the proper rendition of Vande Mataram during official events. It directed that when performed along with Jana Gana Mana, all six stanzas of Vande Mataram must be sung first. The official version has a prescribed duration of 3 minutes and 10 seconds and is mandated at key government functions. During its rendition, the audience is required to stand in attention as a mark of respect, except in specific contexts such as film screenings. Educational institutions are also encouraged to begin the day with community singing.