Current Affairs - February 13, 2026 Current Affairs

World Radio Day 2026 is observed on February 13 each year to recognise the enduring importance of radio as a powerful and accessible medium of communication. The date commemorates the launch of United Nations Radio in 1946, symbolising global cooperation and information sharing after World War II. The 2026 theme, “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice,” highlights the supportive role of technology in broadcasting while preserving human creativity and credibility. The observance also acknowledges the radio’s role in education, disaster communication, cultural preservation, and community engagement worldwide.

Kerala launched the ‘Sthree Suraksha’ Scheme to provide financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to economically backward women and transwomen aged between 35 and 60 years. The initiative aims to promote gender justice and economic independence by supporting those not covered under other social welfare pension programmes. Over 10 lakh verified beneficiaries received the first instalment through direct benefit transfer. The scheme reflects Kerala’s welfare-oriented governance model, emphasising inclusive development, gender budgeting, and women’s empowerment while ensuring transparency through careful verification and timely fund disbursement.

The Sangtam Naga tribal body in Nagaland has imposed a ban on the hunting and trade of pangolins, marking a significant step toward wildlife conservation in Northeast India. Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals globally, targeted for their scales and meat. Despite legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, illegal trade continues in several regions. The community-led decision strengthens local monitoring and supports broader conservation initiatives aimed at countering wildlife trafficking. Such grassroots efforts complement national laws and highlight the vital role of indigenous communities in protecting endangered species.

Exercise Vayushakti-26 is scheduled to be conducted at Pokhran in Rajasthan. The exercise aims to demonstrate the Indian Air Force’s operational reach, dominance over airspace, and its ability to carry out humanitarian assistance missions. It will feature a wide array of assets, including fighter aircraft such as Tejas and Rafale, transport aircraft like C-130J and C-295, helicopters including Apache and Chinook, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The event also highlights the use of indigenous defence systems and reflects India’s commitment to strengthening self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Andhra Pradesh has implemented an AI-powered facial recognition system to digitally record the attendance of Members of the Legislative Assembly. The new system replaces traditional physical registers and ensures that attendance is marked only when MLAs are seated in the House. It also tracks the duration of their presence, promoting greater accountability and transparency. The initiative aims to curb absenteeism and address concerns related to paid absences. By enforcing stricter monitoring and supporting the principle of “no work, no pay,” the reform strengthens legislative discipline and institutional integrity.

The RBI Digital Payments Index for September 2025 stood at 516.76, indicating significant growth in digital payment adoption across India. This increase from the previous value of 493.22 in March 2025 reflects improvements in key parameters such as Payment Performance and Payment Enablers. The index measures the extent of digitisation in the country and includes factors like infrastructure, transaction volume, and consumer centricity. A higher index value signifies deeper penetration of digital payment systems, showcasing India’s steady progress toward a less-cash and more transparent economy supported by robust digital infrastructure.

National Women’s Day in India is observed on February 13 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a prominent freedom fighter, poet, and advocate of women’s rights. Born in 1879, she played a key role in India’s independence movement and became the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress as well as the first woman Governor of the United Provinces. The observance highlights her contributions to literature, social reform, and political leadership while promoting awareness about gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the importance of active participation of women in public life.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party claimed a decisive victory in the 2026 general elections, marking a significant political shift in the country. This development positions Tarique Rahman as the likely next Prime Minister following his return from a long period of exile in London. The party campaigned on restoring democratic governance, institutional stability, and national reconciliation after years of political unrest. The election outcome represents a major comeback for the BNP after being in opposition for an extended period and follows the political upheaval that led to leadership changes in Bangladesh.

Agneevasthraa, a Mumbai-based company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Army to provide advanced carbon fabrics and high-performance composite materials for defence use. These materials are essential for modern military applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and resistance to extreme conditions. They are used in protective gear, armoured systems, aerospace components, and structural defence applications. The collaboration supports indigenous defence manufacturing and aligns with the Make in India initiative, reducing reliance on imports while strengthening India’s technological self-reliance and overall defence preparedness.

The Department of Posts signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to enable the distribution of mutual fund products through India Post’s extensive network. Under this partnership, selected and certified postal employees will be trained and onboarded as mutual fund distributors using NSE’s platform. This initiative aims to expand access to mutual fund investments, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, by leveraging the widespread reach and trusted presence of post offices. The collaboration is a significant step toward promoting financial inclusion and increasing retail participation in capital markets across the country.