Current Affairs - February 17, 2026 Current Affairs

The latest survey conducted by the Department of Financial Services highlights that 57% of respondents prefer UPI as their primary payment method, making it the most favoured transaction mode in India. This surpasses cash, which stands at 38%. The widespread adoption is driven by instant fund transfers, ease of use, and attractive cashback incentives. A significant portion of users, particularly those aged 18–25, perform multiple digital transactions daily. Additionally, 94% of small merchants now accept UPI, reflecting its deep penetration and the success of government-backed digital payment initiatives.

Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script in New Delhi, marking 100 years since its creation in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu. The event, organised by the Ministry of Culture, celebrated the script’s role in preserving the Santhali language and strengthening Santal cultural identity. A commemorative coin and postage stamp were also released to honour this milestone. The Ol Chiki script has been instrumental in standardising the written form of Santhali and promoting linguistic pride among the Santal community in India and abroad.

The ₹30.01 crore Electronic Warfare project awarded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation to Unistring Tech Solutions will be executed in Hyderabad. The project focuses on developing an advanced EW system with RF signal sensing and processing capabilities tailored to the operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces. Carried out in technical coordination with DRDO laboratories, the initiative supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing and enhancing the country’s electronic warfare preparedness and strategic capabilities.

World Human Spirit Day is observed annually on February 17. Established in 2003 by philosopher Michael Levy, the day promotes self-reflection, mindfulness, and a deeper spiritual connection. It emphasises the importance of nurturing inner peace, building resilience, and recognising the human spirit’s strength in overcoming adversity. Individuals are encouraged to participate in activities such as meditation, retreats, and mindful practices to reduce stress and enhance emotional well-being. The observance serves as a reminder to focus on personal growth and spiritual awakening in today’s fast-paced world.

Smriti Mandhana was honoured with the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025 award in recognition of her exceptional performance during India’s Women’s World Cup triumph. At 29, she delivered a historic season, setting remarkable records including the fastest 50-over international century by an Indian and ranking among the top run-scorers in women’s cricket. The award ceremony took place in New Delhi, celebrating excellence across various sports disciplines. Her achievement highlights the rapid growth of women’s cricket in India and underscores her role as an inspiration for aspiring young athletes across the country.

The MILAN Village was inaugurated at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam during Exercise MILAN 2026, a flagship multinational naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy. The initiative brings together naval personnel and delegates from more than 70 countries to strengthen maritime cooperation and mutual understanding. The village showcases Indian cultural performances, regional cuisine, and naval-themed exhibits, fostering camaraderie and cultural exchange among participating nations while enhancing collaborative maritime security efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Missile Integration Facility at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru. The facility strengthens indigenous missile system integration and supports faster deployment of advanced air defence systems like Akash. During the event, the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat Systems were flagged off, and the Mountain Fire Control Radar was unveiled. BEL also launched its AI Policy and inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Pune, enhancing India’s self-reliant defence manufacturing capabilities and promoting advanced technologies such as AI-driven threat detection and network-centric warfare systems.

JP Nadda will launch SAHI and BODH at the India AI Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. SAHI (Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India) provides a governance framework for ethical and responsible AI adoption in healthcare. BODH (Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI), developed in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and the National Health Authority, enables privacy-preserving evaluation of AI models using real-world health data under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, strengthening India’s digital health ecosystem.

In the Henley Passport Index 2026, India secured the 75th position, marking a significant improvement from its 85th rank in 2025. This 10-place jump represents one of the country’s strongest performances in recent years. The ranking reflects the number of destinations Indian passport holders can access without a prior visa, including visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa options. Indian citizens now have access to 56 countries, up from 52 the previous year, enhancing global mobility for tourism and business travel while improving India’s standing in international travel freedom.

Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh following a decisive victory in the 13th Parliamentary Elections, where his party secured 209 out of 297 seats. The oath of office was administered by Mohammed Shahabuddin at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad in Dhaka. His appointment marks a significant political shift, ending the interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus and beginning a new chapter focused on economic recovery, institutional stability, and national reconciliation.