Daily Current Affairs 14 February 2026: Best For Competitive Exams
Daily Current Affairs 14 February 2026: Best For Competitive Exams
In Short: Daily Current Affairs
- National Governance: The Union Government has launched the ‘e-Samiksha 2.0‘ portal to enhance real-time monitoring of infrastructure projects across all states.
- International Relations: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have successfully operationalized the first phase of the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system for bilateral trade.
- Science & Tech: ISRO has successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot test of the CE-20 cryogenic engine for the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission.
- Environment: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has designated five new Ramsar sites, bringing India’s total count to 85.
- Exam Relevance: High relevance for UPSC (Mains/Prelims), SSC CGL, Banking (GA), and State PSC examinations due to focus on bilateral treaties, space technology, and environmental conservation.
Polity & Governance
Launch of e-Samiksha 2.0 Portal
Why in News:
The Cabinet Secretariat has upgraded the digital monitoring framework with e-Samiksha 2.0 to ensure the timely completion of high-value infrastructure projects and policy implementations.
Key Points:
- The portal provides a real-time dashboard for the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to track the progress of projects exceeding 1,000 crore INR.
- It integrates AI-driven predictive analysis to identify potential bottlenecks in land acquisition and environmental clearances.
- The system ensures horizontal and vertical communication between various central ministries and state departments.
Static GK Linkage:
- Indian Polity: Structure of the Cabinet Secretariat, role of the Cabinet Secretary (the senior-most civil servant), and the concept of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.’
Exam Relevance:
UPSC | SSC | State PSC
Economy & Finance
India-UAE Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System
Why in News:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of the UAE have completed the first full-scale transaction using the LCS system, bypassing the US Dollar.
Key Points:
- The LCS allows exporters and importers to invoice and pay in Indian Rupees (INR) and UAE Dirhams (AED).
- This mechanism aims to reduce transaction costs, decrease settlement time, and promote the internationalization of the Rupee.
- The move follows the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the two nations.
Static GK Linkage:
- Economy: Concepts of Bilateral Trade, Foreign Exchange Reserves, Nostro and Vostro accounts, and the internationalization of domestic currency.
Exam Relevance:
UPSC | Banking | SSC | State PSC
International Relations
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Supply Chain Agreement
Why in News:
India has officially ratified the IPEF Agreement on Supply Chain Resilience, becoming one of the first major economies in the bloc to implement the cooperative framework.
Key Points:
- The agreement focuses on reducing dependency on single-source suppliers (specifically targeting global supply chain diversification).
- It establishes a ‘Supply Chain Council’ and a ‘Crisis Response Network’ to handle disruptions in essential goods.
- Members include 14 partners including the USA, Japan, Australia, and various ASEAN nations.
Static GK Linkage:
- International Organizations: History and objectives of IPEF, the ‘Quad’ group, and India’s ‘Act East’ policy.
Exam Relevance:
UPSC | State PSC
Science & Technology
Hot Test of CE-20 Cryogenic Engine for Chandrayaan-4
Why in News:
ISRO’s Propulsion Complex (IPRC) has successfully completed the flight acceptance hot test of the CE-20 engine, which will power the LVM3 launch vehicle for the lunar sample return mission.
Key Points:
- Chandrayaan-4 is a follow-up mission aimed at landing on the moon, collecting samples, and returning them to Earth.
- The CE-20 engine operates on the gas generator cycle using liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.
- This test validates the engine’s performance under simulated high-thrust conditions required for the mission’s heavy payload.
Static GK Linkage:
- Science: Cryogenic technology, components of a launch vehicle (Solid, Liquid, and Cryogenic stages), and ISRO’s mission history (Chandrayaan 1, 2, and 3).
Exam Relevance:
UPSC | SSC | Railways | State PSC
Environment & Ecology
Designation of Five New Ramsar Sites in India
Why in News:
India has increased its count of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites) to 85, adding five new sites located in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Key Points:
- The new sites include Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve and Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve.
- These designations help in international funding and conservation efforts for biodiversity hotspots.
- India currently holds the highest number of Ramsar sites in South Asia.
Static GK Linkage:
- Environment: The Ramsar Convention (1971), the concept of ‘Wise Use’ of wetlands, and the Montreux Record.
Exam Relevance:
UPSC | SSC | State PSC | Defence
Defence & Security
Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ 2026
Why in News:
The 7th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has commenced in Rajasthan.
Key Points:
- The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and jungle terrain.
- It aims to enhance interoperability and share best practices in tactical maneuvers and surveillance.
- This reinforces the strategic partnership between India and Japan in the Indo-Pacific region.
Static GK Linkage:
- Defence: Other exercises with Japan (JIMEX, Veer Guardian, SHINYUU Maitri), and the geography of the Thar Desert.
Exam Relevance:
SSC | Defence | Railways | State PSC
Culture & Society
Inclusion of ‘Sattriya’ in Global Heritage Exchange Program
Why in News:
The Ministry of Culture has proposed the inclusion of the Sattriya dance form of Assam in the UNESCO-supported Global Heritage Exchange for 2026-27.
Key Points:
- Sattriya is one of the eight classical dances of India, originated by the great saint Srimanta Sankardev.
- It was traditionally performed by male monks (Bhokots) in monasteries called ‘Sattras.’
- The move aims to provide global visibility to the neo-Vaishnavite movement’s cultural legacy.
Static GK Linkage:
- History/Culture: Srimanta Sankardev, the Bhakti Movement in North-East India, and the list of 8 Classical Dances of India.
Exam Relevance:
UPSC | SSC | State PSC
Awards, Appointments & Obituaries
Appointment of New Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
Why in News:
The President of India has appointed a new Chairperson for the NCSC under Article 338 of the Constitution.
Key Points:
- The NCSC is a constitutional body responsible for safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Castes in India.
- The Chairperson is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
- The commission has the powers of a civil court while investigating matters related to the deprivation of rights.
Static GK Linkage:
- Indian Polity: Article 338 vs Article 338A (NCST) vs Article 338B (NCBC), and the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act.
Exam Relevance:
UPSC | SSC | Banking | State PSC
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