Contents
16th February 2026 Daily Current Affairs
🗞️ National News – India
🇮🇳 Union Cabinet Decisions
₹10,000 crore Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 approved to boost startups, deep tech & innovation with long-term capital from Alternate Investment Funds.
₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) cleared with majority market-linked financing to support urban development.
North & South Blocks to be converted into part of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum symbolizing India’s civilisational legacy.
🚆 Infrastructure & Strategic Projects
India is constructing a 35.76 km underground railway line through the Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck) for stronger connectivity and defence logistics.
Emergency Landing Facility and the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu inaugurated in Assam — boosting connectivity and strategic preparedness in the Northeast.
📱 Tech & Education
YUVA AI for ALL Initiative: free AI literacy programme launched under IndiaAI Mission to empower youth with foundational AI skills.
🛡️ Security
Assam Rifles and DRI conducted a major anti-drug operation in Tripura, seizing approx 450,000 Yaba tablets and arresting a suspect.
🌍 International News
⚔️ Russia-Ukraine War
Ongoing Russian attacks across Ukraine with casualties reported in Dnipropetrovsk region amid continued conflict.
🌐 International Summit
India AI Impact Summit 2026 started in New Delhi, with global leaders discussing responsible and inclusive AI governance.
📈 Economy & Business
📊 Inflation Update
India’s WPI inflation climbed to a 10-month high of 1.81% in January 2026, reflecting rising producer prices across food and manufacturing sectors.
📜 Passport & Mobility
Indian passport moved up 10 ranks in the 2026 Henley Passport Index despite a slight drop in visa-free destinations.
🧪 Science & Technology
🌱 Bio-Economy Push
India is promoting bio-based chemicals & enzymes to strengthen its bioeconomy, linking sustainability with industrial growth.
🏅 Sports & Global Events
🇧🇷 Historic Winter Olympics Medal
Brazil wins its first ever Winter Olympic medal, with Lucas Pinheiro Braathen clinching gold in giant slalom at Milano-Cortina 2026.
♟️ Chess
Magnus Carlsen crowned 2026 FIDE Freestyle World Champion (Chess960 format).
📚 Exam & UPSC-Focused News
Major UPSC current affairs topics of the day include:
Indian Scientific Service launch, Orange Economy, CBDC-based PDS, PM RAHAT scheme, and Brahmaputra tunnel explanation.
