UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 February 2026

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 February 2026 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents

GS Paper 2:

• Safeguarding Women at Work GS Paper 3:

Safeguarding Women at Work

GS Paper 3:

• From Strategic Autonomy to Viksit Bharat: Reframing India’s Foreign Policy

From Strategic Autonomy to Viksit Bharat: Reframing India’s Foreign Policy

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Technology Services – Reimagination Ahead Roadmap

Technology Services – Reimagination Ahead Roadmap

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Consumer Price Index (CPI) Base 2024=100

Consumer Price Index (CPI) Base 2024=100

• Privilege Notice

Privilege Notice

• Tangkhul Hui and Kombai to be added to Assam Rifles dog squad

Tangkhul Hui and Kombai to be added to Assam Rifles dog squad

• Dal Lake

Dal Lake

• Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati

Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati

• Dornier 228 Aircraft

Dornier 228 Aircraft

Mapping:

• Bangladesh

Bangladesh

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 February 2026

GS Paper 2 :

Safeguarding Women at Work

Source: PIB

Subject: Vulnerable Section -Women

Context: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) recently organized a National Conference on Safety of Women at Workplace to strengthen the implementation of the SH Act 2013 and promote the revamped SHe-Box portal as a single-window digital solution for complaint redressal.

About Safeguarding Women at Work:

What it is?

• Safeguarding women at work refers to the legal and institutional framework designed to prevent, prohibit, and redress sexual harassment. It is anchored by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (SH Act).

Key Data & Facts:

• Rising Formal Participation: Net female payroll additions in India reached approximately 4.42 lakh in July 2025, increasing the need for robust formal safety mechanisms.

• Persistent Underreporting: Despite laws, recent studies show nearly two-thirds of harassment incidents in India go formally unreported due to fear of retaliation.

• NCRB Trends: National Crime Records Bureau data indicates an average of over 400 cases of workplace sexual harassment reported annually, though experts suggest this is only the tip of the iceberg.

• Sectoral Vulnerability: Women in the unorganized sector (including domestic workers) remain the most vulnerable, with a significant lack of awareness regarding Local Committees (LCs).

• Legal Compliance Gap: A 2024-25 survey revealed that while many large firms have Internal Committees (ICs), 53% of HR professionals still struggle with the full nuances of POSH Act implementation.

Need for Safeguarding Women at Workplace:

• Constitutional Mandate: Protecting women’s rights under Articles 14, 15, and 21 is a non-negotiable legal obligation.

E.g. The Supreme Court in 2023-24 emphasized in the Aureliano Fernandes case that serious lapses in SH Act enforcement violate constitutional guarantees of dignity.

• Economic Empowerment: A safe environment is critical for achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat, which targets 70% female workforce participation.

E.g. Studies show that safety concerns are a primary reason for the declining LFPR in certain urban pockets of North India.

• Retention of Talent: Harassment leads to high attrition rates among women, draining the economy of skilled professionals.

E.g. In the tech sector (2025), reports indicated women are more likely to exit mid-senior roles if POSH mechanisms are perceived as biased.

• Inclusive Growth: Ensuring safety in the unorganized sector is vital for the millions of domestic and agricultural workers who form the backbone of the economy.

E.g. Recent 2025 government surveys highlighted that domestic workers in Delhi/NCR often lack knowledge of the District Officer’s role in redressal.

• Mental and Physical Well-being: Harassment leads to severe psychological trauma, requiring a trauma-informed institutional response.

E.g. The launch of Project Stree Manoraksha (2025) specifically targets the mental health of violence survivors, including those harassed at work.

Initiatives Taken:

• SHe-Box Portal (2024 Revamp): A centralized, multi-lingual digital platform for filing and tracking complaints across all sectors.

• Mandatory Corporate Disclosure: Amendments to the Company (Account) Rules now require companies to disclose the number of POSH cases in their annual Board Reports.

• National Workplace Safety Pledge: Administered by the MoWCD (2026) to push for a Zero-Tolerance culture within government and private organizations.

• Handbook & Training: Development of comprehensive modules with the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM) available on the iGOT Karmayogi platform.

• Judicial Oversight: Ongoing monitoring by the Supreme Court to ensure State Governments conduct surveys on the constitution of Internal Committees.

Challenges Associated:

• Procedural Awareness Gap: Many employees are unaware of the 3-month limitation period or the existence of the Internal Committee.

E.g. A 2024 report showed only 8% of workers were fully aware of their company’s POSH policy details.

• Fear of Retaliation: Victims often fear blacklisting or losing their livelihood if they report a senior superior.

E.g. In the sports sector (2024-25), high-profile cases highlighted how athletes feared reporting coaches due to career-ending consequences.

• Ineffective Local Committees (LCs): While ICs exist in big firms, LCs in districts for the unorganized sector are often non-functional or underfunded.

E.g. Investigations in 2025 found several districts in Eastern India had not updated their LC member lists for years.

• Digital Divide: While the SHe-Box portal is a leap forward, women in rural unorganized sectors may lack the digital literacy to use it.

E.g. Agricultural laborers in remote regions still rely on oral reporting, which is rarely documented in the SHe-Box repository.

• Gender-Specific Limitations: The Act only allows aggrieved women to file complaints, leaving out male and some transgender victims in specific contexts.

E.g. 2025 legal debates in India have increasingly called for making POSH gender-neutral to protect all employees from harassment.

Way Ahead:

• Universal Training: Mandatory, periodic sensitization workshops for all employees, not just a one-time onboarding video.

• Strengthening LCs: State governments must ensure that Local Committees are well-funded and their contact details are publicized in every panchayat and district office.

• Incentivizing Compliance: Linking government contracts and subsidies to a firm’s verified Safe Workplace rating on the SHe-Box portal.

• Support for the Unorganized Sector: Deploying mobile Safety Vans or awareness camps specifically for domestic and construction workers.

• Strict Penalty Enforcement: Implementing the provision for license cancellation for repeat offenders to signal that safety is a business priority.

Conclusion:

The SH Act 2013 and the SHe-Box portal represent a robust legal and digital shield for women in India’s workforce. However, the transition from compliance on paper to safety in practice requires proactive employer engagement and strict judicial oversight. Ensuring a harassment-free environment is not just a legal mandate but a prerequisite for India’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Q. “Work-life imbalance for women is not a private failure but a systemic one”. Identify the core structural barriers to harmony. Assess how current labour and social protections address them. Suggest reforms to institutionalise support mechanisms. (15 M)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 February 2026 GS Paper 3:

From Strategic Autonomy to Viksit Bharat: Reframing India’s Foreign Policy

Source: TH

Subject: International Relations

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally acknowledged a new world order in Parliament, signaling a transition from the traditional policy of strategic autonomy toward a more proactive, interest-based framework centered on the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

About From Strategic Autonomy to Viksit Bharat: Reframing India’s Foreign Policy

What it is?

• The new foreign policy framework represents a shift from a posture of tactical neutrality and strategic autonomy—which often prioritized non-alignment—to a purpose-driven engagement aimed at India’s long-term transformation into a developed nation.

The Erosion of Multilateralism:

• Dysfunctional Global Institutions: Traditional bodies like the WTO have become paralyzed as major powers bypass consensus-based rules.

E.g. In late 2025, the U.S. continued to reject the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism, forcing India to pursue bilateral mini-trade deals to resolve tariff issues.

• Rise of Transactional Diplomacy: International relations are no longer guided by shared liberal values but by America First or China-centric transactionalism.

E.g. The U.S. exit from the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the WHO in 2025–26 underscores a retreat from global public goods.

• Weaponization of Trade: Tariffs and sanctions are increasingly used as tools of coercion rather than just economic policy.

E.g. The imposition of 50% tariffs by the U.S. on Indian steel and aluminum in 2025 was explicitly linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.

• China’s Institutional Capture: Beijing’s dominance in UN agencies and its vast aid volumes have eroded the intellectual leadership India once held in the Global South.

E.g. China now heads several principal UN agencies, using its influence to skew global standards in digital governance and infrastructure.

The Limits of Strategic Autonomy:

• Cold War Obsolescence: Strategic autonomy was a product of the Cold War; in a world of technological competition, being unaligned can lead to being excluded.

E.g. Pressure to choose between U.S. Patriot and Russian S-400 systems showed that maintaining two steadfast partners is increasingly difficult.

• Economic Vulnerability: Relying on autonomy without domestic industrial strength makes the policy a hollow identity during global supply chain shocks.

E.g. India’s 90% dependence on semiconductor imports from East Asia (2025 data) limits its ability to take an independent stand on Indo-Pacific tech norms.

• The Swing State Label: The U.S. and its allies no longer view India as autonomous but as a swing state that must be incentivized to join their bloc.

E.g. High-level U.S. military strategy in 2025 shifted toward managed competition, viewing India’s neutrality as a variable rather than a constant.

• Fragmented Global South: The interests of developing nations have differentiated, making it harder for India to claim unquestioned leadership in multilateral forums.

E.g. At recent climate summits, African and Pacific island nations have developed distinct agendas, sometimes diverging from India’s position on coal and finance.

The New Strategic Reality for India:

• Asymmetric Power Politics: Relations are returning to a 19th-century style of might is right, where smaller nations are forced into subordinate trade relationships.

E.g. The India-U.S. Interim Trade Agreement (Feb 2026) required India to double imports of industrial products to secure a tariff reduction.

• Technological Dominance as Sovereignty: Future power will be defined by AI, cyber capabilities, and space, not just territorial boundaries.

E.g. The India-Russia agreement (2025) to mutually deploy NavIC and GLONASS ground stations is a move toward a non-Western navigation ecosystem.

• Competitive Manufacturing: To grow, India must compete in a world where the multilateral ladder used by China to rise has been pulled up.

E.g. The China Plus One strategy has seen India double its electronics exports to ₹4 lakh crore in 2025, yet it faces steep competition from Vietnam and Mexico.

• Neighborhood Volatility: India’s immediate surroundings are becoming more complex with the rise of Islamic extremism and Chinese influence in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

E.g. The proposed Bangladesh-Pakistan mutual defense agreement (2025) presents a new 2.5-front security challenge for Indian diplomacy.

Reframing Indian Foreign Policy:

• Bide Time and Build Internally: Adopting a low international profile to focus on the PLI schemes and domestic infrastructure (Viksit Bharat goals).

E.g. The Union Budget 2026-27 focused on Rare Earth Corridors to bypass Chinese processing, building endogenous supply chain security.

• Aggressive Trade Diversification: Moving beyond the U.S. market by finalizing massive FTAs with the European Union (Jan 2026) and the UK.

E.g. The India-EU FTA (2026) created the world’s largest free trade zone, covering 99% of India’s export trade.

• New Tech-Centric Alliances: Prioritizing relations with Russia and middle powers for space, quantum, and cyber technologies.

E.g. The Kazan (2024) and Tianjin (2025) summits focused on linking official digital currencies for cross-border BRICS trade.

• Passive Regional Posture: Treating neighborhood issues as foreign policy challenges rather than security crises to ensure economic focus remains uninterrupted.

E.g. The Viksit Bharat 2047: India-Kuwait Dialogues show a shift toward using investment and energy diplomacy to stabilize regional interests.

Conclusion:

India’s foreign policy is undergoing its most significant transformation since 1991, shifting from a defensive strategic autonomy to an assertive Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. By building endogenous technological strength and diversifying trade through the mother of all deals with the EU, India aims to navigate a fragmenting world as an independent global pole.

Q. “Strategic autonomy in the economy today depends as much on supply-chain integration as on domestic self-reliance”. Discuss. (15 M)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 February 2026 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Technology Services – Reimagination Ahead Roadmap

Context: NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub has released a 10-year roadmap titled Technology Services – Reimagination Ahead to scale India’s B tech services sector to –850B by 2035.

About Technology Services – Reimagination Ahead Roadmap:

What is It?

• The roadmap is a strategic 10-year blueprint prepared by the NITI Frontier Tech Hub, aimed at transforming India’s technology services sector from a labour-arbitrage model to an AI-native, IP-led, and platform-driven ecosystem.

It envisions:

• Scaling the sector from billion to –850 billion by 2035

• Moving from back-office outsourcing to global AI system architecture leadership

• Strengthening India’s position in next-generation digital infrastructure and AI services

The roadmap highlights AI as a structural inflection point, shifting value creation toward outcome-oriented services and proprietary innovation.

Five Priority Growth Levers Identified:

• Agentic AI: Focus on autonomous AI systems capable of decision-making and task execution across industries.

• Software & Products: Transition from service-only exports to IP-driven software products and SaaS platforms.

• Digital Infrastructure: Strengthening cloud, data centres, semiconductor ecosystems, and AI compute capacity.

• Innovation-led Engineering: Scaling high-value R&D, chip design, embedded systems, and deep-tech engineering services.

• India-for-India Solutions: Building AI solutions tailored for domestic needs (governance, healthcare, agriculture), which can later scale globally.

Relevance in UPSC Examination Syllabus:

• GS Paper III – Economy & Science & Technology

• AI-driven economic transformation Digital economy and service sector growth Innovation ecosystem and R&D investment

• AI-driven economic transformation

• Digital economy and service sector growth

• Innovation ecosystem and R&D investment

• GS Paper II – Governance

• Policy think tanks and institutional reforms Regulatory predictability and safe-harbour provisions

• Policy think tanks and institutional reforms

• Regulatory predictability and safe-harbour provisions

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –13 February 2026 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Consumer Price Index (CPI) Base 2024=100

Source: PIB

Subject: Economics

Context: MoSPI has released the first CPI (Base 2024=100) press note on 12 Feb 2026, reporting Jan 2026 retail inflation at 2.75%.

About Consumer Price Index (CPI) Base 2024=100:

What it is?

• Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in retail prices of a fixed basket of goods and services consumed by households, and is India’s headline retail inflation indicator (YoY % change in CPI).

Published by: Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) through NSO (National Statistical Office). Price collection is done by the Field Operations Division (NSO).

Base year:

• New base: 2024 = 100

• Earlier base: 2012 = 100

• Weights source: Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24.

Methods used:

• Jevons index (at item level): For each item, MoSPI compares prices in many markets and takes an average based on percentage change (ratio), so one very high/low price doesn’t distort too much.

• Young / Modified Laspeyres (for bigger groups): After finding price changes for many items, it adds them up using fixed spending weights (how much households typically spend on each item). So, items you spend more on (like food/rent) influence CPI more than items you rarely buy.

• Combined CPI (India total): India’s final CPI is made by mixing Rural CPI and Urban CPI in proportion to their share in total consumption (weights). So if rural consumption weight is higher, rural CPI influences the all-India CPI more (and vice-versa).

Key features of CPI 2024 series:

• New international system (12 categories instead of 6): Earlier, prices were grouped into 6 big categories. Now they are divided into 12 clearer categories, like health, transport, education, communication, etc.

• More items included (358 instead of 299): The price basket now covers more products and services people actually use today, so inflation reflects real life better.

• More focus on services: Earlier, services (like education, transport, OTT, healthcare) were fewer. Now more services are included, because people spend more on services today than before.

• Detailed data every month: Now inflation data is available not just for India overall, but also for each state, and separately for rural and urban areas, every month.

• Modern price collection (using tablets): Earlier, data was written on paper. Now officers use tablets (digital devices) to collect prices.

• Online prices included: Since many people shop online now, prices from online platforms (like OTT subscriptions or flight tickets) are also included.

• Official government data used for some services: For things like rail fares, postal charges, petrol, diesel, LPG, official government price data is used directly to ensure accuracy.

• The new series introduces rural house rent for the first time, significantly improving the coverage of rural housing consumption.

Privilege Notice

Source: News on Air

Subject: Polity

Context: The Union Government has announced that it will move a Privilege Notice against Leader of Opposition for allegedly making baseless and misleading statements during the Budget discussion in the Lok Sabha.

About Privilege Notice:

What it is?

• A Privilege Notice is a formal complaint raised by a Member of Parliament (MP) alleging that a breach of privilege or contempt of the House has occurred.

• Parliamentary privilege refers to certain special rights and immunities enjoyed by Parliament and its members to ensure they can perform their duties without obstruction or intimidation

If these rights are violated, it may amount to a breach of privilege and can be punished by the House.

Articles Associated:

• Article 105 – Powers, privileges and immunities of Parliament and its Members (for Parliament).

• Article 194 – Similar provisions for State Legislatures.

• Article 122 – Courts cannot question the validity of parliamentary proceedings on grounds of procedural irregularity.

Article 105(2) provides immunity to MPs for anything said or any vote given in Parliament.

When Can a Privilege Notice Be Moved?

A Privilege Notice can be moved when:

• A member is obstructed from performing parliamentary duties.

• There is misleading of the House by providing false information.

• There is defamation or attack on the dignity of Parliament or its members.

• There is publication of distorted or expunged proceedings.

• There is contempt of the House, i.e., any act that lowers its authority.

The Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) decides whether the matter should be admitted.

Powers of Parliament to Punish:

Each House has the power to punish for breach of privilege or contempt.

Punishments may include:

• Admonition (warning)

• Imprisonment

• Suspension (for members)

• Expulsion (for members)

These powers are considered essential to protect the authority and dignity of Parliament.

Procedure of a Privilege Notice:

• A member submits a written notice to the Speaker/Chairman.

• The Presiding Officer decides whether it is admissible.

• If admitted, it may be: Taken up in the House directly, or Referred to the Committee of Privileges for investigation.

• Taken up in the House directly, or

• Referred to the Committee of Privileges for investigation.

• The Committee examines evidence and submits a report.

• The House debates and decides the punishment, if any.

Significance:

• Protects the dignity and authority of Parliament.

• Ensures accountability of members for statements made inside the House.

• Maintains discipline and decorum in parliamentary debates.

Tangkhul Hui and Kombai to be added to Assam Rifles dog squad

Source: IT

Subject: Species in News/Security

Context: Assam Rifles is planning to induct two indigenous dog breeds—Tangkhul Hui (Manipur) and Kombai (Tamil Nadu) into its dog squad, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign breeds over the long term.

About Tangkhul Hui and Kombai to be added to Assam Rifles dog squad:

What it is?

Assam Rifles (India’s oldest paramilitary force) runs a dedicated Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC), Jorhat, where trained dogs support operations as:

• Trackers follow human or animal trails across difficult terrain during operations.

• Guard dogs provide security to camps, convoys, and border posts.

• Detection dogs assist in identifying hidden arms, explosives, or narcotics.

About Tangkhul Hui (Haofa) breed:

What it is?

• Tangkhul Hui (Haofa) is an indigenous working dog traditionally raised by the Tangkhul people in Ukhrul district (Manipur), historically used for hunting.

• The Tangkhul Hui breed has already been part of a pilot project since 2022, with six dogs already trained and deployed in narcotics detection.

Key characteristic:

• Highly disease-resistant and known for strong stamina rather than speed.

• Intelligent, alert watchdog traditionally used for hunting, typically black with white markings.

• Exists in two size varieties and has a limited population, making it a rare indigenous breed.

About Kombai breed (Polygar dog):

What it is?

• Kombai is a strong, indigenous working dog from Tamil Nadu (Theni district; named after Kombai town), traditionally kept for guarding and protection and sometimes used for hunting.

• The Kombai breed has not been added yet; the first batch (2 males, 8 females) is scheduled for induction in April 2026. Full integration of both breeds is expected by March 2027.

Key characteristics:

• Strong physical build: Broad, muscular and athletic body suited for demanding guard and working roles.

• Distinct appearance: Short, smooth coat (usually reddish-brown) with a characteristic black mask-like muzzle.

• Loyal and protective nature: Deeply attached to owners and highly defensive when sensing threats.

• Traditional working role: Historically used for guarding property and occasionally for hunting large game.

Dal Lake

Source: TH

Subject: Environment

Context: The Jammu & Kashmir government has shelved the ₹416.72-crore Dal Lake restoration plan and proposed an in-situ conservation strategy allowing dwellers to remain within the lake ecosystem.

About Dal Lake:

What it is?

• Dal Lake is a famous urban freshwater lake and wetland ecosystem, often called the Jewel in the crown of Kashmir. It is central to tourism, fisheries, floating agriculture, and the cultural identity of Kashmir.

Location:

• Located in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

• Surrounded by Mughal gardens such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh.

Origin & Formation:

• Dal Lake is part of the Kashmir Valley lacustrine (lake-formed) system, created by tectonic and glacial processes that shaped the Himalayan basin. It forms part of a larger natural wetland complex.

River Connection:

• Hydrologically connected to the Jhelum River system.

• Receives water from inflowing streams and drainage channels from surrounding catchments and drains into the Jhelum through controlled outflows.

Key Features:

• Covers about 18 sq km, forming part of a larger 21 sq km wetland system.

• Divided into four basins: Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin.

• Known for floating gardens (Raad) used for vegetable cultivation.

• Famous for houseboats and shikaras, supporting tourism and livelihoods.

• Experiences freezing during severe winters.

• Ecologically important but faces pressures from sewage discharge, encroachment, eutrophication, and declining water circulation.

Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati

Source: BS

Subject: History

Context: Prime Minister of India paid tribute to Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati on his 202nd birth anniversary, highlighting his lifelong role in social reform, education and cultural awakening.

About Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati:

Who he was?

• Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati (1824–1883), born Mool Shankar, was a Hindu ascetic, Vedic scholar and social reformer who founded the Arya Samaj (1875) to reform Hindu society and restore what he saw as the original Vedic spirit.

Early life:

• Born on 12 February 1824 at Tankara (Kathiawar region, present-day Gujarat) in a Brahmin family.

• A childhood temple incident (questioning idol worship) and the deaths of close family members deepened his search for truth.

• Left home to avoid an arranged marriage and spent years as a wandering ascetic; later became a disciple of Swami Virajananda, who guided him toward a return to the Vedas mission.

His philosophies:

• Back to the Vedas: Vedas as the primary and most authentic source of dharma/knowledge.

• Rational reform: opposed blind ritualism, superstition, and practices he considered irrational.

• Social equality: challenged caste-by-birth and supported dignity of all individuals; emphasized merit-based social roles.

• Women’s upliftment: supported women’s education, opposed social practices like child marriage, and encouraged reforms in family and society.

• Ethical life & discipline: stressed truth, self-control (brahmacharya), yoga, and moral conduct.

Contribution to socio-religious movement:

• Founded Arya Samaj (1875)—a reform movement promoting Vedic learning, social reform, education, and national-cultural awakening.

• Encouraged debate, public reasoning, and scriptural study accessible beyond narrow priestly control.

• Inspired later reform and nationalist currents through emphasis on self-respect, reform, and indigenous awakening.

Literary works:

• Dayanand wrote 60+ works, including major texts such as:

• Satyarth Prakash (his most influential work). Sanskarvidhi (on sacraments/rites in a reformed framework). Rigvedadi Bhashya Bhumika and partial Vedic commentaries (Rigveda/Yajurveda).

• Satyarth Prakash (his most influential work).

• Sanskarvidhi (on sacraments/rites in a reformed framework).

• Rigvedadi Bhashya Bhumika and partial Vedic commentaries (Rigveda/Yajurveda).

• He also established/linked efforts for publishing and spreading Vedic literature through institutions like Paropakarini Sabha (Ajmer).

Last days:

• In 1883, while in Jodhpur under royal patronage, he fell critically ill after being poisoned (as widely alleged in narratives), and despite treatment efforts he died on 30 October 1883 in Ajmer.

• His final phase is remembered for unwavering commitment to reform despite strong opposition.

Dornier 228 Aircraft

Source: ANI

Subject: Security

Context: The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard.

About Dornier 228 Aircraft:

What is the Dornier 228?

• The Dornier 228 is a twin-engine, turboprop Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) utility aircraft designed for passenger, cargo, and special mission operations. It is widely used for maritime patrol, border surveillance, search and rescue, and transport roles.

Manufactured By:

• Originally developed by Dornier GmbH (Germany) in the early 1980s.

• License-produced and currently manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at its Kanpur facility.

Types / Variants:

• Dornier 228-100 / 200: Early 15- and 19-seater variants.

• Dornier 228 NG (Next Generation): Upgraded version with glass cockpit and five-blade propellers.

• Hindustan-Dornier 228: Civilian and military variants produced by HAL.

• Maritime Patrol Version: Equipped with surveillance radar and mission systems.

• Business / Air Ambulance Variant: Modified for VIP and medical roles.

Key Features:

• Capacity: Up to 19 passengers – Designed as a light commuter aircraft, it can carry 15–19 passengers or equivalent cargo loads efficiently.

• Engine: Twin Garrett TPE331 turboprop engines. Powered by two reliable turboprop engines known for durability, fuel efficiency, and high performance in varied climates.

• Powered by two reliable turboprop engines known for durability, fuel efficiency, and high performance in varied climates.

• STOL Capability: Operates from short and unpaved runways Its special wing design allows take-off and landing on short, rough airstrips, ideal for remote and coastal regions.

• Its special wing design allows take-off and landing on short, rough airstrips, ideal for remote and coastal regions.

• High Endurance: The standard Dornier 228 manufactured by HAL typically has a maximum endurance of approximately 5 to 6 hours.

• Rectangular Fuselage: Large side-loading doors for cargo flexibility. The box-shaped body and wide doors allow easy loading of cargo, stretchers, or mission equipment.

• The box-shaped body and wide doors allow easy loading of cargo, stretchers, or mission equipment.

• Advanced Avionics (NG Variant): Glass cockpit, digital displays, autopilot options. Modern navigation systems improve situational awareness, safety, and enable single-pilot operations.

• Modern navigation systems improve situational awareness, safety, and enable single-pilot operations.

• Maritime Equipment: 360° surveillance radar, infrared sensors, real-time datalink. Equipped with specialized sensors for coastal surveillance, detecting vessels, and transmitting live data to ground stations.

• Equipped with specialized sensors for coastal surveillance, detecting vessels, and transmitting live data to ground stations.

Significance:

• Enhances coastal surveillance, EEZ monitoring, and anti-smuggling operations for the Indian Coast Guard.

• Procurement under the Buy (Indian) category promotes indigenous defence manufacturing.

• Production generates employment and strengthens HAL’s supply chain of ancillary industries.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 February 2026 Mapping:

Bangladesh

Source: NDTV

Subject: Mapping

Context: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman has secured a historic victory in the general elections, ending nearly two decades of political dominance by the Awami League.

About Bangladesh:

What it is?

• Bangladesh is a South Asian country that emerged as an independent nation in 1971 after the Liberation War against Pakistan.

Location: It is located in South Asia, forming part of the historical Bengal region.

Bordering Nations:

• India (West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram) – on three sides

• Myanmar (Burma) – southeast

• Opens to the Bay of Bengal in the south

Key Geographical & Geological Features:

• Deltaic Country: Situated in the vast delta of the Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and Meghna rivers – one of the largest river deltas in the world.

• Low-Lying Terrain: Majority of the land is less than 30 feet above sea level, making it highly flood-prone.

• Sundarbans: World’s largest mangrove forest located in the southwest.

• Chittagong Hill Tracts: Hilly region in the southeast.

• Highly Riverine System: Rivers reshape the landscape frequently, causing both fertile soil deposits and devastating floods.

• One of the most densely populated countries in the world.

About Elections in Bangladesh:

What it is?

• Bangladesh holds parliamentary elections to elect members of its unicameral legislature – the Jatiyo Sangshad (National Parliament).

Structure of Parliament:

• 350 total seats 300 directly elected through first-past-the-post system 50 reserved seats for women (proportionally allocated)

• 300 directly elected through first-past-the-post system

• 50 reserved seats for women (proportionally allocated)

Winner (2026 Election):

• Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman.

• Won approximately 218 seats, securing an absolute majority.

• Jamaat-e-Islami emerged as the second-largest political force with significant gains.

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