Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 11th February 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 11th February 2026

1. Om Birla Steps Aside: N. K. Premachandran Takes the Chair

On moral grounds, Speaker Om Birla has stepped aside, leading to N. K. Premachandran of the RSP taking over the chair. This decision comes after 118 MPs submitted a No-Confidence Motion notice to the Secretary-General. The motion will be discussed on March 9 under Rule 94C, and it will require an effective majority to decide the outcome. This political shift marks a significant moment in the ongoing legislative proceedings.

2. Macron’s Visit to India: Strengthening Ties and Promoting Innovation

President Emmanuel Macron of France is set to visit India on February 17, 2026, as part of the AI Summit in Delhi. During his visit, he will also launch the Year of Innovation in Mumbai, advancing the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, which aims to foster long-term collaboration between India and France. This visit highlights the growing strategic ties between the two nations, especially in areas of technology and innovation.

3. India Strengthens Social Security Ties with the UK & China

In a significant move, India has signed a Social Security Agreement with the United Kingdom, ensuring that Indian workers on short-term assignments in the UK will no longer have to pay double contributions to the social security systems of both nations. This agreement covers employees on assignments lasting up to 36 months and reflects India’s commitment to simplifying labor mobility and strengthening international relations.

4. Vande Mataram to Precede National Anthem in Schools & Govt Events

In a cultural and patriotic move, India has made it mandatory for the 6-stanza version of Vande Mataram (lasting 3 minutes and 10 seconds) to be played before the National Anthem at schools and government events. While it will be compulsory in official settings, it will not be required in cinema halls. This decision aims to honor the nation’s cultural heritage and instill a sense of patriotism among citizens.

5. Bastar’s Cultural Shift: From Maoism to Development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Bastar Pandum festival in Chhattisgarh, emphasizing its role in showcasing the region’s vibrant tribal heritage. The festival symbolizes a larger cultural shift in Bastar, from Maoist insurgency to a focus on development and peace. This transition marks a positive transformation in one of India’s most historically volatile regions.

6. India Recognized at BIOFACH 2026 as Country of the Year

India has been honored as the Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic food held annually in Nuremberg, Germany. This recognition highlights India’s growing role in the global organic food market and its efforts towards sustainable agriculture and food security.

7. White Revolution 2.0: Transforming India’s Dairy Sector

The Ministry of Cooperation has launched White Revolution 2.0, a major initiative aimed at transforming India’s dairy sector. This cooperative-led movement targets increasing milk procurement by 50% over the next five years, with an ambitious goal of reaching 1,007 lakh kg per day by 2028-29. This initiative aims to enhance the livelihoods of millions of dairy farmers and improve India’s milk production capacity.

8. ISRO Chooses Landing Site for Chandrayaan-4: Mons Mouton

In a major milestone for India’s space program, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has selected Mons Mouton as the landing site for Chandrayaan-4, India’s first mission aimed at bringing back Moon rocks. This mission promises to be a significant step forward in lunar exploration and India’s growing prowess in space technology.

9. New Dragonfly Species Discovered in Kerala: Lyriothemis Keralensis

Researchers have confirmed the discovery of a new species of dragonfly, Lyriothemis keralensis, found in the coastal regions of Kerala. This discovery adds to India’s rich biodiversity and highlights the importance of conservation efforts in preserving the country’s unique flora and fauna.

10. India Rises in Transparency Rankings: CPI 2025

India has made notable progress in the global fight against corruption, climbing five places to rank 91st out of 182 nations in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025. The CPI, released annually by Transparency International, uses a scale from 0 (Highly Corrupt) to 100 (Very Clean) to measure public sector integrity. This improvement reflects India’s ongoing commitment to enhancing transparency and governance.

11. India’s Youngest Analog Astronaut: Aditya Pandya

India’s 17-year-old Aditya Pandya has become the country’s youngest analog astronaut after completing a 9-day lunar simulation in Dholavira, Gujarat. This achievement marks a significant step in India’s space exploration journey and highlights the growing interest in space-related careers among the country’s youth.