Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 14th February 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 14th February 2026

WHO Prequalifies Novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV2)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified a new novel Oral Polio Vaccine type-2 (nOPV2), a significant advancement in global polio eradication efforts. The vaccine has been engineered for enhanced genetic stability, thereby reducing the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus mutations.

This development is expected to benefit nearly 370 million children under the age of five and enables United Nations agencies to procure and distribute the vaccine more widely. The innovation strengthens global immunisation programmes and represents a major step toward the goal of complete polio eradication.

India Tops Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026

India emerged as the overall leader at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026, securing an impressive total of 94 medals, including 51 gold, 23 silver, and 20 bronze medals. The championship was hosted at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.

The strong performance highlights India’s growing dominance in international shooting sports and reinforces the country’s preparedness for upcoming global competitions, including the Olympic cycle.

Inauguration of ‘Seva Teerth’ and Launch of Major Schemes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Prime Minister’s Office complex, named “Seva Teerth,” and released a commemorative ₹100 coin bearing the Lion Capital and the motto “Nagrik Devo Bhava.”

On the occasion, four major initiatives were approved:

  • Launch of the PM RAHAT Scheme
  • Expansion of the Lakhpati Didi target to 6 crore beneficiaries
  • Enhancement of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to ₹2 lakh crore
  • Introduction of Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0

These measures aim to strengthen rural livelihoods, agricultural infrastructure, and the startup ecosystem in the country.

PM-eBus Sewa Flagged Off in Chandigarh

The Prime Minister flagged off electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa initiative in Chandigarh. The programme, with an outlay of ₹57,613 crore, is being implemented through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The scheme seeks to promote clean urban mobility, reduce vehicular emissions, and modernise city bus services across India’s urban centres.

Indian Army to Host International Military Adventure Challenge Cup-2026

The Indian Army will host the inaugural International Military Adventure Challenge Cup from 18 to 23 February 2026. Seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Bhutan, are expected to participate.

The event is designed to enhance military cooperation, improve physical endurance training, and strengthen defence diplomacy through joint adventure and tactical exercises.

Bangladesh Approves July National Charter 2025

In a significant political development, approximately 70 percent of Bangladeshi voters approved the July National Charter 2025 through a national referendum held alongside the general elections.

Key reforms include:

  • Transition from a unicameral to a bicameral legislature
  • Introduction of a two-term limit for the Prime Minister

The move is widely viewed as an effort to strengthen democratic safeguards and prevent excessive concentration of executive power.

Supreme Court Orders Full Pension Arrears for Veterans

In the landmark case Union of India v. SGT Girish Kumar, the Supreme Court ruled that pension is a protected property right under Article 300A of the Constitution and cannot be treated as a charity.

The Court dismissed around 800 government appeals and directed that eligible ex-servicemen receive full disability pension arrears applicable from January 1, 1996, or January 1, 2006, as relevant. The judgment has significant implications for veterans’ welfare and pension jurisprudence in India.

JNCASR Scientists Discover Novel Heat Transport Mechanism

Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, have reported that the compound Thallium Silver Iodide can transport heat in wave form rather than through particle-based phonon movement.

This finding challenges the conventional Phonon Gas Model and draws upon Pauling’s Third Rule. The breakthrough could influence future research in thermal materials, electronics cooling, and quantum material science.

India Becomes Third Country with Waterjet Facility

The Indian Coast Guard inaugurated a Waterjet facility in Goa, making India the third country in the world—after the United States and South Korea—to possess this advanced maritime technology.

The development is expected to enhance indigenous shipbuilding capability and strengthen coastal security operations.

Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 Concludes

The Ministry of Education successfully concluded the two-day Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 in New Delhi. The summit focused on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in school education.

Discussions centred on AI-enabled classrooms, teacher capacity building, and future-ready learning ecosystems, indicating the government’s increasing emphasis on technology-driven education reforms.

 Conclusion

The developments of 14 February 2026 reflect India’s growing influence across public health, defence cooperation, scientific research, green mobility, and educational innovation. From breakthroughs in vaccine technology and thermal science to expanded international military engagement and AI-driven education initiatives, these events collectively highlight the country’s forward-looking policy direction and global engagement.