Current Affairs Today: 13 February 2026 – National and International News for Competitive Exams
Staying updated with today's current affairs is crucial for competitive exam aspirants preparing for SSC, UPSC, banking, railway, state PSC, and other government exams. The events of 13 February 2026 include major national governance reforms, international sports developments, economic policy updates, and space technology advancements that frequently appear in general awareness sections.
India – National Current Affairs (13 February 2026)
1. PM Modi Inaugurates Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan Complexes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Seva Teerth, the new Prime Minister's Office (PMO) complex, on 13 February 2026 at 1:30 PM, marking the PMO's relocation from the colonial-era South Block. Seva Teerth houses the PMO, National Security Council Secretariat, and Cabinet Secretariat; Kartavya Bhavan-1 and 2 accommodate 11 key ministries including Finance, Defence, Health, and Education. Built at Rs 1,189 crore by Larsen & Toubro, this consolidation addresses operational inefficiencies and reflects India's shift toward modern, citizen-centric governance. Exam relevance: Central Vista redevelopment, administrative reforms.
2. National Women's Day Observed on 13 February
India celebrates National Women's Day on 13 February to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu (born 13 February 1879), freedom fighter, poet, and Uttar Pradesh's first Governor. Known as the "Nightingale of India," Naidu was a prominent leader in the independence movement and began writing poetry at age 12. Exam relevance: Important national observances, personalities in Indian freedom struggle.
3. Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 Concludes
The Ministry of Education's Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026, focused on artificial intelligence in education and skilling, concluded its final day on 13 February 2026. The conclave emphasized integrating AI technologies into India's education sector to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for future job markets. Exam relevance: Government initiatives on AI, digital education policies.
4. India-US Trade Agreement Framework Advances
Following the Interim Agreement framework announced on 6 February 2026 between the United States and India, both nations are working toward finalizing the broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) launched by President Trump and PM Modi on 13 February 2025. The Interim Agreement includes India eliminating or reducing tariffs on US goods, with expectations of boosting India's exports and manufacturing sector under the 'Viksit Bharat' vision. Exam relevance: India's foreign trade policy, bilateral agreements.
5. Shiromani Akali Dal Launches Punjab Bachao Campaign
The Shiromani Akali Dal announced a statewide mass contact programme titled "Punjab Bachao-Sukhbir Singh Badal Liyao" starting 17 February 2026, with 40 rallies planned from Qadian to Baisakhi on 13 April. The campaign addresses issues including Chandigarh, river waters, federalism, farmers' MSP guarantee, and unemployment ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Exam relevance: State politics, farmers' issues, federalism.
6. Karnataka Announces Akka Cafe Initiative
Karnataka government sanctioned Rs 25 crore to establish 2,500 Akka Cafe coffee kiosks operated by women trained under Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Industries Minister MB Patil announced. One lakh SHG women will receive training in brewing and entrepreneurship to strengthen the coffee value chain and boost women's economic empowerment. Exam relevance: Women empowerment schemes, state government initiatives.
7. Delhi Air Quality Remains 'Poor'
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) near India Gate and Kartavya Path stood at 209 on 13 February 2026, classified as 'poor'. Despite winter fading, Delhi continues to face air pollution challenges requiring ongoing monitoring. Exam relevance: Environmental issues, AQI standards.
8. T20 World Cup Matches in India and Sri Lanka
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka (7 February – 8 March 2026), features matches across eight venues. On 13 February, Australia played Zimbabwe in Kandy, Canada faced UAE at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium (3 PM), and USA played Netherlands in Chennai (7 PM). The tournament includes 20 teams competing for 55 matches. Exam relevance: International sports events hosted by India.
9. Political Developments in Parliament
A BJP lawmaker moved a motion seeking Rahul Gandhi's suspension from Parliament after his criticism of the government's international trade negotiations. Parliamentary proceedings witnessed heated debates over privilege motions and alleged defamation, reflecting ongoing political tensions. Exam relevance: Parliamentary procedures, privilege motions.
10. Super Bowl Coverage Gains Indian Attention
The recently concluded Super Bowl between New England Patriots (QB Drake Maye) and Seattle Seahawks (QB Sam Darnold) drew significant viewership in India, reflecting growing interest in American football among Indian sports enthusiasts. Exam relevance: International sports awareness.
International Current Affairs (13 February 2026)
1. Pakistan Reverses T20 World Cup India Match Boycott
Pakistan's government on 9 February 2026 reversed its boycott decision, directing the cricket team to play against India on 15 February 2026 in Colombo at the T20 World Cup. The reversal followed multilateral discussions involving the ICC, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and requests from friendly countries including Sri Lanka and UAE. The ICC confirmed no penalties would be imposed on Bangladesh for their World Cup withdrawal and granted them hosting rights for an additional ICC tournament in 2028-2031. Exam relevance: India-Pakistan relations, ICC tournaments, sports diplomacy.
2. Bangladesh Parliamentary Elections Underway
The 13th Parliamentary elections began in Bangladesh with voting at polling centers including Gulshan Model School and College in Dhaka. Parties in the fray include the Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by Tarique Rahman, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party, amid heavy security deployment. Exam relevance: Neighboring countries' politics, SAARC developments.
3. Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan Cortina (Day 7)
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 continued on 13 February (Day 7) with key events including men's figure skating free skate featuring US star Ilia Malinin, and Johannes Høsflot Klæbo pursuing his record eighth Winter Olympic gold medal. The Games, running 6-22 February, feature 16 disciplines with over 3,500 athletes from 93 countries. Medal quality issues emerged as several athletes reported medals detaching from ribbons. Exam relevance: International sports events, Olympic Games 2026.
4. US-Iran Nuclear Talks Continue in Oman
Iran's top security official visited Oman on 10 February 2026 following nuclear talks aimed at avoiding major conflict between Tehran and Washington. Iran's atomic energy chief signaled flexibility, stating willingness to dilute 60% enriched uranium if the US lifts sanctions. A second round of talks has been confirmed though dates are unannounced. US President Trump warned Iran of "very traumatic" consequences if no deal is reached within a month. Exam relevance: West Asia conflicts, nuclear non-proliferation.
5. Trump-Netanyahu Meeting at White House
US President Donald Trump held a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on 12 February 2026 for nearly three hours. Trump stated "nothing definitive" had been decided, though discussions covered regional security and bilateral cooperation. Exam relevance: US-Israel relations, West Asia diplomacy.
6. Cuban Oil Shortage Crisis Deepens
Cuba has not received an oil shipment since December 2025, causing severe disruptions to air travel, food production, hospitals, and schools. The energy shortage has grounded flights and created widespread hardships across the island nation. Exam relevance: Global energy issues, Latin American affairs.
7. Portugal Elects Center-Left President
Center-left Socialist candidate António José Seguro defeated far-right populist André Ventura in Portugal's presidential runoff election on 8 February 2026, recording a decisive victory according to official results. Exam relevance: European politics, electoral trends.
8. Jimmy Lai Sentenced to 20 Years in Hong Kong
Pro-democracy former Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai received a 20-year prison sentence on 9 February 2026, the longest punishment under China's national security law. The case highlights continued suppression of dissent in Hong Kong. Exam relevance: China-Hong Kong relations, press freedom issues.
Economy & Banking (13 February 2026)
1. RBI Maintains Repo Rate at 5.25% (February 2026 Policy)
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) maintained the repo rate at 5.25% during its 4-6 February 2026 meeting (first policy of 2026) after a 25 bps cut in December 2025. The MPC kept its stance neutral with a 5:1 majority decision. Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) remains at 5.00%, Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) at 5.50%. Governor Sanjay Malhotra cited benign inflation (projected at 2.1% for FY25/26, within the 2-6% target band), strong growth momentum (GDP growth forecast revised upward to 7.4% for FY25/26), and successful US-India and EU trade deals as reasons for the pause. Exam relevance: Monetary policy, repo rate significance, RBI functions.
2. RBI Doubles Collateral-Free MSE Loan Limit
The RBI announced doubling the collateral-free loan limit for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, effective 1 April 2026. This regulatory reform aims to expand formal credit access for small businesses that lack pledgeable assets. Exam relevance: MSME financing, financial inclusion.
3. RBI Launches Mission SAKSHAM for Urban Cooperative Banks
The RBI introduced Mission SAKSHAM (Sahakari Bank Kshamta Nirman), a capacity-building and certification programme targeting 1.40 lakh participants in urban cooperative banks (UCBs). Training will be conducted physically in regional languages near participating UCBs to address governance and capability gaps in the 1,500+ UCB sector. Exam relevance: Cooperative banking reforms, RBI initiatives.
4. RBI Digital Payments Index Reaches Record 516.76
The RBI Digital Payments Index (DPI) surged to a record 516.76 as of September 2025, up from 465.33 in September 2024 and 493.22 in March 2025. The increase reflects accelerated adoption of digital payments driven by advancements in payment performance (45% weightage) and payment enablers (25% weightage). Digital payment volumes grew 35% while values increased 17.9%, pushing average ticket size down to Rs 3,830. Exam relevance: Digital India initiatives, cashless economy.
5. Bank Lending to REITs Now Permitted
The RBI proposed allowing banks to lend to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), previously restricted. While bank lending to Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) was permitted earlier, REITs can now access bank financing given their robust regulatory framework. Exam relevance: Banking regulations, real estate financing.
6. Gold and Silver Prices (13 February 2026)
Gold prices in India stood at Rs 15,840 per gram for 24-karat, Rs 14,520 per gram for 22-karat, and Rs 11,880 per gram for 18-karat. Silver prices were Rs 295 per gram and Rs 2,95,000 per kilogram. Prices depend on international markets and rupee-dollar exchange rates. Exam relevance: Commodity markets, factors affecting precious metal prices.
7. Union Budget 2026-27 Borrowing Target
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget (1 February 2026) that India will borrow Rs 17.2 lakh crore (USD 187 billion) in FY 2026-27, marking an 18% increase from the FY 2025-26 revised estimate and exceeding market estimates. Exam relevance: Fiscal policy, government borrowing.
Science, Technology & Environment (13 February 2026)
1. ISRO Advances Space Station Plans and Gaganyaan Mission
ISRO Programme Director Imtiyaz Ahmed announced on 10 February 2026 that India is moving swiftly toward establishing its own space station while advancing the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. Nearly 80 satellites are under development for applications including disaster response, internal security, navigation, and Gaganyaan data transmission. Key projects include Earth Observation missions, Navigation with Indian Constellation (NVS), Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS), and the proposed Venus Orbiter Mission. India targets launching its first space station module by 2028, a fully operational multi-module station by 2035, and a crewed lunar mission by 2040. Exam relevance: ISRO missions, space technology.
2. ISRO GISAT-1A Launch Scheduled for Late February-March 2026
ISRO is preparing to launch GISAT-1A (EOS-05), a 2.2-tonne geo-imaging satellite for near-real-time Earth observation, scheduled for late February-March 2026 aboard GSLV-Mk II (F17) from Sriharikota. GISAT-1A replaces the failed GISAT-1 (EOS-03) mission from August 2021 and will support disaster management, agriculture monitoring, and environmental observation from geostationary orbit. Exam relevance: ISRO satellite missions, Earth observation technology.
3. ISRO Chairman Outlines Cooperation-Based Space Programme
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan at the US-India Space Business Forum (10 February 2026) emphasized that India's space programme is built on international cooperation rather than competition. He highlighted that 75% of mission funding comes through Indian industries, with the US contributing significantly to India's space journey since 1962. ISRO's roadmap includes Chandrayaan-4, Chandrayaan-5, Mars and Venus missions, and next-generation launch vehicles with 30,000 kg LEO capacity. Exam relevance: India-US space cooperation, ISRO's vision.
4. Department of Space Budget Allocation for 2026-27
The Union Budget 2026-27 allocated Rs 13,705.63 crore to the Department of Space (DoS) overseeing ISRO, a modest increase from Rs 12,448.60 crore in 2025-26. Key increases include Space Applications (Rs 10,397.06 crore, up from Rs 9,601.98 crore) and Space Sciences (Rs 569.76 crore, up from Rs 184.62 crore). Exam relevance: Budget allocations, space sector funding.
5. Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on ISS Mission
Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) following the successful launch of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-04). ISRO conducted student interactions with the astronaut, and microgravity research experiments are underway. Exam relevance: Indian space missions, international collaborations.
6. Study Links Physical Inactivity to Heart Failure in Diabetics
A global study published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science found over 13% of heart failure cases among diabetics in India are linked to physical inactivity. The research also attributed nearly 10% of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular complications to lack of exercise, urging integration of physical activity into routine diabetes care. Exam relevance: Public health, non-communicable diseases.
Sports & Important Days (13 February 2026)
1. India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Match Confirmed for 15 February
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match will proceed as scheduled on 15 February 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (7 PM local time) after Pakistan reversed its boycott on 9 February. The clash is considered the tournament's commercial centerpiece. India comes into the match on a nine-match winning streak in T20 World Cups, with key players including Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Varun Chakravarthy, and Arshdeep Singh. Exam relevance: ICC tournaments, India-Pakistan cricket rivalry.
2. National Women's Day – 13 February 2026
India observes National Women's Day on 13 February to honor Sarojini Naidu's birth anniversary (13 February 1879). Naidu served as UP's first Governor and was a prominent freedom fighter and poet known as the "Nightingale of India." Exam relevance: Important days in India, women's contributions to freedom struggle.
3. T20 World Cup 2026 Matches on 13 February
Three T20 World Cup matches are scheduled for 13 February: Australia vs Zimbabwe (11 AM, Kandy), Canada vs UAE (3 PM, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi), and USA vs Netherlands (7 PM, Chennai). The tournament features Italy making its T20 World Cup debut. Exam relevance: International cricket tournaments.
4. Winter Olympics 2026 – Day 7 Events
Key events on 13 February include men's figure skating free skate with Ilia Malinin (USA) leading, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo competing for his eighth Winter Olympic gold in cross-country skiing, and skeleton competitions. The Games run from 6-22 February 2026 in Milan-Cortina, Italy, with 195 medals across 16 disciplines. Exam relevance: International sports, Olympic Games.
5. Neeraj Chopra Approved for South Africa Training Camp
Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra received government approval for an extended high-performance training camp in South Africa ahead of key global competitions. Exam relevance: Indian athletes, Olympics preparation.
6. Meghalaya Announces 70% Homestay Subsidy for National Games 2027
Meghalaya Chief Minister announced a 70% homestay subsidy scheme to boost tourism and sports infrastructure ahead of hosting the National Games 2027. Exam relevance: National Games, state initiatives.
Quick Revision Points for MCQs
- PM Modi inaugurated Seva Teerth (new PMO complex) on 13 February 2026 – marks shift from colonial South Block to modern governance infrastructure.
- National Women's Day observed on 13 February – commemorates Sarojini Naidu's birth anniversary (1879).
- RBI repo rate maintained at 5.25% in February 2026 policy – SDF at 5.00%, MSF at 5.50%, neutral stance.
- RBI doubled collateral-free MSE loan limit to Rs 20 lakh – effective 1 April 2026.
- Pakistan to play India on 15 February in T20 World Cup – boycott reversed after ICC-PCB-BCB talks.
- Winter Olympics 2026 ongoing in Milan-Cortina, Italy – 6-22 February, 93 countries, 195 medals.
- ISRO targets first space station module launch by 2028 – fully operational station by 2035, crewed lunar mission by 2040.
- India-US Interim Trade Agreement framework announced – part of broader BTA launched 13 February 2025.
- RBI Digital Payments Index reached record 516.76 – September 2025 data, reflecting digital payment surge.
- Department of Space allocated Rs 13,705.63 crore in Budget 2026-27 – modest increase from Rs 12,448.60 crore.
- Karnataka sanctioned Rs 25 crore for 2,500 Akka Cafe kiosks – women's SHG initiative for economic empowerment.
- GISAT-1A satellite launch scheduled late February-March 2026 – replaces failed GISAT-1 mission from 2021.
Note to Aspirants: Regularly revise current affairs from reliable sources, connect events to static GK topics, and practice MCQs based on recent developments. Understanding the "why" behind each event strengthens retention and analytical skills for descriptive exams.
This article covers today's current affairs for 13 February 2026 based on verified news sources. For the latest updates, continue following FreeJobAlert.com daily.
