Daily Current Affairs (19 February 2026) for Competitive Exams: Important Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking
The Current Affairs 19 February 2026 covers major developments including Bharat-VISTAAR launch, India’s AI Governance Framework, Supreme Court ruling on Menstrual Health, India’s first National Biobank for LSDs, RBI approvals, defence updates, and international political changes. These updates are crucial for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and State PSC exams.
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- Introduction
- 1️⃣ Bharat-VISTAAR Launched in Rajasthan
- 2️⃣ India’s First AI Governance Framework
- 3️⃣ Supreme Court Declares Menstrual Health a Fundamental Right
- 4️⃣ Centenary of Ol Chiki Script Celebrated
- 5️⃣ India’s First Bee Corridors by NHAI
- 6️⃣ Tamil-Brahmi Inscriptions Found in Egypt
- 7️⃣ India’s First National Biobank for LSDs
- 8️⃣ DFS Report on Digital Payment Incentives
- 9️⃣ RBI Approves Airtel Money as NBFC
- 🔟 IDFC First Bank Launches FD-Linked Credit Card
- Air India–Lufthansa MoU
- Reliance–TGI Nigeria JV
- UN SALW Training Hosted by Indian Army
- Tarique Rahman Becomes PM of Bangladesh
- Indigenous Cadet Training Ship ‘Krishna’ Launched
- Frederick Wiseman Passed Away
- Assam Interim Budget FY27
Introduction
Staying updated with Daily Current Affairs is essential for cracking competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, IBPS PO/Clerk, RBI Grade B, Railways, Defence, and State PSC exams.
The news of 19 February 2026 includes developments in agriculture digitization, AI governance, Supreme Court judgments, biodiversity initiatives, defence training, banking reforms, and international politics.
For more such updates, aspirants can regularly visit the Daily Current Affairs section and attempt Daily Current Affairs Free Quizzes for practice.
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1️⃣ Bharat-VISTAAR Launched in Rajasthan
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Bharat–VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Why in News?
It is an AI-powered farmer digital platform integrating government schemes and agricultural databases.
Key Highlights
- Integrates AgriStack (Digital Public Infrastructure for farmers).
- Connects with ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) farm packages.
- Toll-free helpline: 155261 (AI voice assistant “Bharati”).
- Phase 1 States: Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan.
- Integrated 10 major schemes including PM-KISAN, PMFBY, KCC, PMKSY.
Schemes Integrated Under Bharat-VISTAAR
| Scheme | Full Form |
|---|---|
| PM-KISAN | Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi |
| PMFBY | Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana |
| KCC | Kisan Credit Card |
| PMKSY | Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana |
| AIF | Agriculture Infrastructure Fund |
| SMAM | Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization |
Significance
- Promotes digital agriculture
- Reduces information gap
- Supports income security for farmers
2️⃣ India’s First AI Governance Framework
The Government of India launched a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Framework under the IndiaAI Mission.
Seven Core Principles (Sutras)
- Trust is the Foundation
- People First
- Innovation over Restraint
- Fairness & Equity
- Accountability
- Understandable by Design
- Safety, Resilience & Sustainability
Implementation Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Ministry | MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and IT) |
| Focus Areas | Healthcare, Agriculture, Education, Finance |
| Nature | Non-legislative framework |
| Industry Guidelines | Transparency reports, grievance redressal |
Exam Relevance
- AI ethics
- Digital India initiatives
- Governance reforms
3️⃣ Supreme Court Declares Menstrual Health a Fundamental Right
The Supreme Court of India recognized Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) under Article 21 (Right to Life & Dignity).
Key Directives
- Free sanitary napkins in schools (Classes 6–12)
- MHM (Menstrual Hygiene Management) corners
- Gender-segregated toilets
- Annual DEO inspections
Importance for Exams
- Social justice
- Women empowerment
- Constitutional law (Article 21 expansion)
4️⃣ Centenary of Ol Chiki Script Celebrated
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated 100 years of the Ol Chiki script in New Delhi.
About Ol Chiki
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Inventor | Pandit Raghunath Murmu (1925) |
| Language | Santhali |
| Included in 8th Schedule | 2003 |
| Letters | 30 |
Static GK Link
- Santhali belongs to Austroasiatic language family.
- UPSC exam now available in Ol Chiki script.
5️⃣ India’s First Bee Corridors by NHAI
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will develop Bee Corridors along highways.
Key Features
- Nectar-rich plantation
- 40 lakh trees target (2026–27)
- 60% under Bee Corridor initiative
Significance
- Biodiversity conservation
- Agricultural productivity boost
- Pollinator protection
6️⃣ Tamil-Brahmi Inscriptions Found in Egypt
Around 20 Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions (1st–3rd CE) discovered in Valley of the Kings, Egypt.
Importance
- Evidence of ancient India–Egypt trade
- Cultural exchange during early CE period
7️⃣ India’s First National Biobank for LSDs
Launched in Ahmedabad for Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs).
About LSDs
Rare genetic metabolic disorders due to enzyme deficiency.
Key Data
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution | FRIGE, Ahmedabad |
| Samples | 530 patients |
| Period | 2008–2025 |
| Partner | Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS) |
BANKING & FINANCE
8️⃣ DFS Report on Digital Payment Incentives
- UPI accounts for 57% of total payments
- Digital transactions increased 11 times (2021–2025)
- Conducted by Ipsos Research
9️⃣ RBI Approves Airtel Money as NBFC
- Type II NBFC-ND (ICC)
- Cannot accept public deposits
- Registered under RBI Act, 1934
🔟 IDFC First Bank Launches FD-Linked Credit Card
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum FD | ₹10,000 |
| Credit Limit | 100% FD value |
| Cashback | 3%–5% online |
| Annual Fee | ₹1,000 |
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Air India–Lufthansa MoU
- Strengthen India–Europe connectivity
- Members of Star Alliance
- Joint scheduling & loyalty integration
Reliance–TGI Nigeria JV
- FMCG expansion in Nigeria
- RCPL global strategy expansion
DEFENCE & INTERNATIONAL
UN SALW Training Hosted by Indian Army
- Held in Jabalpur, MP
- Organized by UNODA
- Focus: Small Arms & Light Weapons Control
Tarique Rahman Becomes PM of Bangladesh
- 11th Prime Minister
- BNP won 212 seats
- Ends 18-month interim rule
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Indigenous Cadet Training Ship ‘Krishna’ Launched
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 122 meters |
| Speed | 20 knots |
| Displacement | 4,700 tonnes |
| Built at | L&T Kattupalli |
OBITUARY
Frederick Wiseman Passed Away
- Oscar Honorary Award (2016)
- Renowned documentary filmmaker
- Known for observational cinema
STATE NEWS
Assam Interim Budget FY27
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Budget Size | ₹62,295 crore |
| GSDP FY27 | ₹8.71 lakh crore |
| Growth Rate | 16.93% |
| Per Capita Income | ₹1,85,429 |
📌 One-Liner Revision Points
- Bharat-VISTAAR launched in Rajasthan.
- AI Governance Framework released under IndiaAI Mission.
- Menstrual Health declared Fundamental Right under Article 21.
- Ol Chiki script completes 100 years.
- India to develop Bee Corridors along highways.
- Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in Egypt.
- First National Biobank for LSDs launched in Ahmedabad.
- UPI share in total payments reached 57%.
- Airtel Money approved as Type II NBFC-ND.
- CTS ‘Krishna’ launched at L&T Kattupalli.
- Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh PM.
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