Daily Current Affairs (26 February 2026) for Government Exams: Key Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking, RBI, Defence & More
The Daily Current Affairs of 26 February 2026 covers major updates including the launch of NMP 2.0, RBI’s new banking regulations, AI Impact Summit 2026, Jharkhand Budget 2026–27, PM Modi’s Israel visit, BAFTA Awards 2026, and key international and defence developments. These updates are highly important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and State PSC examinations.
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Introduction
Staying updated with Daily Current Affairs is crucial for aspirants preparing for UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI, RBI Grade B, RRB NTPC, Defence and State PSC examinations. The current affairs of 26 February 2026 include important developments in banking reforms by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), infrastructure monetisation through NMP 2.0, AI governance initiatives, major international visits, defence exercises and global awards.
Why in News?
Multiple regulatory reforms were announced by RBI, the Union Finance Minister launched National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0, and global diplomatic engagements such as PM Modi’s Israel visit and Brazil President Lula’s India visit marked significant international developments.
For aspirants, such topics frequently appear in General Awareness, Economy, Polity, International Relations, and Government Schemes sections.
Banking, Finance & Economy
Launch of National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0
Nirmala Sitharaman launched the second phase of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0) in New Delhi.
Background
The National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) aims to unlock value from underutilised public infrastructure assets. It was formulated by NITI Aayog in consultation with infrastructure ministries.
Key Highlights
- Target monetisation potential: ₹16.72 lakh crore
- Period covered: FY 2025–26 to FY 2029–30
- Private sector investment component: ₹5.8 lakh crore
- NMP 2.0 target is 2.6 times higher than NMP 1.0
- NMP 1.0 achieved nearly 90% of ₹6 lakh crore target
Significance
- Supports Viksit Bharat @2047 vision
- Promotes capital expenditure (CAPEX) without increasing fiscal burden
- Encourages public-private partnerships
NMP 1.0 vs NMP 2.0 – Comparison Table
| Feature | NMP 1.0 | NMP 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Target Amount | ₹6 lakh crore | ₹16.72 lakh crore |
| Achievement | ~90% | Newly launched |
| Period | 2021–2025 | 2025–2030 |
| Focus | Asset recycling | Large-scale infrastructure monetisation |
RBI Regulatory Reforms (26 Feb 2026)
Reserve Bank of India announced multiple draft and revised guidelines.
1. Removal of New India Co-operative Bank from Scheduled List
- Removed from Second Schedule of RBI Act, 1934
- Lost “Scheduled Bank” privileges
- Followed amalgamation with Saraswat Co-operative Bank
2. Lending to REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)
- Allowed lending to SEBI-registered REITs
- Exposure cap: 49% of REIT asset value
- REIT must be listed and operational for at least 3 years
3. Revised Lead Bank Scheme (LBS)
Lead Bank Scheme (LBS), introduced in 1969, aims to improve district-level credit planning.
Three-Tier Structure
| Level | Committee |
|---|---|
| Block | BLBC (Block Level Bankers’ Committee) |
| District | DCC (District Consultative Committee) |
| State | SLBC (State Level Bankers’ Committee) |
Minimum Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio: 60% (All-India basis for rural/semi-urban branches)
4. Stricter Norms for Loan Recovery Agents
- Certification from Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) mandatory
- Contact hours: 8 AM – 7 PM
- Legal action cannot be first step
Effective Date: 1 July 2026
5. Revised Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Guidelines
KCC = Kisan Credit Card
- Loan tenure extended to 6 years
- Collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh
- Additional 20% credit for tech-enabled agriculture
- Includes tenant farmers, SHGs (Self Help Groups), JLGs (Joint Liability Groups)
National & State News
AI Impact Summit 2026 – New Delhi Declaration
New Delhi hosted AI Impact Summit 2026.
- 89 countries endorsed New Delhi Declaration
- Focus: Artificial Intelligence for All
- Seven pillars of AI governance
- Emphasis on ethical, inclusive and energy-efficient AI
Jharkhand Budget 2026–27
Jharkhand presented ₹1.58 lakh crore “Abua Dishom Budget”.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Outlay | ₹1.58 lakh crore |
| Increase | ₹13,000 crore |
| Focus Areas | Tribal welfare, rural development, women empowerment |
| Capital | Ranchi |
Delhi Police 20% Quota for Ex-Agniveers
Delhi approved 20% reservation in Police Constable (Executive) posts.
- 3-year age relaxation (5 years for first batch)
- Exemption from Physical Efficiency Test
- Supports Agnipath scheme veterans
International Relations
PM Narendra Modi’s Israel Visit
Narendra Modi to address the Knesset.
He will meet:
- Benjamin Netanyahu
- Isaac Herzog
India–Israel diplomatic relations established: 1992
Brazil President Lula’s India Visit
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited India (18–22 Feb 2026).
- Trade target: USD 30 billion by 2030
- MoUs signed in defence, AI, pharma, renewable energy
- Visa validity extended from 5 to 10 years
Awards & Honours
79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) 2026
British Academy of Film and Television Arts organized the awards in London.
- Best Film: One Battle After Another
- India’s “Boong” won Best Children’s & Family Film
UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award
Our Lady of Grace Cathedral (Vasai, Maharashtra) received Award of Merit (2025).
Defence & Security
Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026
India–Japan Joint Military Exercise held in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand (24 Feb – 9 March 2026).
Participants:
- Indian Army (Ladakh Scouts)
- Japanese Ground Self Defence Force
NATO Launches Arctic Sentry Mission
North Atlantic Treaty Organization launched Arctic Sentry mission to enhance Arctic security and surveillance.
Established: 4 April 1949
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📌 One-Liner Revision Points
- NMP 2.0 target set at ₹16.72 lakh crore.
- RBI removed New India Co-operative Bank from Scheduled list.
- RBI allowed bank lending to REITs with safeguards.
- Lead Bank Scheme revised with three-tier structure.
- KCC loan tenure extended to 6 years.
- AI Impact Summit adopted New Delhi Declaration (89 countries).
- Jharkhand Budget 2026–27 outlay ₹1.58 lakh crore.
- Delhi approved 20% quota for Ex-Agniveers.
- PM Modi to address Israel’s Knesset.
- BAFTA 2026 held in London.
- UNESCO Award of Merit to Vasai Cathedral.
- Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 held in Uttarakhand.
- NATO launched Arctic Sentry mission.
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