Daily Current Affairs - 13th February 2026
- Kaushal
- Feb 13
- 15 min read
Updated: Feb 15
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | CPI Base Year 2024 Revision & Inflation Trends, Gold ETFs vs Equity Funds, Substantive Motion, India Assumes Command of CTF-154, NITI Aayog Tech Services Roadmap 2035, National Biobank for Lysosomal Storage Disorders, India’s Power Sector Net Zero Pathway, Mud Volcano in Andamans, Bacillus subtilis as Kerala’s State Microbe, Species Turnover Slowdown and more.
If you missed Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) | Nov - Dec 2025, read it hereTable of Content
POLITY
MoSPI released CPI with base year 2024
The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) with Base Year 2024.
Base Year refers to the reference year against which price changes are measured.
The CPI has been revised to reflect current household consumption patterns, updated price structures, and the evolving nature of the Indian economy.
The base year updation is based on the latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24.
HCES 2023–24 provides comprehensive data on household expenditure patterns in both rural and urban areas of India.
Key Highlights of CPI
The Year-on-Year (YoY) inflation rate for January 2026 over January 2025 is 2.75% (Provisional).
Year-on-Year inflation measures the percentage change in prices compared to the same month of the previous year.
The corresponding inflation rate for rural areas is 2.73% and for urban areas is 2.77%.
Several new items have been added to the CPI basket.
Newly added items include OTT subscriptions, rural house rent, value-added dairy products, pen drives, babysitting services and fitness equipment.
Obsolete items have been removed from the CPI basket.
Removed items include VCR/DVD players and tape recorders.
About CPI
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures changes over time in the general retail prices of a basket of goods and services purchased by households for consumption.
A basket of goods and services refers to a representative set of commonly consumed items used to calculate price changes.
CPI is compiled every month by MoSPI.
CPI is compiled separately for rural, urban, and combined sectors.
CPI is calculated using the Laspeyres Index Formula.
The Laspeyres Index Formula measures price changes using base year quantities as weights.
The formula is based on Base Year Price, Base Year Weights and the formula is based on the Current Month’s Price.
Base Year Weights refer to the relative importance assigned to items based on their share in total consumption expenditure during the base year.
Key Methodological Changes in CPI 2024
Under CPI 2012, the base year was 2012. Under CPI 2024, the base year has been updated to 2024.
CPI 2012 covered 299 items.
These 299 items included 259 goods and 40 services.
CPI 2024 covers 358 items.
These 358 items include 308 goods and 50 services.
CPI 2012 did not cover online markets.
CPI 2024 covers 12 online markets.
These online markets will be covered in cities with populations above 25 lakh.
CPI 2012 followed Groups and Subgroups classification in line with COICOP 1999.
COICOP (Classification of Individual Consumption According to Purpose) is an international classification system for categorizing consumption expenditure.
CPI 2024 follows Divisions, Groups, Classes, and Subclasses in line with COICOP 2018.
COICOP 2018 provides a more detailed and updated structure of consumption classification.
Under CPI 2012, the House Rent Index covered only urban areas.
Under CPI 2012, employer-provided accommodation was included.
Under CPI 2024, the House Rent Index covers both urban and rural areas.
Under CPI 2024, employer-provided accommodation is excluded.
Under CPI 2012, only the Combined Index was disseminated at the state level.
Under CPI 2024, Rural, Urban, and Combined Index are disseminated at the state level.
Under CPI 2024, Inflation data is also disseminated at the state level.
The weightage of Food and Beverages under CPI 2012 was 45.86%.
The weightage of Food and Beverages under CPI 2024 has been reduced to 36.75%.
Weightage refers to the proportionate importance assigned to a category in the overall CPI basket.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
In a first for India, investments in gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) were greater than inflows into equity-oriented mutual funds.
About ETFs
It is an investment fund that holds multiple underlying assets. It can be bought and sold on an exchange, much like an individual stock.
ETF share prices fluctuate throughout the trading day, unlike mutual funds, which only trade once a day after the market closes.
ETFs, generally, have higher daily liquidity and lower fees than mutual fund schemes.
It cannot be bought or sold in fractions, unlike mutual fund units.
Substantive Motion
A Member of Parliament (MP) has submitted a notice to move a Substantive Motion against the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.
A Motion is a formal proposal made by a member seeking the decision or opinion of the House.
A Substantive Motion is a self-contained proposal.
“Self-contained” means it is complete in itself and does not depend on another motion.
It is moved by a member to bring forward a specific subject for discussion and decision.
Scope and Nature of Substantive Motion
Matters relating to the conduct of persons in high authority can be discussed only through a Substantive Motion.
“Persons in high authority” refers to constitutional or high public office holders.
Such a motion must be drawn in proper terms, meaning it must follow prescribed parliamentary rules and wording.
A motion for the Impeachment of the President is an example of a Substantive Motion.
“Impeachment” means a formal process to remove the President for violation of the Constitution.
A No-Confidence Motion is another example of a Substantive Motion.
A No-Confidence Motion is moved to test whether the government enjoys the majority support of the House.
Consequences of a Substantive Motion Against an MP
A Substantive Motion against an MP may result in Censure.
“Censure” means formal disapproval without removal from office.
Such a motion may also lead to Suspension.
“Suspension” means temporary removal of the member from the services of the House.
It may also lead to Expulsion.
“Expulsion” means permanent removal of the member from the House.
Other Major Types of Motions in Parliament
Apart from Substantive Motions, there are other major types of motions in Parliament.
One such type is Subsidiary Motions.
Subsidiary Motions are dependent on a Substantive Motion.
They are used to regulate debate in the House.
Amendments are examples of Subsidiary Motions.
Adjournment is another example of a Subsidiary Motion.
“Adjournment” means suspension of the sitting of the House for a specified time.
Another important category is the Substitute Motion.
A Substitute Motion is moved in place of the original motion.
It is generally moved for taking into consideration a policy or situation instead of the original proposal
DAC has approved capital acquisition proposals to strengthen the combat readiness of armed forces
The DAC, under the chairmanship of the Defence minister, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various proposals, including Rafale, AS-HAPS, etc., of the Services, at an estimated value of about Rs 3.60 lakh crore.
About Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA/ Rafale)
Twin-jet fighter aircraft
Generation: 4.5 generation
Operate: Both from an aircraft carrier and a shore base.
Omnirole capabilities: It can carry out all combat aviation missions such as air defense, strikes, reconnaissance, nuclear deterrence, etc.
Developed by Dassault Aviation (France)
Other key Features: Low-observability to radar, offers high manoeuvrability, etc.
About Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS)
Operate: At extreme altitudes for prolonged periods.
Functions as a persistent surveillance and communication platform.
Station-Keeping Capability
Can remain positioned over a specific geographic area for weeks or even months.
Ensures continuous and real-time coverage, unlike conventional aerial systems.
Airship-Based Design Advantages
Provides enhanced endurance and payload capacity.
Allows integration of multiple sensors for intelligence collection, border monitoring, and communications relay functions.
Other Proposals:
Indian Army: Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav), T-72 Tanks, etc.
Indian Navy: P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, etc.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG): Electro-Optical/Infra-Red System for Dornier aircraft to improve the efficacy of maritime surveillance.
Dornier (DO – 228) aircraft is a highly versatile multi-purpose light transport aircraft.
India and Combined Task Force-154
India has assumed the first-ever command of Combined Task Force-154 (CTF-154).
CTF-154 is a key multinational training task force.
It functions under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
“Command” means India will lead and coordinate the operations and training activities of this task force.
About Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multinational maritime partnership.
It is described as a coalition of the willing.
“Coalition of the willing” means countries voluntarily join without a binding treaty obligation.
CMF works to uphold the International Rules-Based Order (IRBO).
“International Rules-Based Order (IRBO)” refers to a global system where nations follow agreed international laws and norms.
Membership and Mandate of CMF
CMF has a membership of 47 nations, including India.
The contributions of member nations are voluntary and flexible.
“Voluntary and flexible contributions” means countries decide the type and scale of support they provide.
The mandate of CMF is to counter illicit non-state actors.
“Illicit non-state actors” refers to criminal or terrorist groups operating at sea without representing any government.
CMF also aims to ensure maritime security.
CMF works to maintain stability in international waters.
It also ensures the free flow of global commerce.
Free flow of global commerce means uninterrupted movement of trade through sea lanes.
Five Combined Task Forces (CTFs) under CMF
CMF operates through five Combined Task Forces (CTFs).
A “Combined Task Force” is a specialized operational group formed for a specific maritime objective.
CTF-150 conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf.
CTF-151 focuses on counter-piracy operations.
“Counter-piracy” means preventing and responding to acts of sea robbery and hijacking.
CTF-152 undertakes maritime security operations inside the Arabian Gulf.
CTF-153 focuses on maritime security in the Red Sea region.
CTF-154 is responsible for maritime security training.
Maritime security training refers to capacity building and skill enhancement of participating naval forces.
Frontier Tech Hub has released a ten-year roadmap
NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub has released a ten-year roadmap titled ‘India’s Technology Services – Reimagination Ahead’.
The roadmap outlines the future growth strategy for India’s Tech Services Industry.
Understanding India’s Tech Services Industry
India’s tech services industry comprises companies that design technology solutions for clients.
It also includes firms that build technology systems.
The industry implements technology solutions for clients.
It manages technology platforms and operations.
It also supports and maintains technology services.
These services are primarily delivered through IT services.
“IT services” refers to information technology-enabled services such as system integration and consulting.
The industry also includes software development activities.
It plays a key role in digital transformation.
“Digital transformation” refers to integrating digital technologies into business operations to improve efficiency and value delivery.
The industry also manages technology-driven business operations for clients.
Contribution and Growth Targets
The tech services industry contributes nearly 7% to India’s GDP.
GDP refers to the total value of goods and services produced within a country in a year.
The industry generates around $265 billion in annual revenue.
To align with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the sector must significantly expand.
“Viksit Bharat@2047” refers to the vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
The sector needs to achieve $750–850 billion in annual revenue by 2035.
This target is necessary to sustain a 7–8% share of GDP.
The sector also aims to expand its global market share.
India’s current global market share in tech services is 20%.
The roadmap aims to increase this share to beyond 25%.
Challenges and Growth Slowdown
The industry is facing post-pandemic headwinds.
“Headwinds” refers to factors that slow down growth.
One such challenge is macroeconomic uncertainty.
Macroeconomic uncertainty refers to instability in global economic conditions such as inflation and recession risks.
Another challenge is AI-led automation.
AI-led automation refers to the replacement or reduction of human tasks through Artificial Intelligence systems.
The industry also faces intensifying competition from global players.
Due to these factors, annual growth has slowed to 4–5%.
Current growth trajectories indicate a projected $250–300 billion shortfall.
A shortfall refers to the gap between expected performance and desired targets.
Five Priority Growth Levers Identified in the Roadmap
The roadmap identifies five priority growth levers to accelerate progress.
A “growth lever” refers to a strategic focus area that can drive expansion.
The first lever is Agentic AI.
Agentic AI refers to advanced AI systems capable of autonomous decision-making and action.
It aims to build hybrid ‘human + agent’ service models.
Hybrid models combine human expertise with AI-driven agents.
The second lever is Software & Products.
It seeks to strengthen India’s position as the global SaaS capital.
SaaS stands for “Software as a Service,” which delivers software through cloud-based subscription models.
The third lever is Digital Infrastructure.
It aims to establish India as the world’s data services and AI infrastructure hub.
Data services refer to storage, processing, and management of large-scale digital data.
AI infrastructure includes computing systems and platforms required to run Artificial Intelligence models.
The fourth lever is Innovation-led Engineering.
It aims to harness global Research and Development (R&D) spend pools.
This will be supported by India-based Innovation Centers.
It will also involve establishing Centers of Excellence (CoEs).
A Center of Excellence is a specialized hub focused on advanced research and skill development.
The strategy also includes forming frontier technology partnerships.
Frontier technologies refer to emerging advanced technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and advanced semiconductors.
The fifth lever is India-for-India solutions.
It aims to leverage India’s rapidly growing domestic demand.
Domestic demand refers to demand generated within the country.
It focuses on customized AI-driven solutions.
It also emphasizes development of multilingual platforms.
Multilingual platforms are digital systems designed to operate in multiple Indian languages.
Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs)
Researchers from 28 institutions across six States and two UTs have compiled India’s first government-supported national biobank for Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs).
Biobank is a special facility where biological samples like blood, tissue, or DNA are collected and safely stored along with health information.
About Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs)
LSDs are a group of inherited metabolic diseases arising due to defects in genes encoding lysosomal proteins.
LSDs cause a buildup of toxic materials in the body’s cells.
Treatment options are limited and extremely costly, with many LSDs having no cure yet.
Note: Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles, also called the “suicidal bags” of the cell, contain digestive enzymes to break down waste and recycle cellular components.
Kerala Declares State Microbe
Kerala has become the first state in India to declare Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe.
A State Microbe is a microorganism officially recognized to symbolize the state’s biodiversity or scientific heritage.
About Bacillus Subtilis
Bacillus subtilis is a type of probiotic or “good” bacteria.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.
It is found widely in the environment.
It also naturally exists in the human gut.
Bacillus subtilis is present in fermented foods.
Fermented foods are foods processed through controlled microbial growth, enhancing flavor, preservation, and nutritional value.
Read in detail | Kerala Declares Bacillus subtilis as India’s First State Microbe
Industrial and Agricultural Uses
Industrially, Bacillus subtilis is valuable for producing enzymes.
Examples of enzymes include amylases and proteases.
It is also used to produce antibiotics such as bacitracin.
Bacillus subtilis is used as a probiotic in agriculture and livestock feed.
This helps improve animal gut health and growth performance.
Safety and Applications
Bacillus subtilis has GRAS status (Generally Recognized as Safe).
GRAS status means it is considered safe for use in food and pharmaceutical applications.
Its safety and industrial relevance make it a widely used microorganism in health, food, and agricultural sectors.
India’s Electricity Transition
The report examines India’s electricity transition under Current Policy Scenarios (CPS).
CPS is aligned with India’s Net Zero Scenario (NZS) by 2070 commitment.
“Net Zero Scenario (NZS)” refers to achieving a balance between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere.
In 2020, the power sector accounted for 39.4% of India’s total GHG emissions (MoEFCC, 2024).
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions include carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases that contribute to climate change.
Challenges in Achieving the Transition Potential
One major challenge is the intermittency of renewables.
Solar and wind energy have low Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) and variable output.
Low CUF affects round-the-clock electricity supply.
Inadequate storage and flexibility is another challenge.
Long-duration storage technologies are costly and limited in availability.
Grid constraints restrict renewable energy generation.
Constraints include transmission bottlenecks, congestion, and limited dispatch flexibility.
Financial stress of DISCOMs poses another barrier.
DISCOMs face high losses and weak balance sheets.
High capital costs of renewables, storage, nuclear, and grid modernization are a challenge.
Land and clearance issues delay large-scale renewable energy and transmission projects.
Slow nuclear deployment is another challenge.
Long gestation periods and financing challenges limit rapid nuclear expansion.
Coal transition risks exist due to premature coal phase-down.
Premature coal phase-down may threaten energy security and grid stability.
Key Projections for India’s Power Sector
Electrification-led demand is expected to make electricity the dominant energy carrier.
Its share will rise to 40% under CPS and 60% under NZS by 2070.
Renewable capacity expansion is projected to multiply 9–14 times by 2070.
Renewables will supply 90–93% of capacity, led by solar PV and wind.
Distributed generation will support renewable deployment.
A renewables-heavy grid requires massive storage deployment.
Storage needs may reach up to 3,000 GW of batteries and 160 GW of pumped hydro power.
Pumped hydro power refers to water storage systems that generate electricity during peak demand.
Nuclear as firm power will expand capacity from 8.8 GW to over 300 GW by 2070.
Nuclear power provides low-carbon, reliable baseload power.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) will enhance grid flexibility.
SMRs are compact nuclear reactors designed for rapid deployment and modular expansion.
Key Recommendations for India’s Power Sector
Generation Sector
Scale solar–wind–storage hybrids.
Expand nuclear capacity with SMRs.
Enable flexible coal operations and repurpose old plants.
Incentivize energy storage adoption.
Transmission & Distribution
Expand Green Energy Corridors.
Digitize grids for real-time monitoring and control.
Reform DISCOMs to improve financial health.
Promote competition through peer-to-peer trading.
Policy & Regulatory Reforms
Deepen power markets for efficient pricing.
Implement cost-reflective tariffs.
Strengthen renewable mandates.
Institutionalize resource adequacy planning for grid reliability.
Sustainability & Innovation
Strengthen domestic manufacturing via PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) schemes.
Enforce recycling and cybersecurity norms.
Use AI/ML for forecasting to optimize grid operations.
Project Financing
Mobilize climate finance and issue green bonds.
Adopt GDF/PPP models to improve investment efficiency.
GDF refers to Government-Developer-Financier partnerships, and PPP is Public-Private Partnership.
Mud Volcano
A rare mud volcano eruption has been reported in Diglipur, Andaman Islands, prompting scientific monitoring.
Andaman Islands lie near the convergence of several tectonic plates which makes the region prone to seismic and volcanic features.
Mud Volcano
Geological structures that release a mixture of mud, water and gases (mainly methane) due to subsurface pressure, without magma involvement.
Genesis: Associated with tectonic activity, sediment compaction and hydrocarbon-rich regions.
Characteristics: mud is cold or perhaps only slightly warmer than the ground temperature.
Significance: Indicators of underground gas reserves and active geological processes.
Induced Breeding of Mangrove Clams
ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has successfully achieved induced breeding of mangrove clam (Geloina Erosa) under captive conditions.
“Induced breeding” refers to artificial stimulation of reproductive processes to produce offspring in controlled environments.
Captive conditions mean breeding conducted under monitored laboratory or aquaculture setups.
About Mangrove Clam
Mangrove clams are commonly known as mud clams.
They are ecologically important but dwindling bivalve species.
Bivalves are a diverse group of mollusks including clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels.
“Mollusks” are invertebrate animals with soft bodies, usually enclosed by two shells.
Bivalves have two shells and live in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Mangrove clams are distributed across mangrove and estuarine ecosystems in South and Southeast Asia.
“Estuarine ecosystems” refer to coastal areas where rivers meet the sea, mixing freshwater and saltwater.
Ecological Importance
Mangrove clams inhabit organic-rich muddy substrates.
They are important for nutrient recycling, maintaining the availability of nutrients in sediments.
They contribute to sediment stabilisation, preventing erosion and maintaining coastal landforms.
Socio-Economic Importance
Mangrove clams support coastal livelihoods.
They are important for food security in local communities.
In parts of Kerala, they are locally called Kandal Kakka.
Observations on Species Turnover
A recent study highlighted that short-term species turnover has slowed in many ecosystems over the past century.
This observed deceleration is a side effect of environmental degradation.
Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of ecosystems through pollution, habitat loss, or resource overuse.
Another contributing factor is the shrinking of regional species pools.
Regional species pools are the total set of species available in a particular geographic area.
Understanding Species Turnover
Species turnover is defined as the rate at which species exit and are replaced by others within ecological communities.
Ecological communities are groups of interacting species living in the same habitat.
Species turnover occurs due to species interactions such as competition, predation, and mutualisms.
Competition refers to species competing for the same resources.
Predation is when one species feeds on another.
Mutualism describes interactions where both species benefit.
Ecological Implications of Reduced Turnover
The loss of turnover momentum could reduce ecosystems’ capacity to cope with future climate fluctuations.
Climate fluctuations refer to changes in temperature, rainfall, or other climatic conditions over time.
Reduced turnover amplifies the risk of abrupt ecological regime shifts.
Ecological regime shifts are sudden, large-scale changes in ecosystem structure or function.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati
Eminent social reformer Swami Dayanand Saraswati was remembered on his birth anniversary (February 12).
Swami Dayanand Saraswati (1824-1883)
He was born in Gujarat.
He established Arya Samaj in the year 1875.
He opposed the evil practicesof child marriage and enforced widowhood.
He was in favour of an educational system which would emphasize on grammar, philosophy, Vedas, sciences, medicine, music and art.
He visualized a polity which would be the embodiment of decentralization (a vast commonwealth with the village as the unit).
Important Literary work: Satyartha Prakasha.
Spiritual works: He put forward the Vedic concept of Traitavada.
The concept of three eternal things (Ishwara, Jiva, Prakriti).
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