16 February 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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Consumer Price Index (CPI) – Base Year Revised to 2024

Why in News?

The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation revised the base year of CPI to 2024, replacing the earlier base year of 2012.
Purpose of revision: To reflect Current household consumption patterns, Updated price structures, Structural changes in India’s economy
The revision is based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24.

Key Highlights of Latest CPI Data (January 2026)

• Overall inflation (YoY): 2.75% (Provisional)
• Rural inflation: 2.73%
• Urban inflation: 2.77%

Changes in CPI Basket

• Newly Added Items: Reflect modern consumption trends: OTT subscriptions, Rural house rent, Value-added dairy products, Pen drives, Babysitting services, Fitness equipment
• Removed Items: Obsolete due to technological change: VCR/DVD players, Tape recorders

About Consumer Price Index (CPI)

• Definition: CPI measures the average change over time in retail prices of goods and services consumed by households.
• It reflects the cost of living and inflation experienced by consumers.
• Compiled by: Compiled monthly by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation for Rural sector, Urban sector, Combined sector
• Formula Used: CPI is calculated using the Laspeyres Index Formula, based on Base year prices, Base year weights, Current prices

Importance of CPI

1. Economic Importance:

• Main indicator of retail inflation
• Used by Reserve Bank of India for monetary policy decisions
• Basis for inflation targeting framework (4% ± 2%)

2. Administrative Uses:

• Dearness Allowance (DA) calculation
• Wage revision
•  Pension adjustment
• Policy formulation

3. Why Base Year Revision is Important:

•  Accurate inflation measurement
• Reflects new consumption habits
• Includes modern goods/services
• Removes outdated items

NITI Aayog Releases 10-Year Roadmap for India’s Tech Services Sector

Why in News?

NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub has unveiled a ten-year roadmap titled “India’s Technology Services – Reimagination Ahead,” outlining strategies to expand India’s tech services industry and align it with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

About India’s Tech Services Industry

• Scope: Includes firms engaged in IT services, software development, digital transformation, implementation, management, and tech operations support.
• Economic contribution: Contributes ~7% to India’s GDP, Generates ~$265 billion annual revenue, Holds ~20% share of global tech services market

Vision and Target (By 2035)

• Revenue Target: Increase to $750–850 billion annually
• GDP Contribution: Sustain 7–8% share of GDP
• Global Market Share: Expand from 20% to >25%
• Rationale: Essential to support India’s transformation into a developed economy under Viksit Bharat@2047

Key Challenges Facing the Sector

• Post-pandemic slowdown: Growth reduced to 4–5% annually
• Macroeconomic uncertainty: Reduced global tech spending
• AI-led automation: Traditional outsourcing models facing disruption
• Global competition: Increasing competition from emerging tech economies
• Revenue gap risk: Current trajectory shows $250–300 billion shortfall from 2035 targets

Five Priority Growth Levers Identified in the Roadmap

1. Agentic AI:

Develop hybrid “human + AI agent” service delivery models

• Enhance productivity, automation, and service efficiency
• Shift from labour-intensive outsourcing to AI-augmented services

2. Software & Products (SaaS Leadership):

• Strengthen India’s position as a global Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) hub
• Move up the value chain from services to product-based innovation

3. Digital Infrastructure Leadership:

• Position India as a global hub for data services and AI infrastructure
• Invest in Data centers, Cloud computing, AI computing capacity

4. Innovation-Led Engineering:

• Increase investment in R&D centers, Centers of Excellence, Frontier technology partnerships
• Promote India as a global innovation and engineering destination

5. India-for-India Solutions:

• Develop AI solutions tailored to India’s needs Multilingual AI platforms, Sector-specific digital tools, Public-sector and domestic enterprise solutions
• Leverage India’s large and growing domestic digital market

Strategic Significance

• Economic significance: Strengthens India’s largest services export sector
• Supports job creation and high-skill employment
• Technological significance: Enables transition from IT outsourcing to AI-driven innovation
• Positions India as a global leader in AI, SaaS, and digital infrastructure
• Geopolitical significance: Enhances India’s role in global digital economy
• Reduces dependence on foreign technology ecosystems 

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Approves Major Capital Acquisition Proposals

Why in News?

The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for multiple capital procurement proposals of the Indian Armed Forces. The total estimated financial outlay for these approvals is approximately ₹3.60 lakh crore.

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

• Chairman: Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister
• Decision: Granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for defence acquisition proposals
• Estimated value: ₹3.60 lakh crore
• Objective: Enhance combat readiness and modernization of Indian Armed Forces

Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) – Rafale

About Rafal

• Developed by: Dassault Aviation (France)
• Type: Twin-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft
• Generation: 4.5 generation fighter

Key Features

• Omnirole capability: Performs multiple missions including Air defence, Ground strikes, Reconnaissance, Nuclear deterrence
• Operational flexibility: Can operate from Aircraft carriers and Shore bases
• Advanced capabilities: Low radar observability (stealth features), High manoeuvrability, Advanced avionics and weapon systems

Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS)

About AS-HAPS

• Type: Airship-based high-altitude platform
• Function: Persistent surveillance and communication

Key Features

• Station-keeping capability: Remains over one geographic location for weeks or months
• Operational advantages: Continuous real-time surveillance, Long endurance, Higher payload capacity
• Applications: Border monitoring, Intelligence gathering, Communication relay, Surveillance missions

Other Major Defence Acquisition Approvals

1. Indian Army:

• Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) and Upgrade and support for T-72 Tanks

2. Indian Navy:

• P-8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft

3. Indian Coast Guard:

• Electro-Optical/Infra-Red systems for Dornier aircraft

Dornier DO-228 Aircraft

About Dornier DO-228

• Type: Multi-purpose light transport aircraft
• Role: Maritime surveillance, Transport missions, Reconnaissance
• Key characteristics: Versatile platform, Suitable for coastal security operation

Substantive Motion in Parliament

Why in News?

A Member of Parliament has formally submitted a notice seeking to introduce a substantive motion against the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

What is a Motion?

• A motion is a formal proposal made by a Member of Parliament (MP) seeking:
• Decision of the House, or
• Expression of opinion of the House
• It is the primary procedural tool through which Parliament conducts its business.

Substantive Motion

Definition

• Substantive motion is a self-contained, independent proposal submitted for Discussion, and Decision of the House
• It is not dependent on any other motion.

Key Features

• Independent and complete in itself
• Deals with specific and definite issues
• Requires approval of the House
• Drawn in proper parliamentary language and form

Purpose

• Discuss important national or institutional matters
• Express opinion or decision of the House
• Discuss conduct of persons in high authority

Conduct of High Authorities

• The conduct of persons in high authority, including MPs, ministers, judges, etc., can only be discussed through a substantive motion.
• Ensures seriousness and procedural discipline.

Consequences of Substantive Motion Against an MP

Depending on the House’s decision, it may result in:

• Censure → Formal disapproval without removal
• Suspension → Temporary removal from House proceedings
• Expulsion → Permanent removal from membership

Other Types of Motions

1. Subsidiary Motions:

• Depend on a substantive motion
• Used to regulate debate
• Examples: Amendment motion, Adjournment motion, Closure motion

2. Substitute Motion:

• Moved in replacement of the original motion
• Offers an alternative proposal or policy approach
• If adopted, replaces the original motion entirely

Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)

Why in News

• India has cmmand of Combined Task Force-154 (CTF-154) for the first time.
• CTF-154 is responsible for multinational maritime training and capacity building.

About Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)

1. Definition:

• The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multinational naval partnership aimed at promoting Maritime security, Stability, Freedom of navigation
• It is often called a “coalition of the willing.”

2. Headquarters:

Located in Manama, Bahrain

3. Membership:

• 47 member nations (including India)
• Participation is Voluntary, Flexible, Non-binding

Mandate / Objectives

1. Maritime Security:

Protect sea lanes and Prevent maritime threats

2. Counter Illicit Activities:

Counter piracy, Counter terrorism, Counter arms smuggling, Counter drug trafficking

3. Protect Global Trade:

Ensure free flow of global commerce, Support international rules-based order (IRBO)

Bacillus subtilis

Why in News?

Kerala became the first state in India to declare Bacillus subtilis as the ‘State Microbe’.

What is Bacillus subtilis?

• It is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium
• Commonly known as a “good bacteria” (probiotic)
• Naturally found in: Soil, Water, Air, Human gut, Fermented foods

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