In Current Affairs for 12 February 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 12 February 2026
National Productivity Council Marks 68th Foundation Day
The National Productivity Council (NPC) is set to commemorate its 68th Foundation Day on 12 February 2026. Alongside this milestone, National Productivity Week will be observed from 12 to 18 February 2026 across the country. The annual celebration aims to highlight the importance of productivity in driving economic growth and industrial competitiveness.
This year’s theme, “Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs,” underscores the significance of cluster-based development in strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The approach focuses on enhancing collective efficiency by bringing enterprises together within a defined geographical area or sector.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and NPC President Piyush Goyal has emphasized the need to empower MSMEs, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and promote sustainable industrialisation. Cluster-based development plays a crucial role in achieving these goals by enabling economies of scale, improving supply chain coordination, encouraging technology adoption, and boosting export preparedness.
Established in 1958, the National Productivity Council functions as an autonomous body under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Over the decades, NPC has contributed significantly to spreading productivity awareness across industries and sectors in India.
202nd Birth Anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati
India observes the 202nd birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, one of the foremost social reformers and spiritual leaders of the 19th century. Born in 1824, he dedicated his life to reviving Vedic knowledge, reforming society, and inspiring national consciousness.
Swami Dayanand founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 with the objective of promoting Vedic teachings and social reform. He strongly advocated education, especially for women, and worked to eliminate social evils prevalent in society at the time.
Notably, he was among the earliest leaders to articulate the idea of “Swaraj” (self-rule) in 1876, promoting the vision of “India for Indians.” This concept later became a cornerstone of India’s freedom struggle and inspired leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who popularized the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright.”
Through his teachings and reformist initiatives, Swami Dayanand Saraswati played a vital role in India’s social awakening and intellectual resurgence.
World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan Strengthens Cooperative Sector
The Government of India is implementing the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector (WLGSP) to reinforce decentralized storage facilities at the grassroots level. The initiative is designed to enhance food security, minimize post-harvest losses, and improve farmers’ incomes.
As part of the plan, a 500 metric tonne (MT) warehouse was constructed at the Bahudeshiya Prathamik Krishi Saakh Sahakari Society Maryadit Parswada in Balaghat. The facility was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 February 2024 and has been leased to the Madhya Pradesh Warehousing and Logistics Corporation.
The scheme is being rolled out through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) by integrating various ongoing government programs, including the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) Scheme, Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), and Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME).
By strengthening rural storage capacity, the initiative aims to create a more resilient and efficient agricultural supply chain.
Cyclone Gezani Causes Major Damage in Madagascar
Tropical Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar’s eastern coast, making landfall in the port city of Toamasina and causing significant destruction. Official reports indicate that at least 20 people lost their lives, while more than 33 sustained injuries as wind speeds exceeded 195 km per hour.
Toamasina, the country’s principal port, experienced extensive infrastructure damage, with nearly 75 percent of the city’s facilities affected. Power supply disruptions were widespread, and approximately 2,700 residents were displaced due to the severe storm.
The cyclone has posed serious humanitarian and logistical challenges, highlighting the vulnerability of island nations to extreme weather events.
Union Budget 2026–27: Strengthening Manufacturing and MSMEs
India’s manufacturing sector has shown robust growth in FY 2025–26, with Gross Value Added (GVA) expanding by 7.72 percent in the first quarter and 9.13 percent in the second quarter. Medium- and high-technology industries now contribute 46.3 percent of total manufacturing value added, reflecting a structural shift toward advanced production capabilities.
The Union Budget 2026–27 prioritizes expansion in seven strategic and emerging sectors to further enhance manufacturing competitiveness. Basic Customs Duty exemptions have been extended to inputs used in products ranging from seafood and microwave ovens to footwear and aircraft manufacturing, aiming to reduce production costs and strengthen domestic industry.
To promote the growth of competitive enterprises, the Budget includes a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and a ₹2,000 crore top-up to the Self-Reliant India Fund. These measures are designed to create globally competitive “champion” SMEs.
Globally, while manufacturing output grew modestly by 0.7 percent in the third quarter of calendar year 2025, India recorded a stronger growth rate of 1.3 percent during the same period, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing industrial economies.
MSMEs continue to form the backbone of India’s industrial landscape. They account for approximately 35.4 percent of manufacturing output, 48.58 percent of exports, and 31.1 percent of GDP. With over 7.47 crore enterprises employing more than 32.82 crore people, MSMEs are the second-largest source of employment after agriculture. Their integration into global supply chains plays a crucial role in driving inclusive growth and regional development.
Review Questions
1. The National Productivity Council (NPC) celebrates its Foundation Day on:
A) 10 February
B) 11 February
C) 12 February
D) 18 February
Answer: C) 12 February
Explanation: NPC celebrates its 68th Foundation Day on 12 February 2026.
2. The theme of National Productivity Week 2026 is:
A) Digital India for MSMEs
B) Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs
C) Make in India 2.0
D) Sustainable Growth through AI
Answer: B) Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs
Explanation: The 2026 theme focuses on cluster-based development to improve MSME productivity.
3. The National Productivity Council was established in:
A) 1947
B) 1950
C) 1958
D) 1965
Answer: C) 1958
Explanation: NPC was established in 1958 as an autonomous body under DPIIT.
4. Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded Arya Samaj in:
A) 1824
B) 1857
C) 1875
D) 1876
Answer: C) 1875
Explanation: Arya Samaj was founded in 1875 to promote Vedic teachings and social reform.
5. Swami Dayanand Saraswati gave the call for “Swaraj” in:
A) 1857
B) 1875
C) 1876
D) 1885
Answer: C) 1876
Explanation: He advocated “Swaraj” and “India for Indians” in 1876.
6. The World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan is being implemented primarily through:
A) NABARD
B) PACS
C) FCI
D) SEBI
Answer: B) PACS
Explanation: The plan is being implemented at the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) level.
7. The 500 MT godown under the Grain Storage Plan was constructed in:
A) Gujarat
B) Maharashtra
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Rajasthan
Answer: C) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The warehouse was constructed in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh.
8. Cyclone Gezani made landfall in which city of Madagascar?
A) Antananarivo
B) Mahajanga
C) Toliara
D) Toamasina
Answer: D) Toamasina
Explanation: The cyclone hit Toamasina, the main port city of Madagascar.
9. MSMEs contribute approximately what percentage to India’s manufacturing output?
A) 25%
B) 35.4%
C) 48.58%
D) 31.1%
Answer: B) 35.4%
Explanation: MSMEs contribute about 35.4% to India’s manufacturing output.
10. The Union Budget 2026–27 announced an SME Growth Fund of:
A) ₹5,000 crore
B) ₹8,000 crore
C) ₹10,000 crore
D) ₹12,000 crore
Answer: C) ₹10,000 crore
Explanation: The Budget introduced a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to promote champion SMEs.
