Current Affairs 19/02/2026
1. What was India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rate in January 2026?
Answer : 1.81%
India’s Wholesale Price Index in January 2026
In the month of January in the year 2026, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) of India registered an annual rate of inflation of 1.81 per cent. This figure, modest though notable, indicated a perceptible rise in wholesale prices when compared with the corresponding month of the previous year.
The Wholesale Price Index, compiled under the authority of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, serves as an important barometer of price movements at the level of producers and bulk traders. Unlike retail measures, it reflects variations in prices before goods reach the ultimate consumer, thereby offering insight into the underlying cost structure of the economy.
The data released by the Office of the Economic Adviser revealed that the January rise was influenced chiefly by firmer prices in food articles and certain manufactured goods. Articles of daily necessity, particularly agricultural produce, exhibited moderate appreciation in value. At the same time, fuel and power components showed comparatively restrained movements, tempering the overall increase.
When contrasted with the subdued or near-stagnant inflation observed during parts of late 2025, the January 2026 figure suggested a gradual revival of price momentum in wholesale markets. Though the rate remained within manageable bounds, it invited careful observation from policymakers and market participants alike.
From a monetary standpoint, the trend bore relevance to the deliberations of the Reserve Bank of India, as sustained increases in wholesale prices may, in due course, transmit to retail markets and influence broader inflation expectations.
Thus, the WPI inflation rate of 1.81 per cent in January 2026 stood as a measured yet significant indicator of evolving price conditions within the Indian economy, reflecting both sectoral shifts and the broader currents of supply and demand.
2. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched an initiative to develop which type of corridors?
Answer : Green corridors
The Green Corridor Initiative of the National Highways Authority of India
In its continued endeavour to harmonise progress with prudence, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has undertaken an initiative for the development of Green Corridors along the nation’s highways. This scheme represents a thoughtful departure from the mere expansion of roads, embracing instead the principle that material advancement must be accompanied by environmental stewardship.
The conception of Green Corridors rests upon the belief that highways, while indispensable to commerce and communication, ought not to stand in opposition to nature. Accordingly, the Authority has resolved to incorporate extensive afforestation along roadways, to cultivate verdant stretches that shall not only adorn the highways but also mitigate atmospheric impurities. Rows of trees and shrubs, judiciously planted, are intended to serve as natural barriers against dust, noise, and excessive heat.
Furthermore, in the construction and maintenance of such corridors, emphasis is laid upon the adoption of sustainable materials and modern techniques that lessen ecological disturbance. Provisions are also contemplated for the conservation of water through rainwater harvesting systems and for the utilisation of renewable sources of energy wherever practicable.
The Green Corridor initiative may thus be regarded as a measured step towards reconciling infrastructure with environmental conscience. It reflects a broader national resolve to pursue development not in heedless haste, but with due regard to the preservation of natural resources for generations yet to come.
3. Which company of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been acquired by Torrent Power?
Answer : Nabha Power Limited
Acquisition of Nabha Power Limited by Torrent Power
In a notable development within the Indian power sector, Nabha Power Limited, a company formerly associated with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), has been acquired by Torrent Power. This transaction marks an important step in the consolidation and reorganisation of assets within the country’s electricity generation industry.
Nabha Power Limited was established as a special purpose undertaking for thermal power generation and has been engaged in the operation of a substantial power project. Its acquisition by Torrent Power signifies the latter’s intention to augment its generation capacity and strengthen its presence in the northern region of India.
The arrangement reflects a broader tendency among industrial houses to streamline operations and concentrate upon their principal lines of enterprise. For L&T, the divestment forms part of its continuing strategy to rationalise its portfolio, while for Torrent Power, the acquisition offers the prospect of enhanced operational reach and improved efficiency in meeting the nation’s growing demand for electricity.
Thus, the transfer of Nabha Power Limited stands as an illustration of the evolving character of India’s energy sector, wherein prudent consolidation and strategic investment play a decisive role in sustaining economic progress.
4. Which major island project has the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently cleared?
Answer : Great Nicobar Island Project
The Great Nicobar Island Project and the Sanction of the National Green Tribunal
In a matter of considerable public interest, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently accorded its clearance to the Great Nicobar Island Project, a comprehensive scheme of development proposed for the southernmost island of the Andaman and Nicobar group.
Great Nicobar, situated in a region of high ecological sensitivity and strategic maritime importance, has long been regarded as possessing both natural wealth and geographical significance. The project conceived for this island envisions the establishment of a modern international container transshipment terminal, the construction of a greenfield airport of substantial capacity, and the creation of a planned township accompanied by essential civic and power infrastructure.
The deliberations of the Tribunal were marked by careful consideration of environmental safeguards, for the island is home to rare flora and fauna and lies within a fragile ecosystem. In granting its approval, the Tribunal is understood to have imposed conditions designed to mitigate ecological disturbance and to ensure that development proceeds in conformity with statutory environmental norms.
The undertaking is also viewed through the prism of national strategy, as Great Nicobar occupies a vantage position near vital international sea lanes. Its development is thus expected to enhance maritime commerce and strengthen India’s presence in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
In sum, the clearance of the Great Nicobar Island Project reflects the endeavour to reconcile the imperatives of progress with the obligations of environmental stewardship, a balance increasingly sought in the governance of modern infrastructure.
5. Who has been awarded the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025?
Answer : Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana Honoured with BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025
Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has been conferred with the prestigious BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025 award, recognizing her outstanding performances and consistent contribution to Indian women’s cricket. The award celebrates exceptional female athletes who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and inspiration in their respective sports.
Mandhana, known for her elegant left-handed batting style, played a pivotal role in India’s international cricket successes during the year. Her remarkable consistency across formats, including crucial performances in bilateral series and global tournaments, significantly strengthened India’s position in women’s cricket. She emerged as one of the leading run-scorers of the season, showcasing both technical brilliance and mental resilience.
Since making her international debut at a young age, Mandhana has established herself as one of the pillars of Indian women’s cricket. She has previously received several accolades, including the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award, and continues to serve as a role model for aspiring cricketers across the country.
The BBC award further underlines her impact not only as a sportsperson but also as an ambassador for women’s empowerment in sports. Her achievement reflects the growing recognition and global stature of Indian women athletes on the international stage.
Smriti Mandhana’s recognition as the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025 marks another significant milestone in her illustrious career and highlights the continued rise of women’s cricket in India.
6. Which service have Mastercard and Visa launched in India for secure digital transactions?
Answer : Passkey Service
Mastercard and Visa Launch Passkey Service in India
Global payment technology leaders Mastercard and Visa have introduced a Passkey Service in India to enhance the security and convenience of digital transactions. The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening authentication mechanisms in the rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem.
The newly launched passkey-based system enables users to authenticate online card transactions through biometric verification, such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, instead of relying on traditional one-time passwords (OTPs) or static passwords. Built on global FIDO (Fast Identity Online) standards, the service aims to reduce fraud risks while providing a seamless and faster checkout experience for consumers.
India, being one of the world’s fastest-growing digital payment markets, has witnessed exponential growth in online transactions. With increasing concerns about phishing attacks, OTP fraud, and data breaches, the adoption of passkey authentication offers a more secure and user-friendly alternative. By eliminating the need for manually entering OTPs, the service minimizes the risk of credential theft and enhances customer confidence in digital payments.
The rollout of the passkey service aligns with India’s broader digital transformation agenda and supports the Reserve Bank of India’s efforts to promote safe and secure electronic payment systems. Industry experts believe that this move will significantly reduce transaction friction while strengthening fraud prevention frameworks.
The collaboration between Mastercard and Visa in implementing passkey technology reflects a global shift toward passwordless authentication systems. As digital commerce continues to expand, innovations such as passkeys are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of secure financial transactions in India.
7. Which facility has Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated in Bengaluru?
Answer : Mountain Radar and Missile Integration Facility
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Mountain Radar and Missile Integration Facility in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The facility has been established at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Defence.
The newly inaugurated Mountain Radar and Missile Integration Facility is designed to enhance the integration, testing, and deployment of advanced missile systems and radar technologies, particularly for high-altitude and mountainous terrains. Such terrains pose unique operational challenges, including extreme weather conditions and complex geographical features, necessitating specialized surveillance and defence systems.
During the inauguration, the Defence Minister emphasized the importance of self-reliance in defence production under the government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. He highlighted that facilities like this will reduce dependency on imports, promote indigenous research and development, and strengthen India’s strategic defence preparedness.
The integration facility will play a crucial role in supporting the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces by ensuring faster assembly, testing, and deployment of critical missile and radar systems. It is also expected to boost technological innovation, generate skilled employment, and contribute to the growth of India’s defence industrial ecosystem.
Overall, the establishment of the Mountain Radar and Missile Integration Facility reflects India’s commitment to modernizing its defence infrastructure and enhancing its capabilities to address emerging security challenges effectively.