Current Affairs 14/02/2026
1. Which new base year has been adopted for CPI inflation data replacing 2012?
Answer : 2024
India has adopted 2024 as the new base year for calculating the Consumer Price Index (CPI), replacing the earlier base year of 2012. This significant revision has been undertaken by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) through the National Statistical Office (NSO) to ensure that inflation data accurately reflects the current consumption patterns and economic structure of the country.
The base year in an index serves as a reference point against which price changes are measured. Over time, consumption behavior of households evolves due to changes in income levels, urbanization, technological advancements, and lifestyle preferences. Since the 2012 base year had become outdated, a revision was necessary to incorporate modern goods and services, including digital services, updated healthcare expenditure, transportation patterns, and evolving food consumption trends.
With 2024 as the new benchmark year, the CPI basket and weightage of items have been revised based on recent household consumption surveys. This ensures that inflation estimates more accurately represent present-day economic realities. Although the base year change does not directly increase or decrease inflation, it may lead to slight variations in reported inflation rates due to updated weight distribution across various categories.
Accurate CPI data plays a crucial role in economic policymaking. It guides monetary policy decisions, particularly by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in determining interest rates. It also impacts salary revisions, pension adjustments, social welfare schemes, and overall fiscal planning.
The adoption of 2024 as the new base year demonstrates India’s commitment to strengthening its statistical framework and aligning with international best practices. By updating the methodology, the government aims to enhance transparency, reliability, and credibility in inflation measurement, thereby supporting informed economic decision-making.
2. Which song must be sung before the National Anthem at official events?
Answer : Vande Mataram
The Government of India has reiterated that “Vande Mataram” must be sung before the National Anthem at official events and ceremonial functions, reinforcing its historical and national significance.
Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875, was later included in his novel Anandamath (1882). Written in Sanskrit, the song became a powerful symbol during India’s freedom movement, inspiring generations of freedom fighters in their struggle against British rule. Owing to its historic importance, it was accorded the status of the National Song of India.
At official government programs and state functions, “Vande Mataram” is sung prior to the rendering of the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, which was composed by Rabindranath Tagore and adopted as the National Anthem in 1950. This ceremonial order reflects the respect accorded to both compositions—one as the National Song symbolizing the spirit of the freedom movement, and the other as the formal anthem representing the sovereignty and unity of the Republic of India.
The practice underscores the government’s commitment to preserving constitutional values, national heritage, and patriotic traditions. By maintaining this protocol, official events continue to honor India’s historical legacy while reinforcing national unity and pride.
3. What is the name of India’s first national container shipping line?
Answer : Bharat Container Shipping Line
India’s first national container shipping line is named Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL).
The initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and enhancing self-reliance in global trade logistics. The establishment of Bharat Container Shipping Line aims to reduce dependence on foreign container carriers, improve cost efficiency in exports and imports, and support the government’s vision of boosting domestic shipping capacity.
The launch of BCSL is aligned with India’s broader maritime development strategy, including port modernization, coastal shipping expansion, and enhanced connectivity under initiatives such as Sagarmala. By creating a national container shipping carrier, India seeks to ensure greater control over supply chains, stabilize freight rates, and promote international trade competitiveness.
The formation of Bharat Container Shipping Line reflects the country’s strategic focus on strengthening its shipping sector and positioning India as a major player in global maritime commerce.
4. Where will the Indian Air Force conduct Vayu Shakti 2026?
Answer : Pokhran
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct Vayu Shakti 2026 at Pokhran, Rajasthan. The large-scale air power demonstration will take place at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, a strategically important desert training ground known for hosting high-intensity military exercises.
Vayu Shakti is one of the Indian Air Force’s most significant operational exercises, designed to showcase its combat capabilities, precision strike strength, and technological advancements. The event typically features live fire demonstrations by frontline fighter aircraft, transport fleets, helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, and advanced weapon platforms. It highlights the IAF’s operational preparedness and its ability to conduct coordinated air operations in challenging terrain.
Pokhran’s vast desert landscape provides an ideal environment for conducting complex aerial maneuvers and weapons testing. The exercise not only demonstrates air combat readiness but also reinforces India’s strategic deterrence capabilities. Senior defence officials and national leadership often attend the event to review the force’s operational effectiveness.
Vayu Shakti 2026 is expected to underline India’s growing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and modernization efforts, reflecting the country’s commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced and mission-ready air force.
5. In which country were ancient Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found?
Answer : Egypt
Ancient Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions have been discovered in Egypt, providing significant archaeological evidence of early maritime trade links between South India and the Mediterranean world. The inscriptions were unearthed at the ancient Red Sea port of Berenike, a key trading hub that connected the Roman Empire with India during the early centuries of the Common Era.
Tamil-Brahmi is one of the earliest scripts used to write the Tamil language, dating back to around the 3rd century BCE. The presence of this script in Egypt indicates that Tamil-speaking merchants were actively involved in long-distance trade networks. Historical sources, including Greco-Roman texts such as the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, also describe vibrant commercial exchanges between South India and Roman-controlled territories.
Archaeological findings at Berenike have revealed inscriptions on pottery and storage jars, suggesting that Tamil traders exported goods such as pepper, spices, pearls, ivory, and textiles. In return, they imported gold, wine, and luxury items from the Mediterranean region. These discoveries confirm that ancient Tamil merchants were part of an extensive and well-organized international trade system.
The findings not only highlight the economic prosperity of ancient South Indian kingdoms but also demonstrate India’s early participation in global commerce. The discovery of Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions in Egypt stands as strong testimony to the maritime skills, commercial enterprise, and cultural reach of early Tamil civilization.
6. In which city was India’s first musical road inaugurated?
Answer : Mumbai
India’s first musical road was inaugurated in Mumbai, marking a creative milestone in the country’s road safety and urban infrastructure initiatives. The innovative project has been introduced as part of efforts to promote disciplined driving behavior and enhance public awareness about speed regulation.
A musical road operates through a series of specially designed rumble strips or grooves embedded on the road surface. When vehicles travel over these grooves at a specific speed, vibrations generated by the tires produce a recognizable musical tune. The melody can be clearly heard only if drivers maintain the recommended speed limit, thereby encouraging compliance with traffic regulations.
The concept, already implemented in several countries worldwide, combines technology with road safety measures. In Mumbai, the initiative aims to reduce overspeeding, prevent accidents, and create a more engaging driving experience. By integrating innovation with infrastructure development, the project reflects India’s growing emphasis on smart urban mobility solutions.
The launch of the musical road underscores the government’s commitment to improving road safety standards while adopting creative and globally inspired practices to modernize transportation systems.
7. Which company won the ICC Green Urja and Energy Efficiency Award 2026?
Answer : REC Limited
REC Limited won the ICC Green Urja and Energy Efficiency Award 2026, recognizing its significant contribution to promoting renewable energy financing and sustainable power infrastructure in India.
REC Limited, a leading public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Power, plays a crucial role in funding power generation, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects across the country. The award acknowledges the company’s sustained efforts in advancing green energy initiatives, supporting solar, wind, and other clean energy projects.
The ICC Green Urja and Energy Efficiency Award highlights organizations that demonstrate excellence in promoting energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprint, and contributing to sustainable development. REC Limited’s recognition reflects its strategic commitment to financing environmentally responsible projects and strengthening India’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.
The achievement further reinforces REC Limited’s position as a key driver in India’s renewable energy growth and energy efficiency transformation.