🌄 Current Affairs Article (Competitive Exam special)
12 February 2026
1. Government Issues Fresh Guidelines on Singing ‘Vande Mataram’ 
The Union Home Ministry has issued detailed guidelines regarding the observance of India’s National Song ‘Vande Mataram’. It has clearly directed that whenever the National Song and the National Anthem are performed together, the official six-stanza version of Vande Mataram must be rendered first. Moreover, the government has instructed that this full version should be sung or played on major state occasions such as the arrival of the President, flag unfurling ceremonies, and Governor’s addresses. This move strengthens uniformity and respect during national events.
2. National Productivity Council Observes Productivity Week with MSME Theme
The National Productivity Council (NPC) is celebrating its 68th Foundation Day on 12 February 2026. Along with this, it is observing National Productivity Week from 12 to 18 February 2026 across India. This year’s theme, “Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs,” highlights the role of industrial clusters in improving efficiency. Furthermore, the initiative aims to strengthen MSMEs, boost manufacturing competitiveness, and promote sustainable industrial development. Therefore, NPC’s focus supports India’s long-term economic growth and employment generation through productivity-driven reforms.
3. Kerala CEO Reviews Electoral Revision Work in Tribal Panchayat
Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Ratan U. Kelkar visited Edamalakkudi, Kerala’s first tribal panchayat located in the Munnar region. During the visit, he reviewed the progress of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Importantly, the visit highlights the government’s effort to ensure accurate voter registration even in remote tribal regions. Moreover, by monitoring revision work directly on the ground, the administration strengthens electoral transparency and inclusion. This step also ensures that every eligible citizen gets the right to vote.
4. India’s Solar Module Manufacturing Capacity Reaches 144 GW
India’s domestic solar module manufacturing capacity has reached an impressive 144 Gigawatt, marking a major achievement in renewable energy development. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced this in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour. This milestone reflects India’s push toward self-reliance in clean energy production. Additionally, the growth supports the country’s goal of reducing import dependence and achieving energy security. As solar capacity expands, it also promotes job creation and strengthens India’s commitment to global climate targets through sustainable and green development strategies.
5. Balaghat Selected as Pilot District for Grain Storage Cooperative Plan
Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh has been selected as the pilot district under the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector (WLGSP). Under this initiative, authorities constructed a 500 metric tonne grain godown at the Bahudeshiya Prathamik Krishi Saakh Sahakari Society Maryadit in Parswada. This project aims to strengthen rural storage infrastructure and reduce post-harvest losses. Moreover, it supports farmers by improving access to local storage and better market opportunities. Therefore, the plan enhances food security and promotes cooperative-based agricultural development.
6. BSF and SSB Chiefs Meet Army Chief to Strengthen Border Management
In a significant development for national security, the Director General of BSF Praveen Kumar (IPS) and the Director General of SSB Sanjay Singhal (IPS) met Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. The leaders discussed key matters related to border management and national security coordination. This meeting reflects stronger inter-agency cooperation in tackling border challenges. Furthermore, by enhancing communication between paramilitary forces and the Army. India strengthens its preparedness against cross-border threats. Such coordination is crucial, especially in sensitive border regions requiring constant vigilance and strategic planning.
7. Harcharan Singh Becomes First Sikh Lieutenant Colonel in Pakistan Army
Harcharan Singh has created history by becoming the first turbaned Pakistani Sikh to rise to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Pakistan Army. Earlier, he was already known as the first Sikh to secure a place in the army, and now his promotion marks a major milestone. This achievement reflects gradual progress in minority representation within Pakistan’s defense forces. Moreover, it highlights changing attitudes toward inclusion in institutions traditionally dominated by the majority. Therefore, this event carries symbolic significance for the Sikh community and minority rights in Pakistan.
8. Puducherry Doctors Selected for Prestigious Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award
Two senior ophthalmologists from Puducherry, Dr Haripriya Aravind and Dr R. Venkatesh, have been selected for the prestigious Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026. They work with the renowned Aravind Eye Care System and earned recognition for their exceptional contributions in combating cataract blindness and visual disability. The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation will confer the award in Washington DC. This recognition not only honors their humanitarian service but also highlights India’s growing contribution to global healthcare excellence.
9. NATO Launches ‘Arctic Sentry’ Initiative to Strengthen High North Security
NATO has unveiled a new military coordination initiative called ‘Arctic Sentry’ to strengthen security in the Arctic region. This move comes shortly after internal tensions emerged within NATO due to remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland. However, NATO clarified that Arctic Sentry is not a permanent standing force. Instead, it acts as a coordination umbrella for existing national military exercises in the Arctic. Therefore, this initiative reflects NATO’s strategic focus on the High North as global competition increases, especially due to geopolitical and climate-related developments.
10. MoSPI Revises Base Year for GDP, CPI and IIP to Improve Accuracy
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced a major revision in the base year for key economic indicators. It has decided that the new base year for GDP and IIP will be 2022-23, while for CPI it will be 2024. MoSPI will release the updated CPI series on 12 February 2026, GDP series on 27 February 2026, and IIP series in May 2026. This revision will improve data accuracy, relevance, and global comparability. Thus, it strengthens India’s statistical credibility.
✅ 10 One-Liner Current Affairs (12 Feb 2026)
- The Union Home Ministry directed that the full six-stanza version of Vande Mataram must be rendered first when performed with the National Anthem.
- The National Productivity Council (NPC) celebrates its 68th Foundation Day on 12 February 2026.
- National Productivity Week 2026 will be observed from 12 to 18 February with the theme focusing on MSME clusters.
- Kerala CEO Ratan U. Kelkar visited Edamalakkudi, Kerala’s first tribal panchayat, to review electoral revision progress.
- India’s domestic solar module manufacturing capacity has reached 144 Gigawatt, as stated by Minister Pralhad Joshi.
- Balaghat district (Madhya Pradesh) was selected as a pilot district for the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan.
- BSF DG Praveen Kumar and SSB DG Sanjay Singhal met Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi for border security discussions.
- Harcharan Singh became the first turbaned Pakistani Sikh to achieve the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Pakistan Army.
- NATO launched a new Arctic coordination initiative named ‘Arctic Sentry’ for High North security.
- MoSPI revised the base year of GDP and IIP to 2022-23, and CPI to 2024 to improve economic accuracy.
📝 10 MCQs with Answers & Explanations
Q1. The Union Home Ministry issued guidelines related to which national song?
A) Jana Gana Mana
B) Sare Jahan Se Achha
C) Vande Mataram
D) Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon
✅ Answer: C) Vande Mataram
📌 Explanation: The Home Ministry directed that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram must be rendered first whenever performed along with the National Anthem.
Q2. How many stanzas of Vande Mataram are officially required to be sung in full as per new guidelines?
A) 2
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6
✅ Answer: D) 6
📌 Explanation: The government clarified that the official version contains six stanzas, and it must be performed fully during major occasions.
Q3. The National Productivity Council (NPC) celebrates its Foundation Day on which date in 2026?
A) 10 February
B) 11 February
C) 12 February
D) 18 February
✅ Answer: C) 12 February
📌 Explanation: NPC completes 68 years and celebrates its Foundation Day on 12 February 2026.
Q4. What is the theme of National Productivity Week 2026?
A) Make in India for Growth
B) Digital India for Productivity
C) Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs
D) Sustainable Agriculture for Future
✅ Answer: C) Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs
📌 Explanation: The theme emphasizes industrial clusters and how they can improve productivity, especially for MSMEs.
Q5. National Productivity Week is observed during which period in 2026?
A) 1–7 February
B) 10–15 February
C) 12–18 February
D) 20–28 February
✅ Answer: C) 12–18 February
📌 Explanation: National Productivity Week is observed every year and in 2026 it runs from 12 to 18 February.
Q6. Kerala’s first tribal panchayat Edamalakkudi is located in which region?
A) Kozhikode
B) Munnar
C) Kollam
D) Kannur
✅ Answer: B) Munnar
📌 Explanation: Edamalakkudi is located in the Munnar region and is Kerala’s first tribal panchayat.
Q7. India’s domestic solar module manufacturing capacity has reached how many Gigawatts?
A) 100 GW
B) 120 GW
C) 144 GW
D) 200 GW
✅ Answer: C) 144 GW
📌 Explanation: Minister Pralhad Joshi stated in Lok Sabha that India’s solar module manufacturing capacity has reached 144 GW.
Q8. Balaghat district was selected as a pilot district under which plan?
A) PM-KISAN Scheme
B) National Food Security Mission
C) World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector
D) One Nation One Ration Card Scheme
✅ Answer: C) World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector
📌 Explanation: Balaghat was chosen as the pilot district for the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan, strengthening rural storage systems.
Q9. NATO introduced a new Arctic security coordination initiative named:
A) Arctic Shield
B) Arctic Sentry
C) Polar Guard
D) Ice Watch
✅ Answer: B) Arctic Sentry
📌 Explanation: NATO launched Arctic Sentry to strengthen security coordination in the High North region.
Q10. MoSPI revised the base year of GDP and IIP to which year?
A) 2011-12
B) 2017-18
C) 2020-21
D) 2022-23
✅ Answer: D) 2022-23
📌 Explanation: MoSPI updated the base year for GDP and IIP to 2022-23, while CPI base year was updated to 2024.
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