1 PM inaugurates Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Dibrugarh, Assam
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Northeast’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on the National Highway at Moran in Assam ‘s Dibrugarh district . Prime Minister Modi arrived at the venue in an Air Force aircraft, which landed at the facility. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal welcomed PM Modi on stage. Developed in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, the ELF is designed to operate fighter aircraft weighing up to 40 tons and transport aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of up to 74 tons. The 4.2-kilometer -long reinforced concrete section is designed as an emergency runway capable of handling both military and civilian aircraft. A unique feature of the Moran ELF is that it lacks a road divider, ensuring smooth movement of aircraft during landing and take-off operations. Its location near the India-China border further enhances its strategic importance.
2 Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the “Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu” built on the Brahmaputra in Guwahati.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu over the Brahmaputra in Guwahati , Assam . The bridge connects Guwahati with North Guwahati and will boost connectivity in the region. This 2.86-kilometer-long, 6-lane extradosed pre-stressed concrete (PSC) bridge was built at a cost of approximately ₹3,030 crore. It is the first extradosed bridge in Northeast India. Upon its completion, the travel time between Guwahati and North Guwahati will be reduced to just 7 minutes. Considering the seismically sensitive region, the bridge utilizes base isolation technology, employing friction pendulum bearings. High-performance stay cables and a Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) ensure the bridge’s strength and long-term safety.
In a major boost to India’s growing startup ecosystem, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the establishment of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (Startup India FoF 2.0). A total corpus of ₹10,000 crore has been allocated to it, aimed at raising venture capital for the country’s startup ecosystem. The scheme aims to accelerate the next phase of India’s startup journey by mobilizing long-term domestic capital, strengthening the venture capital ecosystem, and supporting innovation-led entrepreneurship across the country. Launched under the Startup India initiative, Startup India FoF 2.0 is the culmination of nearly a decade of sustained efforts to position India as one of the leading startup destinations in the world. Startup India was launched in 2016. , India’s startup ecosystem has witnessed a remarkable transformation, growing from less than 500 startups to over 2 lakh startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) today, with the highest ever annual number of startup registrations in 2025.
4 Cabinet approves construction of an under-river tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in Assam with provision for a two-lane twin tube TBM road and railway infrastructure in one tube
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 4-lane access- controlled greenfield connectivity on the NH-715 section from Gohpur to Numaligarh on NH-15 in Assam, to be developed under Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) mode at a total capital cost of ₹18,662 crore. This includes a 15.79- km road – cum – rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River . Currently, the distance between Numaligarh on NH-715 and Gohpur on NH-15 is 240 km via the Kaliabhambhora road bridge near Silghat on NH-52 . It takes 6 hours to travel via Numaligarh , Kaziranga National Park , and Biswanath town . To address these challenges, it is proposed to develop a 4-lane, access-controlled green transportation project with a road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River from Gohpur to Numaligarh on NH-15 . This will be India’s first and the world’s second submerged road-cum-rail tunnel . The project will significantly benefit Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and other northeastern states . It will increase freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and accelerate socio-economic development in the region. The project connects two major national highways (NH-15 and NH-715) and two railway lines, including the Rangia-Mukongselek railway section under the Rangia Division of the NFR towards Gohpur and the Furkating-Mariani Loop Line section under the Tinsukia Division of the NFR towards Numaligarh.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) , providing central assistance of ₹1 lakh crore for the creation of high-quality infrastructure in cities. . Central assistance will cover 25 percent of the cost of urban infrastructure projects, provided a minimum of 50 percent of the project cost is raised from the market. This initiative is expected to generate a total investment of ₹4 lakh crore in urban areas over the next five years. The Cabinet stated that the fund will be operational from fiscal years 2025-26 to 2030-31, with the implementation period extendable to fiscal year 2033-34.
6 Inauguration of India Himalayan International Strategic Forum-Bhishma in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Governor Gurmeet Singh inaugurated the India Himalayan International Strategic Forum – Bhishma at Lok Bhawan in Dehradun and also unveiled the logo and website of Bhishma. On this occasion, Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan highlighted the growing importance of the Himalayan borders. ‘Bhishma’ will function as a strategic think tank, which aims to make Uttarakhand a leading centre of strategic thinking at the national level by bringing together the intellectual resources available in Dehradun. The founding team of this forum includes many senior experts including the country’s Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan and National Security Advisory Board member Ajay Kumar Singh.
7 NCLT Chairman and Chief Justice (Retd.) Ramalingam Sudhakar relieved from his post
Chief Justice (Retd.) Ramalingam Sudhakar , Chairperson of the National Company Law Tribunal , will demit office on February 13, 2026, after completing a distinguished tenure as the head of the Tribunal . He had assumed charge of the Tribunal in November 2021. Shri Deep Chandra Joshi, Member (Judicial) and senior-most Member of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), will act as the Chairperson of the Tribunal. Shri Joshi will act as the Acting Chairperson from February 14, 2026, to March 16, 2026, or until a regular Chairperson is appointed, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s cybersecurity against emerging quantum computing threats , the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) , a premier telecommunications research and development institute under the Department of Telecommunications , Government of India, has signed an agreement with Synergy Quantum India Private Limited , a deep-tech sovereign quantum security company providing comprehensive post-quantum cryptography solutions in both hardware and software. The agreement aims to jointly develop an automated tool to detect, classify, and report quantum-sensitive cryptographic algorithms in targeted devices. The primary objective of this project is to create an automated tool that can scan a device and identify the cryptographic algorithms and security mechanisms used. This tool will detect all security vulnerabilities and then clearly differentiate between quantum-safe and quantum-sensitive algorithms. Finally, it will generate a detailed report detailing the quantum-sensitive algorithms, their purpose, and their precise location within the device to assist in developing a migration plan towards known quantum-safe security.
9 The Department of Posts released a set of eight commemorative postage stamps on the theme ‘Puppets of India’, which celebrates India’s puppetry tradition and handicraft stories passed down through generations.
The Department of Posts released a set of eight commemorative postage stamps on the theme ” Puppets of India ” on February 13, 2026 , at the Indian Habitat Centre in New Delhi . The stamps were formally released by Ms. Vandita Kaul, Secretary, Posts, in the presence of distinguished guests, artists, and members of the cultural fraternity. The commemorative stamps comprise eight stamps, each depicting a distinctive traditional puppetry form from different regions of India, such as Kathputli (Rajasthan), Yakshagana Sutrada Gombeyatta (Karnataka), Dangar Putul (West Bengal), Kathi Kundai (Odisha), Benir Putul (West Bengal), Pavakathakali (Kerala), Ravanachhaya (Odisha), and Tolu Bommalatta (Andhra Pradesh) . Each stamp depicts the distinctive costumes, forms, and performance styles of the respective tradition, showcasing the artistic craftsmanship and cultural heritage associated with India’s diverse puppetry.
Under Phases II and III of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) , the International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS 2026) is being organized from February 13-14, 2026, at the J.N. Tata Auditorium of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. The conference is being organized by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti , Government of India, and the Department of Water Resources, Government of Karnataka , in collaboration with the Central Water Commission (CWC), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and the World Bank. The conference was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah . The function was presided over by the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri D.K. Shivakumar . Among the highlights of the inaugural session was the launch of DAMCHAT , an AI-powered platform developed by the International Centre of Excellence on Dams (ICED) , IIT Roorkee , and the unveiling of the Jal Shakti data management platform of the National Water Information Centre (NWIC) .
11 Naga community bans pangolin hunting in Nagaland
In a major conservation move, the Sangtam Naga tribal body in Nagaland has officially banned the hunting and trade of pangolins within its jurisdiction . The resolution, passed by the United Sangtam Likham Pumji (USLP) , marks a significant milestone for pangolin conservation in Northeast India . The decision strengthens community accountability and supports ongoing efforts to curb illegal wildlife trafficking in the region.
AU Small Finance Bank has announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of Sanjay Agarwal as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a period of three years . His new term will be effective from April 19, 2026, to April 18, 2029.
13 Uday Kotak appointed chairman of GIFT City
The Gujarat government has appointed Kotak Mahindra Bank founder Uday Kotak as the new chairman of GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance-Tec City) in Gandhinagar . He replaces Hasmukh Adhia , who was previously serving as the non-executive chairman. The appointment order was issued by the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department of the Gujarat government. GIFT City is India’s first operational smart city and the country’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). It is a major financial hub envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
14 Agnivastra and Indian Army sign MoU for advanced carbon materials
In a significant step towards strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing , Mumbai -based company Agnivastra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army . This collaboration with the Indian Army focuses on custom design and manufacturing of advanced carbon and related materials specifically engineered for critical, high-stakes defence applications. Agnivastra signed an MoU with the Indian Army for the supply of advanced carbon fabric and composite materials. This will support ‘Make in India’ and local defence manufacturing.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday officially launched the state government’s Stree Suraksha Yojana . Under this scheme , unemployed women and transgender women will be provided a pension of ₹1,000 per month. The Stree Suraksha Yojana aims to ensure that women can live a dignified life without depending on others. He described this initiative as a milestone in building a women-friendly Kerala, where gender justice is the foundation of development.
16 Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award to two ophthalmologists from Puducherry
Dr. Haripriya Arvind and Dr. R. Venkatesh of Puducherry have received the Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026 for cataract treatment . The award, given by the ASCRS Foundation, will provide $100,000 in financial support to Aravind Eye Care System. Dr. Haripriya Arvind and Dr. R. Venkatesh of Aravind Eye Care System will receive the honor on April 11, 2026, at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Foundation convention in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes their outstanding contributions to combating cataract-related blindness and expanding access to affordable eye care. The Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award was established in 2017 through a donation by David and Victoria Chang. It honors extraordinary humanitarian contributions to cataract treatment worldwide.