Current Affairs 16 February 2026

NASA Selects Vast for Private ISS Mission.

• NASA selects Vast (a company developing next-generation space stations) for sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeted for launch in summer 2027.
• Crew to spend up to 14 days aboard ISS, launched via SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft.
• Mission supports commercial space station transition and research in biotech, human spaceflight and technology.

CBDC-Based Digital Food Coupon Pilot launched in Gujarat.

• The Government of India launched pilot using Central Bank Digital Currency to distribute digital food coupons for targeted welfare delivery.
• Coupons issued in digital rupee ensure secure, transparent and leakage-free subsidy distribution to beneficiaries.
• Pilot supports financial inclusion, efficient welfare delivery and advances India’s CBDC adoption led by Reserve Bank of India.

Cabinet Clears ₹1 Lakh Cr Urban Challenge Fund.

• Union Cabinet approved ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund to drive market-led urban infrastructure development.
• Fund to cover 25% project cost, mobilise 50% via market sources, enabling ₹4 lakh crore urban investment over five years.
• Focus on resilient, climate-responsive cities, municipal bonds, PPPs and credit support for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

In 2026, Rajasthan dominates India’s wool production with a 47.5% share.

• India ranks 2nd globally in sheep population and 9th in wool production.
• The country has 77.4 million sheep, supporting rural livelihoods, textiles, and carpet industries.
• In FY24, India’s total wool production reached 33.69 million kg.
• Rajasthan led production with 16,013.50 thousand kg, contributing 47.53% of the national output.

PM Inaugurates Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu in Assam.

• PM Modi inaugurated Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu over Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam.
• The six-lane extradosed PSC bridge provides a direct link between Guwahati and North Guwahati and marks the first extradosed bridge to come up in the Northeast.
• Infrastructure boost expected to strengthen trade, tourism and socio-economic integration in Northeast India.