UPSC Current Affairs (Feb 13, 2026): Comprehensive Analysis of ‘One Nation One Election’, Rafale Deal, and CPI Revision
UPSC Current Affairs Weekly Analysis: From Constitutional Amendments to Strategic Defense Deals
For a UPSC aspirant, newspapers are not just sources of information but the foundation of their preparation. This week’s headlines from The Hindu and The Indian Express provide a goldmine of topics across Polity, Economy, International Relations, and Security.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the major news items from February 13, 2026, analyzed through the lens of the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
1. Polity & Governance: The Push for 'One Nation, One Election'
The News
Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai testified before Parliament’s Joint Committee reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024. He stated that simultaneous elections do not violate the Basic Structure of the Constitution or its federal framework.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper II: Constitutional Amendments, Federalism, and the conduct of elections.
Insights: The debate hinges on whether synchronizing Lok Sabha and State Assembly polls undermines the autonomy of States. Justice Gavai argued that it only changes the "manner" of elections once and does not impact the accountability mechanisms like the 'No-Confidence Motion'.
Complex Terminology: Substantive Motion
This week also saw a Substantive Motion moved in the Lok Sabha against the Leader of the Opposition.
Definition: A Substantive Motion is a self-contained, independent proposal submitted for the approval of the House. It is drafted to express a decision or opinion of the House and is subject to debate and a compulsory vote.
2. Economy: A New Yardstick for Inflation (CPI Overhaul)
The News
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) has released a new series of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), shifting the base year from 2012 to 2024.
Key Changes & Insights
Expansion of Basket: The number of items has increased from 299 to 358.
Weightage Shift: The weight of the 'Food and Beverages' category has been significantly reduced from 45.86% to 36.75%.
Digital Inclusion: For the first time, data from 12 online marketplaces is being included, reflecting modern consumption patterns.
UPSC Context (GS III): This is critical for understanding how inflation targeting by the RBI will change. A lower weight on volatile food items might lead to less volatile "Headline Inflation" numbers.
3. Defense & Security: Strengthening the "Indigo" Skies
The News
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by the Defence Minister, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisitions worth ₹3.6 lakh crore. This includes the purchase of 114 Rafale multirole fighter aircraft and six P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
Strategic Importance
Fill the Gap: The IAF currently operates with 29 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42. The Rafale induction is seen as a "bridge" until the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) matures after 2035.
Make in India: Out of 114 Rafales, 90 will be manufactured in India, boosting the domestic defense industrial base.
P-8I for the Navy: Bolsters long-range anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region.
4. International Relations: Neighborhood Watch & Trade Tensions
Bangladesh General Elections
Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, Bangladesh held its first general election. Initial reports show the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leading.
The Referendum: Simultaneously, voters participated in a referendum on the July National Charter, which proposes structural changes like a bicameral parliament and a 10-year term limit for the Prime Minister.
UPSC Context (GS II): Stability in Bangladesh is vital for India’s internal security and the "Neighborhood First" policy.
India-US Interim Trade Deal
Tensions have risen in Parliament over an interim trade deal with the US.
The Conflict: Concerns were raised that India’s textile exports face higher tariffs compared to Bangladesh. However, the government clarified that India will receive "zero reciprocal tariff" benefits on textiles if raw materials are purchased from the US, similar to the deal Dhaka secured.
Energy Sourcing: The US has claimed India is reducing Russian oil imports as part of this deal, though the Ministry of External Affairs maintains that energy sourcing is guided by "pricing and availability."
5. Environment & Ecology: Protecting the Aravallis
The News
The Supreme Court has taken a firm stand, stating it will not allow anyone to "touch the Aravallis" until an expert committee finalizes the definition of the "Aravali range."
Background
The Haryana government sought to submit plans for a 10,000-acre Jungle Safari project in Gurugram and Nuh. The SC has stayed this, emphasizing that the Aravallis are a contiguous range spanning multiple states and require a holistic conservation approach rather than piecemeal development.
Summary of Key Terminology for Prelims
| Term | Context | Explanation |
| Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) | Defense Procurement | The first step in the defense acquisition process; it indicates the government's intent to buy but is not a final contract. |
| Basic Structure Doctrine | Simultaneous Polls | A judicial principle that certain features of the Constitution (like Federalism, Secularism) cannot be amended by Parliament. |
| CPI (Consumer Price Index) | Economy | A measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services. |
| July National Charter | Bangladesh Politics | A reform document in Bangladesh seeking to prevent the recurrence of authoritarian rule through constitutional limits. |
The Way Forward
The current scenario highlights a significant shift in India's domestic and foreign policy.
Constitutional Evolution: The outcome of the 129th Amendment Bill will redefine Indian federalism for decades.
Strategic Autonomy: India’s balancing act between US trade interests and Russian energy imports remains a litmus test for its "Strategic Autonomy" in a multi-polar world.
Modernizing the State: Moving the PMO to the new 'Seva Teerth' complex and updating 12-year-old economic indices marks a transition toward a more "future-ready" administrative framework.
UPSC Aspirants should focus on:
Drafting mains answers on the pros and cons of Simultaneous Elections.
Tracking the impact of the new CPI base year on the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meetings.
Analyzing the geopolitical implications of a new government in Dhaka.
Stay updated, stay analytical!
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