Daily Current Affairs- 15th February 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 15th February 2026

Mid-Day meal milk dilution controversy

In the News: Two separate incidents in Uttar Pradesh have exposed serious malpractice in the implementation of the government’s Mid-Day Meal Scheme. In Chopan block (Sonbhadra district), a cook at Salai Banwa Primary School was caught on video mixing just 1 litre of milk into a bucket of water to serve 81 students. A similar incident was reported from Mahoba district, where a school cook mixed two 500ml Amul milk packets into a large bucket of water for 50 students — in the presence of the school principal, who was also found asleep on duty. The principal, Monika Soni, was suspended with immediate effect following public outrage.

Key Points:

• Incident 1 – Chopan Block, Sonbhadra: At Salai Banwa Primary School in Chopan block, Uttar Pradesh in 2019, a cook was filmed mixing just 1 litre of milk into a full bucket of water. This heavily diluted mixture was then served to 81 students as part of their Mid-Day Meal. The video went viral on social media, prompting officials to take cognisance. Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Gorakhnath Patel ordered an inquiry and warned of stern action against those found responsible.
• Incident 2 – Mahoba District (Dhikwaha, Kabrai Block): A school cook was filmed  in 2026 mixing two half-litre Amul milk packets (total: 1 litre) into a large bucket of water at a government school in Mahoba’s Dhikwaha area. This diluted mixture was intended for 50 students. The incident occurred in the presence of the school principal. The video was filmed and uploaded in 2026 by a local resident, sparking immediate outrage.
• Principal Found Asleep on Duty: The Mahoba incident video also showed Principal Monika Soni asleep on school premises during duty hours. This added to public outrage and drew the attention of education authorities and the state government.
• Government Norms Violated: As per government mandates under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, every student is entitled to: fresh, well-cooked meals daily, and 200ml of pure local or packaged milk per child per day. Both incidents directly violated these standards by drastically diluting the prescribed milk quantity per student.
• About the Mid-Day Meal Scheme: The Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme is a centrally sponsored programme launched to improve the nutritional status of school-age children in India. It provides free cooked meals to students in government and government-aided schools. The scheme aims to increase school enrolment, reduce dropout rates, and address classroom hunger, particularly benefiting children from economically weaker sections.

India's first ‘cow culture’ museum to open in U.P.'s Mathura

In the News: India’s first Cow Culture Museum is set to come up in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The announcement was made by the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad following a meeting of district and Parishad officials. The museum will be established on the campus of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University, Mathura, and is being developed on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. It aims to showcase the religious, cultural, spiritual, and scientific significance of the cow to the general public.

Key Points:

• Announcement & Initiative: India’s first Cow Culture Museum was announced by the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad on Sunday, following a district-level meeting held in Mathura. The project is being developed on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and is intended to strengthen the cultural identity of the Braj region.
• Location: The museum will be set up on the campus of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. A team of officials, including the District Magistrate and Parishad representatives, has already inspected the proposed site.
• About Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad: The Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad is a government body established to preserve and promote the heritage of the Braj region — the cultural and religious landscape associated with Lord Krishna, centred around Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.
• Key Features & Exhibits: Approximately 100 digital and physical models of cattle will be displayed. These will cover all major cattle breeds found across India as well as endangered species, providing future generations a comprehensive understanding of India’s rich cow heritage. A running exhibition dedicated to cow milk and its products will be the major attraction, with modern techniques used to educate visitors about their nutritional and Ayurvedic benefits.
• Dairy Parlour: A dairy parlour will also be developed on the museum premises, where visitors can purchase and taste pure dairy products. This will offer a hands-on experience of India’s cow-based rural economy.
• Tradition Meets Science: Agra Divisional Commissioner Nagendra Pratap described the museum as a unique amalgamation of tradition and science. It is designed to foster a holistic understanding of cow conservation — going beyond religious faith to also highlight the practical, scientific, and economic relevance of cattle in Indian life.

Indias Strategic Autonomy Intact Despite U.S Trade Deal: Jaishankar in Munich

In the News: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 14–15, 2026, firmly asserted that India’s strategic autonomy remains intact despite the recently announced interim trade framework with the United States.

Key Points:

• Context – Background: India and the United States announced an interim trade framework recently. US President Trump’s executive order accompanying the deal stated that India had ‘committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil’ and would purchase US energy products. The deal also lifted a 25% penalty tariff on India but warned of punitive action if India imported Russian oil. This triggered sharp attacks from the Indian Opposition, accusing the government of ‘surrendering’ to Washington. Jaishankar’s Munich address was seen as India’s public rebuttal.
• Rubio’s Claim vs. Jaishankar’s Response: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told MSC 2026: “In our conversations with India, we have gotten their commitment to stop buying additional Russian oil.” In response, Jaishankar reiterated that India’s oil procurement is guided by commercial considerations — availability, cost, and risk — and not by political mandates.
• India’s Stand on Strategic Autonomy: Jaishankar emphasised that strategic autonomy is deeply embedded in India’s history and national evolution, and cuts across India’s entire political spectrum. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had earlier echoed this, saying India’s energy sourcing would be guided by national interest.
• Jaishankar on IMEC: On the India–Europe–Middle East Corridor (IMEC), Jaishankar acknowledged that the project is progressing but not at the initially expected pace due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He clarified that IMEC is a connectivity project and should not be conflated with the Palestinian question, though India holds a ‘longstanding’ position on Palestinian statehood.
• Jaishankar on Multilateral Diplomacy: At MSC 2026, Jaishankar also met G7 Foreign Ministers, reiterating India’s support for the UN80 reform agenda — particularly meaningful reform of the UN Security Council. He highlighted India’s role in safeguarding sea lines of communication, port security, and submarine cable infrastructure.

The 62nd Munich Security Conference

In the News: The 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC 2026) took place from February 13–15, 2026, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, Germany. Chaired by Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, the conference brought together heads of state and government and 1,000+ participants to debate the most pressing global security challenges. This year’s conference unfolded at what organisers described as a “fundamental inflection point” for the international order, with the Munich Security Report 2026 titled Under Destruction warning of an era of ‘wrecking-ball politics.’

Key Points:

• About MSC 2026: The Munich Security Conference is the world’s leading annual forum for international security policy. The 62nd edition (MSC 2026) was held from February 13–15, 2026, primarily at Hotel Bayerischer Hof and the Rosewood Munich. It is chaired by Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger. Over 1,000 participants attended, including 50+ heads of state/government, 100+ foreign and defence ministers, and ~450 representatives from politics, academia, and the defence industry.
• Theme & Tone: MSC 2026 took place at what organisers called a “fundamental inflection point” for global security. Key topics included: European security and defence, the future of the transatlantic relationship, revitalisation of multilateralism, competing visions of the global order, regional conflicts (Ukraine, Gaza, West Asia), and security implications of technological advances (AI, drones, space).
• Munich Security Report 2026 – ‘Under Destruction’: The intellectual backbone of MSC 2026, this report argues that the US-led post-1945 international order is now “under destruction.” It declares the world has entered a period of ‘wrecking-ball politics.’ US President Donald Trump is described as “the most powerful of those who take the axe to existing rules and institutions.”
• Ukraine & Russia: Ukraine remained a central subject. Deliberations covered the ongoing war with Russia, prospects for diplomatic resolution, and the sustainability of Western military and financial support for Kyiv. European concerns about evolving US policy toward Russia were a key part of the debate.
• The Munich Rule: All MSC 2026 proceedings are governed by the ‘Munich Rule’: Engage and interact — don’t lecture or ignore one another. All speakers are expected to stand ready to answer questions and engage with the audience at eye level, both on and off stage.
• India’s Relevance: EAM S. Jaishankar’s presence at MSC 2026 underscores India’s growing role in global security diplomacy. India’s participation positions it as an important voice on multilateralism, regional stability, and the evolving global order amid shifting US–Europe–Asia dynamics.

Ganga basin water decline

In the News: A study published in Earth’s Future (American Geophysical Union journal) by researchers from IIT Gandhinagar reveals that annual streamflow in the Ganga Basin has declined by 17% since 1980, while the Indus Basin saw an 8% rise. The primary cause of the Ganga’s decline is intensive groundwater pumping for irrigation, compounded by a 10% drop in rainfall and rising temperatures. The findings call for urgent, integrated water management across the region.

Key Points:

• About the Study: Published in Earth’s Future, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Geophysical Union. Conducted by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Gandhinagar. It analysed streamflow changes across the Indus and Ganga basins from 1980 to 2021 using a high-resolution, physics-based hydrological model (ParFlow-CLM) run at ~5 km resolution over 42 years.
• Key Finding – Contrasting Trends: Indus Basin: Annual streamflow rose by 8% since 1980, driven mainly by increased precipitation from western disturbances and variable monsoon contributions. Ganga Basin: Annual streamflow fell sharply by 17% since 1980, due to declining rainfall, rising temperatures, and heavy groundwater extraction.
• Indus Basin – River-wise Trends: The main Indus River and its western tributaries — Jhelum and Chenab — recorded the strongest flow increases. However, the two eastern tributaries — Ravi and Sutlej — have seen significant flow declines despite the basin-wide upward trend.
• Causes of Ganga Basin Decline: Rainfall has declined by ~10%. Temperatures and atmospheric water demand have increased. Most critically, intensive groundwater pumping for irrigation is the dominant factor. Groundwater normally contributes 50–70% of annual river flow in parts of the Ganga Basin. Heavy pumping — especially during weak monsoon years — reduces this underground discharge into rivers. In some stretches of the Yamuna and upper Ganga, river-aquifer flow has even reversed, with rivers now losing water to depleted groundwater systems.
• Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) Implications: The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty allocates eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) primarily to Pakistan. India suspended the IWT in April 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack, and has fast-tracked hydropower project clearances on western rivers. IIT-G professor Vimal Mishra (co-author) noted that these hydrological trends necessitate a relook at water-sharing arrangements under the IWT, as climate change and human water use have altered the baseline assumptions of the treaty.

India-Pakistan T20 Match Results

In the News: India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in Match 27 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka. India posted 175/7 and bowled Pakistan out for 114 in 18 overs to qualify for the Super 8 stage. This was the largest margin of victory ever recorded by India against Pakistan in T20 Internationals.

Key Points:

• Match Details: India vs Pakistan, Match 27, ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Date: February 15, 2026 (Sunday). Toss: Pakistan won and elected to field first.
• India’s Innings (175/7): Opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck in the 1st over. Ishan Kishan (wk) rescued the innings with a brilliant 77 off 40 balls. Captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32, and Shivam Dube added 27. India posted 175/7 in 20 overs.
• Pakistan’s Collapse (114 all out): Chasing 176, Pakistan slumped to 13/3 within 2 overs. Hardik Pandya dismissed Sahibzada Farhan for a duck in the 1st over. Jasprit Bumrah then removed Saim Ayub (6) and captain Salman Agha (4) in the 2nd over. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.
• Top Performers: India — Ishan Kishan: 77 off 40 balls; Suryakumar Yadav: 32; Shivam Dube: 27; Jasprit Bumrah & Hardik Pandya (key wickets). Pakistan — Usman Khan: 44 (top scorer); Shaheen Afridi: 23* ; Saim Ayub: 3 wickets (incl. Tilak Varma 25 & Hardik Pandya 0 on successive balls).
• Historical Records: Largest-ever victory margin for India vs Pakistan in T20Is. Pakistan’s 114 is their third-lowest total against India in T20s. India’s overall World Cup record vs Pakistan: 8–1 (Pakistan’s only win came once). India have won all 8 matches against Pakistan in ODI World Cups.
• Group A Standings: India qualified for the Super 8 with their third win in three games. Pakistan dropped to 3rd place in Group A, behind Team USA, due to poor Net Run Rate. Pakistan must beat Namibia (Wednesday) to stay in Super 8 contention.

International Childhood Cancer Day

In the News: International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is observed globally on February 15 every year. In 2026, the day is marked under the theme “Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change.” The campaign, run by Childhood Cancer International (CCI), raises awareness about childhood cancer and advocates for equitable access to treatment worldwide. Every year, over 400,000 children under age 20 are diagnosed with cancer, and a child dies of cancer every 3 minutes globally

Key Points:

• About ICCD: A global collaborative campaign observed on February 15 annually, created in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International (CCI) — a network of 183 organizations in 94+ countries across 5 continents. It advocates for the best possible medical and psychosocial care for every child with cancer, regardless of race, nationality, or financial status.
• 2026 Theme: “Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change” — focused on showcasing real-world progress in childhood cancer care and pushing for systemic improvements.
• Global Burden: 400,000+ children & adolescents (below 20) are diagnosed with cancer every year. A child dies of cancer every 3 minutes. Cancer is a leading cause of death among children and adolescents globally.
• WHO 2030 Target Goal: The WHO Global Childhood Cancer Initiative aims to achieve at least 60% survival for all children diagnosed with cancer worldwide by 2030, roughly doubling the current global cure rate and saving approximately 1 million additional children’s lives over the next decade.
• CHILDCANCER Acronym (Warning Signs): C – Continued unexplained weight loss | H – Headaches with early-morning vomiting | I – Increased swelling/pain in bones, joints, back, or legs | L – Lump/mass in neck, chest, armpits, belly, or pelvis | D – Excessive bruising, bleeding, or rash | C – Constant/persistent infections | A – Whitish colour behind the pupil | N – Persistent nausea/vomiting | C – Constant tiredness or paleness | E – Sudden eye/vision changes | R – Recurring fevers not due to flu.