Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs January 2026 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs 03rd February 2026, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs 03rd February 2026 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

Daily Current Affairs PDF of 03rd February 2026

Get More: Static GK Pdfs

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF UNION BUDGET 2026-27

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026–27 in the Lok Sabha on February 1, 2026, marking her record ninth consecutive Budget presentation.
• The speech clocked a duration of 1 hour and 25 minutes (85 minutes)
• The Budget aims to boost capital expenditure, strengthen domestic manufacturing, promote technology and infrastructure development, and maintain fiscal discipline.
• This is the first Union Budget prepared in Kartavya Bhawan and is inspired by three Kartavyas (duties).
• First Kartavya: Accelerate and sustain economic growth by enhancing productivity, competitiveness and resilience to global volatility.
• Second Kartavya: Fulfil aspirations and build capacity of people, making them partners in India’s growth journey.
• Third Kartavya: Aligned with Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, ensuring inclusive access to resources and opportunities.

Key Highlights :

Budget Estimates & Fiscal Indicators

• Total Expenditure (BE 2026–27): ₹53.5 lakh crore
• Non-debt Receipts (BE): ₹36.5 lakh crore
• Net Tax Receipts (BE): ₹28.7 lakh crore
• Fiscal Deficit (BE 2026–27): 4.3% of GDP
• Fiscal Deficit (RE 2025–26): 4.4 % of GDP
• Debt-to-GDP Ratio (BE 2026–27): 55.6% (down from 56.1% in RE 2025–26)
• Capital Expenditure (RE 2025–26): ~₹11 lakh crore
• Public Capex (FY 2026–27): ₹12.2 lakh crore
• Gross Market Borrowings: ₹17.2 lakh crore
• Net Market Borrowings: ₹11.7 lakh crore

First Kartavya – 6 Key Growth Interventions

• Biopharma SHAKTI launched with ₹10,000 crore outlay (5 years) to make India a global biopharma hub.
• 3 new NIPERs to be set up and 7 existing NIPERs upgraded.
• 1,000+ accredited clinical trial sites to be created across India.
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 to boost equipment, materials, full-stack Indian IP and supply chains.
• Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme outlay increased to ₹40,000 crore.
• Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors to be developed in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
• 3 Chemical Parks to be established via challenge-based, cluster plug-and-play model.

Capital Goods & Manufacturing

• Hi-Tech Tool Rooms to be set up by CPSEs for precision manufacturing.
• Construction & Infrastructure Equipment (CIE) Scheme
• Container Manufacturing Scheme with ₹10,000 crore (5 years) announced.

Textiles & Traditional Sectors

• Integrated Textile Programme launched covering National Fibre Scheme, Textile Expansion & Employment Scheme, and Mega Textile Parks.
• Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative to strengthen khadi, handloom and handicrafts.

MSMEs & Legacy Industries

• 200 legacy industrial clusters to be revived through technology and infrastructure upgrades.
• ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to create “Champion MSMEs”.
• Self-Reliant India Fund gets additional ₹2,000 crore.
• Corporate Mitras to be developed via ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI, especially in Tier-II & Tier-III cities.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

• Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund to de-risk private investment.
• Dedicated Freight Corridor from Dankuni (East) to Surat (West)
• 20 new National Waterways to be operationalised; starting with NW-5 in Odisha.
• Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to raise waterway share to 12% by 2047.
• Ship repair hubs to be set up at Varanasi and Patna.
• Seaplane VGF Scheme introduced to boost regional connectivity and tourism.

Energy & Urban Development

• ₹20,000 crore allocation (5 years) for Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage (CCUS).
• City Economic Regions (CERs) to get ₹5,000 crore each over 5 years.
• 7 High-Speed Rail Corridors announced including
  • Mumbai-Pune
  • Pune-Hyderabad,
  • Hyderabad-Bengaluru,
  • Hyderabad-Chennai
  • Chennai-Bengaluru,
  • Delhi-Varanasi,
  • Varanasi-Siliguri.

Second Kartavya – People & Capacity

• Education-to-Employment Standing Committee to focus on the Services Sector.
• 100,000 Allied Health Professionals to be added in 5 years.
• 5 Regional Medical Hubs to promote medical tourism.
• 3 new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to be established.
• 20,000+ veterinary professionals to be added; capital subsidy for vet institutions.
• Orange Economy : Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai to be provided support in setting up Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges.
• AVGC Content Creator Labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges.
• One girls’ hostel in every district via VGF/capital support.
• Khelo India Mission launched to transform sports over the next decade.

Third Kartavya – Inclusion & Regional Focus

• Integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars.
• Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI agri-platform, to integrate AgriStack and ICAR data.
• Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana for employment in IT, AVGC, hospitality and F&B.
• NIMHANS-2 to be set up in North India; institutes in Ranchi and Tezpur upgraded.
• Purvodaya & North-East focus with East Coast Industrial Corridor, 5 tourism destinations, and 4,000 e-buses.

Tax Reforms :

• New Income Tax Act, 2025 to come into force from April 2026.
• Interest awarded by MACT to individuals made fully tax-exempt.
• TCS on overseas tour packages reduced to 2%, and LRS education/medical remittances reduced to 2%.
• One-time 6-month foreign asset disclosure scheme for small taxpayers announced.
• MAT made the final tax rate reduced to 14%, effective from 1 April 2026.
• STT on Futures increased to 0.05%, and Options STT raised to 0.15%.
• Cloud service providers using Indian data centres get a tax holiday till 2047.

Indirect Taxes & Trade

• Basic Customs Duty exemptions extended for Lithium-ion batteries, solar glass, nuclear projects till 2035, and critical minerals.
• 17 drugs and medicines fully exempted from customs duty.
• Duty-free courier export cap of ₹10 lakh removed, boosting e-commerce exports.
• Customs Integrated System (CIS) to be rolled out within 2 years.

Expenditure of Major Items :

State Bank of India Enhances Trade Finance and Global Banking Services with GTFC Launch in Kolkata

• State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), launched a Global Trade Finance Centre (GTFC) in Kolkata, West Bengal, to strengthen trade finance and global banking operations.
• In July 2025, SBI inaugurated two specialised GTFCs located in Kolkata (West Bengal) and Hyderabad (Telangana) on the occasion of its 70th anniversary.
• The GTFC follows a centralized system to streamline inland trade and efficiently process import and export transactions.
• The centre supports SBI branches across eastern and northern India, enabling faster turnaround time, strong compliance oversight, and an enhanced customer experience for domestic and cross-border trade.
• The GTFC is technology-driven, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Blockchain, marking a shift from traditional paper-based systems.
• The total staff strength of the GTFC is 277, comprising 161 SBI employees, 105 outsourced staff, and 11 temporary personnel.
• Local hiring accounts for 61% of the workforce, with 169 employees from West Bengal, supporting regional employment generation.
• Since 2024, the GTFC has contributed ₹1.40 crore as Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the West Bengal economy.

Recent News :

• In Jan 2026, State Bank of India (SBI) surpassed ICICI Bank to regain its position as the second-most valuable bank by market capitalization after a gap of more than six years.

About State Bank of India (SBI):

• Founded Year: 1955
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Chairman: Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
• Slogan: "The Banker to Every Indian"

Union Budget 2026-27 Proposes Self-Help Entrepreneur Marts to Boost Women-Led Enterprises and Strengthen SHG Ecosystem

• The Union Budget 2026-27 announced the establishment of Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts as community-owned retail outlets to strengthen women-led enterprises and deepen the self-help group (SHG) ecosystem across states.
• The SHE Marts initiative aims to provide a structured market platform for products made by women entrepreneurs, with Jharkhand emerging as a key beneficiary due to its strong SHG base.
• The programme builds on the Lakhpati Didi Programme and aims to help women transition from credit-based livelihoods to ownership of enterprises.
• SHE Marts will be set up within cluster-level federations of SHGs and supported through enhanced and innovative financing instruments to enable women to access organised retail and stable demand.
• The community-owned retail model allows women-led SHGs to collectively market and sell their products, reducing dependence on intermediaries and improving income realisation.
• Jharkhand has mobilised around 39 lakh rural SHG members through the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society, and SHE Marts complement ongoing efforts to transform women from borrowers into business owners.
• The initiative aligns with the Budget’s broader emphasis on inclusive growth and women-led development, focusing on ownership, market access, and scale to create sustainable income opportunities.
• SHE Marts aim to help women reach larger markets, build brands, and strengthen local institutions such as self-help groups.
• The Lakhpati Didi Programme, run by the Ministry of Rural Development, supports rural women in starting small businesses and earning a steady income of at least Rs 1 lakh per year.
• Under the programme, women are trained in skills like plumbing, making LED bulbs, and using and repairing drones to become financially independent.
• As per the Economic Survey 2026, raising women’s workforce participation to around 55% by 2050 could be key to sustaining strong annual GDP growth in India.

Union Budget 2026-27 Allocates ₹73,990.94 Crore to DoT to Revive Telecom Infrastructure and Strengthen BSNL

• The Union Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹73,990.94 crore to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), focusing on telecom infrastructure revival and strengthening state-owned BSNL.
• The allocation for FY27 is 8.65% lower than the FY26 Budget Estimate of ₹81,005.24 crore but 38.56% higher than the FY26 Revised Estimate of ₹53,398.17 crore.
• The increase over the revised FY26 figure is largely due to higher capital infusion into Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for network expansion and financial recovery.
• The total net allocation for the DoT in FY27 is ₹80,927.94 crore, including an additional ₹6,937 crore from the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
• Funds from USOF will be used for compensation to telecom service providers, the BharatNet rural broadband programme, and research and development in the telecom sector.
• Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that the government is working to strengthen BSNL’s financial and operational position, with average revenue per user (ARPU) rising from ₹90 to ₹99, targeting ₹100.
• The capital infusion along with internal cash flows will fund spectrum costs, network rollout, towers, and other infrastructure needs of BSNL.
• The incremental allocation also supports the BharatNet programme, including expanding fibre connectivity, upgrading infrastructure, and meeting BSNL’s internal capital expenditure requirements.
• The Budget strategy reflects a focus on consolidating public sector telecom capabilities while continuing investments in rural connectivity and long-term digital infrastructure.

Union Budget 2026-27 Proposes Excise-Duty Exemption on Biogas Component in Blended CNG to Boost Renewable Gas Use

• The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed an excise-duty exemption on the biogas or compressed biogas (CBG) component in blended compressed natural gas (CNG) to promote renewable gas use and reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• The measure aims to correct double taxation, as previously both pure CNG and blended CNG attracted 14% central excise duty, 5% GST, and state-level VAT, which dampened incentives for biogas blending.
• Under the new provision, central excise duty will not be levied on the biogas portion of blended CNG, lowering the effective tax burden and improving cost competitiveness for city gas distribution companies (CGDs).
• India remains heavily reliant on imported natural gas, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports meeting nearly 50% of domestic demand, prompting policy support for renewable alternatives.
• The SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) scheme, launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, targets 15 million tonnes of CBG production, though only around 190 plants have been commissioned so far.
• The excise exemption provides a financial incentive for CGDs to increase CBG blending levels: at 5% CBG blend, only 95% of the volume attracts excise duty; at 50:50 blend, half the volume is exempt.
• Despite central excise relief, blended CNG is often treated as natural gas by states, with VAT ranging from 5% to 15%, so further benefits depend on state-level exemptions for the CBG portion.
• Combined with support under rural renewable energy programmes, the excise exemption signals long-term policy support for renewable gas, but its success depends on coordinated Centre–state action and infrastructure development by city gas distributors.

Union Budget 2026-27 Promotes Astronomy Through New Telescopes and Planetarium Initiatives

• The Union Budget 2026-27 announced a major expansion of India’s ground-based astronomy infrastructure, with plans to establish and upgrade four key facilities across Ladakh and southern India.
• The initiatives aim to strengthen India’s capabilities in solar physics, deep-space observation, and public science education.
• All projects will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), headquartered in Bengaluru, including two new national-class telescopes, an upgrade of the Himalayan Chandra Telescope in Ladakh, and a new planetarium-cum-training centre.
• The National Large Solar Telescope will be set up near Pangong Lake, Ladakh, as a two-metre class optical and near-infrared instrument to study the Sun’s magnetic fields, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections, complementing ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission.
• The National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope, a 10–12 metre facility in Hanle, Ladakh, will observe optical and infrared wavelengths, enabling studies of distant galaxies, star-forming regions, and exoplanets.
• The Himalayan Chandra Telescope, operational in Hanle since 2000, will be upgraded to extend its scientific capabilities, supporting research on variable stars, supernovae, and active galaxies, reinforcing Ladakh as India’s principal astronomy hub.
• The Cosmos-2 planetarium and training centre will be built in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, featuring advanced digital projection and interactive exhibits to promote public science education, following Cosmos-1 in Mysuru.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Adampur Airport Renamed Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport; Halwara Civil Terminal Inaugurated

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed Adampur Airport in Jalandhar as Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport and also inaugurated a new civil terminal at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana.
• The renaming honours Guru Ravidas, a revered Bhakti movement saint and social reformer, and carries strong social and cultural significance, especially in Punjab.
• The decision fulfilled a long-pending demand from various political parties and social groups.
• A resolution for renaming Adampur Airport was passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in 2020, and the demand was reiterated by the current state government.
• The move combines cultural recognition with infrastructure development, strengthening regional air connectivity in Punjab.
• Adampur Airport was revamped at a cost of ₹125 crore under the UDAN 5.0 scheme and serves the Doaba region of Punjab.
• The civil terminal at Adampur is spread over 40 acres and operates using the Adampur Air Force Station airstrip.
• Airport operations at Adampur resumed on 31 March 2025 after a four-year suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Currently, Adampur Airport operates limited flights by Star Air and IndiGo, connecting cities such as Mumbai, Nanded and Bengaluru.
• Connectivity challenges remain due to a narrow 4.3-kilometre rural approach road, with land acquisition delays cited as the main reason for non-expansion.
• Earlier air routes to Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai were discontinued due to low passenger demand, highlighting sustainability challenges under regional connectivity schemes.
• At Halwara Airport in Ludhiana, a new civil terminal was virtually inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
• The Halwara civil terminal has been built at a cost of ₹54 crore by expanding the Halwara Air Force base.
• The terminal has a capacity to handle 300 passengers at a time, significantly improving civil aviation facilities for Ludhiana, an important industrial hub.
• The twin initiatives support the objectives of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, boosting regional connectivity and aviation growth in Punjab.

About Punjab:

• Chief Minister: Bhagwant Mann ​
• Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
• Capital: Chandigarh ​
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary, Aishvan Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Bhadson Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Bunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Dosanjh Wildlife Sanctuary ​

RECENT NEWS

• The Punjab government has started a major healthcare scheme called Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. Under this scheme, every family in the state will get free and cashless medical treatment worth up to ₹10 lakh.

Third Edition of Tri-Services Future Warfare Course Launched in New Delhi

• The third edition of the Future Warfare Course commenced in New Delhi from February 2 to February 25, 2026.
• The course is a tri-services programme conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) in collaboration with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
• It brings together officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, along with experts from the defence industry.
• The programme focuses on future warfighting concepts, emerging and disruptive technologies, geopolitical challenges, and indigenous defence capabilities.
• It aims to prepare military leadership for technology-driven, multi-domain and integrated warfare scenarios.
• Key areas of study include cyber warfare, space domain, artificial intelligence-based systems, defence supply chains, rare-earth mineral dependencies, and innovation in combat operations.
• Participants range from Majors to Major Generals and equivalent ranks, ensuring a blend of technical expertise, operational experience and strategic perspective.
• Representatives from defence startups, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Defence Public Sector Undertakings and private industry are also part of the programme.
• The expanded three-week course builds on the success of its first edition held in September 2024.
• The programme aligns with the vision of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan to ensure the Indian Armed Forces remain adaptive, integrated and future-ready in addressing evolving security challenges.

Gujarat Becomes India’s Largest Renewable Energy Contributor

• Gujarat emerged as the largest contributor to India’s renewable energy capacity, accounting for 16.50% of the national total as of 31 December 2025.
• Gujarat ranks 1st in India in total installed renewable energy capacity with 42.583 GW.
• The state contributes 16.50% of India’s total renewable energy capacity, reflecting strong policy support and infrastructure readiness.
• Gujarat ranks 1st in wind power capacity and 2nd in solar power capacity.
• Total installed solar capacity stands at 25,529.40 MW (December 2025), including ground-mounted, rooftop, hybrid, and off-grid systems such as PM-KUSUM.
• Major solar parks include Charanka, Radhanesda, and Dholera.
• Khavda Renewable Energy Park (Kutch) is planned for 37.35 GW, with 11.33 GW already operational, making it the world’s largest renewable energy park.
• Installed wind power capacity is 14,820.94 MW as of December 2025.
• Kutch district contributes the highest share, followed by Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Amreli, and Rajkot.
• Gujarat has commissioned 2,398.77 MW of wind–solar hybrid projects, supported by modern evacuation infrastructure and government-allotted land.
• The state has crossed 11 lakh rooftop solar installations, generating 6,412.80 MW, the highest in India.
• Since 2016, Gujarat has contributed over 25% of India’s total rooftop solar capacity.
• Under PM-KUSUM, 12,700 off-grid solar water pumps have been installed to support farmers and sustainable irrigation.
• Gujarat’s renewable growth is backed by strong policies ranging from the Wind Power Policy 1993 to the Gujarat Integrated Renewable Energy Policy 2025.
• Policies focus on ease of grid connectivity, removal of capacity limits, promotion of hybrid systems and battery storage.
• Digital platforms like Akshay Urja Setu ensure faster approvals, transparency, private investment, renewable manufacturing, and green job creation.

About Gujarat:

• Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Capital: Gandhinagar
• National Parks: Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Vansda National Park, Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The Gujarat government will provide ₹1,250 crore financial assistance to over 12 lakh girls under the Namo Laxmi Scheme in 2025–26. The initiative supports girls studying in Classes 9–12, aiming to prevent dropouts, improve nutrition, and promote secondary and higher secondary education.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

UN Environment Programme Releases "State of Finance for Nature 2026" Report Highlighting Global Environmental Finance Imbalance

• The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) released The State of Finance for Nature 2026 report, highlighting a stark imbalance in global environmental financing.

Key Highlights :

• The report finds that for every USD 1 invested in protecting nature, the world spends nearly USD 30 on activities that damage it, with USD 7.3 trillion flowing into nature-negative finance in 2023.
• Of the total nature-negative finance, USD 4.9 trillion came from private sources, mainly in energy, utilities, industrials, and basic materials, while USD 2.4 trillion came from environmentally harmful public subsidies to fossil fuels, agriculture, and infrastructure.
• In contrast, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) received only USD 220 billion, with nearly 90% from public sources and only 10% from private investment.
• UNEP estimates that NbS investments must increase 2.5 times to reach USD 571 billion annually by 2030, which is about 0.5% of global GDP.
• Nature-negative finance refers to global financial flows to activities harming nature, such as fossil fuel extraction, unsustainable agriculture, and deforestation, accounting for 7% of global GDP in 2023.
• Environmentally Harmful Subsidies (EHS), totaling USD 2.4 trillion, distort market prices, making environmental destruction cheaper than conservation.
• Nature-based Solutions (NbS) involve actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems, addressing societal challenges like climate change, food security, and disaster risk, while providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.
• International frameworks driving NbS finance include the Rio Conventions:
• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
• These set targets for climate stability, biodiversity conservation, and land restoration by 2030.
• For India, scaling Nature-based Solutions through reforms like the Nature Transition X-Curve, green taxonomy, subsidy rationalisation, and private capital mobilisation is critical to protect biodiversity while sustaining long-term economic growth.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Grammy Awards 2026: Major Winners List

• The 68th Grammy Awards 2026 celebrated global excellence in music, recognising top artists across pop, rap, rock, country, R&B, electronic, classical, and global music categories.
• The Grammy Awards are among the most prestigious international music honours, recognising artistic excellence, creativity, and cultural impact across genres.
• The 2026 ceremony featured a mix of established global stars and emerging artists, reflecting changing listener preferences and musical diversity.
• Prominent winners included Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and Olivia Dean.
• General / Major Categories:
• Song of the Year: Billie Eilish – Wildflower
• Best New Artist: Olivia Dean
• Producer of the Year: Cirkut
• Songwriter of the Year: Amy Allen
• Pop Music:
• Best Pop Solo Performance: Lola Young – Messy
• Best Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga – Mayhem
• Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande – Defying Gravity
• Best Dance-Pop Recording: Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
• Country Music:
• Best Contemporary Country Album: Jelly Roll – Beautifully Broken
• Best Country Solo Performance: Chris Stapleton – Bad As I Used to Be
• Best Traditional Country Album: Zach Top – Ain’t In It for My Health
• Best Country Song: Tyler Childers – Bitin’ List
• Rap / Hip-Hop:
• Best Rap Album: Kendrick Lamar – GNX
• Best Rap Performance: Clipse – Chains & Whips (feat. Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams)
• Best Rap Song: Kendrick Lamar feat. Lefty Gunplay – TV Off
• Best Melodic Rap Performance: Kendrick Lamar with SZA – Luther
• R&B / Soul:
• Best R&B Album: Leon Thomas – Mutt
• Best R&B Performance: Kehlani – Folded
• Best Traditional R&B Performance: Leon Thomas – Vibes Don’t Lie
• Best R&B Song: Kehlani – Folded
• Rock / Metal / Alternative:
• Best Rock Album: Turnstile – Never Enough
• Best Rock Performance: Yungblud – Changes (Live from Villa Park)
• Best Rock Song: Nine Inch Nails – As Alive as You Need Me to Be
• Best Metal Performance: Turnstile – Birds
• Best Alternative Music Album: The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
• Best Alternative Music Performance: The Cure – Alone
• Dance / Electronic:
• Best Dance/Electronic Album: FKA twigs – Eusexua
• Best Dance/Electronic Recording: Tame Impala – End of Summer
• Latin / Global:
• Best Música Urbana Album: Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos
• Best Global Music Performance: Tyla – PUSH 2 START
• Folk / Jazz / Classical:
• Best Folk Album: I’m With Her – Wild and Clear and Blue
• Best Jazz Performance: Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade – Windows (Live)
• Best Orchestral Performance: Andris Nelsons (Boston Symphony Orchestra) – Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie
• Visual Media / Soundtracks:
• Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: Sinners
• Best Song Written for Visual Media: Huntr/x – Golden (from KPop: Demon Hunters)
• Best Music Video: Doechii – Anxiety
• Other Important Categories:
• Best Audio Book, Narration and Storytelling Recording: Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness The Dalai Lama – Dalai Lama
• Best Comedy Album: Your Friend – Nate Bargatze
• Best Children’s Music Album: Harmony – FYÜTCH & Aura V
• Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: Brightside – ARKAI
• Best Chamber Music / Small Ensemble Performance: Dennehy: Land of Winter
• Best Choral Performance: Ortiz: Yanga

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

India Emerges as a Major Engine of Global Urban Growth in 2025: UN Report

• A United Nations report (2025) states that around 45% of the global population lives in urban areas, a sharp rise from 20% in 1950.
• India has emerged as one of the biggest drivers of global urban growth, placing it at the centre of worldwide urbanisation trends.
• India currently has five megacities, each with a population of more than 10 million.
• New Delhi, with a population of over 30 million, is among the four largest cities in the world, alongside Jakarta, Dhaka and Tokyo.
• Major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata continue to attract migration, jobs and investment.
• The 2025 UN report introduced the “Degree of Urbanization” method, which classifies cities based on population size and density, not just administrative boundaries.
• Under this method, densely populated urban areas outside official city limits are also counted as cities.
• Due to this revised methodology, population estimates of many Indian and Asian cities have increased, offering a more accurate picture of urban living patterns.
• Asia dominates global urbanisation, hosting 9 of the world’s 10 largest cities and nearly 60% of all megacities.
• India plays a central role in Asia’s urban growth, supported by its young population, internal migration and expanding service and manufacturing sectors.
• While megacities receive attention, the report highlights that most urban growth is occurring in small and medium-sized cities.
• Nearly 96% of cities globally have populations below 1 million.
• In India, smaller cities are growing faster than large metros due to improved road connectivity, digital infrastructure and emerging local industries.
• Cities such as Kozhikode, with a population exceeding 5 million, highlight the shift away from metro-centric urban development.
• The report underscores both opportunities and challenges for India in areas such as urban planning, housing, employment, infrastructure and sustainability.

Global Soft Power Index 2026: Top Rankings and India’s Position

• Global Soft Power Index 2026 ranks countries based on their ability to influence and attract others through culture, values, governance, and ideas, rather than military force or economic pressure.
• Soft Power refers to a nation’s ability to shape preferences of other countries through culture, diplomacy, values, innovation, and global reputation.
• Strong soft power helps attract tourists, investors, skilled talent, and strengthens international partnerships.
• It is often described as the power of perception, where a country’s global image directly impacts its influence and growth.
• The Global Soft Power Index measures soft power using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and nation brand attributes.
• Key KPIs include:
• Familiarity: How well a country is known globally
• Reputation: How positively it is perceived
• Influence: Its ability to affect international decisions and opinions
• The index evaluates 8 Soft Power pillars covering 35 nation brand attributes:
• Business & Trade
• International Relations
• Education & Science
• Culture & Heritage
• Governance
• Media & Communication
• Sustainable Future
• People & Values
• Difference between Hard Power and Soft Power:
• Hard Power: Influence through military force or economic pressure
• Soft Power: Influence through attraction, culture, values, and diplomacy
• Top 10 Countries in Global Soft Power Index 2026:
• 1st – United States: 74.9
• 2nd – China: 73.5
• 3rd – Japan: 70.6
• 4th – United Kingdom: 69.2
• 5th – Germany: 67.7
• 6th – France: 65.8
• 7th – Switzerland: 63.2
• 8th – Canada: 63.2
• 9th – Italy: 61.6
• 10th – United Arab Emirates: 59.4
• India’s Position:
• India ranks 32nd globally with a score of 48.0.
• India dropped 2 positions and declined by 1.8 points compared to the previous year.
• Despite strong cultural influence and international outreach, improvement is needed in governance, media perception, and sustainable development.
• Key Insights from 2026 Rankings:
• The United States remains at the top, but its score declined, highlighting fragile global trust.
• China narrowed the gap with the US, reflecting rising global influence.
• Japan overtook the UK to rank third, showing strong nation branding.
• Countries like Switzerland and Italy showed resilience despite global uncertainties.
• India’s decline underlines the need to strengthen core soft power pillars such as governance, global diplomacy, and media engagement.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police Conduct Joint “Agni Pariksha” Exercise in Arunachal Pradesh to Boost Combat Synergy

• The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) conducted a joint training exercise named “Agni Pariksha” at Sigar in East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh from January 19 to 24,2026 to enhance inter-force combat synergy and operational integration.
• The primary objective of Agni Pariksha was to familiarise non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and the execution of firing missions.
• The exercise aimed to break traditional role-based silos by exposing infantry and ITBP personnel to realistic artillery employment in dynamic combat scenarios.
• Spearhead gunners from the Spear Corps conducted training alongside infantry regiments and ITBP units, marking the first-of-its-kind collaborative firepower training initiative.
• Non-artillery personnel were systematically trained to independently conduct multiple artillery firing drills under the close supervision of experienced gunners.
• The exercise significantly enhanced mutual trust, coordination, and operational responsiveness among the participating forces.
• By improving understanding of firepower integration, the training helped in rapid decision-making and effective battlefield coordination in high-intensity and border-related contingencies.
• This was the first phase of a broader initiative, considered a pioneering step towards developing integrated combat capabilities required for future battlefields.
• The exercise reflects the Indian Army’s evolving doctrine of joint operations and closer coordination with central armed police forces in complex operational environments.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh Inaugurates ₹32 Crore CSIR–NIO Shore-Based Regional Centre at Visakhapatnam

• Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), inaugurated the Shore-Based Laboratory of CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR–NIO) Regional Centre at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• The CSIR–NIO Regional Centre has been established at Yendada Village, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam, and was constructed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
• The facility was built at a cost of ₹32 crore with a built-up area of 4,550 square metres (sq m).
• The centre focuses on marine geological and geophysical surveys of the Eastern Continental Margin of India (ECMI).
• Key research areas include bathymetry mapping, tectonic studies, deep-sea exploration, and monsoon research in the Bay of Bengal.
• The laboratory strengthens national energy security by supporting offshore oil, gas, hydrocarbon, and seabed mineral exploration.
• The centre contributes to the Blue Economy, supporting fisheries, coastal resilience, skill development, seaweed cultivation, and harmful algal bloom forecasting.

Indian Oil Corporation Limited Signs Letter of Intent with Akasa Air to Explore Future Supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad

• Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Akasa Air to explore the future supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) during the Wings India 2026 airshow in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The LoI establishes a framework for collaboration to assess how IOCL might supply SAF to Akasa Air in the future.
• IOCL and Akasa Air will evaluate potential SAF supply volumes, delivery locations, timelines, and approved sustainable feedstocks and production pathways that meet global standards.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a lower-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel that can significantly reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from aviation.

About IOCL :

• IOCL, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), was established in 1959 (and took its current form in 1964 after a merger) in New Delhi, Delhi, under the MoPNG.
• IOCL is India’s largest integrated oil & gas company, operating across refining, pipelines, fuel marketing, petrochemicals, and clean energy initiatives.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENVIRONMENT

Archaeologists Unearth 1,400-Year-Old Zapotec Tomb in Oaxaca, Shedding Light on Indigenous Funerary Traditions

• Archaeologists in southern Mexico discovered a 1,400-year-old tomb belonging to the Zapotec civilization at San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca in 2025, providing insights into Indigenous funerary traditions and social organisation.
• The tomb dates to around D. 600, during the flourishing of the Zapotecs, also known as the “Cloud People”, who inhabited the Oaxaca Valley.
• The Zapotec civilisation emerged around 700 B.C. and continued until the Spanish conquest in 1521, with Zapotec-speaking communities still present in Mexico today.
• At the entrance of the tomb, archaeologists found a large carved owl with wide eyes, whose beak reveals the painted face of a Zapotec lord, symbolising death, power, and honoured ancestors.
• Inside, a stone doorway separates two chambers, with a lintel engraved with calendrical names, reflecting the Zapotec system of identifying individuals by birth-date symbols.
• Carved figures of a man and a woman flank the doorway, likely representing ancestors or guardians.
• The burial chamber walls preserve vivid murals in white, green, red, and blue, depicting a funeral procession carrying bags of copal incense used in ritual ceremonies.
• Officials described the Huitzo tomb as the most significant archaeological discovery in Mexico in a decade due to its exceptional preservation.
• An interdisciplinary team is conserving the tomb and studying ceramics, iconography, and human remains, contributing to knowledge about Zapotec funerary practices in Oaxaca.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Devika Sihag Wins Maiden BWF Super 300 Title at Thailand Masters 2026

• Indian badminton player Devika Sihag won her first BWF Super 300 title at the Thailand Masters 2026, marking the biggest breakthrough of her career.
• The 20-year-old shuttler from Haryana defeated Goh Jin Wei of Malaysia in the women’s singles final.
• The final ended after Goh Jin Wei retired due to a hamstring injury.
• At the time of retirement, Devika Sihag was leading convincingly 21–8, 6–3, showing complete dominance.
• Devika’s performance in the final highlighted her aggressive stroke play, sharp net control and strong mental composure.
• Despite the premature end, her overall tournament performance clearly justified the title win.
• This was Devika Sihag’s maiden title at the BWF Super 300 level, making it her most significant career achievement so far.
• BWF Super 300 tournaments are part of the BWF World Tour and offer important ranking points and international exposure.
• The title win is expected to boost her world ranking, confidence and visibility on the international circuit.
• The victory will help Devika compete more regularly in higher-level tournaments such as Super 500 and Super 750 events.
• Goh Jin Wei, ranked World No. 68, is a two-time former World Junior Champion and was considered a strong contender in the final.

Australian Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz Wins Men’s Singles Title and Completes Career Grand Slam

• Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defeated Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final, becoming the youngest male player to complete a Career Grand Slam at the age of 22 years.
• The men’s singles final of Australian Open 2026 was held.
• Novak Djokovic won the first set 6–2, using his experience and baseline control.
• Carlos Alcaraz made a strong comeback and won the next three sets 6–2, 6–3, 7–5.
• Alcaraz showed superior physical endurance, aggressive baseline play, and tactical maturity.
• The victory marked a symbolic transition from the old generation to the new generation in men’s tennis.
• By winning the Australian Open 2026, Carlos Alcaraz completed the Career Grand Slam, having already won:
• French Open
• Wimbledon
• United States Open
• He became the youngest man in tennis history to achieve this feat.
• This achievement placed him among an elite group of players to win all four Grand Slam titles.
• Novak Djokovic, despite the loss, delivered an emotional post-match speech.
• He praised Carlos Alcaraz and his team as historic and legendary.
• His remarks on longevity and gratitude led to speculation about the closing phase of his illustrious career, though no retirement was announced.
• The win confirms a generational shift in men’s tennis, with Carlos Alcaraz emerging as the new dominant force.
• The era dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic is gradually giving way to younger champions.

Australian Open 2026 Winners:

• Men’s Singles: Carlos Alcaraz
• Women’s Singles: Elena Rybakina
• Men’s Doubles: Neal Skupski and Christian Harrison
• Women’s Doubles: Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai
• Mixed Doubles: Storm Hunter Gadecki and John Peers

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Renowned Jesuit Priest and Educationist Father Thomas V. Kunnunkal Passed Away at 99 in New Delhi

• Father Thomas V. Kunnunkal, a Jesuit priest and a prominent personality in India’s post-Independence education system, passed away at the age of 99 in New Delhi, Delhi.
• He was born on July 03, 1926, in Alappuzha, Kerala.
• He was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s 4th highest civilian honor, in 1974 in the field of literature and education.
• Father Kunnunkal, widely known as Father Stany, served as Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) from 1980 to 1987.
• He played a pivotal role in founding the National Open School in November 1989 as an autonomous organisation in pursuance of the National Education Policy (NEP 1986) by the Ministry of Education (MoE).
• In 2005, he published a book titled ‘The Role of Teachers on National Regeneration’.

Daily CA One- Liner: February 3

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed Adampur Airport in Jalandhar as Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport and also inaugurated a new civil terminal at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana
• The third edition of the Future Warfare Course commenced in New Delhi from February 2 to February 25, 2026.
• Gujarat emerged as the largest contributor to India’s renewable energy capacity, accounting for 16.50% of the national total as of 31 December 2025
• The 68th Grammy Awards 2026 celebrated global excellence in music, recognising top artists across pop, rap, rock, country, R&B, electronic, classical, and global music categories
• A United Nations report (2025) states that around 45% of the global population lives in urban areas, a sharp rise from 20% in 1950
• Global Soft Power Index 2026 ranks countries based on their ability to influence and attract others through culture, values, governance, and ideas, rather than military force or economic pressure
• Indian badminton player Devika Sihag won her first BWF Super 300 title at the Thailand Masters 2026, marking the biggest breakthrough of her career
• Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defeated Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final, becoming the youngest male player to complete a Career Grand Slam at the age of 22 years
• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026–27 in the Lok Sabha on February 1, 2026, marking her record ninth consecutive Budget presentation.
• State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), launched a Global Trade Finance Centre (GTFC) in Kolkata, West Bengal, to strengthen trade finance and global banking operations.
• The Union Budget 2026-27 announced the establishment of Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts as community-owned retail outlets to strengthen women-led enterprises and deepen the self-help group (SHG) ecosystem across states.
• The Union Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹73,990.94 crore to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), focusing on telecom infrastructure revival and strengthening state-owned BSNL.
• The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed an excise-duty exemption on the biogas or compressed biogas (CBG) component in blended compressed natural gas (CNG) to promote renewable gas use and reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• The Union Budget 2026-27 announced a major expansion of India’s ground-based astronomy infrastructure, with plans to establish and upgrade four key facilities across Ladakh and southern India.
• The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) released The State of Finance for Nature 2026 report, highlighting a stark imbalance in global environmental financing.
• The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) conducted a joint training exercise named “Agni Pariksha” at Sigar in East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh from January 19 to 24,2026 to enhance inter-force combat synergy and operational integration.
• Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), inaugurated the Shore-Based Laboratory of CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR–NIO) Regional Centre at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Akasa Air to explore the future supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) during the Wings India 2026 airshow in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Archaeologists in southern Mexico discovered a 1,400-year-old tomb belonging to the Zapotec civilization at San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca in 2025, providing insights into Indigenous funerary traditions and social organisation.
• Father Thomas V. Kunnunkal, a Jesuit priest and a prominent personality in India’s post-Independence education system, passed away at the age of 99 in New Delhi, Delhi.