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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Tables 16th Finance Commission Report; States’ Tax Share Retained at 41% for 2026–31

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the 16th Finance Commission (16th FC) report in Parliament alongside the Union Budget 2026–27.
• The government accepted the key recommendation of the 16th FC to retain the states’ share in central taxes at 41% for the period 2026–31.
• The 16th Finance Commission was chaired by Arvind Panagariya and covers the award period 2026–31.
• The recommendations signal a shift from “entitlement-based” transfers to “compliance-driven” fiscal federalism.
• The 16th FC retains states’ tax share at 41% and moves fiscal transfers toward performance- and compliance-based criteria, including a new weight for contribution to GDP.
• It emphasises fiscal discipline by capping state deficits at 3% of GSDP, ending off-budget borrowings, rationalising subsidies, and warning against unconditional cash transfers.
• Vertical Devolution under the 16th FC remains at 41% of the Central Government’s divisible pool of taxes, unchanged from the 15th FC, excluding cesses, surcharges, and cost of collection.
• Horizontal Devolution decides the exact allocation to each state from the 41% share, with a revised formula rewarding economic performance.
• The revised horizontal devolution formula assigns weightage as follows: income distance – 42.5%, population (2011 Census) – 17.5%, demographic performance – 10%, area – 10%, forest & ecology – 10%, and contribution to GDP – 10%, while excluding tax and fiscal effort parameter used by the 15th FC.
• The 16th FC recommendations aim to strengthen efficiency, transparency, and performance incentives, but may reduce untied funds and impact state fiscal autonomy, especially for southern and poorer states.

About Ministry of Finance:

• Cabinet Minister: Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
• Minister of State (MoS): Shri Pankaj Chaudhary

Goldman Sachs Raises India’s Calendar Year 2026 Gross Domestic Product  Growth Projection to 6.9%

• Goldman Sachs upgraded India’s CY26 (Calendar Year 2026) real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast by 20 basis points (bps) from 6.7% to 6.9%.
• The upgrade follows the conclusion of the United States of America (USA)–India trade deal, which reduced reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%.
• The forecast is based on goods export exposure of about 4% of GDP to USA final demand and an export demand elasticity of around 0.7.
• The trade agreement is expected to reduce trade-policy uncertainty and improve private investment intentions in India.
• A capex (capital expenditure) recovery is likely in the second half of CY26 due to improved business confidence.
• Lower tariffs are projected to narrow India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) by about 25% of GDP to nearly 0.8% in CY26.
• Easing trade tensions may support higher capital inflows and reduce pressure on the Indian Rupee (INR).
• India’s bilateral goods trade surplus with the USA has doubled from about USD 20 billion in CY15 to nearly USD 40 billion in CY25.
• The expansion in trade surplus has been driven mainly by electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles

Reserve Bank of India Levies ₹18.76 Lakh Compounding Penalty on One 97 Communications for Foreign Exchange Management Act Breach

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a compounding fee of ₹18.76 lakh on One 97 Communications Limited (OCL), the parent company of Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL).
• The penalty was issued under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 for contraventions related to foreign investment transactions in its subsidiary.
• The transaction involved investments worth approximately ₹33 crore made by Little Internet Singapore Private Limited into Little Internet Private Limited (LIPL).
• The investments were carried out during the period March 2016 to June 2017.
• The violation pertained to contravention of Regulation 5(1) read with Regulation 13 of FEMA Notification No. 120/RB-2004.
• One 97 Communications Limited (OCL) disclosed the compounding order under Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements – LODR) Regulations, 2015.
• Compounding under FEMA is a voluntary settlement process involving admission of contravention and payment of a fee, after which the matter is disposed of without litigation.
• Additionally, the RBI compounded another case involving Nearby India Private Limited, a subsidiary of OCL, imposing a fee of ₹4.28 lakh.
• This additional compounding took place in Quarter 3 (Q3) of Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26).

What is FEMA ?

• The FEMA was enacted in 1999 as a successor to the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973, adapting to post-liberalisation economic conditions in India.
• The act aims to regulate foreign exchange transactions, currency transactions, and foreign payments to ensure orderly development and maintenance of the foreign exchange market in India.
• The main objectives of FEMA are: to facilitate external trade and payments, to promote the orderly development of the foreign exchange market, and to regulate transactions related to foreign exchange.
• The act empowers the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to make rules and regulations to implement its provisions.

Equitas Small Finance Bank Enters Strategic Bancassurance Tie-Up with Bharti AXA Life to Boost Insurance Reach in India

• Equitas Small Finance Bank (Equitas SFB) signed a strategic bancassurance partnership with Bharti AXA Life Insurance, backed by Bharti Enterprises and France’s AXA, to expand life insurance reach across India.
• The partnership aims to boost life insurance penetration and help customers secure their long-term financial future.
• Under the partnership, Bharti AXA Life Insurance will offer its life insurance products, including protection, savings, and retirement plans, to Equitas SFB customers.
• The collaboration will use both physical and digital channels to provide wider access to customers.
• The partnership focuses on deepening life insurance adoption in semi-urban and rural areas, where insurance penetration has been limited.

About Equitas Small Finance Bank:

• Founded: 2007
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India ​
• Managing Director & CEO: P. N. Vasudevan
• Tagline: "It's Fun Banking"

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United States Congress Approves $200 Million Security Aid for Baltic Nations Amid Rising Russian Activity

• The United States Congress approved a $200 million security assistance package for the Baltic nations amid intensified Russian military activity along NATO’s eastern flank.
• The funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defence Appropriations Act, which is included in the $838.7 billion US defence budget.
• The Baltic Security Initiative under this act ensures continued support for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
• The bill was signed into law by US President Donald Trump on February 3, 2026, despite earlier Pentagon proposals to discontinue the programme.
• An additional $10 million was allocated to Estonia through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme for procurement of US-made defence equipment, including HIMARS ammunition, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and large-calibre artillery shells.
• The funding strengthens deterrence for NATO allies and reflects bipartisan commitment to the transatlantic alliance.
• Rising regional tensions are linked to incidents such as Russian fighter jets entering Estonian airspace and increased hybrid activities attributed to Russia and Belarus.

Recent News :

• In Jan 2026, Donald Trump, President of the United States, officially launched the Board of Peace initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, aimed at promoting global geopolitical stability.

About United States :

• President : Donald Trump
• Capital : Washington, D.C.
• Currency : U.S. dollar

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Unveils Upgraded National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS 2.0) Portal

• The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) launched an upgraded version of the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) web portal, known as NYPS 2.0, to expand the reach, inclusivity and participation of the Youth Parliament Programme across India.
• The upgraded portal builds on the original NYPS, which was launched on 11 September 2024, and has shown strong nationwide engagement.
• As of 27 January 2026, the scheme recorded 95,319 participants who took part in 660 Youth Parliament Sittings.
• NYPS 2.0 focuses on inclusive access, particularly aiming to increase participation from remote and rural areas by removing limitations present in the earlier version of the portal.
• The upgrade has expanded eligibility criteria.
• Earlier, participation was limited to students from recognised educational institutions only.
• Under NYPS 2.0, participation is now open to all educational institutions, organised groups, and individual citizens across India.
• The upgraded portal supports multiple modes of participation.
• Institution Participation allows schools, colleges and universities to organise Youth Parliament Sittings (YPSs).
• These sittings are conducted under Kishore Sabha for younger students and Tarun Sabha for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students.
• In addition, NYPS 2.0 enables Group Participation for citizen groups and Individual Participation, ensuring wider democratic engagement beyond formal educational settings.
• Overall, NYPS 2.0 aims to deepen democratic values, parliamentary awareness and civic engagement among youth and citizens, making the Youth Parliament Programme more accessible and representative nationwide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Narendra Modi’s Visit to Punjab

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Punjab to take part in commemorative, developmental and infrastructure-related programmes.
• The visit coincided with the 649th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas, a 15th-century saint, poet and social reformer, known for his teachings on equality, social justice and human dignity.
• PM Narendra Modi arrived at Adampur Airport in Jalandhar, Punjab as part of his visit.
• During the visit, the Prime Minister unveiled the new name of Adampur Airport as ‘Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur’, in honour of Sant Guru Ravidas and his lasting spiritual and social legacy.
• PM Modi virtually inaugurated the new civil terminal building at Halwara Airport in Ludhiana (Punjab).
• The new terminal is aimed at improving regional air connectivity for Ludhiana and nearby industrial and agricultural regions, strengthening economic activity, trade and mobility.
• The Prime Minister visited Dera Sachkhand Ballan, a prominent spiritual centre of the Ravidassia community in Jalandhar, and paid tribute on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti.

About Punjab

• Chief Minister – Bhagwant Singh Mann
• Governor – Gulab Chand Kataria
• Capital – Chandigarh
• Ramsar Sites – Beas Conservation Reserve and Harike Lake

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. 

India–Arab Engagement and West Asia Diplomatic Balancing

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a delegation of Arab Foreign Ministers, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and heads of Arab delegations in New Delhi during the 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
• The meeting underlined India’s growing strategic engagement with the Arab world, focusing on economic collaboration, regional stability, and shared security concerns.
• In parallel, India demonstrated a nuanced diplomatic balancing act in West Asia amid preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit to Israel.
• The 3rd India–Saudi Arabia Security Working Group Meeting was held in Riyadh, agreeing to enhance cooperation against terror financing, cyber-terrorism, and the crime–terror nexus.
• This mechanism functions under the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) established in 2019, within the Political, Consular and Security Cooperation Committee.
• The India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Delhi was attended by leaders including Palestine’s Foreign Minister.
• India expressed support for international efforts to restore peace in Gaza, referring to the Sharm-el-Sheikh Peace Summit (2025) and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, which supports a transitional administration and an International Stabilisation Force for Gaza.
• India has not yet responded to the United States invitation to join the Board of Peace for Gaza, responsible for overseeing the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and reconstruction of Gaza.
• India also flagged wider instability in West Asia, including Libya, Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, and raised concerns over maritime security and its United Nations peacekeeping role in Lebanon.
• Simultaneously, India’s Deputy National Security Advisor visited Tehran for discussions with Iranian security officials, amid regional tensions related to a potential United States–Israel strike on Iran.

India Adds Two New Wetlands to Ramsar List Ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026

• Ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the inclusion of two new wetlands in India’s Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
• The newly added sites are Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve (Gujarat).
• With this addition, India’s total Ramsar sites have increased to 98, marking a 276% expansion since 2014, reflecting India’s growing commitment to wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience.
• The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, aimed at the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
• India became a Contracting Party on 1 February 1982.
• Ramsar sites function as model ecosystems supporting biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, water security, and climate adaptation.
• Patna Bird Sanctuary, also known as Patna Vihar Bird Sanctuary, is a protected wetland ecosystem recognised for its rich avifaunal diversity.
• It is located in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, and was established in 1991.
• The sanctuary covers an area of 108 hectares, with the wetland area around 1 square kilometre, making it the smallest bird sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
• It supports nearly 3 lakh birds belonging to over 300 species, including more than 106 migratory and resident species.
• Dominant aquatic vegetation includes Water hyacinth and Potamogeton species.
• Important bird species found here include Lesser Whistling Duck, Graylag Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, and Northern Pintail.
• Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve is an ecologically unique seasonal desert wetland, characterised by interactions between saline and freshwater systems.
• It is located in Kutch district, Gujarat, situated between the Banni grasslands and the Rann of Kutch.
• The local term “Chhari” means salty and “Dhand” means shallow wetland.
• The wetland becomes swampy during the monsoon, fed by north-flowing rivers and surrounding hill runoff.
• It serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds during monsoon and winter seasons.
• Endangered and threatened bird species recorded include Dalmatian Pelican, Oriental Darter, Black-necked Stork, and Indian Skimmer.

Government of India Withdraws 18% Central Excise Duty on Unmanufactured Tobacco

• The Government of India (GoI) withdrew the 18% Central Excise Duty on unmanufactured tobacco or tobacco refuse.
• The withdrawal applies to unmanufactured tobacco cleared without a brand name and not packed for retail sale.
• The decision is effective from 1 February 2026.
• Earlier, all unmanufactured tobacco cleared from factories or warehouses was subject to 18% excise duty.
• Under the new amendment, unbranded and non-retail packed unmanufactured tobacco will now attract nil excise duty.
• The move provides major relief to tobacco farmers, small suppliers and businesses, especially those operating in the unorganised sector.
• Other forms of unmanufactured tobacco that are branded or packaged for retail sale will continue to attract 18% Central Excise Duty.
• The government has also clarified that excise duty on cigarettes remains unchanged, irrespective of stick length.

National Statistical Office to Conduct India’s First National Household Income Survey and ASISSE

• The National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), announced plans to conduct India’s first-ever National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and the Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE).
• Both NHIS and ASISSE will be conducted for a one-year period starting from April 2026.
• The announcement was made during the two-day All-India Workshop of Trainers (AIWOT) for NHIS and ASISSE, held from 28 to 29 January 2026 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• National Household Income Survey (NHIS) aims to collect detailed data on household income, living conditions and income distribution.
  It will enable comparisons across regions and households and support policy formulation and assessment of household well-being.
• Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) focuses on the incorporated services sector and will use Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) data.
  It will provide state-level and industry-level estimates of Gross Value Added (GVA), capital formation, employment, and emoluments.
• Both surveys will be conducted using a digital mode through Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) to improve data accuracy and efficiency.
• The coverage of the surveys will extend to all parts of India, except hard-to-access villages in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• These surveys mark a significant step in strengthening India’s statistical system, especially in understanding household income patterns and the performance of the service sector for evidence-based policymaking.

About NSO:

• National Statistics Office (NSO) is a subordinate office of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• It was formed in 2019 through the merger of the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
• Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi.

Government Launches Survey and Waqf Property Lease Modules on UMEED Portal

• The Government of India has launched the Survey Module and the Waqf Property Lease Management Module on the UMEED Central Portal to ensure transparent, people-friendly, and accountable management of Waqf properties.
• According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Survey Module provides a comprehensive digital framework for capturing, managing, and updating information related to the survey of Waqf properties on the portal.
• The Waqf Property Lease Management Module has been designed to facilitate end-to-end management of leasing-related information of Waqf properties.
• This lease module enables systematic recording and monitoring of key details such as lease information, lease period, lease amount, and other relevant particulars in a structured and transparent manner.
• Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, has encouraged all State and Union Territory Waqf Boards to ensure effective implementation of these modules and to create awareness among eligible beneficiaries.
• The UMEED Central Portal was inaugurated in June last year by Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju.
• The portal serves as a centralised digital platform for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties, strengthening governance and oversight in Waqf administration.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches First RDI Fund Call to Support High-Risk Technology Commercialisation

• Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the first Open Call of the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the RDI Fund of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.
• The initiative aims to support the commercialisation of indigenous technologies through structured, long-term financing.
• Singh highlighted that the RDI Fund represents a shift from conventional government funding models, providing direct financial support to private sector innovation, which was previously limited.
• The RDI Fund facilitates private sector participation in sectors like space and nuclear technology by reducing financial risk and ensuring accountability.
• The RDI Fund has a total corpus of ₹1 lakh crore, offering financing at concessional interest rates of 2–4% with tenures of up to 15 years, including moratorium provisions.
• The first TDB Call received 191 proposals, with the majority (160) coming from the private sector, indicating growing confidence in the government’s support for innovation-led growth.
• The first TDB Call focuses on Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above
• Funding support will be provided through Second Level Fund Managers (SLFMs) in the form of loans, equity, or hybrid instruments, covering up to 50% of the total project cost with matching contributions from companies or private investors.
• The framework provides collateral-free financing with no personal or corporate guarantees
• Proposal evaluation will consider scientific, technological, financial, and commercial merit, with defined timelines for evaluation (8 weeks) and disbursement.
• The initiative does not provide grants and is focused on sustainable commercial deployment of technologies.
• The RDI Fund was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025 and launched by PM Narendra Modi in November 2025 to build indigenous technological capabilities and strengthen India’s innovation-led economy.

Walmart Becomes First Retail Company Worldwide to Reach USD 1 Trillion Market Capitalisation

• Walmart Inc., an American multinational retail corporation, became the first retail company globally to achieve a market capitalisation of USD 1 trillion.
• The milestone followed a strong rally in Walmart’s share price over the past year.
• Walmart’s stock rose by nearly 26% in the last 12 months and about 468% over the past decade.
• This performance outpaced the S&P 500 Index, which gained around 264% during the same decade.
• In December 2025, Walmart was added to the Nasdaq-100 Index, a tech-focused index comprising the world’s most valuable non-financial companies.
• Walmart has invested billions of dollars in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled supply chains to enhance operational efficiency.
• AI investments improved inventory planning, fresh produce delivery, and delivery speed.
• These technology upgrades helped Walmart exceed same-store sales estimates for 15 consecutive quarters.
• Other companies with market capitalisation above USD 1 trillion include Nvidia, Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Tesla, and Broadcom.

HMG Stones Secures ISO 9001:2015 and 5S Gold Grade Certifications for Quality and Workplace Excellence

• HMG Stone LLP (HMG Stones), a premium natural stone importer, exporter, manufacturer, and supplier, achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS) and 5S Gold Grade certification for workplace excellence.
• With this achievement, HMG Stones became the first company in India’s natural stone industry to simultaneously secure both ISO 9001:2015 and 5S Gold Grade
• The ISO 9001:2015 certification was awarded by TÜV India Private Limited, accredited by the German accreditation body DAkkS, recognising a robust quality management system ensuring consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
• The company received the 5S Gold Grade (Basic Level Category) from Asia Bunka Kaikan – Association for Overseas Technical Scholarship (ABK-AOTS) DOSOKAI, Japan, for excellence in workplace organisation and operational discipline.
• The implemented Japanese 5S framework includes Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, and Sustain to enhance efficiency and accountability.
• The 5S system is supported by regular training programmes covering 5S awareness, internal audits, fire safety, first aid, emergency drills, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage, and waste management.
• These practices aim to strengthen workplace safety culture, operational discipline, and organisational accountability.
• The certifications cover multiple facilities, including Attibele Manufacturing Unit I, Yadavanahalli Manufacturing Unit II, Wilson Garden Flagship Showroom (Unit III), and the Sankey Road Experience Centre.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR Begins in Assam

• The 13th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR (KHANJAR-XIII) is being conducted from 4 to 17 February 2026 at Missamari, Assam.
• Exercise KHANJAR is an annual joint military exercise conducted alternately between India and Kyrgyzstan since 2011.
• The Indian Army contingent comprises 20 personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Kyrgyzstan contingent comprises 20 personnel from the ILBRIS/Scorpion Special Forces Brigade.
• The exercise aims to exchange best practices in Counter Terrorism and Special Forces Operations in urban and mountainous terrain.
• Training activities include urban warfare, counter-terrorism, sniping, reconnaissance, surveillance, room intervention, building clearance, and mountain craft under a United Nations (UN) mandate.
• The exercise enhances interoperability between the Special Forces of both nations and strengthens defence ties.
• Exercise KHANJAR addresses common concerns of international terrorism and extremism, reaffirming the commitment of India and Kyrgyzstan towards peace, stability, and security in the region.
• The exercise provides an opportunity to develop advanced Special Forces skills, including sniping, complex building intervention, and mountain craft.
• KHANJAR facilitates sharing of experiences, best practices, and joint drills in special operations to strengthen bilateral military cooperation.

Note :

• The 12th edition of Exercise KHANJAR was held from 10-23 March 2025 in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, and the 1st edition was held in December 2011 at Nahan, India.

About Kyrgyzstan :

• President : Sadyr Japarov
• Capital : Bishkek
• Currency : Kyrgyzstani som

INS Sudarshini of Indian Navy Makes First Lokayan 26 Port Call at Salalah, Oman

• Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the port of Salalah, Oman, marking the first international port call of her transoceanic voyage – Lokayan 26.
• The arrival at Oman represents a key milestone in the ten-month long deployment, aimed at showcasing India’s maritime heritage and fostering international maritime cooperation.
• INS Sudarshini sailed from her home port, Kochi, on 20 January 2026, navigating the seasonal winds of the Arabian Sea, completing the first leg of her voyage.
• The port call strengthens maritime ties and strategic partnership between India and Oman.
• During the three-day visit, professional interactions and training engagements with the Royal Navy of Oman are planned.
• The ship will be open to school children and local residents, promoting maritime awareness and people-to-people connect.
• The Lokayan 26 voyage serves as a symbol of India’s seafaring legacy and the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime diplomacy, goodwill, and international cooperation across the oceans.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity E-Connect Portal Fully Operational, Linking North Eastern Farmers and FPOs with Buyers Across India

• The North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity E-Connect (NE-RACE) portal is fully operational and facilitates market linkages between farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), cooperatives in the North Eastern Region (NER) and buyers across India.
• As of 23 January 2026, 6807 sellers/farmers/FPOs and 735 buyers have been onboarded on the NE-RACE platform, with 1797 agri-commodities
• The total value of sales facilitated through the portal stands at ₹895.56 lakh.
• The NE-RACE platform has strengthened farmers’ access to national markets, enabling direct buyer–seller linkages in North Eastern States, including Sikkim.
• Buyers from Sikkim have procured 130 metric tons of agri-produce valued at ₹54.40 lakh through the portal.
• The platform provides multi-lingual helpdesk and helpline services for farmer onboarding and operational support in Sikkim.
• As of 23 January 2026, 251 farmers from Sikkim have been onboarded on the NE-RACE portal.
• Five outreach and onboarding programmes have been conducted in Sikkim to increase farmer participation.
• The platform supports buyer–seller matchmaking, provides logistics-related guidance, and has State Coordinators to assist in onboarding and resolving operational issues.
• Measures such as International Buyer–Seller Meets are planned to enhance outreach and strengthen digital market access for farmers in Sikkim.

Recent News :

• In Jan 2026, The Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD), Government of Karnataka launched the ‘Gruha Lakshmi Digital Marketing’ portal at Karmani Utsav–2026 in Bengaluru to promote women entrepreneurship, economic independence, and digital inclusion.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Padma Shri Awardee and Renowned Travel Writer Hugh Gantzer Passed away at 95 in Mussoorie

• Prominent travel writer and Padma Shri awardee Hugh Gantzer passed away at the age of 95 on February 2, 2026, in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.

About Hugh Gantzer :

• Hugh Gantzer was born on January 9, 1931, in Patna, Bihar.
• He was honoured with the Padma Shri (India’s fourth highest civilian award) in 2025 in the field of Literature and Education.
• Hugh Gantzer was widely known for his travel writing, showcasing India’s diverse landscapes and cultures through books, articles, and documentaries.
• Earlier, he served in the Indian Navy (IN) and retired with the rank of Commander before becoming a full-time travel writer.
• He worked closely with his wife Colleen Gantzer, forming a well-known travel writing duo; she passed away in 2024.
• He was associated with The Times of India (ToI) for several decades.
• He authored the iconic weekly column “Sexes and the City”, which ran for over 40 years, making it one of the longest-running in Indian journalism.
• His contributions include producing 52 travel documentaries for Doordarshan.
• He also authored over 30 books on travel and culture, including the "Intriguing India"
• He contributed travel columns to several leading English newspapers, expanding public interest in tourism and heritage.

Andre Beteille, Renowned Sociologist and Public Intellectual, passed away at 91 in Delhi

• Renowned sociologist and public intellectual Andre Beteille passed away in Delhi at the age of 91 due to age-related illness, marking the end of an era in Indian sociology.
• Andre Beteille served as Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Delhi from 2003 onwards.
• Born in West Bengal to a French father and an Indian mother, he pursued higher education at the University of Calcutta before moving to Delhi.
• He was widely known for his empirical studies and comparative approach to social stratification, particularly caste and class in India.
• His methodology bridged sociology with economics, political science, and law.
• Major works include “Caste, Class and Power”, “Society and Politics in India”, and “The Idea of Natural Inequality and Other Essays”, which remain essential reading for social science students.
• He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2005 by the Government of India for his contribution to literature and education.
• Historian Ramachandra Guha described Beteille as a “moral and intellectual anchor” for generations of scholars.
• He served as Chancellor of Ashoka University from 2014 to 2017, shaping its academic foundations with integrity and wisdom.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation – 6 February

• International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed annually on 6 February to spread awareness and education about the serious physical, psychological and social problems faced by females due to genital mutilation.
• The observance aims to accelerate global efforts to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation, a harmful practice and a violation of human rights of women and girls.
• The Joint Programme on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting was launched in 2007 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to support countries and communities in abandoning the practice of FGM.
• In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO), along with 9 other United Nations partners, released the declaration titled “Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation: An Interagency Statement”, reinforcing global commitment towards the abolition of FGM.
• In 2010, WHO published the “Global strategy to stop health care providers from performing female genital mutilation”, in collaboration with key UN agencies and international organisations, to prevent the medicalisation of FGM.
• In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/67/14, calling for the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation worldwide and urging countries to take legislative, educational and policy measures to end the practice.
• The day reinforces the global message that FGM has no health benefits, causes lifelong harm, and must be completely eradicated through awareness, legal action and community participation.

About United Nations General Assembly (UNGA):

• President – Annalena Baerbock
• Headquarters – New York, the United States of America (USA)
• Established – 1945

International Day of Human Fraternity – 4 February

• The United Nations International Day of Human Fraternity is observed annually on 4 February across the world to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, mutual understanding and solidarity among people of different faiths and cultures.
• 4 February 2026 marks the 6th observance of the International Day of Human Fraternity.
• The observance coincides with World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), which is celebrated every year during the first week of February and has been observed since 2010.

• On 21 December 2020, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/75/200, officially declaring 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity.
• The resolution was co-facilitated by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• The International Day of Human Fraternity was observed for the first time on 4 February 2021.

About United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC):

• The UNAOC works to improve understanding and cooperation among nations and peoples across cultures and religions.
• Secretariat: Miguel Ángel Moratinos
• Headquarters: New York, United States of America (USA)
• Established: 2005

Daily CA One- Liner: February 6^th

• The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) launched an upgraded version of the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) web portal, known as NYPS 2.0, to expand the reach, inclusivity and participation of the Youth Parliament Programme across India
• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the 16th Finance Commission (16th FC) report in Parliament alongside the Union Budget 2026–27.
• Goldman Sachs upgraded India’s CY26 (Calendar Year 2026) real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast by 20 basis points (bps) from 6.7% to 6.9%.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a compounding fee of ₹18.76 lakh on One 97 Communications Limited (OCL), the parent company of Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL).
• Equitas Small Finance Bank (Equitas SFB) signed a strategic bancassurance partnership with Bharti AXA Life Insurance, backed by Bharti Enterprises and France’s AXA, to expand life insurance reach across India.
• The United States Congress approved a $200 million security assistance package for the Baltic nations amid intensified Russian military activity along NATO’s eastern flank.
• The 13th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR (KHANJAR-XIII) is being conducted from 4 to 17 February 2026 at Missamari, Assam.
• Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the port of Salalah, Oman, marking the first international port call of her transoceanic voyage – Lokayan 26.
• Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the first Open Call of the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the RDI Fund of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.
• Walmart Inc., an American multinational retail corporation, became the first retail company globally to achieve a market capitalisation of USD 1 trillion.
• HMG Stone LLP (HMG Stones), a premium natural stone importer, exporter, manufacturer, and supplier, achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS) and 5S Gold Grade certification for workplace excellence.
• The North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity E-Connect (NE-RACE) portal is fully operational and facilitates market linkages between farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), cooperatives in the North Eastern Region (NER) and buyers across India.
• Prominent travel writer and Padma Shri awardee Hugh Gantzer passed away at the age of 95 on February 2, 2026, in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.
• Renowned sociologist and public intellectual Andre Beteille passed away in Delhi at the age of 91 due to age-related illness, marking the end of an era in Indian sociology.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Punjab to take part in commemorative, developmental and infrastructure-related programmes
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a delegation of Arab Foreign Ministers, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and heads of Arab delegations in New Delhi during the 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
• Ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the inclusion of two new wetlands in India’s Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
• The Government of India (GoI) withdrew the 18% Central Excise Duty on unmanufactured tobacco or tobacco refuse
• The National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), announced plans to conduct India’s first-ever National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and the Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises
• The Government of India has launched the Survey Module and the Waqf Property Lease Management Module on the UMEED Central Portal to ensure transparent, people-friendly, and accountable management of Waqf properties
• International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed annually on 6 February to spread awareness and education about the serious physical, psychological and social problems faced by females due to genital mutilation
• The United Nations International Day of Human Fraternity is observed annually on 4 February across the world to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, mutual understanding and solidarity among people of different faiths and cultures