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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Reinstates Default Loss Guarantees for NBFCs, Reversing May 2025 Provisioning Norms

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has restored the use of Default Loss Guarantees (DLGs) for Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), reversing the stricter provisioning norms imposed in May 2025.
• NBFCs can now consider DLGs when calculating loan-loss provisions, provided the guarantee is an integral part of the loan arrangement.
• The move reduces provisioning pressure, improves profitability, and frees up capital for greater credit expansion.
• DLGs are generally capped at 5% of the loan portfolio and are often backed by fixed deposits from digital lending partners.
• The revised framework harmonises DLG treatment across digital lending, co-lending, and credit risk transfer
• NBFCs must revise expected loss estimates each time a guarantee is invoked, as the available cover reduces with usage.
• The May 2025 directive had increased provisioning requirements, raising credit costs and affecting profitability of NBFCs.
• Earlier impact examples: SMFG India Credit saw a 44% decline in FY25 profit (₹115 crore provision); Credit Saison India reported a 22% fall (₹178 crore provision); Northern Arc Capital had an overall impact of ₹780 crore (₹763 crore provision).
• The earlier rules reduced returns on fintech-originated loans, causing a slowdown in digital lending and lower fintech origination volumes.
• The latest amendment aligns DLG treatment with revised co-lending norms that became effective in January 2026.
• Overall, the change is expected to strengthen NBFC profitability, capital efficiency, and credit growth while ensuring regulatory consistency.

Reserve Bank of India Permits Bank Loans to National Cooperative Development Corporation for On-Lending to Cooperatives to Qualify as Priority Sector Lending

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed bank loans to the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) for on-lending to cooperative societies to be classified as Priority Sector Lending (PSL) from January 19, 2026.
• This provision applies to all banks except Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), Small Finance Banks, and Local Area Banks, and must comply with the PSL Master Direction 2025

Key Highlights :

• NCDC, a statutory corporation under the Ministry of Cooperation, provides financial assistance to cooperatives and directly supports the growth of the cooperative movement in India.
• Reforms to strengthen cooperative banks include allowing Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) to open new branches and increasing housing loan limits from 10% to 25% of total loans and advances.
• Governance reforms include extending the tenure of cooperative bank directors from 8 to 10 years and reducing Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) onboarding fees to promote digital inclusion.
• Cooperative banks now benefit from RBI’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme and Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) coverage up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank, enhancing depositor protection.
• Additional support structures include the National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) for IT infrastructure and operational support, and the Shared Services Entity (SSE) Sahakar Sarthi for technological services to Rural Cooperative Banks.
• These measures aim to strengthen financial health, governance, credit availability, and digital adoption in cooperative banks, contributing to a robust cooperative banking system in India.

DBS First in Asia-Pacific to Pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce for Everyday Payments

• DBS Bank Limited, Southeast Asia’s largest lender, entered into a strategic partnership with Visa to drive the future of agent-initiated payments under a joint pilot of Visa Intelligent Commerce (VIC).
• With this collaboration, DBS became the 1st issuer in Asia Pacific to drive real-world agentic commerce use cases.
• VIC provides a comprehensive suite of integrated APIs and partner programmes, leveraging Visa’s secure infrastructure to enable safe, transparent, and consent-driven payments by AI agents on behalf of consumers.
• Under the pilot project, AI-powered agents successfully executed food and beverage transactions using DBS/POSB credit and debit cards, with payments processed through secure issuer-controlled flows and customer consent mechanisms.
• Following the successful pilot, DBS and Visa plan expansion into online shopping, travel bookings, and other routine digital payment transactions.
• The pilot validates AI-ready credentials, advanced authentication systems, and intent-driven transaction controls to ensure secure and scalable agent-led commerce.
• A related study highlighted that 8 in 10 consumers in Singapore rely on AI assistance while shopping online, underscoring growing adoption of AI-driven digital payments.

Reserve Bank of India Imposes Rs 1.35 Crore Penalties on 5 Banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies for Regulatory Non-Compliance

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties totaling Rs 1.35 crore on 5 financial institutions (FIs), including 3 banks—CSB Bank Limited, Bank of Maharashtra (BoM), DCB Bank Limited—and 2 Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)—IIFL Finance Limited and Navi Finserv Limited.
• CSB Bank received the highest penalty of Rs 63.60 lakh for non-compliance with RBI directions on Business Correspondents (BCs) and Customer Service in Banks.
• DCB Bank was penalized Rs 29.60 lakh for failing to maintain the required Loan-To-Value (LTV) ratio in certain gold loan accounts.
• Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) was fined Rs 32.50 lakh for non-compliance with RBI directions on credit information reporting for Self-Help Group (SHG) members and KYC rules.
• IIFL Finance Limited was penalized Rs 5.30 lakh for non-compliance with RBI directions on asset classification.
• Navi Finserv Limited was fined Rs 3.80 lakh for non-compliance regarding Recovery Agents.
• The penalties highlight RBI’s focus on regulatory compliance in areas like loan management, KYC norms, BC operations, and asset classification across banks and NBFCs.

Union Minister Amit Shah Launches India’s First CBDC-Based Digital Food Currency Pilot under PDS in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

• Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), launched India’s first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Digital Food Currency pilot under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Under the CBDC framework, digital coupons generated through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will be credited directly to beneficiaries as programmable digital currency (e₹).
• Beneficiaries can redeem foodgrains at Fair Price Shops (FPS) using CBDC coupons or voucher codes, ensuring transparent, modern, and leakage-free ration distribution.
• The new system addresses operational challenges related to biometric authentication and e-POS (Point of Sale) devices, enabling secure, traceable, and real-time transactions.
• The pilot was launched in Ahmedabad, Anand, Valsad, and Surat districts of Gujarat, in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat and RBI.
• Subsequent phases will expand the initiative to Union Territories (UTs) including Puducherry, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu.
• The e-vouchers in PDS can help reduce physical grain distribution, curb burgeoning food subsidies, and control open-ended procurement of grains.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Approves India’s First Underwater Road-Cum-Rail Tunnel Under River Brahmaputra in Assam

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of a 4-lane access-controlled greenfield corridor in Assam.
• The project includes a 15.79 km twin-tube Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) based underwater road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River.
• Total project length: 33.7 km
• Tunnel length under Brahmaputra: 15.79 km
• Configuration: 4 lanes (2 lanes in each tube)
• One tube will include railway infrastructure provision
• Execution model: Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC)
• Total cost: ₹18,662 crore
• It will be India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel and the second such project globally.
• The corridor will connect Gohpur (National Highway-15) to Numaligarh (National Highway-715).
• Present distance between Numaligarh and Gohpur is about 240 km, requiring nearly 6 hours of travel.
• The new tunnel will significantly reduce travel time and distance.
• Currently, vehicles pass through:
  – Kaziranga National Park
  – Silghat region (historic port town in Nagaon district, Assam)
  – Biswanath Town
• The tunnel will ensure seamless connectivity without disturbing ecologically sensitive areas like Kaziranga National Park.
• The project will benefit Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and other North Eastern States.
• It will enhance strategic connectivity in border regions, improving civilian and defence logistics mobility.
• Faster freight movement will reduce logistics costs and strengthen regional economic growth.
• Integration with major transport infrastructure:
  – National Highway-15 (NH-15)
  – National Highway-715 (NH-715)
  – Rangia–Mukongselek Railway Section (Northeast Frontier Railway)
  – Furkating–Mariani loop line (Northeast Frontier Railway)
• The project ensures multi-modal connectivity, integrating road and rail under one corridor.
• Connectivity coverage includes:
  – 11 Economic Nodes
  – 03 Social Nodes
  – 02 Tourist Nodes
  – 08 Logistic Nodes
  – 04 Major Railway Stations
  – 02 Airports
  – 02 Inland Waterways
• The initiative aligns with India’s vision of strengthening connectivity and infrastructure in the North East Region.
• Twin Tube Tunnel: Consists of two parallel tunnels, generally for separate traffic flows.
• Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM): Advanced machinery used for underground or underwater tunnel construction with precision and safety.
• TBM-based tunnelling ensures minimal environmental disturbance and high structural safety.

RECENT NEWS

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $182 million loan to strengthen flood and riverbank erosion management in Assam. This new funding comes on top of an existing $200 million Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project, approved in October 2023.

About Assam:

• Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya
• Capital: Dispur
• National Parks: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park, Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary

India to Establish First National Cow Culture Museum in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

• India will establish its first-ever National Cow Culture Museum in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
• The museum will be developed within the campus of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University
• The initiative aims to present a comprehensive understanding of cattle by blending cultural heritage with scientific awareness
• The project moves beyond religious symbolism to highlight the role of cattle in agriculture, economy and sustainability

Objectives of the Museum

• To showcase the cultural importance of cattle in Indian society
• To highlight the economic role of bovines in rural livelihoods
• To promote scientific awareness about cattle conservation
• To encourage sustainable agricultural practices
• To position cattle as a key component of rural development and food security

Blending Tradition with Science

• The museum will present both spiritual and practical dimensions of cattle
• Mathura, located in the Braj region, holds strong traditional associations with cattle
• The project is being implemented under the direction of the Government of Uttar Pradesh
• It aims to strengthen the cultural identity of the Braj region while promoting scientific knowledge
• A dairy parlour is also planned within the campus to provide fresh dairy products

About Uttar Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• Capital: Lucknow
• National Parks: Dudhwa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary), Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranipur Wildlife

RECENT NEWS

• The Uttar Pradesh government has presented its first-ever Economic Survey 2025-26 in the state legislature, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to transform the state into a $1 trillion economy over the medium term. The survey provides a data-driven framework focusing on investment-led growth, infrastructure expansion, industrial diversification, fiscal discipline, and human development.

Union Cabinet Approves Conversion of North and South Blocks into ‘Yuge Yugeen Bharat’ National Museum; Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Seva Teerth

• The Union Cabinet approved the conversion of North Block and South Block into the ‘Yuge Yugeen Bharat’ National Museum
• The decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicating the new Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) – Seva Teerth to the nation.
• Cabinet meetings will no longer be held in South Block, ending nearly 95 years of administrative functioning in the colonial-era complex
• North Block and South Block were constructed during British rule and served as the nerve centre of India’s governance
• Since Independence in 1947, the Prime Minister’s Office operated from South Block
• Successive Cabinets under 16 Prime Ministers from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi took key policy decisions in South Block
• The final Cabinet meeting in South Block symbolises India’s transition from a colonial administrative legacy to modern governance aligned with Viksit Bharat

Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavans

• The redesign aims to improve administrative efficiency, productivity and digital governance

Historical Importance of South Block

• South Block witnessed major historical decisions including:
  • Policy decisions during Partition
  • Wartime and national security deliberations
  • Decisions during the Emergency
  • Economic reforms and liberalisation
• Landmark reforms approved from South Block include:
  • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
  • Swachh Bharat Mission
  • Digital India
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• Major constitutional and security decisions such as the abrogation of Article 370 and legislation against triple talaq were also taken there

Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum

• North and South Blocks will be integrated into the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum
• The museum will showcase India’s civilisational journey spanning thousands of years
• It aims to connect:
  • Ancient cultural heritage
  • Freedom struggle legacy
  • Post-independence nation-building
  • Modern global aspirations

President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Centenary Celebrations of Ol Chiki Script in New Delhi

• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script in New Delhi.
• The event was organised by the Ministry of Culture to mark 100 years (1925–2025) of the Ol Chiki script
• The Ol Chiki script was invented in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu for the Santhali language

History and Importance of Ol Chiki Script

• The Ol Chiki script was developed to provide a standard writing system for the Santhali language
• Earlier, Santhali was written using Roman, Devanagari, Oriya and Bengali scripts, which did not accurately represent its pronunciation
• The invention of Ol Chiki ensured accurate phonetic representation of the Santhali language
• Over the last century, the script has strengthened Santal cultural identity and language preservation
• Members of the Santal community in Nepal, Bhutan and Mauritius also benefited from a unified script system

About Ol Chiki Script

• Invented in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, a writer and teacher from Mayurbhanj (now in Odisha)
• Also known as Ol Cemet’, Ol Ciki, Ol, or Santali alphabet
• Structure: 30 letters, fully phonetic in nature
• First publicised in 1939 at the Mayurbhanj State exhibition
• Pandit Murmu authored over 150 works in Santhali using Ol Chiki, including novels, poetry, dramas, grammars and dictionaries

About Santhali Language

• Belongs to the Munda branch of the Austroasiatic language family
• Spoken mainly in Jharkhand and West Bengal, and also in parts of Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan
• Included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003, with Ol Chiki as its official script

Unique Identification Authority of India Reports 14 Million Downloads of Aadhaar App; Over 1 Million Mobile Updates Completed

• Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) reported nearly 14 million downloads of the Aadhaar App
• The app was dedicated to the nation on January 28, 2026
• The app is witnessing an average of 1 lakh downloads per day
• Over 1 million residents have updated their mobile numbers using the Aadhaar App
• The adoption reflects rising public trust in secure, digital and privacy-first Aadhaar services
• The Aadhaar App is a next-generation mobile application available on Android and iOS platforms
• It is designed to provide Aadhaar Number Holders (ANH) with a secure and convenient way to carry and share digital identity
• Key features of the Aadhaar App:
  • Face verification for proof of presence
  • One-click biometric lock/unlock
  • Viewing authentication history
  • Quick Response (QR) code-based contact card for easy sharing
  • e-Aadhaar download facility
• The app promotes data minimization, consent control and selective sharing, ensuring privacy-first identity management
• Additional update services are planned in future versions
• Real-life use cases supported by the Aadhaar App:
  • Hotel check-ins using Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) QR scanning
  • Age verification (age gating)
  • Hospital visitor admissions
  • Event entry validation
  • Verification of gig workers and service partners
• UIDAI is expanding the offline verification ecosystem by registering more entities to enable seamless Aadhaar-based verification
• The Aadhaar App supports the “One Family – One App” concept
• It allows management of up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device
• This feature enhances convenience for families, especially elderly citizens and children, by centralising digital identity management
• Rapid adoption highlights UIDAI’s focus on technology-driven governance
• Regular updates, enhanced security layers and simplified user interface have contributed to widespread acceptance
• The Aadhaar App strengthens India’s digital infrastructure and supports the broader vision of Digital India
• Aadhaar is India’s unique digital identity system covering over a billion residents
• It is managed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
• Aadhaar serves as a foundational identity for welfare delivery, banking, telecom and digital services
• Over time, Aadhaar has incorporated enhanced security features such as biometric locking and One Time Password (OTP)-based authentication
• The Aadhaar App marks a shift towards mobile-first, privacy-centric identity management, aligning with India’s push for digital governance and inclusive access

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
• The Expo showcases India’s leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and commitment to responsible and inclusive innovation
• The Prime Minister described the event as a convergence of ideas, innovation and intent
• The Expo highlights India’s AI talent and its vision to shape Artificial Intelligence for global good
• The event brought together policymakers, startups, researchers and global technology leaders
• AI solutions developed in India are expected to contribute to global technological advancement
• The initiative aligns with the vision of Digital India, which leverages technology to improve governance, healthcare, education, agriculture and financial inclusion
• Hosting the Expo positions India as a responsible Artificial Intelligence innovator in the global technology ecosystem
• Artificial Intelligence refers to machines performing tasks that normally require human intelligence such as learning, reasoning and decision-making
• India has expanded its AI ecosystem through government initiatives, startup growth and research institutions
• National Artificial Intelligence strategies aim to integrate AI into governance, healthcare, agriculture and education while ensuring ethical and safe usage
• With a strong Information Technology workforce and innovation-driven policies, India is emerging as a global Artificial Intelligence hub

India’s Sugar Exports Cross 2.01 Lakh Tonnes in Marketing Year 2025–26; United Arab Emirates Emerges as Top Importer

• India’s sugar exports have reached 2,01,547 tonnes till February in the 2025–26 marketing year (October 2025 – September 2026), as per data released by the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA).
• Total sugar exports till February: 2,01,547 tonnes
  • White sugar exports: 1,63,000 tonnes
  • Refined sugar exports: 37,638 tonnes
  • Marketing year: October to September
  • Sugar exports regulated under Government quota control system
• India’s sugar exports are managed through a quota-based allocation system, distributed proportionally among sugar mills to ensure balanced domestic supply while promoting exports.
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the largest destination for Indian sugar exports during the current marketing year.

Major export destinations:

• United Arab Emirates – 47,006 tonnes
  • Afghanistan – 46,163 tonnes
  • Djibouti – 30,147 tonnes
  • Bhutan – 20,017 tonnes
• Strong demand from West Asia and neighbouring countries has supported India’s foreign exchange earnings and strengthened its position in the global sugar market.
• The Central Government has approved total sugar exports of 2 million tonnes for the 2025–26 marketing year.

Break-up of approved exports:

• Initial quota: 1.5 million tonnes
  • Additional approval: 5 lakh tonnes
  • Additional quota cannot be swapped between mills
  • Allocation made on pro-rata basis
• According to Praful Vithalani, Chairman of AISTA, the two-tier quota system aims to reduce premium trading and ensure that genuine exporting mills benefit without paying additional charges.
• India’s sugar production is projected to increase by 13 per cent to 6 million tonnes in the 2025–26 marketing year, excluding diversion for ethanol production.

About All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA):

• Full Form: All India Sugar Trade Association
  • Established on January 17, 2016
  • Formed to unify India’s fragmented sugar industry
  • Represents traders, millers, refiners, bulk consumers, trade houses, service providers, farmers and food processors
  • Acts as the collective voice of India’s sugar economy
  • Focused on industry collaboration, progress and shared growth

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Reunion Island’s Piton de la Fournaise Volcano Erupts Again in 2026

• Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Reunion Island erupted for the second time in 2026, marking a period of renewed activity.
• The volcano is located at the east-southeastern end of La Réunion, a French island in the western Indian Ocean.
• This is the second eruption within a month, following an eruption on January 18, 2026, after two years of inactivity, which lasted about 48 hours.
• Piton de la Fournaise is a massive basaltic shield volcano, built on the flank of the older Piton des Neiges
• It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, currently in a phase of frequent but short-lived eruptions producing lava fountains and extensive lava flows.
• The volcano is around 500,000 years old and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage natural site since 2010.
• Shield volcanoes, like Piton de la Fournaise, are the largest volcanoes on Earth and have broad, gentle slopes, unlike conical composite volcanoes.
• They primarily erupt basaltic lava, which has low viscosity, allowing lava to flow over large distances.
• Shield volcanoes are formed by repeated intermittent eruptions over vast periods; famous examples include Hawaiian volcanoes.

Australia Allocates US$2.8 Billion for Nuclear Submarine Facility under AUKUS Pact

• Australia announced an initial investment of US$2.8 billion (AU$3.9 billion) to build a new facility for nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security pact.
• The AUKUS partnership involves Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, focusing on advanced defence and technology cooperation.
• The facility in Osborne, near Adelaide, will support construction and maintenance of US-designed nuclear submarines, enhancing Australia’s naval capabilities.
• Deliveries of the submarines are expected to begin around 2032, strengthening Australia’s long-range strike capacity in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the initial investment as a "down payment" on the facility.
• Long-term projections estimate AU$30 billion to be spent on the submarine construction facility.
• The AUKUS pact, announced in 2021, is Australia’s largest-ever defence investment aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
• From 2027, US-commanded Virginia-class submarines will be based in Australia, with several Virginia submarines sold to Canberra around 2030.
• The defence deal includes technology transfer for Australia to build its own nuclear submarines in the future.
• The Osborne submarine construction yard will generate almost 10,000 jobs in design and construction and train up to 1,000 apprentices per year.
• In September,2025 Australia unveiled US$8 billion to upgrade shipyard facilities in Perth, transforming it into a maintenance center for the future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

About Australia :

• Prime Minister : Anthony Albanese
• Capital : Canberra
• Currency : Australian dollar ($)

du, Datawave Networks Join Hands to Deploy Singapore-India-Gulf Submarine Cable System in UAE

• Dubai-based telecom du signed a strategic partnership with Cyprus-based Datawave Networks Limited to invest in the Singapore-India-Gulf (SING) submarine cable system.
• The project creates a next-generation undersea fiber-optic corridor connecting the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
• The initiative aims to position the UAE as a global hub for data, cloud computing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) by providing high-capacity, low-latency
• The SING Cable System will connect Kalba (UAE), Muscat (Oman), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Kedah (Malaysia), and Singapore.
• The cable will feature 16 fibre pairs with a minimum design capacity of 18 Terabits per second (Tbps) per fiber pair, supporting AI, cloud, hyperscale data centres, streaming, and e-commerce.
• SubCom, owned by Cerberus Capital Management (USA), will handle the design, manufacture, and deployment of the cable system.
• The system enhances resilience by reducing Red Sea dependency, diversifying routes, and mitigating risks to digital trade.
• du will host the cable at its landing station in Kalba, further strengthening the UAE’s data hub role.
• Datawave signed a financing agreement with Cerberus affiliates in January 2026, and the cable is targeted to be Ready for Service (RFS) by 2030.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley Wins Third Straight Term in Office

• Mia Amor Mottley has been re-elected as Prime Minister of Barbados for the third consecutive term after the 2026 general election.
• The ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) achieved a historic clean sweep, winning all 30 seats in the House of Assembly, leaving no opposition representation.
• In terms of vote share, the BLP secured about 69.83% of the total votes polled, while the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) received around 27.31%.
• PM Mia Amor Mottley defeated opposition leader Ralph Thorne, with the DLP failing to win even a single seat in the election.

About Barbados :

• Capital : Bridgetown.
• Currency : Barbadian Dollar (BBD).

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

United States Conducts First Airlift of Micro Nuclear Reactor Demonstrating Rapid Deployment Capability

• The United States (US) conducted its first-ever air transport of a micro nuclear reactor aboard a military cargo aircraft, demonstrating rapid nuclear deployment capability.
• The Departments of Energy and Defense jointly transported a Ward microreactor developed by Valar Atomics from California to Hill Air Force Base, Utah aboard a C-17 aircraft; the reactor was flown without nuclear fuel.
• The demonstration signals the US’s intent to expand advanced nuclear energy for both military and civilian applications amid rising energy demands and strategic competition.
• The Trump administration views small nuclear reactors as critical for boosting domestic energy production and supporting national security needs.
• Executive orders were issued to accelerate nuclear deployment to meet growing demands from defense infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI)
• The Energy Department has awarded grants to support small modular reactor (SMR) and microreactor technologies.
• The Ward microreactor, slightly larger than a minivan, can generate up to 5 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power around 5,000 homes at full capacity.
• The reactor is scheduled to begin operations in July at 100 kilowatts, gradually scaling to 250 kilowatts this year before reaching full output.
• Valar Atomics aims for limited commercial power sales by 2027 and full commercialization by 2028.
• Reactor fuel will be transported separately from the Nevada National Security Site to a designated facility in Utah.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

GalaxEye Ties Up with NewSpace India Limited to Market Satellite Imagery Services

• GalaxEye, a leading Indian space-tech startup, signed a Data Reseller Partnership Agreement (MoU) with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
• NSIL is the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), responsible for the commercialisation of Indian space products and services.
• Following the agreement, GalaxEye became the first private Indian satellite operator to formally collaborate with NSIL for reselling Earth Observation data.
• Under the MoU, NSIL will resell GalaxEye’s entire satellite imagery portfolio in both domestic and global markets.
• The portfolio includes ‘SyncFused OptoSAR’ imagery products, which deliver high-precision Earth observation insights.
• Key application sectors of GalaxEye data include agriculture, disaster management, natural resource and inventory management, infrastructure planning, and environmental monitoring.
• GalaxEye is an Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), Tamil Nadu–incubated space-tech startup.
• The company specialises in building advanced satellite payloads such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), a space-based imaging radar capable of all-weather observation.
• The collaboration promotes Opto-SAR products and services at a global level, strengthening India’s space exports.
• The agreement reflects the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting Indian space products internationally.
• The agreement will help expand advanced Earth observation capabilities to a wider user base while supporting India’s strategic and developmental priorities.
• CMD of NSIL : M Mohan
• Co-founder & CEO of GalaxEye Space : Suyash Singh

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research Bengaluru Scientists Uncover Unusual Heat Transport Mechanism in Solids

• Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, discovered an unusual mechanism of heat transport in solids, challenging conventional understanding.
• The study revealed a rare particle-to-wave crossover in phonon behaviour within a crystalline material exhibiting local disorder.
• Findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and have implications for next-generation thermoelectrics and thermal management technologies.
• Traditionally, heat in solids is carried by phonons behaving as particle-like entities, forming the classical “phonon gas” model.
• The new research demonstrates a wave-like coherence regime in heat transport, showing a breakdown of the classical phonon gas model.
• The team studied Tl₂AgI₃, a zero-dimensional inorganic metal halide with discrete cluster-like units and very low lattice thermal conductivity (~0.18 W/m·K).
• Thermal conductivity becomes nearly temperature-independent above 125 K, with wave-like phonon transport dominating around 175 K.
• Local structural distortions caused by strong cation–cation repulsion (based on Pauling’s third rule) induce extreme lattice anharmonicity, shortening the phonon mean free path.
• The heat transport transitions from particle-based scattering to wave-like coherence and tunnelling between localized vibrational states.
• Advanced tools used include synchrotron X-ray pair distribution function analysis, Raman spectroscopy, low-temperature thermal transport measurements, and first-principles calculations.
• Analysis employed a linearised Wigner transport equation to separate particle-like and wave-like contributions, confirming the coherence-driven transport regime.
• Tl₂AgI₃ behaves like a crystal and glass simultaneously, conducting heat in a glass-like manner while retaining long-range order.
• The research proposes engineering local lattice instability to induce phonon localisation and coherence, paving the way for advanced thermoelectric materials and efficient thermal management systems.
• The study highlights India’s growing contribution to fundamental materials research.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Launches Upgraded DND and MySpeed Apps to Fight Spam and Monitor Network Quality

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) launched revamped versions of its citizen-centric mobile apps — TRAI DND and TRAI MySpeed — to help consumers curb spam and assess telecom service quality.
• India’s telecom sector serves over 1.31 billion subscribers, including more than 1 billion broadband users, yet only a small fraction of spam incidents are formally reported.
• The upgraded TRAI DND app features a multilingual interface, simplified spam complaint filing, complaint tracking via reference ID, a “Know Your Sender” feature, dual-SIM support, and enhanced DND preference management.
• The revamped TRAI MySpeed app allows users to measure download/upload speeds, latency, jitter, and packet loss, along with video streaming and web browsing tests to evaluate real-world network performance.
• TRAI DND app enhancements include a simplified and feature-rich home screen, fewer steps for complaint registration, and integration with all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) via APIs to ensure timely regulatory compliance.
• In 2025, over 17 lakh spam complaints were registered through the DND app, helping regulatory scrutiny and action against unregistered telemarketers and repeat offenders.
• TRAI encourages consumers to download and actively use the DND app to report spam calls and SMS, strengthening enforcement mechanisms
• TRAI MySpeed app enables consumers to assess service provider networks under real-world conditions, including continuous and scheduled tests and location-based historical performance through interactive geospatial maps.
• The app allows video streaming and web browsing tests and provides a structured feedback loop to improve network reliability and enhance the mobile connectivity experience.
• Data collected via MySpeed tests is anonymised and analysed by TRAI to support regulatory oversight and data-driven network monitoring.
• TRAI is an independent statutory body established under the TRAI Act, 1997, regulating telecommunications, broadcasting, and cable TV services, ensuring fair rules, transparent practices, and better quality of service.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Magnus Carlsen Wins 2026 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship; Claims 21st World Title

• Magnus Carlsen won the 2026 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship
• He defeated Fabiano Caruana in the final with a score of 2.5–1.5
• The final was held in Weissenhaus, Germany
• A draw in the fourth and final game was sufficient for Carlsen to seal the title
• The victory marks his 21st world title across formats
• It is his first official Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE)-recognized title in the Freestyle (Chess960) format

About Freestyle (Chess960) Chess

• Also known as Chess960 or Fischer Random
• The starting positions of pieces on the back rank are randomized
• Reduces reliance on deep opening preparation
• Carlsen had previously fallen short in the FIDE Fischer Random format but secured the official Freestyle title in 2026

Other Key Results

• Nodirbek Abdusattorov defeated Vincent Keymer to secure third place and qualify for 2027
• Hans Niemann claimed fifth place with a 2–0 win over Arjun Erigaisi
• Levon Aronian won the Armageddon game against Javokhir Sindarov to take seventh place
• In the women’s exhibition match, Bibisara Assaubayeva defeated Alexandra Kosteniuk
• Both Carlsen and Caruana qualified for the 2027 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen Wins Giant Slalom Gold; Brazil Secures First-Ever Winter Olympics Medal at Milano Cortina 2026

• Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won gold in the giant slalom event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
• The victory marks Brazil’s first-ever medal in Winter Olympics history
• Brazil becomes the first South American nation to win a medal at the Winter Olympic Games
• The 25-year-old skier delivered a strong performance on the Stelvio course under challenging snow and fog conditions
• He clocked a combined time of 2 minutes 25 seconds
• He defeated Switzerland’s defending champion Marco Odermatt by 0.58 seconds

About Giant Slalom

• Giant slalom is a discipline of alpine skiing
• Athletes race down a course marked by widely spaced gates
• The event requires high-speed technical turns
• Emphasis on precision and control
• Final results are based on the combined time of two timed runs

Medal Standings – Winter Olympics 2026

• Norway – 20 medals (10 gold medals)
• Italy – 18 medals
• United States – 17 medals
• Norway leads the overall medal tally

India’s Participation

• Arif Mohammad Khan is set to compete in the alpine skiing slalom event
• Cross-country skier Stanzin Lundup finished 104th in the men’s 10 kilometre race
• India has not yet won a medal at the Winter Olympic Games but continues to expand its participation

The historic gold by Lucas Pinheiro Braathen represents a breakthrough moment for Brazil and South America in winter sports, while Norway continues to dominate the medal standings at Milano Cortina 2026.

Johannes Klaebo Wins Record 9th Winter Olympic Medal as Norway Secures Gold in Men’s 4×7.5km Relay at Milano Cortina 2026

• Johannes Klaebo won his ninth Winter Olympic medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
• He achieved the milestone after Norway secured gold in the men’s 4×7.5 kilometre relay.
• With this victory, he became the most decorated athlete in Winter Olympic history
• The 29-year-old Norwegian star has already won four gold medals at Milano Cortina 2026
• His ninth medal marks a major milestone for both Klaebo and Norway in cross-country skiing
• The Norwegian team comprised Johannes Klaebo, Emil Iversen, Martin Loewstroem Nyenget and Einar Hedegart
• Norway finished the race in 1 hour, 4 minutes and 24.5 seconds
• Norway finished 22.2 seconds ahead of France, which won silver
• Italy secured bronze, finishing 47.9 seconds behind Norway
• The event was held in Tesero, Italy
• The victory was significant as Norway had won silver in the relay at the Beijing Winter Olympics
• Klaebo described the win as the “perfect way” to break the Olympic record and celebrate with his team

Rashid Khan Becomes First Bowler to Reach 700 T20 Wickets During ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

• Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan became the first bowler in history to take 700 T20 wickets
• He achieved the milestone during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Delhi
• He reached the landmark by dismissing Muhammad Arfan
• He had earlier surpassed Dwayne Bravo (631 wickets) in February 2025 to become the leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket
• Rashid Khan reached 700 wickets in 518 matches
• He has dismissed 432 different batters, the highest in T20 history
• The achievement establishes a new global benchmark in Twenty20 (T20) cricket

International and T20 International Records

• 191 T20 International (T20I) wickets – highest in T20I history
• 130 international batters among his total 432 dismissals
• Closing in on the 200 T20I wickets milestone
• 11 four-wicket hauls in T20Is – record
• 22 four-wicket hauls in overall T20s – most in history

Hat-tricks and Unique Bowling Records

• 4 T20 hat-tricks across different competitions:
  • Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
  • Big Bash League (BBL)
  • Indian Premier League (IPL)
  • T20 International
• 145 wickets as captain – second-highest in T20 history
• 379 wickets bowled or Leg Before Wicket (LBW) – 54% of total career wickets
• 225 bowled dismissals – most in T20 history
• 154 LBW dismissals – highest in T20 cricket

Dominance Across Countries and Leagues

• 181 wickets in India
• 131 wickets in United Arab Emirates
• 102 wickets in Australia
• 406 wickets in Asia – record
• 442 franchise wickets – third-highest overall

He has taken 50 or more wickets for four teams:

• 195 for Afghanistan
• 98 for Adelaide Strikers
• 93 for Sunrisers Hyderabad
• 65 for Gujarat Titans

Milestone Progression in T20 Cricket

• 50 wickets – Nayan Doshi (29 matches)
• 100 wickets – Dirk Nannes (70 matches)
• 200 wickets – Dirk Nannes (166 matches)
• 250 wickets – Lasith Malinga (187 matches)
• 300 wickets – Dwayne Bravo (292 matches)
• 400 wickets – Dwayne Bravo (365 matches)
• 500 wickets – Dwayne Bravo (459 matches)
• 600 wickets – Dwayne Bravo (545 matches)
• 700 wickets – Rashid Khan (518 matches)

Daily CA One- Liner: February 18

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of a 4-lane access-controlled greenfield corridor in Assam
• India will establish its first-ever National Cow Culture Museum in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
• The Union Cabinet approved the conversion of North Block and South Block into the ‘Yuge Yugeen Bharat’ National Museum
• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script in New Delhi
• Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) reported nearly 14 million downloads of the Aadhaar App
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
• India’s sugar exports have reached 2,01,547 tonnes till February in the 2025–26 marketing year (October 2025 – September 2026), as per data released by the All India Sugar Trade Association
• Magnus Carlsen won the 2026 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship
• Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won gold in the giant slalom event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
• Johannes Klaebo won his ninth Winter Olympic medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
• Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan became the first bowler in history to take 700 T20 wickets
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has restored the use of Default Loss Guarantees (DLGs) for Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), reversing the stricter provisioning norms imposed in May 2025.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed bank loans to the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) for on-lending to cooperative societies to be classified as Priority Sector Lending (PSL) from January 19, 2026.
• DBS Bank Limited, Southeast Asia’s largest lender, entered into a strategic partnership with Visa to drive the future of agent-initiated payments under a joint pilot of Visa Intelligent Commerce (VIC).
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties totaling Rs 1.35 crore on 5 financial institutions (FIs), including 3 banks—CSB Bank Limited, Bank of Maharashtra (BoM), DCB Bank Limited—and 2 Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)—IIFL Finance Limited and Navi Finserv Limited.
• Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), launched India’s first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Digital Food Currency pilot under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Reunion Island erupted for the second time in 2026, marking a period of renewed activity.
• Australia announced an initial investment of US$2.8 billion (AU$3.9 billion) to build a new facility for nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security pact.
• Dubai-based telecom du signed a strategic partnership with Cyprus-based Datawave Networks Limited to invest in the Singapore-India-Gulf (SING) submarine cable system.
• Mia Amor Mottley has been re-elected as Prime Minister of Barbados for the third consecutive term after the 2026 general election.
• The United States (US) conducted its first-ever air transport of a micro nuclear reactor aboard a military cargo aircraft, demonstrating rapid nuclear deployment capability.
• GalaxEye, a leading Indian space-tech startup, signed a Data Reseller Partnership Agreement (MoU) with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
• Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, discovered an unusual mechanism of heat transport in solids, challenging conventional understanding.
• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) launched revamped versions of its citizen-centric mobile apps — TRAI DND and TRAI MySpeed — to help consumers curb spam and assess telecom service quality.