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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India May Postpone Mandatory Climate Risk Reporting for Banks

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put on hold plans to require domestic banks to disclose and manage climate-related risks.

Key Highlights :

• Globally, understanding climate-related risks and green investments is key to transitioning to a low-carbon economy, with countries like the United Kingdom (UK) and Japan making disclosures mandatory for financial institutions.
• RBI’s proposed climate disclosure norms, under discussion with banks since 2022, would have required regular disclosure of climate-related risks in loan portfolios, along with mitigation strategies and targets.
• Draft rules published in 2022 proposed voluntary implementation starting FY2027 (April 1, 2027).
• RBI decided to delay final guidelines, citing that climate disclosure is not a priority and that implementation could be costly and onerous for corporates lacking mandatory climate reporting.
• Separately, RBI has proposed guidelines for banks and regulated entities to implement resolution plans during natural calamities.
• The draft norms would have required banks to calculate gross emissions of borrowers, disclose by asset classes and industries, and analyse the impact of adverse climate events on borrowers’ repayment ability.
• Implementation could have led to higher loan pricing for emission-heavy sectors and borrowers in climate-sensitive zones.
• India ranks ninth globally in climate vulnerability according to the Germanwatch Global Climate Risk Index 2026, which tracked 1995–2024 extreme weather events.
• During this period, India experienced 430 extreme weather events, resulting in over 80,000 deaths and economic losses of around $170 billion, exposing lenders to credit risks.

Recent News :

• In Jan 2026, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandated banks and eligible non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to implement a fully automated Complaint Management System (CMS) with direct access for the Internal Ombudsman (IO) and Deputy IO (DIO).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL & STATE

New Solid Waste Management Rules Notified; To Come into Force from April 1, 2026

• The Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 have been notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and will come into force from 1 April 2026, replacing the 2016 rules.
• The rules are based on the principles of Circular Economy, Extended Producer Responsibility and the Polluter Pays principle to improve waste segregation and management.
• Environmental compensation will be imposed for non-compliance such as operating without registration, false reporting, forged documents or improper waste management.
• The Central Pollution Control Board will issue guidelines, while State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees will levy environmental compensation.

Key Highlights:

• Segregation of waste at source into four streams—wet, dry, sanitary and special care waste—has been made mandatory.
• Wet waste like kitchen and food waste must be composted or processed through bio-methanation at nearby facilities.
• Dry waste such as plastic, paper, metal and glass must be sent to Material Recovery Facilities for sorting and recycling.
• Sanitary waste must be securely wrapped and stored separately, while special care waste must be handed over to authorised agencies or collection centres.
• Bulk Waste Generators are defined as entities with a floor area of 20,000 square metres or more, water use of 40,000 litres per day or more, or waste generation of 100 kg per day or more.
• Bulk Waste Generators must ensure environmentally sound collection, transport and processing of the waste they generate and may be charged user fees by local bodies.
• The rules introduce Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility, making bulk generators accountable for their waste.
• Bulk Waste Generators must process wet waste on-site wherever possible or obtain an EBWGR certificate if on-site processing is not feasible.

How it works:

• A centralised online portal will track waste generation, collection, transport, processing, disposal and remediation of legacy waste.
• Registration, authorisation, reporting and audits of waste processing facilities will be conducted online through the CPCB portal.
• Local bodies are responsible for waste collection, segregation and transport in coordination with Material Recovery Facilities.
• Material Recovery Facilities are officially recognised as waste sorting centres and may act as collection points for other waste streams.
• Local bodies are encouraged to generate carbon credits and focus on waste management in peri-urban rural areas.
• Industries such as cement and waste-to-energy plants must increasingly replace solid fuel with Refuse Derived Fuel made from municipal waste.
• The use of Refuse Derived Fuel will increase from 5 per cent to 15 per cent over six years.
• Landfilling is restricted only to inert, non-recyclable and non-energy recoverable waste.
• Higher landfill fees will be charged for disposal of unsegregated waste compared to segregated waste.
• Annual audits of landfills are mandatory and will be overseen by State Pollution Control Boards and District Collectors.
• All legacy waste dumpsites must be mapped, assessed and remediated through biomining and bioremediation in a time-bound manner.
• Special provisions are made for hilly areas and islands, including user fees on tourists and regulation of tourist inflow.
• Hotels and restaurants in such areas must process wet waste locally, and designated collection points will be set up for non-biodegradable waste.
• Central and State-level committees will be formed to ensure effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.

National Biodiversity Authority Disburses Rs 17 Lakh to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Under ABS Mechanism

• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is strengthening India’s commitment to sustainable use of biological resources and fair benefit sharing under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework.
• The NBA has disbursed ₹17 lakh to the Biodiversity Management Committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation through the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board.
• The payment is linked to the commercial use of Bacillus genus soil micro-organisms for developing probiotic products.
• The benefit-sharing mechanism ensures that part of the commercial profits is returned to local communities for development activities.
• The NBA has observed a growing role of micro-organisms in biotechnology-driven industrial innovation.
• The biotechnology sector has contributed around ₹10 crore to the national ABS fund.
• Microbial resources are increasingly important in healthcare, agriculture and industrial applications.
• Maharashtra is the second-highest beneficiary State in ABS disbursements after Andhra Pradesh.
• Excluding Red Sanders-related payments, Maharashtra has received the highest share of ABS funds.
• With the latest release, total ABS support to Maharashtra has reached nearly ₹8 crore.
• More than 200 Biodiversity Management Committees and seven institutions in Maharashtra have benefited.
• At the national level, cumulative ABS disbursements have crossed ₹144.37 crore.
• This reflects effective implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• The progress supports India’s commitments under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, especially Targets 13 and 19.
• It also aligns with India’s National Biodiversity Targets 13 and 19, focusing on sustainable use and equitable benefit sharing.
• The ABS framework strengthens local institutions, supports livelihoods and promotes community empowerment.
• These outcomes contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Overall, the initiative highlights India’s leadership in implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol while linking conservation with inclusive development.

About NBA:

• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is a statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• It was formally set up in 2003, with its headquarters located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

AI Solution ‘Pancham’ Chatbot to Ensure Direct Digital Connect between the Government & Panchayat Functionaries

• On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj S. P. Singh Baghel honoured elected Panchayat representatives invited as Special Guests for the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.
• The event was attended by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, along with senior ministry officials.
• Several key initiatives and publications were launched, including PANCHAM chatbot, PESA Rankings 2024–25, 17th Gramoday Sankalp magazine, Compendium of Basic Statistics on PRIs–2025, and the Expert Committee Report on Service Delivery at Panchayat Level.
• The Minister highlighted that after ten years, the SVAMITVA scheme tableau will be showcased at the Republic Day Parade.

About PANCHAM chatbot:

• He highlighted digital initiatives such as the PANCHAM chatbot, SabhaSaar tool for automated Gram Sabha minutes launched on 15 August 2025, and AI-based village drainage mapping in Varanasi district.
• The Ministry launched PANCHAM – Panchayat Assistance & Messaging Chatbot on 25 January 2026 as a flagship digital initiative.
• PANCHAM is designed to assist Panchayat representatives and functionaries with guidance, workflows, and easy access to governance information.
• It establishes a direct digital connection between the Government of India and over 30 lakh Panchayat representatives and functionaries.
• The chatbot enables two-way communication, faster issue resolution, improved feedback, and better decision-making.
• PANCHAM supports responsive and accountable governance by strengthening grassroots–government coordination.
• The initiative complements existing digital systems, with over 95% of Gram Panchayats already using digital planning and accounting platforms.
• Overall, the initiative reflects the Ministry’s focus on digital governance, innovation, and AI-driven empowerment of Panchayats.

New Aadhaar App dedicated to the nation

• Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics & IT Jitin Prasada dedicated the new Aadhaar App to the nation.
• The app has been developed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
• It is a next-generation, privacy-first mobile application for Aadhaar number holders.
• The app enables users to securely carry, show, share and verify their Aadhaar digitally.
• The app gives residents greater control, consent and convenience over their identity data.
• The app supports multiple real-life use cases such as hotel check-ins via QR code, optional face verification, age verification for cinema tickets, hospital visitor verification and gig worker verification.
• It includes features like face verification for proof of presence, single-click biometric lock and unlock, and viewing of authentication history.
• A QR-based contact card is provided for easy sharing of contact details.
• The app allows management of up to five Aadhaar profiles on one device, enabling the concept of “One Family – One App.”
• Users can update their address and registered mobile number through the app, with more services planned.
• Residents can share only required identity fields through customised QR codes generated by requesting entities.
• Aadhaar numbers are not stored by verifiers and only digitally signed credentials are shared.
• The app aligns with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act by ensuring data minimisation.
• The launch reinforces India’s digital public infrastructure vision of being resident-centric, inclusive and trust-based.

About UIDAI:

• The Unique Identification Authority of India is a statutory authority established under the provisions of Aadhaar act 2016 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.
• It is a 12-digit unique identification number
• Chairman: Neelkanth Mishra
• CEO: Bhuvnesh Kumar
• Headquarters: New Delhi

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) in association with INSOL India organized the 3^rd International Conclave

• The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), in association with INSOL India, organised the 3rd International Conclave to mark a decade of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and discuss the future of insolvency resolution in India.
• The conclave brought together policymakers, legal experts, practitioners and international participants from multiple jurisdictions.
• Justice (Retd.) Ramalingam Sudhakar, President, NCLT, attended as the Chief Guest and highlighted the transformative impact of the IBC on India’s insolvency framework.
• Ravi Mital: Chairperson, IBBI
• Pooja Mahajan: President, INSOL India

About Conclave:

• The conclave featured five panel discussions covering key themes related to insolvency resolution.
• The first panel discussed 10 years of the IBC, its achievements, challenges and the way forward.
• The second panel focused on asset tracing, enforcement and recovery across jurisdictions.
• The third panel examined out-of-court workouts and pre-pack insolvency solutions for faster resolutions.
• The fourth panel discussed financing distressed acquisitions and special situations, including the role of alternative investment funds.
• The fifth panel deliberated on UNCITRAL Model Law and cross-border insolvency and India’s preparedness for its adoption.
• A wide range of stakeholders including insolvency professionals, lawyers, financial institutions, regulators, academics and government officials participated in the conclave.

About IBBI:

• The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) is the regulator for overseeing insolvency proceedings and entities like Insolvency Professional Agencies (IPA), Insolvency Professionals (IP) and Information Utilities (IU) in India.
• It was established on 1 October 2016 and given statutory powers through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, which was passed by Lok Sabha on 5 May 2016.
• It covers Individuals, Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships and Partnership firms.
• It handles the cases using two tribunals like NCLT (National company law tribunal) and Debt recovery tribunal.
• Headquarters – New Delhi

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Brazilian Play Passado Presente Zenturo to Make International Debut in India and Russia in 2026

• The Brazilian theatre production Passado Presente Zenturo was scheduled for its international debut in 2026, with performances in India and Russia, marking a major milestone for Brazil’s contemporary theatre.
• The play was selected for the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav, one of the world’s leading theatre festivals, organised by the National School of Drama (NSD) under the Ministry of Culture, India.
• During the Indian leg, the production was staged in Bengaluru on 5 February 2026 and New Delhi on 7 February 2026.
• After its India tour, the play was set to represent Brazil at the 5th GITIS FEST in Moscow in April 2026, enhancing international cultural exchange.
• The production was directed by André Haidamus, featured a cast of ten performers, with lighting by Camila Andrade and sound/video design by Cássio Gondim.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS & HONOURS

Republic Day Parade 2026: Results announced for Best Marching Contingents & Best Tableaux

• The results of the Best Marching Contingents and Best Tableaux of the Republic Day Parade 2026 were announced after evaluation by three separate panels of judges.
• Among the three Services, the Indian Navy was selected as the Best Marching Contingent, while Delhi Police won the award among CAPFs/Other Auxiliary Forces.
• The top three tableaux from States/UTs were Maharashtra (Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta), Jammu & Kashmir (Handicrafts and Folk Dances of J&K), and Kerala (Water Metro & 100% Digital Literacy).
• The Best Tableau from Central Ministries/Departments award was won by the Ministry of Culture for “Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation”.
• Special prizes were awarded to the Central Public Works Department for “Vande Mataram – Commemoration of 150 Years” and the dance group “Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India”.
• Under the Popular Choice category, based on the MyGov online poll, the Assam Regiment was selected as the Best Marching Contingent among Services.
• In the Popular Choice category, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) won the award among CAPFs.
• The top three Popular Choice tableaux were Gujarat (Mantra of Swadeshi – Vande Mataram), Uttar Pradesh (Culture of Bundelkhand), and Rajasthan (Bikaner Gold Art – Usta Art), while the Department of School Education & Literacy won the Best Central Tableau for showcasing National Education Policy 2020.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Awarded 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor, Technology’s Most Prestigious Recognition

• IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization with over 500,000 members, has named Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, as the recipient of the 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor.

• The IEEE Medal of Honor is the organization’s highest recognition and carries a $2 million prize.
• Jensen Huang is being honoured for a lifetime of visionary leadership and pioneering work in accelerated computing.
• His work has positioned NVIDIA at the forefront of global technological innovation.
• Under his leadership, NVIDIA invented the first graphics processing unit (GPU) in 1999, revolutionising computing.
• The invention of the GPU enabled breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, medicine, engineering, robotics, autonomous vehicles and manufacturing.
• Past recipients include pioneers such as Vinton G. Cerf, Robert Kahn, Bradford Parkinson and Morris Chang.
• NVIDIA became the first company to reach a $5 trillion market capitalisation in October 2025.

About IEEE:

• IEEE Medal of Honor is awarded to individuals whose work has profoundly shaped technology and engineering.
• IEEE President: Mary Ellen Randall
• Established: 1917
• Corporate headquarters: New York City

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING & REPORTS

Maharashtra Bags 1st Prize in PESA Rankings; Madhya Pradesh is 2nd & Himachal Pradesh Bags 3rd Position

• Among the 10 States with Fifth Schedule Areas where PESA Act applies, Maharashtra bagged the first position in implementation of PESA, closely followed by Madhya Pradesh in second position and Himachal Pradesh in third position.
• Minister of State for Panchayat Raj Shri SP Singh Baghel congratulated the top performing States and encouraged the other States to follow their foot-steps so that the spirit of PESA Act can be implemented in letter and spirit to strengthen Gram Sabhas and Panchayats in the Fifth Schedule Areas.
• These rankings aim to encourage PESA States to strengthen Gram Sabha-centric self-governance, promote evidence-based policy interventions and identify areas requiring focused support.

The performance of the States in PESA Ranking is as follows:

PESA ACT:

• The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), is a landmark 1996 law empowering Gram Sabhas in 10 Indian states (Fifth Schedule Areas) with self-governance, allowing tribal communities to manage land, water, and forests based on traditional customs.
• Eight of the ten states with tribal Scheduled Areas have framed their PESA rules, while Odisha and Jharkhand have created draft rules.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS & AUTHORS

Mr. Sumant Batra launches book titled “The Life and Legacy of Arun Jaitley” on the life and legacy of Late Mr Arun Jaitley

• A book titled The Life and Legacy of Arun Jaitley has been formally launched, chronicling the life, contributions, and legacy of late leader Arun Jaitley.
• The book is authored by Sumant Batra and published by Om Books International.
• Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu attended the event as the chief guest, underlining Jaitley’s national stature.
• The book portrays Arun Jaitley as an exceptional public figure who left a lasting imprint across law, politics, governance, and public service in India.

Book on President Droupadi Murmu Released by Sanitation Worker at Andhra University

• The Telugu book 'Agni Sarsulu Vikasinchina Kamalam Draupadi Murmu' (The lotus that bloomed in the fire of embers), which describes the life of President Draupadi Murmu from her tribal roots to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, was released at Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP).

• This book was released by Lakshamma, a woman sanitation worker who cleans the roads at Andhra University.
• It has been written by former Member of Parliament (MP) Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad (President of the World Hindi Council).
• The book was unveiled by Lakshamma, a woman sanitation worker who cleans the roads at Andhra University, who represents the story of Murmu's empowerment for marginalized communities.
• It highlights resilience amid personal tragedies (death of husband/children) and political struggles, inspiring democratic participation in tribal areas.
• The book release ceremony was held in an unconventional, yet impactful setting - under a tree on the Andhra University campus.
• The choice of location and the person chosen to release the book underlined the author's message of social equality, dignity of labour, and inclusiveness.

Murmu's historical achievements:

• Mrs. Draupadi Murmu took oath as the 15th President of India on 25 July 2022.
• Before this, she served as the 9th Governor of Jharkhand state from 2015 to 2021.
• Mrs. Draupadi Murmu was born on 20 June 1958, in a Santhal tribal family in Uparbeda of the remote Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
• From 1979 to 1983, Mrs. Murmu worked as a Junior Assistant in the Irrigation and Power Department of the Odisha government.
• She was elected councillor of the Rairangpur Notified Area Council in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha (1997) and later became the Vice-Chairperson of Rairangpur NAC.
• She served two terms (2000-2009) as a Member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the Rairangpur Assembly constituency.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Enhances Maritime Ties with Indonesia

• The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Belawan, Indonesia, after a successful three-day port call, aimed at strengthening maritime engagement with Indonesia under the IONS framework and the MAHASAGAR vision.
• The visit involved INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi, whose crews and trainees engaged extensively with the Indonesian Navy.

Key Highlights :

• The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) is a voluntary initiative aimed at increasing maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) by providing an open and inclusive forum to discuss regionally relevant maritime issues.
• The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) comprises 36 littoral (coastal) states, organized into four main regional groups: South Asian, West Asian, East African, and South East Asian/Australian.
• During the three-day port call, the crew and trainees of 1TS ships conducted professional interactions, cultural exchanges, training visits, and friendly sports meets, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral ties.
• Capt Tijo K Joseph, Senior Officer of 1TS, along with Commanding Officers of 1TS ships, interacted with Laksamana Muda (RAdm) Deny Septiana, Commander, Naval Area Command I (Komando Kodaeral I), discussing shared maritime interests.
• The 1TS deployment to Indonesia reflects longstanding maritime ties between the two nations and advances India’s Act East Policy by extending maritime presence and cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian region.

Defence Research and Development Organisation Unveils Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile at 77th Republic Day Parade

• At the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) for the first time, highlighting India’s advances in hypersonic weapon systems.

Key Highlights :

• The LR-AShM is designed to meet the Indian Navy’s coastal battery requirements and is capable of engaging both static and moving targets at ranges of up to 1,500 km, with multiple payload options.
• Extended-range variants of up to 3,500 km are under development, and Army and Air Force versions are also being considered.
• The LR-AShM follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory, starting like a ballistic missile but flying at lower altitudes and manoeuvring mid-course.
• It achieves hypersonic speeds of Mach 10 initially and sustains average speeds of Mach 5, using multiple atmospheric skips to evade interception.
• The missile’s low-altitude flight, extreme speed, and manoeuvrability make it hard to detect and significantly reduce enemy reaction time.
• LR-AShM uses a two-stage solid rocket motor, where Stage I boosts it to hypersonic velocity and Stage II enters an unpowered glide phase executing controlled manoeuvres before hitting the target.
• The missile has high aerodynamic efficiency, enabling it to generate effective lift with minimal drag, which enhances range, speed, and accuracy.
• Flight time for 1,500 km is approximately 15 minutes, sharply reducing adversary response time.
• LR-AShM strengthens sea denial capabilities and can neutralise all classes of warships, becoming a critical asset in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Multi-service potential: Versions for the Army, Air Force, and ship-launched platforms are being considered, showing India’s versatility in hypersonic weapons development.
• The missile leverages proven technologies from India’s K-15 (Sagarika) missile and BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, integrating propulsion and guidance systems into a next-generation hypersonic platform.
• DRDO pursues two hypersonic paths: Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV), like LR-AShM, and hypersonic cruise missiles powered by scramjets, both designed for sustained hypersonic flight.
• Ramjets vs Scramjets: Ramjets operate efficiently up to Mach 3, while scramjets allow supersonic airflow in combustion chambers, enabling operation above Mach 5 but are more complex to design.
• DRDO conducted ground tests of a full-scale actively cooled scramjet combustor, running for over 12 minutes, advancing operational hypersonic cruise missile development.
• DRDO previously demonstrated hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology with the Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) flight test in September 2020 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex.
• The DRDO tableau at Bharat Parv 2026 also showcased submarine technologies such as Integrated Combat Suite (ICS), Wire Guided Heavy Weight Torpedo (WGHWT), and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.

About DRDO :

• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• Chairman : Samir V. Kamat

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

GAIL Joins K LINE and J M Baxi for Equity Participation in LNG Carrier Company

• GAIL (India) Limited has signed a term sheet for equity participation in a ship-owning company based in Singapore, in partnership with J M Baxi Marine Services and Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K LINE).
• The term sheet signing took place in the presence of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
• The agreement was signed during the India Energy Week (IEW) 2026, which was held in Goa.
• The equity participation deal relates to a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier, highlighting India’s focus on energy transportation infrastructure.
• The LNG carrier is currently under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) in South Korea (SK).
• The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2027 and will operate under a long-term charter agreement with GAIL.
• GAIL will make the investment through its wholly owned subsidiary, GAIL Global International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Limited.
• The subsidiary is located at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat, reinforcing India’s IFSC framework.
• The investment is subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM).

Competition Commission of India Clears Emirates NBD Bank’s Acquisition of Majority Stake in RBL Bank

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposed acquisition of a majority stake in RBL Bank Limited by UAE-based Emirates NBD Bank, allowing the lender to take control of the Indian private sector bank.
• The deal involves a primary capital infusion of about USD 3 billion (₹26,850 crore) to acquire a controlling stake in RBL Bank.
• The proposed combination envisages the acquisition of up to 74% (minimum 51%) shareholding of RBL Bank Limited (RBL) by Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C.).
• Emirates NBD is a public joint stock company, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, and offers a wide range of banking and financial services
• Emirates NBD’s banking operations in India are currently conducted through three branches operating in branch mode.
• RBL Bank operates an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in GIFT City, functioning as an overseas branch and enhancing its international banking presence.
• Separately, CCI approved Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited’s acquisition of an additional 30.58% stake in Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft Launches Maia 200 AI Chip to Strengthen Integrated AI Ecosystem

• Microsoft has introduced the second generation of its in-house artificial intelligence processor, “Maia 200”, along with a new suite of AI-focused software tools, strengthening its push to build an integrated AI ecosystem.
• The Maia 200 AI chip builds on Microsoft’s first Maia chip, which was originally introduced in 2023.
• The Maia 200 is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) using advanced 3-nanometer (3-nm) process technology.
• The chip incorporates high-bandwidth memory, enhancing its ability to handle data-intensive AI workloads.
• The Maia 200 AI processor is now operational at a Microsoft data centre in Iowa, marking its first live deployment.
• Microsoft has plans to expand deployment of the Maia 200 to additional data-centre facilities.
• Compared to its predecessor, Maia 200 offers higher compute capability, increased memory bandwidth, and better energy efficiency.
• These improvements enable faster and more cost-effective artificial intelligence workloads, making the Maia 200 a key component of Microsoft’s AI infrastructure strategy.

National Institution for Transforming India Aayog Collaborates with NIIT Foundation to Promote Digital Skills in Aspirational Blocks

• The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) with NIIT Foundation to advance digital literacy, financial inclusion, and skill development across Aspirational Blocks.
• The partnership was formalised in the presence of BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, and Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP), NITI Aayog.
• The initiative aims to achieve 100% block coverage, reaching approximately 2 lakh beneficiaries, with at least 40% women participation.
• The programme focuses on training individuals in basic and advanced digital skills to enable them to access online platforms, government services, and digital tools.
• It seeks to promote awareness of banking, insurance, and other financial services, empowering underserved communities.
• The initiative also provides vocational training, employability skills, and community-based learning programs to enhance income opportunities.
• NIIT Foundation will manage the programme, deploying trained mobilisers and trainers and enhancing the skills of local community facilitators.

Department of Posts Partners with Stock Holding Services Limited to Expand Capital Market Services via India Post Network

• The Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications, signed an agreement with Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL) at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi, to expand regulated capital market services across India through the India Post (IP) network.
• Under this partnership, India Post will help citizens participate in organised financial markets by providing access to SSL’s digital investment services.
• The capital market services offered include opening of Dematerialized (Demat) and trading accounts, Mutual Fund (MF) investments, participation in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), and other authorised investment products.
• These services will be facilitated through digital onboarding links, Quick Response (QR) codes, and selected post office outlets across the country.
• SSL, with support from DoP, will conduct investor education and awareness programs, with a focus on first-time investors and underserved populations in rural and semi-urban areas.
• The partnership aims to strengthen financial literacy and inclusion by leveraging the widespread India Post network.

Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences and Central Sanskrit University Conduct 15-Day Workshop on Ayurvedic Manuscripts in Kerala

• The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Central Sanskrit University (CSU), successfully completed a 15-day Transliteration Capacity-Building Workshop on Ayurvedic manuscripts in Kerala.
• The workshop was conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CCRAS and CSU, as part of a national initiative to document, digitise, and promote research-based utilisation of classical Ayurvedic manuscripts.
• The workshop was held at the CSU Puranattukara (Guruvayoor) Campus, Thrissur, Kerala, from 12 to 25 January 2026, and brought together 33 scholars, including 18 from Ayurveda and 15 from Sanskrit, promoting an interdisciplinary approach.
• Participants were trained in manuscriptology, palaeography, Ayurvedic technical terminology, and script orientation, with a special focus on Grantha and Vattezhuthu
• The hands-on transliteration training covered Grantha, Medieval Malayalam, and Vattezhuthu, enabling participants to work directly on original palm-leaf manuscripts and produce verifiable scholarly outputs.
• As a major outcome, five rare and previously unpublished Ayurvedic manuscripts were successfully transliterated:

1. Dhanwanthari (Vaidya) Chinthamani – 146 palm-leaf pages, Grantha to Sanskrit
2. Dravyashuddhi – 110 pages, Grantha to Sanskrit
3. Vaidyam – 59 pages, Medieval Malayalam to Malayalam
4. Roga Nirnaya, Part I – 75 pages, Medieval Malayalam to Malayalam
5. Vividharogangal – 78 palm-leaf pages, Vattezhuthu to Malayalam and Sanskrit

• Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, noted that this was the second collaborative programme with CSU under the Ayurveda Manuscript Research Initiative, following a first workshop at CSU Puri Campus, Odisha, where 14 manuscripts were transliterated.
• The programme was coordinated by Prof. K. Vishwanathan (CSU) and Dr. Parvathy G. Nair (CCRAS). The valedictory session was attended by Dr. V. C. Deep (In-charge, CCRAS–NARIP), senior officials, academicians, and subject experts.

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Researchers Develop Framework to Identify 492 Potential Glacial Lake Sites in Eastern Himalayas

• Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati developed a predictive framework that identified 492 potential glacial lake formation sites in the Eastern Himalayan region.
• The study utilised high-resolution Google Earth imagery and digital elevation models (DEMs), enabling realistic forecasts by capturing complex terrain features and uncertainty.
• The framework can support early-warning systems for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and guide safer infrastructure planning for roads, hydropower projects, and settlements.
• In developing the framework, researchers tested three predictive methods: Logistic Regression (LR), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Bayesian Neural Network (BNN).
• Among the methods, Bayesian Neural Network (BNN) was the most accurate, as it effectively captured complex landscape features and quantified prediction uncertainty.
• The analysis identified neighbouring lakes, cirques, gentle slopes, and retreating glaciers as the strongest predictors of new glacial lake formation.
• The framework provides critical insights for disaster-risk reduction, long-term water-resource management, and climate-resilient development in high-mountain Himalayan regions.
• Researchers plan to integrate moraine development histories, automate data preparation, and include field-based validation to enhance prediction accuracy.
• The framework is adaptable to other glaciated mountain regions worldwide, making it a valuable tool for global climate adaptation, large-scale glacial hazard monitoring, and disaster-risk reduction strategies.

2026 Doomsday Clock Set at 85 Seconds to Midnight, Signalling Record High Global Risks

• The 2026 Doomsday Clock was moved to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest point ever, highlighting heightened risks to humanity from nuclear weapons, climate change, and artificial intelligence.
• The clock adjustment was made by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS), which warned that rising aggression, nationalism, and erosion of global cooperation were increasing the likelihood of catastrophe.
• The farthest setting of the Doomsday Clock was 17 minutes to midnight in 1991, following the end of the Cold War.
• The Doomsday Clock, created in 1947, is a symbolic warning system, where midnight represents total annihilation, and movements of the clock reflect changes in man-made existential risks.
• The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) was founded in September 1945 by the Atomic Scientists of Chicago at the University of Chicago.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Sh Jitin Prasada Launches New Aadhaar App, a Key Milestone in Citizen-Centric Digital Identity Verification

• Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics & IT, Sh Jitin Prasada, dedicated the new Aadhaar App to the nation, marking a major milestone in resident-centric digital identity verification.

Key Highlights :

• The Aadhaar App, developed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is a next-generation mobile platform designed to provide Aadhaar Number Holders (ANH) with a secure, privacy-first, and convenient way to carry, share, show, and verify their digital identity.
• The app introduces one-click biometric lock/unlock and allows users to share encrypted Aadhaar details, enhancing security and privacy.
• The app supports storage of Aadhaar details of up to five family members under a single account, enabling selective disclosure of only necessary data to protect privacy.
• UIDAI implemented an Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) policy to provide a uniform framework for offline Aadhaar verification by requesting entities.
• UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra and CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar highlighted that selective credential sharing via digitally signed QR codes ensures privacy and compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.
• The app promotes public trust, good governance, and citizen empowerment, placing control, consent, and convenience firmly in the hands of residents.
• The app enhances security, supports data minimisation, and allows selective sharing of information by Aadhaar number holders.
• Real-life use cases supported by the app include hotel check-ins using OVSE QR codes, optional face verification, age verification for cinema tickets, hospital admissions, and verification of gig workers and service partners.
• Advanced functionalities include face verification for proof of presence, biometric lock/unlock in a single click, viewing authentication history, and a QR-based contact card for easy sharing.
• The app allows management of up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device, enabling “One Family – One App”, and supports address and mobile number updates, with more services planned in the future.
• The launch of the new Aadhaar App reinforces India’s principle that digital public infrastructure must be resident-centric, inclusive, and built on trust.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party Chief Ajit Pawar Passed away in Aircraft Crash at Baramati

• Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister (DyCM) of Maharashtra and chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), passed away at the age of 66 in a Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-SSK) crash at Baramati Airport, Pune, Maharashtra, on January 28, 2026.

About Ajit Pawar:

• He was born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara, located in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.
• Ajit Pawar was a senior Indian politician with a strong influence in western Maharashtra and deep grassroots connections, which enabled him to play a key role in shaping state politics and coalition governments.
• He began his public career in 1982 after being elected to the board of a sugar cooperative, reflecting his roots in the cooperative movement.
• In 1991, he became the Chairman of the Pune District Cooperative Bank and served for 16 years in that position.
• He entered national politics in 1991 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) to the Lok Sabha from Baramati, Maharashtra.
• In the same year 1991, he won the Baramati Assembly constituency and represented it continuously for over three decades, achieving his eighth consecutive victory in November 2024.
• In February 2024, Ajit Pawar became the chief of the NCP faction following the party split, after his group was recognized by the Election Commission (EC).
• He was one of the longest-serving Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, holding the post six times between 2010 and 2026.
• He served as Deputy CM under different Chief Ministers, including Prithviraj Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray, Devendra Fadnavis, and Eknath Shinde.
• During 1991–1992, he served as Minister of State (MoS) for Agriculture and Power in the Maharashtra government.
• From 2010 to 2014, he held the portfolio of Minister of Finance, Planning and Energy.
• Between 2019 and 2026, he served as Minister of Finance and Planning, often also handling State Excise.

Daily CA One- Liner: January 30

• The Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 have been notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and will come into force from 1 April 2026, replacing the 2016 rules
• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is strengthening India’s commitment to sustainable use of biological resources and fair benefit sharing under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework.
• On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj S. P. Singh Baghel honoured elected Panchayat representatives invited as Special Guests for the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi
• Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics & IT Jitin Prasada dedicated the new Aadhaar App to the nation.
• The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), in association with INSOL India, organised the 3rd International Conclave to mark a decade of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and discuss the future of insolvency resolution in India.
• The results of the Best Marching Contingents and Best Tableaux of the Republic Day Parade 2026 were announced after evaluation by three separate panels of judges
• IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization with over 500,000 members, has named Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, as the recipient of the 2026 IEEE Medal of Honor
• Among the 10 States with Fifth Schedule Areas where PESA Act applies, Maharashtra bagged the first position in implementation of PESA, closely followed by Madhya Pradesh in second position and Himachal Pradesh in third position
• A book titled The Life and Legacy of Arun Jaitley has been formally launched, chronicling the life, contributions, and legacy of late leader Arun Jaitley
• The Telugu book 'Agni Sarsulu Vikasinchina Kamalam Draupadi Murmu' (The lotus that bloomed in the fire of embers), which describes the life of President Draupadi Murmu from her tribal roots to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, was released at Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put on hold plans to require domestic banks to disclose and manage climate-related risks.
• The Brazilian theatre production Passado Presente Zenturo was scheduled for its international debut in 2026, with performances in India and Russia, marking a major milestone for Brazil’s contemporary theatre.
• The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Belawan, Indonesia, after a successful three-day port call, aimed at strengthening maritime engagement with Indonesia under the IONS framework and the MAHASAGAR vision.
• At the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) for the first time, highlighting India’s advances in hypersonic weapon systems.
• GAIL (India) Limited has signed a term sheet for equity participation in a ship-owning company based in Singapore, in partnership with J M Baxi Marine Services and Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K LINE).
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposed acquisition of a majority stake in RBL Bank Limited by UAE-based Emirates NBD Bank, allowing the lender to take control of the Indian private sector bank.
• Microsoft has introduced the second generation of its in-house artificial intelligence processor, “Maia 200”, along with a new suite of AI-focused software tools, strengthening its push to build an integrated AI ecosystem.
• The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) with NIIT Foundation to advance digital literacy, financial inclusion, and skill development across Aspirational Blocks.
• The Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications, signed an agreement with Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL) at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi, to expand regulated capital market services across India through the India Post (IP) network.
• The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Central Sanskrit University (CSU), successfully completed a 15-day Transliteration Capacity-Building Workshop on Ayurvedic manuscripts in Kerala.
• Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati developed a predictive framework that identified 492 potential glacial lake formation sites in the Eastern Himalayan region.
• The 2026 Doomsday Clock was moved to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest point ever, highlighting heightened risks to humanity from nuclear weapons, climate change, and artificial intelligence.
• Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics & IT, Sh Jitin Prasada, dedicated the new Aadhaar App to the nation, marking a major milestone in resident-centric digital identity verification.
• Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister (DyCM) of Maharashtra and chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), passed away at the age of 66 in a Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-SSK) crash at Baramati Airport, Pune, Maharashtra, on January 28, 2026.