Dear Readers, Here we have given the list of Important Weekly Current Affairs of Feb 01st to 07th Feb 2026. Candidates those who are preparing for Upcoming SBIClerk 2026 and other competitive exams can make use of it.

Weekly Current Affairs Feb 01st to 07th PDF Download

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

Indian Coast Guard Day 2026: 01st February

• The ICG Dayor Indian Coast Guard Day is celebrated on 01st February every year.
• The Indian Coast Guard is a multi-mission organization, conducting round-the-year real-life operations at sea. Despite being relatively small, it has a wide range of task capabilities for both surface and air operations.

• History

• The Indian Coast Guard was initially established on 1 February 1977 due to an emergency.
• In those days, sea-borne smuggling threatened the country's domestic economy. In the interim, the Indian Coast Guard was created in 1977 to prevent the smuggling of goods on the Sea.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2nd February

• World Wetlands Dayis celebrated on 2nd February every year. 
• Aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet.
• This day also marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Because of the many benefits we get from wetlands, World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2every year to raise awareness about their importance and the need to preserve them.
• On this day, The Convention on Wetlands was adopted in 1971.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day 2026 is observed on 2nd February

• Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day is observed on 2nd February.
• On this day, the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation was founded to raise awareness of the illness.
• An autoimmune disorder called rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints, inflames them, and results in other severe disorders. 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (R.A.) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect our joints. R.A. is an auto-immune condition, meaning the body’s immune system attacks its tissues.
• Alfred B. Garrod started calling the disease “Rheumatoid Arthritis” in 1858.

World Cancer Day 2026 Observed on 4 February

• World Cancer Day is observed every year on 4 February across the world.
• It is a global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
• The World Cancer Day 2026 theme is “United by Unique”, highlighting people-centred cancer care.
• Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally.
• Cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of a group of cells in the body.

International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation – 6 February

• International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed annually on 6 February to spread awareness and education about the serious physical, psychological and social problems faced by females due to genital mutilation.
• The observance aims to accelerate global efforts to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation, a harmful practice and a violation of human rights of women and girls.
• The Joint Programme on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting was launched in 2007 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to support countries and communities in abandoning the practice of FGM.

International Day of Human Fraternity – 4 February

• The United Nations International Day of Human Fraternity is observed annually on 4 February across the world to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, mutual understanding and solidarity among people of different faiths and cultures.
• 4 February 2026 marks the 6th observance of the International Day of Human Fraternity.
• The observance coincides with World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), which is celebrated every year during the first week of February and has been observed since 2010.
• About United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC):
• The UNAOC works to improve understanding and cooperation among nations and peoples across cultures and religions.
• Secretariat: Miguel Ángel Moratinos
• Headquarters: New York, United States of America (USA)
• Established: 2005

World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) 2026 Observed from 1–7 February

• World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) 2026 is being observed globally from 1 February to 7 February 2026 under the leadership of the United Nations (UN).
• The observance aims to promote peace, tolerance, non-violence, dialogue, and mutual understanding among people of different religions and beliefs, especially in a world facing conflict, division, and religious intolerance.
• The concept of WIHW is rooted in the “A Common Word” initiative (2007), which brought together Muslim and Christian leaders.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

 Mumbai to Host 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit 2026

• Mumbai will host the 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit on 5–6 February 2026 at the National Stock Exchange Complex, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai.
• The two-day summit is being organised by the Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association.
• The theme of the summit is “Converge, Collaborate and Co-create”.
• The summit will focus on micronutrients, specialty fertilizers, and biological inputs, reflecting the changing priorities in Indian agriculture due to soil nutrient depletion and sustainability concerns.
• P. K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner of India, will attend as Guest of Honour and outline the Government of India’s vision on agri-input reforms, specialty fertilizers, biologicals, ease of doing business, and export competitiveness.

Indian Railways Commissions Record 472.3 km of Kavach Version 4.0 in a Single Day

• Indian Railwayscommissioned Kavach Version 4.0 over 472.3 route kilometres in a single day, the highest-ever Kavach rollout in India.
• Kavach 4.0 became operational on Western Railway, Northern Railway and East Central Railway section
• This achievement surpassed the previous single-day record of 324 km on the Kota–Mathura section.
• With this commissioning, Kavach 4.0 is operational across five Indian Railways zones.
• Route-wise coverage includes:
• Vadodara–Virar (344 km)on Western Railway.
• Tuglakabad Junction Cabin–Palwal (35 km)on Northern Railway.
• Manpur–Sarmatanr (93.3 km)on East Central Railway.
• On East Central Railway, Kavach is operational on the Manpur–Sarmatanr sectionof the Delhi–Howrah trunk route.

Supreme Court Declares Menstrual Health as Part of Article 21

• The Supreme Court of Indiahas declared menstrual health and hygiene as an integral part of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• The Court directed all States and Union Territoriesto ensure free sanitary pads, separate toilets, water supply and safe disposal facilities in all government and private schools.
• A three-month deadlinehas been given for compliance.
• The judgment was delivered by a Bench of Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan.
• It observed that dignity must reflect in everyday living conditions, and denial of basic menstrual facilities leads to humiliation, exclusion and avoidable suffering, violating Article 21.
• All schools, government and private, urban and rural, must provide functional gender-segregated toiletswith:
• Continuous water connectivity
• Privacy and hand-washing facilities with soap
• Accessibility for children with disabilities

Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project Achieves Major Engineering Milestone

• India successfully completed a 100-metre-long steel bridge for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project at Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• The bridge has been built entirely under the Make in India initiative and is a rare structure constructed over an underground metro tunnel without transferring any load to it.
• This achievement highlights India’s growing capability in high-speed rail infrastructure and complex urban engineering.
• The special bridge was required because the bullet train alignment passes above the underground metro tunnel between Kalupur and Shahpur stations in Ahmedabad.
• Usual bullet train viaducts use 30–50 metre concrete spans, but constructing foundations close to the metro tunnel posed serious structural risks.

Assam Launches Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme for Tea Garden Workers

• The Government of Assamhas launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme to provide one-time financial assistance to tea garden workers across the state.
• The scheme recognises the historic contribution of tea garden communitiesto Assam’s economy and focuses on social security, dignity, and inclusive growth in tea-growing regions.
• The scheme was launched by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmaat Doomdooma in Tinsukia district.
• Under the scheme, more than ₹300 crorewill be disbursed as one-time assistance of ₹5,000 each.
• The benefit will reach over six lakh tea garden workers.
• 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

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

• The third edition of the Future Warfare Course commenced in New Delhi from February 2 to February 25, 2026.
• The course is a tri-services programme conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) in collaboration with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
• It brings together officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, along with experts from the defence industry.
• The programme focuses on future warfighting concepts, emerging and disruptive technologies, geopolitical challenges, and indigenous defence capabilities.
• It aims to prepare military leadership for technology-driven, multi-domain and integrated warfare scenarios.

Gujarat Becomes India’s Largest Renewable Energy Contributor

• Gujarat emergedas the largest contributor to India’s renewable energy capacity, accounting for 16.50% of the national total as of 31 December 2025.
• Gujarat ranks 1st in India in total installed renewable energy capacitywith 42.583 GW.
• The state contributes 16.50% of India’s total renewable energy capacity, reflecting strong policy support and infrastructure readiness.
• Gujarat ranks 1st in wind power capacityand 2nd in solar power capacity.
• Total installed solar capacitystands at 25,529.40 MW (December 2025), including ground-mounted, rooftop, hybrid, and off-grid systems such as PM-KUSUM.
• About Gujarat:
• Chief Minister:Bhupendra Patel
• Governor:Acharya Devvrat
• Capital:Gandhinagar
• National Parks:Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Vansda National Park, Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries:Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

Assam Govt Announces ₹50 Crore Grant to Preserve Koch Dynasty Heritage

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmaannounced a ₹50 crore grant to preserve and restore the heritage of the Darrang kings of the Koch dynasty during Mahabir Chilarai Divas celebrations in Darrang district.
• The grant aims to restore royal sites, monuments and cultural landmarksassociated with the Darrang kingdom of the Koch dynasty.
• The Darrang district administrationand Public Works Department (PWD) were directed to begin restoration work immediately.
• The project seeks to honour indigenous rulers, protect Assam’s historical legacy and develop the region as a major cultural tourism hub.

National Statistics Office to Conduct Nationwide Survey on Migration (2026–27)

• The National Statistics Office (NSO) has announced a nationwide Survey on Migration, scheduled to be conducted from July 2026 to June 2027.
• The survey is being launched in the context of rapid urbanisation, rising labour mobility, inter-state movement, and seasonal migration across India.
• The objective is to generate updated, comprehensive and reliable data on migration patterns, which is currently limited and outdated.
• The findings are expected to support policy decisions related to urban planning, employment, housing, transport systems, skill development, and social protection, making the survey important from a current affairs and competitive exam perspective.

Andhra Pradesh Launches Pilloo AI Voice-Based Billing and Accounting App

• Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidulaunched Pilloo AI, a voice-based billing and accounting application in Andhra Pradesh.
• Pilloo AI is an AI-powered digital accounting agentdesigned to simplify financial management for small businesses.
• The application allows users to create invoices, record sales and payments, generate balance sheets, and track receivables and payablessimply by speaking in their native language.
• Users are not required to have any prior accounting knowledge, making the app especially useful for micro and small enterprises, shopkeepers and first-time entrepreneurs.

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

• A United Nations report (2025)states that around 45% of the global population lives in urban areas, a sharp rise from 20% in 1950.
• India has emerged as one of the biggest drivers of global urban growth, placing it at the centre of worldwide urbanisation trends.
• India currently has five megacities, each with a population of more than 10 million.
• New Delhi, with a population of over 30 million, is among the four largest cities in the world, alongside Jakarta, Dhaka and Tokyo.
• Major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkatacontinue to attract migration, jobs and investment.

Supreme Court Directs Centre to Set Up Pennaiyar River Water Disputes Tribunal

• The Supreme Court of India, directed the Union Governmentto constitute a tribunal for the Pennaiyar (Thenpennai) river water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• The direction was issued by a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice N. V. Anjaria.
• The Court instructed the Centre to notify and establish the tribunal within one month, reinforcing the constitutional mechanism for resolving inter-state river water disputes.
• The order strengthens the principles of cooperative federalismand follows the framework laid down under Article 262 of the Constitution and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
• Pennaiyar riveris an inter-state river flowing through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• The dispute arose due to Karnataka’s construction of check dams and diversion structureson the river.

Andhra Pradesh Plans Exclusive Women Industrial Park to Boost Women Entrepreneurship

• Andhra Pradesh government has proposed an exclusive industrial park for women entrepreneurs, marking a strong step towards women empowerment and inclusive industrial growth.
• The proposed industrial park will be spread across 30 acres and will focus on women-led industries, startups, and small businesses.
• The objective is to provide a safe, supportive, and well-equipped business environment for women to start and expand enterprises.
• The initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to promoting women entrepreneurship and employment generation.
• About Andhra Pradesh:
• Chief Minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu 
• Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
• Capital: Amaravati
• National Parks: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Papikonda National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary

India Joins BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies

• India has officially joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) to strengthen skill development, industrial training, and workforce cooperation among BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
• The announcement was made at an event organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi.
• India’s participation marks a significant step towards enhancing industrial capabilities, especially for the manufacturing sector and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• BCIC is a multilateral platform designed as a one-stop centre to provide integrated support services to manufacturing companies and MSMEs across BRICS countries.
• The centre focuses on capacity building, technology adoption, productivity improvement, and sharing of best manufacturing practices.
• About DPIIT
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) was established in the year 1995 and was reconstituted in the year 2000 with the merger of the Department of Industrial Development. The department was earlier called Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) and was renamed as DPIIT in January, 2019.

World Government Summit 2026 Opens in Dubai

• The World Government Summit 2026 opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under the theme “Shaping Future Governments”.
• The summit is being held up to February 5, 2026.
• It is one of the world’s most significant global platforms focusing on public policy, governance, innovation, sustainability and technology.
• The summit aims to strengthen governance frameworks, enhance international cooperation, and address economic, social and technological challenges facing the global community.
• More than 6,250 participants are attending the summit.
• Participation includes over 60 Heads of State and Government and more than 500 Ministers from over 150 governments.
• The summit has attracted 87 Nobel Laureates, highlighting its strong focus on evidence-based and intellectual policy discussions.

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

• The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) launched an upgraded version of the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) web portal, known as NYPS 2.0, to expand the reach, inclusivity and participation of the Youth Parliament Programme across India.
• The upgraded portal builds on the original NYPS, which was launched on 11 September 2024, and has shown strong nationwide engagement.
• As of 27 January 2026, the scheme recorded 95,319 participants who took part in 660 Youth Parliament Sittings.
• NYPS 2.0 focuses on inclusive access, particularly aiming to increase participation from remote and rural areas by removing limitations present in the earlier version of the portal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Narendra Modi’s Visit to Punjab

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Punjab to take part in commemorative, developmental and infrastructure-related programmes.
• The visit coincided with the 649th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas, a 15th-century saint, poet and social reformer, known for his teachings on equality, social justice and human dignity.
• PM Narendra Modi arrived at Adampur Airport in Jalandhar, Punjab as part of his visit.
• During the visit, the Prime Minister unveiled the new name of Adampur Airport as ‘Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur’, in honour of Sant Guru Ravidas and his lasting spiritual and social legacy.
• About Punjab
• Chief Minister – Bhagwant Singh Mann
• Governor – Gulab Chand Kataria
• Capital – Chandigarh
• Ramsar Sites – Beas Conservation Reserve and Harike Lake

India–Arab Engagement and West Asia Diplomatic Balancing

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a delegation of Arab Foreign Ministers, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and heads of Arab delegations in New Delhi during the 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
• The meeting underlined India’s growing strategic engagement with the Arab world, focusing on economic collaboration, regional stability, and shared security concerns.
• In parallel, India demonstrated a nuanced diplomatic balancing act in West Asia amid preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit to Israel.
• The 3rd India–Saudi Arabia Security Working Group Meeting was held in Riyadh, agreeing to enhance cooperation against terror financing, cyber-terrorism, and the crime–terror nexus.

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

• Ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the inclusion of two new wetlands in India’s Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
• The newly added sites are Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve (Gujarat).
• With this addition, India’s total Ramsar sites have increased to 98, marking a 276% expansion since 2014, reflecting India’s growing commitment to wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience.
• The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, aimed at the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

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

• The Government of India (GoI) withdrew the 18% Central Excise Duty on unmanufactured tobacco or tobacco refuse.
• The withdrawal applies to unmanufactured tobacco cleared without a brand name and not packed for retail sale.
• The decision is effective from 1 February 2026.
• Earlier, all unmanufactured tobacco cleared from factories or warehouses was subject to 18% excise duty.
• Under the new amendment, unbranded and non-retail packed unmanufactured tobacco will now attract nil excise duty.

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

• The National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), announced plans to conduct India’s first-ever National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and the Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE).
• Both NHIS and ASISSE will be conducted for a one-year period starting from April 2026.
• The announcement was made during the two-day All-India Workshop of Trainers (AIWOT) for NHIS and ASISSE, held from 28 to 29 January 2026 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• National Household Income Survey (NHIS) aims to collect detailed data on household income, living conditions and income distribution.
• About NSO:
• National Statistics Office (NSO) is a subordinate office of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• It was formed in 2019 through the merger of the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
• Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi.

Government Launches Survey and Waqf Property Lease Modules on UMEED Portal

• The Government of India has launched the Survey Module and the Waqf Property Lease Management Module on the UMEED Central Portal to ensure transparent, people-friendly, and accountable management of Waqf properties.
• According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Survey Module provides a comprehensive digital framework for capturing, managing, and updating information related to the survey of Waqf properties on the portal.
• The Waqf Property Lease Management Module has been designed to facilitate end-to-end management of leasing-related information of Waqf properties.
• This lease module enables systematic recording and monitoring of key details such as lease information, lease period, lease amount, and other relevant particulars in a structured and transparent manner.

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 Held at New Delhi

• Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) 2026, the 9th edition of the annual interaction programme, was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with a record 4.5 crore students, teachers, and parents across the country.
• The programme focused on reducing exam stress, building confidence, nurturing curiosity, and promoting emotional well-being among students, popularly referred to as “exam warriors”.
• The Prime Minister urged students to treat examinations as milestones in life, not final judgments of their future.
• Pariksha Pe Charcha was launched in 2018 as an annual initiative.

NCDC Implements Yuva Sahakar Scheme and Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojana

• The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is implementing Yuva Sahakar Scheme and Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojana to promote innovation, inclusivity, youth entrepreneurship, and women empowerment in India’s cooperative sector.
• Both schemes are fully funded by NCDC, a statutory body under the Ministry of Cooperation, and align with the Government of India’s vision of cooperative-led grassroots development and employment generation.
• NCDC provides financial assistance, institutional support, and capacity building to cooperatives across sectors such as agriculture, dairy, fisheries, handloom, cottage industries, and services, strengthening their economic viability.
• Yuva Sahakar Scheme aims to encourage newly formed and youth-led cooperative societies by supporting innovative and start-up-oriented ideas.

Karnataka Introduces Automatic Property Mutation System

• The Karnataka government announced the rollout of an automatic property mutation system to speed up land and property transactions and improve transparency in revenue administration.
• Property mutation refers to updating ownership details in land revenue records after transfer through sale, gift, inheritance, or other legal means.
• Mutation is essential for legal ownership, property tax assessment, and avoiding land disputes.
• Earlier, buyers had to apply separately for mutation after registration, causing delays and procedural hurdles.
• Under the existing manual system:
• 7 days for registrable instruments
• Up to 15 days for non-registrable cases
• Buyers filed a mutation application with the revenue department.
• A mandatory notice period applied:
• This often delayed updating of ownership records.

• About Karnataka:

• Capital: Bengaluru
• Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
• Governor: Thaawarchand Gehlot
• National Parks: Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Anshi (Kali) National Park, Bannerghatta National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Kerala Becomes First State to Announce Elderly Budget for FY27

• Kerala has become the first Indian state to announce a dedicated Elderly Budget in its Financial Year 2026–27 (FY27) State Budget, drawing national attention to ageing-related policy challenges.
• The Elderly Budget was announced by Kerala Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal as part of the FY27 Budget, making it the first-ever separate budget statement for senior citizens in India.
• An Elderly Budget is a policy tool that consolidates all government expenditure related to senior citizens into a single statement, including pensions, healthcare, social security, and welfare schemes.
• While it does not necessarily imply additional spending, it improves transparency, helps assess the fiscal impact of an ageing population, and supports long-term planning, a practice increasingly used by countries undergoing demographic transition.

• About Kerala:

• Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
• Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar 
• Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
• National Parks: Eravikulam National Park, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilika Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

Amit Shah Launches Bharat Taxi, India’s First Cooperative-Based Ride-Hailing Platform

• Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
• The initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi”, which focuses on prosperity through cooperation, and aims to strengthen the cooperative sector while promoting inclusive and citizen-centric mobility solutions.
• Bharat Taxi was conceptualised by the Ministry of Cooperation to address issues faced by drivers on aggregator-based platforms such as high commissions, surge pricing pressure, and lack of social security.
• Bharat Taxi is registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 and was formally established on 6 June 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

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

• The UN Environment Programme (UNEP)released The State of Finance for Nature 2026 report, highlighting a stark imbalance in global environmental financing.
• Key Highlights :
• The report finds that for every USD 1invested in protecting nature, the world spends nearly USD 30 on activities that damage it, with USD 7.3 trillion flowing into nature-negative finance in 2023.
• Of the total nature-negative finance, USD 4.9 trillioncame from private sources, mainly in energy, utilities, industrials, and basic materials, while USD 2.4 trillion came from environmentally harmful public subsidies to fossil fuels, agriculture, and infrastructure.

United States to Launch $12-Billion Critical Rare Minerals Reserve to Curb Dependence on China

• The United States announced plans to create a $12-billion critical rare minerals stockpile to reduce dependence on China for key resources.
• The initiative, named “Project Vault,” is aimed at securing rare earths and other critical minerals prone to price volatility and supply disruptions.
• The project will combine $10 billion in loans from the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM) with around $1.67 billion in private capital.
• Major companies involved in Project Vault include General Motors, Stellantis, Boeing, and Google.

Spain Becomes First European Country to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16, Second Globally After Australia

• Spain has announced a nationwide ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, becoming the second country globally after Australia and the first in Europe to impose such a restriction.
• The policy was announced by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during his address at the World Government Summit in Dubai.
• The ban will come into force within a week, with Sánchez describing the current online environment as a “digital wild west.”
• About Spain :
• Prime Minister : Pedro Sánchez
• Capital : Madrid
• Currency : Euro

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

• The United States Congress approved a $200 million security assistance package for the Baltic nations amid intensified Russian military activity along NATO’s eastern flank.
• The funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defence Appropriations Act, which is included in the $838.7 billion US defence budget.
• The Baltic Security Initiative under this act ensures continued support for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
• The bill was signed into law by US President Donald Trump on February 3, 2026, despite earlier Pentagon proposals to discontinue the programme.
• About United States :
• President : Donald Trump
• Capital : Washington, D.C.
• Currency : U.S. dollar

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING AND BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Imposes ₹2.70 Lakh Penalty on Northern Arc Capital Limited

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.70 lakh on Northern Arc Capital Limited.
• The penalty was imposed for non-compliancewith RBI’s Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions.
• RBIexercised its powers under Section 58G(1)(b) read with Section 58B(5)(aa) of the RBI Act, 1934.
• The statutory inspectionreferred to the company’s financial position as on 31 March 2024.
• Northern Arc Capital Limited, founded in 2009, offers retail loansto underserved households and businesses in India.

Nirmala Sitharaman Becomes Longest-Serving Continuous Finance Minister, to Present Ninth Straight Union Budget on 1 February 2026

• Nirmala Sitharamanis the longest-serving Finance Minister in continuous office, set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on 1 February 2026.
• She took charge of the Finance Ministryon 31 May 2019 and completed 6 years and 8 months in office by 31 January 2026.
• Former Prime Minister Morarji Desaipresented the Union Budget 10 times, while P Chidambaram presented the Budget 9 times, but not for consecutive years.
• The longest earlier continuous tenurewas by C D Deshmukh (1950–56), lasting about 6 years and 2 months.

World Bank Pledges $8–10 Billion Annual Financing to India for Next Five Years

• Indiaand the World Bank Group (WBG) announced a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to support India’s next phase of growth and its Viksit Bharat
• Key Highlights :
• The partnership will provide $8–10 billion in annual financingover the next five years, leveraging public funds, private capital, and global expertise.
• The CPFtargets five job-generating sectors: infrastructure & energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and value-added manufacturing.
• Implementationof the CPF will begin immediately through ongoing projects, including:
• An $830 million loanto support Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation, upgrading ITIs to skill over one million youth, especially women.
• A $490 million Maharashtra projectto enhance climate-resilient agriculture using digital and precision farming.
• The Kerala Health Systems Improvement Programwith $280 million to strengthen digital health systems.
• Credila Financial Servicesinitiative with $750 million to support higher education financing for up to 190,000 students.
• Programs to scale electric mobility, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and create jobsin clean transport.
• Indiais the WBG’s largest client, with IBRD commitments of $20 billion across 79 projects, IFC commitments of $16.72 billion across 174 projects, and $618 million in MIGA guarantees.
• About World Bank:
• The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
• The World Bank consists of 5 institutions: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), The International Development Association (IDA), The International Finance Corporation (IFC), The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
• Founded Year: 1944
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• President: Ajay Banga
• Members:189 countries

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Reconstitutes Reinsurance Advisory Committee for Three-Year Term

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), reconstituted its Reinsurance Advisory Committee (RAC)with immediate effect for a three-year tenure.
• V. Girija Kumar, former Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)of Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL), was appointed as Chairman of the RAC.
• The Reinsurance Advisory Committee (RAC)has been reconstituted under Section 101B of the Insurance Act, 1938.
• The reconstitution aims to strengthen IRDAI’s advisory supporton reinsurance-related matters by bringing together senior experts from the insurance and reinsurance ecosystem.
• About IRDAI :
• IRDAIwas established in 1999 in Hyderabad, Telangana, under the IRDA Act, 1999, following recommendations of the Malhotra Committee to reform and liberalize the insurance sector, and became fully operational in 2000.
• The IRDAI structureconsists of a Chairperson, 5 whole-time members, and 4 part-time members, appointed by the Government of India (GoI).
• Established: 1999.
• Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
• Chairman: Ajay Seth

State Bank of India Unveils CHAKRA to Mobilise ₹100 Trillion Investment in Sunrise Sectors Over Five Years

• State Bank of India (SBI)launched CHAKRA (Centre of Excellence) to finance sunrise sectors vital for India’s economic transformation and sustainable growth.
• CHAKRAwill focus on renewable energy, EVs, green hydrogen, advanced cell chemistry, battery storage, semiconductors, decarbonisation, data centres, and smart infrastructure.
• These sectors have a combined investment potentialof ~₹100 trillion over the next five years, with SBI estimating a lendable opportunity of ₹20–22 trillion.
• SBIsigned MoUs with 21 financial institutions, enabling co-financing and capacity building through joint project finance teams stationed at CHAKRA.
• CHAKRAwill support informed decision-making through white papers, sector reports, knowledge series, industry roundtables, and policy dialogues.

Slice Launches India’s First Fully UPI-Integrated Digital Banking Platform

• Slice Small Finance Bank (Slice SFB)introduced three financial products: Digital Savings Account linked to the Repo rate, UPI-integrated credit card, and digital Fixed Deposits (FDs).

·       Digital Savings Bank Account

• Slicelaunched India’s first savings account linked to 100% of the Repo rate of RBI.
• Interestis calculated and credited daily, allowing money to grow in real time.
• The account offers transparent returns, no minimum balance requirements, instant liquidity, and full digital access, including UPIfor everyday payments.

·       UPI Credit Card

• Enables customers to scan and payat any UPI-enabled merchant using an approved credit limit instead of traditional card rails.
• Offers up to 3% cashback, “Slice in 3”no-cost EMI conversion on purchases above 2,000, and weekly rewards through Slice Sparks.
• Has no joining, renewal, or annual feesand provides fully digital onboarding.

·     Digital Fixed Deposits (FDs)

• Can be opened and managed entirely through the app.
• Offers interest ratesup to 25% per annum and is insured up to Rs.5 lakh by DICGC, Ministry of Finance (MoF).

·       About Slice SFB :

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Rajan Bajaj
• Headquarters: Guwahati, Assam
• Established: 2016

United Arab Emirates Central Bank Approves Country’s First USD-Linked Stablecoin

• The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)approved the country’s first USD-backed stablecoin, marking a major step in regulating digital assets and payment tokens.
• The stablecoin, named USDU, is approved under the Payment Token Services Regulationframework of the UAE Central Bank.
• USDUis issued and managed by Universal Digital Intl Limited, which is regulated by Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority.
• Universal Digitalhas become the first foreign payment token issuer registered with the UAE Central Bank.
• Stablecoinsare cryptocurrencies pegged to reserve assets such as the US dollar, designed to minimise price volatility and are suitable for payments, settlements, and cross-border transfers on blockchain systems.
• The Payment Token Services Regulationsets rules for issuance, reserve backing, and governance of payment tokens and allows foreign payment tokens to be registered if they meet disclosure, custody, and compliance standards.

Paysharp Gets RBI’s Payment Aggregator–Physical (PA-P) Licence to Offer Offline Payment Services

• Fintech startup Paysharp received the Payment Aggregator–Physical (PA-P) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), enabling it to operate as a physical (offline) payment aggregator and enhance its payment service offerings.
• In August 2024, Paysharp had received the Payment Aggregator–Online (PA-O)

·        About PA-P Licence :

• Enables unified online–offline payments, allowing Paysharp to offer end-to-end payment acceptance services across online and offline channels from a single regulated platform.
• Supports an omnichannel approach, serving merchants in stores, on-the-go, and online without relying on third-party aggregators.

·        About Paysharp :

• Established in 2019 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), by Krishna Kumar Mani and Sathish S.
• Uses a flat-fee pricing model, allowing merchants to pay a fixed charge per transaction instead of a percentage-based Merchant Discount Rate (MDR).
• Customers include Government and B2B enterprises, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Small & Medium Businesses (SMBs), and E-Commerce merchants.

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026–27 in the Lok Sabha on February 1, 2026, marking her record ninth consecutive Budget presentation.
• The speech clocked a duration of 1 hour and 25 minutes (85 minutes)

·       Budget Estimates & Fiscal Indicators

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

• Tax Reforms :

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

• Indirect Taxes & Trade

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

Expenditure of Major Items :

Sector / Item	Expenditure (₹ crore)
Transport	5,98,520
Defence	5,94,585
Rural Development	2,73,108
Home Affairs	2,55,234
Agriculture and Allied Activities	1,62,671
Education	1,39,289
Energy	1,09,029
Health	1,04,599
Urban Development	85,522
IT and Telecom	74,560
Commerce and Industry	70,296
Social Welfare	62,362
Scientific Departments	55,756
Tax Administration	45,500
External Affairs	22,119
Finance	20,649
Development of North East	6,812

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

• State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB), launched a Global Trade Finance Centre (GTFC)in Kolkata, West Bengal, to strengthen trade finance and global banking operations.
• In July 2025, SBIinaugurated two specialised GTFCs located in Kolkata (West Bengal) and Hyderabad (Telangana) on the occasion of its 70th anniversary.
• The GTFCfollows a centralized system to streamline inland trade and efficiently process import and export transactions.
• The centre supports SBI branchesacross eastern and northern India, enabling faster turnaround time, strong compliance oversight, and an enhanced customer experience for domestic and cross-border trade.
• About State Bank of India (SBI):
• Founded Year: 1955
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Chairman: Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
• Slogan: "The Banker to Every Indian"

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

• The Union Budget 2026-27announced the establishment of Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts as community-owned retail outlets to strengthen women-led enterprises and deepen the self-help group (SHG) ecosystem across states.
• The SHE Marts initiativeaims to provide a structured market platform for products made by women entrepreneurs, with Jharkhand emerging as a key beneficiary due to its strong SHG base.
• The programme builds on the Lakhpati Didi Programmeand aims to help women transition from credit-based livelihoods to ownership of enterprises.

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

• The Union Budget 2026-27allocated ₹73,990.94 crore to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), focusing on telecom infrastructure revival and strengthening state-owned BSNL.
• The allocation for FY27is 8.65% lower than the FY26 Budget Estimate of ₹81,005.24 crore but 38.56% higher than the FY26 Revised Estimate of ₹53,398.17 crore.
• The increaseover the revised FY26 figure is largely due to higher capital infusion into Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for network expansion and financial recovery.
• The total net allocationfor the DoT in FY27 is ₹80,927.94 crore, including an additional ₹6,937 crore from the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

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

• The Union Budget 2026-27proposed an excise-duty exemption on the biogas or compressed biogas (CBG) component in blended compressed natural gas (CNG) to promote renewable gas use and reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• The measure aims to correct double taxation, as previously both pure CNG and blended CNG attracted 14% central excise duty, 5% GST, and state-level VAT, which dampened incentives for biogas blending.
• Under the new provision, central excise dutywill not be levied on the biogas portion of blended CNG, lowering the effective tax burden and improving cost competitiveness for city gas distribution companies (CGDs).

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

• The Union Budget 2026-27announced a major expansion of India’s ground-based astronomy infrastructure, with plans to establish and upgrade four key facilities across Ladakh and southern India.
• The initiatives aim to strengthen India’s capabilitiesin solar physics, deep-space observation, and public science education.
• All projects will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), headquartered in Bengaluru, including two new national-class telescopes, an upgrade of the Himalayan Chandra Telescopein Ladakh, and a new planetarium-cum-training centre.

Government Notifies Baggage Rules 2026, New Customs Regulations, and Master Circular

• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)has notified the Baggage Rules, 2026, along with Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026 and a Master Circular to simplify international passenger clearance.
• The new rules aim to enhance passenger facilitation, introduce electronic and advanced declarations, improve transparency, and align customs procedureswith rising travel volumes and modern travel needs.
• The general duty-free allowancehas been increased as follows: ₹75,000 for residents, Indian-origin tourists, and foreigners with valid non-tourist visas, ₹25,000 for foreign tourists, and ₹2,500 for crew members.
• Passengers arriving through land bordersare not entitled to any general duty-free allowance under the new rules.
• About CBIC :
• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), formerly known as the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), is constituted under the Central Boards of Revenue Act, 1963.
• CBICis the apex body under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, responsible for administering indirect taxes in India.
• It is tasked with formulation of policyconcerning levy and collection of Customs, Central Excise duties, Central Goods & Services Tax (CGST), and Integrated GST (IGST).
• The CBICis headed by a Chairman and has six members in addition to the Chairman.
• Formed : 26 January 1944
• Headquarter : New Delhi, India
• Chairperson : Vivek Chaturvedi

Secretary, Department of Financial Services Delivers Keynote at PSB Alliance Annual Strategy Meet 2026 in New Delhi

• The PSB Alliance Annual Strategy Meet 2026was held in New Delhi, where the Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS) highlighted that PSB Alliance has evolved into a strategic partner by combining technology, data, and purpose to build an inclusive and innovative banking sector.
• The Secretary, DFSlaunched the BAANKNET (Bank Assets Auction Network) mobile app and the Digital Balance Confirmation Platform (DBCP) during the event.
• The BAANKNET mobile appwill provide nationwide access to verified bank auction properties, enhance transparency, empower citizens, and support banks in achieving faster loan recoveries.
• What is BAANKNET?
• BAANKNETis a newly launched e-auction portal that consolidates information about properties put up for auction by Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
• It serves as a one-stop destinationfor buyers and investors, providing access to a wide range of properties, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural assets.

Union Government to Table Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in Budget Session from March, 2026

• The Union government plans to introduce the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the second half of the Budget session of Parliament beginning March 9, 2026.
• The move aims to strengthen India’s insolvency framework by improving efficiency, reducing delays, and aligning the regime with global best practices.
• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who also holds charge of the Corporate Affairs Ministry, stated that the Bill is ready to be tabled as the parliamentary committee examining the amendments has submitted its report.
• The proposed amendments aim to enhance timelines and effectiveness of insolvency proceedings, bring India’s insolvency regime closer to international standards, and ensure faster admission of cases, improved resolution outcomes, and greater predictability for creditors and investors.

Central Bank of India Partners with HSBC Asset Management to Offer Mutual Fund Products to Customers

• Central Bank of India (CBI), a leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), signed a distribution agreementwith HSBC Asset Management (India) Private Limited to offer Mutual Fund (MF) products to its customers.
• The partnershipaims to expand CBI’s wealth management offerings across its customer base.
• Under the agreement, CBIwill distribute HSBC AMC’s MF schemes including equity, debt, and hybrid funds through its bank branches and digital platforms.

Matrixport Secures In-Principle Regulatory Approval to Operate Financial Services in Bhutan’s GMC

• Matrixport, a leading digital asset financial services platform, received In-Principle Approval (IPA)for its Bhutan-based entity Matrix Bhutan Pte Ltd from the Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO).
• The approval allows Matrix Bhutan Pte Ltdto operate regulated financial services within or from Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), Bhutan.
• Under the proposed licence, Matrixportcan offer regulated money services, deal in investments as a matched principal, and provide custody services for assets.

National Statistical Office to Launch NHIS and ASISSE from April 2026 to Strengthen India’s Statistical System

• The National Statistical Office (NSO)under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch two major national surveys—the National Household Income Survey (NHIS) and the Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE)—from April 2026 to strengthen India’s statistical system.
• These surveys aim to fill long-standing data gaps, particularly in household incomeand the services sector, using robust scientific design, expert guidance, and extensive field trials.
• The NHISwill generate comprehensive data on living conditions, income distribution, and income sources, enabling inter-household and inter-regional comparisons and providing insights into patterns of income generation.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Revises Consumer Price Index Base Year to 2024, Lowers Food & Beverages Weight to 36.75%

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)has revised the Consumer Price Index (CPI) base year to 2024, reducing the weight of Food & Beverages from 45.86% to 36.75%.
• The revision is based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24, reflecting changing consumption patternsin India.
• The weight of Housingincreases sharply from 10.07% to 17.66%, with improved rent measurement methods, which may push housing inflation upward.
• The revised CPI basketincludes 358 items (up from 299) and adopts reclassified categories, including Education as a standalone group.

Tripura Gramin Bank Introduces India’s First RRB Co-Branded RuPay Credit Card in Partnership withPunjab National Bank

• Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB), in collaboration with its sponsor bank Punjab National Bank (PNB), launched a Co-branded RuPay Credit Card.
• TGB became the first Regional Rural Bank (RRB) in India and also the first among the eight PNB-sponsored RRBs to introduce a co-branded credit card.
• The launch of the TGB–PNB Co-Branded RuPay Credit Card marks the Golden Jubilee (50th year) of Tripura Gramin Bank.
• The card was launched at Agartala, Tripura.
• The credit card is powered by the RuPay Network, ensuring secure and widely accepted transactions.

Punjab National Bank Launches ‘LUXURA Metal Credit Card’ on Visa Infinite Platform for Premium Customers

• Punjab National Bank (PNB), a leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), launched the ‘LUXURA Metal Credit Card’ on the Visa Infinite platform targeting high-net-worth and lifestyle-driven customers.
• The launch expands PNB’s premium credit card portfolio with enhanced luxury and travel benefits.
• The card carries a Joining Fee of 4,999 + GST and an Annual Fee of Rs. 1,999 + GST.
• It offers accelerated reward points on purchases with boosted earnings on travel and lifestyle spending.
• About Punjab National Bank (PNB):
• Founded: 1894
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Ashok Chandra
• Tagline: "The Name You Can Bank Upon"

World Bank Sanctions USD 830 Million Funding for PM-SETU to Modernise India’s Industrial Training Institutes

• The World Bank Group (WBG) approved an USD 830 million loan for India’s Pradhan Mantri – Skilling and Employability Transformation Through Upgraded Industrial Training Institutes (PM-SETU) Programme to revamp Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and boost youth employment opportunities.
• The programme is part of the WBG’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for India (FY 2026–31), which envisages USD 8–10 billion annual financing support.
• The loan tenure has a final maturity of 19.5 years including a 4-year grace period.
• About World Bank :
• Established: 1944.
• Headquarters: Washington, DC, USA
• President: Ajay Banga

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

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the 16th Finance Commission (16th FC) report in Parliament alongside the Union Budget 2026–27.
• The government accepted the key recommendation of the 16th FC to retain the states’ share in central taxes at 41% for the period 2026–31.
• The 16th Finance Commission was chaired by Arvind Panagariya and covers the award period 2026–31.
• The recommendations signal a shift from “entitlement-based” transfers to “compliance-driven” fiscal federalism.
• The 16th FC retains states’ tax share at 41% and moves fiscal transfers toward performance- and compliance-based criteria, including a new weight for contribution to GDP.
• It emphasises fiscal discipline by capping state deficits at 3% of GSDP, ending off-budget borrowings, rationalising subsidies, and warning against unconditional cash transfers.
• About Ministry of Finance:
• Cabinet Minister: Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
• Minister of State (MoS): Shri Pankaj Chaudhary

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

• Goldman Sachs upgraded India’s CY26 (Calendar Year 2026) real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast by 20 basis points (bps) from 6.7% to 6.9%.
• The upgrade follows the conclusion of the United States of America (USA)–India trade deal, which reduced reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%.
• The forecast is based on goods export exposure of about 4% of GDP to USA final demand and an export demand elasticity of around 0.7.
• The trade agreement is expected to reduce trade-policy uncertainty and improve private investment intentions in India.

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

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a compounding fee of ₹18.76 lakh on One 97 Communications Limited (OCL), the parent company of Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL).
• The penalty was issued under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 for contraventions related to foreign investment transactions in its subsidiary.
• The transaction involved investments worth approximately ₹33 crore made by Little Internet Singapore Private Limited into Little Internet Private Limited (LIPL).
• The investments were carried out during the period March 2016 to June 2017.
• What is FEMA ?
• The FEMA was enacted in 1999 as a successor to the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973, adapting to post-liberalisation economic conditions in India.
• The act aims to regulate foreign exchange transactions, currency transactions, and foreign payments to ensure orderly development and maintenance of the foreign exchange market in India.
• The main objectives of FEMA are: to facilitate external trade and payments, to promote the orderly development of the foreign exchange market, and to regulate transactions related to foreign exchange.

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

• Equitas Small Finance Bank (Equitas SFB)signed a strategic bancassurance partnership with Bharti AXA Life Insurance, backed by Bharti Enterprises and France’s AXA, to expand life insurance reach across India.
• The partnership aims to boost life insurance penetrationand help customers secure their long-term financial future.
• Under the partnership, Bharti AXA Life Insurance will offer its life insurance products, including protection, savings, and retirement plans, to Equitas SFB customers.
• About Equitas Small Finance Bank:
• Founded: 2007
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India ​
• Managing Director & CEO: P. N. Vasudevan
• Tagline: "It's Fun Banking"

Reserve Bank of India’s Gold Purchases Plunge to 4 Tonnes in 2025 from 73 Tonnes in 2024 Due to High Prices

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bought only 4 tonnes of gold in 2025, significantly lower than 73 tonnes in 2024, mainly due to very high gold prices.
• In 2025, RBI's quarterly gold purchases were: 3.4 tonnes in Q1, 0.4 tonnes in Q2, 0.2 tonnes in Q3, and 0 tonnes in Q4, showing a sharp slowdown in buying.
• In comparison, RBI had purchased 16 tonnes in 2023 and 77 tonnes in 2021, making 2025 one of the lowest purchase years.
• According to the World Gold Council (WGC), global central banks bought a total of 328 tonnes of gold in 2025, slightly lower than 345 tonnes in 2024.
• Poland was the largest gold buyer in 2025, adding 102 tonnes, followed by Kazakhstan (57 tonnes) and Azerbaijan (53 tonnes).

100% Foreign Direct Investment in Insurance Sector Allowed as Insurance Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 Comes into Force from 5 February 2026

• The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 came into force on 5 February 2026, allowing 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector.
• The notification of the Act was issued by the Ministry of Finance, while Section 25 will be enforced later through a separate notification.
• Under the new Act, foreign companies can now fully own insurance companies in India, but top leadership positions such as Chairman, Managing Director, or CEO must be Indian citizens.
• The legislation amends three existing laws: Insurance Act, 1938, Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999.
• The FDI limit in insurance was earlier 26% initially, then 49% in 2015, 74% in 2021, and is now 100%.

• About IRDAI :

• IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) is a statutory body for protecting policyholders’ interests and regulating, promoting, and ensuring orderly growth of the insurance industry.
• Headquarters : Hyderabad
• Chairman : Ajay Seth

SBI Mutual Fund Launches InvesTap Nxt, AI-Powered Next-Generation Digital Investment Platform

• SBI Mutual Fund (SBIMF) launched InvesTap Nxt, a next-generation digital investment platform designed to make investing simpler and smarter.
• InvesTap Nxt is an AI-powered platform featuring a personal AI assistant that allows investors to ask questions, explore investment options, and track portfolios through conversational interactions.
• The platform integrates SBIMF’s SmartAssist, an AI-powered WhatsApp chat companion, into InvesTap Nxt for enhanced investment management.
• InvesTap Nxt uses advanced AI, conversational investment journeys, and Wealth Index via Account Aggregator (AA) integration to provide a personalised view of financial portfolios.

State Bank of India Secures $1 Billion Social Loan from Japan’s MUFG

• State Bank of India (SBI) raised a $1 billion (₹7,100 crore) social loan from Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG).
• This is the first social loan raised by an Indian bank, marking a landmark deal in India’s banking and social finance space.
• The loan was raised through MUFG’s GIFT City (IFSC) branch, with MUFG as the sole lender, though it may be syndicated later.
• The loan has a five-year maturity and includes a green shoe option of $500 million, allowing SBI to raise additional funds if required.

• About State Bank of India (SBI):

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

Axis Bank Introduces “Rooftop Solar Finance” to Support Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises in Adopting Solar Energy Systems

• Axis Banklaunched “Rooftop Solar Finance”, a new financing product aimed at helping Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) adopt solar energy systems on their commercial rooftops.
• The product offers collateral-free loansranging from ₹10 lakhs to ₹2 crores, available through Axis Bank’s branch network across India.
• The repayment tenure is 4–7 years, providing flexible repayment options aligned with business cash flows.
• The financing supports solar adoption, enabling firms to install rooftop solar systems, reduce long-term energy costs, and lower dependence on grid electricity.
• Axis Bank has partnered with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)and a technology partner to ensure cost transparency for businesses.
• About Axis Bank:
• Founded Year: 1993
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
• Slogan: "Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi" (A Life of Progress)

Alwar Becomes First District in India to Attain Complete Insurance Coverage

• Alwar district in Rajasthan became the first district in India to achieve 100% insurance coverage under the “Insurance for All by 2047”
• The roadmap aligns with the vision of a ‘Secure India–Insured India’ at the grassroots level.
• The initiative is a joint effort of the Government of India (GoI) and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), a statutory body under the Ministry of Finance.
• 1,367 previously uninsured people aged over 10 were brought under coverage through systematic door-to-door surveys, achieving full saturation in the district.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOUR

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards (2016–2022): Full Winners Summary

• Government of Tamil Nadu announced the long-pending State Film Awards for 2016 to 2022.
• Awards recognise a socially conscious and artistically significant phase of Tamil cinema.
• Films addressing justice, caste realities, marginalisation, women empowerment and constitutional values dominated the honours.
• Awards Ceremony scheduled on 13 February 2026 at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai.
• Awards will be presented by the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards are among the oldest and most prestigious state-level cinema honours in India.
• Major Standout Films
• Gargi (2022) – Best Film (First Prize); Sai Pallavi won Best Actress.
• Jai Bhim (2021) – Best Film (First Prize); strong focus on social justice and constitutional rights.
• Other impactful films include Pariyerum Perumal, Asuran, Koozhangal, Maanagaram.
• Notable Acting Achievements
• Dhanush – Best Actor for Vada Chennai (2018).
• Vikram Prabhu – Best Actor for Taanakkaran (2022).
• Other major awardees across years: Vijay Sethupathi, Arya, Nayanthara, Jyothika, Keerthy Suresh, Manju Warrier, Sai Pallavi.
• Direction and Music Recognition
• Lokesh Kanagaraj – Best Director for Maanagaram (2016).
• Gautham Ramachandran – Best Director for Gargi (2022).
• AR Rahman – Best Music Director for Ponniyin Selvan: I.
• Santhosh Narayanan – Best Music Director for Vada Chennai.
• 2016 Award Winners
• Best Film: Maanagaram
• Best Film (Special Prize): Manusangada
• Best Film About Women Empowerment: Aruvi
• Best Actor: Vijay Sethupathi – Puriyatha Puthir
• Best Actress: Keerthy Suresh – Paambu Sattai
• Best Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj – Maanagaram
• Best Music Director: Sam CS – Puriyatha Puthir
• Best Lyricist: Madhan Karky
• Best Stunt Coordinator: Anbariv
• 2017 Award Winners
• Best Film (First Prize): Aramm
• Best Actor: Karthi – Theeran Adhigaram Ondru
• Best Actress: Nayanthara – Aramm
• Best Director: Pushkar–Gayathri – Vikram Vedha
• Best Music Director: Hip Hop Thamizhaa – Kavan
• 2018 Award Winners
• Best Film (First Prize): Pariyerum Perumal
• Best Actor: Dhanush – Vada Chennai
• Best Actress: Jyothika – Chekka Chivantha Vaanam
• Best Director: Mari Selvaraj
• Best Music Director: Santhosh Narayanan
• 2019 Award Winners
• Best Film (First Prize): Asuran
• Best Actor: R Parthiban – Oththa Seruppu Size 7
• Best Actress: Manju Warrier – Asuran
• Best Director: R Parthiban
• Best Music Director: Thaman
• 2020 Award Winners
• Best Film (First Prize): Koozhangal
• Best Actor: Suriya – Soorarai Pottru
• Best Actress: Aparna Balamurali – Soorarai Pottru
• Best Director: Sudha Kongara
• Best Music Director: GV Prakash Kumar
• 2021 Award Winners
• Best Film (First Prize): Jai Bhim
• Best Actor: Arya – Sarpatta Parambarai
• Best Actress: Lijomol Jose – Jai Bhim
• Best Director: Tha Se Gnanavel
• Best Music Director: Sean Roldan
• 2022 Award Winners
• Best Film (First Prize): Gargi
• Best Actor: Vikram Prabhu – Taanakkaran
• Best Actress: Sai Pallavi – Gargi
• Best Director: Gautham Ramachandran
• Best Music Director: AR Rahman – Ponniyin Selvan: I
• Best Lyricist: Ilango Krishnan
• Best Art Director: Thota Tharani

Uttarakhand Wins Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem at Wings India 2026

• Uttarakhand has been awarded Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem at Wings India 2026, India’s flagship civil aviation conference and exhibition.
• The award was announced on 30 January 2026 and recognises the state’s policy support, infrastructure development, regional air connectivity, heli services, tourism growth, and disaster management benefits.
• This recognition is significant as Uttarakhand has challenging mountainous and remote terrain, yet has achieved notable progress in civil aviation.
• Wings India 2026 is India’s largest civil aviation event, bringing together policymakers, aviation companies, investors, and global stakeholders.

Grammy Awards 2026: Major Winners List

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

Indian-Origin Climate Scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan Wins Crafoord Prize 2026

• Indian-origin climate scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan has won the Crafoord Prize 2026, often referred to as the “Nobel of Geosciences”.
• The award recognises his pioneering contributions to climate and atmospheric science, especially his discoveries related to greenhouse gases and global warming.
• His research has had a direct impact on global climate policy, including international environmental agreements.
• Veerabhadran Ramanathan is an atmospheric scientist of Indian origin with a career spanning over five decades.

Paradip Port Authority Wins First Prize at Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025

• Paradip Port Authority won the First Prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025, emerging as the Cleanest Performing Major Port of India.
• The award was instituted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) for excellence in cleanliness, sustainability and community participation.
• The recognition highlights the port’s role as an active contributor to the Swachh Bharat Mission, beyond its commercial and trade functions.
• The award was presented on 3 February 2026 in New Delhi by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in the presence of Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Vijay Kumar (Indian Administrative Service).

Queen Mother of Bhutan Honoured with 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award 2025

• Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Queen Mother of Bhutan, was conferred the 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award 2025.
• The award ceremony was held in February 2026 at Bodoland University, Kokrajhar, Assam.
• The event was attended by Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Assam.
• The award recognised her lifelong humanitarian service, compassionate leadership, social development efforts, and cultural preservation work.
• The Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award was instituted in 2004 by the Upendra Nath Brahma Trust.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Sunetra Pawar Becomes Maharashtra’s First Woman Deputy Chief Minister After Ajit Pawar’s Demise

• Sunetra Pawar, wife of late NCP leader Ajit Pawar, was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, becoming the first woman DyCM since the state’s formation 66 years ago.
• The appointment followed the sudden death of Ajit Pawar (66) in an air crash at Baramati, triggering swift political developments in the state.
• Sunetra Pawar (62) is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and was unanimously elected as the leader of the NCP legislature party before her appointment.
• The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai.

• About Maharashtra:

• Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Capital: Mumbai
• National Parks: Tadoba National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Chandoli National Park, Gugamal National Park, Navegaon National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

Sarah Mullally Becomes First Woman Archbishop of Canterbury, Leading Church of England

• Sarah Mullally was confirmed as the Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England in its 1,400-year history and the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
• Her confirmation took place in a centuries-old ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, formally recognised by ecclesiastical judges.
• She succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned in November 2024 following allegations related to failure to act adequately on information about a child abuse case.
• Sarah Mullally (63 years) is a former Chief Nursing Officer of England and has served as the Bishop of London since 2018; she is also a former cancer nurse.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Appoints Kota Ravi as New Chairman and Managing Director

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a premier Schedule A Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Finance (and administratively under the Ministry of Defence), appointed Kota Ravi as its new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD).
• He will succeed Dr. D.K. Sunil, who is set to retire in April 2026.
• Kota Ravi has over three decades of experience in aviation, manufacturing, and aerospace programme management.

Shri Hari Shankar Verma Assumes Charge as Member (Operations & Business Development) of Railway Board

• Shri Hari Shankar Verma, a 1987 batch Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS)officer, has assumed charge as Member (Operations and Business Development), Railway Board, and Ex-officio Secretary to the Government of India.
• Prior to this appointment, he served as Director General, Safety, Railway Board, where he played a key role in strengthening railway safety standards.
• During his tenure as Director General, Safety, Indian Railways’ safety record improved significantly, with a drastic reduction in consequential accidentsthrough process improvements.

Shri Divakar Jayant Assumes Charge as Director General of Naval Armament

• Shri Divakar Jayant, INAS, took charge as Director General of Naval Armament (DGONA)at Naval Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (MoD), on 02 Feb 2026, succeeding Shri P Upadhyay, who superannuated on 31 Jan 2026.
• Shri Divakar Jayantbelongs to the 1991 batch of the Indian Naval Armament Service (INAS) and joined the Naval Armament Organisation of the Indian Navy on 28 Dec 1992.
• He has held senior positionsincluding Chief General Manager and General Manager/Principal Director at Naval Armament Depots in Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, and Alwaye, as well as at NHQ/MoD, during 33 years of service.

Yumnam Khemchand to Take Over as Manipur Chief Minister Following End of President’s Rule

• Yumnam Khemchand Singh was chosen as Leader of the BJP Legislature Party in Manipur on February 3, 2026, paving the way for him to become Chief Minister.
• Yumnam Khemchand Singh is set to become the 13th Chief Minister (individual-wise) of Manipur, succeeding Biren Singh, and will lead the state after almost one year under central rule.
• The decision comes ahead of one year of President’s Rule, which began on February 13, 2025, after the resignation of former CM N. Biren Singh on February 9, 2025.

Reserve Bank of India Approves Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as Yes Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

• Yes Bank has appointed Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Tonse will serve a three-year tenure, starting from the date he assumes charge, subject to shareholder approval.
• Vinay Tonse previously served as Managing Director – Retail Business and Operations at the State Bank of India (SBI), demitting office on 30 November 2025.
• The appointment follows the completion of the extended tenure of Prashant Kumar, who led Yes Bank through a critical recovery phase post-2020 crisis.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

Numbeo Cost of Living Index by City 2026

• The Cost-of-Living Index by City 2026 has been released by Numbeo, analysing global urban living expenses amid inflation, currency fluctuations, and rising demand for premium lifestyles.
• Top 10 Most Expensive Cities in the World (2026)
• Zurich – Switzerland
• Geneva – Switzerland
• Basel – Switzerland
• Lausanne – Switzerland
• Lugano – Switzerland
• Bern – Switzerland
• New York City – United States
• Reykjavik – Iceland
• Honolulu – United States
• San Francisco – United States
• Singapore remained the only Asian city in the global top 20, ranking 14th, while Tel Aviv-Yafo climbed sharply but narrowly missed the top 10.
• Indian cities continued to feature among the world’s lowest-cost urban centres.
• In 2026, Indore ranked 477, Bhopal ranked 473, and Patna ranked 470.
• These cities overtook locations such as Cairo, Lahore, and Karachi in affordability rankings.

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

• A United Nations report (2025)states that around 45% of the global population lives in urban areas, a sharp rise from 20% in 1950.
• India has emerged as one of the biggest drivers of global urban growth, placing it at the centre of worldwide urbanisation trends.
• India currently has five megacities, each with a population of more than 10 million.
• New Delhi, with a population of over 30 million, is among the four largest cities in the world, alongside Jakarta, Dhaka and Tokyo.
• Major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkatacontinue to attract migration, jobs and investment.

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

• Global Soft Power Index 2026 ranks countries based on their ability to influence and attract others through culture, values, governance, and ideas, rather than military force or economic pressure.
• Soft Power refers to a nation’s ability to shape preferences of other countries through culture, diplomacy, values, innovation, and global reputation.
• Strong soft power helps attract tourists, investors, skilled talent, and strengthens international partnerships.
• Top 10 Countries in Global Soft Power Index 2026:
• 1st – United States: 74.9
• 2nd – China: 73.5
• 3rd – Japan: 70.6
• 4th – United Kingdom: 69.2
• 5th – Germany: 67.7
• 6th – France: 65.8
• 7th – Switzerland: 63.2
• 8th – Canada: 63.2
• 9th – Italy: 61.6
• 10th – United Arab Emirates: 59.4
• India’s Position:
• India ranks 32nd globally with a score of 48.0.
• India dropped 2 positions and declined by 1.8 points compared to the previous year.

Responsible Nations Index 2026 Released by World Intellectual Foundation

• The Responsible Nations Index 2026 was released by the World Intellectual Foundation (WIF).
• The index covers 154 countries and evaluates global leadership based on responsibility, ethical governance, and collective good, instead of traditional indicators like Gross Domestic Product or military power.
• Top 10 countries in the Responsible Nations Index 2026:
• 1st – Singapore (Score: 0.6194)
• 2nd – Switzerland (0.5869)
• 3rd – Denmark (0.5837)
• 4th – Cyprus (0.5774)
• 5th – Sweden (0.5740)
• 6th – Czechia (0.5704)
• 7th – Belgium (0.5690)
• 8th – Austria (0.5665)
• 9th – Ireland (0.5634)
• 10th – Georgia (0.5581)
• Syria ranked 153rd and Yemen ranked 151st, highlighting how prolonged conflict weakens governance, social welfare, and environmental protection.
• India ranked 16th globally with a responsibility score of 0.5515, showing strong performance among developing nations.
• India’s ranking was supported by improvements in healthcare access, expansion of social protection schemes, progress in reducing inequality, and people-centric digital governance initiatives.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Alpha Design Technologies Limited Completes Major Upgrade of Indian Air Force’s  Pechora Missile System, Boosting Indigenous Modernisation

• Bengaluru-based defence manufacturer Alpha Design Technologies Limited (ADTL) completed a major upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Pechora surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, supporting India’s push to modernise ageing military platforms through indigenous capability.
• The fully digitised upgrade is expected to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen India’s layered air defence architecture.
• The Pechora system, inducted in the 1970s, has been a critical part of India’s air defence network for nearly five decades and faced obsolescence challenges due to rapid technological advances.
• The IAF initiated a comprehensive upgrade programme to extend service life and improve combat performance, with ADTL signing a Rs 591.3 crore contract on 25 September 2020.

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

• Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), inaugurated the Shore-Based Laboratory of CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR–NIO) Regional Centre at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• The CSIR–NIO Regional Centre has been established at Yendada Village, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam, and was constructed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
• The facility was built at a cost of ₹32 crore with a built-up area of 4,550 square metres (sq m).

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

• Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), signed a Letter of Intent (LoI)with Akasa Air to explore the future supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) during the Wings India 2026 airshow in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The LoIestablishes a framework for collaboration to assess how IOCL might supply SAF to Akasa Air in the future.

About IOCL :

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

Japan Achieves World-First Recovery of Rare Earth Minerals from Deep-Sea Sediments

• Japan announced it had successfully recovered rare earth minerals from deep-sea sediments, marking a world-first achievement.
• The recovery was conducted by the deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu, which retrieved sediments from a depth of nearly 6,000 metres near Minamitorishima Island.
• The initiative aims to reduce Japan’s dependence on China for rare earth elements and other critical minerals.

About Japan:

• Capital: Tokyo
• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Prime Minister: Shigeru Ishiba

New START, the Last Russia-U.S. Nuclear Arms Control Treaty, Set to Expire on February 5, 2026

• The last Russia-U.S. nuclear arms control treaty, known as New START, is due to expire on February 5, 2026.
• New START was signed in 2010 by U.S. President Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, an ally of Vladimir Putin, who served a single term as Russia’s president.
• The treaty sets limits on strategic nuclear weapons, which are used to strike the opponent’s political, military, and industrial centres in the event of a nuclear war.
• It caps the number of deployed strategic warheads at 1,550 on each side, with no more than 700 deployed ground- or submarine-launched missiles and bomber planes, and 800 launchers.

Department of Science and Technology Scientists Develop Solar-Powered Device for Integrated Energy Capture and Storage

• Indian scientists at the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have developed a solar-powered energy storage device that can both capture and store energy in a single unit, marking a major step towards clean and self-sustaining power systems.
• The photo-rechargeable supercapacitor was developed by researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CNSMS), Bengaluru under DST, integrating energy harvesting and storage in a single device, unlike conventional systems.
• The innovation reduces energy losses, lowers costs, and minimizes system complexity, enabling efficient, low-cost, and eco-friendly power solutions for portable, wearable, and off-grid technologies.

Moltbook, AI-Only Social Platform by OctaneAI Chief Executive Officer Matt Schlicht, Gains Global Attention as Major Artificial Intelligence  Socialisation Experiment

• Moltbook is a newly launched social platform for artificial intelligence (AI) agents, created by OctaneAI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Matt Schlicht, drawing global attention as a large-scale Artificial Intelligence (AI) socialisation experiment.
• The platform allows AI agents to interact autonomously without human prompts or moderation, functioning like Reddit but exclusively for AI.
• Moltbook AI agents, called “moltys,” can post content, comment, form sub-communities, and debate abstract or philosophical topics.

Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego Erupts Dramatically, Activity Intensifies in Early February 2026

• Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes, produced a dramatic explosive eruption in late January 2026, intensifying around the turn of February.
• The eruption featured incandescent lava fragments and ash plumes, visible at night, attracting widespread attention via social media videos.
• The Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología (INSIVUMEH) confirmed sustained eruptive behaviour, with ash columns reaching 14,000–16,000 feet above sea level.

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

• Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the first Open Call of the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the RDI Fund of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.
• The initiative aims to support the commercialisation of indigenous technologies through structured, long-term financing.
• Singh highlighted that the RDI Fund represents a shift from conventional government funding models, providing direct financial support to private sector innovation, which was previously limited.
• The RDI Fund facilitates private sector participation in sectors like space and nuclear technology by reducing financial risk and ensuring accountability.

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

• Walmart Inc., an American multinational retail corporation, became the first retail company globally to achieve a market capitalisation of USD 1 trillion.
• The milestone followed a strong rally in Walmart’s share price over the past year.
• Walmart’s stock rose by nearly 26% in the last 12 months and about 468% over the past decade.
• This performance outpaced the S&P 500 Index, which gained around 264% during the same decade.

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

• HMG Stone LLP (HMG Stones), a premium natural stone importer, exporter, manufacturer, and supplier, achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS) and 5S Gold Grade certification for workplace excellence.
• With this achievement, HMG Stones became the first company in India’s natural stone industry to simultaneously secure both ISO 9001:2015 and 5S Gold Grade
• The ISO 9001:2015 certification was awarded by TÜV India Private Limited, accredited by the German accreditation body DAkkS, recognising a robust quality management system ensuring consistent quality and customer satisfaction.

Bharat Earth Movers Limited Signs Tripartite Master Research Agreement to Boost Collaborative Research Initiatives

• Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed a Tripartite Master Research Agreement (MRA) to strengthen research collaboration.
• The agreement was signed with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru and the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID), the innovation arm of IISc.
• Signatories to the MRA included Shantanu Roy (CMD, BEML Limited), Govindan Rangarajan (Director, IISc), and B.Gurumoorthy (Director, FSID).
• The purpose of the agreement is to jointly promote next-generation research and technology development across critical sectors.

About Bharat Earth Movers Limited :

• Founded : May 1964
• Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka, India
• Chairman & MD : Shantanu Roy
• Owner : Government of India (54.03%)

Digantara Signs Pact with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency to Develop Satellite Protection and Space Situational Awareness Technologies

• Digantara Industries, a space technology firm based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, signed a partnership agreement with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA)to co-develop technologies for satellite protection and Space Situational Awareness (SSA).
• The agreement was announced at the Space Summit 2026held in Singapore, marking a significant step in India–Singapore space defence collaboration.
• This is the first formal partnershipbetween Singapore’s defence research agency and an Indian space technology company.
• The pact aims to develop advanced SSA toolsto monitor orbital traffic and track space debris that could threaten operational satellites.
• SSA systemshelp detect, track, and predict movement of satellites and debris, enabling collision risk assessment and early warning alerts.

Adani Defence Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Leonardo to Develop Helicopter Manufacturing Ecosystem in India

• Adani Defence & Aerospace, the defence arm of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Leonardo, an Italian aerospace, defence and security company.
• The partnership aims to develop a fully integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India.
• The MoU was signed by Ashish Rajvanshi (CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace) and Stefano Villanti (SVP – Helicopters, Leonardo).
• The signing took place in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh (Defence Secretary) and Anbarasu (Director General – Acquisition, Ministry of Defence).

Australia Approves Genetically Modified (GM) Purple Bliss Tomatoes for Direct Sale in Shops

• Australia has approved Genetically Modified (GM) Purple Bliss tomatoes for fresh sale, allowing them to be sold directly in shops.
• The Purple Bliss tomatoes were developed by Norfolk Healthy Produce and derive their purple colour from snapdragon flower genes.
• In January 2026, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approved the tomatoes for sale as fresh fruit and for use in processed foods like tomato pastes and sun-dried tomatoes.

About Australia :

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

Indian Researchers Develop Affordable Biosensor for Early Detection of Heart Attacks

• Researchers have developed a flexible and economical biosensor capable of rapidly detecting myoglobin, a critical cardiac biomarker linked to the early stages of a heart attack.
• The innovation is expected to significantly improve early diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings, by enabling faster and more accessible cardiac screening.
• The biosensor was developed by doctoral researcher Mohsina Afrooz through a joint programme between BITS Pilani Hyderabad and RMIT University, strengthening Indo-Australian cooperation in advanced healthcare technologies.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Army Signs Deal with US Firm Shield AI to Procure V-BAT VTOL Drones Made in India

• The Indian Army (IA)signed an agreement with USA defence technology firm Shield AI for the procurement of V-BAT VTOL Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to be manufactured in India.
• Under the agreement, Shield AIwill supply V-BAT drones and licenses for Hivemind autonomy software, enabling the armed forces to develop and test mission-specific autonomy applications.
• V-BATis classified as a ‘Group-3’ VTOL UAS and features a ducted-fan design, allowing vertical take-off and landing without runways.

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

• The Indian Armyand the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) conducted a joint training exercise named “Agni Pariksha” at Sigar in East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh from January 19 to 24,2026 to enhance inter-force combat synergy and operational integration.
• The primary objectiveof Agni Pariksha was to familiarise non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and the execution of firing missions.
• The exercise aimed to break traditional role-based silosby exposing infantry and ITBP personnel to realistic artillery employment in dynamic combat scenarios.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Grants Miniratna Category-I Status to Yantra India Limited

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh approved the grant of Miniratna (Category-I) status to Yantra India Limited (YIL), a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU).
• Yantra India Limited (YIL) successfully transformed from a Government organisation into a profit-making corporate entity within about four years.
• The Miniratna (Category-I) status was granted due to YIL’s efforts to increase turnover, maximise indigenisation, and meet key performance parameters.
• YIL sales grew significantly from ₹956.32 crore in FY 2021-22 (H2) to ₹3,108.79 crore in FY 2024-25.
• On the export front, YIL recorded growth from NIL exports in FY 2021-22 (H2) to ₹321.77 crore in FY 2024-25.

Defence Research & Development Organisation Successfully Demonstrates Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet Technology

• The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha on February 3, 2026.
• The successful demonstration places India among a select group of nations possessing SFDR technology, enabling the development of long-range air-to-air missiles and providing a tactical edge over adversaries.
• Critical subsystems including Nozzle-less Booster, Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet motor, and Fuel Flow Controller performed as per expectations.

Indian Navy’s Inaugural Training Squadron Reaches Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand

• Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata along with ICGS Sarathi arrived at Phuket Deep Sea Port, Thailand as part of its training deployment to Southeast Asia.
• The ships received a ceremonial welcome from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), highlighting the growing maritime partnership between India and Thailand focused on regional security, stability, and mutual understanding.
• The visit holds added importance as 2026 is celebrated as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation, reinforcing India’s maritime outreach in the region.

Border Roads Organisation Executes High-Altitude Rescue and Road Clearance Mission at Chatergala Pass, Jammu & Kashmir

• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) successfully conducted a high-altitude rescue and road restoration operation under Project Sampark at Chatergala Pass, located at an altitude of 10,500 ft in the Bhaderwah–Chatergala axis, Jammu & Kashmir.
• The disruption occurred due to heavy snowfall.
• 118 Road Construction Company (RCC) of 35 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) began the snow-clearance operation, continuing for nearly 40 hours.
• Approximately 38 km of road covered under 5 to 6 feet of snow was cleared, reopening the route by evening of January 25, 2026.

India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR Begins in Assam

• The 13th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR (KHANJAR-XIII) is being conducted from 4 to 17 February 2026 at Missamari, Assam.
• Exercise KHANJAR is an annual joint military exercise conducted alternately between India and Kyrgyzstan since 2011.
• The Indian Army contingent comprises 20 personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Kyrgyzstan contingent comprises 20 personnel from the ILBRIS/Scorpion Special Forces Brigade.

About Kyrgyzstan :

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

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

• Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the port of Salalah, Oman, marking the first international port call of her transoceanic voyage – Lokayan 26.
• The arrival at Oman represents a key milestone in the ten-month long deployment, aimed at showcasing India’s maritime heritage and fostering international maritime cooperation.
• INS Sudarshini sailed from her home port, Kochi, on 20 January 2026, navigating the seasonal winds of the Arabian Sea, completing the first leg of her voyage.
• The port call strengthens maritime ties and strategic partnership between India and Oman.

Sagar Defence Delivers First Batch of Unmanned Surface Vessels to Indian Navy

• Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited (Sagar Defence), based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, successfully delivered the first two Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) to the Indian Navy (IN), marking its maiden batch delivery.
• The USVs are designed for high-speed autonomous operations with advanced payloads and feature Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven navigation and real-time communication systems.
• The vessels can exceed 50 knots and incorporate stealth features to reduce radar signature.
• In terms of combat capability, the interceptor craft is equipped with a 7 mm gun and has provisions for short-range missiles and loitering munitions.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Flags Off Joint Indian Expedition to Mount Aconcagua, Argentina – Tallest Peak Outside Asia

• Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off a joint Indian mountaineering expedition to Mount Aconcagua, Argentina, the highest peak in South America and the tallest mountain outside Asia at about 6,960 metres (m), from New Delhi, Delhi.
• The expedition is organized by Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, in collaboration with Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM & WS), Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
• The Indian mountaineering team comprises six members, led by Colonel Hem Chandra Singh, Principal of NIM.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

IHMCL Signs MoU with National Forensic Sciences University to Strengthen Cyber Security in Highway Operations

• Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL)has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) to enhance cyber security and data protection in national highway operations.
• The agreement reflects the government’s increasing focus on securing digital infrastructure, as highway management systems become more technology-driven.
• The MoU is valid for a three-year period, enabling sustained collaboration between highway infrastructure managers and forensic experts.
• The MoU focuses on cyber forensics, digital evidence integrity, research, training, consultancy, and capacity building.

India–European Union Sign Administrative Arrangement on Advanced Electronic Signatures and Seals

• India and the European Unionsigned an important administrative arrangement to enable secure cross-border use of advanced electronic signatures and electronic seals.
• The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)and the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT) of the European Commission.
• The arrangement was formally signed by the Secretary, MeitY, and the Director-General of DG CONNECT, indicating high-level institutional commitmentfrom both sides.
• The agreement aims to boost cross-border digital trade, promote paperless transactions, and strengthen digital trustbetween India and the European Union.

India–China Trade Surges to Historic USD 155 Billion Amid Diplomatic Recalibration

• In 2025, India and China recorded a historic bilateral trade volume of USD 155.6 billion, the highest ever between the two countries.
• The milestone reflects strong economic interdependence between the world’s two most populous nations despite ongoing geopolitical and strategic tensions.
• The trade surge coincided with a phase of diplomatic recalibration and normalization, supported by high-level political engagement.
• Chinese officials described bilateral relations as entering a “new level of improvement”, indicating a shift towards managed engagement and pragmatic cooperation.

Elon Musk Becomes World’s First $800 Billion Individual

• In February 2026, Elon Musk became the first individual globally to cross a net worth of USD 800 billion, marking a historic milestone in global wealth creation.
• This achievement significantly reordered global wealth rankings and highlighted the growing concentration of wealth driven by technology-led enterprises.
• The sharp rise in Musk’s wealth was mainly driven by a major corporate restructuring, particularly the merger of SpaceX and xAI, which reshaped his business empire.
• Musk’s wealth surge reflects the convergence of space exploration, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital communications in the modern global economy.

India–GCC Sign Terms of Reference for Free Trade Agreement

• India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the India–GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, formally initiating FTA negotiations.
• The ToR was signed by Ajay Bhadoo (India) and Raja Al Marzouqi (GCC) in the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Minister of State Jitin Prasada, and Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal.
• The Terms of Reference define the scope, structure, objectives, and negotiation framework of the India–GCC FTA, ensuring clarity, predictability, and transparency during negotiations and helping avoid disputes at later stages.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPS & PORTALS

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Launches Upgraded NYPS 2.0 Portal to Broaden Youth Parliament Participation

• The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) unveiled the upgraded National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0 Web Portal to expand the reach and inclusivity of the Youth Parliament Programme in India.
• Since its launch on 11 September 2024, the portal recorded 95,319 participants across 660 Youth Parliament Sittings as of 27 January 2026, reflecting strong nationwide engagement.
• The upgraded version enhances inclusive access by enabling wider participation from remote and rural areas, removing barriers present in the earlier portal.

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

• The North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity E-Connect (NE-RACE) portal is fully operational and facilitates market linkages between farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), cooperatives in the North Eastern Region (NER) and buyers across India.
• As of 23 January 2026, 6807 sellers/farmers/FPOs and 735 buyers have been onboarded on the NE-RACE platform, with 1797 agri-commodities
• The total value of sales facilitated through the portal stands at ₹895.56 lakh.

National Biodiversity Authority Launches Digital Portal for Electronic Certificates of Origin for Cultivated Medicinal Plants

• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has launched a digital portal for the electronic issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO) for cultivated medicinal plants.
• The portal provides a single-window, end-to-end online system for submission, processing, and issuance of CoO, including automated Form 12 generation for eligible stakeholders.
• The portal supports Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) exemption applications for cultivated medicinal plants, simplifying compliance for research institutions, AYUSH sector entities, and seed sector stakeholders.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: ENVIRONMENT

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

• Archaeologists in southern Mexicodiscovered a 1,400-year-old tomb belonging to the Zapotec civilization at San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca in 2025, providing insights into Indigenous funerary traditions and social organisation.
• The tomb dates to around  600, during the flourishing of the Zapotecs, also known as the “Cloud People”, who inhabited the Oaxaca Valley.
• The Zapotec civilisationemerged around 700 B.C. and continued until the Spanish conquest in 1521, with Zapotec-speaking communities still present in Mexico today.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Novak Djokovic Becomes Oldest Australian Open Finalist in Open Era (2026)

• Novak Djokoviccreated history at the Australian Open 2026 by becoming the oldest man in the Open Era to reach the final, breaking a 53-year-old record.
• He achieved the feat at the age of 38 yearsafter defeating Jannik Sinner in the semifinal on 30 January 2026.
• Djokovic broke the record held by Ken Rosewall, who was 37 years, 2 months, and 1 day oldwhen he won the Australian Open in 1972.
• This makes Djokovic the oldest finalistat the Australian Open in the Open Era.

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

• Indian badminton player Devika Sihag won her first BWF Super 300 title at the Thailand Masters 2026, marking the biggest breakthrough of her career.
• The 20-year-old shuttler from Haryana defeated Goh Jin Wei of Malaysia in the women’s singles final.
• The final ended after Goh Jin Wei retired due to a hamstring injury.
• At the time of retirement, Devika Sihag was leading convincingly 21–8, 6–3, showing complete dominance.

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

• Spain’s Carlos Alcarazdefeated Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open 2026 men’s singles final, becoming the youngest male player to complete a Career Grand Slam at the age of 22 years.
• The men’s singles final of Australian Open 2026 was held.
• Novak Djokovic won the first set 6–2, using his experience and baseline control.
• Carlos Alcaraz made a strong comeback and won the next three sets 6–2, 6–3, 7–5.

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

• Indian badminton player Devika Sihagwon her first BWF Super 300 title at the Thailand Masters 2026, marking the biggest achievement of her career so far.
• The women’s singles finalended when Goh Jin Wei of Malaysia retired due to a hamstring injury. At the time of retirement, Devika Sihag was leading 21–8, 6–3.
• Devika displayed aggressive stroke play, strong net control, and mental composure, clearly dominating the final before it ended prematurely.
• This victory is Devika Sihag’s maiden Super 300-level title, a significant milestone as BWF Super 300 tournaments are part of the BWF World Tourand offer important ranking points and international exposure.

Haryana Thunders Win Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 Title

• Haryana Thunderswon the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 title after defeating Delhi Dangal Warriors by 5–4 in a thrilling final held at Noida Indoor Stadium.
• The PWL 2026 finalwas decided in the last bout, making it one of the most dramatic finals in league history.
• After eight bouts, the score was tied at 4–4, leading to a decisive final women’s match.
• The title-sealing bout was the women’s 62 kg category, where Iryna Koliadenkoof Haryana Thunders clinched victory.

Asian Rifle & Pistol Shooting Championships 2026 Begin in New Delhi

• The Asian Rifle & Pistol Shooting Championships 2026have officially begun at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges, New Delhi.
• The championship is being held over a two-week periodand features elite shooters from 17 Asian countries.
• Athletes are competing in rifle and pistol eventsacross senior, junior, and youth categories, covering men’s and women’s competitions.
• The Asian Rifle & Pistol Shooting Championships is one of the most prestigious shooting tournaments in Asia, bringing together the continent’s top shooters.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Clinch Back-to-Back WPL Titles in 2026

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 title, defeating Delhi Capitals (DC) by 6 wickets in the final held at Vadodara.
• RCB successfully chased a record target of 204 runs, the highest successful run chase in WPL history and the highest chase in any women’s T20 final.
• Batting first, Delhi Capitals scored 203/4, the second-highest first-innings total in a women’s T20 final.
• Jemimah Rodrigues scored 57 runs.
• Laura Wolvaardt contributed 44 runs.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARIES

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

• Father Thomas V. Kunnunkal, a Jesuit priest and a prominent personality in India’s post-Independence education system, passed away at the age of 99 in New Delhi, Delhi.
• He was born on July 03, 1926, in Alappuzha, Kerala.
• He was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s 4th highest civilian honor, in 1974 in the field of literature and education.

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

• Prominent travel writerand Padma Shri awardee Hugh Gantzer passed away at the age of 95 on February 2, 2026, in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.
• About Hugh Gantzer :
• Hugh Gantzer was born on January 9, 1931, in Patna, Bihar.
• He was honoured with the Padma Shri(India’s fourth highest civilian award) in 2025 in the field of Literature and Education.
• Hugh Gantzerwas widely known for his travel writing, showcasing India’s diverse landscapes and cultures through books, articles, and documentaries.
• Earlier, he served in the Indian Navy (IN)and retired with the rank of Commander before becoming a full-time travel writer.

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

• Renowned sociologist and public intellectual Andre Beteille passed away in Delhi at the age of 91 due to age-related illness, marking the end of an era in Indian sociology.
• Andre Beteille served as Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Delhi from 2003 onwards.
• Born in West Bengal to a French father and an Indian mother, he pursued higher education at the University of Calcutta before moving to Delhi.
• He was widely known for his empirical studies and comparative approach to social stratification, particularly caste and class in India.
• His methodology bridged sociology with economics, political science, and law.