Why in News? The proposal to relax emission targets for small cars under the upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE)-III norms is still under discussion, according to the Power Ministry Secretary. What are CAFE Norms? CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) norms mandate automobile manufacturers to maintain a prescribed average fuel efficiency across their fleet of vehicles sold in a given year. Background
Amendment on Information Technology Act, 2021
Source: TH Why in News? The Union Government has notified amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandating prominent labelling of photorealistic AI-generated content. The amended provisions will come into force on February 20, 2026. Key Provisions of the Amendment Rules, 2026 1. Mandatory Labelling of AI-Generated Content 2. Definition of Synthetic Media The amended rules define synthetically generated content as: The final definition is narrower than the draft version released in October 2025. 3. Reduced Takedown Timelines The amendments significantly shorten the timeline for removal of unlawful content: Earlier, platforms were given 24–36 hours for content removal. 4. Safe Harbour Implications
Form 7 Controversy
Source: TH Why in News? Form 7 has become controversial during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls following allegations of bulk and fraudulent deletion requests targeting eligible voters. What is Form 7? Form 7 is a statutory form used to object to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll. It can be used to: Legal Basis Aim of Form 7
Lyriothemis keralensis
Source: TOI Why in News? Researchers have discovered and formally described a new dragonfly species from Kerala, named Lyriothemis keralensis, highlighting the State’s rich but underexplored biodiversity. About Lyriothemis keralensis The species name keralensis reflects its geographical origin. About Odonata
Sebi May Tighten Scrutiny of IPO and QIP Proceeds
Why in News? The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is considering tightening oversight norms for utilisation of funds raised through public and institutional issuances. At the same time, Gold ETFs have, for the first time, recorded higher net inflows than active equity mutual funds. Part I: Sebi Proposes Stricter Monitoring of IPO, QIP and Rights Issue Proceeds Proposed Changes Part II: Gold ETFs Surpass Equity Funds in Inflows For the first time, Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) attracted higher net inflows than active equity mutual funds.
RBI Proposes Higher Unsecured Loan Cap for UCBs
Source: News on Air Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft norms proposing changes in the unsecured loan exposure limits for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). Higher Unsecured Loan Limit for Urban Cooperative Banks Key Proposal Individual Exposure Limits Within the overall ceiling, individual unsecured loan limits will be: What are Unsecured Loans? Unsecured loans are loans that are not backed by collateral or security. The lender does not have any claim over a specific asset if the borrower defaults. Examples of Unsecured Loans
Surplus Liquidity Fuels Record Parking in RBI’s SDF
Source: ET Why in News? Banks have parked a record â‚ą4.52 lakh crore in the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) window of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), amid surplus liquidity in the banking system. What is the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)? Current LAF corridor structure: Why Was SDF Introduced?
RBI Proposes Exempting Smaller NBFCs from Registration Requirement
Source: Mint Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft directions proposing to exempt certain small non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) from mandatory registration, citing their lower risk profile and limited systemic impact. The draft norms are open for public comments until 4 March and are proposed to take effect from 1 April. Key Proposal NBFCs meeting the following criteria may be exempted from registration with RBI: These entities will be categorised as “Unregistered Type I NBFCs.” Rationale According to RBI: The move is intended to reduce compliance burden and improve ease of doing business. Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) Framework In October 2021, RBI introduced the Scale-Based Regulatory Framework (SBR) for NBFCs, classifying them into: Type I NBFCs (base layer) were recognised as low-risk entities deserving lighter regulation. The present draft operationalises this distinction by offering exemption from registration to eligible entities. Definitions Clarified by RBI Public Funds Includes: Customer Interface Includes: Exception:
Centre Set to Increase MSP for Minor Forest Produce
Source: ET Why in News? For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union Government is set to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 87 Minor Forest Produce (MFP) items collected by forest dwellers. The revision is likely to be implemented from the next financial year. Background The guidelines mandate revision of MSP every three years, but no revision has taken place in the last six years. The last hike occurred in May 2020 during the pandemic. Key Developments About Minor Forest Produce (MFP) Minor Forest Produce includes: These are critical sources of livelihood for forest-dwelling tribal communities.
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 10 February, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz10 February, 2026 International Affairs 1. India–Malaysia IMPACT Framework Source: Mint Why in News? During his visit to Malaysia, the Prime Minister of India articulated IMPACT as the guiding framework for India–Malaysia relations while addressing the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur. What is the IMPACT Framework? IMPACT stands for India–Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation. It is a strategic vision to deepen bilateral cooperation by aligning: Aims of the Framework Key Pillars of IMPACT 1. Economic & Technology Cooperation 2. Digital Connectivity 3. People-to-People & Diaspora Linkages 4. Cultural & Civilisational Bonds 5. Strategic & Regional Outlook 2. USGBC LEED List 2025 Why in News? In February 2026, the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) released the Annual List of 10 Countries and Regions for LEED in 2025 (outside the USA). India climbed to 2nd position, while Mainland China topped the list. What is LEED? Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognised green building certification system that evaluates buildings on sustainability parameters such as: Key Highlights of the 2025 Ranking Top Countries (Outside USA) National Affairs 1. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Focus after TREESCAPES 2026 Congress Why in News? Nature-based Solutions (NbS) gained prominence at the TREESCAPES 2026 Congress (New Delhi), which highlighted agroforestry’s role in climate resilience. This coincided with the release of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – State of Finance for Nature 2026 report, warning of a large global investment gap in nature-positive actions. What are Nature-based Solutions (NbS)? According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Key Data & Global Significance Why NbS are Critical for India 1. Climate Change Mitigation 2. Disaster Risk Reduction 3. Water Security 4. Sustainable Livelihoods 5. Food Security & Agroforestry 2. Seven Chakras of the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 Source: PIB Context: India is hosting the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, the first global AI summit in the Global South, with participation from 100+ countries.The summit is guided by Three Sutras: People, Planet, Progress, and operationalised through Seven Chakras. India–AI Impact Summit 2026 What are the Seven Chakras? Seven Chakras of AI Chakra Focus Area Key Significance 1. Human Capital Workforce transition, reskilling & upskilling Prevents job displacement shocks; positions India as a global AI talent hub 2. Inclusion for Social Empowerment Women, farmers, informal workers, PwDs, linguistic minorities Ensures equity in AI systems; prevents elite-centric adoption 3. Safe & Trusted AI Transparency, accountability, bias mitigation Builds public trust; protects democracy, privacy & fundamental rights 4. Science Health, climate, energy, agriculture Accelerates innovation; reduces Global North–South research divide 5. Resilience, Innovation & Efficiency Energy-efficient AI, sustainable compute infrastructure Aligns AI growth with climate commitments; reduces carbon footprint 6. Democratising AI Resources Access to data, compute & models Bridges digital divide; supports startups & academia 7. AI for Economic Development & Social Good Agriculture, healthcare, education, justice delivery, productivity Converts AI capability into development outcomes 3. India–Greece Sign Joint Declaration of Intent on Defence Cooperation Source: The Indian Express Why in News? India and Greece have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) to strengthen defence and defence-industrial cooperation, signalling deeper strategic engagement between the two countries. What was agreed? Key Areas of Cooperation 1. Defence Industrial Collaboration: India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and Greece’s Agenda 2030 defence modernisation plan 2. Military Cooperation: Exchange of a Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan (BMCP) for 2026 3. Maritime Security Cooperation: Greece to post an International Liaison Officer at India’sInformation Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram. 4. Government Forms Expert Groups to Upgrade Project Tiger Source: The New Indian Express Why in News? The Union Government has constituted four expert working groups to review and modernise Project Tiger, marking 50 years (Golden Jubilee) of India’s flagship wildlife conservation programme. What is Project Tiger? Project Tiger is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at conserving tigers and their habitats through a scientifically designed core–buffer approach. Institutional Framework 5. PM Internship Scheme Source: BS Why in News: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has proposed changes to the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) to improve participation and effectiveness, including easing the age limit and internship duration. What changes are being proposed? About the PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) Banking/Finance 1. RBI Directs Banks to Offer Collateral-Free Loans up to ₹20 Lakh to MSMEs Source: Mint Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India has issued revised directions asking banks not to insist on collateral security for loans up to ₹20 lakh to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), enhancing access to formal credit. What has the RBI decided? Additional Flexibility for Banks Important Clarification by RBI Coverage under PMEGP 2. RBI Consumer Confidence Survey, January 2026 Source: RBI Consumer Confidence Survey, January 2026 Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the results of the January 2026 round of its Bi-monthly Urban Consumer Confidence Survey (UCCS). About Urban Consumer Confidence Survey (UCCS) Key Findings: Current Situation Index (CSI) Future Expectations Index (FEI) 3. Taxpayers to Continue Using Existing ITR Forms for FY26 Source: BS Why in News? The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has clarified that taxpayers will continue using existing Income Tax Return (ITR) forms for FY 2025–26, even as new simplified transactional forms and rules are set to be notified by early March 2026. What is the clarification by CBDT? What is changing from April 1, 2026? From April 1, 2026, certain transactional and reporting forms will move to the new simplified framework, including: These changes will apply immediately, even before new ITRs come into effect. 4. EPFO to Appoint New Partner Agencies; Custodian Likely to Change After 15 Years Source: BS Why in News: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has initiated steps to appoint new partner agencies, including a new custodian for its funds, marking the first such change in nearly 15 years. About EPFO Role of a Custodian A custodian: Who is the current custodian? 5. RBI Streamlines Voluntary Retention Route (VRR) for FPIs
