BHARAT SAMPARK

• Enables direct interaction between students and Union Ministers
• Public sector careers and governance
• Student-designed interiors

National Commission for Women marks its 34th Foundation Day

• Established: 31 January 1992
• Statutory Basis: National Commission for Women Act, 1990 (Act No. 20 of 1990)
• (As per Section 3 of the NCW Act, 1990)
• Chairperson: Nominated by the Central Government; committed to the cause of women

India’s First Mega Shipbuilding Cluster in Tamil Nadu

• Launched under a ₹69,725-crore maritime package (Oct 2025).
• Formed pursuant to an MoU signed in September 2025 in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
• V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority – 50%
• On 29 January 2026, the Government of India (GoI), in collaboration with the Government of Tamil Nadu, established NSHIP—a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)—to develop India’s first mega shipbuilding cluster at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Wetlands as a National Public Good

• Geographical Coverage: ~5% of India’s land area (≈15.9 million hectares)
• Rate of Loss: Nearly 40% of natural wetlands lost in the last three decades
• Example: Deepor Beel absorbs nearly 40% of Brahmaputra overflow, protecting Guwahati from severe floods.
• Example: Kuttanad supports below-sea-level farming, producing over 6 lakh tonnes of rice annually.

Miniratna Category-I Status to Yantra India Limited (YIL)

• Continuous profit in the last 3 years
• Pre-tax profit of ₹30 crore or more in at least one of the last three years
• Introduced: October 1997
• Empower efficient CPSEs through delegated financial powers

Addition of 2 New Wetlands to India’s Ramsar List

• Established: 1991
• Adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran
• India became a Contracting Party on 1 February 1982
• The Union Environment Minister announced the inclusion of Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve (Gujarat) in India’s Ramsar List ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026. With this, India now has 98 Ramsar sites, marking a 276% increase since 2014.

Motion of Thanks to President’s Address

• Article 86(1): Empowers the President to address either House or both Houses assembled together.
• Article 87(2): Requires Parliament to frame rules for discussion on matters referred to in the Address—implemented via the Motion of Thanks.
• At the beginning of each year’s first session, and
• The President’s Address is essentially the Government’s policy statement, drafted by the Council of Ministers and approved by the Cabinet.

IOM Global Appeal 2026 Report

• Record Internal Displacement: 83.4 million internally displaced persons (end-2024) — highest on record.
• Climate Acceleration: Disaster-related displacement rose to 9.8 million (2024) — +29% YoY.
• Narrow Regular Pathways: <20% of assessed countries have programmes for regular labour migration.
• Workforce Indispensability: 168 million migrant workers globally, vital in healthcare, care economy, innovation.

Waste-pickers Enumeration under NAMASTE Scheme

• Total waste-pickers enumerated: 52 lakh
• Social composition: 84.5% belong to SC, ST, and OBC communities
• West Bengal: 42.4% from the General category
• Sewer/Septic tank workers: 91.95% from SC/ST/OBC groups→ Indicates continuity between waste-picking and hazardous sanitation work along caste lines.

Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology

• It provides sustained thrust at supersonic speeds, unlike conventional rockets that burn out early.
• At high speed, atmospheric air is ingested and compressed naturally due to forward motion (no rotating compressors).
• Maintains supersonic velocity throughout flight
• Indigenous supersonic combustion control

Peacocks

• Up to ~1,000 m
• Occasionally up to ~1,500 m
• Recent observation at ~1,800 m (6,000 ft) exceeds the species’ normal altitudinal range

Turtle Trails

• The Union Budget 2026–27 proposed developing ‘turtle trails’ along key Olive Ridley nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala to promote eco-tourism with conservation safeguards.
• Interpretation on marine biodiversity, turtle life cycles, threats
• Involvement of local fishers, volunteers, self-help groups, NGOs

AYUSH Ministry to Invite Proposals for New Ayurveda Institutes

• AYUSH Budget 2025–26 (RE): ₹3,671.82 crore
• AYUSH Budget 2026–27 (BE): ₹4,408.93 crore
• Increase: ~10%
• The Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, announced that the Ministry of AYUSH will soon invite proposals from States to establish three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIAs), as announced in the Union Budget 2026–27.

Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)

• The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), launched in December 1993, has once again come under scrutiny following allegations of misuse by some Members of Parliament.
• ₹5 crore per MP per year
• MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme that enables Members of Parliament to recommend developmental works in their constituencies with an emphasis on creation of durable community assets.
• Introduced in 1993.

Pennaiyar River

• Located in Chikkaballapura district, Karnataka
• The Supreme Court of India directed the Union Government to constitute an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal within one month to resolve the Pennaiyar water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.The suit was filed by Tamil Nadu under Article 131 invoking the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

India–USA Trade Deal 2026

• Leveraging India’s SHANTI Act, 2025 , the deal:
• US tariffs on Indian goods cut from a peak of 50% to 18%.
• India now enjoys preferential tariff treatment compared to competitors like Vietnam, Bangladesh and Pakistan (19–20%).
• The additional 25% penalty imposed over India’s Russian oil imports has been withdrawn.

Denotified Tribes Seek Constitutional Recognition, Separate Census Entry

• The Act was repealed in 1952, after which these groups came to be known as Denotified Tribes.
• These communities were historically branded as “criminal tribes” under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, a colonial law.
• Separate column/code in Census 2027
• Inspired by a 2024 Supreme Court judgment allowing sub-classification within SCs and STs.

SabhaSaar Initiative

• Launched on: 14 August 2025
• The SabhaSaar Initiative has seen rapid adoption, with over 1.11 lakh Gram Panchayats using the AI-enabled platform for automated summarisation of Gram Sabha meetings as of January 2026, marking a major milestone in digital local governance.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
• Technology Backbone: IndiaAI Mission under MeitY

Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Guidelines

• National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) – Technical and forensic expertise
• State police, health departments, forensic labs, emergency responders
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) – Nodal agency issuing the guidelines

The International Space Station (ISS)

• Continuous human habitation since November 2000.
• Human-tended laboratory: Continuous experimentation since 2000.
• The International Space Station (ISS) is slated for controlled de-orbiting around 2030, marking the planned end of the longest continuous human presence in low Earth orbit (LEO) and a transition toward commercially operated space stations.
• A permanently crewed, modular space laboratory in low Earth orbit (~400 km).

Tripartite Agreement for Creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)

• 46 subjects devolved to FNTA, enabling tailored planning and implementation (e.g., local development, infrastructure, social sectors).
• Initial establishment costs borne by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Establishes a new territorial authority with functional autonomy for the six districts.

India Joins BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies

• Established: 2024–25Launched at: Headquarters of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)Institutional framework: Supported under the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR)
• Accelerate digitalisation and Industry 4.0 transition

What is Bharat Taxi?

• Bharat Taxi, a government-backed, cooperative-run ride-hailing platform, was formally launched on February 5, 2026 by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, positioning itself as a driver-owned alternative to private aggregators like Uber and Rapido.
• Two-wheelers

Two decades of FRLs Fail to Rein in Debt in Several States: World Bank

• From >30% of GSDP to <20%
• Over 80% of deficit reduction came from expenditure compression rather than:
• India follows a one-size-fits-all fiscal deficit ceiling of 3% of GSDP.
• All calibrated to a medium-term debt anchor of 25% of GSDP.

Centre Defines Eligibility Criteria for ‘Deep Tech’ Start-ups

NBA Launches Digital Portal for Certificate of Origin of Cultivated Medicinal Plants

• Under: Biological Diversity Act, 2002
• On 5 February 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) launched a digital portal for the electronic issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO) for cultivated medicinal plants, to support Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) exemption applications.
• Established: 2003
• Auto-generation of Form-12 for eligible stakeholders

Agni-3 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

Dal Lake

• The Jammu and Kashmir government has officially abandoned the ₹416.72-crore Dal Lake resettlement project after 17 years, citing only 27% progress since its approval in 2009. The information was shared in the J&K Assembly in response to a question by Tanvir Sadiq.

India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme

• On 6 February 2026, Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the India–Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme in New Delhi. The launch was led by DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar, under the Ministry of Science & Technology.
• DST also hosted the signing of an MoU between the University of Groningen and 19 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to establish an academic cooperation framework in green energy and hydrogen (H₂) research.
• Indian PhD scholars
• Post-doctoral researchers

VOC Port becomes India’s first port to deploy an advanced Anti-Drone System

• In February 2026, V.O. Chidambaranar Port at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, became the first port in India to initiate installation of an advanced Anti-Drone System, significantly strengthening maritime and coastal security.
• 360-degree coverage
• Effective range: Up to 5 km

NSO launches beta version of ‘MCP Server’ on eSankhyiki Portal

• In February 2026, the National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), launched the beta version of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server on the eSankhyiki portal.
• Consumer Price Index (CPI)
• Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
• Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

Cybersecurity biggest risk for enterprises: Ficci–EY Report

• Cybersecurity breaches – 61%
• Limited adoption of emerging technologies – 59%
• AI governance and ethical risks – 54%
• Potential data theft and insider fraud – 57%

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Focus after TREESCAPES 2026 Congress

• Climate mitigation:NbS can deliver up to 37% of cost-effective CO₂ mitigation needed by 2030 to keep warming below 2°C.
• Example: Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (2025) → 262.4 crore saplings, strengthening India’s carbon sink.
• TREESCAPES 2026 insight:Agroforestry contributes ~20% of India’s national carbon stocks, supporting marginal farmers.
• India’s status:India ranks 9th globally in forest area; forest & tree cover = ~25.17% of geographical area.

Seven Chakras of the India–AI Impact Summit 2026

• 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.
• Held from 16–20 February 2026 in New Delhi
• First major global AI summit hosted by a Global South country
• Organised under the IndiaAI Mission of the Government of India

India–Greece Sign Joint Declaration of Intent on Defence 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

Government Forms Expert Groups to Upgrade Project Tiger

• Launched: 1973
• Statutory body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• 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.
• Project Tiger is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at conserving tigers and their habitats through a scientifically designed core–buffer approach.

PM Internship Scheme

• Provide internship opportunities to 1 crore (10 million) youth
• Announced in Union Budget, July 2024
• 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.
• Over five years

Amendment on Information Technology Act, 2021

• The final definition is narrower than the draft version released in October 2025.
• Within 3 hours: Content declared illegal by a court or an “appropriate government.”
• Within 2 hours: Sensitive content such as non-consensual nudity and deepfakes.
• Earlier, platforms were given 24–36 hours for content removal.

Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE)-III

• 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.
• Aim to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025

• India improved its rank to 45th globally (up 4 places) in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, with its score rising to 54.43/100, reflecting stronger digital and network preparedness.
• Rank: 45th (up from 49th in 2024)
• Score: 54.43 (up from 53.63 in 2024)
• Ranked 3rd in domestic market scale, reflecting India’s large digitally active population.

Form 7 Controversy

• Prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, framed under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
• As per Section 13(2), objections must be filed by a person whose name is already included in the electoral roll.
• 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.
• Object to another person’s inclusion on grounds such as:

Lyriothemis keralensis

• Indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems.

PLASTINDIA 2026 Held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

• Marked as the first 100% Zero-Waste plastics exhibition, promoting sustainability and circular economy practices.
• Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
• The 12th International Plastics Exhibition, Conference & Convention — PLASTINDIA 2026 — was held from February 5 to 10, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi.
• Awards presented to winners of the Startup Search Initiative.

AIIA Signs MoU with GIC to Enable Cashless Ayush Treatment Across 32 Insurers

• Established: 2001
• In February 2026, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Insurance Council (GIC) to introduce cashless treatment facilities for eligible Ayurveda healthcare services.
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Enables access to cashless Ayurveda treatment under policies issued by 32 insurance companies.

Union MoS Jitin Prasada Launches STQC Lab Automation Portal ‘SATYA’

• In February 2026, Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada (Ministry of Electronics & IT and Ministry of Commerce & Industry) inaugurated the STQC Lab Automation Portal ‘SATYA’ in New Delhi.
• Industry and manufacturers

IAF and Royal Thai Air Force Conduct Joint In-Situ Air Exercise

• On February 10, 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) conducted a joint in-situ air exercise to enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two forces.
• Su-30MKI multirole fighter aircraft
• IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft
• Takes place at or near actual mission locations.

IAF’s Vayu Shakti 2026

• Aims to demonstrate precision strike capability, rapid response, and integrated combat operations.

Major Platforms Participating

• Fighter aircraft: Rafale, Su-30MKI, LCA Tejas, MiG-29, Jaguar, Mirage-2000.
• Helicopters: Apache, Chinook, Light Combat Helicopter (Prachand), Advanced Light Helicopter.
• Transport aircraft: C-130J, C-17, and C-295 (making its debut).
• More than 120 air assets are expected to participate.

Govt. Unveils New CPI Series

• CPI in 2026 = 110 → prices are 10% higher than in 2024
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series with 2024 as the base year, replacing the earlier 2012 base year. Under this revised series, retail inflation for January 2026 is recorded at 2.75%.
• New Base Year: Updated from 2012 to 2024.
• Revised Consumption Weights: Based on Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24.

The States and the 16th Finance Commission

• States’ share retained at 41% for 2026–31.
• Increase from 41% to 50% due to rising welfare and development expenditure.
• Contribution to GDP given 10% weight, rewarding economically productive States.
• Fiscal deficit of States capped at 3% of GSDP.

Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026

• Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946
• Trade Unions Act, 1926
• Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
• To ensure continuity and legal certainty after the implementation of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.

DAC Approves ₹3.6 Lakh Crore Defence Acquisitions

• 114 fighter jets to be procured from France.
• Engagement range: approximately 40 km to 400 km.

Ayushman Sahakar Scheme

• Launched: 2020
• Loan tenure up to 8 years with 1–2 year moratorium.
• 1% interest rebate for cooperatives with majority women members (subject to timely repayment).
• Up to 90% of project cost may be financed.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)

• Established: 2006
• Legal Basis: Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006
• Headquarters: New Delhi

India to Establish Two New Advanced Telescopes in Ladakh

• The Union Budget 2026 has approved the establishment of two major ground-based astronomical telescopes in Ladakh and the upgrade of the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, significantly strengthening India’s observational astronomy capabilities.
• Primary mirror made of 90 hexagonal segments functioning as one large mirror.

Dolphin Census in Odisha

• Dolphins: Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
• Odisha has recorded 765 marine dolphins in the 2026 state-wide dolphin census, the highest count in the last five years, indicating improving conservation outcomes.
• Humpback dolphins – 497
• Irrawaddy dolphins – 208

Tamil Brahmi Inscriptions Discovered in Egypt

• Located near Luxor on the west bank of the Nile.
• Researchers have identified nearly 30 ancient Indian inscriptions — including Tamil Brahmi, Prakrit and Sanskrit — inside tombs in the Valley of the Kings, dating to the 1st–3rd centuries CE, indicating the presence of Indians in Roman-era Egypt.
• Around 30 inscriptions identified in Tamil Brahmi, Prakrit and Sanskrit.
• The Tamil name “Cikai Korran” appears repeatedly (eight times across five tombs), suggesting frequent visits by a Tamil individual.

Henley Passport Index (HPI) February 2026

• Henley & Partners released the Henley Passport Index (HPI) – February 2026, ranking passports worldwide based on travel freedom.
• 80th in January 2026
• 85th in 2025
• Published by Henley & Partners, a global investment migration consultancy.

Cabinet Approves ₹10,000 Crore Startup India Fund 2.0

• Launched: 2016 under Startup India initiative.
• The Union Cabinet has approved the second tranche of the Startup India Fund of Funds Scheme (FFS 2.0) with a corpus of ₹10,000 crore to support startups, especially in manufacturing and high-technology sectors.
• Corpus: ₹10,000 crore
• Announced in Union Budget 2025–26

Privilege Notice Against Leader of Opposition

• Article 105 — Privileges and immunities of Parliament and MPs.
• Article 194 — Similar provisions for State Legislatures.
• Article 122 — Courts cannot question parliamentary proceedings on procedural grounds.
• Article 105(2) — MPs have immunity for anything said or any vote given in Parliament.

Dal Lake Conservation Plan Revised in Jammu & Kashmir

• The Jammu & Kashmir government has shelved the ₹416.72-crore Dal Lake restoration plan and proposed an in-situ conservation strategy, allowing residents to remain within the lake ecosystem.

India to Procure Dornier 228 Aircraft for Indian Coast Guard

• The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard.
• Dornier 228 NG — Upgraded version with glass cockpit
• Hindustan-Dornier 228 — Civilian and military versions by HAL
• Originally developed by Dornier GmbH (Germany) in the early 1980s.

New Urban Challenge Fund (UCF)

• Cities with population ≥ 10 lakh (2025 estimates)
• Central Assistance: ₹1 lakh crore
• Central government support: 25% of project cost
• Minimum 50% must be raised from the market , such as:

The Sangtam Community (Nagaland)

• The term appeared in British administrative records in the late 19th century.

AI Impact Summit 2026 & India AI Expo

• More than 3,000 speakers across 500 sessions
• Expected visitors: over 2.5 lakh
• India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, with the Prime Minister inaugurating the India AI Impact Expo 2026. The summit brings together global leaders, policymakers, and technology companies to discuss the opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence.
• Dates: 16–20 February 2026

ISRO Launch Vehicle Debris Found in Maldives

• Date found: February 12, 2026
• Likely origin: LVM3-M6 mission (as per spaceflight tracking sources)
• LVM3-M6 / BlueBird Block-2 mission
• Launch date: December 2025

PM RAHAT Scheme

• The Government of India has launched PM RAHAT to provide cashless emergency medical treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for road accident victims during the Golden Hour.
• ✔ Cashless treatment for road accident victims✔ Coverage for the first 7 days after accident✔ Focus on Golden Hour medical intervention
• Policy design and oversight
• Digital transaction management (TMS 2.0)

Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (FoF 2.0)

• The Union Cabinet has approved Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 with a ₹10,000 crore corpus to mobilise venture capital for India’s startup ecosystem.
• Support innovation-led entrepreneurship
• Promote technology-intensive sectors

Bio-based Chemicals and Enzymes

• Enzymatic conversion

CBDC-based Public Distribution System (PDS)

• India’s first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) has been launched in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Nodal ministry for PDS implementation and reform.

India’s First Underwater Road-cum-Rail Tunnel under Brahmaputra River

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam at a cost of ₹18,662 crore.
• Total project length: 33.7 km
• Underwater tunnel length: 15.79 km
• Gohpur (NH-15)

NGT Clears ₹92,000-Crore Great Nicobar Project

• Established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
• A large infrastructure development in Great Nicobar Island (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) worth about ₹92,000 crore.

Two Digital Initiatives to Boost Health AI Ecosystem Launched

• The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (2020) created digital public infrastructure for healthcare.
• India is building a comprehensive digital health ecosystem as envisioned in the National Health Policy, 2017.
• Regulatory oversight
• Focuses on trust, safety, and regulatory oversight.

Indian Army Showcases Homegrown Dual-Use AI Systems

• Enhance cybersecurity and disaster response capacity.
• Mission planning

AI Mission 2.0

• The government announced plans to significantly expand computing infrastructure under the IndiaAI Mission, with the upcoming AI Mission 2.0 focusing heavily on research, innovation and AI adoption.
• Government will procure 20,000 additional GPUs (Graphics Processing Units).
• Indian AI developers
• Innovation and AI diffusion across sectors

100 Years of Ol Chiki Script (1925–2025)

• The centenary of the Ol Chiki script is being inaugurated by the Ministry of Culture on 16 February 2026 in New Delhi, marking 100 years of the writing system of the Santhali language.
• First major literary work: High Serena (1936).
• Aim: provide Santhali speakers a distinct written identity.
• Developed in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu.

United Nations Fellowship Training Programme on SALW Control

• United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)

Beat the Heat Programme

• Launched under the COP30 Presidency (Brazil) and supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through the Cool Coalition.
• Maharashtra announced that 30 cities have joined the global Beat the Heat Programme during Mumbai Climate Week 2026.

India–France Special Global Strategic Partnership

• 1998: France became the first Western country to sign a Strategic Partnership with India and did not impose sanctions after nuclear tests.
• 2008: First country to sign a civil nuclear agreement with India after the NSG waiver.
• French President Emmanuel Macron visited India to attend the India AI Impact Summit and launch the 2026 India–France Year of Innovation. During the visit, India and France elevated ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”, a long-term framework guiding cooperation till 2047.
• 1947: Early diplomatic relations after India’s independence.

Sarvam Launches Made-in-India Large Language Models (LLMs)

• 30-billion parameter model (efficient, low-cost, real-time use)
• 105-billion parameter model (advanced reasoning and complex tasks)
• Real-time conversational abilities.
• They are called “large” because they are trained on massive amounts of text data and contain billions (or even trillions) of parameters — the internal settings that help the model learn patterns. Most modern LLMs use Transformer architecture (introduced in 2017).

AI-Preneurs of India

• The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog launched AI-Preneurs of India at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
• A flagship coffee table book documenting journeys of 45 pioneering AI startups in India.
• It is the 7th edition of AIM’s Innovations For You series.
• Position India as a responsible global contributor in AI entrepreneurship.

Indian Navy Launches Cadet Training Ship INS Krishna

• Will form the core of naval sea training infrastructure for next 30 years.
• Expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
• The Indian Navy launched INS Krishna, the first in a new series of indigenous Cadet Training Ships (CTS).
• First of three indigenous Cadet Training Ships planned.

Government Launches SAHI & BODH Initiatives

• At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the Union Health Minister launched two major digital health initiatives:
• Alignment with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) platforms.
• National Health Authority

Bee Corridor (India’s First Pollinator Highway Initiative)

• Flowering clusters every 500 m to 1 km.
• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the development of India’s first dedicated “Bee Corridors” along National Highways.
• Support honeybees and other pollinators essential for agriculture and biodiversity.
• Reduce ecological stress on pollinators.

India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce

• Strengthen long-term energy security and industrial competitiveness under Vision 2035.
• India and the United Kingdom have launched the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce under Vision 2035 to strengthen bilateral cooperation and accelerate development of offshore wind energy in India.
• Brings together policymakers, industry stakeholders and technical experts from both countries.

Privileges Committee

• Article 105 — Powers, privileges and immunities of Parliament and its members.
• Article 194 — Powers, privileges and immunities of State Legislatures and their members.
• Lok Sabha: 15 members nominated by the Speaker.
• Rajya Sabha: 10 members nominated by the Chairman.

MeitY Launches AI Impact Startup Book at India AI Impact Summit 2026

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the AI Impact Startup Book at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The publication is a comprehensive study of India’s artificial intelligence and deep-tech startup ecosystem.
• Map the scale and diversity of India’s AI and deep-tech ecosystem.

VoicERA Launched on BHASHINI National Infrastructure

• VoicERA, an open-source end-to-end Voice AI stack, was launched at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on the BHASHINI National Language Infrastructure.
• Launched by: Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), Digital India Corporation, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)
• Developed with: EkStep Foundation, COSS, IIIT Bengaluru and AI4Bharat

23rd Edition of BioAsia 2026 Held in Hyderabad

• The 23rd edition of BioAsia 2026, Asia’s leading life sciences and health-tech forum, was held in Hyderabad, Telangana on 17–18 February 2026. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Telangana, A. Revanth Reddy, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre.

M.A.N.A.V. Vision for Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence

• The Prime Minister of India presented the M.A.N.A.V. vision at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
• Promotes AI literacy and ethics through the National Education Policy 2020.
• Transparent oversight through IndiaAI Mission and governance guidelines.
• Supported by IT Amendment Rules 2026 regulating synthetic media and deepfakes.

Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute Successfully Tested

• Testing conducted using the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility.
• A critical component of the Crew Module deceleration system in India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.

Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion ( SANKALP Scheme)

• Approved: October 2017 by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
• Launched: 2018.
• World Bank loan: ₹3,300 crore
• Total outlay: ₹4,455 crore.

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) — 23rd Foundation Day

• Created in 2004 through the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.
• A constitutional body established under Article 338A of the Constitution of India.
• Formed by separating tribal affairs from the earlier combined commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure focused attention.
• Vice-Chairperson

Bela Gram — India’s First Net-Zero Panchayat

• Bela Gram, India’s first net-zero panchayat, was highlighted at Mumbai Climate Week 2026 as a model of grassroots climate action led by local governance.
• Received the 2024 Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar.
• Bela Gram became Maharashtra’s first net-zero village.
• Plantation of 90,000+ trees during social events.

Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II)

• Total outlay: ₹6,839 crore up to FY 2028-29.
• A Central Sector Scheme aimed at developing villages in blocks adjoining India’s International Land Borders (ILBs), excluding northern border areas already covered under Vibrant Villages Programme-I.
• Approved for implementation during FY 2024-25 to 2025-26, with financial support up to FY 2028-29.
• Officially launched in February 2026 in Assam.

India–Brazil Agreements on Minerals, Steel & Trade Expansion

• Earlier target: $20 billion by 2030.
• Brazil proposed a new target: $30 billion annual trade by 2030.
• Partnership in steel mining.
• Launch of a Joint Declaration & Action Plan on Digital Partnership for the Future.

Indigenous Tetanus & Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine Launched

• 55 lakh doses to be supplied by April 2026.
• It will be supplied under India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
• Production will increase in the coming years.
• Provides 11 vaccines protecting against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.

NITI Aayog Report — Revitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem

• Gujarat alone accounts for ~24.18% of engagements (NAPS FY 2024–25).
• Many states/UTs contribute less than 0.001% → major regional disparity.
• NITI Aayog released a policy report titled “Revitalizing Apprenticeship Ecosystem: Insights, Challenges, Recommendations and Best Practices” to strengthen India’s apprenticeship system as a key pillar of Viksit Bharat @2047.
• NEP 2020: Integration of vocational education with formal education.

Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

• Interest subvention (2.75%)
• Credit support up to ₹5 crore
• Reduce structural barriers:
• Partial reimbursement for:

Launch of INS Krishna — Indigenous Cadet Training Ship

• Designed and built in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
• Allows training without diverting frontline warships from operational duties.

“One Plant Per Day” Resolution

• Launched in 2021 by Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
• Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
• Personal commitment to plant at least one sapling daily.
• Aims to transform individual responsibility into a mass afforestation movement.

PRAHAAR: India’s First Counter-Terrorism Policy

• The policy has been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and institutionalises a pro-active, intelligence-driven, whole-of-government approach to terrorism.
• Attenuation – reduce socio-economic and ideological drivers of extremism.
• Local support networks and overground workers
• Expanded international partnerships against cross-border threats

India–France Amending Protocol to Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC)

• 5% tax — if shareholder holds at least 10% of company capital
• 15% tax — all other cases
• Earlier: flat 10% withholding tax.Now:
• India and France have signed an Amending Protocol to update their Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (originally signed in 1992). The agreement was signed during the visit of the President of France to India.

The Splendour of the Hoysalas

• In 2023, the Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Scholars are now also highlighting lesser-known Hoysala monuments in rural Karnataka such as Koravangala and Doddagaddavalli.
• Built around 1121 CE.
• Located in the former capital Dorasamudra.
• Built in the 13th century under Hoysala rule.

New Delhi Declaration – AI Impact Summit 2026

• The AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi concluded with 89 countries and international organisations endorsing the New Delhi Declaration, a global framework to guide the development and governance of Artificial Intelligence.
• The New Delhi Declaration (2026) is a multinational consensus framework for responsible, inclusive and cooperative development of AI.

Galápagos Giant Tortoise Reintroduction

• Carry about 40–80% DNA of the extinct Floreana lineage.
• UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site (since 1978).
• The Galápagos National Park has released 158 hybrid giant tortoises on Floreana Island to restore ecological balance. These tortoises contain significant DNA from Chelonoidis niger, a giant tortoise species considered extinct for about 150 years.
• transactions through mandatory digital confirmation and AI-based monitoring, while investigating the ₹590-crore discrepancy through an external forensic audit.

2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation

• Built around 475 years ago during Portuguese rule on India’s western coast.
• Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, Vasai (Maharashtra) has received the Award of Merit at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
• Honours restoration work that combines technical excellence, cultural authenticity and community participation.
• A 16th-century Catholic cathedral.

INS Anjadip

• INS Anjadip is a modern Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) designed for operations in coastal and shallow waters. It is a reincarnation of the earlier Petya-class Corvette of the same name, which was decommissioned in 2003.
• Designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• Constructed under a Public-Private Partnership model with L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli.
• Total planned vessels: 8

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launches Teacher App 2.0 with AI Integration

• Aligned with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Viksit Bharat @2047
• In collaboration with CK-12 Foundation (California, USA-based global nonprofit)
• Accelerate AI adoption in India’s K–12 education system
• The app is an AI-driven technology companion designed to support and empower school teachers.

States’ Electricity Transition (SET) Report 2026

• The States’ Electricity Transition (SET) Report 2026, a joint study by Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and Ember, analysed 21 States, representing 95% of India’s power demand.
• Assessed 21 States, accounting for 95% of India’s total power demand.

World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law 2026 Report

• Covers 190 economies.
• Uses the WBL 2.0 framework , assessing three pillars:
• Enforcement fails about 80% of the time.
• Only 4% of women live in economies with near-full legal equality (score ≥ 90 across all pillars).

India–GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

• Accounts for over 15% of India’s total global trade.
• Joint Statement signed in February 2026.
• Bilateral trade: USD 178.56 billion (FY 2024–25).
• GCC FDI in India: over USD 31 billion.

Eurasian Diving Duck Spotted in Kaziranga National Park

• A rare Eurasian diving duck — the Smew (Mergellus albellus) — was recorded for the first time in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam, during the 7th waterbird census (January 2026).Its presence has raised concerns about climate-driven shifts in migratory bird ranges.
• Typically winters in sheltered freshwater lakes and wetlands.
• Covered 166 wetlands across 10 ranges.

Union Cabinet Approves Renaming Kerala as “Keralam”

• President refers the Bill to the State Legislature (Article 3 proviso).
• The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will now follow the constitutional legislative process.
• Ministry of Home Affairs examines the proposal.
• The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to officially rename the State of Kerala as Keralam, following resolutions passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2023 and 2024.

PMO Reviews Proposed CAFE-3 Norms for Passenger Vehicles

• Applicable from 2027 onwards.
• The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) held a high-level meeting to review the proposed Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-3) norms for passenger vehicles, expected to come into force from 2027.No final decision has been taken yet.
• Removes certain relaxations earlier proposed for small cars.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme

• Persistent infection with high-risk types (especially HPV 16 and 18) leads to abnormal cervical cell growth.
• Untreated pre-cancerous changes may develop into cancer over 10–15 years.

Military Exercises in News

• Strengthen strategic defence partnerships through realistic simulations.

UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme

• India has operationalised only four airports in FY26 under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme — the lowest number added in a single fiscal year since the programme began in 2016.
• UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is a regional air connectivity scheme launched by the Government of India in 2016 to make air travel affordable and accessible, especially for people in smaller towns and remote regions.
• Develop unserved and underserved airports.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transforming Rural India

• Covers over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats.
• Multilingual AI tools reducing literacy and language barriers.
• Launched by NITI Aayog.
• Launched by Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).

7th Edition of India–Japan Joint Military Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN

• Personnel from the 32nd Infantry Regiment.
• Around 120 personnel from each side are participating.
• The 7th edition of Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN, the annual joint military exercise between India and Japan, began on February 24, 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. The exercise will continue till March 9, 2026.

South Central Railway Launches Next-Generation ‘Rail Parcel App’

• First-of-its-kind digital platform for railway parcel logistics.
• Doorstep pickup
• Doorstep delivery
• Aims to eliminate long queues at parcel offices and improve customer convenience.

International Climate Initiative (IKI)

• Established: 2008
• Priority Countries (14): Includes India, Brazil, China, South Africa, Mexico, Indonesia, among others.
• Germany and India have launched a €20 million (approx. ₹180 crore) Large Grant project under the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The project aims to strengthen India’s climate resilience, especially in ecologically vulnerable regions.
• Biodiversity conservation

New Consumer Price Index (CPI) Series

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released details of a new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series, revising the base year from 2011–12 to 2023–24 and reducing the weight of food and beverages from ~46% to ~37%.
• Food + beverages weight falls from ~46% to ~36.5–36.75%
• Housing (including water, electricity, gas) rises from ~7% to ~17.66%
• Base year revision: 2011–12 → 2023–24

Slice Introduces India’s First UPI-Centric Digital Banking Ecosystem

• In July 2025, Slice opened India’s first UPI-powered physical bank branch in Bengaluru, Karnataka, marking a hybrid digital-physical banking model.
• First in India to be linked to 100% of the Repo rate of the Reserve Bank of India.
• Deposit insurance: Covered up to ₹5 lakh by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) under the Ministry of Finance.
• Established: 2016

Paysharp Secures PA-P Licence from RBI

• Established: 2019
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• In January 2026, fintech startup Paysharp received the Payment Aggregator–Physical (PA-P) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).Earlier, in August 2024, Paysharp had obtained the Payment Aggregator–Online (PA-O) licence.
• PA-P (Payment Aggregator–Physical) authorises an entity to aggregate and process in-person (offline) digital payments for merchants.

UAE Central Bank Approves First USD-Backed Stablecoin

• It is the first foreign payment token issuer registered with the UAE central bank.
• The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has approved the first USD-backed stablecoin (USDU) under its Payment Token Services Regulation, marking a significant step in regulating digital assets and blockchain-based payments.
• A USD-backed stablecoin is a cryptocurrency pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, designed to ensure price stability.
• The newly approved USDU is issued by Universal Digital, a crypto firm regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

NSE receives SEBI approval for IPO

• Established: 1992
• Appoint merchant bankers and other intermediaries

16th Finance Commission (2026–31)

• Centre FD: Reduce to 3.5% of GDP by 2030–31.
• Combined Debt: Projected to fall 77.3% (2026-27) → 73.1% (2030-31).
• States’ Share: 41% of the divisible pool (unchanged from the 15th FC).
• Contribution to GDP (10%): Rewards economic size using √GSDP (balances scale without overpowering).

SBI launches ‘CHAKRA’ Centre of Excellence

• State Bank of India has launched ‘CHAKRA’, a dedicated Centre of Excellence (CoE) to strengthen financing for eight critical sunrise sectors.
• Build institutional expertise in emerging, technology-led sectors

Centre Tops Up RDI Fund with ₹20,000 Crore

• The RDI Fund is the largest component of the ₹23,125 crore earmarked for Central Sector schemes under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Total Fund Size: ₹1 trillion
• Deployment Period: 7 years (Cabinet-approved)
• Launch: November 2025 by Narendra Modi

From UPI to CBDCs: India Sets Digital Payments Agenda at BRICS

• Build on the 2025 BRICS declaration, which supported interoperability among national payment systems.
• Along with newly inducted members (expansion phase)
• Align technology, regulatory standards, cybersecurity protocols, and settlement mechanisms.
• RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, speaking in Washington DC (Nov 2025), stressed:

SBI launches CHAKRA

• State Bank of India (SBI) has launched CHAKRA, a Centre of Excellence (CoE) to support financing of sunrise sectors, with a potential investment of ₹100 trillion over the next five years.
• CHAKRA is a dedicated Centre of Excellence for financing sunrise sectors.
• Semiconductors
• SBI has signed MoUs with 21 financial institutions.

SEBI Likely to Extend Ban on Agricultural Futures

• The ban, first imposed in 2021, aims to curb price volatility, speculation, and food inflation, especially in essential commodities that directly affect household consumption.
• The market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is likely to extend the ban on futures trading in key agricultural commodities by another year, beyond its scheduled end in March 2026.

RBI Proposes Resolution Framework for Borrowers Affected by Natural Calamities

• Borrowers who have not defaulted for more than 30 days.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft guidelines proposing a principle-based framework for banks and other regulated entities to implement resolution plans for borrowers impacted by natural calamities.
• Conversion of accrued interest into a separate credit facility
• Feedback invited till February 17

SEBI Moots Easing of Commodity Derivatives Rules

• Stress tests based on 15 years of historical price data
• SEBI noted that a Z-score of 10 captures extremely rare events and may overstate risk.
• Extreme price movements capped using a Z-score of 10
• Reduce the Z-score threshold from 10 to 5

SEBI Moves to Ease Some Rules for InvITs and REITs

• A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) must hold ≥90% assets in infrastructure projects.
• Expand the eligible universe of liquid mutual fund schemes.

SEBI Plans to Revamp ‘Fit and Proper’ Framework

• Their promoters, directors, or key management personnelare suitable to operate in the securities market.
• Five years of enforcement experience has highlighted unintended consequences.

RBI Imposes Compounding Fee on One 97 Communications for FEMA Violations

• In February 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a compounding fee of ₹18.76 lakh on One 97 Communications Limited (OCL) for violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, relating to foreign investment transactions in its subsidiary.
• OCL disclosed the RBI compounding order under Regulation 30 of theSecurities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, ensuring transparency to investors.
• Foreign investment of about ₹33 crore
• Period: March 2016 – June 2017

RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its February monetary policy, decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and retained a neutral policy stance, signalling a likely pause in rate action.
• Maintained at 5.25%

RBI Raises Loan Limits for Small Businesses; Allows Bank Lending to REITs

• From ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh (₹1 million to ₹2 million)
• Reduce dependence on informal lenders
• Support entrepreneurship and job creation

RBI Plans ₹25,000 Compensation for Cyber Fraud Victims

• Bank: 15% of transaction value
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a new compensation framework to provide relief to victims of small-value online frauds, with compensation up to ₹25,000.
• Up to ₹25,000 per victim
• Applicable to small-value cyber frauds (below ₹50,000)

NBFCs with Assets Below ₹1,000 Crore Exempted from Mandatory RBI Registration

• Total assets below ₹1,000 crore
• Open more than 1,000 branches

Mission SAKSHAM

• Around 1.4 lakh (140,000) participants

Why borrowings are now biting govts despite RBI rate cuts

• RBI is selling dollars to stabilise the rupee

India Signs DPI Cooperation MoUs with 23 Countries

• In February 2026, the Government of India (GoI) signed MoUs/agreements with 23 countries to share and promote India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and components of the India Stack.This was informed to Parliament by Jitin Prasada, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Kotak Mahindra Bank issues India’s first fully digital FPI licence

• In February 2026, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) became the first custodian in India to issue a Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) licence and complete the entire onboarding process digitally using e-signatures.
• Must comply with the Information Technology Act, 2000
• Implemented by Securities and Exchange Board of India in January 2026
• Ease of doing business for foreign investors

India shifts to Risk-Based Deposit Insurance Premiums

• 12 paise per ₹100 of assessable deposits
• Risk-based adjustment capped at ±33.33% of the base (“card”) rate
• Additional incentive of up to 25% reduction
• In place since 1962

RBI issues draft norms for Corporate Bond Index Derivatives & TRS

• Floating leg of TRS / index derivatives must be linked to:
• Total Return Swaps (TRS)
• TRS permitted without restriction on purpose
• Not allowed to participate in TRS

RBI Directs Banks to Offer Collateral-Free Loans up to ₹20 Lakh to MSMEs

• 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.
• Extend collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh to all Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) units.
• Provide collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh to units financed under the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
• Increase the collateral-free limit to ₹25 lakh

RBI Consumer Confidence Survey, January 2026

• According to the Reserve Bank of India’s Consumer Confidence Survey (January 2026), rural consumers remain relatively optimistic, while urban consumers continue to be cautious.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the results of the January 2026 round of its Bi-monthly Urban Consumer Confidence Survey (UCCS).
• Latest round conducted during January 2–11, 2026.
• January 2026: 98.1

Taxpayers to Continue Using Existing ITR Forms for FY26

• 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.
• Assessment Year (AY) 2026–27
• Returns filed in July–August 2026 will continue under the current ITR format.
• Income earned in FY26

EPFO to Appoint New Partner Agencies; Custodian Likely to Change After 15 Years

• Settling transactions of EPFO’s ₹31 trillion corpus
• Appointed in November 2011
• 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.
• Administers retirement savings schemes such as:

RBI Streamlines Voluntary Retention Route (VRR) for FPIs

• The Voluntary Retention Route (VRR) is a special investment channel introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2019 to encourage stable, long-term investments by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in India’s debt markets.
• Removed the overall VRR investment cap of ₹2.5 trillion
• Minimum retention period: 3 years
• Mandatory retention: 75% of committed portfolio

SEBI Proposes Sharp Cut in Minimum Investment for Social Impact Funds

• Proposed: ₹1,000
• Current: ₹2 lakh
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed reducing the minimum investment amount for individual investors in Social Impact Funds (SIFs) to ₹1,000, from the existing ₹2 lakh.

Sebi May Tighten Scrutiny of IPO and QIP Proceeds

• Gold ETFs (January 2026): ₹24,040 crore
• December 2025: ₹11,647 crore
• SEBI is examining reducing the threshold from ₹100 crore to ₹50 crore, or removing it entirely.
• This would expand oversight to smaller issuers.

RBI Proposes Higher Unsecured Loan Cap for UCBs

• The RBI has proposed raising the unsecured loans cap for UCBs to 20% of total advances of the preceding financial year, from the earlier limit of 10% of total assets.
• ₹5 lakh – Tier I UCBs
• ₹7.5 lakh – Tier II UCBs
• ₹10 lakh – Tier III & IV UCBs

Surplus Liquidity Fuels Record Parking in RBI’s SDF

• The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) is a liquidity absorption tool introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in April 2022 to manage excess liquidity in the banking system.
• Banks have parked a record ₹4.52 lakh crore in the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) window of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), amid surplus liquidity in the banking system.
• SDF rate currently stands at 5% , which is:
• 25 basis points below the policy repo rate (5.25%).

RBI Proposes Exempting Smaller NBFCs from Registration Requirement

• Have an asset size below ₹1,000 crore
• In October 2021, RBI introduced the Scale-Based Regulatory Framework (SBR) for NBFCs, classifying them into:
• Loans from directors or shareholders (treated as public funds)
• Transactions with group entities, directors, or shareholders

CPI Base Revision from 2012 to 2024

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is undertaking a base revision of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 2012 to 2024, aligning the index with changing consumption patterns and improving data collection methods.
• Since 2012, India’s economy has changed significantly:
• Based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (2023–24).
• Diversified household spending patterns

RBI Proposes Ban on Third-Party Sales Incentives

• Customers may lodge complaints within 30 days of receiving signed terms and conditions (if sector regulator has not specified otherwise).
• In November 2025, the Union Finance Minister emphasised the need to protect public confidence in the banking system.
• Customers must have the option to choose any provider.
• Banks must seek customer feedback within 30 days of sale.

SEBI Mandates 2x Peak Load Capacity for Commodity Exchanges

• Critical IT systems must maintain installed capacity of at least two times (2x) the projected peak load.
• Commodity exchanges were required to maintain 4x peak load capacity for trading systems.
• Enhance regulatory oversight of technology systems.
• Consultations were held with SEBI’s Technical Advisory Committee.

RBI Tightens Rules on Loan Recovery Agents

• Complaints about recovery agents using coercion, intimidation and public humiliation have increased in recent years. To address this, the RBI has proposed comprehensive behavioural norms under the Responsible Business Conduct Second Amendment Directions, 2026.
• Making repeated or excessive calls, or calling outside permitted hours.
• Harassing borrowers, guarantors, or their relatives, friends or colleagues.
• Publicly shaming or intimidating borrowers.

Government to Monetise CPSE Assets through REITs

• Unlock an estimated ₹10 lakh crore worth of government-owned real estate.
• In many countries (including India), REITs must distribute at least 90% of their income to investors.
• Allow investors (domestic and global) to invest in these assets and earn rental yields.
• Offers liquidity (easy to buy/sell)

IRDAI Clarifies Investment Norms for Insurers in AIFs

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued clarifications on investment norms for insurers in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), allowing greater flexibility while tightening safeguards on overseas investments.
• Insurers cannot deploy policyholder funds abroad through AIFs.
• Investments made using insurers’ capital must remain within India.
• Insurers must comply with single AIF exposure limits by combining:

RBI to Revamp Lead Bank Scheme (LBS)

• Enhance effectiveness of the scheme introduced in 1969.
• Introduced: 1969
• Clearer roles and responsibilities of stakeholders under LBS.
• State Level Bankers’ Committees (SLBCs)

RBI Allows Bank Loans for Takeovers of Listed and Unlisted Companies

• RBI removed earlier proposal that limited a bank’s acquisition finance exposure to 10% of Tier-1 capital.
• Funding cap: Banks can finance up to 75% of the total acquisition value.
• Minimum net worth: ₹500 crore
• Must have reported net profit in each of the last 3 financial years

60% Credit-Deposit Ratio for Rural & Semi-Urban Branches

• 40%–60%: Monitored by the District Consultative Committee (DCC).
• Below 40% or declining credit: Special DCC sub-committee to create improvement plans.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its draft revised guidelines for the Lead Bank Scheme (LBS), has proposed that banks maintain a 60% credit-deposit (C/D) ratio for rural and semi-urban branches to improve credit flow and financial inclusion.
• Banks must aim for a 60% C/D ratio in rural and semi-urban areas.

RBI Proposes to Allow Bank Loans to REITs from July 1

• Up to 49% of the REIT’s asset value (as of March 31 of the previous financial year).
• Proposed implementation date: July 1.
• Aggregate bank exposure cap:

SEBI Proposes Easing Reporting Norms for Stockbrokers

• SEBI’s Master Circular for Stock Brokers (June 17, 2025) strengthened supervision by requiring:
• Currently, brokers must report all bank and demat accounts.
• Brokers that are also banks only report accounts used for stockbroking.
• Extend exemptions already given to brokers that are also banks to brokers that are also primary dealers.

Commercial Papers (CPs) vs Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

• Outstanding CP issuances declined by ~₹1 trillion since August 2025.
• Outstanding CD issuances increased by ~₹1 trillion during the same period.

RBI Restores Default Loss Guarantees (DLGs) for NBFCs

• Usually capped at around 5% of loan portfolio.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has restored the use of Default Loss Guarantees (DLGs) for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), reversing earlier restrictions that increased provisioning requirements for loans sourced through fintech partnerships.
• Lenders must revise loss estimates each time the guarantee is invoked, as available protection declines.
• RBI had required NBFCs to ignore fintech-provided DLGs when setting aside buffers for risky loans.

RBI Initiates Talks to Ease Overseas Investment (OI) Norms

• Overseas Investment Rules and Regulations (latest major overhaul in 2022)
• Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999
• Objective → streamline the overseas investment (OI) framework.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has begun consultations with banks to review and simplify overseas investment rules, following industry concerns over procedural hurdles and regulatory ambiguities.

RBI’s New Rules on M&A Financing and Broker Funding

• Maximum 75% bank financing
• The acquirer already holds control (≥26%)
• Seeks to increase stake up to 90%
• Minimum ₹500 crore net worth

RBI Eases Cost and Maturity Rules in New ECB Regime (2026)

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has amended the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) framework through the Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing and Lending) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2026.
• Loans raised by Indian entities from foreign lenders.
• Broader set of borrowers and recognised lenders allowed.
• Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs)

CBDC-Based Public Distribution System (PDS)

• On 15 February 2026, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched India’s first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• A digitised ration distribution system where beneficiaries receive programmable digital coupons (e₹) issued by the Reserve Bank of India and redeem them at Fair Price Shops (FPS) to obtain subsidised food grains.
• RBI generates programmable CBDC (e₹) in the form of digital coupons.
• Foodgrains are issued against digital vouchers.

DBS Becomes First in Asia-Pacific to Pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce

• In February 2026, DBS Bank partnered with Visa to pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce (VIC) — enabling AI agents to make payments on behalf of consumers.

NPCI Extends “UPI One World” to AI Summit Foreign Visitors

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has extended UPI One World wallet services to international visitors attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026 (Feb 16–20, New Delhi).
• Allows Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions across UPI-enabled merchants.
• Available to visitors from 40+ countries.
• A prepaid UPI-based wallet designed for foreign visitors to India.

Unemployment in India Rises to 5% in January: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

• According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), India’s unemployment rate (UR) among persons aged 15 years and above rose slightly to 5% in January 2026, up from 4.8% in December 2025.
• Overall unemployment increased to 5%.
• Measure labour market indicators in rural and urban areas.
• Unemployment Rate (UR) = Percentage of unemployed persons among labour force.

NSE Gets SEBI Approval for Natural Gas Futures

• At any time, 12 monthly contracts will be available for trading.

Capital Market Stocks Fall After RBI Tightens Collateral Rules

• Loans to capital market intermediaries (CMIs) must be 100% secured.
• Minimum 40% haircut on shares pledged as collateral.
• At least 50% cash collateral required for margin trading funding.
• Stockbrokers

SEBI’s New ETF Proposals

• Most ETFs: ±20% per day
• Overnight ETFs: ±5%
• Consider removing 20% price band.
• Uses T-2 NAV (two trading days old).

RBI Proposes Easing Forex Transaction Norms

• Standalone Primary Dealers (AD Category-III)Authorised under Section 10(1) of FEMA, 1999.
• Governed under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
• Maximum 25% of total capital (Tier I + Tier II).
• 100% of Tier I capital or

Airtel Money Gets RBI Approval to Operate as NBFC

• RBI Act, 1934

Life Insurers Propose Deferment of Frontloaded Commissions

• Proposal: pay a portion of these commissions over 3–5 years instead of upfront.
• Currently, large commissions are paid to distributors in the first year of policy sale.
• Lower premium burden on policyholders.
• Strengthen value proposition for policyholders.

RBI Draft Consumer Protection Norms for Financial Products & Loan Recovery

• The rules are expected to take effect from July 1, 2026, aiming to strengthen consumer protection in banking and financial services.
• Feedback to be collected within 30 days of sale.
• Pressure or restricted choice of providers.
• Recovery outside permitted hours

Banks Take Cautious Approach to Acquisition Financing Under RBI Norms

• Earlier draft: 10% of Tier-I capital.
• Final rule: Up to 20% of eligible capital.
• Minimum ₹500 crore net worth.
• Net profit for 3 consecutive years.

RBI mandates Unique Transaction Identifier (UTI) for OTC derivatives

• Enables policymakers and regulators to obtain a comprehensive and transparent view of the OTC derivatives market.
• Financial stability oversight

Draft RBI Norms on INR Derivatives May Boost Bank Presence in GIFT City

• Investment of FCNR (Bank) funds in long-term overseas sovereign debt subject to conditions.
• AD banks may undertake NDDCs with other ADs and overseas entities, including IFSC Banking Units (IBUs) and Offshore Banking Units (OBUs).
• Overnight placements and reverse repos against overseas sovereign debt.
• Investment in short-term overseas money market or sovereign debt instruments.

RBI Asks NPCI to Review UPI Autopay Over Debit Concerns

• UPI Autopay was launched in 2020 to enable recurring payments such as subscriptions, utility bills, insurance premiums and EMIs.
• Complaints increased toward the end of 2025, including involuntary mandates, unclear consent and cancellation issues.
• It was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2020.

SMS-Less UPI Signup Likely to be Introduced by 2026–27

• Enable large-scale onboarding of new users (including the next 150 million users).
• Device binding will shift largely to the back end and become invisible to users.

ICICI Launches Swasthya Pension Scheme Combining Retirement and Health Needs

• Help subscribers build a retirement corpus.
• The regulator may consider linking account opening to existing health insurance coverage to ensure the scheme remains supplementary.

New CPI Base (2024)

• Example: CPI 104.46 → basket costing ₹100 in 2024 now costs ₹104.46.
• Example: 2.75% inflation = price rise from 2025 to 2026.
• Telangana — ~5%
• Kerala — ~3.67%

Risk-Based Deposit Insurance Premium for Banks

• Currently covers up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank.
• Flat premium of 12 paise per ₹100 deposits for all banks.
• Protects bank depositors if a bank fails.
• Managed by DICGC (established in 1962).

Participatory Notes (P-Notes)

• At one time (early 2000s), P-notes accounted for over 40% of FPI investments in India.
• An overseas investor buys a P-note from an FPI.
• Convenient for hedge funds and short-term investors.

NPCI Extends “UPI One World” Wallet & Launches AI Payment Initiatives

• NPCI expanded the “UPI One World” wallet service for foreign delegates from over 40 countries attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026, along with launching AI-driven payment innovations.
• Designed for short-term foreign visitors.
• Conversational AI-based payments.
• Users can order food, groceries, and essentials directly within a chat interface.

National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0)

• The Government of India has launched the second phase of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0), aiming to mobilise ₹16.72 trillion by monetising public assets between FY2026 and FY2030.
• National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0) is the Government of India’s second phase of asset monetisation covering FY 2026–2030.

Automatic Settlement of Low-Balance Inoperative EPF Accounts

• Automatic refund of inoperative EPF accounts with balances up to ₹1,000.
• After the 2016 amendment to the EPF Scheme:
• An account becomes inoperative only after the member turns 58 and does not withdraw the balance.
• EPF accounts earn interest until age 58; interest stops once they become inoperative.

New RBI Norms May Trim Banks’ Fee Income

• 100% collateral requirement for most exposures.
• At least 50% collateral
• Minimum 25% in cash
• Limited to 20% of banks’ net worth.

National Asset Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0)

• It was first launched in 2021.
• Targets mobilisation of around ₹16.72 trillion in investment.
• Around ₹6 trillion expected from private capital expenditure.

Digital Rupee Pilot for Food Subsidy Under PMGKAY

• Covers over 800 million beneficiaries, making it one of the world’s largest food security programmes.
• Subsidies will be delivered using the digital rupee (CBDC) issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
• A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is the digital form of a country’s sovereign currency, issued and regulated by its central bank.
• In India, the CBDC is the digital rupee, issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

IRDAI Directs Insurers to Cut Costs to Make Health Covers Affordable

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has asked insurers to reduce operational and distribution costs to make health insurance policies more affordable, particularly for the “missing middle” segment.
• Develop affordable, simplified health covers.
• Not poor enough to qualify for government schemes like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, and

SEBI Broadens Mutual Fund Categories

• Investment duration: minimum 5 years, maximum 30 years.
• Minimum 80% investment in debt and debt-related instruments of a single sector.
• However, such investments must not exceed 50% of the sectoral composition of the debt fund.
• Approved sectors include:

New GDP Data Series to Capture Economy More Accurately

• Base year updated from 2011–12 to 2022–23.
• Improves relevance of estimates and comparability across years.
• Now: Activity-wise revenue share used to allocate value added across sectors.

RBI Gives Compliance Relief for Small Merchant UPI Transactions

• These merchants generate high transaction volumes but less than 20% of total transaction value.
• P2M (regular merchant payments): Licensed payment aggregators handle funds and settle through escrow accounts.
• The P2PM category was introduced by NPCI in 2019.
• P2PM: Direct bank-to-bank transfer; no intermediary handling funds.

Sixteenth Finance Commission and Fiscal Challenges for States

• To reduce from 4.4% (2025–26) to 3.5% by 2030–31.
• Several states with high debt-to-GSDP ratios (above 30–40%) are seeing:
• Expected to maintain fiscal deficit at 3% of GDP.
• The new distribution creates fiscal pressures for some states, especially those with high debt and dependence on central transfers.

Sebi Broadens Scope for Equity Mutual Funds

• Active equity schemes can now include gold and silver within the permitted 20–35% non-equity allocation.
• Goal-based funds with a pre-determined maturity (5–30 years).
• Open-ended but with higher exit load (up to 3% in first year).
• Must invest at least 80% in AA+ rated bonds of specific sectors such as:

Sebi Shifts Gold and Silver Valuation Norms for Mutual Funds to Domestic Spot Prices

• From April 1, 2026 , mutual funds must value physical gold and silver using:
• Currency conversion

RBI Prop Trading Curbs May Give Edge to Foreign Firms

• From April 1 , bank guarantees (BGs) issued to proprietary traders must be:
• At least 50% cash collateral
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened bank lending norms for proprietary (prop) traders. Market participants say the move may unintentionally favour foreign trading firms.
• Earlier, traders could use:

NSE IX Launches ‘Global Access’ Platform for Overseas Investing

• Resident individuals can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for overseas investments.
• Operates under RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
• Investors transfer funds in Indian rupees (INR) to a designated NSE IX bank account.
• It enables Indian retail investors and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to directly invest in overseas markets.

RBI Reports 10.1% Sales Growth for Private Non-Financial Companies

• The Reserve Bank of India reported that listed private non-financial companies recorded 10.1% year-on-year sales growth in Q3 FY 2025–26.
• This marks a return to double-digit growth after 11 consecutive quarters of single-digit expansion.
• Sales growth: 11.4%, up from 8.5% in previous quarter.
• Operating profit growth: 11.8%.

RBI Approves SBI Mutual Fund’s Stake Purchase in Bandhan Bank

• SBI Mutual Fund may acquire up to 9.99% of paid-up share capital or voting rights in Bandhan Bank.
• Banking Regulation Act, 1949
• Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a proposal by SBI Mutual Fund to acquire up to 9.99% stake in Bandhan Bank.

Shaheed Diwas / Martyrs’ Day 2026 – January 30

• Observed across India to honour national martyrs and mark the 78th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, assassinated on January 30, 1948, at Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti), New Delhi.

World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026 – January 30

• The 7th observance of WNTDD highlighted global efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases under the theme “Unite. Act. Eliminate,” aligned with WHO’s NTD Roadmap (2021–2030).

Kerala Budget FY27 Presented by FM K N Balagopal

• Kerala’s Finance Minister presented a people-centric FY27 budget of about ₹2.40 lakh crore, focusing on social security, elderly welfare, women-centric schemes, and fiscal consolidation.

Andhra Pradesh Signs MoU with FICCI-FLO for Women Entrepreneurs’ Industrial Park

• Andhra Pradesh signed an MoU with FICCI-FLO to establish a 30-acre Women Entrepreneurs’ Industrial Park in Amaravati to promote women-led MSMEs and industrial self-reliance.

Civil Aviation Minister Inaugurates Wings India 2026

• Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu inaugurated Wings India 2026 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, a biennial aviation event themed “Indian Aviation: Paving the Future,” hosted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation with Telangana government support.

Bharat Parv 2026 Inaugurated at Red Fort

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the six-day Bharat Parv 2026 at Red Fort, New Delhi, to showcase India’s cultural diversity, promote tourism, and support Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

12th SIFFCY 2026 Begins in New Delhi

• The 12th Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY) 2026 began in New Delhi, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion through socially relevant films, including works by disabled children.

11th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival Commences

• The 11th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival started in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, honouring composer Ilaiyaraaja with the Padmapani Award and opening with the Spanish film ‘Siret’.

Assam Launches Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme

• Assam Chief Minister launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat scheme to mark 200 years of the tea industry, providing ₹5,000 financial aid and welfare benefits to over 6 lakh tea garden workers.

Dr Chandrakant Lahariya Wins Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025

• Dr Chandrakant Lahariya became the first Indian to win the Wiley Research Heroes Prize 2025 for his impactful health policy research under the “Impact Beyond Academia” category.

Former BCCI President Inderjit Singh Bindra Passes Away

• Former BCCI President Inderjit Singh Bindra passed away at 84, remembered for his role in bringing the 1987 Cricket World Cup to the subcontinent and his long service to Indian cricket.

Wings India 2026 Held in Hyderabad

• Asia’s largest civil aviation event, Wings India 2026, was held from 28–31 January 2026 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad. Inaugurated by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, it showcased India’s rise as the world’s 3rd-largest domestic aviation market.

Gujarat Becomes India’s Largest Renewable Energy Contributor

• Gujarat emerged as the top contributor to India’s renewable energy capacity with 42.583 GW as of December 2025. The state leads in wind power, rooftop solar installations, and supports India’s net-zero target for 2070.

MHA Mandates Central Deputation for IPS IGP Posting

• The Ministry of Home Affairs mandated a minimum two-year Central Deputation for IPS officers to be eligible for IGP-level posts. The move aims to strengthen leadership capacity in CAPFs and Central Police Organisations.

GoI Withdraws 18% Excise Duty on Unmanufactured Tobacco

• The Government of India withdrew the 18% excise duty on unbranded, non-retail packed unmanufactured tobacco from February 1, 2026. The decision provides relief to farmers and small-scale suppliers.

Central Bank of India Partners with HSBC AMC

• Central Bank of India partnered with HSBC Asset Management India to distribute mutual fund products. The collaboration enhances investment and wealth management options for customers.

68th Grammy Awards 2026 Highlights

• The 14th Dalai Lama won his first Grammy, while Bad Bunny secured Album of the Year for a Spanish-language album. The awards reflected growing global diversity in music recognition.

Sunetra Pawar Becomes Deputy CM of Maharashtra

• Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister on January 31, 2026. She must enter the state legislature within six months to continue in office.

Australian Open 2026 Champions

• Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina won the men’s and women’s singles titles at the Australian Open 2026. Alcaraz became the youngest man in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam.

Devika Sihag Wins Thailand Masters 2026

• Indian shuttler Devika Sihag won her maiden BWF Super 300 title at the Thailand Masters 2026. She became the third Indian woman to achieve this milestone.

Indian Coast Guard Day 2026 – February 1

• Indian Coast Guard Day commemorates the establishment of the ICG and its role in maritime security. The year 2026 marked the 50th Raising Day of the force.

World Wetlands Day 2026 – February 2

• World Wetlands Day is observed to raise awareness about the ecological importance of wetlands. The 2026 theme highlighted the role of traditional knowledge in wetland conservation.

India Hosts 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

• India hosted the 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi after a gap of nearly 10 years. The meeting adopted the New Delhi Declaration, strengthening India–Arab League cooperation on regional and global issues.

NSO to Conduct Nationwide Migration Survey (2026–27)

• The National Statistics Office announced a comprehensive migration survey from July 2026 to June 2027. It will generate updated data on migration patterns, labour mobility, employment, and remittance flows.

MoPA Launches Upgraded Youth Parliament Portal ‘NYPS 2.0’

• The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs launched NYPS 2.0 to expand participation in the Youth Parliament programme. The upgrade allows institutions, groups, and individuals from remote areas to participate inclusively.

World Bank Approves USD 830 Million Loan for PM-SETU

• The World Bank approved a USD 830 million loan to upgrade India’s ITIs under the PM-SETU programme. The initiative aims to align skill training with industry needs and generate over one million skilled workers annually.

PNB Launches ‘LUXURA Metal Credit Card’

• Punjab National Bank launched the LUXURA Metal Credit Card on the Visa Infinite platform. The premium card offers luxury travel, lifestyle benefits, concierge services, and accelerated reward points.

Tripura Gramin Bank Launches First RRB Co-Branded RuPay Credit Card

• Tripura Gramin Bank, with PNB, launched India’s first RRB co-branded RuPay credit card. The initiative enhances digital credit access for rural and semi-urban customers.

Climate Scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan Wins Crafoord Prize 2026

• Indian-origin scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan won the 2026 Crafoord Prize in Geosciences. He was honoured for pioneering research on aerosols, super-pollutants, and climate change.

World Cancer Day 2026 – February 4

• World Cancer Day was observed globally to promote cancer awareness, prevention, and equitable treatment. The 2026 theme “United by Unique” emphasised patient-centred cancer care.

Exercise Vayu Shakti-2026

• Exercise Vayu Shakti-2026 is the Indian Air Force’s largest day-to-night air-power exercise, held at the Pokaran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. It features over 120 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, and Apache helicopters. The exercise showcases precision strikes, air defence, SEAD missions, and indigenous systems like Akash.

Bhutan Queen Mother Receives Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award

• Queen Mother of Bhutan, Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, was honoured with the 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award in Assam. She was recognised for her humanitarian leadership through the Tarayana Foundation in areas such as rural development, women’s empowerment, healthcare, and cultural preservation.

HMG Stones Secures ISO 9001:2015 and 5S Gold Certifications

• HMG Stone LLP achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management and 5S Gold Grade certification for workplace organisation. The company became the first in India’s natural stone industry to receive both certifications simultaneously, covering its manufacturing units and experience centres.

Vinay Muralidhar Tonse Appointed MD & CEO of YES Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India approved the appointment of Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as Managing Director and CEO of YES Bank for a three-year term. A veteran banker with over three decades of experience, he will succeed Prashant Kumar, whose tenure ends in April 2026.

World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026 – February 1 to 7

• World Interfaith Harmony Week was observed from 1 to 7 February 2026 to promote peace, tolerance, and non-violence across religions. The initiative, recognised by the United Nations, is rooted in the ‘A Common Word’ movement and encourages interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding.

RBI keeps policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25 percent

• The Reserve Bank of India has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent.

MoS for Defence Sanjay Seth to participate in World Defence Show 2026 on Feb 8

• Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth will lead a high-level Indian delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the third World Defence Show 2026

India Australia Business Case Studies Compendium launch at IIFT

• The India-Australia Business Case Studies Compendium, titled Pitch Perfect Australia-India: Perfect Conditions for a 100 Billion dollar Partnership, was launched at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi Campus.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh Flags Off Mount Aconcagua Expedition

• On February 5, 2026, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), flagged off a joint Indian mountaineering expedition to Mount Aconcagua in Argentina from New Delhi. Mount Aconcagua, with an elevation of about 6,960 metres, is the highest peak in South America and the tallest mountain outside Asia.

NTH Signs MoU with STQC–ERTL (North) for EMI/EMC Testing of Drones

• In February 2026, the National Test House (NTH) signed a Government-to-Government MoU with STQC Directorate’s Electronics Regional Test Laboratory (ERTL), North, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The partnership enables Electromagnetic Interference and Electromagnetic Compatibility testing of drones and subsystems in India. ERTL (North) will conduct testing as per IEC 61000 and Indian Standard IS 14700, strengthening India’s drone certification and compliance ecosystem.

Airbus and GSV Inaugurate Centre of Excellence for Aerospace Research in Gujarat

• In February 2026, Airbus inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for aerospace studies at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), Vadodara, Gujarat. The CoE focuses on research, innovation, and skill development in aerospace, with emphasis on Sustainable Aviation Fuel and future technologies such as Municipal Solid Waste to SAF conversion.

Delhi Ranked World’s Most Affordable City for International Students

• In February 2026, a joint report titled “India’s 155 Million Student Mandate” by Knight Frank India, Deloitte India, and QS ranked New Delhi as the world’s most affordable city for international students. The findings draw on QS Best Student Cities 2026 and QS International Student Survey 2025 data. Around 150 cities were assessed across six equally weighted categories: affordability, employer activity, university rankings, city desirability, student voice, and student mix.

Axis Bank Launches Rooftop Solar Finance for MSMEs

• On February 5, 2026, Axis Bank launched “Rooftop Solar Finance” to promote solar energy adoption among MSMEs. The product offers collateral-free loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹2 crore, with flexible repayment tenure of 4–7 years. Through partnerships with OEMs and a technology partner, the initiative aims to reduce energy costs for MSMEs and support India’s clean energy transition.

Alwar Becomes India’s First District with 100% Insurance Coverage

• On February 3, 2026, Alwar district in Rajasthan became the first in India to achieve 100% insurance coverage under the “Insurance for All by 2047” initiative of the Government of India and IRDAI. The milestone covers nine fully insured villages, where premiums for eligible adults were funded by an NGO. Insurance policies were issued by United India Insurance Company Limited.

Adani Defence Partners Leonardo for Helicopter Manufacturing in India

• In February 2026, Adani Defence & Aerospace signed an MoU with Italian aerospace firm Leonardo to develop a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India. The partnership covers manufacturing, assembly, MRO facilities, pilot training infrastructure, and phased indigenisation. It focuses on AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters and aligns with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Paradip Port Authority Wins Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025

• On February 3, 2026, Paradip Port Authority, Odisha, won first prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025 instituted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The award recognises excellence in cleanliness, sustainability, citizen participation, waste management, and Safai Mitra welfare.

Yumnam Khemchand Singh Sworn In as Manipur Chief Minister

• On February 4, 2026, Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as Chief Minister of Manipur, nearly a year after President’s Rule under Article 356. Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers, marking Kipgen as the first woman to hold the post in the state.

Sagar Defence Delivers First Unmanned Surface Vessels to Indian Navy

• In February 2026, Sagar Defence Engineering delivered its first two Unmanned Surface Vessels to the Indian Navy. The AI-enabled, high-speed autonomous vessels exceed 50 knots, feature stealth design, and are equipped with a 12.7 mm gun and missile provisions. Over 70% of the content is indigenous, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Padma Awardee Dr. Andre Beteille Passed Away

• In February 2026, eminent sociologist and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Andre Beteille passed away at the age of 91 in New Delhi. A Professor Emeritus at the University of Delhi, he was a leading scholar on caste, class, inequality, and social change, and author of seminal works such as Caste, Class and Power and Society and Politics in India.

Yumnam Khemchand Singh Becomes 13th Chief Minister as Manipur Exits President’s Rule

• Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Manipur after the end of President’s Rule imposed in February 2025. He took oath from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and is a BJP leader and two-time MLA from Singjamei. Manipur’s capital is Imphal.

RBI Approves Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as MD and CEO of Yes Bank

• The RBI approved Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as MD and CEO of Yes Bank for a three-year term. A former SBI Managing Director, he succeeds Prashant Kumar, whose tenure ended in April 2026. Yes Bank is headquartered in Mumbai and was founded in 2003.

DAC Developers Appoints A R Rahman as Brand Ambassador

• DAC Developers appointed Oscar and Grammy Award–winning composer A R Rahman as its brand ambassador to strengthen brand visibility. He is one of India’s most globally recognised music personalities.

Veerabhadran Ramanathan Wins 2026 Crafoord Prize in Geosciences

• Indian-origin scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan won the 2026 Crafoord Prize in Geosciences for his pioneering work on climate science and atmospheric research. The award is conferred by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Paradip Port Authority Wins Swachhata Pakhwada Award 2025

• Paradip Port Authority won the first prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025 for excellence in cleanliness, sustainability, and community participation. The award was presented by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Bhutan Queen Mother Conferred ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award

• Bhutan’s Queen Mother Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck received the 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award 2025 in Assam for her humanitarian and social service contributions.

INS Sudarshini Makes First International Port Call During Lokayan 26

• INS Sudarshini made its first international port call at Salalah, Oman, during the Lokayan 26 expedition. The 10-month voyage will cover over 22,000 nautical miles and visit 18 foreign ports.

RBI Boosts Growth Forecast to 7.4%

• India’s central bank yesterday raised its real GDP growth projection for 2025-26 to 7.4 percent, signalling confidence in the durability of domestic demand even as global trade uncertainties and financial market volatility cloud the external outlook, as it held interest rates steady.

Western Air Command conducts two-day Joint Operations Conclave

• Headquarters Western Air Command conducted a two-day high-level Joint Operations Conclave under the framework of the All Domain Joint Operations Exercise 2026.

India Australia Business Case Studies Compendium launch at IIFT

• The India-Australia Business Case Studies Compendium, titled Pitch Perfect Australia-India: Perfect Conditions for a 100 Billion dollar Partnership, was launched at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi Campus.

Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha Elected as Iran’s First Female IOC Member

• In February 2026, Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha was elected as the 107th member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 145th IOC Session in Milan, Italy. She is the first Iranian woman and the youngest current IOC member. A former badminton Olympian (Tokyo 2020), she previously served on the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

Goa Publishes State-Level Bird Atlas

• In February 2026, Goa became the second Indian state after Kerala to publish a comprehensive Bird Atlas. Released during the 9th Bird Festival of Goa, the atlas supports biodiversity conservation and citizen-led research.

Delhi Ranked World’s Most Affordable City for International Students

• Delhi was ranked the world’s most affordable city for international students in the QS Best Student Cities 2026 report. The study by Knight Frank, Deloitte India, and QS assessed 150 cities across affordability, education quality, and student experience.

President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Bastar Pandum 2026

• President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Bastar Pandum-2026 tribal cultural festival in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. The festival showcases tribal art forms, folk traditions, and indigenous culture, with participation from over 700 artists.

Government Sanctions Over 3.87 Crore Houses Under PMAY-G

• The Government of India has sanctioned over 3.87 crore houses under PMAY-Gramin. As of February 2026, more than 2.95 crore houses have been completed, advancing the target of 4.95 crore rural houses by March 2029.

RBI Approves Blackstone’s Investment in Federal Bank

• The RBI approved Blackstone’s ₹6,196 crore investment to acquire up to 9.99% stake in Federal Bank. The move makes Blackstone the largest shareholder and reflects rising foreign interest in India’s banking sector.

Axis Bank Launches Rooftop Solar Finance for MSMEs

• Axis Bank introduced Rooftop Solar Finance to help MSMEs adopt solar energy. The scheme offers collateral-free loans of ₹10 lakh to ₹2 crore with flexible repayment periods of 4–7 years.

RBI Imposes Compounding Fee on Paytm for FEMA Violations

• The RBI imposed a ₹18.76 lakh compounding fee on Paytm for FEMA-related violations. Paytm clarified that the issue has been resolved through the compounding process without operational impact.

Moody’s Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.4% in FY27

• Moody’s Ratings has projected India’s GDP growth at 6.4% in FY27, the highest among G-20 economies, highlighting strong domestic fundamentals and banking sector resilience.

Foundation Stone Laid for India’s First Quantum Valley in Amaravati

• Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh and AP CM N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation for Amaravati Quantum Valley under the National Quantum Mission. The project will host a 133-qubit quantum computer with partners like IBM and TCS, aiming to boost R&D, innovation, and skill development in quantum technologies.

‘iLive Connect’ AI-Powered Home Healthcare Ecosystem Launched

• India launched ‘iLive Connect’, a doctor-led AI-powered home healthcare system for continuous remote monitoring. Using certified wearable devices, it tracks vital health parameters and connects patients to a central medical command centre for 24/7 supervision.

Japan’s Ruling Party Wins Snap Elections

• Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party led by PM Sanae Takaichi secured a landmark victory in snap elections. The LDP won 316 seats in the 465-member lower house, achieving a strong majority along with its coalition partners.

Anutin Charnvirakul Wins Thailand’s General Election

• Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party led by Anutin Charnvirakul won the 2026 general election. The party secured 194 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives, emerging as the largest party to form the government.

India Wins SAFF U-19 Women’s Football Championship

• India defeated Bangladesh 4–0 to win the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2026 in Nepal. The victory marked India’s third title in the tournament’s history.

International Day of the Arabian Leopard – February 10

• The International Day of the Arabian Leopard is observed annually on 10 February to promote conservation of the endangered subspecies. The day was officially recognised by the UN General Assembly in 2023.

India Showcases Defence Prowess at World Defence Show in Riyadh

• India showcased its indigenous defence capabilities at the World Defence Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

India conferred with ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH 2026 in Germany

• India has been conferred the prestigious ‘Country of the Year’ honour at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic products, held in Nuremberg, Germany.

Unemployment Falls to 4.8% in Q3 FY26, Lowest in Three Quarters

• India’s unemployment rate declined to 4.8% in Q3 (October–December) FY26, marking the lowest level in three quarters, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

India Ranks 2nd Globally in Enterprise AI Usage: Zscaler Report

• India has ranked second globally in enterprise Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) transactions, according to the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2026 AI Security Report, released by Zscaler.
• India ranked 2nd globally, after the United States, in enterprise AI/ML usage.
• AI-driven transactions and deployment have grown significantly across sectors.

Revival in Private Investment: Key to Sustaining 7.4% Growth

• India’s economy is projected to grow at 7.4% in FY26 (constant prices), up from 6.5% in FY25. A key driver in the post-pandemic phase has been sustained higher capital expenditure by the government, aimed at reviving growth and crowding in private investment.

Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav inaugurates Chintan Shivir on 25 years of National Medicinal Plants Board

• Ayush Minister, Prataprao Jadhav, today inaugurated the Chintan Shivir on the completion of 25 years of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) in New Delhi.

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduces Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha

• The Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha.

AIIA Signs MoU with General Insurance Council, Enables Cashless Ayurveda Treatment

• All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) under the Ministry of Ayush today signed a Common Empanelment Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Insurance Council (GIC) in New Delhi.

Rajasthan Becomes India’s Largest Wool Producer

• Rajasthan emerged as India’s largest wool producer with 16,013.50 thousand kg, contributing about 47.5% of total output. As per BAHS 2024–25, India produced 33.69 million kg of wool in FY24, with Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka ranking second and third respectively.

ADB Approves USD 182 Million Loan for Assam

• The Asian Development Bank approved a USD 182 million loan to strengthen flood and erosion management along the Brahmaputra in Assam. The funding will expand riverbank protection and climate-resilient infrastructure measures.

RBI Approves Vijay Anandh as MD & CEO of City Union Bank

• RBI approved the appointment of R. Vijay Anandh as MD and CEO of City Union Bank for three years from May 1, 2026. He will succeed Dr. N. Kamakodi, subject to shareholder approval.

ISRO Identifies Lander Site for Chandrayaan-4

• ISRO identified Mons Mouton-4 near the Moon’s south pole as the landing site for Chandrayaan-4. The mission marks a key step toward India’s first lunar sample-return programme.

National Deworming Day – February 10

• National Deworming Day is observed on 10 February to protect children from intestinal worm infections. Launched in 2015, the programme provides Albendazole or Mebendazole tablets under the National Health Mission.

World Pulses Day – February 10

• World Pulses Day is observed annually on 10 February to highlight the role of pulses in food security and sustainable agriculture. The 2026 theme was “Pulses of the World: From Modesty to Excellence.”

FDI Inflow in Banking Sector Declines in FY25

• The Ministry of Finance informed the Rajya Sabha that FDI equity inflows into the banking sector fell to USD 115 million in FY25 from USD 898 million in FY23. SBI recorded the highest foreign shareholding among PSBs at 11.07%, and over 56.31 crore Mudra loans worth Rs 37.31 lakh crore have been sanctioned since PMMY’s launch.

PB Pay Receives RBI Authorisation as Payment Aggregator

• PB Pay Private Limited received RBI’s Certificate of Authorisation to operate as a Payment Aggregator under the PSS Act, 2007. The approval allows it to onboard merchants and process digital payments including UPI and card transactions.

Safer Internet Day – February 10

• Safer Internet Day 2026 was observed on 10 February under the theme “Smart Tech, Safe Choices.” India ranked first in the 2026 Digital Well-Being Index, marking its fourth consecutive year at the top.

World Unani Day – February 11

• World Unani Day is observed annually on 11 February to mark the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan. The 2026 theme was “Innovation and Evidence in Unani Practice,” highlighting integration of traditional medicine with modern research.

Delhi Launches Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana

• The Delhi Government announced the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana to provide financial support to girls from low-income families. The scheme, effective from April 1, 2026, will offer phased deposits maturing to over Rs 1 lakh.

No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker

• The Opposition moved a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Under Article 94(c) of the Constitution, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha.

Centre Issues New Guidelines on ‘Vande Mataram’

• The Union Government issued fresh guidelines mandating the singing of all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official functions. The directive coincides with the 150th anniversary of the song’s creation.

No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker

• The Opposition moved a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Under Article 94(c) of the Constitution, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha.

Centre Issues New Guidelines on ‘Vande Mataram’

• The Union Government issued fresh guidelines mandating the singing of all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official functions. The directive coincides with the 150th anniversary of the song’s creation.

Assam Launches ‘Atal Vichal Agragami Assam’ Scheme

• Assam launched the ‘Atal Vichal Agragami Assam’ scheme to financially support research scholars and boost innovation. Under the scheme, scholars will receive ₹25,000 per month, while Divyang scholars will get ₹40,000, promoting research, talent development, and a knowledge-driven academic ecosystem.

SBI Crosses ₹10 Lakh Crore Market Capitalisation

• State Bank of India crossed ₹10 lakh crore market capitalisation, becoming the sixth Indian company to reach the milestone. SBI joined the elite club alongside Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, TCS, and ICICI Bank.

Moody’s Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.4% for FY27

• Moody’s Ratings projected India’s real GDP growth at 6.4% for FY 2026–27, the fastest among G20 economies. The estimate is slightly lower than the Economic Survey’s projection of 6.8–7.2%.

RBI Approves R. Vijay Anandh as MD & CEO of City Union Bank

• RBI approved the appointment of R. Vijay Anandh as MD & CEO of City Union Bank for three years, effective May 1, 2026, subject to shareholder approval. He will succeed N. Kamakodi, who has served since 2011.

Shikhar Dhawan Appointed Brand Ambassador for Delhi Khel Mahakumbh

• Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan was appointed Brand Ambassador of the inaugural Delhi Khel Mahakumbh 2026, a grassroots sports festival to be held across 16 locations in all 12 districts of Delhi.

Important Days

• Darwin Day is observed on 12 February to commemorate Charles Darwin and promote scientific thinking, evolution studies, and evidence-based understanding of natural phenomena.
• International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on 11 February to promote gender equality in STEM, with the 2026 theme “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap.”
• Safer Internet Day is observed globally to promote safe and responsible digital usage, with the 2026 theme “AI Aware: Safe, Smart, In Control.”

Tissa Vitarana, Sri Lanka’s LSSP leader, dies at 91

• Tissa Vitarana, leader of Sri Lanka’s leftist Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) and a key figure in the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) formed in 2006 to develop a political solution to the island’s civil war, died in Colombo early Friday. He was 91.

MoES Signs MoU with Puducherry for Marine Cooperation

• The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) signed an MoU with the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Puducherry, on 12 February 2026 to strengthen marine research, coastal development, and Blue Economy activities in Puducherry.

MoD Signs ₹2,312 Crore Deal with HAL for Dornier Aircraft

• The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for procurement of eight Dornier 228 aircraft with operational role equipment for the Indian Coast Guard, under the Buy (Indian) category to strengthen maritime surveillance and fleet capacity.

ICAI Elects CA Prasanna Kumar D as President

• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India elected CA Prasanna Kumar D as its 74th President for the 2026–27 term, succeeding CA Charanjot Singh Nanda.

RBI Reappoints Sanjay Agarwal as MD & CEO of AU SFB

• Reserve Bank of India approved the reappointment of Sanjay Agarwal as MD & CEO of AU Small Finance Bank for a three-year term effective from April 19, 2026.

National Productivity Day 2026 – 12 February

• National Productivity Day is observed on 12 February to mark the foundation day of the National Productivity Council, promoting productivity, efficiency, innovation, and MSME competitiveness. National Productivity Week 2026 is observed from 12–18 February with the theme “Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs”.

World Radio Day 2026 – 13 February

• World Radio Day is observed annually on 13 February, proclaimed by UNESCO and adopted by the UNGA, to highlight the role of radio as a trusted communication medium. The 2026 theme is “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice”.

Rajasthan Budget 2026–27 Presented

• Rajasthan Deputy CM and Finance Minister Diya Kumari presented the ₹6.11 lakh crore budget for FY27, focusing on infrastructure, social security, digital transformation, green growth, and agricultural development, with a fiscal deficit of 3.69% of GSDP.

Kerala Approves Comprehensive Urban Policy

• Kerala became the first Indian state to approve a comprehensive Urban Policy aimed at managing urbanisation, climate resilience, infrastructure development, and inclusive governance, with a long-term vision of climate-smart and sustainable cities by 2050.

India-AI Impact Summit 2026 begins in New Delhi

• The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is underway in New Delhi. The five-day Summit is the first-ever global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South.

DDA organises annual Palaash Flower Festival 2026 in Delhi

• The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has organised an annual Palaash flower Festival 2026 across multiple locations in the national capital.

Union Minister JP Nadda attends 111th birth anniversary celebration of Thakur Ram Singh

• Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda attended the 111th birth anniversary celebration of Thakur Ram Singh at the Thakur Ram Singh Institute of Historical Research in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh.

EAM S Jaishankar meets his counterparts from G-4 countries in Germany

• External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met his counterparts from the G-4 countries comprising India, Germany, Japan and Brazil in Germany.

Kenya’s Kemboi & Renu Singh Win Aizawl International Half Marathon 2026

• Kenya’s Kemboi Kevin Kiprono won the men’s 21-km race, while Renu Singh topped the women’s event at the second Aizawl International Half Marathon 2026, which concluded today with nearly 3,000 runners.

RBI Digital Payments Index Rises to 516.76

• RBI’s Digital Payments Index (DPI) increased to 516.76 in September 2025 from 465.33 in September 2024, indicating rapid growth in digital payment adoption. The index, with March 2018 as the base year (100), is published semi-annually and measures payment enablers, infrastructure, performance, and consumer centricity.

India’s Retail Inflation at 2.75% Under Revised CPI Series

• India’s retail inflation stood at 2.75% in January under the revised CPI series with base year updated to 2024 from 2012. Rural inflation was 2.73% and urban inflation 2.77%, while food inflation was 2.13%, with the rise mainly driven by higher prices in services, clothing, education, and personal care.

CCEA Approves ₹18,509 Crore Railway Multitracking Projects

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved three multitracking railway projects covering about 389 km across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, targeted for completion by FY31. Key routes include Delhi–Ambala, Kasara–Manmad, and Ballari–Hosapete to enhance capacity and logistics efficiency.

₹2,000 Crore BIRAC–RDI Fund Launched for Biotech and Deep-Tech

• Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the ₹2,000 crore BIRAC–RDI Fund to support high-risk research in biotechnology, AI, and deep-tech sectors. The fund, part of the national RDI initiative approved in 2025 with ₹1 lakh crore outlay, is open to startups, SMEs, and industry partners with proposals assessed on TRL scale.

C-DOT and RRU Sign MoU on Telecom and Cybersecurity

• Centre for Development of Telematics signed an MoU with Rashtriya Raksha University to collaborate on telecom and cybersecurity technologies. The partnership will establish an Innovation-cum-Experience Centre focusing on AI/ML, IoT, 5G, quantum technologies, and mission-critical services.

India Adds Record 52,537 MW Power Capacity in FY26

• The Ministry of Power reported a record addition of 52,537 MW power capacity in the first 10 months of FY26, taking total installed capacity to about 521 GW. Renewable energy contributed over 75% of additions, with India achieving 50% installed capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of its NDC targets.

Mia Mottley Re-elected as PM of Barbados

• Mia Mottley was re-elected as Prime Minister of Barbados for a third consecutive term after her party won all 30 seats in the 2026 general elections. The Barbados Labour Party secured around 69.83% vote share, marking a decisive electoral mandate.

National Women’s Day – 13 February

• National Women’s Day is observed on 13 February to mark the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, the ‘Nightingale of India’. The day recognises her role in the freedom movement, women’s rights advocacy, and as the first woman Governor of independent India.

Cash in Circulation at Record High Despite Rise in UPI: SBI Report

• According to a State Bank of India (SBI) report, Currency in Circulation (CIC) reached an all-time high of about ₹40 trillion for the fortnight ending January 31, 2026. However, the cash-to-GDP ratio is declining, indicating structural changes in payment behaviour.

India Gets First Private Sector Helicopter Final Assembly Line in Kolar

• India inaugurated its first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the Airbus H125 helicopter at Vemagal, Kolar district, Karnataka.

CCEA Approves ₹11,000 Crore Highway Projects and Brahmaputra Tunnel

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Narendra Modi, approved highway projects worth over ₹11,000 crore across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana.Key projects include:
• The CCEA also approved India’s first underwater twin-tube road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in Assam at an estimated cost of ₹18,662 crore, aimed at improving connectivity in the Northeast.
• Upgradation of NH-160A (Ghoti–Trimbak–Jawhar–Manor–Palghar) in Maharashtra
• 4-laning of NH-56 stretches in Gujarat under Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)

International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 Held in Bengaluru

• The International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS 2026) was held at IISc Bengaluru under DRIP Phase II and III. It was inaugurated by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Water Commission, Government of Karnataka, IISc, and the World Bank.Key initiatives launched included DAMCHAT (AI-based knowledge platform) and the Jal Shakti Data Management Platform, aligned with the Dam Safety Act, 2021.

NITI Aayog Releases Trade Watch Quarterly (TWQ) – Electronics Trade

• E-commerce exports may contribute 20–30% of merchandise exports by 2030
• Electronics exports reached USD 42.1 billion (5× growth since 2016)
• India among top 6 global e-commerce markets
• Services exports at USD 102 billion with strong trade surplus

Smriti Mandhana Named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025

• Star cricketer Smriti Mandhana was honoured with the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025 for her key role in India’s ICC Women’s World Cup triumph and leadership in the Women’s Premier League.

RBI Approves Bain Capital’s Stake Acquisition in Manappuram Finance

• The RBI approved Bain Capital’s acquisition of up to 41.66% stake in Manappuram Finance, an NBFC focused on gold loans. The investment deal involves ₹4,385 crore for an initial 18% stake, with promoter holding expected at 28.9% post-transaction.

India Tops Medal Tally at Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026

• India topped the medal tally with 94 medals (51 gold, 23 silver, 20 bronze) at the 17th Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 held at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi, featuring over 300 athletes from 20 countries.

Magnus Carlsen Wins FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026

• Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen won the inaugural FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026 in Germany by defeating Fabiano Caruana 2.5–1.5, marking his 21st world title across formats.

Veteran Actor Robert Duvall Passes Away

• Legendary American actor Robert Duvall, known for iconic roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, passed away at the age of 95. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1983 for Tender Mercies and was a 7-time Oscar nominee.

Global Tourism Resilience Day – 17 February

• Global Tourism Resilience Day is observed annually on 17 February, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2023, to promote a resilient and sustainable global tourism sector.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates WAVES Creators’ Corner at India AI Impact Summit

• Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the WAVES Creators’ Corner at Bharat Mandapam on the second day of the India AI Impact Summit yesterday.

India AI and Intel India create World Record for most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours

• India AI and Intel India have created a new World Record under the category for most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours.

GoI Unveils India’s First Comprehensive AI Governance Framework

• In February 2026, the Government of India introduced the country’s first comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Framework under the IndiaAI Mission to promote safe, trusted, and innovation-driven AI across sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, and public administration without a standalone law.

Supreme Court Declares Menstrual Health a Fundamental Right

• In January 2026, the Supreme Court of India, in the case of Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Government of India & Ors., recognised Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) as a Fundamental Right under Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity), mandating free sanitary napkins in schools, proper MHM infrastructure, and compliance monitoring by authorities.

President Inaugurates Centenary Celebrations of Ol Chiki Script

• On 16 February 2026, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script in New Delhi, marking 100 years of the script devised in 1925 by Raghunath Murmu for the Santhali language.

Indian Army Hosts First UN SALW Fellowship Programme in Jabalpur

• The Indian Army hosted the first-ever UN Fellowship Training Programme on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Control in Asia at the Military College of Materials Management, Jabalpur, from 16 February to 6 March 2026, with participation from 13 Asia-Pacific countries under UN disarmament frameworks.

NHAI to Develop India’s First ‘Bee Corridors’ Along National Highways

• In February 2026, the National Highways Authority of India launched an ecological initiative to create bee corridors along National Highways using pollinator-friendly vegetation to support biodiversity, honeybee conservation, and agricultural productivity.

Air India and Lufthansa Group Sign MoU

• In February 2026, Air India and the Lufthansa Group signed an MoU to deepen India–Europe air connectivity through joint route planning, schedule coordination, loyalty integration, and enhanced commercial cooperation under the Star Alliance framework.

PM Modi to Formally Inaugurate India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Google Announces $15 Billion ‘America-India Connect’ Subsea Cable Initiative at India AI Summit

• At India AI Impact Summit, Google has announced that it will connect India with the US through new subsea cables as part of a 15 billion dollar investment spread over five years.

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launches AI Impact Startup Book

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched the AI Impact Startup Book at the India Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

MeitY launches VoicERA at India AI Impact Summit

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched VoicERA, an open-source, end-to-end Voice AI stack, at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

FCI Signs MoU with WFP for Global Hunger Relief

• In February 2026, the Food Corporation of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution signed an MoU with the World Food Programme to supply rice for global humanitarian operations. FCI will provide 2 lakh MT rice (up to 25% broken), with the agreement valid for 5 years from 17 February 2026 and current price fixed at ₹2,800 per quintal till March 31, 2026.

IICA Forms High-Level Ease of Doing Business Panel

• On 18 February 2026, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs set up a high-level Advisory Group on Ease of Doing Business chaired by Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh to modernise compliance under the Companies Act, 2013. The School of Business Environment will act as Secretariat and IICA also signed an MoU with MCA for a study on “Re-envisioning Ease of Doing Business for Viksit Bharat 2047”.

Tamil Nadu Interim Budget FY27

• Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented a ₹2.55 lakh crore interim budget for FY27 with major allocations to education, urban development, rural development and health. The budget estimates a revenue deficit of ₹48,696 crore and a 7.3% rise in expenditure over RE 2025-26.

Madhya Pradesh Budget FY27

• MP Finance Minister Jagdish Devda presented a ₹4.38 lakh crore budget based on the GYANII framework focusing on welfare, youth, farmers, women and infrastructure. Over ₹1.15 lakh crore was allocated for agriculture and 2026 was declared as Kisan Kalyan Year.

Amit Shah Launches Vibrant Villages Programme–II in Assam

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) at Nathanpur village in Cachar district, Assam, to boost border development and security. The scheme has an outlay of ₹6,839 crore till FY29 and will cover 1,954 border villages across 15 states and 2 UTs, focusing on basic services, livelihoods, and strategic border infrastructure aligned with Viksit Bharat@2047.

Mizoram Inaugurates Lengtekai ‘Faith Bridge’ over Tlawng River

• Mizoram CM Lalduhoma inaugurated the 100-metre Lengtekai Bridge over the Tlawng River in Aizawl, built at a cost of ₹43.83 crore with funding from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The bridge enhances connectivity between Aizawl, Lengpui Airport, and Mamit district, replacing old Bailey structures and improving transport safety.

UP Govt & IOCL Sign MoU for International Cricket Stadium in Gorakhpur

• The Government of Uttar Pradesh signed an MoU with Indian Oil Corporation Limited to build a ₹339 crore international cricket stadium in Gorakhpur with a seating capacity of 30,000. The project will be funded through CSR contributions from IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL and is expected to be completed by December 2027.

India–Israel Sign MoU on Defence Industrial Cooperation

• India and Israel signed an MoU in Tel Aviv to deepen defence industrial collaboration through joint seminars, technology sharing, co-development, and industrial partnerships. The agreement was facilitated by SIBAT and SIDM, focusing on strengthening interoperability and defence manufacturing under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026.

Pankaj Advani Wins Liber Win Champions Cup 2026

• Pankaj Advani won the inaugural Liber Win Champions Cup 2026 by defeating Kamal Chawla 6–3 in the final at Bengaluru and was also named Liber Win’s Indian Brand Ambassador.

IPC Lifts Ban on Russia & Belarus for Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympics

• The International Paralympic Committee lifted the ban on Russia and Belarus, allowing athletes to compete under national flags at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics (6–15 March 2026) in Italy, with allocated quota slots in para-alpine, cross-country skiing, and para-snowboard events.

India Sets Guinness World Record for AI Responsibility Campaign

• India secured a Guinness World Record for the “Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours,” with 250,946 valid pledges during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

IDFC FIRST Bank Launches Hello Cashback Credit Card

• IDFC FIRST Bank introduced the Hello Cashback Credit Card offering up to 5% cashback on online spends. The card targets young digital users and supports credit history building.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal Launches 7 Additional Interventions under EPM

• In February 2026, Piyush Goyal launched seven new interventions under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) to strengthen MSME exports.With this, 10 of the 11 proposed EPM interventions are now operational.The initiatives are grouped under two pillars – Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha.They aim to enhance credit access, logistics, compliance, and global competitiveness of MSMEs.

MoMA Organizes ‘Chintan Shivir’ at Nalanda University, Bihar

• The Ministry of Minority Affairs held a ‘Chintan Shivir’ on 18–19 February 2026 at Nalanda University.The event was led by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.Digital initiatives like the NIGRANI App and AI-powered chatbots were launched.A Haj Wrist Band was also introduced to modernize Haj management.

ICICI Launches Swasthya Pension Scheme under NPS

• ICICI Prudential launched “ICICI PF NPS Swasthya Equity Plus” under the National Pension System.The scheme blends retirement planning with healthcare benefits.It is introduced as a Proof of Concept under the PFRDA sandbox framework.Subscribers can withdraw up to 25% of contributions for medical expenses.

NPCI Extends ‘UPI One World’ Wallet at India AI Impact Summit 2026

• National Payments Corporation of India extended ‘UPI One World’ for foreign delegates at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.The service enables UPI payments without an Indian mobile number or bank account.NPCI also launched FiMI, an AI-based dispute resolution model.It partnered with Razorpay and Nvidia to strengthen AI capabilities.

MoCI Revises Base Year of India’s Merchandise Trade Indices

• The Ministry of Commerce and Industry revised the base year of merchandise trade indices to 2022-23.The update replaces the earlier 2012-13 base year.The revision was recommended by a committee led by Prof. Nachiketa Chattopadhyay.It enhances relevance for GDP estimation and trade analysis.

Rajan Bajaj Appointed as MD & CEO of Slice SFB

• Rajan Bajaj was appointed MD & CEO of Slice Small Finance Bank.He assumed office on 17 February 2026.He succeeds Satish Kumar Kalra.His appointment marks Slice’s transition into a fully licensed SFB.

Renowned Novelist Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay Passed Away

• Renowned Bengali writer Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay passed away on 20 February 2026.Popularly known as Shankar, he was 93 years old.He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021 for ‘Eka Eka Ekashi’.His notable works include Chowringhee and Kato Ajanare.

International Mother Language Day 2026 – February 21

• International Mother Language Day is observed annually on 21 February.The 2026 theme is “Youth voices on multilingual education”.It was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999.The day promotes linguistic diversity and cultural heritage worldwide.

World Pangolin Day 2026 – February 21

• World Pangolin Day is observed on the third Saturday of February.In 2026, it falls on 21 February marking the 15th observance.The day raises awareness about pangolin conservation.Reports highlight rising illegal trade and enforcement efforts.

Waaree Energies to Establish India’s Largest Battery Gigafactory in AP

• Waaree Energies will set up a lithium-ion battery gigafactory in Andhra Pradesh.The project involves an investment of Rs. 8,175 crore.It will have a planned capacity of 16 GWh.The facility received in-principle approval from the AP government.

Bihar Cabinet Approves Greenfield International Airport in Sonpur

• The Bihar Cabinet approved a Greenfield International Airport in Sonpur.The project is chaired by CM Nitish Kumar.Rs 1,302 crore has been sanctioned for land acquisition.Once completed, it will boost regional connectivity in Bihar.

India AI Impact Summit: Bangladesh becomes 89th Signatory to endorse New Delhi Declaration

• The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, which was adopted in the India AI Impact Summit 2026, has been endorsed by 89 countries and international organisations.

India’s Forex Reserves Hit Record 725.727 Billion Dollars

• India’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves surged by 8.663 billion dollars to an all-time high of 725.727 billion dollars during the week ended February 13.

‘Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai’ Campaign Launched

• Union MoS (IC) Jayant Chaudhary launched a nationwide campaign on 22 February 2026 to boost digital skilling through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), unveiled at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

NDMA, AcSIR & CSIR-NIScPR Sign MoU on DMRR

• National Disaster Management Authority, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research and CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research signed an MoU on 21 February 2026 to enhance research, capacity building, and policy support in Disaster Management Research & Response.

ICRA Projects India’s GDP Growth at 7.2% in Q3 FY26

• ICRA Limited forecast India’s GDP growth to moderate to 7.2% in Q3 FY26 due to slower services growth, weak exports, and reduced government capital expenditure.

Vasai Cathedral Wins UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award 2025

• The 475-year-old Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Vasai, Maharashtra, received the Award of Merit at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2025.

Manipuri Film ‘Boong’ Wins BAFTA Award

• The Manipuri-language film ‘Boong’ became the first Indian film to win the Best Children’s & Family Film award at the 79th British Academy of Film and Television Arts ceremony in London.

Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Conclude in Italy

• The XXV Winter Olympic Games, officially Milano Cortina 2026, were held in Italy from 6–22 February 2026, with Norway topping the medal tally.

Former Union Minister Mukul Roy Passes Away

• Former Union Railway Minister and TMC leader Mukul Roy passed away on 23 February 2026 in Kolkata at the age of 71.

World Thinking Day 2026 Observed on 22 February

• World Thinking Day was celebrated globally on 22 February 2026 with the theme “Our Friendship” to promote international sisterhood among Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

WB Govt Launches ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ Scheme

• West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced the ‘Banglar Yuva Sathi’ scheme providing a monthly ₹1,500 stipend to unemployed youth from April 1, 2026.

Rob Jetten Sworn in as Youngest PM of Netherlands

• Rob Jetten was sworn in as the youngest Prime Minister of the Netherlands at age 38, succeeding Dick Schoof and leading a minority coalition government after the 2025 elections.

Abhinav Bindra Concludes IOC Athletes’ Commission Tenure

• Abhinav Bindra completed his eight-year tenure (2018–2026) as Vice-Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission and was succeeded by Humphrey Kayange during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

Central Excise Day 2026 – 24 February

• Central Excise Day is observed annually on 24 February to commemorate the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944, and recognise the role of the CBIC in tax administration and nation-building.

Delhi Implements ‘Rah-Veer’ Road Accident Assistance Scheme

• Delhi CM Rekha Gupta implemented the ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme to reward citizens with ₹25,000 for helping road accident victims within the golden hour, supporting Good Samaritan protections.

UK Enforces Digital Travel System; eVisas Mandatory for Indians

• The United Kingdom has implemented a fully digital immigration and border system from February 25, making eVisas mandatory for Indian travellers and introducing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-exempt visitors.

RBI reports 10.1% sales growth for private non-financial companies

• The Reserve Bank today said that listed private non-financial companies recorded a double-digit sales growth of 10.1% (year-on-year) during the third quarter of 2025-26.

Indian Navy concludes MILAN 2026 Maritime Exercise on INS Vikrant

• The Indian Navy’s major multilateral maritime exercise MILAN 2026 concluded today with a closing ceremony held onboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

Rs 1,500 Crore Projects Launched at VOC Port, Tamil Nadu

• Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated major projects at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in February 2026.The projects focus on infrastructure modernization, renewable energy, and digital security.A Maritime Heritage Museum dedicated to V.O. Chidambaranar was also inaugurated.The initiatives align with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

ADB Partners with Aavas Financiers for Housing and MSME Lending

• Asian Development Bank signed a USD 108 million financing deal with Aavas Financiers.The funding will support affordable housing and MSME lending in underserved states.It also promotes green and climate-resilient housing solutions.Technical assistance will enhance awareness of sustainable housing practices.

Government Mandates Sale of Petrol with Up to 20% Ethanol Blending

• The fuel must meet Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms and have a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95. The government has mandated the sale of petrol blended with up to 20% ethanol (E20) from April 1.

Mangaluru Airport Wins 2025 Global ASQ Best Arrivals Award

• Mangaluru International Airport won the 2025 Airports Service Quality (ASQ) Award for ‘Best Airport at Arrivals’ for the second consecutive year.The awards are organised by Airports Council International.Four Indian airports featured among global winners in the arrivals category.The recognition highlights excellence in passenger experience and service quality.

Veteran Steel Executive Jatinder Mehra Passes Away

• Jatinder Mehra, Vice Chairman of Essar Group (Metals & Mining), passed away at 86.He played a pivotal role in modernising India’s steel industry.He previously served as CMD of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited and ED at SAIL.In 2022, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Steel Association.

National Protein Day 2026 – 27 February

• National Protein Day is observed annually on 27 February across India.The day promotes awareness about the importance of adequate protein intake.It was first observed in 2020 under the “Right to Protein” campaign.The initiative is supported by the US Soybean Export Council to encourage better nutrition.

Trees Outside Forests (TOF) / Agroforestry in India

• Accounts for 36.4% of India’s total forest and tree cover
• These species account for ~40% of trees in rural India
• TOF refers to trees growing outside notified forest areas , including:
• TOF cover: ~29.38 million hectares

Budget 2026-27: Plantations & Fisheries Central to Farm Income Strategy

• High-value agriculture mission: ₹350 crore.
• The Union Budget 2026–27 has shifted focus from core food crops to allied sectors of agriculture, particularly plantations, livestock, and fisheries, as a strategy to raise farmers’ incomes through high-value agriculture.
• Allocation for agriculture and allied activities projected to grow by 7.1% in BE FY27 over RE FY26.
• This comes despite a 4.4% decline in overall sector spending in RE FY26 compared to BE FY26.

Context:

• Distillers’ Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)
• Support downstream sectors (poultry, dairy, food processing)
• Food processors and beverage industry
• Urban consumers (greater variety, price competition)

GM Crops

• Created uncertainty for researchers
• Let consumers and farmers decide, backed by evidence
• The trade framework offers diplomatic cover to restart GM evaluation

Central Sector Scheme of Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

• Launched on: 29 February 2020
• Nature: Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by Centre)
• The Government of India has completed the formation of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) under this central sector scheme. Notably, 21.96 lakh women farmers are members, underlining the scheme’s strong gender inclusion focus (PIB).
• The Central Sector Scheme of Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs aims to collectivise small and marginal farmers into formal producer organisations so they can:

Nationwide Pulse Self-Reliance Mission

• Government subsidy up to ₹25 lakh per mill.
• On February 7, 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Nationwide Pulse Self-Reliance Mission at the Food Legumes Research Centre (FLRP), Amlaha in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh.
• The mission has been launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare with the objective to:
• Focused cultivation in identified clusters to increase productivity and efficiency.

Centre Set to Increase MSP for Minor Forest Produce

• The MSP for Minor Forest Produce scheme was launched in 2013–14 by the UPA government.
• 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.
• The scheme aims to protect tribal gatherers from distress sales and exploitation by middlemen.
• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has collected updated market price data from various states.

BIOFACH 2026

• Facilitate B2B networking among producers, exporters, retailers, and policymakers.
• India has been designated as the ‘Country of the Year’ at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic food and agriculture, held annually in Nuremberg, Germany.
• Showcases five GI-tagged rice varieties, highlighting India’s agricultural heritage and biodiversity.
• Participation from over 20 States and Union Territories.

RBI Proposes Inclusion of Agri-Tech Expenses in Farm Loans

• Collateral and margin requirements waived for agricultural and allied activity loans up to ₹2 lakh per borrower.
• Aims to improve credit access, especially for small and marginal farmers.
• KCC loan tenure extended to 6 years to better match crop cycles, especially for long-duration crops.
• Flexible credit limit of ₹10,000 to ₹50,000, depending on landholding and crops.

Pulses Imports and India–U.S. Trade Concerns

• Production target: 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31
• Government procurement under the Price Support Scheme (2019–24):
• Domestic production: ~2.5 crore tonnes annually
• Estimated demand: ~3 crore tonnes

40 Years of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

• Established under: APEDA Act, 1985 (Act 2 of 1986)
• The Union Minister congratulated the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on completing 40 years of establishment, highlighting its role in promoting India’s agricultural exports.
• Full Form: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
• Operational from: 13 February 1986

AI in Indian Agriculture & Dairy

• Faster pest alerts (within 24 hours).
• Veterinary access delays (2–4 hours).
• University research advisories
• Reduced dependence on input dealers’ commercial advice.

How the Fertiliser Industry Has Become Synonymous with Controls

• Other fertilisers receive subsidy under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) regime.
• Government reimburses manufacturers for cost differences.
• Allocation of fertilisers across states and districts is regulated.

Circular Economy in Agriculture: Waste to Wealth

• ₹66,000+ crore sanctioned across projects like:
• ₹15,000 crore fund.
• Organic fertilisers
• SDG 2: Food security and sustainable farming

Bharat VISTAAR: Farmers’ Digital Companion

• On 17 February 2026, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Bharat VISTAAR in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• ✔ Toll-free helpline 155261✔ AI voice assistant Bharati (works on basic phones)✔ Web portal of Ministry of Agriculture✔ Chatbot services (English and Hindi)
• PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
• PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)

Shalimar Wheat Varieties Developed for Kashmir

• Shalimar Wheat-3 (SW-3): Matures by the first week of June.
• Biofortification: SW-3 contains higher iron and zinc (over 40 ppm) and around 12% protein.
• Shalimar Wheat-4 (SW-4): Matures by the last week of May.
• Climate adaptation: Suitable for mid-altitude regions up to about 1,850 metres.

Salem Sago (Javvarisi) Exported to Canada

• Over 80% of India’s sago production comes from Salem and nearby districts such as Erode, Namakkal and Dharmapuri.
• Received GI tag in March 2023.
• The region offers ideal conditions including high tapioca yield, favourable climate and established processing infrastructure.
• Registered by The Salem Starch and Sago Manufacturers’ Service Industrial Co-operative Society Ltd (SAGOSERVE), under the Government of Tamil Nadu.

India a Major Contributor to Global Pesticide Toxicity

• At the 2022 UN biodiversity negotiations, countries committed to reducing pesticide risk by 50% by 2030.
• India, along with China, Brazil and the United States, accounts for nearly 70% of global Total Applied Toxicity (TAT) from pesticides.
• The study shows that global pesticide toxicity increased between 2013 and 2019, indicating that current policies are insufficient to curb ecological risk.
• terrestrial arthropods (insects and pollinators)

India’s Listed Food Companies Improve Protein Supply Chain Practices: APB100 Report

• Average score of Indian companies rose from ~7% (2023) to 16% (2025) — more than doubling.
• Based on 13 listed Indian food companies (manufacturers and restaurant chains).
• An investor-backed benchmark assessing how 100 major Asian protein-buying companies manage:
• Covers companies across Asia including India, China, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and others.

Sebi Working Groups on Agricultural Commodities Submit Reports

• Used mainly by farmers, traders, processors, and agri-businesses for hedging price risk.
• Used by industrial users, refiners, exporters, and financial participants.

AgroTech 2026

• A three-day AgroTech 2026 event has been inaugurated in Lucknow to promote innovation, investment, and growth in the agricultural sector.
• Diversification into high-value crops.
• Promotion of global partnerships and investments in agriculture.

AgriStack

• Aims to create digital IDs for about 110 million farmers.
• Approved by the Union government in September 2024.
• Target completion: March 2027.
• So far, 86.2 million farmer IDs created.

Mount Aconcagua

• Elevation: ~22,831 feet (6,959 metres)

USGBC LEED List 2025

• 26,645,737 Gross Square Meters (GSM)
• 2nd Position (up from 3rd in 2024)
• 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).
• 1st Position

Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025

• In February 2026, Transparency International (TI) released the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, ranking countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption.
• Rank: 91st out of 182 countries
• Score: 39 out of 100
• Improvement of 5 places from last year (96th rank).

UNEP FI Impact Centre

• A partnership between United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and global financial institutions.
• Includes banks, insurers, and investors worldwide.

G7 Summit 2026

• 1975: Established at Rambouillet Summit (France).
• French President Emmanuel Macron has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 52nd G7 Summit 2026, to be held in Évian, France.
• Formed to address global economic instability after the 1973 oil crisis.
• 1976: Canada joined → G6 became G7.

India to Join US-Led Pax Silica Initiative

• India is seeking to build domestic chip manufacturing capacity. Participation may enable access to technology partnerships, investment and supply chain integration.
• Membership positions India within a coalition of countries coordinating technology standards, production and trade in critical sectors.
• Deepening India–US strategic partnership
• Diversifying production locations reduces vulnerability to disruptions in critical inputs such as chips, rare earths and battery materials.