NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. MCA Approves Merger of 17 POWERGRID Subsidiaries Under
Corporate Restructuring Plan: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has approved
the merger of 17 wholly-owned subsidiaries of Power Grid Corporation of
India Limited (POWERGRID) as part of a corporate restructuring
exercise.The restructuring will be carried out through two composite schemes of
arrangement—Scheme Group-A and Scheme Group-B.Under Group-A, 12
subsidiaries will merge into POWERGRID Khavda II-C Transmission Limited,
while Group-B involves the merger of 5 subsidiaries into POWERGRID
Vataman Transmission Limited.
2. Centre, Nagaland Govt and ENPO Sign Agreement to Form
Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA): The Central Government, Nagaland Government
and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) signed an
agreement to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)
for 6 eastern districts of Nagaland, in the presence of Union Home Minister
Amit Shah and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.The FNTA will have powers over 46
subjects, a mini-Secretariat headed by a senior officer, and proportionate
sharing of development outlay based on population and area, while not affecting
Article 371(A) of the Constitution.The agreement aims at inclusive governance,
financial autonomy and accelerated development of Eastern Nagaland, marking
another step toward a dispute-free North-East, with the Modi government having
signed 12 major peace agreements since 2019.
3. Goa Becomes Second State To Publish Bird Atlas: Goa has become the second state in India,
after Kerala, to publish a comprehensive State-level Bird Atlas,
strengthening avian research, biodiversity documentation and conservation
planning.The Bird Atlas of Goa was released during the 9th Bird Festival
of Goa held at Valpoi, themed“Majestic Mhadei”, highlighting the biodiversity
of the Mhadei river basin.Along with the atlas, a Konkani-language publication
on bird nomenclature was launched to promote community participation, citizen
science and wider public awareness in wildlife conservation.
4. Agriculture Ministry Signs MoU with Department of
Posts for Fully Traceable Agri Input Sample Logistics: The Union Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare signed an MoU with the Department of Posts to
implement a standardised, faceless and fully traceable logistics system for
transporting samples of seeds, fertilisers and pesticides.The initiative
ensures tamper-proof, time-bound transportation of samples from collection
centres to designated laboratories with end-to-end digital tracking.The system
digitises the entire quality control chain—target fixation, sample collection,
laboratory testing, report generation and prosecution, thereby strengthening
regulatory enforcement under relevant agricultural laws.
5. PFC board clears merger with REC to boost scale,
efficiency of NBFCs: Power
Finance Corporation (PFC) announced that its board has approved the
merger with its subsidiary REC Ltd, as part of the government’s plan to
enhance efficiency in public-sector NBFCs.In March 2019, PFC acquired 52.63% of
the government’s stake in REC Ltd for ₹14,500 crore, and both entities have
been operating as holding and subsidiary companies since then. Finance Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget speech 2026, highlighted plans to restructure
PFC and REC to achieve scale, improve efficiency, and adopt technology in line
with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
6. 10 February – National Deworming Day: National Deworming Day is observed every
year on 10 February across India to improve children’s health by
controlling parasitic worm infections.The program primarily targets children
aged 1–19 years in schools, anganwadis, and communities, ensuring widespread
coverage. The initiative aims to eliminate intestinal worms, reduce
malnutrition, improve absorption of nutrients, and enhance overall growth and development
in children.
7. Vulture
Conservation Sees Revival Milestone in Maharashtra: Maharashtra’s long-running vulture conservation
programme has reached a significant ecological milestone with the return of
migratory griffon vultures to forest landscapes where the species had been
locally extinct for nearly a decade. The sighting of a Himalayan Griffon
Vulture in Melghat signals improving habitat conditions and the early success
of recent captive-release efforts. The Himalayan Griffon Vulture, typically
found in high-altitude regions and known to migrate seasonally across parts of
India, was recently spotted in Melghat Tiger Reserve. Soon after, an Eurasian Griffon
Vulture was also recorded in
the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. These sightings are significant as vultures
had disappeared from both Melghat and Tadoba landscapes nearly ten years ago,
marking a major ecological recovery. By 2004, vulture populations in Maharashtra had declined sharply, primarily
due to the widespread veterinary use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such
as diclofenac, aceclofenac, ketoprofen and nimesulide. These drugs proved fatal
to vultures feeding on treated livestock carcasses.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026 Begins
in Haryana with Theme “Vocal to Global”: The 39th Surajkund International Crafts
Mela was held in Faridabad, Haryana, attracting widespread public
participation and enthusiasm.This year’s theme, “Vocal to Global”, aims to
promote Indian crafts and culture on the international stage.Uttar Pradesh and
Meghalaya are the theme states, showcasing their unique cultural heritage,
while Egypt participates as the partner nation, adding an international
dimension.The Mela emphasizes self-reliance (Atma Nirbharta) by empowering
artists and craftsmen, as highlighted by Parth Gupta, MD of Haryana Tourism
Corporation.
2. New York City Joins WHO-Coordinated Global Outbreak
Alert and Response Network (GOARN): New York City (USA) has joined the Global
Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), which is coordinated by
the World Health Organisation (WHO).Established in 2000, GOARN is a
WHO-coordinated network comprising 360+ institutions worldwide, including public
health agencies, laboratories, universities and technical organisations.GOARN
aims to detect, monitor and rapidly respond to disease outbreaks and public
health emergencies at the global level.
3. 10 February – World Pulses Day: World Pulses Day is observed annually on
10 February to raise awareness about the importance of pulses in food
security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. Theme 2026 – Pulses of
the World: From Modesty to ExcellenceThe day highlights the role of pulses in
healthy diets, reducing malnutrition, and promoting protein-rich plant-based
foods.Designated by the United Nations, the day emphasizes sustainable
agricultural practices and the contribution of pulses to environmental
conservation.
4. 10 February – International Epilepsy Day: International Epilepsy Day is
observed every year on 10 February to raise awareness about epilepsy
and reduce stigma associated with the condition. Theme 2026
– #EpilepsyPledge: Turning Stories into Action The day aims to educate the
public, promote early diagnosis and treatment, and support people living with
epilepsy globally.
5. French
President Emmanuel Macron to Visit India From February 17–19: French President Emmanuel
Macron will undertake an official visit to India from February 17 to 19, during
which he will hold wide-ranging bilateral discussions with Prime Minister
Narendra Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the visit,
underscoring its importance in advancing the long-term strategic partnership
between the two countries. The visit comes a year after Prime Minister Modi
travelled to France in February 2025, reflecting sustained momentum in
India–France relations. President Macron has earlier highlighted the shared
diplomatic achievements of the two countries, including their joint leadership
at the Artificial Intelligence Summit held in Paris. His India visit is
expected to follow up on those engagements and expand cooperation in emerging
and strategic sectors. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral
talks will focus on areas outlined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. This roadmap is
a 25-year strategic framework designed to guide India–France relations until
the centenary of India’s independence in 2047. It covers defence and security,
clean energy, digital technologies, space, education, and people-to-people
ties, with an emphasis on long-term strategic alignment.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. VOC Port Becomes First In India To Deploy Anti-Drone
System: O. Chidambaranar Port
Authority has become the first port in India to begin implementing an
advanced Anti-Drone System to strengthen maritime and coastal security. The
system integrates RF and radar-based technologies, offering 360° coverage
up to 5 km, with real-time detection, tracking and neutralisation of unauthorised
drones in complex port environments. The project is being implemented in
collaboration with Central Electronics Limited (CEL) and is expected to be
completed within three months, enhancing protection of critical port
infrastructure.
2. Delhi Police Launches ‘Operation Shastra’ to Curb
Online Threats and Fear-Mongering: Delhi Police has launched “Operation
Shastra” to curb the misuse of social media platforms for spreading
fear, intimidation and criminal posturing.The operation targets individuals
posting photos/videos with weapons and using abusive, threatening or
fear-mongering language online to maintain public order and digital safety.
3. India,
France Near SCALP Missile Deal After Operational Success: India and France are in advanced
discussions to finalise a major defence deal for the procurement of SCALP
cruise missiles, following their successful combat deployment by the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor. Defence officials indicated that the
proposed acquisition, valued at around €300 million, reflects growing
confidence in the missile’s operational effectiveness and the deepening strategic
partnership between the two countries. The SCALP cruise missiles were deployed
by Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force during precision strikes against
terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan last year. Alongside BrahMos
supersonic cruise missiles, SCALP was used to target and destroy key
headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohamed and Lashkar-e-Toiba in Muridke and Bahawalpur
districts. According to officials, the strikes achieved complete destruction of
designated targets with high accuracy, validating the missile’s deep-strike and
low-observability capabilities. After the initial strikes conducted on the
night of May 6–7, the Indian Air Force again employed cruise missiles
extensively against Pakistan Air Force bases. In these follow-on operations, 12
major PAF air bases were hit, resulting in the destruction of several
high-value assets, including fighter aircraft and airborne surveillance
platforms stationed on the ground. These operations marked one of the most
extensive uses of air-launched cruise missiles by the IAF in a live conflict
scenario.
SPORTS
1. Jharkhand Women Win Gold at Para Throwball National
Federation Cup 2026: Jharkhand’s women’s team
won the gold medal in the Para Throwball National Federation Cup
2026, defeating Rajasthan 21–17 in the final held at Jhunjhunu.The competition
was held from February 3 to 5, featuring high-quality matches and tactical play,
with Jharkhand women delivering a composed and well-structured championship
campaign.In the men’s category, Andhra Pradesh won the title, Telangana
finished as runners-up and Haryana secured the bronze medal, while Jharkhand
placed fourth.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India
Emerges as Global Leader in Enterprise AI Adoption: India has consolidated
its position as a major force in enterprise artificial
intelligence, ranking second globally in
AI and machine learning usage, according to a new report by cloud security firm
Zscaler. The findings underline India’s rapid digital transformation, while
also flagging serious cyber security risks linked to the growing deployment of
advanced AI systems across sectors. The ‘Zscaler ThreatLabz 2026 AI Security
Report’ places India just behind the United States in enterprise AI/ML transactions.
The study analysed nearly one trillion AI and machine learning transactions
processed on the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform between January and
December 2025. Indian enterprises alone logged 82.3 billion AI/ML transactions
between June and December 2025, accounting for 46.2 per cent of all AI activity
in the Asia-Pacific region. This surge reflects sustained government-led
digital initiatives, large-scale investments in AI infrastructure, and a
rapidly expanding AI-skilled workforce. AI adoption in India has been driven
primarily by the Technology and Communication sector, which recorded 31.3
billion transactions. Manufacturing followed with 15.7 billion, while Services
and Finance & Insurance contributed 12.6 billion and 12.2 billion
transactions respectively.
2. Aditya
Pandya Becomes India’s Youngest Male Analog Astronaut: Seventeen-year-old Aditya
Pandya has become India’s youngest male analog astronaut after successfully
completing a lunar-habitat-inspired mission conducted by AAKA Space Studio. The
mission, designed to simulate Moon-like isolation and autonomous operations,
was carried out from February 1 to 8 in the white plains of Dholavira in Kutch, marking a milestone in India’s
emerging analog space research ecosystem. AAKA Space Studio, a registered ISRO
Space Tutor, conducted the mission to replicate the physical, psychological,
and operational constraints of future planetary habitats. A four-member analog
astronaut crew lived in strict isolation inside a container-based lunar analog
habitat for the entire duration. The mission focused on long-duration
confinement, crew autonomy, system reliability, and human–machine interaction
under simulated Moon conditions. Among the crew was Aditya Pandya, who also
served as the lead for hardware, Internet of Things, and habitat intelligence
systems. Over the six months preceding the mission, he was involved in building
and integrating the core technology stack. His responsibilities included
environmental sensor modules, astronaut biometric monitoring systems, embedded
safety hardware, real-time telemetry, and modular components developed through
3D printing and rapid prototyping.
3. Delhi
Partners Bharat Taxi for Cooperative Mobility Services: Delhi has become the first state in
India to formally partner with Bharat Taxi’s cooperative mobility platform,
marking a major shift in the organisation of urban taxi services. The
initiative seeks to deliver safe, reliable and transparent transport for
residents and tourists, while improving income security, dignity and welfare
for taxi drivers across the National Capital. The Delhi Tourism and Transportation
Development Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sahkar Taxi
Cooperative Limited, the cooperative arm of Bharat Taxi, to introduce
structured taxi services across the city. The MoU was signed in the presence of
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Tourism Minister and DTTDC Chairman Kapil
Mishra. Senior officials from DTTDC and representatives of the cooperative were
also present. The agreement aligns Delhi’s public service mandate with a
driver-owned, technology-backed mobility model. Under the partnership, DTTDC
will act as the tourism and branding partner, focusing on capacity-building and
upskilling drivers. Taxi drivers will receive training in soft skills and be
sensitised to Delhi’s culture, history and heritage, positioning them as the
first point of contact and brand ambassadors for Delhi Tourism. Bharat Taxi,
through its cooperative platform, will provide mobility services using a
digital booking system and an organised driver network.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI Proposes Exempting Small Type-1 NBFCs from
Registration to Ease Compliance Burden: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
proposed exempting Type-1 NBFCs with an asset size below ₹1,000
crore from mandatory registration with the RBI, subject to specified
conditions.Type-1 NBFCs are entities that do not access public/external funds
and have no customer interface, largely covering pure-play, equity-funded
investment companies.Experts estimate that if implemented, the proposal could
reduce the number of registered NBFCs from over 9,000 to nearly half or even
lower, leading to a more streamlined regulatory framework.The move is logical
and efficient, as such investment companies pose minimal systemic risk, and may
encourage firms to restructure liabilities to avoid public funds and regulatory
burden.
2. SBI Q3FY26 Profit Jumps 24.5% to ₹21,028 Crore on Higher Net Interest Income: State Bank of India (SBI) reported a 24.5% year-on-year rise in standalone profit after tax to ₹21,028 crore in Q3FY26, driven mainly by an increase in Net Interest Income (NII).SBI’s Net Interest Income grew 9.04% YoY, while the Net Interest Margin (NIM) dipped marginally to 3.12% from 3.15% in the year-ago period. Gross advances rose 15.17% to ₹46.8 lakh crore and deposits increased 9.02% to ₹57 lakh crore; asset quality improved with GNPA falling 12.3% to ₹73,637 crore and Net NPA declining 15.74% to ₹18,012 crore.
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