Daily GK Update- 12th Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Balaghat Chosen for Grain Storage Plan Pilot: Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh has been selected as the pilot district under the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector (WLGSP). As part of the pilot, a 500 metric tonne (MT) godown was constructed at the Bahudeshiya Prathamik Krishi Saakh Sahakari Society Maryadit, Parswada. The facility was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 24 February 2024 and has been hired by the Madhya Pradesh Warehousing and Logistics Corporation (MPWLC).The initiative marks a key step in decentralising grain storage infrastructure at the Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) level.

The plan is being implemented through convergence of existing Government of India schemes, including the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) Scheme, Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. Under AIF, PACS receive interest subvention on loans taken for godown construction. The loan repayment period has been extended from 2+5 years to 2+8 years for PACS. Under the AMI scheme, subsidy support is provided for foodgrain storage infrastructure. Several financial norms have been revised to strengthen PACS participation. The margin money requirement under AMI has been reduced from 20 per cent to 10 per cent. Construction costs eligible for assistance have been revised to ₹7,000 per MT in plain areas and ₹8,000 per MT in northeastern states. The subsidy for PACS has been enhanced from 25 per cent to 33.33 per cent. In monetary terms, this translates to ₹2,333 per MT in plain areas and ₹2,666 per MT in northeastern states. Additionally, PACS are eligible for an extra one-third of the total admissible subsidy for ancillary infrastructure such as internal roads, weighbridges and boundary walls.

 

2. NPC Marks 68th Foundation Day with Productivity Week: The National Productivity Council (NPC) will celebrate its 68th Foundation Day on 12 February 2026 and observe National Productivity Week from 12 to 18 February across India. The theme for this year is “Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs”, highlighting the importance of cluster-based development in strengthening India’s industrial competitiveness.The theme reflects the emphasis laid by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and NPC President, Shri Piyush Goyal, on boosting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), enhancing manufacturing capability and promoting sustainable industrialisation.Cluster-based development is seen as a strategic tool to accelerate productivity, foster inclusive growth and integrate Indian industries into global value chains. In the context of India’s recent trade agreements, strengthening MSME clusters assumes greater significance in enhancing export readiness and manufacturing efficiency.The approach aims to create economies of scale, improve supply chain integration and encourage technology adoption among small enterprises. By focusing on productivity enhancement within clusters, the initiative seeks to position MSMEs as key drivers of economic expansion.A series of seminars, workshops and awareness programmes will be organised through NPC’s 12 Regional Directorates located in Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Gandhinagar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Mumbai and Patna.Twenty-four Local Productivity Councils, various Central Ministries, State Governments, industry associations and academic institutions will collaborate during the week-long observance. 

 

3. White Revolution 2.0 Targets 50% Rise in Milk Procurement: The Centre has launched “White Revolution 2.0”, a cooperative-led initiative aimed at expanding dairy coverage, increasing milk procurement and strengthening women’s empowerment. The programme seeks to boost milk procurement by dairy cooperatives by 50 per cent over the next five years, raising daily procurement to 1,007 lakh kg by 2028–29.Announced by the Ministry of Cooperation, the initiative focuses on expanding market access for dairy farmers in currently uncovered areas and increasing the share of cooperatives in the organised dairy sector.White Revolution 2.0 will adopt a two-fold approach: expanding cooperative coverage and deepening the operational reach of existing dairy societies. Around 75,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) will be established in uncovered panchayats and villages. In addition, 46,422 existing DCSs will be strengthened to enhance market linkages, improve farmer incomes and ensure better nutritional availability. These cooperatives will be connected to milk procurement routes through the expansion of existing routes or the creation of new ones.The initiative emphasises infrastructure creation to support dairy activities. Facilities such as Automatic Milk Collection Units, Data Processing Milk Collection Units, milk testing equipment and Bulk Milk Coolers will be provided as required.The programme is being funded under the National Dairy Development Programme 2.0 (NPDD 2.0) of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Implementation will follow departmental guidelines to ensure uniform standards and efficient rollout across states.

 

4. Goa Unveils First Biodiversity and Cultural Map: Goa is set to receive its first biodiversity and cultural features map, developed by WWF India, offering a child-friendly visual guide to 48 commonly found species and traditional art forms of the state. The map will be released at the Goa Art and Literature Festival and distributed free of cost to schools across Goa in both print and digital formats.Designed as an educational tool, the initiative aims to strengthen environmental awareness among schoolchildren at a time when conservationists are also working on a comprehensive wildlife mapping exercise in the state.The WWF India-Goa map highlights 48 species representing birds, mammals, reptiles, marine animals, mangroves and insects commonly found in Goa. From catfish and mangrove species to larger mammals such as the tiger, the focus remains on organisms that children are likely to encounter in their daily surroundings.The selection deliberately avoids rare species found only in remote interiors, instead encouraging students to identify and connect with biodiversity visible in their neighbourhoods. The visual format is designed to spark curiosity and classroom discussions.The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), which emphasises experiential learning and vocational exposure. WWF India-Goa has begun training around 450 teachers in government and government-aided schools, starting from Class VI, with plans to expand to other grades as implementation progresses.Environmental aspects linked to local vocations are being incorporated into teaching modules. The biodiversity map serves as a practical classroom aid, moving beyond one-off demonstration events to sustained learning through visual engagement.

 

5. Industrial Relations Code Amendment Bill Tabled in Lok Sabha: The government on Wednesday introduced the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, seeking to clarify the legal position surrounding the repeal of earlier labour laws subsumed under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. The move is aimed at preventing potential legal complications regarding the continuity of repealed enactments. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the Bill through a supplementary agenda shortly after the Question Hour. The proposed amendment seeks to remove any scope for confusion over how certain pre-existing labour laws were repealed following the enactment of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. According to the statement of objects and reasons, although the repeal has already taken effect through Section 104 of the Code, concerns have been raised that the repeal could be misconstrued as an executive action rather than a statutory consequence. The amendment is intended to eliminate such ambiguity.The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 consolidated and replaced three major labour legislations — the Trade Unions Act, 1926; the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. These laws governed trade unions, conditions of industrial employment and mechanisms for dispute resolution.Section 104 of the Code contains savings provisions to ensure continuity and legal certainty for actions taken under the repealed laws. It clarifies that the repeal operates automatically upon the enforcement of the Code.

 

6. Centre Mandates Six Stanzas of Vande Mataram: The Union home ministry has issued fresh guidelines mandating that all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’, originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, be sung at official functions and educational institutions. The order, dated February 6, 2026, defines the “official version” of the national song and prescribes detailed protocols for its rendition. The move coincides with the 150th anniversary of the song’s creation. The ministry has specified that the complete six-stanza version shall be performed at government events. The duration for singing or playing the national song has been fixed at 3 minutes and 10 seconds. Earlier, only the first two stanzas were commonly used at official occasions.The guidelines also mandate that all persons present must stand in attention when the song is played. However, this will not be compulsory in cinema halls if the song features as part of a film or newsreel, citing potential disturbance and obstruction to viewing.‘Vande Mataram’ will be played when the national flag is brought to a parade and at all civilian award ceremonies and official state functions attended by the President of India. It shall be played both on the arrival and departure of the President. The song will also precede and follow presidential addresses broadcast on state media such as Akashwani and Doordarshan.At the state level, it will be played at official functions marking the arrival and departure of governors or lieutenant governors. Schools across the country are required to incorporate group singing of the national song in morning assemblies. Informal public events attended by ministers may also include its rendition.

 

7. CM Majhi Launches Harichandan’s New Books: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled two new books authored by veteran politician and former Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan at a ceremony in Bhubaneswar. The event celebrated Odisha’s political and cultural legacy and recognised Harichandan’s long public life. Dignitaries, scholars and political leaders attended the function, marking it as a significant literary and political occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the launch as a proud moment for the state. He emphasised that the author’s life and values were as important as the books themselves. Harichandan has played a pivotal role in Odisha politics. He served as the founding president of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Odisha unit and held the post four times.He was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly five times between 1977 and 2009 and served as a cabinet minister on four occasions. Before entering active politics, he practised law at the Odisha High Court from 1972. During the Emergency (1975–77), he led pro-democracy movements and faced imprisonment, reflecting his commitment to constitutional values.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. James Van Der Beek Dies at 48 After Cancer Battle: James Van Der Beek, widely recognised for his lead role in the popular television series Dawson’s Creek, has passed away at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. His family confirmed that the actor died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. News of his demise prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends, and fans across the entertainment industry. Van Der Beek rose to international fame in 1998 as Dawson Leery in the teen drama Dawson’s Creek, which ran for six seasons and became a defining show of late 1990s American television. His portrayal of the introspective aspiring filmmaker earned him critical recognition and a devoted fan following. Beyond the series, he appeared in films such as Varsity Blues and featured in several television projects, demonstrating versatility across genres. Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and publicly disclosed his condition in 2024. He spoke candidly about his treatment and emphasised faith, resilience, and gratitude. In a statement, his family noted that he faced his final days with courage and grace, requesting privacy as they grieve.

 

2. Ancient Egypt Tool Find Rewrites Engineering Timeline: A small copper object excavated in Egypt over a century ago is reshaping understanding of early Egyptian engineering. Originally catalogued in the 1920s as a simple awl, the artefact has now been re-identified as a possible bow drill following fresh microscopic analysis. If confirmed, the discovery would push back evidence of advanced rotary drilling in Ancient Egypt by nearly two millennia.The study, led by Dr Martin Odler of Newcastle University, focuses on wear patterns and structural details previously overlooked.The object was first unearthed by archaeologist Guy Brunton and described as a small copper awl wrapped in leather. For decades, the classification remained unchallenged. However, recent microscopic examination revealed wear marks consistent with rotational movement rather than simple hand pressure.Six coils of fragile leather thong attached to the tool proved crucial. These coils appear to have functioned as a cord mechanism, supporting the theory that the implement operated as a bow drill. A bow drill works by wrapping a string around a shaft and moving a bow back and forth, producing continuous spinning motion and enabling faster, more controlled drilling.

 

3. NATO Launches Arctic Sentry After Greenland Tensions: NATO has unveiled ‘Arctic Sentry’, a new military coordination initiative aimed at strengthening security in the High North. The move comes weeks after internal strains surfaced within the alliance over remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland. By consolidating Arctic-focused drills under a single framework, NATO seeks to reinforce unity while sharpening its strategic posture against growing Russian and Chinese activity in the region. Arctic Sentry is not a new standing force but a coordinating umbrella for existing national exercises conducted in the Arctic. The initiative brings together drills such as Denmark’s Arctic Endurance and Norway’s Cold Response under a common NATO framework. It will be overseen by NATO’s Joint Force Command in Norfolk, Virginia.The objective is to enhance interoperability, improve situational awareness and signal collective resolve in a region that presents severe climatic and logistical challenges. By synchronising activities already undertaken by member states, NATO aims to project coherence without escalating to permanent deployments.The Arctic has gained prominence as melting sea ice opens new maritime routes and access to untapped natural resources. Seven NATO allies possess territory within the Arctic Circle, making the region central to the alliance’s collective defence calculus.Russia maintains a substantial military footprint along its Arctic coastline, including air bases and naval facilities. China has described itself as a “near-Arctic state” and expanded its economic and scientific engagement in the region. NATO leaders argue that Arctic Sentry is essential to safeguarding member territories and preserving stability amid intensifying great-power competition.

 

4. India Upholds E-Cigarette Ban, Rejects Philip Morris Push: India has reaffirmed its decision to maintain the nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, rejecting calls for relaxation that would have opened the market to devices such as IQOS. The move deals a setback to lobbying efforts by global tobacco major Philip Morris International, which had sought regulatory reconsideration of heat-not-burn products. The Union health ministry clarified that the government is not considering revoking, amending or relaxing the 2019 prohibition on e-cigarettes. The ban explicitly covers heated tobacco devices, commonly marketed as reduced-risk alternatives to conventional smoking. India, the world’s seventh-largest cigarette market by volume, records over 100 billion cigarette sales annually. Tobacco-related illnesses account for more than one million deaths each year in the country, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on strict tobacco control measures. Philip Morris International, maker of Marlboro cigarettes, had identified India as a potential growth market for its flagship heated tobacco device, IQOS. The company maintains that such products are less harmful than traditional cigarettes and has promoted them as part of a “smoke-free future”. Confidential correspondence between 2021 and 2025 shows the company urged Indian authorities to review scientific evidence and consider exempting heat-not-burn products from the ban. It proposed presentations by global experts and sought engagement with bodies such as the Indian Council of Medical Research. However, ICMR has indicated it is not undertaking research on heated tobacco products.

 

5. Indonesia Plans 8,000 Troops for Gaza Peace Mission: Indonesia is preparing to deploy up to 8,000 soldiers to the Gaza Strip as part of a proposed multinational peacekeeping mission under a United Nations-backed framework. The move follows discussions around an “International Stabilisation Force” (ISF) envisioned to support a phased peace process in the conflict-hit enclave. A spokesperson for President Prabowo Subianto confirmed that Indonesia is ready to contribute around 8,000 personnel to a force expected to total nearly 20,000 troops. However, operational details such as deployment zones, mandate scope and timelines have not yet been finalised.The multinational force is proposed under a UN-approved plan supported by US President Donald Trump. The initiative includes oversight by a body referred to as the “Board of Peace”, which is expected to convene its first meeting on February 19.Indonesia’s army chief, General Maruli Simanjuntak, indicated that preparatory training has already begun. The troops are expected to focus primarily on medical assistance and engineering support rather than combat roles. This aligns with Jakarta’s stated preference for humanitarian and stabilisation contributions. The defence ministry clarified that reports suggesting Indonesian troops would be stationed specifically in Rafah or Khan Younis are premature. Officials emphasised that deployment areas and final troop strength will be determined only after international coordination and formal mandate clarity.

 

6. Delhi Metro Magenta Line to Become Longest Corridor: The Magenta Line (Line-8) of the Delhi Metro is set to become the longest corridor in the network following the completion of Phase-IV and newly sanctioned Phase-V (A) expansions. Officials said the extended line will significantly improve cross-city connectivity across Delhi-NCR, while also setting new benchmarks in interchange and underground infrastructure. With the approval of the Phase-V (A) extension from Ramakrishna Ashram Marg to Indraprastha via Central Vista, the Indraprastha–Inderlok stretch under Phase-IV will now function as a continuation of the Magenta Line. Once these works are completed, the corridor will run from Botanical Garden in Noida to Inderlok in Delhi.The total length of the Magenta Line will reach approximately 89 kilometres, making it the longest corridor in the Delhi Metro network. Upon full operationalisation, the entire stretch is planned to function as a driverless Metro corridor, reflecting the system’s shift towards advanced automation.After the expansion, the Magenta Line will feature 21 interchange stations, the highest in the network. Currently, the operational segment has four interchange stations — Kalkaji Mandir, Botanical Garden, Janakpuri West and Hauz Khas.An additional 17 interchange stations will be added under Phase-IV and Phase-V (A), including Kalindi Kunj, Terminal-1 IGI Airport, Azadpur, Central Secretariat, New Delhi and Inderlok. Notably, Central Secretariat, Azadpur, New Delhi and Inderlok will become triple interchange hubs, each connecting three different Metro lines.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. South Korea, US Launch Buddy Squadron Air Drill: The air forces of South Korea and the United States have begun a joint aerial exercise at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, reinforcing their defence partnership amid evolving regional security challenges. The drill, titled Buddy Squadron, will continue until Friday and is designed to enhance interoperability and integrated tactical capabilities between the two allies. This year’s exercise marks a significant expansion in scale. The number of participating aircraft per session has more than doubled compared to previous editions. The volume of sorties has also increased substantially, reflecting a stronger emphasis on operational intensity and coordination.Officials stated that the enlarged format aims to simulate realistic combat conditions. By increasing flight frequency and aircraft deployment, both air forces seek to sharpen rapid response capabilities and improve mission synchronisation.Buddy Squadron is a battalion-level drill conducted in rotation between South Korean and US units. The core objective is to share air-to-air tactics and conduct integrated training missions. The exercise involves both fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft, allowing pilots to train across varied technological platforms.The inclusion of advanced fighter jets strengthens joint operational readiness. Integrated missions test communication systems, formation tactics and coordinated strike capabilities, ensuring seamless cooperation during potential contingencies.

 

2. 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.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Anjum Moudgil, Aakriti Shine at Asian Shooting Championship: India’s rifle shooters delivered a strong performance at the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championship, with Anjum Moudgil clinching bronze in the women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions and Aakriti Dahiya securing her maiden international medal. The event witnessed high drama in qualification as Anjum’s composure under unexpected circumstances proved decisive. Anjum Moudgil faced a rare lapse during the qualification round when she inadvertently fired match shots assuming they were sighters. Sighter shots are trial attempts taken to adjust aim before the official scoring begins. By the time she realised the match had started, eight shots had already been recorded. However, her disciplined approach to sighters worked in her favour. All the shots scored perfect 10s, preventing any major setback. Despite the initial confusion, she finished third in qualification and went on to claim the bronze medal. Kazakhstan’s Sofiya Shulzhenko won gold, while India’s Aakriti Dahiya took silver.The silver medal marked Aakriti Dahiya’s first international podium finish in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions. The 24-year-old displayed remarkable composure in the final. She described the discipline as technically demanding and more challenging than the 10m air rifle due to its multiple variables.

India also had Ashi Chouksey in the final, where she finished fourth. In the team event, Kazakhstan secured gold, India won silver, and Japan claimed bronze, underlining strong Asian competition in rifle shooting.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Mumbai Coastal Road Debuts India’s First Musical Road: Mumbai has introduced what civic officials are calling India’s first “musical road”, a new feature on the Mumbai Coastal Road designed to play a recognisable tune when motorists drive over a specially engineered stretch at a prescribed speed. The initiative is positioned as a blend of novelty and road-safety nudging, using sound and vibration to encourage steady driving behaviour on a key corridor. The musical stretch has been created on the northbound lane of the Mumbai Coastal Road, running from Nariman Point towards Worli. It begins after vehicles exit the underground tunnel at Worli. The grooves have been installed across a 500-metre stretch on the first lane adjacent to the divider, making it lane-specific rather than a full-width installation across all lanes. The project is being inaugurated by Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on February 11, 2026, at 12.30 pm, marking the formal opening of the feature to commuters using the corridor.The musical effect comes from precisely placed rumble strips—grooves laid at fixed intervals and measurements. When a vehicle’s tyres pass over the grooves at the intended speed band of around 70–80 kmph, friction and vibration generate a sequence of sound pulses that combine to form a tune heard inside the vehicle.On this stretch, the selected melody is ‘Jai Ho’, the Academy Award-winning song from the film Slumdog Millionaire. The sound effect is expected to be most distinct when drivers maintain the recommended speed, turning the road itself into an audio cue.

 

2. Sansha Yongle Blue Hole Reveals Complex Ocean History: Blue holes are among the least understood features of the ocean floor. From the surface they appear calm, merging with nearby reefs or open sea. Beneath, they descend sharply and shift in form and chemistry. The Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, also called the Dragon Hole, in the South China Sea has drawn sustained scientific interest. Once confirmed as the world’s deepest blue hole at 301.19 metres, it has since lost that record to a deeper site in Mexico. Yet its structure and isolation continue to make it a vital site for marine research. Detailed surveys show that the Dragon Hole is not a straight vertical shaft. It bends and tilts as it descends. The deepest point lies more than 100 metres horizontally from the surface opening. The entrance is broad near the top, then narrows sharply before widening again at certain depths. This uneven morphology reflects gradual formation over time rather than a single collapse event. Reef limestone dominates the walls, shaped by long-term erosion and sea-level change. Early measurement attempts were hindered by the hole’s twisting interior. Navigation systems struggled with angled walls and shifting passages. In 2017, researchers deployed a high-grade remotely operated vehicle fitted with precise positioning tools. The mission produced the first full three-dimensional map. Multiple instruments were cross-checked to ensure accuracy. The final confirmed depth was recorded at 301.19 metres with minimal uncertainty. The mapping process took longer than expected due to the hole’s complex geometry.

 

3. Chandrayaan-4 South Pole Landing Site Identified: Scientists at ISRO’s Space Applications Centre have identified a promising landing site near Mons Mouton in the Moon’s south polar region for India’s first lunar sample return mission, Chandrayaan-4. The selection follows a detailed terrain assessment using high-resolution imagery from the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter. A one-square-kilometre patch has emerged as the safest option for touchdown in one of the Moon’s most rugged landscapes. The study relied on images from the Orbiter High Resolution Camera (OHRC) aboard Chandrayaan-2. Stereo images with 32-centimetre resolution enabled scientists to generate precise digital elevation models at a 0.32-metre grid scale. Researchers examined surface slopes, crater density, boulder distribution and illumination conditions.Earlier assessments had identified broad candidate zones between 84° and 90° south latitude. The latest analysis narrowed the focus to five specific regions around Mons Mouton. One was rejected due to permanent shadow, which would hinder power generation and communication.Chandrayaan-4 will be ISRO’s most complex lunar mission. The spacecraft will consist of a propulsion module, descender module, ascender module, transfer module and re-entry module. The descender and ascender stack must soft-land, collect lunar samples and launch them back to orbit for return to Earth.Engineers require landing slopes below 10° and boulders smaller than 0.32 metres. Adequate sunlight for 11–12 days and uninterrupted radio visibility to Earth are essential. These constraints make site selection critical in the uneven south polar terrain.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Delhi Launches Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana for Girls’ Education Support: The Delhi government has announced a new financial assistance programme for girls from economically weaker families, titled the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana. Set to begin on April 1, the scheme is designed to reduce school dropouts linked to financial stress and to build a savings cushion that matures as girls reach higher education milestones or adulthood. Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana offers staged deposits totalling ₹56,000 across a girl’s schooling and higher education pathway. With interest accrued over time, the deposited amount is expected to grow to around ₹1 lakh. The money will be credited to an Aadhaar-enabled bank account in the girl’s name, strengthening direct benefit delivery and traceability.The final matured amount is intended to support educational continuity and early-life financial security. The maturity condition is linked to either turning 21 or completing graduation or a diploma, whichever occurs earlier, creating an incentive for families to keep girls enrolled beyond secondary school.

 

2. Global R&D Spending Hits $2.87 Trillion in 2024: Global research and development (R&D) expenditure reached an estimated $2.87 trillion in 2024, according to the World Intellectual Property Organisation. The figure marks nearly a 3 per cent increase over the previous year and almost a threefold rise since 2000. The data, drawn from the Global Innovation Index Database, reflects the growing centrality of innovation-led growth across advanced and emerging economies. Asia accounted for around 45 per cent of global R&D spending in 2024, continuing a long-term upward trend. China, Japan and the Republic of Korea ranked among the world’s top 10 R&D investors. Several emerging economies, including India, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, Poland and Saudi Arabia, also strengthened their presence in global research investment.In contrast, traditional industrial economies such as Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Russia, Brazil and the United Kingdom saw declines in their share of global R&D spending. The shift indicates a gradual rebalancing of innovation capacity towards Asia.China emerged as the world’s largest R&D spender in 2024, allocating $785.9 billion. This represents an almost 20-fold increase since 2000. China’s share of global R&D rose by more than 23 percentage points over the period, making it the biggest gainer.The United States ranked second, investing $781.8 billion in 2024—roughly double its spending compared to two decades ago. However, its global share declined by 9.7 percentage points. Japan, placed third, recorded a similar fall of 7.2 percentage points in its global share despite remaining a leading innovation economy.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Puducherry Doctors Win Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026: Two senior ophthalmologists from Puducherry have been selected for the prestigious Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026, recognising their outstanding service in combating cataract blindness and visual disability. Dr Haripriya Aravind and Dr R Venkatesh of the Aravind Eye Care System will receive the honour at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation conference in Washington DC on April 11.The award, instituted in 2017 through an endowment by David and Victoria Chang, celebrates exceptional humanitarian contributions in the field of cataract care. It carries a grant of $100,000, which the recipients have chosen to donate to the Aravind Eye Care System to further its non-profit initiatives.Dr Haripriya Aravind serves as chief of cataract and intraocular lens (IOL) services. She began her career in paediatric ophthalmology after completing her residency and later transitioned to adult cataract and IOL services. Working in a high-volume hospital setting, she has focused on improving patient outcomes and streamlining large-scale surgical care. Dr R Venkatesh, chief medical officer, completed his residency in 1997 and joined the general cataract unit. He gained extensive experience in high-volume outreach surgeries, particularly manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), emphasising both quality and training of young ophthalmologists.