NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. National Consumer Helpline Facilitates ₹52 Crore
Refunds Across 31 Sectors in Nine Months: National Consumer Helpline (NCH)
facilitated refunds worth ₹52 crore across 31 sectors by resolving 79,521
refund-related grievances between 25 April and 31 January 2026.The refunds were
secured at the pre-litigation stage, providing consumers timely relief without
approaching Consumer Commissions, under the framework of the Consumer
Protection Act, 2019.The E-commerce sector recorded the highest
complaints (47,743 cases) with refunds exceeding ₹36 crore, followed by
the Travel & Tourism sector, where refunds of over ₹4 crore were
facilitated through the Helpline.
2. NHAI to Create India’s First ‘BeeCorridors’ to Boost
Pollinator Conservation: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will
develop India’s first-ever bee-friendly corridors along national highways
to support pollinator conservation.These corridors aim to enhance the habitat
for bees and other pollinators, contributing to ecological balance and
biodiversity along highway stretches.NHAI plans to collaborate with
environmentalists, ecologists, and research organisations to design and maintain
these corridors effectively.The initiative integrates environmental
sustainability into national highway development, promoting eco-conscious
infrastructure.
3. DoP Unveils 8 Commemorative Stamps Celebrating
‘Puppets of India’ at India Habitat Centre: The Department of Posts released
a set of 8 commemorative postage stamps titled “Puppets of India” at
the India Habitat Centre, highlighting India’s rich puppetry heritage.The
stamps were formally released by Vandita Kaul, Secretary (Posts), in
the presence of artists and members of the cultural fraternity, celebrating one
of India’s oldest storytelling traditions.The issue showcases eight traditional
puppetry forms—Kathputli (Rajasthan), Yakshagana Sutrada Gombeyatta
(Karnataka), Daanger Putul & Benir Putul (West Bengal), Kathi Kundhei &
Ravanachhaya (Odisha), Pavakathakali (Kerala), and Tolu Bommalatta (Andhra
Pradesh)—covering string, glove, rod, and shadow puppets.The stamp set, along
with the First Day Cover, Miniature Sheet, and Special Cancellation, was
designed by Shri Sankha Samanta, with artistic references and text support from
Sangeet Natak Akademi, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Daricha
Foundation, and The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust.
4. FCI Signs MoU with WFP to Supply 2 Lakh Metric Tonnes
of Rice for Global Hunger Relief: Food Corporation of India (FCI) and
the World Food Programme (WFP) signed an MoU for the supply of rice to
support global humanitarian operations aimed at combating hunger and food
insecurity.Under the agreement, FCI will supply 2 lakh metric tonnes of
rice to WFP, as informed by the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and
Public Distribution.Department of Food and Public Distribution Secretary
Sanjeev Chopra stated that the partnership reflects India’s strong commitment
to global food security and its role as a responsible contributor in addressing
malnutrition and humanitarian needs worldwide.The agreement will remain
valid for five years and can be extended by mutual consent. The price will
be decided annually, with the current rate fixed at 2,800 per quintal until 31
March 2026.
5. 2300-Year-Old Kumittipathi Rock Art: Ancient rock paintings estimated to be over 2,300 years
old at Kumittipathi village in Coimbatore district
remain without basic protection despite being declared a protected monument by
the Tamil Nadu government last year. The site, located near
the Kerala border, continues to face damage and neglect,
raising concerns among historians and local residents.The paintings, executed
in white pigment, are found inside two caves on Pathimalai hill under
Thirumalayampalayam town panchayat near Madukkarai. Experts believe the artwork
reflects early habitation patterns and possibly indicates that the region once
served as a natural habitat for elephants.The
lower cave features paintings of an elephant and a chariot, while the upper
cave contains human-like figures. Measuring around four feet in width and two
feet in height, the artwork offers rare insights into prehistoric cultural
expression in Tamil
Nadu. Unlike many rock art sites
hidden deep within forests, Kumittipathi is easily accessible, which has made
it more vulnerable to vandalism.
6. Uttarakhand Crosses 1 GW Solar Energy
Milestone: Uttarakhand has
surpassed 1 gigawatt (GW) of installed solar power capacity, marking a
significant step in its clean energy transition. The state’s total installed
solar capacity now stands at over 1,027.87 megawatts, reinforcing its
commitment to sustainable development and energy self-reliance.Chief Minister Pushkar
Singh Dhami said the achievement reflects the Centre’s strong policy thrust
on renewable energy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that
the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the emphasis on green growth have
encouraged states to adopt solar power as a people-centric movement while
generating local employment.The milestone has been achieved through a
combination of grid-connected rooftop systems, ground-mounted plants, canal-top
projects and solar pumps. Of the total capacity, around 397 MW has come from
ground-mounted projects and 241 MW from rooftop installations under the PM
Surya Ghar scheme.Additionally, 137 MW has been installed under the Chief
Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme, 110 MW through commercial net metering,
51 MW from captive solar plants, 37 MW via canal-top and canal-bank projects,
and 26 MW on government buildings. These installations reflect a diversified
solar portfolio across domestic, commercial and industrial segments.
7. Silchar–Sairang
Passenger Train to Begin Feb 20: The Silchar–Sairang passenger train service
will commence on February 20, enhancing rail connectivity to mizoram/">Mizoram.
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has announced that the new service will
operate five days a week in both directions, marking a significant step in
strengthening transport links in the Northeast.The train, numbered 55669/55670,
will run between Silchar in Assam and Sairang near Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. The
service is expected to improve accessibility and reduce travel time for
residents and traders in the region.According to the official notification, the
Silchar–Sairang service will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays
and Saturdays. The return service from Sairang to Silchar will run on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.The train will be hauled by a
diesel locomotive and comprise seven coaches, including second-class
compartments and luggage-cum-brake vans. The service will start from Silchar on
February 20 and from Sairang on February 21.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India and Nepal Sign Mutual Legal Assistance Pact to
Strengthen Cooperation in Criminal Matters: India and Nepal signed an agreement on
Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters to strengthen cooperation in
investigations, prosecutions, and judicial proceedings between the two
countries.The pact was signed by Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India to
Nepal, and Binod Kumar Bhattarai, Joint Secretary of Nepal’s Ministry of Law,
Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.It provides a formal framework for the
collection and exchange of evidence, assistance during investigations,
prosecutions, and judicial proceedings, thereby enhancing rule of law and
judicial coordination between both nations.
2. EU Launches First European Legal Gateway Office in
India to Boost Study and Work Opportunities: The European Union has opened
its first-ever European Legal Gateway Office in New Delhi, marking
the first such initiative in any partner country.The office will function as a
one-stop help centre for Indian students and professionals seeking to study or
work in EU countries, particularly in the Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) sector.
3. Sanae Takaichi Resigns as Japan PM: Japanese Prime Minister
Sanae Takaichi resigned along with her cabinet, with all ministers
submitting their resignation letters ahead of a new parliamentary session to
elect the prime minister.Despite the resignation, Takaichi is expected to be
reinstated as prime minister, as her ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds over
two-thirds majority in the lower house after winning the February 2026 general
election.
4. 19 February 2026 – World Anthropology Day: World Anthropology
Day is observed every year on the third Thursday of February,
and in 2026, it falls on 19 February, celebrating the discipline that
studies humanity, cultures, societies, and human evolution.The day was
initiated by the American Anthropological Association in 2015 (originally
called National Anthropology Day) and later renamed to highlight its global
significance.
5. India AI Impact Summit: Guinness Record
for Responsible AI Pledges: Day 3 of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam,
New Delhi, delivered a mix of record-setting citizen participation and
big-ticket announcements from global technology firms. The focus remained on
“Responsible AI”, digital connectivity, talent development and scaling compute
capacity, as India positioned itself as a key convening hub for AI governance
and deployment across emerging markets. Google announced “America-India
Connect”, a connectivity initiative to build new strategic fibre-optic routes
linking the United
States, India and multiple
locations across the Southern Hemisphere. The plan includes expanded subsea
cable capacity and a new international gateway in India, intended to strengthen
digital resilience for AI-era traffic. Google also outlined two $30 million
challenge funds—one focused on AI for Government Innovation to improve public
service delivery and another on AI for Science to back researchers using AI for
breakthroughs—along with partnerships around skilling and education, including
with Karmayogi Bharat and Indian public institutions.
6. India Backs UN Statement Condemning West
Bank Actions: India joined more than 100 countries and
international organisations in endorsing a United Nations statement
condemning Israel’s actions in the West Bank. The joint declaration
criticised what it described as efforts to consolidate control over the
territory, stating that such measures violate international law and undermine
prospects for peace and stability in the region.India signed the statement
shortly before the deadline for endorsement lapsed. The move comes ahead of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Israel next week,
during which he is expected to address the Israeli Parliament.The statement
strongly condemned unilateral Israeli decisions aimed at expanding what it
termed an unlawful presence in the West Bank. It asserted that these actions
run contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law and called for
their immediate reversal.Signatories reiterated opposition to any form of
annexation and rejected measures intended to alter the demographic composition,
character or status of the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967,
including East Jerusalem.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Poland Bans Chinese Cars at Military
Sites: Poland has barred Chinese-made vehicles
from entering its military installations, citing national security concerns
linked to modern automotive technology. The decision was announced by the Chief
of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces following a risk assessment of
digital systems increasingly embedded in vehicles. Authorities stated that the
measure aims to reduce the risk of uncontrolled acquisition and use of data and
to strengthen the protection of sensitive defence infrastructure. Modern
vehicles are equipped with advanced communication modules, sensors, cameras,
and positioning systems capable of collecting and transmitting large volumes of
data. Polish military officials warned that such systems could potentially be
exploited, particularly in protected zones. The restrictions also apply to
other vehicles fitted with devices that record location, image, or sound. Entry
into military facilities will be permitted only if such functions are disabled
and appropriate safeguards are implemented in accordance with security
regulations.
2. INS Aridhaman to Boost India’s Sea-Based
Nuclear Deterrent: India is set to strengthen its sea-based
nuclear deterrent with the commissioning of INS Aridhaman, the third indigenous
Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). The
submarine, designated S4, is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy by
April-May after completing final stages of sea trials.Once commissioned, it
will mark a significant milestone in India’s quest for credible and continuous
at-sea nuclear deterrence.Built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)
project at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam, INS Aridhaman displaces
around 7,000 tonnes, making it larger than its predecessors INS Arihant and INS
Arighaat, which are 6,000-tonne platforms.The submarine will be armed with 24
K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 750
km and eight longer-range K-4 SLBMs capable of striking targets up to 3,500 km
away. Powered by an 83 MW pressurised water reactor, it features improved
acoustic damping through anechoic tiles to reduce detectability.
SPORTS
1. Paras Dogra Becomes Second Batter to Cross 10,000 Runs
in Ranji Trophy: Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra became the second player
to cross 10,000 runs in the Ranji Trophy during the 2025-26 semi-final against
Bengal in Kalyani.The 41-year-old right-handed batter has played 151 First
Class matches, scoring over 10,000 runs at an average of 48.15, including 34
centuries and 35 fifties, with a highest score of 253.Dogra made his debut in
2001/02 for Himachal Pradesh, moved to Jammu and Kashmir in 2024, and soon
became the state team’s captain, joining the elite list alongside Wasim Jaffer.
2. Smriti Mandhana Named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the
Year 2025:
Smriti Mandhana has been named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year
2025 for her outstanding performances.As India’s vice-captain, she scored
434 runs in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, helping her team win the
tournament.Mandhana was chosen by a grand jury including Leander Paes, Deepa
Malik, and Anju Bobby George, with other nominees like Harmanpreet Kaur and
Divya Deshukh.Making her debut at age 16, she has scored 17 international
centuries across formats, sharing the record with Australia’s Meg Lanning.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. OpenAI Partners with Leading Indian Universities to
Embed AI Across Campuses and Build Future-Ready Talent: OpenAI has partnered
with leading Indian universities to embed Artificial Intelligence across
management, healthcare, engineering, creative, and multidisciplinary education,
aiming to build AI-ready talent for a tech-driven economy.The first
cohort includes the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, the Indian Institute
of Management Ahmedabad, All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi,
Manipal Academy of Higher Education, University of Petroleum and Energy
Studies, and Pearl Academy, supporting over 1 lakh students, faculty, and staff
in the coming year.The collaboration includes enterprise-grade ChatGPT Edu
access, structured onboarding, AI certifications, discipline-specific guidance,
and responsible-use frameworks to integrate AI into core academic workflows
such as coding, analytics, simulations, and AI-assisted research.OpenAI will
also support hackathons, Industry Days, and partnerships with ed-tech platforms
like PhysicsWallah, upGrad, and HCL GUVI to expand structured AI learning for
students and early-career professionals.
2. IIT Madras Global Research Foundation to Launch First
Applied AI Innovation Centre at Dubai CommerCity: The IIT Madras
Global Research Foundation will establish its first Applied Artificial
Intelligence Innovation Centre at Dubai CommerCity to accelerate applied
AI innovation and promote technology-led economic growth, positioning Dubai as a
global AI launchpad.In its first phase, the Centre will host six applied AI
startups with a combined valuation of around US$118 million and projected
revenues of US$281 million over five years, reflecting strong global
scalability potential.The MoU was signed during WORLDEF Dubai 2026, inaugurated
by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reinforcing international
collaboration in digital commerce and AI innovation.
3. AI Impact Casebooks on Health & Education Launched
at India AI Impact Summit 2026: The India AI Impact Summit
2026 witnessed the launch of AI Impact Casebooks – Health &
Education, developed under the guidance of the Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and the
IndiaAI Mission, with support from the World Health Organisation and
Central Square Foundation.These casebooks document real-world AI deployments
that have successfully moved beyond pilot projects to full implementation in
clinics, classrooms, and skill development ecosystems.The initiative aims to
provide a structured reference for policymakers, practitioners, and
stakeholders to understand AI’s transformative impact in health and education
sectors in India.
4. Charax Spasinou Rediscovered in Iraq’s
Desert Sands: Deep in
southern Iraq’s desert plains, the long-lost city of
Charax Spasinou has re-emerged through advanced archaeological technology. Once
a thriving port on the Tigris River, the city lay buried for more than a
millennium. Scholars now confirm it was among the final ambitious foundations
associated with Alexander the Great. Digital mapping has revealed a far larger
and more complex settlement than previously assumed, reshaping understanding of
Hellenistic Mesopotamia. Charax
Spasinou was founded in 324 BCE during the final years of Alexander’s eastern
campaigns. Historical accounts suggest it was originally named Alexandria,
intended to secure Macedonian control over vital trade corridors in Mesopotamia.Flooding and political instability
later damaged the settlement. It was rebuilt and renamed Charax Spasinou under
a subsequent ruler, possibly during the Seleucid or Characene period. Its
strategic position near the confluence of major waterways ensured both military
and commercial relevance.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. IOB Launches Online Death Claim Settlement Portal for
Faster, Transparent Processing: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has launched
an Online Death Claim Settlement Portal, enabling families and legal
heirs to settle claims digitally in a simplified, time-bound manner.Claimants
can initiate and complete the entire process from home, entering their details
along with the deceased customer’s account information and uploading required
documents directly.The portal includes a real-time tracking system, allowing
claimants to monitor the progress of their application at every stage for
transparency.For claims up to ₹15 lakh, the bank has introduced a simplified
procedure with no third-party surety and a strict 15-day processing timeline.
2. NPCI collaborates with NVIDIA to advance India’s sovereign AI infrastructure for digital payments: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has collaborated with NVIDIA to scale and enhance its sovereign AI model capabilities tailored for India’s payments ecosystem.The initiative aims to strengthen large-scale, real-time payment systems by focusing on trust, resilience, security, and overall ecosystem enablement.The partnership combines NPCI’s expertise in operating population-scale digital payment infrastructure with NVIDIA’s advanced AI and accelerated computing technologies.
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