Daily GK Update- 5th Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Two new schemes for empowerment of Divyangjan in Union Budget 2026-27: The Union Budget 2026-27 has introduced two major initiatives aimed at enhancing skill development and access to assistive technologies for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan), reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth under the vision of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas. The government will provide industry-relevant, customised training to Divyangjan in sectors such as Information Technology (IT), Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC), hospitality, and food and beverage services.The scheme aims to ensure dignified and sustainable livelihood opportunities by aligning training modules with specific functional needs of different Divyang groups and the requirements of industry.

 

2. Union Budget 2026–27 Boosts Fisheries Sector with Record ₹2,761.80 Crore Allocation, Export Reforms, and Livelihood Support: The Union Budget 2026–27 proposes ₹2,761.80 crore for the fisheries sector, with ₹2,500 crore earmarked for Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to strengthen coastal and inland fisheries, boost exports, and improve livelihoods of fishers.Major initiatives include development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars, enhancing market linkages through start-ups, women-led groups, and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (Fish FPOs) while reducing post-harvest losses.Around 200 fisheries start-ups will be supported, along with 34 production and processing clusters, promoting technology adoption, enterprise development, and efficiency across the sector.Budget proposes duty-free fish catch by Indian vessels in EEZ and high seas and increases duty-free import of seafood processing inputs from 1% to 3%, boosting competitiveness in global markets like EU, Japan, UK, and South Korea.

 

3. Union Budget 2026-27 announces launch of Khelo India Mission; Rs 500 crore earmarked for sports goods manufacturing: The 2026–27 Budget introduces a decade-long Khelo India Mission to transform India’s sports sector, focusing on talent development, infrastructure creation, and manufacturing-led employment generation.The proposals are youth-driven, inspired by ideas from the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, making the Budget “Yuva Shakti-driven.”₹500 crore has been allocated to promote domestic sports equipment manufacturing, research, and innovation, aiming to position India as a global hub for high-quality, affordable sports goods.The mission will create integrated talent development pathways through foundational, intermediate, and elite training centres, along with systematic development of coaches, support staff, and sports science integration.

 

4. Union Budget 2026–27 Boosts Education with Record Allocation, Girls’ Hostels, University Townships, and Skill Development Initiatives: Total allocation for the Ministry of Education in 2026–27 rises to ₹1,39,289.48 crore, an 8.27% increase over the previous year.One girls’ hostel will be established in every district through viability gap funding to boost enrolment, especially in STEM education.Five University Townships will be set up near industrial and logistics corridors, hosting universities, colleges, research institutes, skill centres, and residential complexes.

A high-powered ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ Committee will focus on AI integration, teacher training, and emerging technology impacts on jobs and skills.Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) Content Creator Labs will be established in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges, supporting the creative economy and providing opportunities for up to two million professionals by 2030.

 

5. Union Budget 2026–27 Allocates ₹1.63 Lakh Crore for Agriculture: The Union Budget 2026–27 allocates ₹1,62,671 crore for the agriculture sector, a 7% increase over the 2025–26 revised estimate of ₹1,51,853 crore.The allocation emphasizes farmer welfare, food security, and rural livelihoods, reflecting continued government support for the agricultural backbone of India.Ministry outlay has grown from ₹21,933.50 crore in 2013–14 to ₹1,51,853 crore in 2025–26, showing a decade-long trend of increasing investment in agriculture.

 

6. Union Budget 2026–27 to Establish Three Chemical Parks: The Budget proposes the establishment of three new dedicated Chemical Parks on a cluster-based, plug-and-play model to strengthen domestic chemical manufacturing and reduce import dependence.₹20,000 crore allocated over five years for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies across chemicals, power, steel, cement, and refineries to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner industrial growth.A scheme to revive 200 legacy industrial clusters through infrastructure and technology upgradation aims to improve cost competitiveness, operational efficiency, and preserve employment in traditional industries.

 

7. Sunetra Pawar Becomes First Woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra: Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, becoming the first woman to hold this constitutional post in the state’s history.The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat at Raj Bhavan. The Deputy CM post became vacant following the death of Ajit Pawar, senior NCP leader and her husband, in a plane crash on January 29, 2026.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kochi Airport to Become India’s First with Hydrogen-Powered Buses: Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is set to become India’s first airport to operate hydrogen-powered buses for passenger transportation.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster (HVIC) Foundation and CIAL, exchanged by Kerala Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty and Industries Minister P. Rajeeve.The agreement covers the procurement and operation of three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses at Kochi airport under the Kerala Hydrogen Valley initiative of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with funding capped at ₹2.90 crore per bus and a total project outlay of ₹8.7 crore.

 

2. Indian Mountaineer Kabak Yano Summits Mount Aconcagua: Kabak Yano (27), a mountaineer from Arunachal Pradesh, successfully summited Mount Aconcagua in Argentina—the highest peak in South America and the Western Hemisphere (22,831 feet)—as part of her ambitious 7-Summit Mountaineering Expedition.Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) congratulated Yano, recalling that he had flagged off her 7-Summit Expedition from Itanagar on July 28 last year, and described her success as a source of inspiration for the youth of the state.

 

3. India–US Announce Major Trade Deal, Slash Tariffs and Deepen Economic Ties: India and the United States announced a major bilateral trade agreement to lower reciprocal tariffs and strengthen economic ties, following a phone conversation between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.As part of the deal, the US reduced tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18% with immediate effect, boosting the competitiveness of Indian exports in the American market.In return, India agreed to cut tariffs and non-tariff barriers on US products to zero, along with provisions on energy trade, including increased US energy purchases and cessation of Russian oil imports, as per US officials.

 

4. India, GCC Formalise Start of Free Trade Talks: India has moved closer to a comprehensive free trade agreement with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by signing the Terms of Reference for negotiations, marking a renewed push to deepen economic ties with one of its most critical trading partners amid global uncertainty. The signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) formally outlines the scope, structure and modalities of negotiations for a proposed India–GCC free trade agreement. This step enables both sides to begin structured discussions on tariff reduction, market access and regulatory cooperation. The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, collectively forming India’s largest regional trading bloc. The GCC is a key trade and investment partner for India, accounting for over 15% of India’s total global trade. India’s exports to the bloc are valued at nearly $57 billion, while imports, largely driven by crude oil, gas and petrochemicals, stand at around $122 billion. Bilateral trade with the GCC has grown at an average annual rate of about 15% over the past five years, highlighting the region’s strategic economic importance.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Adani Defence and Leonardo Sign MoU to Build Integrated Helicopter Manufacturing Ecosystem in India: Adani Defence & Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italian defence major Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) to establish a fully integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, targeting the large defence aviation market.The partnership aims to cater to the Indian Armed Forces’ helicopter requirement of over 1,000 units, including light utility, medium-lift, intermediate, and maritime multi-role helicopters across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The MoU will focus on Leonardo’s AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters, with emphasis on phased indigenisation, strong MRO capabilities, and comprehensive pilot training.

 

2. Defence Ministry Grants Miniratna Category-I Status to Yantra India Limited: Defence Ministry has approved the grant of Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited (YIL).YIL manufactures key defence products including carbon fibre and glass composites, aluminium alloys, and assembly products for ammunition, armoured vehicles, artillery guns and main battle tanks.With Miniratna-I status, the YIL Board can now incur capital expenditure up to 500 crore rupees without government approval, enabling faster modernisation and growth.

 

3. India and Kyrgyzstan’s joint military exercise KHANJAR begins in Assam: The 13th edition of the joint military Exercise KHANJAR between India and Kyrgyzstan begins at Misamari in Sonitpur district of Assam.The 14-day-long military exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Special Forces of both nations, with a focus on joint operations in urban warfare and counter-terrorism scenarios under the United Nations mandate.India and Kyrgyzstan organising joint military exercises annually since 2011, with venues alternating between the countries to reflect deepening defence ties.The 12th edition was conducted in March 2025 in Kyrgyzstan.

 

4. Exercise Khanjar Begins At Missamari In Assam: The annual India–Kyrgyzstan joint special forces exercise ‘Khanjar’ commenced on February 4 at Missamari in Assam, reinforcing defence cooperation between the two countries. The bilateral drill underscores the shared commitment of India and Kyrgyzstan towards enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities and promoting regional peace and stability. The exercise will be conducted from February 4 to February 17 and involves a 20-member contingent from the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and an equal-strength team from the ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade of Kyrgyzstan. The training is being held at Missamari, a key military station in Assam, known for hosting joint exercises and operational readiness activities. According to the Ministry of Defence, the primary aim of Exercise Khanjar is to exchange best practices and operational experiences in counter-terrorism and Special Forces missions. The training focuses on urban and mountainous terrain, reflecting real-world operational environments. Key skill areas include sniping, complex building intervention, and advanced mountain craft, enhancing the tactical proficiency of participating troops.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Devika Sihag Wins Maiden BWF Super 300 Title at Thailand Masters: Young Indian shuttler Devika Sihag clinched her maiden BWF Super 300 crown after Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei retired midway through the women’s singles final of the Thailand Masters at Bangkok.The 20-year-old from Haryana was leading 21-8, 6-3 when world No. 68 Goh, a two-time former world junior champion, pulled out due to a hamstring injury, handing the Indian the biggest title of her career.

 

2. Anahat Singh Wins Squash on Fire Open: Anahat Singh defeated England’s top seed Georgina Kennedy to win the Squash on Fire Open in Washington, claiming her maiden PSA Bronze-level title.This victory marks the biggest title of Anahat’s career and her 15th PSA Tour title in just 26 tournaments.In the men’s final, Mohamed ElShorbagy defeated fellow Englishman Declan James to win his 52nd PSA Tour title.

 

3. Esha Singh Wins Gold At Asian Shooting Championship: Olympian Esha Singh clinched the gold medal in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event on the opening day of the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championship in New Delhi. Competing at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, the 21-year-old produced a strong comeback in the final to reaffirm India’s dominance in the discipline. Esha Singh scored 239.8 in the final to secure her second individual senior Asian Championship gold medal. She finished ahead of shooters from Chinese Taipei, overcoming a stiff challenge from Cheng Yen-Ching, who won silver with 235.4, and Yu Ai-Wen, who took bronze with 217.7. Esha’s composed shooting under pressure proved decisive in the later stages of the final. In the women’s team 10m air pistol event, India struck gold with a combined score of 1,726. The Indian trio comprised Esha Singh, Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, and Suruchi Singh. Vietnam finished second to claim silver, while Chinese Taipei secured the bronze medal, completing a strong team showing for India on the opening day.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu Launches ‘Pilloo AI’ Voice-Based Accounting App: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched Pilloo AI, a voice-based billing and accounting agent that allows businesses to create invoices, record transactions, generate reports, and manage accounts by speaking in their native language.Available in five Indian languages, the app enables users to record daily sales and payments, access business reports like balance sheets, receivables, and payables, and automate entries by uploading bills and bank statements for instant data extraction.Launched at the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat in Amaravati, the initiative aims to help small businesses and entrepreneurs manage finances easily, save time, reduce manual effort, and improve financial transparency.

 

2. Isro Readies Gisat-1A Launch After Past Setbacks: More than four years after a failed mission derailed India’s geo-imaging ambitions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is preparing to launch Gisat-1A, also designated EOS-05, as a replacement for the lost Gisat-1 satellite. The spacecraft is expected to reach India’s spaceport shortly, marking a critical step in restoring near real-time Earth observation capability. Gisat-1A follows the unsuccessful GSLV-F10 mission of August 12, 2021, when a cryogenic upper stage anomaly prevented the original Gisat-1 (EOS-03) from reaching orbit. That failure came after two earlier launch postponements in 2020 and early 2021 due to technical issues. Since then, Isro has undertaken multiple design reviews and validation exercises to ensure mission readiness. The 2.2-tonne class Gisat-1A satellite is designed to provide frequent, near real-time imaging of large regions of interest. While primarily a civilian Earth observation satellite, it holds strategic value by enabling all-weather, cloud-free monitoring of the Indian subcontinent. Its data will support agriculture, forestry, mineral exploration, disaster management, oceanography, snow and glacier studies, and cloud property analysis, while also aiding operational planning by India’s armed forces.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Karnataka Rolls Out Automatic Property Mutation System: The Karnataka government has announced the introduction of an automatic property mutation system aimed at speeding up land and property transactions across the state. The reform is part of a broader push to digitise land records and reduce procedural delays in updating ownership details after property transfers. Under the existing system, buyers must apply separately for mutation after completing a sale, gift, or similar transaction. This process involves mandatory notice periods—seven days for registrable instruments and up to fifteen days for non-registrable cases—often leading to delays. With the new system, ownership records will be updated automatically once a transaction is registered, removing the need for a separate application with the revenue department. The auto-mutation initiative builds on Karnataka’s ongoing digital land governance reforms led by the Karnataka government. Existing platforms such as the Bhoomi land records portal already allow citizens to view Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops (RTC) and mutation status online. The new system directly links registration offices with land record databases, enabling seamless and real-time updates of ownership data.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Rouble Nagi Wins Global Teacher Prize In Dubai: Indian teacher and social activist Rouble Nagi has won the prestigious Global Teacher Prize, earning international recognition for transforming education access among children living in urban slums. The award was presented in Dubai on February 5, honouring her efforts to bring structured learning to children who had never attended school and to support those at risk of dropping out. Rouble Nagi has pioneered an unconventional yet impactful approach to education by setting up over 800 learning centres across India. Alongside these centres, she has painted educational murals in slum settlements, turning walls into classrooms. These murals cover literacy, mathematics, science, and history, making learning visually engaging and accessible to children from underserved communities. Nagi travels extensively to work directly with children at these centres and mentors the teachers who manage daily instruction. She has recruited and trained more than 600 volunteer and paid educators. Her teaching model adapts to the realities of poverty, child labour, early marriage, and irregular attendance by offering flexible schedules, practical lessons using recycled materials, and skill-based learning relevant to family livelihoods.