NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India Joins BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies
to Boost Manufacturing and MSMEs: India has joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies
(BCIC) at an event organised by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce &
Industry, held at Vanijya Bhavan in New Delhi.The BCIC, launched in partnership with UNIDO, will function as a
one-stop centre to provide integrated support to manufacturing companies and
MSMEs across BRICS countries, with a focus on Industry 4.0 capabilities.The
National Productivity Council (NPC) has been designated as the India Centre for
BRICS Industrial Competencies and will lead capacity building, productivity
improvement, and adoption of advanced manufacturing practices under DPIIT’s
policy guidance and UNIDO’s technical support.
2. MSDE Partners with IPE Global to Strengthen
Women-Centric Skilling Ecosystem in India:
The Ministry of Skill Development
and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has signed an MoU with IPE Global Limited to build a gender-responsive and future-ready
skilling ecosystem for young women across India.The collaboration aims
to improve programme design, increase women’s participation in aspirational job
roles, and strengthen linkages between skilling, employability, and inclusive
economic growth.The partnership will focus on evidence-based interventions,
addressing structural barriers, aligning training with industry demand, and
enhancing placement pathways through private sector engagement.
3. President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated grand tribal
cultural festival ‘Bastar Pandum-2026’ in Jagdalpur: President Droupadi Murmu has
inaugurated the Bastar Pandum
Festival during her one-day visit to Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh.The Bastar
Pandum Festival features divisional-level cultural competitions, with over 700
artists from 84 teams showcasing 12 tribal art forms, including folk dances,
handicrafts, traditional cuisine, and indigenous musical instruments.Focused on
tribal heritage, folk arts, and indigenous lifestyles, the festival promotes
cultural preservation and youth engagement, with over 54,000 participants
registered this year, reflecting its growing popularity and deep cultural
significance.
4. Govt sanctions over 3 crore 87
lakh houses to States & Union Territories under PMAY-G: The Government has sanctioned over 3.87 crore houses under
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) to States and Union Territories.As
of 2nd February, more than 2.95 crore houses have been completed, while 2.10
crore houses were sanctioned in the last five years, highlighting accelerated
progress. PMAY-G, implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development since 1st April 2016, aims to construct
4.95 crore rural houses by March 2029.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Delhi Ranked World’s Most Affordable City for
International Students: Report: Delhi has been ranked the world’s most affordable city for international students, according
to a joint report by Knight Frank, Deloitte India, and QS, titled “India’s 155 Million Student Mandate”.The
report highlights that Delhi secured the top global position, while Mumbai
ranked 11th and Bengaluru 15th in the global affordability and attractiveness
assessment.The rankings are part of the QS Best Student Cities 2026, which
evaluated 150 cities worldwide across six equally weighted parameters:
affordability, employer activity, university rankings, city desirability,
student voice, and student mix.
2. India and Gulf Cooperation Council Sign Terms of
Reference for India–GCC Free Trade Agreement: India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signed
the Terms of Reference (ToR) for
the proposed India–GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at Vanijya Bhawan, New
Delhi, to formally begin negotiations. The ToR was signed between Shri Ajay
Bhadoo (Department of Commerce) and Dr. Raja Al Marzouqi (GCC Secretariat) and
will define the scope, structure, and modalities of the FTA negotiations. The
India–GCC FTA is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade; in FY
2024–25, India–GCC trade stood at USD 178.56 billion, accounting for 15.42% of
India’s global trade, with an average annual growth of 15.3% over the last five
years. GCC countries collectively represent a market of 61.5 million people
with a GDP of USD 2.3 trillion, and are a major source of FDI for India, with
cumulative investments exceeding USD 31.14 billion.
3. 6 February – International Day of Zero Tolerance for
Female Genital Mutilation: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is
observed every year on 6 February to
raise awareness about the harmful practice and promote its complete
elimination. The day is led by the United Nations, in collaboration with
UNICEF, UNFPA, and other global organisations, to highlight FGM as a serious
violation of human rights.
4. US Removes Additional 25% Tariffs on
Indian Goods: The United States has announced the removal of the
additional 25 per cent tariffs imposed on Indian goods, effective February 7,
2026. The decision follows India’s commitment to halt direct or indirect
imports of Russian oil and marks a significant development in bilateral trade
relations between United
States and India. The
additional tariffs were imposed by the US in August last year as part of
reciprocal trade measures, alongside penalties linked to India’s continued
purchase of Russian crude oil. These duties significantly impacted Indian
exporters across multiple sectors. The latest move reflects a recalibration of
US trade policy following India’s assurance on energy sourcing. An executive
order issued by the White House specifies that Indian products entered for
consumption, or withdrawn from bonded warehouses, on or after 12.01 am Eastern
Standard Time on February 7, 2026, will no longer attract the additional 25 per
cent ad valorem duty. The rollback restores tariff conditions prevailing prior
to the August measures.
5. Surajkund International Crafts Mela
Showcases Artisans’ Self-Reliance: The 39th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts
Mela is underway in Faridabad, Haryana, drawing large crowds with its rich
blend of traditional crafts, cultural performances and regional cuisines. The
annual event continues to serve as one of India’s most prominent platforms for
artisans, highlighting both indigenous heritage and global participation. This
year’s Surajkund Mela is organised around the theme “Vocal to Global”,
reflecting India’s effort to promote local traditions on the international
stage. Uttar
Pradesh and Meghalaya are the theme states, presenting
their distinctive art forms, folk traditions and cuisine. Adding an
international dimension, Egypt is participating as the partner
nation, bringing global craftsmanship and cultural expressions to the fair.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. India successfully test-fires Agni-III
intermediate-range ballistic missile: India successfully test-fired
the Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test
Range, Chandipur (Odisha).The launch was conducted by the Strategic Forces
Command, with the missile following its pre-designated trajectory and meeting
all mission objectives, highlighting the operational readiness of India’s
strategic forces.Agni-III, an indigenously developed, two-stage solid-fuel
missile with a range of 3,000–3,500 km, is capable of carrying a 1,500 kg
payload, uses advanced inertial navigation with GPS support, and is designed
primarily as a nuclear delivery system.
2. VOC Port Becomes First In India To Deploy
Anti-Drone System : In a landmark move to
strengthen maritime and coastal security, the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority
has become the first port in India to initiate the implementation of an
advanced Anti-Drone System. The initiative marks a major step in safeguarding
critical port infrastructure against emerging aerial threats and enhancing
operational resilience at strategic maritime facilities. The Anti-Drone System
being deployed at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority integrates radio frequency
and radar-based technologies tailored for complex port environments. The system
provides 360-degree omnidirectional coverage with an effective operational
range of up to 5 kilometres. It combines a drone detector, drone detection
radar and a man-pack jammer to form a comprehensive, quick-deploy security
solution for sensitive operational zones.
SPORTS
1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru Clinch Second Women’s
Premier League Title: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their second Women’s Premier League (WPL)
title by defeating Delhi Capitals by six wickets in the final held at
Vadodara.Chasing a target of 204 runs, RCB scored 204/4 in 19.4 overs, led by
captain Smriti Mandhana’s 87 runs off 41 balls and Georgia Voll’s 79 off 54
balls.Earlier, Delhi Capitals posted a strong total of 203/4 in 20 overs after
being asked to bat first.Delhi’s innings was powered by Jemimah Rodrigues (57
off 37 balls), Laura Wolvaardt (44 off 25 balls), and an unbeaten 35 off 15
balls by Chinelle Henry.
2. India Clinch Record Sixth U19 Cricket World Cup Title
with 100-Run Win Over England: India won the U19
Cricket World Cup 2026, clinching the title for a record sixth time by defeating England
by 100 runs in the final held at Harare, Zimbabwe.Batting first, India posted a
massive 411/9 in 50 overs, led by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s stunning
175 off 80 balls, with captain Ayush Mhatre scoring 53 off 51 balls.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. NASA’s SPHEREx Detects Organic Molecules
In Interstellar Comet: NASA’s SPHEREx space telescope has delivered new insights into
interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, only the third such object ever observed passing
through the solar
system. Observations made in
December 2025 revealed a rich mix of organic molecules and heightened cometary
activity, strengthening scientific understanding of material formed beyond the
Sun’s influence. The NASA’s SPHEREx mission turned its infrared instruments toward
comet 3I/ATLAS shortly after it passed closest to the Sun. Scientists detected
organic molecules including methanol, cyanide and methane. While these
compounds are central to biological processes on Earth, researchers emphasise that such
molecules can also form through non-biological processes in space. Mission
scientists reported a dramatic increase in the comet’s brightness nearly two
months after its closest approach to the Sun. This delayed surge is linked to
sublimation, a process in which frozen ices turn directly into gas as heat
penetrates deeper layers of the comet. Escaping gases form a surrounding
atmosphere, or coma, rich in water vapour, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
2. Global Push Intensifies To End Female
Genital Mutilation: The International
Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, observed annually on February 6, has
renewed global focus on eliminating one of the most severe violations of the
rights of girls and women. While progress has been made over recent decades,
international agencies warn that current efforts are insufficient to meet the
2030 elimination target without accelerated and sustained action. Female
genital mutilation (FGM) continues to affect millions globally. More than 230
million girls and women alive today have undergone the practice. An estimated
4.5 million girls, many under the age of five, remain at risk each year. If
present trends persist, nearly 22.7 million additional girls could be subjected
to FGM by 2030, underscoring the urgency of intensified prevention strategies.
FGM is internationally recognised as a violation of human rights with lifelong
physical and mental health consequences. Survivors often face complications
related to childbirth, sexual and reproductive health, and psychological
trauma. Global treatment costs linked to FGM-related health issues are
estimated at a minimum of USD 1.4 billion annually, placing a sustained burden
on already stretched health systems.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI Approves Blackstone’s ₹6,196 Crore Investment to
Acquire 9.99% Stake in Federal Bank: RBI approves Blackstone’s investment in Federal Bank, allowing the private
equity firm to acquire up to 9.99% stake through a preferential issue via
private placement.Blackstone will invest ₹6,196.51 crore via Asia II Topco XIII
Pte Ltd, making it the largest shareholder in Federal Bank, which has no
promoter and all publicly held shares.The move reflects growing foreign
investment interest in India’s banking sector, following large investments by
Emirates NBD in RBL Bank, SMBC in Yes Bank, and Warburg Pincus & ADIA in
IDFC First Bank, and aligns with potential reforms allowing up to 49% foreign
ownership in public sector banks.
2. RBI MPC Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%, Raises Growth Outlook: The RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, with the decision announced by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra after the meeting held from February 4–6.The MPC decided to continue with a ‘neutral’ policy stance, following a phase of rate cuts undertaken last year.Since February 2025, the MPC has reduced the repo rate by a total of 100 basis points through three consecutive cuts, bringing it down from 6.5% to around 5.5%.
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