NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NSO
to Conduct Nationwide Migration Survey in 2026–27: The National Statistics Office will conduct a
comprehensive Survey on Migration across India from July 2026 to June 2027 to
generate updated and granular data on migration patterns. The initiative is
aimed at strengthening the evidence base for policymaking in sectors closely
linked to population mobility and labour dynamics. The survey will be
undertaken by the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of
Statistics and Programme Implementation. It will
capture detailed information on the extent and nature of migration, including
rural–urban movement, inter-state migration, seasonal and return migration, as
well as the socio-economic and employment profiles of migrants. Reasons for
migration will also be systematically documented. According to the Ministry,
the data generated will assist policymakers, planners, researchers and
development practitioners in designing targeted interventions. These include
urban planning, housing, transport infrastructure, employment generation,
social security coverage and skill development. Reliable migration data is
critical for addressing pressures on cities and improving welfare delivery for
migrant populations.
2. Supreme
Court Orders Tribunal on Pennaiyar Water Dispute: The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to
constitute a tribunal to adjudicate the long-pending inter-state water dispute
between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over
the Pennaiyar River. The order marks a significant step towards resolving a
conflict that has remained unresolved for several years despite repeated
representations. A Bench of the Supreme Court of India comprising Justices Vikram Nath and N V Anjaria
directed the Centre to issue a notification and set up the inter-state water
disputes tribunal within one month. The court observed that there was no
justification for further delay in initiating the statutory mechanism to
resolve the dispute. Tamil Nadu argued before the court that water in an
inter-state river is a national asset governed by constitutional provisions and
that no single state can claim exclusive ownership or unilateral control. The
state maintained that Karnataka’s actions violated established principles
governing inter-state rivers and warranted adjudication under the Inter-State
River Water Disputes Act. The Supreme Court agreed that a specialised tribunal
was the appropriate forum for examining technical, legal and equitable aspects
of the dispute.
3. Gyan
Bharatam to Preserve India’s Manuscript Heritage: Gyan Bharatam, announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, is
a flagship national initiative aimed at preserving and revitalising India’s
vast manuscript heritage. Implemented by the Ministry of Culture, the programme
aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by integrating cultural
conservation with knowledge creation and human capital development. To support
the initiative, the Standing Finance Committee has approved an allocation of
₹491.66 crore for the period 2025 to 2031. Gyan Bharatam seeks to unearth,
safeguard and preserve ancient manuscripts while ensuring their relevance for
contemporary scholarship and future generations. The initiative underscores
India’s commitment to protecting traditional knowledge systems through
structured institutional support. The initiative operates across five
verticals: survey and cataloguing, conservation and capacity building,
technology and digitisation, linguistics and translation, and research,
publication and outreach. A nationwide network of Cluster Centres and
Independent Centres is being established to implement these activities. So far,
45 centres and 20 States and Union Territories have been onboarded as nodal
authorities for coordinated implementation.
4. Gujarat
Leads India in Renewable Energy Capacity: Gujarat has
emerged as India’s largest contributor to renewable energy capacity, accounting
for 16.50 per cent of the national total. As of December 2025, the state’s
installed renewable power capacity has reached 42.583 GW, placing Gujarat at
the forefront of India’s clean energy transition and strengthening the
country’s pathway towards its long-term climate commitments. Gujarat’s solar
capacity includes 17,771.21 MW from ground-mounted projects, 6,412.80 MW from
rooftop installations, 1,172.38 MW from wind–solar hybrid projects, and 173.01
MW from off-grid systems, including those under the PM KUSUM scheme. Major
operational solar parks include Charanka (749 MW), Radhanesda (700 MW), and
Dholera (300 MW). The Khavda renewable energy park in Kutch, planned at 37.35
GW, has already commissioned 11.33 GW, making it the world’s largest renewable
energy park under development.
5. Andhra
Pradesh CM Launches Pilloo AI Accounting App:
The Andhra Pradesh government has taken another step towards digital
empowerment of small businesses with the launch of Pilloo AI, a voice-based
accounting and billing application. The platform aims to simplify financial
management for micro, small and medium enterprises by enabling core accounting
tasks through spoken commands in native Indian languages. The application was
formally unveiled by Andhra Pradesh Chief
Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the state Secretariat in Amaravati. The launch
event was attended by legislators, former ministers, technology entrepreneurs
and investors associated with the product. During the demonstration, the Chief
Minister generated the first invoice on the platform, highlighting its
real-time response to natural language instructions. Pilloo AI functions as a
conversational accounting agent. Users can create invoices, record sales and
payments, manage expenses, and track receivables and payables simply by
speaking. The app removes the need for formal accounting knowledge or complex
software navigation. According to the developers, this significantly reduces
manual effort and saves time for small traders, shop owners and first-time
entrepreneurs.
6. India Targets Zero Dumpsites Under DRAP by 2026: India’s urban cleanliness journey, strengthened by a
decade of progress under the Swachh Bharat Mission, has entered a decisive new
phase focused on eliminating legacy waste dumpsites. These long-standing waste
accumulations pose serious environmental and public health risks. To accelerate
their removal, the Government of India launched the Dumpsite Remediation
Accelerator Programme (DRAP) in November 2025, with the goal of achieving
“Lakshya: Zero Dumpsites” by October 2026. A dumpsite refers to land used by
Urban Local Bodies for disposing municipal solid waste, often accumulated over decades through unscientific
methods. Such sites contaminate soil and groundwater, degrade air quality, emit
methane, and pose fire and health hazards. Across India, around 2,479 legacy
dumpsites have been identified, collectively holding nearly 25 crore metric
tonnes of waste spread over about 15,000 acres. India currently generates nearly
1.62 lakh tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, with projections rising sharply by 2030 and
2050. Without remediation, emissions from this sector could reach 41.09 million
tonnes of CO₂-equivalent by 2030. At present, remediation work is underway at
1,428 dumpsites, with over 62% of legacy waste already processed. In 2025
alone, 459 dumpsites across 438 cities achieved complete remediation.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India-US
Trade Deal Cuts Tariffs to 18 Percent: India and the United States have announced a significant
bilateral trade agreement that lowers reciprocal tariffs and reshapes economic
ties between the two countries. The deal, announced by US President Donald
Trump after a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reduces US
tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent with immediate effect.
Under the agreement, the United States will lower duties on Indian
exports, improving their competitiveness in the American market. In return,
Washington claims that India has agreed to reduce tariffs and non-tariff
barriers on US products to zero. The deal also includes provisions related to
energy trade, with India expected to increase its purchases from the US and
cease buying Russian oil, according to American officials. President Trump
described Prime Minister Modi as a close friend and respected leader, calling
the agreement a major breakthrough for both economies.
2. Veerabhadran
Ramanathan and the Nobel of Geosciences: A scientist who transformed how the world understands
climate change has received one of the highest honours in Earth sciences. At
81, Veerabhadran Ramanathan, an Indian-origin atmospheric scientist, has won
the prestigious Crafoord Prize, often described as the “Nobel of Geosciences”.
His research reshaped climate science and directly influenced global
environmental policy. Born and raised in southern India, Ramanathan studied
engineering in Bengaluru before moving to the United States in his twenties for higher
education. His early professional life included work in the refrigeration industry,
where he examined cooling gases for leaks. This practical exposure to
industrial chemicals later proved crucial in shaping his scientific curiosity
and research direction. During the 1970s, while working at NASA’s Langley
Research Center, Ramanathan identified the powerful heat-trapping nature of
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). His landmark 1975 paper in “Science” demonstrated
that a single CFC molecule could warm the planet thousands of times more
than carbon
dioxide. This was the first clear
evidence that gases other than CO₂ could drive global warming.
3. CIAL
to Operate Hydrogen-Powered Buses: Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is set to
become India’s first airport to operate hydrogen-powered buses for passenger
transportation, marking a significant step in the country’s clean mobility
transition. The initiative aligns with Kerala’s broader push towards green energy and
low-emission infrastructure in public transport systems. A Memorandum of
Agreement has been signed between CIAL and the Kerala Hydrogen Valley
Innovation Cluster Foundation. The agreement was formally exchanged by Kerala
Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty and Industries Minister P. Rajeeve in
Kochi. The project forms part of the Kerala Hydrogen Valley initiative under
the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The agreement covers the procurement and
operation of three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses at Kochi airport. Financial
support for procurement will be provided by the Kerala-HVIC Foundation, with
funding capped at ₹2.90 crore per bus. The total project outlay has been
limited to ₹8.7 crore and will be released in stages. Procurement of the buses
is scheduled to be completed within 12 months.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Agni
Pariksha Joint Exercise in Arunachal Pradesh: The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police
(ITBP) have conducted a joint training exercise in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant step towards
deeper inter-force operational integration. The six-day exercise, named “Agni
Pariksha”, was held from January 19 to 24 at Sigar in the East Siang district
and focused on enhancing combat synergy and jointmanship between the two
forces. The primary aim of “Agni Pariksha” was to familiarise non-artillery
personnel with artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and the execution
of firing missions. According to the defence spokesperson, the exercise sought
to break traditional role-based silos by exposing infantry and ITBP personnel
to realistic artillery employment in dynamic combat situations. The exercise
involved spearhead gunners from the Spear Corps training alongside infantry
regiments and ITBP units. This marked the first collaborative firepower
training initiative of its kind between the Indian Army’s artillery elements
and ITBP personnel. Non-artillery troops were systematically trained to
independently conduct multiple artillery firing drills under the close
supervision of experienced gunners.
SPORTS
1. Anahat
Singh Breaks Into World Top 20 With Title Win: Indian squash continues
to script a remarkable rise, and teenage sensation Anahat Singh has emerged as
its brightest new star. At just 17, she produced the biggest win of her young
career by defeating a top-10 player to claim her maiden PSA Bronze-level title
in Washington, underlining India’s growing footprint in global squash. Anahat
stunned top seed and world No. 10 Georgina Kennedy in straight games to lift
the Squash On Fire Open title. The Indian seventh seed won 12-10, 11-5, 11-7 in
a swift 26-minute final, showing remarkable composure against the
reigning Commonwealth
Games champion. The victory
marked her first PSA Bronze title and her 15th professional crown overall. The
triumph propelled Anahat into the world’s top 20 rankings, making her the
youngest Asian player to achieve the feat. Notably, she reached the milestone
in just 26 PSA Tour events. Her ability to overturn a 8-10 deficit in the
opening game of the final set the tone for a match she largely controlled,
denying Kennedy any sustained momentum.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Census
2027 Adopts Digital-First Enumeration Framework: Census 2027 marks a
decisive shift in India’s population enumeration strategy, moving to a fully
digital-first system. An official circular outlines a nationwide architecture
centred on mobile applications, centralised web portals, and real-time
monitoring. The initiative is positioned as a modernisation of administrative
data systems, integrating field operations, supervision, and training into a
single digital ecosystem. The upcoming census will rely on mobile applications
for data collection and self-enumeration. Enumerators and citizens will use
secure digital tools connected to a Census Management and Monitoring System.
Housing Listing Block Creation portals will enable precise mapping, while
real-time data transmission will replace delayed manual compilation. This
approach is intended to enhance accuracy, speed, and transparency across census
phases. A new nationwide location coding framework has been formalised to
support digital processing. Each administrative unit, from states to
enumeration blocks, will be assigned a simple and unique identifier. These
codes will serve as the primary reference during data processing, ensuring
uniform mapping and eliminating duplication across regions and settlement
types.
2. DST
Scientists Develop Photo-Rechargeable Supercapacitor: Indian scientists have
developed a solar-powered energy storage device that can both capture and store
energy within a single unit, marking a significant advance in clean and
self-sustaining power technologies. The innovation is expected to reduce costs,
improve efficiency and support decentralised energy solutions, particularly for
portable and off-grid applications. The new technology, known as a
photo-rechargeable supercapacitor, has been developed by researchers under
the Department
of Science and Technology.
Unlike conventional solar systems that rely on separate components for energy
harvesting and storage, the device integrates both functions into a single
unit, thereby minimising energy losses during conversion and reducing system
complexity. The device has been developed at the Centre for Nano and Soft
Matter Sciences, Bengaluru, under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It
uses binder-free nickel-cobalt oxide (NiCo₂O₄) nanowires uniformly grown on
nickel foam through an in situ hydrothermal process. These nanowires form a
highly porous and conductive three-dimensional network that efficiently absorbs
sunlight while simultaneously storing electrical charge.
3. India
AI Impact Summit 2026 to Be Largest Global AI Gathering: The India AI Impact
Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, is set
to become the largest global summit on artificial
intelligence hosted to date. The
event reflects growing international momentum around responsible, inclusive and
impact-driven AI, with a strong focus on translating global vision into
real-world implementation. The summit has already recorded over 35,000
registrations, signalling unprecedented global interest. Participants are
expected from more than 100 countries, including governments, industry leaders,
researchers, civil society organisations and international institutions. The
event is likely to witness participation from 15 to 20 Heads of Government,
over 50 Ministers, more than 40 CEOs of leading global and Indian companies,
and around 500 prominent figures from the global AI ecosystem. Unlike earlier
global AI discussions centred largely on risks and ethics, the India AI Impact
Summit places emphasis on execution and outcomes. The agenda is designed to
showcase practical applications of AI across sectors such as governance,
industry, healthcare, education and climate action. Organisers have positioned
the summit as a platform to operationalise shared global principles into
deployable solutions.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. IBC
Amendment Bill Likely in Budget Session: The Union government plans to introduce the Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the second half of the Budget
session of Parliament beginning March 9. The move is aimed at strengthening
India’s insolvency framework by improving efficiency, reducing delays, and
aligning the regime more closely with global best practices. Union Finance
Minister “Nirmala
Sitharaman” said the government is
ready to table the Bill as the parliamentary committee examining the proposed
amendments has already submitted its report. She made the statement during a
media interaction in New Delhi, a day after presenting Budget 2026–27 in the
Lok Sabha. The Finance Minister also holds the charge of the Corporate Affairs
Ministry. According to the government, the proposed changes to the insolvency
law are intended to enhance the timelines and effectiveness of insolvency
proceedings. The amendments are also expected to bring India’s insolvency
regime closer to international standards. Faster admission of cases, improved
resolution outcomes, and greater predictability for creditors and investors are
among the key focus areas.
2. Budget
2026 Introduces SHE Marts to Boost Women Entrepreneurs: The Union Budget 2026-27
has announced the establishment of Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts as
community-owned retail outlets to strengthen women-led enterprises and deepen
the self-help group ecosystem across states. The initiative is expected to
provide a structured market platform for products made by women entrepreneurs,
with Jharkhand emerging as a key beneficiary due
to its strong SHG base. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the SHE Marts
initiative builds on the success of the Lakhpati Didi Programme and aims to
help women transition from credit-based livelihoods to ownership of
enterprises. The proposed marts will be set up within cluster-level federations
of self-help groups and supported through enhanced and innovative financing
instruments. The focus is on enabling women to move up the value chain by
accessing organised retail and stable demand. SHE Marts are envisaged as
community-owned retail outlets, allowing women-led SHGs to collectively market and
sell their products. By aggregating production and linking it to assured retail
spaces, the model seeks to reduce dependence on intermediaries and improve
income realisation. The approach also aligns with broader efforts to formalise
micro-enterprises and strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Dalai Lama Wins Grammy for ‘Meditations’ Audiobook: At the age of 90, the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has earned a Grammy Award, marking a rare intersection of spirituality and global popular culture. He won the award in the Best Audiobook, Narration and Storytelling Recording category for “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, a work centred on compassion, peace, and shared human responsibility. The Grammy was announced on Sunday, with American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright receiving the award on the Dalai Lama’s behalf. In a message shared on X, the Dalai Lama described the honour as collective rather than personal. He said the recognition reflected universal values such as peace, compassion, care for the environment, and the oneness of humanity, especially relevant to the well-being of over eight billion people worldwide.
