Daily GK Update- 11th Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Kerala Launches NeophyteID for Invasive Plant Detection: Kerala is set to launch “NeophyteID”, an AI-powered mobile application for detecting and managing invasive plant species, with its formal launch scheduled at the Kerala Science Congress.Developed by researchers at the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences, the app uses artificial intelligence to identify non-native plants (neophytes) from smartphone-captured images, aiding early detection and rapid response.Powered by the YOLOv11 machine learning model and integrated with geospatial tagging, NeophyteID enables fast, accurate identification and location-based monitoring to protect Kerala’s vulnerable ecosystems.

 

2. Andhra Pradesh Announces Exclusive 30-Acre Women Industrial Park: Andhra Pradesh has announced an exclusive Women Industrial Park spread over 30 acres, dedicated entirely to women-owned and women-managed enterprises, to promote women-led industrial growth.The state government has signed an MoU with FICCI Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO) to provide institutional support, mentorship, skill development, and ecosystem-building for women entrepreneurs.FICCI-FLO will act as the ecosystem enabler, mobilising women entrepreneurs across manufacturing, services, and technology, while focusing on long-term sustainability and access to markets and finance.Infrastructure development will be handled by APIIC, aligning the initiative with CM N. Chandrababu Naidu’s “One Family, One Entrepreneur” vision and the broader plan to set up 175 MSME parks across the state

 

3. AAI Signs MoU with Bharat Taxi to Boost Passenger-Friendly Last-Mile Connectivity at Select Airports: Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed an MoU with Bharat Taxi to introduce regulated, transparent, and passenger-friendly cab services at select airports across India.The MoU was exchanged by AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar, aiming to improve inclusive last-mile connectivity for air travellers through reliable airport-based transportation.Bharat Taxi operates on a driver-owned cooperative model, promoted by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and supported by leading cooperative institutions.The initiative aligns with national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Sahakar se Samriddhi, and Viksit Bharat 2047, with services proposed at airports including Rajkot, Vadodara, Surat, Bhuj, Pune, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Agra, among others.

 

4. India Rises to 45th Rank in Network Readiness Index 2025: India improved its rank to 45th in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, climbing four places from the previous year, as per the report released by the Portulans Institute (Washington DC).India’s overall score increased from 53.63 (2024) to 54.43 (2025), with the NRI assessing 127 economies across four pillars — Technology, People, Governance, and Impact — based on 53 indicators.India ranked 1st globally in telecom investment, AI scientific publications, ICT services exports, and e-commerce legislation, while also securing top positions in FTTH subscriptions, mobile broadband traffic, and international internet bandwidth, highlighting its growing digital strength.

5. Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches Qualcomm 2 nm Semiconductor Chip in Bengaluru: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched Qualcomm’s 2 nm semiconductor chip in Bengaluru, highlighting India’s growing role in advanced semiconductor design and global engineering operations.The Minister stated that 10 semiconductor units are under construction, with 4 already starting pilot production, and the first unit expected to begin commercial production soon.He emphasized the emergence of a strong talent pipeline, with students from remote universities actively designing, taping out, and validating semiconductor chips.Under India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, the focus will shift towards design-led startups, strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem (equipment, chemicals, testing), and deepening the talent base to enhance India’s self-reliance in the sector.

 

6. 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.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Canada Finalise Shared Work Plan to Strengthen Security and Law Enforcement Cooperation: India and Canada agreed on a ‘shared work plan’ to strengthen cooperation in national security and law enforcement, with a focus on tackling transnational criminal networks and other common security challenges.The decision was taken during a meeting between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Canada’s NSA Nathalie Drouin held in Ottawa.The shared work plan aims to enable practical and priority-based cooperation, providing a structured framework to enhance bilateral security coordination between the two countries.

 

2. 11 February – World Day of the Sick: World Day of the Sick is observed annually on 11 February, aimed at raising awareness about the needs of the sick and the importance of quality healthcare and compassionate care.Theme 2026 – The Compassion of the Samaritan: Loving by Bearing the Pain of OthersThe day was instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1992, and it coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a site associated with healing.It recognises the efforts of healthcare workers, caregivers, and volunteers who provide medical and emotional support to patients worldwide.

 

3. 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.

 

4. 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.

 

5. 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.

 

6. 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.

 

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. After the initial strikes conducted on the night of May 6–7, the Indian Air Force again employed cruise missiles extensively against Pakistan Air Force bases. In these follow-on operations, 12 major PAF air bases were hit, resulting in the destruction of several high-value assets, including fighter aircraft and airborne surveillance platforms stationed on the ground. These operations marked one of the most extensive uses of air-launched cruise missiles by the IAF in a live conflict scenario.

 

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. IIT Madras and Unicorn India Ventures Launch ₹600 Crore Deep Tech Fund to Boost IP-Led Startups: IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP) and Unicorn India Ventures have launched a ₹600 crore deep tech fund, with an additional ₹400 crore greenshoe option, to strengthen India’s innovation and startup ecosystem.The fund aims to invest in 25+ IP-led, engineering-driven startups across sectors such as robotics, spacetech, defencetech, semiconductors, and medtech, aligned with India’s strategic priorities.About 60% of the corpus will be used for initial investments and 40% reserved for follow-on funding, ensuring “patient capital” support, with many startups expected to be sourced from the IIT Madras ecosystem.

 

2. India Launches iLive Connect, World’s First Doctor-Led AI Healthcare Ecosystem for Real-Time Home Monitoring: India launched iLive Connect, the world’s first doctor-led AI healthcare ecosystem, aimed at providing continuous clinical monitoring and early-intervention care at patients’ homes.The system integrates AI-powered predictive analytics with real-time oversight by specialised doctors, helping bridge gaps in chronic disease management and post-hospital care, especially in remote areas and for elderly patients. iLive Connect uses wearable medical-grade biosensors (chest patch and wristband) to track vital parameters such as ECG, heart rate, SpO₂, blood pressure trends, and activity, with real-time data monitored 24/7 at a central medical command centre.

 

3. Yotta and BHASHINI Deploy Sovereign AI Cloud, Showcasing India’s Readiness for Population-Scale AI: Yotta Data Services collaborated with BHASHINI to deploy an end-to-end sovereign AI cloud on Yotta’s Government Community Cloud (GCC) and NVIDIA H100-enabled Shakti Cloud, highlighting India’s readiness for population-scale AI.With this deployment, BHASHINI now operates entirely on Indian cloud and GPU infrastructure, ensuring data sovereignty by keeping language datasets, AI models, and citizen interactions within India.The initiative was showcased at the India AI Sovereignty Dialogues and validated through a real-world deployment at Maha Kumbh 2025, where BHASHINI delivered real-time multilingual translation and voice assistance in 11+ Indian languages, bridging language and digital divides.

 

4. 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. Ministry of Statistics Revises Consumer Price Index Base Year to 2024: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has revised the Consumer Price Index base year from 2012 to 2024. This revision reflects the post-pandemic shift in household consumption patterns across India.India revises CPI base years roughly once every 5–10 years to maintain statistical relevance. The first CPI 2024 data will be released on 12 February 2026. A linking factor will be provided to maintain continuity with CPI 2012. Initially, both series will coexist to aid smooth policy transition.

 

2. Why the CPI matters for India: The Consumer Price Index measures changes in prices paid by households for goods and services. It is the primary inflation indicator used for macroeconomic decision-making. CPI inflation directly influences interest rates, welfare schemes, and wage adjustments.The CPI basket expands from 299 to 358 items. New goods and services reflecting digital and service-oriented consumption are included. This allows more granular tracking of price movements.The revision also improves regional and quality-based representation of goods. It captures evolving preferences in transport, health, and lifestyle services.

 

3. Kotak Mahindra Bank Issues India’s First Fully Digital FPI Licence: Kotak Mahindra Bank became the first custodian in India to issue a fully digital FPI (Foreign Portfolio Investor) licence, completing the entire account-opening process through electronic signatures.The initiative follows SEBI’s operationalisation of a unified digital workflow in January 2026, enabling seamless and paperless onboarding for overseas investors.The move strengthens Kotak’s digital-first custody and onboarding ecosystem, simplifying and accelerating access to Indian financial markets for foreign investors.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian teacher wins Global Teacher Prize 2026 at World Government Summit: Indian teacher Rouble Nagi won the Global Teacher Prize 2026, receiving a USD 1 million award at the World Government Summit in Dubai, marking a major global recognition for Indian education.The award, in its 10th edition, was presented by GEMS Education and handed over by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.She was honoured for transforming neglected walls into interactive educational murals, teaching literacy, numeracy, public health, and environmental awareness, and has helped over 1 million children enter formal education through art-based learning.Selected from 5,000+ nominations across 139 countries, Nagi has also established 800+ educational centres through the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, benefiting 100+ low-income communities and villages across India.

 

Daily GK Update- 10th Feb, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. MCA Approves Merger of 17 POWERGRID Subsidiaries Under Corporate Restructuring Plan: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has approved the merger of 17 wholly-owned subsidiaries of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) as part of a corporate restructuring exercise.The restructuring will be carried out through two composite schemes of arrangement—Scheme Group-A and Scheme Group-B.Under Group-A, 12 subsidiaries will merge into POWERGRID Khavda II-C Transmission Limited, while Group-B involves the merger of 5 subsidiaries into POWERGRID Vataman Transmission Limited.

 

2. Centre, Nagaland Govt and ENPO Sign Agreement to Form Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA): The Central Government, Nagaland Government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) signed an agreement to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for 6 eastern districts of Nagaland, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.The FNTA will have powers over 46 subjects, a mini-Secretariat headed by a senior officer, and proportionate sharing of development outlay based on population and area, while not affecting Article 371(A) of the Constitution.The agreement aims at inclusive governance, financial autonomy and accelerated development of Eastern Nagaland, marking another step toward a dispute-free North-East, with the Modi government having signed 12 major peace agreements since 2019.

 

3. Goa Becomes Second State To Publish Bird Atlas: Goa has become the second state in India, after Kerala, to publish a comprehensive State-level Bird Atlas, strengthening avian research, biodiversity documentation and conservation planning.The Bird Atlas of Goa was released during the 9th Bird Festival of Goa held at Valpoi, themed“Majestic Mhadei”, highlighting the biodiversity of the Mhadei river basin.Along with the atlas, a Konkani-language publication on bird nomenclature was launched to promote community participation, citizen science and wider public awareness in wildlife conservation.

 

4. Agriculture Ministry Signs MoU with Department of Posts for Fully Traceable Agri Input Sample Logistics: The Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare signed an MoU with the Department of Posts to implement a standardised, faceless and fully traceable logistics system for transporting samples of seeds, fertilisers and pesticides.The initiative ensures tamper-proof, time-bound transportation of samples from collection centres to designated laboratories with end-to-end digital tracking.The system digitises the entire quality control chain—target fixation, sample collection, laboratory testing, report generation and prosecution, thereby strengthening regulatory enforcement under relevant agricultural laws.

 

5. PFC board clears merger with REC to boost scale, efficiency of NBFCs: Power Finance Corporation (PFC) announced that its board has approved the merger with its subsidiary REC Ltd, as part of the government’s plan to enhance efficiency in public-sector NBFCs.In March 2019, PFC acquired 52.63% of the government’s stake in REC Ltd for ₹14,500 crore, and both entities have been operating as holding and subsidiary companies since then. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget speech 2026, highlighted plans to restructure PFC and REC to achieve scale, improve efficiency, and adopt technology in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

 

6. 10 February – National Deworming Day: National Deworming Day is observed every year on 10 February across India to improve children’s health by controlling parasitic worm infections.The program primarily targets children aged 1–19 years in schools, anganwadis, and communities, ensuring widespread coverage. The initiative aims to eliminate intestinal worms, reduce malnutrition, improve absorption of nutrients, and enhance overall growth and development in children.

 

7. Vulture Conservation Sees Revival Milestone in Maharashtra: Maharashtra’s long-running vulture conservation programme has reached a significant ecological milestone with the return of migratory griffon vultures to forest landscapes where the species had been locally extinct for nearly a decade. The sighting of a Himalayan Griffon Vulture in Melghat signals improving habitat conditions and the early success of recent captive-release efforts. The Himalayan Griffon Vulture, typically found in high-altitude regions and known to migrate seasonally across parts of India, was recently spotted in Melghat Tiger Reserve. Soon after, an Eurasian Griffon Vulture was also recorded in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. These sightings are significant as vultures had disappeared from both Melghat and Tadoba landscapes nearly ten years ago, marking a major ecological recovery. By 2004, vulture populations in Maharashtra had declined sharply, primarily due to the widespread veterinary use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac, aceclofenac, ketoprofen and nimesulide. These drugs proved fatal to vultures feeding on treated livestock carcasses.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026 Begins in Haryana with Theme “Vocal to Global”: The 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela was held in Faridabad, Haryana, attracting widespread public participation and enthusiasm.This year’s theme, “Vocal to Global”, aims to promote Indian crafts and culture on the international stage.Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya are the theme states, showcasing their unique cultural heritage, while Egypt participates as the partner nation, adding an international dimension.The Mela emphasizes self-reliance (Atma Nirbharta) by empowering artists and craftsmen, as highlighted by Parth Gupta, MD of Haryana Tourism Corporation.

 

2. New York City Joins WHO-Coordinated Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN): New York City (USA) has joined the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), which is coordinated by the World Health Organisation (WHO).Established in 2000, GOARN is a WHO-coordinated network comprising 360+ institutions worldwide, including public health agencies, laboratories, universities and technical organisations.GOARN aims to detect, monitor and rapidly respond to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies at the global level.

 

3. 10 February – World Pulses Day: World Pulses Day is observed annually on 10 February to raise awareness about the importance of pulses in food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. Theme 2026 – Pulses of the World: From Modesty to ExcellenceThe day highlights the role of pulses in healthy diets, reducing malnutrition, and promoting protein-rich plant-based foods.Designated by the United Nations, the day emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices and the contribution of pulses to environmental conservation.

 

4. 10 February – International Epilepsy Day: International Epilepsy Day is observed every year on 10 February to raise awareness about epilepsy and reduce stigma associated with the condition. Theme 2026 – #EpilepsyPledge: Turning Stories into Action The day aims to educate the public, promote early diagnosis and treatment, and support people living with epilepsy globally.

 

5. French President Emmanuel Macron to Visit India From February 17–19: French President Emmanuel Macron will undertake an official visit to India from February 17 to 19, during which he will hold wide-ranging bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the visit, underscoring its importance in advancing the long-term strategic partnership between the two countries. The visit comes a year after Prime Minister Modi travelled to France in February 2025, reflecting sustained momentum in India–France relations. President Macron has earlier highlighted the shared diplomatic achievements of the two countries, including their joint leadership at the Artificial Intelligence Summit held in Paris. His India visit is expected to follow up on those engagements and expand cooperation in emerging and strategic sectors. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral talks will focus on areas outlined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. This roadmap is a 25-year strategic framework designed to guide India–France relations until the centenary of India’s independence in 2047. It covers defence and security, clean energy, digital technologies, space, education, and people-to-people ties, with an emphasis on long-term strategic alignment.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. VOC Port Becomes First In India To Deploy Anti-Drone System: O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has become the first port in India to begin implementing an advanced Anti-Drone System to strengthen maritime and coastal security. The system integrates RF and radar-based technologies, offering 360° coverage up to 5 km, with real-time detection, tracking and neutralisation of unauthorised drones in complex port environments. The project is being implemented in collaboration with Central Electronics Limited (CEL) and is expected to be completed within three months, enhancing protection of critical port infrastructure.

 

2. Delhi Police Launches ‘Operation Shastra’ to Curb Online Threats and Fear-Mongering: Delhi Police has launched “Operation Shastra” to curb the misuse of social media platforms for spreading fear, intimidation and criminal posturing.The operation targets individuals posting photos/videos with weapons and using abusive, threatening or fear-mongering language online to maintain public order and digital safety.

 

3. 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. After the initial strikes conducted on the night of May 6–7, the Indian Air Force again employed cruise missiles extensively against Pakistan Air Force bases. In these follow-on operations, 12 major PAF air bases were hit, resulting in the destruction of several high-value assets, including fighter aircraft and airborne surveillance platforms stationed on the ground. These operations marked one of the most extensive uses of air-launched cruise missiles by the IAF in a live conflict scenario.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Jharkhand Women Win Gold at Para Throwball National Federation Cup 2026: Jharkhand’s women’s team won the gold medal in the Para Throwball National Federation Cup 2026, defeating Rajasthan 21–17 in the final held at Jhunjhunu.The competition was held from February 3 to 5, featuring high-quality matches and tactical play, with Jharkhand women delivering a composed and well-structured championship campaign.In the men’s category, Andhra Pradesh won the title, Telangana finished as runners-up and Haryana secured the bronze medal, while Jharkhand placed fourth.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India Emerges as Global Leader in Enterprise AI Adoption: India has consolidated its position as a major force in enterprise artificial intelligence, ranking second globally in AI and machine learning usage, according to a new report by cloud security firm Zscaler. The findings underline India’s rapid digital transformation, while also flagging serious cyber security risks linked to the growing deployment of advanced AI systems across sectors. The ‘Zscaler ThreatLabz 2026 AI Security Report’ places India just behind the United States in enterprise AI/ML transactions. The study analysed nearly one trillion AI and machine learning transactions processed on the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform between January and December 2025. Indian enterprises alone logged 82.3 billion AI/ML transactions between June and December 2025, accounting for 46.2 per cent of all AI activity in the Asia-Pacific region. This surge reflects sustained government-led digital initiatives, large-scale investments in AI infrastructure, and a rapidly expanding AI-skilled workforce. AI adoption in India has been driven primarily by the Technology and Communication sector, which recorded 31.3 billion transactions. Manufacturing followed with 15.7 billion, while Services and Finance & Insurance contributed 12.6 billion and 12.2 billion transactions respectively.

 

2. Aditya Pandya Becomes India’s Youngest Male Analog Astronaut: Seventeen-year-old Aditya Pandya has become India’s youngest male analog astronaut after successfully completing a lunar-habitat-inspired mission conducted by AAKA Space Studio. The mission, designed to simulate Moon-like isolation and autonomous operations, was carried out from February 1 to 8 in the white plains of Dholavira in Kutch, marking a milestone in India’s emerging analog space research ecosystem. AAKA Space Studio, a registered ISRO Space Tutor, conducted the mission to replicate the physical, psychological, and operational constraints of future planetary habitats. A four-member analog astronaut crew lived in strict isolation inside a container-based lunar analog habitat for the entire duration. The mission focused on long-duration confinement, crew autonomy, system reliability, and human–machine interaction under simulated Moon conditions. Among the crew was Aditya Pandya, who also served as the lead for hardware, Internet of Things, and habitat intelligence systems. Over the six months preceding the mission, he was involved in building and integrating the core technology stack. His responsibilities included environmental sensor modules, astronaut biometric monitoring systems, embedded safety hardware, real-time telemetry, and modular components developed through 3D printing and rapid prototyping.

 

3. Delhi Partners Bharat Taxi for Cooperative Mobility Services: Delhi has become the first state in India to formally partner with Bharat Taxi’s cooperative mobility platform, marking a major shift in the organisation of urban taxi services. The initiative seeks to deliver safe, reliable and transparent transport for residents and tourists, while improving income security, dignity and welfare for taxi drivers across the National Capital. The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited, the cooperative arm of Bharat Taxi, to introduce structured taxi services across the city. The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Tourism Minister and DTTDC Chairman Kapil Mishra. Senior officials from DTTDC and representatives of the cooperative were also present. The agreement aligns Delhi’s public service mandate with a driver-owned, technology-backed mobility model. Under the partnership, DTTDC will act as the tourism and branding partner, focusing on capacity-building and upskilling drivers. Taxi drivers will receive training in soft skills and be sensitised to Delhi’s culture, history and heritage, positioning them as the first point of contact and brand ambassadors for Delhi Tourism. Bharat Taxi, through its cooperative platform, will provide mobility services using a digital booking system and an organised driver network.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Proposes Exempting Small Type-1 NBFCs from Registration to Ease Compliance Burden: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed exempting Type-1 NBFCs with an asset size below ₹1,000 crore from mandatory registration with the RBI, subject to specified conditions.Type-1 NBFCs are entities that do not access public/external funds and have no customer interface, largely covering pure-play, equity-funded investment companies.Experts estimate that if implemented, the proposal could reduce the number of registered NBFCs from over 9,000 to nearly half or even lower, leading to a more streamlined regulatory framework.The move is logical and efficient, as such investment companies pose minimal systemic risk, and may encourage firms to restructure liabilities to avoid public funds and regulatory burden.

 

2. SBI Q3FY26 Profit Jumps 24.5% to ₹21,028 Crore on Higher Net Interest Income: State Bank of India (SBI) reported a 24.5% year-on-year rise in standalone profit after tax to ₹21,028 crore in Q3FY26, driven mainly by an increase in Net Interest Income (NII).SBI’s Net Interest Income grew 9.04% YoY, while the Net Interest Margin (NIM) dipped marginally to 3.12% from 3.15% in the year-ago period. Gross advances rose 15.17% to ₹46.8 lakh crore and deposits increased 9.02% to ₹57 lakh crore; asset quality improved with GNPA falling 12.3% to ₹73,637 crore and Net NPA declining 15.74% to ₹18,012 crore.