01st-02nd February 2026

1. Indian Railways introduces its first LNG–diesel dual-fuel DEMU train, launched from Ahmedabad
2. Union MoS Jitendra Singh inaugurates a ₹32 crore CSIR–NIO shore-based regional centre in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
3. Odisha plans to set up a National UAV Test and Innovation Corridor at Rangeilunda Airport
4. SBI strengthens trade finance and global banking operations with the launch of its Global Trade Finance Centre in Kolkata
5. Indian Oil Corporation signs a letter of intent with Akasa Air to jointly explore sustainable aviation fuel supply
6. Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand added as India’s 97th and 98th Ramsar wetland sites
7. SAIL receives “Great Place to Work” certification for the third consecutive year
8. India Energy Week 2026 held in Goa, highlighting energy transition, innovation and security
9. World Leprosy Day observed to raise awareness and eliminate stigma related to leprosy
10. International Zebra Day marked to promote conservation of zebra species

National News

1. Indian Railways introduces first LNG–diesel dual-fuel DEMU train

• What:
  • Indian Railways introduced its first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)–diesel dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU), marking a step towards cleaner, cost-efficient rail operations by reducing diesel use and emissions.
• Tell me more:
  • Indian Railways has successfully converted DEMU trains to use LNG along with diesel, cutting fuel use, lowering costs, and proving the system works through successful trials before wider rollout.

Source: TOI

2. CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography inaugurates shore-based laboratory in Visakhapatnam

• What:
  • Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the shore-based laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO) at Visakhapatnam, strengthening marine research to support India’s Blue Economy, energy security, and coastal development.
• Tell me more:
  • The facility supports studies on hydrocarbons, seabed minerals, fisheries, marine bio-resources, harmful algal blooms, and coastal processes, and works with stakeholders like Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India.
  • The ₹32-crore laboratory was built by Central Public Works Department (CPWD).

Source: PIB

3. India Energy Week 2026 held in Goa to shape global energy dialogue

• What:
  • India Energy Week 2026 was held in Goa, showcasing India’s growing role in global energy discussions, especially from emerging and developing economy perspectives.
• Tell me more:
  • Future targets of the Government of India
    • Achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by Ethanol Supply Year (ESL) 2025–26
    • Expand natural gas pipeline network beyond 25,400 km with pan-India gas connectivity
    • Progress towards Net Zero emissions by 2070
    • Increase use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): 1% (2027), 2% (2028), 5% (2030)

Source: PIB

State News

1. Odisha partners with BonV Aero to set up National UAV test and innovation corridor

• What:
  • Odisha government partnered with BonV Aero to establish a National Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Test and Innovation Corridor at Rangeilunda, Ganjam, positioning the state as a hub for next-generation aviation and drone technology.
• Why:
  • The purpose is to create a real-world testing and training space for drone technology so India can safely develop, test, and regulate advanced UAV systems while building skills and jobs in aviation.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement was signed at Wings India 2026, aligns with the Bharat Mission for Autonomous Aerial Navigation (B-MAAN) scheme, and is designed as a regulatory sandbox for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.

Source: TOI

2. Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand added to Ramsar sites list

• What:
  • Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi welcomed the inclusion of Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat, as Ramsar sites, highlighting India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.
• Tell me more:
  • The total number of Ramsar sites in India rises to 98.
  • The Ramsar Convention, also referred to as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, is an international treaty on the conservation of wetlands and their sustainable use.
  • The convention was adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. India signed the Ramsar Convention in 1982.

Source: PMI TOI

Banking and Economy

1. State Bank of India sets up Global Trade Finance Centre in Kolkata

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) established a Global Trade Finance Centre (GTFC) in Kolkata to centralise trade finance and international banking transactions, improving processing speed, compliance oversight, and customer experience for businesses.
• Tell me more:
  • The GTFC supports SBI branches across eastern and northern India, uses advanced technology and domain expertise, and operates with 277 staff including SBI employees, outsourced personnel, and temporary staff.

Source: APN

2. Indian Oil and Akasa Air sign intent to explore sustainable aviation fuel supply

• What:
  • Indian Oil Corporation Limited signed a letter of intent with Akasa Air at Wings India 2026 to explore supplying Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for airline operations supporting lower-emission aviation goals.
• Tell me more:
  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a lower-emission alternative to conventional jet fuel, and Indian Oil will use its fuel production, supply, and logistics capabilities to assess potential airline supply.

Source: ET

3. SAIL receives Great Place to Work certification for third consecutive year

• What:
  • Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) received the Great Place to Work certification for February 2026 to February 2027, reflecting improved employee trust, workplace culture, and people-centric practices across the organisation.
• Tell me more:
  • The certification was awarded after a company-wide assessment by Great Place to Work Institute, India, based on employee surveys measuring trust, workplace experience, organisational culture, and Trust Index performance.
  • SAIL DARPAN is a performance management framework designed to promote transparency, objectivity, and alignment of individual goals with organizational priorities, while empowering employees to take ownership of their career development.

Source: DD

Important Days

1. World Leprosy Day – January 30 (last Sunday of January)

• Theme: “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma”

Source: WHO WHO

2. International Zebra Day – January 31

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