06th-08th February 2026

1. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flags off India’s Mount Aconcagua expedition
2. A new report ranks Delhi as the most affordable city for international students
3. Axis Bank introduces a rooftop solar financing scheme tailored for MSMEs
4. Alwar becomes India’s first district to achieve complete insurance coverage
5. Adani Defence partners with Leonardo to manufacture helicopters in India
6. Yumnam Khemchand Singh is sworn in as Chief Minister of Manipur after a year of President’s Rule
7. Digantra Industries signs an agreement with DSTA to safeguard satellites from space debris collisions
8. Sagar Defence delivers its first unmanned surface vessels to the Indian Navy
9. BEML signs a tripartite mutual research agreement with IISc and FSID for advanced R&D
10. Padma awardee and noted sociologist Dr. André Béteille passes away
11. India Wins Sixth ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Title 2026 by Defeating England. Sooryavanshi smashes a record 175 runs in the U-19 World Cup final against England
12. Indian shooters Samrat Rana and Suruchi Singh win silver medals at the Asian Shooting Championships
13. A made-in-India humanoid robot makes its debut
14. LogiMAT India 2026 Conference
15. Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinch back-to-back Women’s Premier League titles
16. India signs on to share cross-border crypto transaction data beginning in the next phase of global cooperation
17. Karnataka introduces an automatic property mutation system to speed up land transactions
18. The Centre, Nagaland government and ENPO sign a historic pact, with a focus on the FNTA framework
19. A global ranking lists the strongest countries in the world by military power for 2026
20. ICMR moves forward with the development of an improved vaccine for Kyasanur Forest Disease
21. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secures a landslide victory in the general elections
22. Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates Qualcomm’s advanced semiconductor chip facility in Bengaluru
23. PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia results in key agreements on trade and energy cooperation
24. International Epilepsy Day
25. Jharkhand women clinch gold at the Para Throwball Nationals
26. The Black Swan Summit India opens with highlights from President Droupadi Murmu’s address
27. Delhi Police launches Operation Shastra to counter digital intimidation and cyber threats
28. Indian Railways announces major updates for UTS users
29. The World Bank highlights Karnataka’s fiscal strategy as a model for other states
30. Kotak Mahindra Bank issues India’s first fully digital FPI licence
31. Rajasthan emerges as the top wool-producing state as India’s wool output data is released
32. Andhra Pradesh prepares to launch the Amaravati Quantum Valley project
33. The government extends Startup India recognition, signalling a “Startup India 2.0” push

National News

1. India flags off joint mountaineering expedition to Mount Aconcagua

• What:
  • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged off a joint expedition to Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak of South America.
• Tell me more:
  • The expedition is jointly undertaken by Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi and Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM&WS), Pahalgam, with a six-member trained instructor team.
  • The six-member expedition team includes Indian Army personnel.
  • Mount Aconcagua stands at 6,961 metres in Argentina, and the expedition is scheduled to conclude by end-February 2026.

Source: PIB

2. LogiMAT India 2026 to showcase next-generation logistics and supply chain solutions

• What:
  • LogiMAT India 2026, the third edition of LogiMAT India, will serve as a comprehensive trade fair showcasing advanced logistics, supply chain technologies, and future-ready solutions across the sector.
• Tell me more:
  • Organizer – International Trade Fair for Intralogistics Solutions, Transportation & Process Management
  • Venue – Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai

3. India–Malaysia ties deepen with agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit

• What:
  • India and Malaysia advanced their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, holding delegation-level talks and exchanging 11 agreements to strengthen cooperation across security, economy, culture, technology, and people-to-people ties.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreements covered film co-production, disaster management, anti-corruption, United Nations peacekeeping, semiconductors, wildlife conservation, social security, vocational training, national security cooperation, healthcare, and trade facilitation through the CEO forum report.

4. Indian Railways to phase out UTS app, promote RailOne super app

• The Ministry of Railways will discontinue the Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) app and shift passengers to the RailOne super app, which offers unreserved, reserved, and platform ticket booking through a single digital interface.

Source: IE

State News

1. Alwar becomes first district to achieve full insurance coverage under Insurance for All by 2047

• What:
  • Alwar became the first district in India to achieve 100% insurance coverage under the Insurance for All by 2047 roadmap, supporting the Secure India–Insured India vision through district-level implementation.
• Tell me more:
  • Insurance for All by 2047 is a joint initiative of the Government of India and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Source: TOI

2. Kerala announces India’s first Elderly Budget in FY27

• What:
  • Kerala became the first state to announce an Elderly Budget, allocating over ₹46,000 crore for senior citizens in FY27, reflecting the state’s rapidly ageing population.
• Tell me more:
  • The Elderly Budget forms 19.07% of the total Budget, with 68% of allocations linked to pensions for retired government employees, and most non-plan spending dominated by pensions.
  • Kerala’s elderly population rose 47% from 2011 to 2026 projections, higher than the national 36%, and the Elderly Budget forms 21.72% of non-plan outlay.

Source: BS

3. Karnataka to introduce auto-mutation system for property ownership records

• What:
  • Karnataka government will roll out an auto-mutation system to automatically update land and property ownership records after registered transactions, aiming to reduce delays and simplify mutation procedures.
• Tell me more:
  • Under the new system, ownership changes will be triggered online after registration of sale or gift deeds, removing the need for separate mutation applications with the revenue department.

4. Agreement signed to create Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority

• Government of India, Nagaland, and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation signed an agreement to create the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority for six eastern districts.
• The purpose is to give Eastern Nagaland more administrative powers and financial support by creating the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, so that long-standing grievances are addressed and development of the region can move faster through local decision-making.

Source: PIB

5. President Droupadi Murmu addresses Black Swan Summit in Odisha

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu spoke at the Black Swan Summit in Bhubaneswar about fast-changing technology, digital payments helping people, women’s role in fintech, skill training, and staying safe from online fraud.
• Tell me more:
  • The event was organised by the Odisha government and the Global Finance and Technology Network to discuss using technology for jobs, skills, and digital growth.
  • The Government of Odisha launched the BharatNetra initiative to build a future-ready workforce and innovation ecosystem in digital, financial, and insurance technology sectors.

Source: PIB

6. Delhi Police launches Operation Shastra to curb fear-mongering on social media

• Delhi Police launched Operation Shastra to act against people posting weapon photos and abusive content online to spread fear, deploying large-scale police resources.

Source: NOA

7. Karnataka model on off-Budget borrowing highlighted by World Bank

• What:
  • A World Bank report for the 16th Finance Commission said Karnataka’s 2014 move to include PSU and SPV borrowings in state liabilities can improve budget clarity if other states follow.
• Tell me more:
  • Karnataka changed the Karnataka Fiscal Responsibility Legislation Act in February 2014 to count more borrowings as state debt, while many states still use off-Budget borrowing for subsidies and projects, hiding real debt levels.

8. Foundation ceremony of Amaravati Quantum Valley

• What:
  • Dr Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone of Amaravati Quantum Valley in Andhra Pradesh, saying quantum technology is important for India’s safety, healthcare, and future technology growth.
• Tell me more:
  • The event saw the launch of the Amaravati Quantum Valley logo, quantum cloud services by IBM and TCS, a joint innovation centre, a IBM–TCS Quantum Talent Hub, a reference facility, and several cooperation agreements.

Source: PIB

Banking and Economy

1. Axis Bank launches Rooftop Solar Finance for MSMEs

• What:
  • Axis Bank launched Rooftop Solar Finance to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting rooftop solar systems, enabling energy self-reliance and cost optimisation through tailored, nationwide financing support.
• Tell me more:
  • The scheme offers collateral-free loans from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 2 crore with flexible repayment periods of four to seven years, reducing pressure on balance sheets.

Source: ET

2. India to share cross-border crypto transaction data under global reporting system

• What:
  • India will begin sharing cross-border cryptocurrency transaction data with other countries from April 1, 2027, to strengthen oversight, improve tax compliance, and monitor overseas crypto platforms used by Indian residents.
• Tell me more:
  • The data exchange will take place under the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with technical standards for information sharing currently under finalisation.
  • The system makes countries automatically share crypto transaction details with each other’s tax departments, just like banks already share financial information.

3. Kotak Mahindra Bank enables fully digital FPI onboarding

• What:
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank became the first custodian in India to give a Foreign Portfolio Investor licence using only electronic signatures, completing the full account opening process digitally.
• Tell me more:
  • The bank issued two such licences after the Securities and Exchange Board of India started a unified digital workflow in January 2026.
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank operates as a custodian for foreign investors in India.

Source: BS

Reports and Indices

1. Delhi ranked world’s most affordable city for international students

• What:
  • Delhi ranked first globally as the most affordable city for international students, highlighting India’s cost advantage in higher education among global study destinations, as per a joint report by Knight Frank, Deloitte India, and QS.
• Tell me more:
  • Report Title – ‘India’s 155 Million Student Mandate’
  • Mumbai ranks 11th while Bengaluru is at 15th place.

Source: ET

2. Global Firepower releases Military Strength Index 2026 rankings

• What:
  • Global Firepower released the 2026 Military Strength Index, ranking 145 countries using over 60 indicators, with lower Power Index values indicating stronger conventional military capability.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s position is unchanged.

Source: IE

Defence News

1. Digantara partners with Singapore defence agency to protect satellites from space debris

• What:
  • Digantara Industries partnered with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to jointly develop Space Situational Awareness (SSA) tools for protecting Singapore’s national satellites from collision risks.
• Tell me more:
  • Digantara Industries is a Bengaluru-based space startup, and this agreement marks the first collaboration between Singapore’s defence arm and an Indian space-technology company.

Source: ET

2. Indian Navy to induct autonomous weaponised unmanned fast interceptor crafts

• What:
  • The Indian Navy is set to induct its first autonomous weaponised unmanned fast interceptor crafts, marking India’s entry into an elite global group of nations capable of deploying weaponised swarm vessel technology for coastal defence.
• Tell me more:
  • Designed, developed, and manufactured in India by Sagar Defence Engineering under the Innovations for Defence Excellence–Defence Innovation Organisation framework, the Navy ordered 12 crafts, with the first two deployed on the western coast.

3. BEML partners with IISc and FSID for advanced engineering research

• What:
  • Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) signed a research partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID) to advance next-generation engineering and technology research.
• Tell me more:
  • The partnership will work on new ideas and technologies for defence, transport, mining, ships, clean technology, and manufacturing by doing research together.
  • The work will be guided by a formal research agreement and carried out at BEML’s new research centre, covering testing, building models, and creating new technologies.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. Addverb to launch India-made humanoid robot for industrial use

• What:
  • Addverb Technologies will start selling a wheeled humanoid robot made in India for factory use, first in India and later in other countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The robot will cost more than Chinese robots but less than European ones, use Japanese and European parts, and production will begin with 100 units.
  • Addverb is India’s largest robotics company, partly owned by Reliance, with factories in India and robots working in many countries.

Source: BS

2. Indian Council of Medical Research advances improved vaccine for Kyasanur Forest Disease

• What:
  • Indian Council of Medical Research is developing an improved indigenous vaccine for Kyasanur Forest Disease to address a regional public health concern in Western Ghats states.
• Tell me more:
  • Indian Immunologicals Limited and ICMR–National Institute of Virology are jointly developing a two-dose inactivated vaccine administered 28 days apart, now in Phase I trials.
  • Kyasanur Forest Disease affects Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra, and the Phase I trial began after approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization.

3. Qualcomm launches 2 nanometre semiconductor chip

• What:
  • Qualcomm launched a 2 nanometre semiconductor chip, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighting India’s growing role in advanced semiconductor design and global engineering operations under the national semiconductor push.
• Tell me more:
  • India is becoming important in designing modern chips used worldwide.
  • India already has many chip units being built and students in hundreds of universities are learning how to design chips.

Source: PIB

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. India’s leading wool-producing states and sector profile

• What:
  • In Financial Year 2023–24, total wool output was 33.69 million kg. India has 77.4 million sheep.
• Tell me more:
  • Rajasthan led with 47.53%, followed by Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh.
  • Punjab recorded the highest annual growth rate, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
  • India produces Carpet Grade, Apparel Grade, and Coarser Grade wool.

Source: IE

Important Days

1. International Epilepsy Day – 2nd Monday of February (February 9th)

Source: WHO

Sports

1. India Under-19 wins record sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title

• What:
  • India Under-19 cricket team won the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 final against England Under-19 cricket team by 100 runs, becoming champions for a record sixth time.
• Tell me more:
  • India made 411 runs with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scoring 175, while England were all out for 311 runs even though Caleb Falconer scored 100 runs.
  • India U19 Captain: Ayush Mhatre

2. India wins silver in 10m air pistol mixed team at Asian Shooting Championship

• What:
  • India won the silver medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Asian Shooting Championship, highlighting strong performance in international shooting competitions.
• Tell me more:
  • Suruchi Singh and Samrat Rana scored 479.6 points in the final, after topping qualification with 583 points under a newly introduced four-team final format.

3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru win Women’s Premier League 2026 title

• What:
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women won the Women’s Premier League 2026 title by defeating Delhi Capitals Women by six wickets, securing their second championship victory.
• Tell me more:
  • RCB Captain – Smriti Mandhana

Source: HT

4. Jharkhand wins women’s title at Para Throwball National Federation Cup 2026

• What:
  • Jharkhand women’s para throwball team won the gold medal in the Women’s Category at the Para Throwball National Federation Cup 2026 after defeating Rajasthan women’s para throwball team 21–17 in the final in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
• Tell me more:
  • In the Men’s Category, Andhra Pradesh men’s para throwball team won gold, Telangana men’s para throwball team finished second, and Haryana men’s para throwball team won bronze.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Adani Defence and Leonardo sign MoU to build helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India

• What:
  • Adani Defence and Aerospace signed an MoU with Italian defence major Leonardo to develop, manufacture, and sustain a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The partnership will make different types of helicopters in India, using Leonardo’s AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM models, while slowly increasing Indian-made parts, setting up repair centres, and creating pilot training facilities

Source: IE

Appointments

1. Yumnam Khemchand Singh from BJP sworn in as Manipur CM

Source: HT

2. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secures a landslide victory in the general elections

Source: TG

Miscellaneous

1. Sociologist Andre Beteille passes away at 91

• He served as Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Delhi from 2003 and was widely known for academic work on caste systems and social inequality in India.
• His prominent works include ‘Caste, Class and Power’, ‘Society and Politics in India’ and ‘The Idea of Natural Inequality and Other Essays’.
• He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2005 for his contribution in literature and education.

Source: BS

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