📰 Daily Briefing Sunday, Feb 01

Daily Current Affairs: 1 February 2026

Analysis for 01 February 2026

State Bank of India (SBI) launches CHAKRA to finance sunrise sectors with ₹100 trn investment potential over 5 years

[State Bank of India (SBI)]

Key Updates:

  • State Bank of India (SBI) launched CHAKRA - Centre of Excellence (CoE) for financing sunrise sectors on 31 January 2026.
  • CHAKRA targets eight sunrise sectors: renewable energy, advanced cell chemistry and battery storage, electric mobility, green hydrogen, semiconductors, decarbonisation, smart infrastructure and data centres.
  • SBI Chairman CS Setty estimates the combined investment potential of these sectors at ₹100 lakh crore over the next five years.
  • The estimated debt opportunity within this potential is ₹20–22 lakh crore.
  • Over 20 domestic and global financial institutions, including Japanese lenders SMBC and MUFG, have joined CHAKRA.
  • CHAKRA will collaborate with multilateral agencies such as the World Bank and AIIB for long-tenure capital of 15–30 years.
  • The platform will explore consortium financing, co-lending, take-out financing, mezzanine debt, equity participation and viability gap funding.
  • CHAKRA will produce sector reports, white papers, policy dialogues and industry roundtables to engage banks, NBFCs, DFIs, multilateral lenders, corporates, startups and policymakers.

Similar Coverage

State Bank of India (SBI) Forecasts India's Transition to Upper-Middle-Income Status by 2030 (Mid of January) ▼
  • State Bank of India (SBI) projects India to reach a per capita income of $4,000 by 2030, transitioning the nation into the upper-middle-income category alongside China and Indonesia.
  • India moved from a low-income to a lower-middle-income economy in 2007, with per capita gross national income (GNI) rising from $90 in 1962 to $910 in 2007.
  • The Indian economy reached $1 trillion six decades after independence, $2 trillion by 2014, $3 trillion by 2021, and is projected to reach $4 trillion by 2025.
  • The economy is expected to cross the $5 trillion threshold in approximately two years.
  • India’s per capita income reached $1,000 in 2009, doubled to $2,000 in 2019, and is projected to touch $3,000 by 2026.
  • India’s percentile rank in the cross-country distribution of average real GDP growth has risen from the 92nd percentile to the 95th percentile.
  • To reach the current high-income threshold of $13,936 by 2047, India’s per capita GNI must grow at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 7.5%.
  • If the high-income threshold increases to $18,000 by 2047, the required annual growth rate for per capita GNI would rise to 8.9%.
  • Achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 targets would imply a nominal GDP growth in dollar terms of approximately 11.5% over the next two decades.
  • The number of high-income countries globally has more than doubled to 87 in 2024, while low-income countries have decreased to 26.
Economic Survey 2025–26 projects India’s FY27 real GDP growth at 6.8–7.2% and FY26 fiscal deficit at 4.4% of GDP. (End of January) ▼
  • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025–26 in the Lok Sabha on 30 January 2026.
  • The Survey forecasts India’s real GDP growth at 6.8–7.2% for 2026–27, marginally below the current fiscal’s 7.4%.
  • Retail inflation averaged 1.7% during April–December 2025, with anchored core inflation reflecting improved supply conditions.
  • The central government’s fiscal deficit for FY25 stood at 4.8% of GDP, better than budgeted, with a 4.4% target set for FY26.
  • India’s foreign-exchange reserves rose to $701.4 billion as of 16 January 2026, covering 11 months of imports and 94% of external debt.
  • Capital expenditure more than quadrupled from ₹2.63 lakh crore in FY18 to ₹11.21 lakh crore in FY26 Budget Estimates, with effective capex at ₹15.48 lakh crore.
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across 14 sectors have attracted over ₹2.0 lakh crore actual investment, generating incremental production/sales exceeding ₹18.7 lakh crore and over 12.6 lakh jobs by September 2025.
  • India’s share of global merchandise exports nearly doubled from 1% in 2005 to 1.8% in 2024.
  • Foodgrain production is estimated at 3577.3 lakh metric tonnes for agriculture year 2024–25, up 254.3 lakh metric tonnes over the previous year.
  • India remains the world’s largest recipient of remittances, receiving $135.4 billion in FY25.
  • High-speed railway corridors expanded nearly ten-fold from 550 km in FY14 to 5,364 km by December 2025, with 3,500 km of new railway lines added in FY26.
  • The number of operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 164 in 2025, making India the 3rd largest domestic aviation market.
  • Discoms posted a historic positive PAT of ₹2,701 crore in FY25 for the first time.
  • India ranks 3rd globally in overall renewable energy and installed solar capacity.
  • India became the 4th nation to achieve autonomous satellite docking (SpaDeX) capability.
  • The E-Shram Portal registered over 31 crore unorganised workers by January 2026, with 54% women.
  • NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index shows poverty falling from 55.3% in 2005–06 to 11.28% in 2022–23.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Reduces Repo Rate to 5.25 Percent (Start of December) ▼
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) delivered a 25-basis-point reduction in the repo rate, bringing it down to 5.25 percent.
  • The central bank cut policy rates by a cumulative 125 basis points during 2025.
  • Average headline inflation for Q2:2025-26 was 1.7 percent, breaching the lower tolerance threshold of 2 percent.
  • Inflation dipped to 0.3 percent in October 2025.
  • Real GDP growth accelerated to 8.2 percent in Q2.
  • Inflation was 2.2 percent and growth was 8.0 percent in H1:2025-26.
  • The MPC slashed the inflation aim by 60 basis points to 2 percent.
  • The central bank raised the FY26 growth forecast to 7.3 percent.
Indian Banking Sector Achieves 20-Year Non-Performing Assets Low, Strongest Profit Surge (Mid of December) ▼
  • Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) dropped to 2.31% by March 2025.
  • Gross NPAs peaked at 11.46% in 2018.
  • Net NPAs declined to 0.52%.
  • Public Sector Banks (PSBs) reduced Gross NPAs from 9.11% in 2021 to 2.58% in 2025.
  • Domestic deposits increased from ₹88.35 lakh crore in 2015 to ₹231.90 lakh crore in 2025.
  • Credit grew from ₹66.91 lakh crore to ₹181.34 lakh crore between 2015 and 2025.
  • Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) improved from 12.94% in 2015 to 17.36% in 2025.
  • Common Equity Tier 1 (CET-1) ratio reached 14.81%.
  • Public Sector Bank (PSB) profits rose from ₹1.05 lakh crore in FY 2022–23 to ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.
  • Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) posted their highest ever earnings of ₹4.01 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.
  • Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) earned ₹1.02 lakh crore in the first quarter of FY26.
  • Return on Assets (RoA) stood at 1.37%.
  • Return on Equity (RoE) stood at 14.1%.
  • Key reforms include the Asset Quality Review (2015) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (2016).
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework in 2025.

Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights India's pharma shift to value-driven innovation

Key Updates:

  • India's pharmaceutical industry is the world's third-largest by volume, meeting approximately 20 per cent of global generics demand.
  • In FY25 the sector's annual turnover reached Rs 4.72 lakh crore, with exports growing at a CAGR of 7 per cent over the last decade (FY15 to FY25).
  • India exports pharmaceuticals to 191 countries in FY25, with over 50 per cent of exports directed to highly regulated markets such as the US and Europe.
  • India ranks 11th globally in pharmaceutical exports by value, with a 3 per cent share.
  • Medical devices exports have grown from USD 2.5 billion in FY21 to USD 4.1 billion in FY25.
  • India provides a majority of the world's diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DPT), Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and measles vaccines.
  • India's medical devices sector exports to 187 countries in FY25 and now manufactures high-end equipment including MRI and CT scanners, linear accelerators, cardiac stents, and ventilators.

Similar Coverage

Dezan Shira & Associates (DSA) Releases Asia Manufacturing Index (AMI) 2026 (End of January) ▼
  • Dezan Shira & Associates (DSA) released the third edition of the Asia Manufacturing Index (AMI) 2026 on January 12, 2026.
  • China retained the top position as Asia’s leading manufacturing economy for the third consecutive year.
  • Malaysia climbed to second place in the AMI 2026, overtaking Vietnam in the rankings.
  • Singapore advanced to fourth place, reinforcing its role in high-value and advanced manufacturing.
  • India and Indonesia maintained their positions at sixth and seventh place, respectively.
  • Thailand recorded an improvement in the index, moving from 10th to eighth place.
  • Bangladesh ranked 11th among the 11 major Asian manufacturing economies analyzed in the report.
  • The AMI 2026 introduced an archive and exact scores on a standardized 1–100 scale for every parameter.
  • Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines experienced incremental ranking changes reflecting stable but competitive positions.
  • Targeted industrial policy, infrastructure investment, and regulatory reform are narrowing performance gaps across Asian manufacturing economies.
  • Manufacturing economies in the region increasingly compete across similar cost, scale, and capacity factors.
Commerce Ministry highlights Brazil and Nigeria as key drivers of Indian pharmaceutical export growth. (Mid of January) ▼
  • Nigeria added USD 179 million in exports and contributed over 14 per cent to total export growth during the first eight months of this fiscal year.
  • Brazil recorded an increase of nearly USD 100 million in exports during April-November FY26.
  • India's pharmaceutical exports rose by 6.5 per cent to USD 20.48 billion during April-November 2025-26.
  • The US remains the single largest destination, accounting for over 31 per cent of exports in April-November 2025.
  • The Netherlands added over USD 58 million in exports, reflecting India's strengthening integration into European pharmaceutical distribution networks.
Economic Survey 2025–26 projects India’s FY27 real GDP growth at 6.8–7.2% and FY26 fiscal deficit at 4.4% of GDP. (End of January) ▼
  • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025–26 in the Lok Sabha on 30 January 2026.
  • The Survey forecasts India’s real GDP growth at 6.8–7.2% for 2026–27, marginally below the current fiscal’s 7.4%.
  • Retail inflation averaged 1.7% during April–December 2025, with anchored core inflation reflecting improved supply conditions.
  • The central government’s fiscal deficit for FY25 stood at 4.8% of GDP, better than budgeted, with a 4.4% target set for FY26.
  • India’s foreign-exchange reserves rose to $701.4 billion as of 16 January 2026, covering 11 months of imports and 94% of external debt.
  • Capital expenditure more than quadrupled from ₹2.63 lakh crore in FY18 to ₹11.21 lakh crore in FY26 Budget Estimates, with effective capex at ₹15.48 lakh crore.
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across 14 sectors have attracted over ₹2.0 lakh crore actual investment, generating incremental production/sales exceeding ₹18.7 lakh crore and over 12.6 lakh jobs by September 2025.
  • India’s share of global merchandise exports nearly doubled from 1% in 2005 to 1.8% in 2024.
  • Foodgrain production is estimated at 3577.3 lakh metric tonnes for agriculture year 2024–25, up 254.3 lakh metric tonnes over the previous year.
  • India remains the world’s largest recipient of remittances, receiving $135.4 billion in FY25.
  • High-speed railway corridors expanded nearly ten-fold from 550 km in FY14 to 5,364 km by December 2025, with 3,500 km of new railway lines added in FY26.
  • The number of operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 164 in 2025, making India the 3rd largest domestic aviation market.
  • Discoms posted a historic positive PAT of ₹2,701 crore in FY25 for the first time.
  • India ranks 3rd globally in overall renewable energy and installed solar capacity.
  • India became the 4th nation to achieve autonomous satellite docking (SpaDeX) capability.
  • The E-Shram Portal registered over 31 crore unorganised workers by January 2026, with 54% women.
  • NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index shows poverty falling from 55.3% in 2005–06 to 11.28% in 2022–23.
India rises to 6th largest global patent filer with over 64,000 patents (Mid of November) ▼
  • India filed over 64,000 patents, with more than 55% filed by resident Indian innovators
  • Country climbed from 81st to 38th rank in the Global Innovation Index
  • Key national milestones cited: Chandrayaan-3, world’s first DNA vaccine, and indigenous antibiotics
  • Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized entrepreneurship, start-ups, skilling, and applied sciences as new opportunity drivers
  • Government provides accessible funding, mentorship, and skill development pathways even for those without advanced degrees

Mukhyamantri Gramotthan Yojana (MGY) launched with ₹663 Crore outlay for 2,666 village panchayat offices

Key Updates:

  • Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the Mukhyamantri Gramotthan Yojana (MGY) at Bhadran village in Anand district on 30 January 2026.
  • The scheme involves the construction of new panchayat offices-cum-talati residences across 2,666 villages at a total cost of ₹663 crore.
  • Under the first phase of the MGY, villages under 114 taluka headquarters will be covered.
  • The scheme aims to provide urban equivalent facilities including road infrastructure, water, sanitation, solar street lights, e-grams, and community halls to rural areas.
  • The MGY is planned to eventually expand to all village panchayats in Gujarat with a population exceeding 10,000.
  • Each Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the state has been allocated a special grant of ₹50 lakh for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge under the Catch the Rain campaign.
  • The launch event coincided with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi to honour his message of gram swaraj.

Similar Coverage

Gujarat launches Namo Lakshmi Yojana with ₹1,250 crore outlay for 12 lakh girl students. (End of January) ▼
  • The Gujarat government introduced the Namo Lakshmi Yojana to provide financial aid to approximately 12 lakh girl students in the state.
  • The scheme has a total expenditure of ₹1,250 crore.
  • It targets female students mainly studying between Class 9 and 12 to reduce dropout rates.
  • Aid will be disbursed in instalments throughout the academic year to cover school fees, uniforms, books, stationery and transport.
  • Funds will be directly transferred into beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojna launched with ₹10 lakh annual health cover (End of January) ▼
  • Punjab government launched Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojna on 24 January 2026 in Mohali.
  • The scheme provides health insurance cover up to ₹10 lakh per year to three crore residents from 65 lakh families.
  • Over 900 government and private hospitals in Punjab and Chandigarh are empanelled under the scheme.
  • Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated Punjab is the first state to offer ₹10 lakh health insurance coverage.
  • Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the scheme.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act: Proposed Increase in Guaranteed Employment Days and Name Change (Mid of December) ▼
  • The government is considering a revamp of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
  • The revamp proposes to increase the number of guaranteed employment days for eligible rural households from 100 to 125.
  • The proposal also includes changing the name of the law to Pujya Bapu Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
  • The Union Cabinet discussed the proposal for the scheme's expansion and name change.
  • The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) administers the scheme.
  • The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has sought an outlay of Rs 5.23 lakh crores for five years till 2029-30 for the scheme's continuation, for approval to the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC).
Meri Yojana Portal Launched to Facilitate Citizen Access to Welfare Schemes (Mid of December) ▼
  • Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 'Meri Yojana' portal to make welfare schemes more accessible.
  • The Programme Implementation Department released 'Meri Yojana' books detailing central and state government programs.
  • The state government is focused on simplifying processes to deliver social welfare benefits swiftly and effectively.

Indian Railways (IR) launches first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU at Sabarmati ICD

[Gujarat]

Key Updates:

  • The Integrated Coaching Depot (ICD), Sabarmati, has successfully modified a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) to operate on a dual-fuel system using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and diesel.
  • Each Driving Power Car (DPC) is fitted with a 2,200-litre LNG tank, supporting a daily operation of up to 222 km on a single refill.
  • The conversion of two 1,400 HP DPCs allows for the replacement of up to 40% of diesel consumption with LNG, aiming to lower emissions and operating costs.
  • The technology is estimated to provide annual savings of ₹11.9 lakh per DPC and approximately ₹23.9 lakh per year for an eight-coach DEMU rake.
  • Following field trials of over 2,000 km and emission tests by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), IR plans to convert eight more DEMU DPCs under this programme.

Similar Coverage

Indian Railways (IR) Prepares India’s First Hydrogen Train for Pilot Run on Jind–Sonipat Route (Start of January) ▼
  • The Northern Railway (NR) is entering the final stages of a pilot project to launch India’s first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana.
  • The train features 10 coaches, including two driving power cars and eight passenger coaches, designed and manufactured indigenously at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai.
  • A state-of-the-art hydrogen production plant with a 3,000-kg storage capacity has been established at Jind to generate green hydrogen using the electrolysis process.
  • The project involves retrofitting a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) with hydrogen fuel technology, delivering a total output of 2,400 kW across two power cars.
  • The Research, Design & Standards Organisation (RDSO) laid down the technical specifications for the hydrogen train-set as part of a green mobility initiative.
  • The train is designed to reach an operational speed of 110 km per hour and is capable of covering 180 km using 360 kg of hydrogen.
  • The coaches are equipped with metro-style features, including two doors on each side and safety mechanisms that ensure doors are fully closed before departure.
  • The hydrogen plant at Jind is supported by a stable 11 kV power supply to ensure uninterrupted electrolysis for fuel generation.
  • Target dates for trial runs have been reported as January 26, 2026, according to project officials and state government statements.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Express Launch Enhances Overnight Rail Connectivity (Mid of January) ▼
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda Town railway station in West Bengal.
  • The train will operate on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route and is expected to cut travel time by up to six hours.
  • Developed by BEML using ICF technology, the train includes catering services in the fare for all classes.
Delhi Metro TS-01 Mid-Life Rehabilitation (End of December) ▼
  • TS-01, the first Delhi Metro train introduced into service in 2002, completed 23 years of service.
  • After mid-life rehabilitation last year, it now features CCTV cameras, integrated passenger emergency alarms, LCD-based dynamic route maps and public information boards.
  • The train has run over 2.9 million kilometres, carrying more than 60 million passengers with 2.4 million door operations.
Ministry of Railways crosses 1 billion tonne freight loading in FY25-26 (End of November) ▼
  • Indian Railways cumulative freight loading reached 1020 Million Tonnes as of 19 November.
  • Coal led commodity-wise loading at 505 MT, followed by iron ore 115 MT, cement 92 MT, container traffic 59 MT, pig iron & finished steel 47 MT, fertilisers 42 MT, mineral oil 32 MT, foodgrains 30 MT, raw materials for steel plants approx. 20 MT, and balance-other-goods 74 MT.
  • Daily freight loading averaged 4.4 MT, up from 4.2 MT last year.
  • Freight loading for April-October touched 935.1 MT in 2025 against 906.9 MT in the same period last year.
  • Ministry of Railways rolled out Policy for Bulk Cement Terminals and rationalised rates for bulk cement movement in containers to cut transit time and logistics costs.

United States clears $3.8 billion Apache helicopter sale to Israel

[United States, Israel]

Key Updates:

  • The United States Department of State approved a $3.8 billion sale of 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to Israel.
  • The overall $6.67 billion arms package is the third approval by the Trump Administration bypassing Congressional oversight.
  • The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the proposed sale aimed at strengthening Israel’s aerial combat capabilities.
  • Israel will receive 70 T700-GE 701D engines, 30 AN/ASQ-170 M-TADS/PNVS targeting systems, 30 AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radars, 30 AN/APR-48B Radar Frequency Interferometers, 30 AN/AAR-57 Missile Warning Systems, 30 AN/ARC-231A radios, 60 M36E8 training missiles, 72 EAGLE-M GPS/INS units, and 36 infrared countermeasure systems.
  • The deal includes $1.98 billion for 3,250 light tactical vehicles plus Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) capabilities, Link-16 terminals, simulators, spares, and five-to-eight temporary US personnel in Israel for up to five years.
  • Boeing Company, Arlington, Virginia and Lockheed Martin, Orlando, Florida are the principal contractors.

Similar Coverage

United States official says Hamas disarmament in Gaza to be accompanied by amnesty (End of January) ▼
  • A United States (US) official stated that disarmament by Hamas in Gaza will be accompanied by "some sort of amnesty" for the Palestinian group.
  • The US official made the comment on Monday after the recovery of the body of the last Israeli captive in Gaza, paving the way for the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal agreed in October.
  • US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza plan states that Hamas members who decommission weapons will be given amnesty and safe passage if they wish to leave Gaza.
  • Hamas said the return of captive remains underscored its commitment to phase one of the ceasefire and demanded Israel open the Rafah crossing without restrictions and withdraw completely from Gaza.
  • Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan met Hamas officials in Ankara on Monday to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Bangladesh and China sign G2G deal to establish advanced drone manufacturing plant in Bogra (End of January) ▼
  • The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) signed a government-to-government (G2G) agreement to establish a drone manufacturing facility.
  • The plant will be located near the New Bogra Airbase in the Bogra region and is expected to be operational by late 2026.
  • The facility will initially focus on producing Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAVs.
  • The partnership involves a full technology transfer from CETC to the BAF to enable Bangladesh to eventually design and assemble its own indigenous UAVs.
  • The BAF is also finalising a USD 2.2 billion deal with China to procure 20 Chengdu J-10C Vigorous Dragon multirole fighter jets to replace its ageing fleet.
  • The manufacturing site's proximity to India’s Siliguri Corridor, known as the Chicken’s Neck, has raised security concerns regarding intelligence risks and signals data collection.
  • The signing ceremony at the BAF headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment was attended by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen.
India and United States sign Rs 7,995 crore agreement for Indian Navy’s MH-60R helicopter fleet sustainment support (End of November) ▼
  • India signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the United States for sustainment support of Indian Navy’s MH-60R helicopters for five years at an approximate value of Rs 7,995 crore.
  • The LOAs were inked under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme of the United States in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.
  • Sustainment support includes provisioning of spares, support equipment, product support, training, technical support, repair & replenishment of components and setting up of ‘Intermediate’ level component repairs & Periodic Maintenance Inspection facilities in India.
  • Indigenous development of these facilities aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, ensuring long-term capability build-up and reduced dependence on the US Government.
  • The support will enhance operational availability and maintainability of all-weather capable MH-60R helicopters, which also have Anti-Submarine Warfare capability.
Israel approves $35 billion natural gas export deal to Egypt, largest in Israeli history (Mid of December) ▼
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has approved a $35 billion natural gas export deal to Egypt, the biggest gas deal in Israeli history.
  • The gas will be delivered to Egypt over the next 15 years by U.S. energy giant Chevron, a key owner of the gas field off Israel’s coast in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Half of the proceeds are expected to go to Israel’s state coffers.
  • German lawmakers approved an expansion of a defense agreement for Israel’s Arrow 3 missile defense system, bringing the deal value from $3.5 billion to $6.5 billion, making it the largest Israeli defense export deal ever.

OpenAI to retire GPT-4o on 13 February 2026; GPT-5.2 becomes new standard

[OpenAI]

Key Updates:

  • OpenAI will retire GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini and o4-mini on 13 February 2026.
  • GPT-5.2 has replaced GPT-4o as the default model for creative writing, casual conversations and problem-solving tasks.
  • GPT-5.1 and 5.2 allow users to select tones such as "Friendly" and to adjust warmth and enthusiasm without complex prompts.
  • OpenAI cited a sharp usage drop in GPT-4o and said GPT-5.1 and 5.2 cover most previous use cases.
  • An age-prediction safeguard for under-18 users has been introduced alongside the model updates.

Similar Coverage

Microsoft unveils second-generation Maia 200 AI chip to challenge Nvidia (End of January) ▼
  • Microsoft rolled out the Maia 200, its second-generation in-house AI chip, online this week in a data center in Iowa with a second site planned in Arizona.
  • The Maia 200 is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) using 3-nanometer technology and incorporates high-bandwidth memory and substantial SRAM for AI workloads.
  • Microsoft will provide software tools including Triton—an open-source contribution from OpenAI—to program the Maia 200, directly competing with Nvidia’s CUDA platform.
  • Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and other major cloud providers are also developing proprietary chips that increasingly compete with Nvidia’s offerings.
Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme Extension, TSTL Fee Reduction, and ITSAR ONT Simplification Announced (End of December) ▼
  • Department of Telecommunications (DoT) through National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) extends Pro Tem Security Certification Scheme for two years from 01-01-2026.
  • NCCS reduces Telecom Security Testing Laboratory (TSTL) designation application fee by more than 50%, with complete waiver for Central/State Government testing agencies, IITs, and 50% concession for Indian Startups, MSEs, and women-owned enterprises.
  • NCCS simplifies Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirement (ITSAR) certification for Optical Network Terminator (ONT) devices by grouping customized variants under a single certification, cutting testing cases tenfold.
OpenAI and PhonePe partner to integrate ChatGPT into consumer and business apps (Mid of November) ▼
  • OpenAI and PhonePe announced a strategic collaboration to integrate ChatGPT features into PhonePe’s consumer app and For Business app
  • Users will be able to access ChatGPT for activities such as planning travel or shopping
  • India is one of OpenAI’s top markets and the company plans to open an office in Delhi
  • OpenAI previously offered an annual subscription to ChatGPT Go for free in India
  • ChatGPT powered by new GPT-5.1 will be “smarter, more conversational,” according to OpenAI
Income Tax Act 2025: New simplified Act to take effect from April 1 (End of December) ▼
  • The new simplified Income Tax Act, 2025 will come into effect from April 1, replacing the over six-decade-old Income Tax Act, 1961.
  • No income tax will be payable on income of Rs 12 lakh a year under the new income tax regime.
  • GST rates were reduced on about 375 goods and services effective September 22, compressing the four-tier GST slab structure into two principal rates of 5 and 18 per cent, with a 40 per cent levy retained only for sin goods.

Delhi man develops Stevens-Johnson syndrome after taking AI-advised HIV drugs

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

  • A 45-year-old man in Delhi was admitted to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML Hospital) in critical condition after self-administering HIV post-exposure prophylaxis.
  • The patient developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare and life-threatening reaction that causes extensive skin and mucosal damage.
  • The medication was purchased over the counter from a local chemist without a prescription, based on advice generated by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chat platform.
  • National guidelines stipulate that HIV post-exposure prophylaxis must be initiated within 72 hours of potential exposure and requires a strictly monitored medical regimen.
  • Doctors at RML Hospital stated that the specific drugs consumed by the patient are no longer routinely prescribed due to revised treatment protocols.

Similar Coverage

NCORD Apex-Level Meeting Approves 3-Year Nationwide Anti-Drug Campaign (Mid of January) ▼
  • Union home minister Amit Shah chaired the ninth apex-level meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi.
  • A nationwide campaign against drugs will be launched from March 31, 2026, for a period of three years.
  • All central government departments must prepare a roadmap up to 2029 with a monitoring mechanism to address the drug problem comprehensively.
All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and CAYEIT partner for AI-driven innovation (End of January) ▼
  • The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), an apex institution under the Ministry of AYUSH, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for Ayurveda Education, Innovation & Technology (CAYEIT) in New Delhi.
  • The partnership aims to modernise Ayurveda through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) enabled data analysis, and digital-first education models.
  • The collaboration focuses on developing personalised, Prakriti-based treatment models and utilising network pharmacology to provide scientific evidence for Ayurvedic formulations.
  • The MoU was signed by Prof. (Vd.) P. K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA, and Prof. Dr. Abhimanyu Kumar, Chairman and CEO of CAYEIT.
  • Following this agreement, AIIA now maintains a total of 74 national and 20 international collaborations.
Gujarat CM inaugurates Asha Van for early cancer detection (Start of January) ▼
  • Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Cancer Screening Van - Asha Van to support the early detection of cancer.
  • The Asha Van was donated to the Bhavnagar branch of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) by Jenburkt Pharmaceutical.
  • The van is equipped with EVA-Pro diagnostics, a mammography unit, and expert tele-consultation facilities.
  • The initiative aims to advance the goal of "Health and Wellness for All" in rural areas.
  • The van enables on-site screening for various diseases including lung, oral, blood, cervical, pancreatic, liver, breast, and prostate cancer using ultra-modern instrumentation.
FDA Approves Aqvesme as First Oral Therapy for Anemia in Alpha- and Beta-Thalassemia (Start of January) ▼
  • Aqvesme (mitapivat) tablets are the first oral treatment approved for anemia in adults with alpha- or beta-thalassemia.
  • In the ENERGIZE-T study of transfusion-dependent thalassemia, 30% of Aqvesme-treated patients achieved >50% transfusion reduction versus 13% on placebo.
  • In the ENERGIZE study of non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia, 42% of Aqvesme recipients achieved ≥1 g/dL hemoglobin rise at Week 24 versus 2% on placebo.
  • Aqvesme-treated patients reported a mean 4.9-point improvement in FACIT-Fatigue score versus 1.5 points with placebo.
  • Aqvesme is available only through a REMS program due to observed liver toxicity risk.

Novak Djokovic beats Pedro Martinez to set new all-time record at Australian Open

[Australia]

Key Updates:

  • Novak Djokovic defeated Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round at Rod Laver Arena.
  • The match marked Djokovic's 81st men's Grand Slam main draw appearance, equalling the all-time record held by Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez.
  • Djokovic became the first male player to win 100 or more matches at three separate Grand Slam events: French Open (101), Wimbledon (102), and Australian Open (100).
  • He now has the chance to surpass Federer's record of 102 Australian Open wins and become the first man to reach 400 Grand Slam match wins overall.

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Roger Federer Elected to International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2026 (End of November) ▼
  • Roger Federer has been voted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.
  • He is a 20-time Grand Slam champion.
  • His career brought 103 tournament titles.
  • He held a record 310 weeks ranked as the world No. 1 in men's singles.
  • He won Olympic gold and silver medals.
  • He will be inducted as part of the Class of 2026 in Newport, Rhode Island, next August.
  • His 20 majors included eight Wimbledon crowns, six Australian Opens, five US Opens, and one French Open triumph at Roland Garros.
  • He won Olympic gold in doubles for Switzerland at Beijing 2008 and singles silver at London 2012.
  • He won the Davis Cup in 2014.
  • He retired in 2022 after a final appearance at the Laver Cup in London.
Nicola Pietrangeli passed away at age 92 (Start of December) ▼
  • Nicola Pietrangeli was the first Italian player to win a Grand Slam trophy, triumphing at the French Open in 1959.
  • He is the only Italian player inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
  • Pietrangeli holds the Davis Cup record for most total wins and most singles wins, having played 164 matches for Italy in 66 ties.
  • As Davis Cup captain, he led Italy to the title in 1976.
Australia shatter 134-year-old Ashes record with seven 50-plus partnerships (Start of January) ▼
  • Australia posted seven partnerships of 50 or more runs in their first innings at the SCG, a feat never before achieved in the 134-year history of the Ashes.
  • The hosts closed Day 3 on 529 for 7, securing a 134-run first-innings lead after England were bowled out for 384.
  • Steve Smith finished unbeaten on 129, while Travis Head had earlier struck a blistering 163.
Lakshya Sen Clinches First Title Of The Season, Wins USD 475,000 Australian Open Super 500 (End of November) ▼
  • Lakshya Sen defeated Japan’s Yushi Tanaka 21-15, 21-11 in 38 minutes to win the Australian Open Super 500.
  • The tournament carried a prize purse of USD 475,000.
  • Tanaka, ranked world No. 26, had already won two Super 300 titles this season at the Orléans Masters and the US Open.
  • Sen’s last Super 300 title came at the Syed Modi International in Lucknow in 2024; his previous top-tier crown was the Canada Open the same year.
  • With this victory, Sen becomes only the second Indian to secure a BWF World Tour title this season after Ayush Shetty’s US Open win.

SAIL Great Place to Work Certification for February 2026 to February 2027

[Steel Authority of India (SAIL)]

Key Updates:

  • Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), has been certified as a Great Place to Work for the period February 2026 to February 2027.
  • This recognition marks the third consecutive year that SAIL has received this certification following an assessment by the Great Place To Work Institute, India.
  • The assessment process involved a company-wide survey measuring the TRUST INDEX© score, which evaluates parameters such as credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie.
  • SAIL has implemented the SAIL DARPAN initiative to establish a transparent and performance-driven work environment focused on objective evaluation and accountability.
  • The organisation has partnered with several institutions for capability enhancement, including Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, IIM Bangalore, IIM Jammu, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi, XLRI, and Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI).
  • Shri Amarendu Prakash currently serves as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of SAIL.

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Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SDS) approved with ₹19,989 crore outlay (End of January) ▼
  • The Union Cabinet approved the ₹19,989 crore Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SDS) to create 3-4 greenfield shipbuilding clusters, one per state.
  • An equal joint venture between V O Chidambaram Port Authority and State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) formed the first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, Tamil Nadu (NSHIP, TN).
  • The SPV will develop a mega shipbuilding cluster at Thoothukudi on 2,000 acres with a 2 km waterfront, including 1,000 acres for shipyards and 1,000 acres for ancillary industries and common facilities.
  • Each cluster will target 1.2 million GT annual capacity, with at least one anchor yard of 0.5 million GT to be achieved within 10 years of commissioning.
  • The scheme provides 100 per cent capital grant for eligible components of approved greenfield clusters.
Govt scraps sign-on/sign-off and shore leave pass for crew of Indian flag ships engaged in coastal trade (End of November) ▼
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs has scrapped the coastal sign-on/sign-off and shore leave pass (SLP) procedures for crew and supernumerary of Indian flag ships solely engaged in coastal trade, dredgers, barges and research vessels operating within port limits.
  • The shore access of crew, supernumerary of Indian flag coastal vessels plying exclusively on local routes shall, henceforth, be regulated by the port authorities.
  • The move follows demands from the shipping industry to ease the procedures as Indian seafarers were facing difficulties with the existing immigration process.
  • The Home Ministry has asked the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to direct the port authorities concerned to keep a record/data of the crew, supernumerary of the Indian flag coastal run vessels.
  • The Bureau of Immigration shall conduct periodical surprise inspections and seek crew lists from the Indian flag coastal run vessels, dredgers, barges, research vessels and similar types/categories of vessels operating within port limits.
Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) notified with ₹44,700 Crore Outlay (End of December) ▼
  • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) notified the operational guidelines for the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capacity.
  • The total approved outlay for the initiatives is ₹44,700 crore, comprising ₹24,736 crore for SBFAS and ₹19,989 crore for SbDS.
  • Under SBFAS, the government will provide financial assistance ranging from 15% to 25% per vessel, depending on the vessel category, with stage-wise disbursement linked to defined milestones.
  • The SBFAS introduces a Shipbreaking Credit Note, providing ship owners scrapping vessels at Indian yards a credit equivalent to 40% of the scrap value to support a circular economy.
  • The SbDS provides 100% capital support for common maritime and internal infrastructure in greenfield shipbuilding clusters through a 50:50 Centre–State special purpose vehicle.
  • Existing shipyards are eligible for 25% capital assistance under SbDS for brownfield expansion of critical infrastructure such as dry docks, shiplifts, and automation systems.
  • The schemes include the establishment of a National Shipbuilding Mission and an India Ship Technology Centre under the Indian Maritime University to support research, design, and innovation.
  • Both schemes will remain valid until March 31, 2036, with an in-principle extension envisaged up to 2047 to help India's commercial shipbuilding capacity rise to 4.5 million gross tonnage per annum.
Blue Flag Certification awarded to beaches for 2025-26 (Mid of November) ▼
  • The International Blue Flag Certification for 2025-26 was awarded to beaches.
  • The Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international agency, awarded the Blue Flag certification.
  • Altogether 13 beaches across the country have been recognised for 2025-26.
  • Out of the recognised beaches, 12 have been fully awarded and one (Eden beach, Puducherry) has been conditionally awarded.
  • Two of the fully awarded beaches are from Odisha.
  • The certification signifies that the beaches meet stringent international standards of cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and safety.
  • The certification is renewed annually after detailed inspections by national and international committees and compliances of 33 various criteria covering water quality, environmental education, safety, waste management, cleanliness and eco-friendly infrastructure.

5th Rüsoma Orange Festival 2026 on Jan 30 & 31

[Nagaland]

Key Updates:

  • The 5th edition of the Rüsoma Orange Festival 2026 will be held on January 30 and 31 at Rüsoma Local Ground.
  • The festival is organised under the aegis of the Rüsoma Village Council in partnership with the Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department, and Rural Development Department.
  • The theme for 2026 is 'Abundance of Rüsoma', celebrating Rüsoma oranges, organic produce, and local handicrafts.
  • The first orange tree in Rüsoma is believed to have been planted during 1941–1942.
  • Rüsoma was adopted and declared a Gardening Village in 1986.
  • The first edition of the Rüsoma Orange Festival was launched in 2020.
  • The inaugural function on January 30 at 10 am will be graced by MLA and Advisor, Department of Tribal Affairs & Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi, as the special guest.
  • During the festival, the price of oranges will be capped at Rs 140 per kg based on quality.

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Nagaland Statehood Day on December 1 (Start of December) ▼
  • Nagaland Statehood Day is observed every year on 1 December.
  • Nagaland was formally declared India’s 16th state on 1 December 1963.
  • Kohima was chosen as the capital of Nagaland.
  • Nagaland was carved out of the Naga Hills district within Assam.
  • The Naga People’s Convention (NPC) was formed in 1957.
  • A 16-point agreement was reached in 1960 between the NPC and the central government.
  • The State of Nagaland Act, 1962 received the President’s assent on 4 September 1962.
Republic Day Parade 2026 winners announced for Best Tableaux and Popular Choice (End of January) ▼
  • Indian Navy was adjudged Best Marching Contingent among the three Services.
  • Delhi Police was adjudged Best Marching Contingent among CAPFs/other auxiliary forces.
  • Maharashtra's tableau ‘Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta’ was adjudged Best Tableau among States/UTs.
  • Jammu & Kashmir's tableau ‘Handicrafts and Folk Dances of Jammu & Kashmir’ was adjudged Best Tableau among States/UTs.
  • Kerala's tableau ‘Water Metro & 100% Digital Literacy: Aatmanirbhar Kerala for Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ was adjudged Best Tableau among States/UTs.
  • Ministry of Culture’s tableau ‘Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation’ was adjudged Best Tableau among Central Ministries/Departments.
  • Central Public Works Department (CPWD) tableau ‘Vande Mataram – Commemoration of 150 Years’ received a Special Prize.
  • ‘Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India’ Dance Group received a Special Prize.
  • Assam Regiment was adjudged Best Marching Contingent among the three Services in the Popular Choice category.
  • CRPF was adjudged Best Marching Contingent among CAPFs/other auxiliary forces in the Popular Choice category.
  • Gujarat's tableau ‘Mantra of Swadeshi – Self-Reliance – Freedom: Vande Mataram’ topped the Popular Choice category on MyGov portal.
  • Uttar Pradesh's tableau ‘Culture of Bundelkhand’ ranked among the top three in the Popular Choice category on MyGov portal.
  • Rajasthan's tableau ‘Golden Touch of the Desert: Bikaner Gold Art (Usta Art)’ ranked among the top three in the Popular Choice category on MyGov portal.
  • Department of School Education & Literacy’s tableau ‘National Education Policy 2020: Rocketing Indian School Education on the Path to Viksit Bharat’ was adjudged Best Tableau among Central Ministries/Departments in the Popular Choice category.
Hornbill Festival celebrated in Nagaland from December 1 to 10 (Start of December) ▼
  • The Hornbill Festival 2025 will run from December 1 to 10 in Nagaland.
  • The 26th Hornbill Festival is being held at Kisama Heritage Village, just outside Kohima.
  • Every winter, Nagaland springs to life with the Hornbill Festival.
UK Designated Country Partner for 2025 Hornbill Festival (Mid of November) ▼
  • The government of Nagaland has announced a formal partnership with the British Council, designating the UK as the country partner for the 2025 Hornbill Festival.
  • The agreement was signed by Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and Alison Barrett MBE, country director India, British Council.
  • Scottish artist Ruairidh Maclean (RuMac) will perform on Dec 2 as part of the festival.

World Leprosy Day 2026 observed on 25 January

Key Updates:

  • World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of January every year.
  • In 2026, World Leprosy Day falls on 25 January.
  • The theme for World Leprosy Day 2026 is 'Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma'.
  • In India, World Leprosy Day is celebrated on 30 January, marking the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

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Central Leprosy Division IEC Outreach Programme promotes awareness and stigma reduction (End of January) ▼
  • Central Leprosy Division (CLD) under Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), organised an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) outreach programme at Dilli Haat on National Leprosy Day.
  • The programme included a Nukkad Natak on early signs and symptoms of leprosy and a cultural dance by children affected by leprosy supported by Rotary Club.
  • A Self-Examination Mirror activity and an interactive quiz were conducted to encourage recognition of early signs and reinforce key messages, with prizes distributed to participants.
  • A pamphlet titled '100 Questions & Answers on Leprosy' along with other IEC materials was distributed to promote awareness, early reporting, treatment adherence, and stigma reduction.
  • Visitors took a collective pledge not to discriminate against persons affected by leprosy, supporting the goal of a #LeprosyFreeIndia.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day observed on 30 January (End of January) ▼
  • World Health Organisation (WHO) designated 30 January as World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day at the 74th World Health Assembly on 31 May 2021.
  • The date commemorates the adoption of the London Declaration on NTDs on 30 January 2012.
  • WHO’s 2030 targets include 90% reduction in people needing treatment for NTDs and 75% reduction in years of life lost due to NTDs.
  • By 1 January 2026, 58 countries had eradicated at least one NTD.
  • Global financial aid for NTDs fell by 41% between 2018 and 2023.
  • USAID’s dismantling and the United States withdrawal from WHO have suspended 47 treatment campaigns affecting 143 million people worldwide.
  • ANRS MIE, responsible for monitoring emerging infectious diseases, prioritises dengue and chikungunya under its Emergence epidemic response system.
  • ANRS MIE funds projects including LSDengue, ARBOGEN, DENGAGE, DENGAFRICA, and LEISHNEW targeting dengue, chikungunya, and leishmaniasis.
  • ANRS MIE co-directs Global Health EDCTP3 and serves as one of nine international coordination centres for the STRIVE network linking over 300 clinical trials in 40 countries.
World Pneumonia Day observed on 12 November: 2025 Theme 'Child Survival' (Mid of November) ▼
  • World Pneumonia Day is observed every year on 12 November.
  • The theme for 2025 is 'Child Survival', highlighting pneumonia as the leading infectious cause of death among children under five.
  • The day was first marked on 12 November 2009, initiated by the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia.
World Immunisation Day observed annually on November 10 (Mid of November) ▼
  • World Immunisation Day is observed every year on November 10.
  • The day serves as a reminder of how vaccines save lives.
  • It also highlights why equitable access to vaccines remains essential.