Daily Current Affairs: 3 February 2026

Sarvesh Ranjan promoted to Chief General Manager of Union Bank of India.

[Union Bank of India]

Key Updates:

• Sarvesh Ranjan assumed the post of Chief General Manager at Union Bank of India on 1 February 2026.
• He succeeded Bhaskara Rao Kare who superannuated on 31 January 2026.
• Prior to promotion, Sarvesh Ranjan was serving as General Manager in the same bank.
• He presently heads the Central Reconciliation, Transaction Monitoring and Anti-Money Laundering departments of Union Bank of India.
• Sarvesh Ranjan is an engineering graduate with nearly 30 years of banking experience.
• He has completed leadership programmes at the University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland), ISB Hyderabad and IDRBT Hyderabad and holds IT and cyber security certifications.

Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny Win Top Honours at 68th Grammy Awards

Key Updates:

• The 68th Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles, where Kendrick Lamar emerged as the biggest winner with five awards, including Record of the Year for Luther and Best Rap Album for GNX.
• Bad Bunny won the Album of the Year award for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, making history as the first Puerto Rican star to win the category, and also secured Best Música Urbana Album.
• Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for Wildflower, while Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist.
• Lady Gaga secured Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem and Best Dance/Pop Recording for Abracadabra, while Lola Young won Best Pop Solo Performance for Messy.
• Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for Defying Gravity, and Tame Impala won Best Dance/Electronic Recording for End Of Summer.
• FKA Twigs won Best Dance/Electronic Album for Eusexua, and Laufey won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for A Matter Of Time.
• Natalia Lafourcade won Best Latin Pop Album for Cancionera, and Yungblud won Best Rock Performance for Changes (Live From Villa Park).
• Nine Inch Nails won Best Rock Song for As Alive As You Need Me To Be, and Turnstile won Best Rock Album for Never Enough and Best Metal Performance for Birds.
• The Cure won Best Alternative Music Album for Songs Of A Lost World and Best Alternative Music Performance for Alone.
• Clipse, Pusha T, and Malice won Best Rap Performance for Chains & Whips, while Kendrick Lamar also won Best Melodic Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for TV Off.
• Chris Stapleton won Best Country Solo Performance for Bad As I Used To Be, and Tyler Childers won Best Country Song for Bitin' List.
• Kehlani won Best Rhythm and Blues (R&B) Performance and Best R&B Song for Folded, and Leon Thomas won Best R&B Album for Mutt.
• Tyla won Best African Music Performance for Push 2 Start, and music legend Fela Kuti became the first African to receive the Grammys Lifetime Achievement Award.
• The Dalai Lama won the Best Audiobook Narration award for Meditations: The Reflections Of His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
• Ludwig Göransson won Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media for Sinners, and Austin Wintory won Best Video Game Score for Sword of the Sea.
• Huntr/x won Best Song Written for Visual Media for Golden (From Korean Pop (K-Pop) Demon Hunters), and Doechii won Best Music Video for Anxiety.
• John Williams won Best Music Film for Music by John Williams, and Samara Joy won Best Jazz Vocal Album for Portrait.
• Sullivan Fortner won Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Nate Smith won Best Alternative Jazz Album, and Chick Corea won Best Jazz Performance for Windows (Live).
• Kwamé Ryan and the Houston Grand Opera won Best Opera Recording for Heggie: Intelligence, and Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra won Best Orchestral Performance.
• Cirkut was named Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), and Amy Allen was named Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical).
• The various artists compilation for Sinners won Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, and Nate Bargatze won Best Comedy Album.

Government sets record Rs 17.2 lakh crore gross market borrowing for 2026-27.

Key Updates:

• Gross market borrowing for 2026-27 fixed at Rs 17.2 lakh crore.
• Net market borrowing pegged at Rs 11.7 lakh crore.
• Gap of Rs 5.5 lakh crore between gross and net borrowing reflects repayment of earlier debt.
• Capital expenditure target for FY27 set at Rs 12.2 lakh crore.
• Borrowing programme overseen by Department of Expenditure in coordination with Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Finance Minister (FM) to introduce Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) Amendment Bill in March 2026

[Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)]

Key Updates:

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the introduction of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) Amendment Bill during the second half of the Budget session starting 9 March.
• The Bill, which was first introduced in the Lok Sabha on 12 August 2025, incorporates suggestions from a select committee report submitted in December 2025.
• The IBC Amendment Bill 2025 marks the seventh legislative intervention since the Act’s enactment, following the previous amendment in 2021.
• New provisions included in the Bill cover group insolvency processes, cross-border insolvency, and creditor-initiated insolvency processes.
• The government will set up an Integrated Technology Platform to enhance consistency, transparency, and oversight for all stakeholders under the IBC.
• The IBC framework has successfully resolved over 1,000 companies, leading to a direct recovery of more than ₹3.3 lakh crore for creditors.
• Reforms are planned for the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and appellate tribunals to address capacity constraints and speed up resolution timelines.
• The Finance Minister confirmed that the strategic disinvestment of IDBI Bank remains on track.

Government of India (GoI) proposes ₹73,990 crore outlay for Telecom Ministry

Key Updates:

• The Government of India (GoI) proposed a ₹73,990 crore outlay for the Telecom Ministry, representing a 38% increase from the Revised Estimate (RE) of ₹53,000 crore.
• Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is allocated ₹28,473 crore for capital infusion, spectrum costs, network rollout, and internal Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) requirements.
• The Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) of BSNL grew by approximately 9%, increasing from ₹90 to ₹99.
• An allocation of ₹1,39,000 crore is designated for the BharatNet project to improve rural broadband infrastructure.
• The budget for the Development of the North East Region increased from an RE of ₹4,495 crore to ₹6,800 crore, a jump of nearly 50%.
• Development initiatives for the North East include the provision of 4,000 e-buses for urbanisation and the establishment of five Buddhist circuits across six states.

Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO) grants In-Principle Approval to Matrixport for operations in Bhutan

[Bhutan]

Key Updates:

• Matrix Bhutan Pte Ltd, an entity of Matrixport, has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO) to operate regulated financial services.
• The approval permits the entity to operate within or from Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) in Bhutan.
• Subject to final regulatory conditions, the licence will allow Matrix Bhutan Pte Ltd to provide money services, deal in investments as matched principal, and provide custody services.
• Matrixport plans to contribute to a proposed Center of Excellence (CoE) in GMC to strengthen compliance capabilities and upskill local Bhutanese talent.
• Matrixport is a digital asset financial services unicorn valued at over US$1 billion, managing more than US$7 billion in assets globally.
• India link not mentioned in the article.

Central Bank of India (CBI) partners with HSBC Asset Management India (HSBC AMC) to distribute mutual fund products

[Central Bank of India (CBI), HSBC]

Key Updates:

• Central Bank of India (CBI) has entered into a distributorship agreement with HSBC Asset Management India Pvt Ltd (HSBC AMC) to offer mutual fund products to its customers.
• HSBC AMC, which acquired the L&T Investment Management business in November 2022, recorded a daily average Assets Under Management (AUM) of ₹1.39 lakh crore in December 2025.
• CBI reported a 31.6% year-on-year increase in net profit to ₹1,262 crore for the December quarter.
• The net interest income of CBI for the December quarter stood at ₹3,503 crore, reflecting a 1% decline compared to the previous year.
• The asset quality of CBI improved during the quarter, with Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) declining to 2.7% and Net NPAs easing to 0.45%.

National Statistics Office (NSO) proposes Survey on Migration for July 2026-June 2027

[National Statistics Office (NSO)]

Key Updates:

• National Statistics Office (NSO) will conduct a Survey on Migration during July 2026-June 2027 to update migration data.
• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020-21 recorded an all-India migration rate of 28.9 percent.
• PLFS 2020-21 showed male migration rate at 10.7 percent and female migration rate at 47.9 percent.
• Marriage accounted for 86.8 percent of female migration while 22.8 percent of male migration was for employment or better employment.
• Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) organises migration surveys to inform policy on urban planning, housing, transportation, employment, social security and skill development.

Supreme Court orders Centre to constitute Water Disputes Tribunal for Pennaiyar river sharing between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

[Supreme Court of India, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

• The Supreme Court directed the Central government to constitute a Water Disputes Tribunal within a month under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
• The dispute was brought by Tamil Nadu under Article 131 of the Constitution against Karnataka and the Union of India.
• Pennaiyar is an inter-State river flowing from Karnataka through Andhra Pradesh into Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
• Tamil Nadu alleged that Karnataka’s infrastructure projects on the Pennaiyar reduced downstream flow and harmed irrigation.
• Karnataka argued that the new state government formed after May 2023 Assembly elections had not been allowed fresh negotiations.
• The Centre informed the court that ministerial talks were proposed but Tamil Nadu refused to participate in certain meetings.
• In January 2024 the Supreme Court constituted a new negotiation committee with a one-year statutory negotiation limit.
• By November 2024 the court was informed that mediation between the two states had failed.

Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Program (DRAP) launched to achieve Zero Dumpsite India by September 2026

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Program (DRAP) under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U) 2.0.
• DRAP targets scientific remediation of 8.8 crore metric tonnes of legacy waste across 1,428 dumpsites in India.
• Sites with over 45,000 metric tonnes of waste are prioritised; no minimum limit for Union Territories and Northeastern states.
• Central financial support under DRAP is ₹550 per tonne of waste.
• States must prepare Micro Action Plans and monitor progress through the DRAP Portal.

Excise duty exemption on biogas-blended CNG to cut retailers' costs

Key Updates:

• Union Budget FY27 exempts excise duty on the biogas/compressed biogas (CBG) component in blended CNG.
• Currently both pure CNG and biogas-blended CNG attract 14% excise duty.
• Biogas attracts 5% GST while natural gas is outside the GST framework.
• Average share of CBG in CNG is around 1% nationally.
• India currently sells about 250,000 kg of CBG per day under its CNG blending programme.
• Budget earmarked Rs 9,200 crore for new Ujjwala gas connections next fiscal year against Rs 12,736 crore this fiscal year.
• Budget deferred by two years the plan to impose an additional duty of Rs 2 per litre on unblended diesel to April 2028.

MHA mandates 2-year Central deputation as SP/DIG for IPS officers seeking IG rank at Centre

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) modified guidelines making a minimum two years of Central deputation at Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Inspector General (DIG) level mandatory for empanelment as Inspector General (IG) or equivalent at the Centre.
• The revised rule applies to IPS officers of the 2011 batch onwards.
• The official communication was sent to all Chief Secretaries of state governments for circulation among IPS officers in their cadres.
• Copies were also forwarded to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), all state Directors General of Police (DGsP), Union Territory division of MHA, and other senior officials.

18% Central Excise duty on unmanufactured tobacco withdrawn for unbranded, non-retail sale

Key Updates:

• The government withdrew the 18% Central Excise duty on unmanufactured tobacco or tobacco refuse that is unbranded and not packed for retail sale through a Gazette notification dated 1 February 2026.
• All other unmanufactured tobacco or tobacco refuse that are branded or retail-packed will continue to attract 18% excise duty.
• Imports of unmanufactured tobacco or tobacco refuse without a brand name and not packed for retail sale are also exempted from Customs countervailing duty equal to the central excise duty, reducing the applicable customs duty.
• Experts stated that the change is unlikely to affect tobacco stocks of companies like ITC and Godfrey Phillips since they deal in branded, retail-packed unmanufactured tobacco which remains subject to 18% excise duty.

India hosts third edition of tri-services future warfare course in Delhi

Key Updates:

• The third edition of the tri-services future warfare course runs from 2 to 25 February 2026 in New Delhi.
• The course is conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) in partnership with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).
• The venue is the Manekshaw Centre at Delhi Cantonment.
• The curriculum covers specialised subjects, domain-specific warfare developments, critical and rare earth elements, supply chain vulnerabilities and regional and global geopolitics.
• Participants include officers from the three services ranging from majors to major generals, plus representatives from defence industry start-ups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private industry.
• The course aims to align operational priorities of the armed forces with the capabilities of the indigenous defence industry.

Indian Micro-Fertilisers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) to organise 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo in Mumbai on 5-6 February 2026

[Mumbai]

Key Updates:

• Indian Micro-Fertilisers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) will hold the 6th National Crop Nutrition Summit & B2B Expo on 5 and 6 February 2026 at National Stock Exchange (NSE), Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.
• The summit theme is 'Converge, Collaborate & Co-create' and will focus on crop nutrition, specialty fertilisers, biologicals, micronutrients, and India’s role in global agri-input manufacturing.
• Minister of Marketing & Protocol, Government of Maharashtra, Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, will inaugurate the summit.
• Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India, Dr P. K. Singh, will attend as Guest of Honour and outline government perspective on agri-input reforms, ease of doing business, export competitiveness and specialty crop nutrition products.
• Participants include senior officials from Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), national research institutions, State Agriculture Departments, and Commissioners of Agriculture from several states including Maharashtra.
• Day 1 themed 'Converge & Collaborate' will feature inaugural session, policy dialogue on One Nation, One License proposal, farmer recognition program, roundtable on integrating micronutrients and biologicals into fertiliser policy, 'Media Speaks' session, startup pitch platform, and industry networking sessions.
• Day 2 themed 'Co-Create' will focus on structured B2B meetings, masterclasses on international trade, institutional and government business, fundraising, and sessions on manufacturing, data analytics and digital technologies.
• The summit will conclude with an Industry–Government–Startup Conclave and a closing policymakers’ interaction.
• IMMA will highlight policy priorities such as implementation of One Nation, One License, faster approval processes for micronutrients, biologicals and specialty fertilisers, differentiation between subsidised and non-subsidised agri inputs, export-oriented regulations, and stronger enforcement against counterfeit and sub-standard products.

Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police conduct joint exercise Agni Pariksha in Arunachal Pradesh

[Arunachal Pradesh]

Key Updates:

• The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) conducted a six-day joint training exercise named Agni Pariksha from 19 to 24 January.
• The exercise was held at Sigar in the East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh to enhance inter-force combat synergy and operational integration.
• Spearhead gunners under the Spear Corps led the training for personnel from infantry regiments and the ITBP.
• The primary objective of the exercise was to familiarise non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and the execution of firing missions.
• Infantry and ITBP personnel were trained to independently conduct multiple artillery firing drills under the supervision of experienced gunners.
• The initiative represents the first phase of a collaborative firepower training programme aimed at developing integrated combat capabilities for future battlefields.

Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) develops sunlight-powered photo-supercapacitor integrating energy capture and storage.

[Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS)]

Key Updates:

• Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, created a photo-rechargeable supercapacitor using binder-free nickel–cobalt oxide (NiCo₂O₄) nanowires on nickel foam.
• Under illumination the electrode capacitance rose by 54% from 570 to 880 millifarads per square centimetre at 15 milliamperes per square centimetre current density.
• The electrode retained 85% of its original capacity after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles.
• An asymmetric device with activated carbon negative and NiCo₂O₄ nanowire positive electrodes delivered a stable 1.2 volt output and 88% capacitance retention after 1,000 photo-charging cycles.
• Nickel substitution narrows the band gap to about 1.67 eV and induces half-metallic behaviour, enabling faster charge transport for photo-assisted storage.
• The integrated system can function without an electrical grid, supporting India’s clean-energy goals.

IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 to spotlight population-scale AI deployment and governance

[IndiaAI]

Key Updates:

• The IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi and positions India as a leader in real-world AI deployment rather than model development.
• Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), CEO of IndiaAI Mission, and Director General of National Informatics Centre (NIC), oversees the summit.
• GPUs under the IndiaAI Mission are available at ₹65 per GPU hour to democratise access to high-performance computing.
• About twelve foundational models are under development and some will be launched ahead of the summit.
• The Bhashini initiative provides speech-to-speech and speech-to-text APIs to address India’s linguistic diversity.
• The summit features flagship challenges AI for All, AI for Her, and YUVAi, with participation from 136 countries.
• YUVAi programme has reached nearly 100,000 students within two weeks and targets over one million learners by the summit.
• Stanford AI Index ranked India as the third-largest AI ecosystem globally, up from seventh two years earlier.
• Global firms Nvidia, Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, Qualcomm, Intel, and Schneider Electric, plus academics from Stanford, will attend the summit.
• NIC is deploying AI in judicial systems, agriculture, healthcare, and education integrated with India’s digital public infrastructure.

Andhra Pradesh CM launches voice-based billing agent Pilloo AI for small businesses

[Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

• Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched Pilloo AI, a next-generation voice-based billing and accounting agent, at the Secretariat in Andhra Pradesh.
• The AI tool is designed to empower small and medium business owners by enabling them to manage finances through simple voice interactions in their native languages.
• Pilloo AI allows users to create invoices, record transactions, generate reports, and manage accounts without requiring accounting expertise or complex software.
• The application was developed by Founder G. Sai Praneeth and Co-founder Ram Mohan Locharla to replace manual record-keeping for small businesses.
• The launch event was attended by Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Prathipati Pulla Rao.

Kerala HVIC Foundation and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) sign MoA for ₹8.7 crore hydrogen bus project

Key Updates:

• The Kerala HVIC Foundation and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the procurement and operation of three hydrogen-powered buses.
• The project has a total outlay of ₹8.7 crore and is part of the Kerala Hydrogen Valley initiative.
• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is supporting the development of Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVIC) across India under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) is the state nodal agency for renewable energy and green hydrogen leading the Kerala HVIC initiative.
• The hydrogen valley is being developed in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram and includes initiatives such as hydrogen-powered water transport and biogenic hydrogen production.
• CIAL has commissioned South India’s first hydrogen refuelling station in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to support the vehicles.

New orchid species Diplozentrum papillosum discovered in Kerala’s Idukki district

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

• The orchid was found in Kanthalloor, Marayoor, in Idukki district, located in the southern ranges of the Western Ghats.
• The species belongs to the Diplozentrum genus, which is endemic to the southern Western Ghats, and has been scientifically named Diplozentrum papillosum.
• The orchid grows on rocks and tree branches, using strong roots to anchor itself and withstand high wind conditions in its natural habitat.
• It is characterised by unbranched flower clusters, pink and white fragrant blooms, and uniquely shaped petals that distinguish it from other Diplozentrum species.
• The discovery highlights the ecological richness and endemic plant diversity of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.

Gujarat becomes India’s renewable energy powerhouse with 42.583 GW installed capacity

[Gujarat]

Key Updates:

• Gujarat accounts for 16.5 % of India’s total renewable energy with an installed capacity of 42.583 GW.
• The state leads India in wind power capacity at 14,820.94 MW and in rooftop solar with over 11 lakh installations generating 6,412.80 MW.
• Gujarat ranks second in total solar power capacity at 25,529.40 MW.
• Major solar parks in Gujarat include Charanka (749 MW), Radhanesda (700 MW), and Dholera (300 MW).
• Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat is planned to be the world’s largest at 37.35 GW, with 11.33 GW already achieved.
• Under PM-KUSUM, 12,700 standalone solar water pumps have been installed in Gujarat.
• Gujarat targets 105 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Global Soft Power Index 2026 released on 27 January 2026

Key Updates:

• Brand Finance released the Global Soft Power Index 2026, which ranks 193 United Nations (UN) member states across 55 metrics.
• The United States (US) retained the top position with a score of 74.9 out of 100, despite recording the sharpest decline of 4.6 points compared to the previous year.
• China secured the second rank with a score of 73.5 and was the only country in the index to record an increase in its soft power score.
• India ranked 32nd globally with a score of 48.0, slipping two positions and declining by 1.8 points from the previous year.
• India achieved high rankings in specific indicators including familiarity (13th), influence (17th), and culture and heritage (19th).
• India recorded weaker scores in reputation (73rd), governance (100th), and net positive impact (123rd).
• The top 10 countries in the 2026 index are the US, China, Japan, United Kingdom (UK), Germany, France, Switzerland, Canada, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• The UK fell to the fourth position with a score of 69.2, marking its lowest rank since the inception of the index.
• Switzerland was identified as the most resilient country, ranking 1st in reputation, trust, effective governance, and economic stability.
• Soft power is defined in the report as a nation’s ability to shape preferences and behaviours through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day observed on February 2

Key Updates:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day is observed every year on February 2.
• It was established in 2013 by the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation (RPF), the first nonprofit created specifically to represent people living with RA.
• The date marks the birthday of RPF founder Kelly Young, widely known as RA Warrior.

Gyan Bharatam initiative launched in Union Budget 2025-26

Key Updates:

• The Gyan Bharatam initiative was launched in the Union Budget 2025-26 to digitise and preserve India's manuscript heritage.
• The Union Ministry of Culture is the guiding authority for the initiative, which aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 national growth vision.
• Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed a funding allocation of Rs 491.66 crore for the project to be implemented between 2025 and 2031.
• The initiative has successfully digitised more than 7.5 lakh manuscripts, with 1.29 lakh currently accessible online.
• The project infrastructure includes 28 cluster centres and 17 independent centres established across various states and Union Territories (UTs).
• Technical partners are engaged to enhance digitisation processes and infrastructure using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

Ancient grain storage tradition Paathara/Khoni fading in Srikakulam district

[Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

• Paathara (Odia: Khoni) is an ancestral underground grain storage pit once common along the Mahendratanaya River banks in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.
• The pit is rectangular, plastered with straw and clay, sealed with cow-dung, and mainly stores paddy for household consumption and rituals.
• In Jalantara Saasanam village (Kanchili Mandal) only two Paatharas were built this year: one by Marla Dillemma and one by Juttu Moinamma.
• NABARD sanctioned ₹9.75 crore in August 2015 under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund to improve the Pydigam irrigation channel system covering 4,984 acres.
• Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute (IGMRI) estimates nearly 10% of food grains are lost annually due to unscientific storage, costing about ₹7,000 crore, with insects alone causing ₹1,300 crore damages (2026 estimates).

Bharat Parv 2026 closing ceremony on 31 January at Red Fort

[New Delhi]

Key Updates:

• Bharat Parv 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and runs from 26 to 31 January at the Lawns and Gyan Path in front of the Red Fort.
• The closing ceremony on 31 January at 5:30 p.m. will have Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan as the chief guest.
• Punjabi Folk Orchestra and Qalandri Dhamal will perform on 31 January, showcasing traditional instruments like Dhol, Dholki, Taal-Koze, Tansari, Flute, Nagara, Chimta, Sap, Kara, and Vanjli.
• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated Bharat Parv 2026 and described it as a vibrant expression of India’s soul and a reminder of constitutional values.

Zapotec tomb discovery in Oaxaca: 1,400-year-old archaeological find

[Mexico]

Key Updates:

• A 1,400-year-old Zapotec tomb has been discovered in the Central Valleys region of southern Mexico.
• The discovery was made by a team of researchers from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
• The tomb complex features an antechamber and a funerary chamber with a depiction of an owl representing night and death in Zapotec iconography.
• Calendrical information was found on a frieze at the entrance to the funerary chamber.
• A mural within the funerary chamber, painted on stucco with pigments, shows a funerary procession carrying offerings of copal incense.
• Researchers from INAH are working to stabilize the microclimate and document the mural and relief sculptures.

SAIL launches nationwide creative contest "सेल-e-BRATION: Steel Built India, SAIL Built Trust" on 30 January 2026

Key Updates:

• Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Steel, launched the contest on 30 January 2026 in collaboration with MyGov.
• The contest invites Indian citizens to submit 1080p MP4 videos (max 120 seconds) in Hindi or English by 16 February 2026, 11:59 PM IST via the MyGov portal.
• Participants can choose from four themes: Building India’s Big Dreams, Shield & Star, There’s a Little Bit of SAIL in Everyone’s Life, and Products Everywhere.
• Top five creators will each receive ₹10,000 cash, a Letter of Appreciation and Certificate from SAIL, and national exposure on SAIL’s official social media platforms.

Indian Coast Guard Day observed on February 1

Key Updates:

• Indian Coast Guard Day is observed annually on February 1.
• The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on February 1, 1977.
• Before 1977, coastal protection was handled mainly by the Indian Navy.
• The Indian Coast Guard operates under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
• Responsibilities include maritime security, search and rescue, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and disaster support.

World Wetlands Day 2026 observed on February 2

Key Updates:

• World Wetlands Day is observed every year on February 2.
• The first World Wetlands Day was celebrated in 1997.
• It has been a United Nations (UN) International Day since 2022.
• The Convention on Wetlands was signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
• The official theme for World Wetlands Day 2026 is 'Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage'.