Daily Current Affairs: 4 February 2026

M Anitha (IRS) appointed Director in Department of Defence.

[Defence Department (India), Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)]

Key Updates:

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of M Anitha, IRS (Income Tax: 2007), as Director in the Department of Defence under the Central Staffing Scheme.
• The Civil Services Board (CSB) recommended her lateral shift from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), where she is currently Director.
• Her tenure in the Department of Defence will last up to 26 September 2026, the balance period of her five-year deputation at the Director level, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• The appointment takes effect from the date she assumes charge of the post.

Nivedita Dubey assumes charge as Member (HR) at Airports Authority of India (AAI).

[Airports Authority of India (AAI)]

Key Updates:

• Nivedita Dubey assumed charge as Member (Human Resources) at the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• She became the first woman to serve on the Board of AAI.
• Her previous role within AAI was Regional Executive Director for the Eastern Region.
• She brings over 30 years of experience spanning airport operations, administration, and people management.

Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to 10 Years Imprisonment as Deposed Prime Minister of Bangladesh

[Bangladesh]

Key Updates:

• The Dhaka Special Judge's Court sentenced 79-year-old deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in absentia across two corruption cases.
• The sentencing involves alleged irregularities in the allocation of residential plots under the Rajuk New Town Project in Purbachol.
• The court sentenced Hasina's nieces, Tulip Siddiq (United Kingdom (UK) Labour Member of Parliament (MP) and former British minister) and Azaman Siddiq, and her nephew, Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in absentia.
• Other accused individuals, including a former junior minister for housing, a former secretary of the ministry, and a former Rajuk Chairman, were sentenced to five years of imprisonment.
• Khurshid Alam, a senior official of Rajuk, was the only individual among the 16 accused who was tried in person and present during the verdict.
• Sheikh Hasina was previously sentenced to 21 years' imprisonment on 27 November following a complaint by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
• Her children, Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Putul, were each handed five-year prison sentences in a separate case involving Rajuk plots.
• A special tribunal earlier sentenced the former Prime Minister, currently in exile in India, to death for crimes against humanity during the July Uprising on 5 August 2024.

Vinay Muralidhar Tonse Appointed as MD & CEO of YES Bank

[YES Bank]

Key Updates:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YES Bank.
• The appointment is for a tenure of three years, effective from the date he assumes charge.
• The appointment is subject to the approval of the shareholders of the bank.
• Tonse will succeed Prashant Kumar, whose current extended tenure as the MD & CEO is scheduled to end on April 5, 2026.
• Tonse previously served as the Managing Director (Retail Business & Operations) at the State Bank of India (SBI) until November 30, 2025.
• The bank confirmed that Tonse is not debarred from holding the office of a director by any order of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) or any other authority.

Yumnam Khemchand set to become Chief Minister of Manipur.

[Manipur]

Key Updates:

• Yumnam Khemchand was elected as the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislative party.
• Nemcha Kipgen is likely to become the Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur.
• Khemchand belongs to the Meitei community and Kipgen belongs to the Kuki community.
• The BJP has 37 MLAs in the Manipur assembly, supported by Naga People’s Front (5) and Janata Dal (United) (1).
• Khemchand previously served as Speaker of the Manipur assembly from 2017 to 2022 and as a cabinet minister in 2022.
• He was elected from the Singjamei constituency in the 2017 and 2022 Manipur Legislative Assembly elections.

SP Venkatesh Passes Away as Veteran Music Director

Key Updates:

• Veteran music director SP Venkatesh passed away at the age of 70 at his residence in Chennai following a cardiac arrest.
• He began his film career in 1971 as a guitarist and later served as an assistant music director in Kannada cinema in 1975.
• He made his debut as an independent artist in 1981 with the Telugu film Prema Yuddham.
• He won the Kerala State Film Award for best music director in 1993 for the films Paithrukam and Janam.
• His notable works in Malayalam cinema include Rajavinte Makan, Kilukkam, Minnaram, Johnnie Walker, Dhruvam, Valsalyam, Sphadikam, Mannar Mathai Speaking, and Manthrikam.
• He was also known for his background scores in films such as Devasuram, Mahayanam, No. 20 Madras Mail, Appu, Sopanam, and Highway.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement secures expanded market access across 144 sub-sectors for Indian service providers.

[European Union (EU)]

Key Updates:

• The European Union (EU) has committed to expanded and commercially significant access across 144 sub-sectors including IT/ITeS, professional services, other business services and education services.
• National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) stated the FTA will ease cross-border delivery for India’s IT exporters and strengthen digital trade while ensuring safeguards for privacy, security and public policy.
• Nasscom expects the agreement to drive higher European investment into India’s IT ecosystem and enable joint ventures and R&D partnerships in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean technologies and startups.
• Rohit Jain, Managing Partner at Singhania & Co, said the FTA provides Intellectual Property (IP) certainty that encourages European MNCs to shift core technology development to their Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
• Alignment between India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) could reduce regulatory friction and enable seamless real-time integration between European headquarters and Indian GCCs.

Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), and port authorities form Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) with ₹15,000 crore joint funding.

[Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Container Corporation of India (CONCOR)]

Key Updates:

• Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Chennai Port Authority, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) signed an agreement on Tuesday to form Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL).
• The agreement provides for joint funding of up to ₹15,000 crore for eligible projects aimed at port capacity expansion under the Sagarmala Programme and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
• India will place orders for 15 domestically manufactured container vessels through BCSL during fiscal 2026-27 as part of a strategy to procure 51 vessels in the next five years under phase one.
• The initiative is aligned with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) announced in Union Budget 2026-27.

Walmart becomes first traditional retailer to achieve $1 trillion market valuation

[Walmart]

Key Updates:

• Walmart has become the first traditional retailer to reach a market valuation of $1 trillion (£730 billion).
• The company transitioned its stock listing from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to the Nasdaq to reinforce its position as a digital and technology-driven firm.
• Walmart recorded a 28% increase in e-commerce sales in the United States (US) during the three months ending 31 October.
• The retailer announced a partnership with OpenAI in October to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) for meal planning and product discovery.
• The company joins an elite group of firms with valuations exceeding $1 trillion, including Nvidia, Alphabet, Amazon, and Berkshire Hathaway.
• John Furner reached the $1 trillion milestone during his first week as the Chief Executive (CE) of the company.
• John David Rainey serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the retail giant.
• India link not mentioned in the article.

United States (US) cuts reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25% to 18%.

[United States]

Key Updates:

• The United States (US) reduced the reciprocal tariff on imports from India from 25% to 18% effective immediately.
• India agreed to cut its tariffs and non-tariff barriers on US goods to zero.
• US President Donald Trump announced the trade deal after a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• India committed to stop buying Russian oil and increase purchases from the United States and potentially Venezuela.
• The White House stated the additional 25% tariff imposed over Russian oil purchases will be dropped.
• WTI crude oil futures fell more than 4.5% to around $62.2 a barrel on Monday.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is visiting Washington for discussions on critical minerals.
• Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated negotiations for closing the trade deal are progressing quickly.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) launches LUXURA Metal Credit Card on Visa Infinite platform

[Punjab National Bank (PNB), Visa]

Key Updates:

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched its LUXURA Metal Credit Card on the Visa Infinite platform, expanding its premium credit card portfolio and increasing the card’s global acceptance.
• The LUXURA Metal Credit Card is now available on both RuPay and Visa networks, allowing wider international usability for cardholders.
• The card provides 4 reward points for every ₹100 spent, with higher rewards for travel and dining purchases.
• Customers are eligible for bonus reward points upon reaching specified annual spending thresholds.
• The card includes zero foreign currency mark-up on international transactions and complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
• Cardholders can access benefits under the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection, which may include complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late check-out and food and beverage credits, subject to availability.
• Additional dining benefits are offered under the Visa Dine & Save programme at select restaurants.
• Travel-related benefits include discounts on flight and hotel bookings through third-party platforms such as Ixigo, Agoda, Expedia and Trip.com.
• The card provides lifestyle benefits such as movie ticket offers, grocery discounts, and a fuel surcharge waiver of up to ₹350 per billing cycle.
• PNB has integrated 24x7 Visa Concierge Services with the card, covering assistance for travel, dining, healthcare, entertainment and shopping.
• The joining fee for the PNB LUXURA Metal Credit Card is ₹4,999 plus GST, while the annual fee is ₹1,999 plus GST.

Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) launches first co-branded RuPay Credit Card among Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).

[Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB), RuPay]

Key Updates:

• Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) launched its first-ever co-branded RuPay Credit Card in collaboration with sponsor bank Punjab National Bank (PNB).
• TGB becomes the first RRB among the eight RRBs sponsored by PNB and the first in India to roll out a co-branded RuPay Credit Card.
• The bank operates through 150 full-fledged branches and 12 ultra-small branches across Tripura.
• The launch event was attended by Rakhi Biswas, Director (Small Savings, Group Insurance & Institutional Finance), TGB Chairman Satyendra Singh, and Deepak Kumar, General Manager, Punjab National Bank (Head Office).
• TGB is celebrating its Golden Jubilee year of establishment.
• The initiative aims to enable customers in rural and semi-urban areas to access modern credit facilities within the RuPay ecosystem.

Assam Govt announces Rs 50 Cr grant to preserve Darrang Koch dynasty heritage

[Assam]

Key Updates:

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a Rs 50 crore grant for preserving the heritage of the Darrang kings of the Koch dynasty.
• The grant was announced during the 516th Biswa Mahabir Chilarai Divas celebrations held at Pipora Dookan in Darrang district.
• The Chief Minister directed the Darrang district administration and the Public Works Department to immediately implement the heritage preservation project.
• A 37-foot-high statue of 8th century Koch king Maharaj Krishnanarayan was unveiled at the event.
• Chilarai Bhawans at Mangaldoi and Golaghat were virtually inaugurated during the programme.
• Land allotment and construction of an office for the All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilani at Amingaon were also announced.

Kamakhya Ropeway Project: ₹213.24 Crore for Guwahati Pilgrim Mobility

Key Updates:

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) proposed a ₹213.24 crore ropeway to connect Kamakhya Railway Station with Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hill in Guwahati.
• The 1.43-kilometre ropeway will cut travel time from 20 minutes to six minutes.
• It will use 18 modern gondolas to ferry 16,500 passengers.
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the project aligns with the ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ theme to boost sacred journeys.

NeophyteID App launched for invasive plant detection in Kerala

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the NeophyteID app at the Kerala Science Congress.
• The Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences (MBGIPS) developed the AI-powered mobile application to identify invasive plant species across Kerala.
• The app uses the YOLOv11 machine learning model for image recognition and geospatial tracking to detect and map invasive neophyte plants from camera or gallery images.
• NeophyteID operates in English and Malayalam and targets local communities, students, and ecologists for community-based biodiversity management.
• Each user identification updates a real-time distribution map to support research and conservation efforts.
• The app currently includes data on 98 invasive plant species.
• Developer N Aleem Yoosuf conceived the idea during an invasive plant eradication drive with tribal communities at Sughandagiri Tribal Eco Village, Wayanad.
• Zameel Hassan collaborated on the web application component of NeophyteID.

SAKSHAM 2026 launched to promote petroleum and natural gas conservation.

Key Updates:

• SAKSHAM 2026 is a fortnight-long awareness campaign organised by the oil industry.
• The campaign commenced on 1 February 2026 in Chandigarh.
• Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria inaugurated the campaign and emphasised conserving petroleum and natural gas.
• Finance Secretary Diprava Lakra underlined the role of individuals and industries in adopting fuel-saving practices.
• State-level coordinators from major oil companies outlined activities for transport and agriculture sectors.
• Awareness activities include street plays, pledges, and mobile vans across Punjab and Chandigarh.

GatiShakti programme and Tech Vision 2035 roadmap presented at India Digital Conclave 2026

Key Updates:

• Kamlesh Gosai, Executive Director - Traffic Commercial (General), Ministry of Railways, shared insights into the GatiShakti programme and the Tech Vision 2035 roadmap at the India Digital Conclave 2026.
• The initiatives highlight integrated infrastructure planning, ambitious connectivity goals, AI-enabled optimization of freight and passenger movement, and reduced logistics costs.
• Digital planning tools are used to accelerate execution across rail, road, and waterways.

Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0: Tripura ranks first in grassroots governance

[Tripura]

Key Updates:

• Tripura has secured the top position in the national Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 for its performance in local self-governance and village-level administration.
• Jugal Kishore Nagar Village Committee in the Sepahijala district of Tripura ranked first nationwide with a score of 88.44 among nearly 2.5 lakh gram panchayats.
• South Nalchar gram panchayat in Sepahijala district secured the third rank with a score of 88.14, while Chesrimai gram panchayat followed in fourth place with a score of 87.85.
• For the financial year 2023-24, all 1,176 gram panchayats in Tripura achieved 100% data submission and verification across all administrative levels.
• Ministry: Not specified in the article.
• Budget Outlay: Not specified in the article.
• Target Beneficiaries: Gram panchayats and village committees across India.
• Launch Date: Not specified in the article.

Census 2027 Digital-First System With New Training And Coding Framework

Key Updates:

• Census 2027 will operate on a fully digital backbone using mobile applications for data collection, Self-Enumeration, Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) and Housing Listing Block Creation (HLBC) web portals and real-time data transmission.
• A new nationwide location coding structure assigns structured identifiers from states down to enumeration blocks to ensure uniform digital mapping.
• Urban wards will be numbered in continuous sequence beginning from '0001', and outgrowth settlements adjoining towns will receive incremental codes linked to their parent units.
• The training framework introduces a standardised cascade model: national trainers prepare master trainers who train field trainers responsible for enumerators and supervisors.
• Nationwide training is scheduled between April and September 2026, with all enumerator and supervisor training to be completed at least one week before field operations begin.
• Training attendance and progress will be tracked digitally through the CMMS portal.

National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0 unveiled to widen student and citizen participation.

Key Updates:

• Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) launched upgraded NYPS 2.0 web portal on 02 February 2026.
• Portal opened for all educational institutions, groups, and individual citizens across India regardless of gender, caste, creed, religion, race, region or place.
• From 11 September 2024 to 27 January 2026, 44,32 institutions, 586 groups and 19 individuals registered; 95,319 students/citizens participated in 1,536 events organising 52,283 Youth Parliament Sittings (YPS).
• MoPA wrote to all State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, State/UT Legislatures and boards CBSE and CISCE for awareness; publicity video aired on Sansad TV.
• Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Dr L. Murugan provided the information in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 02 February 2026.

PM-SETU Programme gets $830 million World Bank loan to upgrade ITIs

[World Bank]

Key Updates:

• World Bank approved $830 million loan for PM-SETU to revamp Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
• PM-SETU targets training over 1 million skilled workers annually and mobilising at least $680 million in private investment.
• Programme adopts hub-and-spoke model: 200 advanced hub ITIs and 800 spoke ITIs district-wide.
• Loan has 19.5-year final maturity including 4-year grace period.
• Curricula will be updated and at least 25% of ITI students will be women.
• Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) with anchor firms will manage government-owned but industry-run operations.
• Focus sectors include manufacturing, electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), green energy, textiles, and construction.

Miniratna Category-I status granted to Yantra India Limited (YIL)

[Yantra India]

Key Updates:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved Miniratna Category-I status for Yantra India Limited (YIL).
• YIL can now incur capital expenditure up to ₹500 crore without government approval.
• YIL's sales grew from ₹956.32 crore in 2021-22 (H2) to ₹3,108.79 crore in FY 2024-25.
• YIL's exports rose from NIL in FY 2021-22 (H2) to ₹321.77 crore in FY 2024-25.
• YIL was formed on 1 October 2021 from the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).
• YIL is a Schedule 'A' Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) under the Department of Defence Production.

India and Kyrgyzstan to hold 13th edition of Exercise Khanjar in Assam

[Kyrgyzstan]

Key Updates:

• The 13th edition of the India–Kyrgyzstan joint military exercise Khanjar will be conducted in Misamari, Assam from 4 to 17 February.
• Exercise Khanjar, initiated in 2011, is an annual training event with venues alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan.
• The previous edition of Exercise Khanjar was held in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025.
• The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the special forces of India and Kyrgyzstan with focus on urban warfare and counter-terrorism under United Nations mandate.

World Governments Summit 2026 commences in Dubai with participation from over 150 nations

[World Governments Summit 2026, Dubai]

Key Updates:

• The World Governments Summit 2026 is being held in Dubai from 3 to 5 February under the theme 'Shaping Future Governments'.
• More than 6,000 participants, including over 35 heads of state and government and over 500 ministers, are attending the summit.
• Leaders confirmed to attend include King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, President Guy Parmelin of Switzerland, President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador, President Alar Karis of Estonia, and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of North Macedonia.
• Prime Ministers of Spain, Albania, Georgia, Egypt, and Bhutan are among the heads of government participating.
• The summit features 24 specialised global forums, more than 35 ministerial and high-level meetings, and over 320 sessions with more than 450 global figures.
• Over 100 international and regional organisations are participating, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank, OPEC Fund, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
• India Today anchors will moderate four sessions: 'Are Governments Building Systems or Buying Products?' on 4 February, 'Carbon Costs: Preparing for the Next Trade Barrier', 'Building The Next Economic Systems: Lessons from Emerging Market Founders', and 'Design Digital Lifestyles: From Infrastructure to Experience' on 5 February.
• The summit will issue 36 strategic reports and present four global awards for innovation, reform, sustainability, and educational leadership.

India to Send Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka for Public Exposition from 4 February 2026

[Sri Lanka]

Key Updates:

• The Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha, currently enshrined at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, will be taken to Sri Lanka for a public exposition in Colombo from 4 to 10 February 2026.
• The relics will be transported with full state honours aboard a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• A high-level Indian delegation led by the Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, and the Deputy Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghavi, will accompany the sacred relics.
• The relics will be enshrined for public veneration at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, a significant Buddhist institution in Sri Lanka.
• The Devnimori Relics originate from an archaeological site near Shamlaji in the Aravalli district of Gujarat, first explored in 1957 by Prof. S N Chowdhry.
• The relic casket is made of green schist and features inscriptions in Brahmi Script and Sanskrit language reading dashabala sharira nilaya, meaning the abode of the Buddha’s bodily relic.
• The casket contains a copper box with organic material including holy ashes, silk cloth, and beads.
• According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), India has previously conducted similar expositions in Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, the Russian Federation, and Bhutan.

Spain announces social media ban for children under 16 at World Government Summit

[Spain, World Government Summit]

Key Updates:

• Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a ban on social media platforms for children under the age of 16 at the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai.
• The Spanish government will require platforms to implement age verification systems and introduce a bill to hold social media executives accountable for illegal and hateful content.
• Australia implemented a world-first social media ban for children under 16 on 10 December, leading to the removal of approximately 4.7 million accounts.
• French lawmakers approved a bill banning social media for children under 15, which is scheduled for discussion in the Senate.
• The United Kingdom (UK) and Denmark are also considering legislative measures to restrict social media access for children.

Vast Space to launch world's first private space station Haven-1 in 2027

[Vast Space]

Key Updates:

• Vast Space is scheduled to launch Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the first quarter of 2027.
• Vast Space Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Max Haot confirmed the timeline, stating the station relies on existing hardware to avoid development delays.
• The station is designed as a compact, modular outpost capable of being launched as a single unit.
• Haven-1 will integrate with the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule to provide essential life-support functions, including oxygen and power.
• The project follows the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) plan to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) around 2030.
• Vast Space has completed the primary structure of the station and plans to conduct a full test campaign with NASA by the end of 2026.
• NASA intends to transition to privately owned outposts and does not plan to own the next generation of space stations.

India to host World Seafood Congress 2026 in Chennai

[Chennai]

Key Updates:

• Chennai will host the World Seafood Congress (WSC) 2026, marking India’s first time hosting the biennial forum.
• The Congress is jointly organised by the International Association of Fish Inspectors (IAFI), PDA Ventures, and the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad.
• Co-organisers include the Department of Fisheries with support from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and NITI Aayog – Government of India.
• Technical partners are the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and WorldFish.
• Supporting industry bodies include Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Foundation for Aquaculture Innovation & Technology Transfer (FAITT), Indian Marine Ingredients Association (IMIA), and National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT).
• The inaugural session will feature addresses from Dr Manuel Barange (FAO), Mr Alejandro Rivera Rojas (UNIDO), Dr Jörn O Schmidt (WorldFish), Dr K N Raghavan (SEAI), Mr G Pawan Kumar (SEAI), Mr Dodda Venkata Swamy (MPEDA), and Dr Ian Goulding (IAFI).
• Keynote address titled 'Netting Aqua Potentials for Nutrition Security and Economic Prosperity' will be delivered by Dr Tarun Shridhar, Former Secretary of Fisheries and Chairman of the WSC 2026 International Advisory Committee.
• The Congress agenda includes plenary sessions, expert panels, technical workshops, and thematic discussions on sustainable seafood trade, inspection standards, market access, and inclusive growth.
• The WSC 2026 exhibition will showcase innovations in processing, packaging, quality control, logistics, certification, digital systems, and cold-chain solutions.
• Winners of the 2026 Peter Howgate Award are Ms Harini Ravi from the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship, India, and Ms Riza Jane Banicod from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Republic of the Philippines.

India and European Union (EU) Sign Administrative Arrangement on Advanced Electronic Signatures on 27 January 2026

[European Union (EU)]

Key Updates:

• India and the EU signed an Administrative Arrangement on Advanced Electronic Signatures and Seals on 27 January 2026 to enable secure cross-border digital transactions.
• The agreement was formalised between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Directorate-General for Communication Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT) of the European Commission.
• Implementation on the Indian side will be managed by MeitY through the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) under the framework of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
• The arrangement establishes a structured framework for cooperation on the interoperability of electronic signatures, electronic seals, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) systems.
• Both parties intend to link their trusted lists of recognised service providers to facilitate the validation of digital signatures and seals issued in India and the EU.
• The pact is designed to benefit Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and exporters by reducing transaction costs, time, and verification efforts in cross-border trade.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tests Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology

[Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]

Key Updates:

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on February 3, 2026.
• The SFDR was developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune.
• The SFDR is an advanced air-breathing propulsion system where a solid fuel gas generator produces fuel-rich gases that mix with incoming air and burn in a ramjet combustor.
• Unlike conventional rockets, the SFDR does not carry an oxidiser, making the system lighter and more efficient while providing sustained thrust and thrust modulation during flight.
• The flight test validated several subsystems including a nozzle-less booster, SFDR motor, and fuel flow controller after the system was initially propelled by a ground booster motor to the desired Mach number.
• The technology is critical for the development of long-range air-to-air missiles capable of intercepting aerial threats at supersonic speeds over very long ranges.
• The use of solid fuel instead of liquid fuel in the SFDR system makes it simpler, safer, and easier to store and transport.

Moltbook: AI-only social network launched via open-source OpenClaw agents

[Moltbook, OpenClaw]

Key Updates:

• Moltbook, created by Octane AI head Matt Schlicht, is a social network where only AI agents post, comment and form 'submolts'.
• The platform claims 1.5 million members but researchers dispute the figure, noting half a million originate from one address.
• It runs on open-source agentic AI tool OpenClaw (formerly Moltbot) that users install locally to let bots interact autonomously.
• Security experts warn OpenClaw's access to emails and files risks privacy, with ESET advisor Jake Moore cautioning that efficiency is being prioritised over security.

Sun unleashes strongest 2026 flare—X8.3 blast from sunspot 4366 triggers R3 radio blackout

Key Updates:

• An X8.3-class solar flare erupted from sunspot region 4366, the most powerful flare recorded in 2026.
• The flare peaked at 6:57 pm EST on 1 February 2026.
• At least 18 M-class and three X-class flares occurred in the past 24-hour period.
• X-class flares are the most intense explosions the Sun can produce; each letter step (A, B, C, M, X) represents a tenfold energy increase.
• The blast released strong ultraviolet and X-ray radiation that disturbed Earth’s upper atmosphere and caused R3-level radio blackouts across parts of the South Pacific.
• Shortwave radio signals were disrupted in eastern Australia and New Zealand, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center.
• Early assessments suggest most ejected solar material from the X8.3 flare is likely to miss Earth, with only a slight chance of geomagnetic impact around 5 February 2026 that could enhance high-latitude auroras.
• Sunspot 4366 continues to grow rapidly and is rotating more directly toward Earth, with further solar activity expected.

Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) Researchers Develop Sunlight-Powered Supercapacitor

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

Key Updates:

• Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a photo-rechargeable supercapacitor that captures and stores solar energy in a single integrated system.
• The technology utilises binder-free nickel–cobalt oxide (NiCo₂O₄) nanowires grown directly on nickel foam through an in situ hydrothermal process to act simultaneously as a solar harvester and an electrode.
• Under illumination, the electrode demonstrated a 54 per cent increase in capacitance, rising from 570 to 880 millifarads per square centimetre at a current density of 15 milliamperes per square centimetre.
• The electrode exhibited high durability by retaining 85 per cent of its original capacity after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles.
• An asymmetric photo-supercapacitor using activated carbon as the negative electrode delivered a stable output voltage of 1.2 volts and maintained 88 per cent capacitance retention after 1,000 photo-charging cycles.
• The study, published in the journal Sustainable Energy & Fuels, revealed that nickel substitution narrows the band gap to approximately 1.67 eV and induces half metallic behaviour for faster charge transport.
• The device is designed to function in remote regions without electrical grid access, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and conventional batteries.

Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) Partner for Highway Cybersecurity

[Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU)]

Key Updates:

• Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) to strengthen cybersecurity and digital forensics for national highway infrastructure.
• The collaboration provides technical guidance for establishing advanced laboratories dedicated to CCTV analysis, multimedia examination, and cyber forensics.
• The partnership covers key highway technologies including Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS), and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).
• The agreement also focuses on Traffic Management Systems (TMS), Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) solutions, and the establishment of Security Operations Centre (SOC) services.
• The MoU is valid for three years and involves joint research, development, and consultancy projects to improve institutional capacity and adopt global best practices.
• The signing ceremony was attended by Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and Vishal Chauhan, Chairman and Managing Director of IHMCL.
• The MoU was signed by A R Chitranshi, Chief Operating Officer of IHMCL, and Dr S O Junare, Campus Director of NFSU Gandhinagar.
• The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to build a secure digital ecosystem for India’s expanding national highway network.

Indian-origin Scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan Awarded Crafoord Prize for Climate Research

Key Updates:

• The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Crafoord Prize to Veerabhadran Ramanathan, a distinguished research professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego).
• The prize, worth 8 million Swedish krona (approximately $900,000), recognises his work in expanding the understanding of how humankind affects the atmosphere, climate, and air quality.
• Ramanathan discovered in 1975 that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are potent greenhouse gases, with one molecule having the same warming effect as up to 10,000 molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2).
• His research in 1985 concluded that trace gases such as methane and nitrous oxide are potentially as important as CO2 for long-term global warming.
• The scientist's findings on the greenhouse effect of CFCs provided the scientific basis for the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which banned the use of these chemicals.
• He identified and measured atmospheric brown clouds, a 3-kilometre thick layer of air pollution covering much of the Indian subcontinent, which masks some effects of global warming.
• Ramanathan served as a council member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) from 2012, advising three consecutive popes on climate change policy.
• Before moving to the United States (US), Ramanathan studied engineering in Bengaluru, India, and worked at a refrigeration company.
• His research also demonstrated for the first time that clouds have a cooling effect on the planet and that water vapour can amplify the warming effects of CO2.

Haryana Thunders defeat Delhi Dangal Warriors to win Pro Wrestling League 2026

[Haryana, Delhi]

Key Updates:

• Haryana Thunders won the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 title by defeating Delhi Dangal Warriors 5-4 in the final at Noida Indoor Stadium.
• The final bout was decided in the women's 62 kg clash where Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko secured a 16-0 technical superiority win.
• Haryana Thunders received ₹1.5 crore prize money while runners-up Delhi Dangal Warriors got ₹75 lakh.
• Turan Bayramov of Delhi Dangal Warriors won the Player of the Tournament award worth ₹2.5 lakh for winning all 7 of his bouts in the 57 kg men's category.
• Neha Sangwan of Haryana Thunders was named Player of the Match for keeping the final alive till the last bout.
• Ronak of Delhi Dangal Warriors won Fighter of the Match for his performance in the men's 125 kg category.
• Akshay Dhere of Haryana Thunders claimed the Impact Player of the Match award for strong performance in the 57 kg men's category.

India hosts Asian Championship Rifle/Pistol 2026 in New Delhi

Key Updates:

• The Asian Championship Rifle/Pistol 2026 is being held at the Dr. Karni Singh shooting range in New Delhi from 4 February to 13 February 2026.
• A total of 311 athletes from 20 countries are participating in the 10-day continental competition across junior, senior, and youth categories.
• India has fielded the largest squad of 118 athletes, while Kazakhstan has the second-largest contingent with 35 athletes.
• The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is organising the event with support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• The competition features 30 medal sets and serves as an assessment for the upcoming Asian Games and the World Championships.
• All finals of the championship are available for live streaming on the FanCode Over-The-Top (OTT) platform.

India participates in 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships

[Badminton Asia Team Championships 2026]

Key Updates:

• The 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) is a biennial continental event scheduled to be held in Qingdao, China.
• The Badminton Association of India (BAI) confirmed that PV Sindhu withdrew from the women's team due to medical concerns.
• The Indian women's team is the defending champion, having won the gold medal in the previous edition of the BATC held in Malaysia.
• India's women's team is placed in Group Y alongside Myanmar and Thailand, while the men's team is in Group C with Singapore and Japan.
• The men's squad includes Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, Tharun Mannepalli, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy, Sai Pratheek K, and Hariharan Amsakarunan.
• The women's squad features Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj, Malvika Bansod, Surya Charisma Tamiri, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand, Priya Konjengbam, Shruti Mishra, and Tanisha Crasto.
• The tournament matches will be live-streamed on the Sony Sports Network and the official YouTube channel of Badminton Asia.

Yuki Bhambri becomes first Indian after Rohan Bopanna to enter ATP doubles Top 20

Key Updates:

• Yuki Bhambri climbed to a career-high world No. 20 in the latest ATP doubles rankings.
• He moved up from No. 22 after strong performances including reaching the Australian Open third round with partner Andre Goransson.
• In 2025 he reached the US Open semifinals alongside Michael Venus.
• He won his first ATP 500 title at the 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships with Alexei Popyrin.
• Bhambri ended Rohan Bopanna’s long reign to become India’s No. 1 doubles player in 2025.

Anahat Singh wins maiden PSA bronze-level title and enters World Top 20

Key Updates:

• Anahat Singh became the youngest Asian to enter the PSA World Top 20 after winning her first PSA bronze-level title in Washington.
• She defeated world number 10 Georgina Kennedy of England in the final in straight games 12-10, 11-5, 11-7.
• Anahat jumped 12 places in the PSA rankings following the victory.
• The 15-year-old has now won 15 PSA Tour titles in 26 tournaments.
• She had earlier defeated world number 17 in the quarterfinal and world number 23 in the semifinal of the Fire Open.

Kabak Yano summits Mount Aconcagua in Argentina

[Arunachal Pradesh, Argentina]

Key Updates:

• Indian mountaineer Kabak Yano from Arunachal Pradesh successfully summited Mount Aconcagua in Argentina.
• Mount Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America and the Western Hemisphere at 22,831 feet above sea level.
• The summit was part of her 7-Summit Mountaineering Expedition flagged off on 28th July last year by Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General K.T. Parnaik (Retd).
• Arunachal Pradesh Governor congratulated 27-year-old Yano on her achievement, praising her as an inspiration to the state's youth.

Volcán de Fuego eruption sends ash up to 15,000 feet on February 1, 2026

[Guatemala]

Key Updates:

• Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala erupted on February 1, 2026, producing ash plumes reaching 14,000 to 16,000 feet.
• Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia e Hidrologia (INSIVUMEH) confirmed the heightened eruptive activity.
• Ashfall was reported in communities including Panimache, Morelia, and Santa Sofia.
• Volcanic Ash Advisories were issued by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Washington.

Gandhi statue theft in Rowville, Melbourne on Feb 3, 2026

Key Updates:

• India condemned the vandalism and removal of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne, Victoria.
• The bronze statue, weighing around 420 kg, was unveiled on 12 November 2021 by then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to mark 75 years of Indian independence.
• The statue was gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
• Victoria Police are investigating the theft for possible motives including scrap metal value, deliberate vandalism, or intimidation.
• This was the second attack on the statue; it was previously vandalised less than 24 hours after its inauguration in November 2021.
• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India has strongly raised the matter with Australian authorities and urged immediate action to recover the statue and hold culprits accountable.

PM Narendra Modi visits Dera Sach Khand Ballan on 1 February

[Punjab]

Key Updates:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dera Sach Khand Ballan, the spiritual headquarters of the Ravidassia community, in Jalandhar on 1 February 2026.
• The Ravidassia community and other backward classes comprise approximately one-third of the total population of Punjab.
• The visit is highlighted as a symbol of the fulfilment of the vision of Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar for a society providing equal opportunities for backward classes.
• Satnam Singh Sandhu, a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha, described the outreach as a boost to social inclusion and investment sentiment in the border state.

World Cancer Day 2026 observed on February 4 with theme 'United by Unique'

Key Updates:

• World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 every year.
• The theme for World Cancer Day 2026 is 'United by Unique'.
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reported an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths globally in 2022.
• India reported over 15 lakh cancer cases in 2024, up from 13.5 lakh in 2019.
• Cancer cases in India rose from 13.9 lakh in 2020 to 14.2 lakh in 2021, 14.6 lakh in 2022, and 14.9 lakh in 2023.

International Day of Human Fraternity observed on 4 February 2026

Key Updates:

• International Day of Human Fraternity is observed on 4 February 2026.
• The 2026 message was delivered by the UN Secretary-General.
• The day celebrates equality, dignity and mutual understanding.
• The Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together declaration was co-authored by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb.