Saturday, Feb 07

Daily Current Affairs: 7 February 2026

Daily current affairs for 7 February 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.

Editorial note for exam revision Last updated: 7 February 2026. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days.

Today at a glance

Top current affairs to revise

  1. PM Modi hosts 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026.
  2. Delhi Police Chief Satish Golchha led Operation Shastra against online weapon glorification.
  3. Kenta Kon appointed as Toyota CEO
  4. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) doubles collateral-free loan limit for micro and small enterprises to ₹20 lakh
  5. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to compensate ₹25,000 for small digital fraud losses.
  6. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Forex Reserves Reach Record High of $709.4 Billion

PM Modi hosts 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026.

Key Updates:

  • Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, the 9th edition, was livestreamed on 6 February 2026 at 10 am.
  • PM Modi interacted with students, parents, and teachers across Devmogra, Coimbatore, Raipur, Guwahati, and his residence.
  • Over 4.5 crore students, 28 lakh teachers, and 6.15 lakh parents registered for PPC 2026.
  • The programme is part of the government’s Exam Warriors initiative to reduce exam anxiety.
  • The next telecast of PPC 2026 is scheduled for 9 February at 10 am on DD National, DD News, DD India, All India Radio, and online platforms.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 Registrations Open on MyGov Portal (Start of December)

Ministry of Education (MoE) announced the 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) to be held in January 2026. Online MCQ-based competition for participant selection runs on MyGov portal from 1st December 2025 to 11th…

Delhi Police Chief Satish Golchha led Operation Shastra against online weapon glorification.

[Delhi]

Key Updates:

  • Delhi Police registered 61 FIRs and arrested 67 people under Operation Shastra.
  • 15 juveniles were apprehended during the operation.
  • Police recovered 69 illegal firearms, 93 live cartridges, and 13 knives and other sharp-edged weapons.
  • Over 500 teams with more than 2,000 personnel analysed over 6,000 social media profiles.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Kenta Kon appointed as Toyota CEO

[Toyota Motors]

Key Updates:

  • Kenta Kon will assume the role of Toyota CEO effective April 1.
  • Current CEO Koji Sato will become vice chairman and chief industry officer.
  • Kenta Kon is currently Toyota's CFO and is described as a longtime confidant of former CEO Akio Toyoda.
  • Executive vice president Yoichi Miyazaki will succeed Kon as CFO.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) doubles collateral-free loan limit for micro and small enterprises to ₹20 lakh

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the collateral-free loan ceiling for micro and small enterprises from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh.
  • The earlier ₹10 lakh limit had remained unchanged since 2010.
  • The revised limit applies to all loans sanctioned or renewed on or after 01 April 2026.
  • Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated the revision indexes the limit for inflation.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to compensate ₹25,000 for small digital fraud losses.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will compensate customers up to ₹25,000 or 85% of the loss, whichever is lower, for small-value digital frauds.
  • The compensation is a one-time relief and applies to frauds below ₹50,000 which account for nearly 65% of fraud cases in number terms.
  • Under the proposed structure, 15% of the loss will be borne by the customer, 15% by the bank, and the remaining by RBI.
  • RBI is reviewing its 2017 framework on customer liability in unauthorised electronic banking transactions and will issue draft revised instructions shortly.
  • RBI will issue guidelines for enhanced authentication for senior citizens and calibrated safeguards in digital payments including lagged credits.
  • RBI will issue comprehensive instructions to banks and non-bank lenders on advertising, marketing and sale of financial products to prevent mis-selling.
  • RBI will release harmonised guidelines on loan recovery practices and norms governing engagement of recovery agents for borrower protection.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Forex Reserves Reach Record High of $709.4 Billion

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a record high of $709.4 billion for the week ended 23 January 2026.
  • The total reserves increased by $8.05 billion during the reporting week, comprising a $5.6 billion rise in gold reserves and a $2.37 billion increase in foreign currency assets.
  • Gold prices surged by 8.5% to reach $4,987 per ounce during the week, which significantly contributed to the growth in reserves.
  • The previous record for forex reserves was $704.89 billion, which was established in September 2024.
  • The reserves were also supported by the settlement of a matured Non-Deliverable Forward (NDF) position worth approximately $3 billion in the Over-the-Counter (OTC) market on 16 January 2026.
  • The Indian rupee closed at a record low of 91.99 against the US dollar on 30 January 2026 due to trade uncertainties and persistent capital outflows.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) keeps repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and projects 7.4% GDP growth for FY26.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25%.
  • RBI retained the monetary policy stance at "neutral".
  • RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the MPC met on 4th, 5th and today to deliberate and decide on policy repo rate.
  • RBI set its real growth expectation for 2025-26 at 7.4%.
  • RBI raised its inflation forecast for Q1 and Q2 of FY27 to 4% and 4.2%, respectively.
  • RBI sold $30 billion from its foreign exchange reserves between September and November.
  • The benchmark 10-year yield has barely fallen over the past year despite large rate cuts.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) approves merger of 17 Power Grid Corporation of India subsidiaries

[Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Power Grid Corporation of India]

Key Updates:

  • Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) sanctioned orders on 27 January 2026 for merging 17 wholly owned subsidiaries of Power Grid Corporation of India.
  • The sanction orders were received by the company on 4 February 2026.
  • The restructuring uses two composite schemes: Scheme/Group-A and Scheme/Group-B.
  • Twelve subsidiaries, including several regional transmission systems, will merge into POWERGRID Khavda II-C Transmission Limited.
  • Five subsidiaries—POWERGRID Bhadla III and POWERGRID Ramgarh II among them—will amalgamate into POWERGRID Vataman Transmission Limited.
  • The mergers take effect retrospectively from the appointed date of 1 April 2024.
  • Disclosure was made under Regulation 30 of SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves Blackstone’s 9.99% stake acquisition in Federal Bank.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Blackstone, Federal Bank]

Key Updates:

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Blackstone’s acquisition of up to 9.99 per cent stake in Federal Bank.
  • Competition Commission of India (CCI) had cleared the proposal in December 2025.
  • Federal Bank will issue up to 272.97 million warrants convertible into equity shares of face value ₹2 at ₹227 per share.
  • Blackstone will invest ₹6,196.51 crore through its affiliate Asia II Topco XIII Pte Ltd.
  • Post-transaction, Blackstone can nominate a director if its shareholding remains at or above 5 per cent.
  • Upon full conversion, Blackstone will become the single largest shareholder in Federal Bank.
  • Federal Bank reported a 9 per cent YoY rise in Q3 FY26 net profit to ₹1,041 crore.
  • Gross NPAs declined to 1.72 per cent and net NPAs to 0.42 per cent in Q3 FY26.
  • Net interest income rose 9 per cent YoY to ₹2,653 crore; net interest margin improved to 3.18 per cent.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

M&M Exits RBL Bank with 63% Gain; Emirates NBD Makes Strategic Investment (Start of November)

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) offloaded its entire 3.45% stake in RBL Bank for about Rs 678 crore through a block deal. The floor price for M&M's sale was pegged at Rs 321 per share.

ASSET (Accelerating Sustainable State Energy Transition) platform aims to make Andhra Pradesh a top-three renewable energy hub by 2035.

[Andhra Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • NITI Aayog unveiled a draft blueprint under the ASSET platform to transform Andhra Pradesh into one of India’s top three renewable energy hubs by 2035.
  • The plan envisages total sectoral investments of Rs 7.5 lakh crore, with 90% expected from private players and the creation of 5-6 lakh new jobs.
  • Andhra Pradesh targets adding 35 GW solar, 12 GW wind, and 55-60 GWh storage capacity for domestic needs, plus 30 GW solar, 25-30 GW wind, and 10-12 GW pumped storage for national exports by 2035.
  • Power purchase costs are estimated to fall to Rs 3.90 - Rs 4 per unit, with supply costs kept below Rs 6 per unit, benefiting households, farmers, and industries.
  • Infrastructure upgrades include Rs 65,000-Rs 70,000 crore for transmission modernisation and Rs 40,000 crore for strengthening distribution networks.
  • The blueprint will be finalised by March 2026 and implementation is expected to begin mid-March, monitored by a dedicated ‘Energy War Room’.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Kerala Unveils India’s First Elderly Budget with ₹40 Crore Allocation for Geriatric Care

[Kerala]

Key Updates:

  • Kerala became the first state in India to present a dedicated Elderly Budget during the presentation of the State Budget 2026-27.
  • Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal presented the document as part of the final budget of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) led government.
  • Senior citizens currently constitute 18.7 per cent of the state population, a figure projected to reach nearly 25 per cent within the next ten years.
  • The government allocated ₹30 crore to provide subsidies for retirement homes featuring community kitchens, playgrounds, and healthcare systems.
  • An allocation of ₹10 crore was made to form volunteer forces under Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGI) to assist elderly people living alone.
  • The LSGI will implement schemes including a dedicated telephone number for on-call medical and volunteer assistance.
  • The population of people aged 60 and above in Kerala is projected to double from 4.2 million in 2011 to 8.4 million by 2036.
  • Kerala was the first state in the country to constitute an Elderly Commission to address geriatric care and socio-economic development planning.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

16th Finance Commission retains states’ tax share at 41% (Start of February)

The sixteenth Finance Commission recommended retaining the state’s share in the divisible tax pool at 41% for the five-year period beginning April 1, 2026. The commission recommended ending revenue deficit grants for the…

VOC Port Anti-Drone System Project for India’s First Maritime Counter-Drone Shield

Key Updates:

  • V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) has become the first port in India to implement an advanced Anti-Drone System to strengthen maritime and coastal security.
  • The VOC Port Authority signed an agreement for the project with Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology.
  • The project involves the deployment of an integrated Radio Frequency (RF) and radar-based drone detection and jamming system with 360-degree coverage and an operational range of up to 5 km.
  • The security setup includes a drone detector, drone detection radar, and a man-pack jammer to facilitate real-time tracking, classification, and neutralisation of unauthorised drones.
  • The initiative is aligned with the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, with the project scheduled for completion within three months.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Key Updates:

  • Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD) Annpurna Devi stated that any dilution of the age of consent or introduction of exceptions would undermine child safety and weaken India's commitment to protecting children.
  • The age of consent is uniformly fixed at 18 years across statutes including Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Pocso Act 2012, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006, Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act 1956, Juvenile Justice Act 2015, and Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act 1956.
  • Pocso Act does not explicitly define 'consent' and treats any sexual act with a person below 18 years as an offence irrespective of purported consent.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Amaravati Quantum Valley to host India's first 133-qubit quantum computer with £600-million investment.

Key Updates:

  • Andhra Pradesh government earmarked 50 acres at Uddandarayunipalem village in Thullur mandal for the Amaravati Quantum Valley.
  • The foundation stone was laid on 7 February by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh.
  • The Valley will house India's first 133-qubit quantum computer through partnerships with IBM, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
  • The project represents a £600-million investment aligned with India's National Quantum Mission.
  • The state will sign memoranda of understanding with nine leading companies during the foundation ceremony.
  • The Quantum Valley building is scheduled for completion by August, with quantum computer installation targeted for December.
  • The initiative is expected to create approximately 88,000 jobs and train hundreds of thousands of students.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Tamil Nadu Urban Greening Policy 2026 mandates 15% green cover in ULBs

[Tamil Nadu]

Key Updates:

  • Tamil Nadu government released its first Urban Greening Policy 2026 to integrate trees, urban forests, parks, wetlands and blue-green infrastructure into city planning.
  • Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) must strive to maintain at least 15% of their total municipal area under green cover.
  • Funding will be mobilised through convergence of existing schemes such as AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission and the Green Tamil Nadu Mission.
  • A state-level Urban Greening Coordination Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary will ensure convergence among departments.
  • The Municipal Administration and Water Supply department will set up a dedicated urban forest wing for greening initiatives.
  • ULBs are encouraged to adopt the 3-30-300 Urban Green Liveability Guideline and improve city biodiversity index scorecards (Singapore Index).
  • Urban local bodies may explore levying a green fee linked to building permissions and development approvals.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to Revert to Ballot Papers for Local Polls

[Karnataka]

Key Updates:

  • The Karnataka Cabinet approved the introduction of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to replace Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with ballot papers for local body elections.
  • The amendment aims to ensure transparency and confidentiality in the election process for local authorities including Gram Panchayats.
  • The State Election Commission (SEC) will be entrusted with the responsibility of independently preparing and revising electoral rolls for local bodies.
  • The SEC conducts polls for rural local bodies such as Zilla, Taluk, and Gram Panchayats, and urban local bodies including Municipal Corporations and Town Panchayats.
  • Upcoming elections for five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) are scheduled to be held using ballot papers after May 2026.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Agreement: 46 Subjects Devolved for Six Eastern Nagaland Districts

[Nagaland]

Key Updates:

  • The Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) signed an agreement in New Delhi on 5 February 2026 to create the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).
  • The FNTA will cover six districts of Nagaland: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator.
  • Powers related to 46 subjects will be transferred to the FNTA.
  • The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will provide a fixed annual allocation and bear the initial establishment expenditure for the FNTA.
  • The agreement includes provisions for a mini-Secretariat headed by an Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary and sharing of development outlay proportional to population and area.
  • The arrangement does not affect Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Revised Startup Recognition Norms Increase Turnover Limits and Add Deep-Tech Category

Key Updates:

  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified revised startup recognition criteria on 5 February 2026.
  • General startup turnover limit raised from ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore.
  • New 'Deep Tech Startup' sub-category introduced with age limit extended to 20 years and turnover cap of ₹300 crore.
  • Multi-State Cooperative Societies registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 and cooperative societies under State/UT Acts now eligible for startup recognition.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

FLO Bangalore Industrial Park inaugurated in Gowribidanur, Karnataka

[ Karnataka]

Key Updates:

  • FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) Bangalore, the women’s wing of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), inaugurated a first-of-its-kind women-led industrial park in Gowribidanur, Karnataka.
  • The 50-acre industrial park is designed exclusively for FLO Bengaluru members to support first-generation women entrepreneurs in manufacturing and large-scale enterprise.
  • The initiative is supported by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) and Karnataka Udyog Mitra (KUM).
  • The park provides a comprehensive ecosystem including single window access for approvals, access to financial institutions, and guidance on business planning and project execution.
  • Planned shared facilities at the site include skill development and capacity building centres, creche facilities, and Research and Development (R&D) support.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Geothermal Energy Project MoU signed to make Himachal Pradesh a Green Energy State

[HP Govt]

Key Updates:

  • The Government of Himachal Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Geotropy India Pvt. Ltd. on 5 February 2026.
  • The MoU was executed by D.P. Gupta, Chief Engineer of the Directorate of Energy, and Tomos Otto Hansson, Chairperson of Iceland-based GEOTROPY ehf.
  • The initiative aims to harness the geothermal potential of the state to ensure round-the-clock availability of renewable energy.
  • The exploration and development of geothermal energy will be conducted without any financial burden on the state government.
  • The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Minister (CM) Sukhu, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and Iceland’s Ambassador to India, Benedikt Hoskuldsson.
  • The project is part of the state's vision to transition into a green energy state and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Iran Reaffirms Support for Chabahar Port and Expansion of Bilateral Ties with India

[Iran]

Key Updates:

  • Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, stated that Chabahar Port is vital for providing access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
  • The Government of India has transferred the entire committed amount of $120 million to Iran for the development of the port terminal.
  • India remains committed to a 10-year contract signed in 2024, which includes a $250 million line of credit for the further development of the port.
  • The United States (US) administration has extended the sanctions waiver for the Chabahar project until 26 April.
  • The Union Budget for the current year saw zero allocation for the port as the committed financial obligations were already met.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

China approves limited rare earth exports to Japan under stricter dual-use controls

[China]

Key Updates:

  • China has approved several rare earth exports to Japan under its new dual-use export control regime.
  • Japanese firms confirmed export licences were granted but volumes remain below previous levels.
  • China requires detailed supply-chain disclosure, including final re-export destinations, from Japanese importers.
  • Heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium face the strictest scrutiny under the controls.
  • Nomura Research Institute warned prolonged delays could cause annual production losses exceeding ¥2.6 trillion ($17 billion), shaving 0.43% off Japan’s GDP.
  • Japan’s deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu retrieved rare-earth-rich mud from 6,000 m near Minamitorishima Island, a world first hailed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-III ballistic missile from Odisha

[Odisha]

Key Updates:

  • India successfully carried out a test launch of the Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile on 06 Feb 2026.
  • The missile was fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.
  • The launch met all mission objectives and validated operational and technical parameters.
  • The test was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).

Related Current Affairs Coverage

United States launches $12 billion civilian critical minerals stockpile under Project Vault

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • The United States is creating a $12 billion strategic critical minerals reserve for non-military civilian purposes.
  • President Trump announced the initiative, named Project Vault, in the Oval Office alongside business executives.
  • The reserve will be funded by a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and $2 billion in private-sector financing.
  • The stockpile targets minerals such as cobalt, graphite, silicon, copper, nickel, titanium and lithium used in electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors and smartphones.
  • In 2024 the U.S. was entirely import-reliant for 12 critical minerals and imported 50% or more of 29 others, according to the White House.
  • The reserve aims to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese rare earths and strengthen American leverage in trade negotiations.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Indian Coast Guard busts international oil smuggling racket through Coordinated Sea-Air Operation

Key Updates:

  • Indian Coast Guard (ICG) busted an international oil smuggling racket during a Coordinated Sea-Air Operation.
  • The operation was carried out by the Indian Coast Guard.
  • The smuggling involved oil, but the exact quantity seized is not specified in the article.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Adani's Kutch Copper Signs MoU with Caravel Minerals for Australian Copper Supply (Start of November)

Adani Enterprises Ltd ’s copper arm, Kutch Copper Ltd (KCL), has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Caravel Minerals Ltd for strategic collaboration on the Caravel Copper Project. The partnership…

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visits United States for Critical Minerals Ministerial from 2 to 5 February 2026

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar embarked on a three-day visit to the United States (US) from 2 February to 5 February 2026.
  • The EAM will participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
  • The ministerial meeting focuses on supply chain resilience, clean energy transitions, and strategic cooperation in critical minerals.
  • S. Jaishankar is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Marco Rubio to discuss a proposed trade deal and address the downturn in strategic relations.
  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the visit includes meetings with senior members of the US administration.
  • Earlier on 29 January 2026, the EAM held talks with the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, covering defence, trade, and critical minerals.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

New York City joins WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network after United States withdrawal

[New York City, World Health Organization (WHO), United States]

Key Updates:

  • New York City Health Department announced it has joined the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).
  • The decision follows President Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from WHO.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, both Democrats, have also said their states will join GOARN.
  • GOARN comprises more than 360 technical institutions that respond to public health events such as pandemics and disease outbreaks.
  • By joining GOARN, New York City gains access to a global network of over 360 institutions for deployment of staff and resources to affected countries.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

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…

Addverb unveils Made-in-India wheeled humanoid Elixis-W at LogiMAT India 2026

Key Updates:

  • Addverb launched Elixis-W, a Made-in-India wheeled humanoid for industrial use, at LogiMAT India 2026 held at BEC, Mumbai.
  • Elixis-W integrates cognition, mobility, and dexterity to operate autonomously in unstructured environments and collaborate safely with humans.
  • The company also showcased Cruiser 360, a 4-Way Pallet Shuttle for high-density multi-directional pallet movement, and FlowT, an Autonomous Forklift for flexible material handling.
  • Quadruped robot Trakr was demonstrated, highlighting its navigation intelligence and safe human-robot interaction.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

NASA’s SPHEREx Mission Tracks Brightening of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

[United States]

Key Updates:

  • NASA’s SPHEREx mission observed comet 3I/ATLAS in December 2025, detecting infrared light from dust, water, organic molecules, and carbon dioxide in its coma.
  • Comet 3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar object discovered passing through our solar system.
  • SPHEREx detected organic molecules including methanol, cyanide, and methane within the comet’s coma.
  • The comet showed a dramatic brightness increase two months after its closest approach to the Sun, due to sublimation of water, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
  • The mission is managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and launched on March 11, 2025.
  • SPHEREx completed the first of four planned all-sky infrared maps of the cosmos in late 2025.
  • Comet 3I/ATLAS was discovered by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, on July 1, 2025.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Goa becomes second Indian state to publish comprehensive Bird Atlas

[Goa]

Key Updates:

  • Goa has become the second state in India, after Kerala, to publish a comprehensive state-level bird atlas.
  • The Bird Atlas of Goa was released during the ninth Bird Festival of Goa, which was formally inaugurated at Valpoi.
  • The ninth edition of the bird festival was organised under the theme Majestic Mhadei.
  • A publication titled Birds of Goa: Konkani Nomenclature – Olakh Suknayanchi was released to popularise avifauna documentation in the local language.
  • The Goa Forest Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ResQ Charitable Trust to enhance wildlife rescue and rehabilitation coordination across the state.
  • Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of Forests, C Candavelou, served as the chief guest for the festival inauguration.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Ghaziabad and Delhi ranked most polluted Indian cities in January 2026 by CREA

[Ghaziabad, Delhi]

Key Updates:

  • Ghaziabad was the most polluted city in India in January 2026, recording a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 184 micrograms per cubic metre.
  • Delhi ranked as the second most polluted city with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 169 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly three times the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre.
  • According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Delhi recorded 24 Very Poor days, 3 Severe days, 2 Poor days, and 2 Moderate days during the month.
  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) defines Air Quality Index (AQI) categories as Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderate (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), and Severe (401-500).
  • Across India, 123 out of 248 cities recorded monthly average PM2.5 concentrations above the national standard, and none met the World Health Organization (WHO) daily safe guideline of 15 micrograms per cubic metre.
  • Of the 97 cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) with sufficient data, all 97 breached the WHO daily safe guideline.
  • The ten most polluted cities in January 2026 were Ghaziabad, Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Greater Noida, Dharuhera, Gangtok, Singrauli, Bhiwadi, and Narnaul.
  • Uttar Pradesh and Haryana each had three cities featured in the top ten most polluted list.
  • PM2.5 are defined as fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Ghaziabad tops India’s pollution chart in Nov 2025: CREA (Start of December)

Ghaziabad emerged as the most polluted city in India in November 2025, with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 224 µg/m³. Noida, Bahadurgarh, Delhi, Hapur, Greater Noida, Baghpat, Sonipat, Meerut and Rohtak joined…

Delhi Government and MCD Offices Adjust Working Hours to Combat Air Pollution (Start of November)

The Delhi government and MCD offices will adjust working hours amid rising air pollution levels. The new working hours will be implemented from November 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026.

UNAM scientists detect hydrothermal unrest in El Chichón volcano crater lake, Mexico

[Mexico]

Key Updates:

  • El Chichón volcano is located in northern Chiapas state, Mexico.
  • The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) researchers reported physical and chemical changes in the 1-km-diameter, 200-m-deep crater lake formed after the 1982 eruption.
  • The 1982 eruption caused over $117 million in damage and displaced local populations.
  • Lake water, historically sulphur-rich and near 100 °C, now shows heightened sulphate and silica content and changed colour due to reduced algal influence.
  • Hollow sulphur spheres floating on the lake indicate a bottom layer of liquid sulphur where temperatures reach 118 °C.
  • Between June and August 2025 seismic activity increased, prompting investigations by several institutions.
  • Current activity is hydrothermal with possible minor phreatic explosions; no evidence of ascending fresh magma, so a repeat of the 1982 eruption is considered unlikely.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Apogee Aerospace and Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) Partner for Albatross 2.0 Seaplanes

[Apogee Aerospace]

Key Updates:

  • Apogee Aerospace has placed an order for 15 Albatross 2.0 amphibian aircraft with Australia's Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) for a total value of Rs 3,500 crore.
  • The Albatross 2.0 is a transport category amphibian aircraft with a capacity of up to 28 seats that can operate on both water and land.
  • Apogee Aerospace will invest Rs 500 crore to establish tail-section manufacturing, maintenance, overhaul, training, and advanced systems integration capabilities in India.
  • AAI plans to establish its second full Albatross manufacturing and assembly line in India, following its existing facility in the United States (US).
  • The first Albatross 2.0 aircraft is expected to enter the Indian market within the next 18 to 24 months.
  • The Union Budget for 2026-27 proposed a Seaplane Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme to support operations and incentivise the indigenisation of seaplane manufacturing.

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India beats England to win record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup

[England]

Key Updates:

  • India defeated England by 100 runs in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final.
  • India set a total of 411 for 9 in 50 overs, the highest in the final.
  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 175 off 80 balls with 15 sixes and 15 fours.
  • Sooryavanshi’s 150 came in 71 deliveries, the fastest 150 in Under-19 cricket.
  • England were bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs.
  • Caleb Falconer hit 115 off 66 balls and Ben Dawkins made 66 for England.
  • India’s earlier Under-19 titles came in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022.

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Pakistan U19 defeat India U19 to win ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 (End of December)

Pakistan U19 lifted the Under-19 Asia Cup title after outplaying India U19 by 191 runs at Dubai’s ICC academy ground. Pakistan posted 327/8, propelled by Sameer Minhas’ 172-run knock; India were bowled out for 156 in…

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeat Delhi Capitals to clinch second WPL title

[Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals]

Key Updates:

  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final by six wickets against Delhi Capitals at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara.
  • Smriti Mandhana scored 87 and Georgia Voll scored 79 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down 204 runs in 19.4 overs.
  • Delhi Capitals, batting first, posted 203 for 4 in 20 overs, the highest total in a WPL final.
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru topped the league stage with six wins in eight matches to qualify directly for the final.
  • Delhi Capitals reached the final by defeating Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator.
  • Delhi Capitals have now lost all three WPL finals they have contested.

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Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026 themed with Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya

[Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya]

Key Updates:

  • The Surajkund International Crafts Mela is organized annually in February near the Delhi–Haryana border.
  • Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya are the designated partner states for the 2026 edition of the fair.
  • The event features the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative of Uttar Pradesh, showcasing regional specialities.
  • Specific products highlighted under the ODOP showcase include glass bangles from Firozabad, perfumes from Kannauj, and Black Pottery from Azamgarh.
  • The fair also displays Bhadohi carpets and traditional textiles such as Chikankari and Zardozi from Uttar Pradesh.
  • The mela serves as a platform for master artisans, weavers, and folk artists from across India and several international partner countries.

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Chaupal Programme empowers artisans nationwide (Mid of December)

The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Ministry of Textiles launched the nationwide rollout of the Chaupal Programme. Chaupals will be established as permanent, district-level engagement…

Arun Ice creams sets Guinness World Record with 5,113 children in Hyderabad

[Hyderabad]

Key Updates:

  • Arun Ice creams created the largest ice cream social party with 5,113 children in Hyderabad.
  • Participants continuously ate ice cream for 30 minutes to achieve the record.
  • The previous Guinness World Record was set on 30 January 2019 with 962 people in Salerno, Italy (UNILEVER Italy).
  • Mr. Richard William Stenning from the UK Guinness Team officially recognised the record.
  • The certificate was presented to Mr. C. Sathyan, Vice Chairman, Hatsun Agro Product Ltd.

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Hakki Pikki traders stranded in Chad over visa extension

[Africa]

Key Updates:

  • Eight Hakki Pikki traders from Karnataka are stranded in Chad after their passports were seized over alleged illegal stay.
  • The group applied for a visa extension 14 days before expiry but officials delayed the process.
  • An immigration official demanded $2,000 per person as penalty for overstaying and threatened imprisonment.
  • The Indian Embassy in Chad advised paying the fine and offered no further assistance.
  • The stranded traders are currently in Abeche, about 900 km from N'Djamena, Chad's capital.

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International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026 on February 6

Key Updates:

  • International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is observed annually on February 6.
  • The 2026 observance falls on Friday, February 6.
  • The day was first introduced in 2003.
  • United Nations (UN) sponsors the day as part of its efforts to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
  • Over 230 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to FGM according to UN data.

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National Girl Child Day observed on January 24 (End of January)

National Girl Child Day is observed across India on January 24 to promote awareness about the rights, education, health, safety, and overall welfare of girls. The day was first observed in 2008 after being initiated by…