Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: February 04, 2026
Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources
Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.
Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)
- India-US Trade Deal: US reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods slashed from 25% to 18%; India reportedly to increase US oil imports.
- Supreme Court on Privacy: SC slams Meta/WhatsApp over “take it or leave it” privacy policy; warns against exploiting data of less-educated citizens.
- Polluter Pays Principle: SC rules that environmental compensation can be determined based on a company’s total turnover.
- Shooting Milestone: India wins hosting rights for the 2027 Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship, an Olympic qualifier for LA 2028.
- Defence Budget: Record ₹7.85 lakh crore allocated for FY 2026-27 with a heavy focus on capital expenditure.
- Pennaiyar Dispute: Supreme Court directs the Centre to constitute a tribunal for the water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- Bharat-VISTAAR: New initiative launched to integrate MSMEs into global value chains via logistics and finance support.
- Rare Earth Corridors: Budget 2026 proposes corridors in Odisha, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh to reduce dependence on China.
- Orange Economy: Finance Minister highlights the creative sector (AVGC, handicrafts, etc.) as a new growth engine.
- Health Warning: Lancet study warns that global aid cuts could lead to 5.4 million additional child deaths by 2030, impacting India.
1. STATE AFFAIRS
President Murmu Commences Six-Day Visit to Odisha and Chhattisgarh
Summary: President Droupadi Murmu arrives in Bhubaneswar to begin a multi-state visit focusing on education and tribal welfare.
On February 3, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Bhubaneswar for a six-day official visit to Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The visit began with her attendance at the convocation ceremony of Fakir Mohan University in Balasore. During her address, the President emphasized the role of regional universities in fostering local talent and preserving linguistic heritage. Over the next few days, she is scheduled to interact with tribal groups and inaugurate several developmental projects in the tribal-dominated districts of both states. This visit is seen as a major push for the “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” (Development with Heritage) mantra, particularly in the eastern belt.
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS-II (Executive) and State PSCs. Highlights the President’s role in institutional functions and tribal outreach.
Source: Press Information Bureau
URL: https://www.pib.gov.in/AllRelease.aspx?PMO=1&MenuId=23®=1&lang=1
Bikaner Observes Bandh to Protect Khejri Trees
Summary: Schools and markets shut down in Bikaner as citizens protest against the felling of Rajasthan’s state tree.
The city of Bikaner witnessed a complete shutdown on February 3, 2026, as locals protested against the planned felling of Khejri trees for an industrial project. The Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria) holds significant cultural and ecological value in Rajasthan and is the official state tree. Protesters demanded that the government relocate the project or use barren land to prevent ecological damage. Schools were closed for the first half of the day as environmental activists and the Bishnoi community led marches through the city. The state government has responded by ordering a temporary stay on the felling until an ecological impact assessment is reviewed.
Exam Angle: Important for Environment (GS-III) and Rajasthan State Exams. Khejri tree’s status and the Bishnoi community’s history of conservation are recurring themes.
Source: Times Now
URL: https://www.timesnownews.com/education/school-assembly-news-headlines-feb-3-top-national-international-and-sports-news-article-153550824
Manipur Legislative Party Elects New Chief Minister Candidate
Summary: The BJP legislature party in Manipur meets to resolve the leadership transition amid ongoing state stability efforts.
In a crucial political development on February 3, 2026, the Manipur BJP legislature party held a meeting to elect a new leader following the recent period of President’s Rule and administrative reshuffling in the state. Union observers oversaw the process in Imphal to ensure a consensus candidate who can bridge ethnic divides and restore permanent peace. The meeting concluded with the nomination of a new leader, whose name will be forwarded to the Governor for the invitation to form the government. This development marks a transition back to an elected executive from central administration, aiming to expedite the rehabilitation of displaced persons and strengthen internal security.
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS-II (Polity – State Executive/President’s Rule). Understand the process of revoking Article 356 and government formation.
Source: Livemint
URL: https://www.livemint.com/market/market-stats/stocks-standard-capital-markets-share-price-nse-bse-s0002169
2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Supreme Court Directs Tribunal for Pennaiyar River Dispute
Summary: SC orders the Centre to form a tribunal within three months to resolve the water-sharing conflict between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The Supreme Court of India, on February 3, 2026, directed the Union Government to constitute a water dispute tribunal to adjudicate the Pennaiyar River conflict between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Tamil Nadu had approached the court alleging that Karnataka’s construction of check dams and diversion structures on the river was affecting the flow to its downstream districts. The bench, citing the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act of 1956 and Article 262 of the Constitution, emphasized that judicial delays in water sharing cause immense agricultural distress. The Centre has been given a 12-week deadline to issue the notification for the tribunal’s formation.
Exam Angle: Core topic for GS-II (Federalism/Inter-state disputes). Essential to know Article 262 and the 1956 Act.
Source: PWOnlyIAS
URL: https://pwonlyias.com/news-headline/news-of-the-day-03rd-february-2026/
Supreme Court Slams Meta Over WhatsApp Privacy Policy
Summary: A three-judge bench warns Meta against “decent theft” of private information through coercive user agreements.
On February 3, 2026, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant came down heavily on Meta Platforms (parent company of WhatsApp) while hearing appeals against a ₹213 crore penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The Court questioned the “take it or leave it” nature of WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update, stating that it exploits the lack of education among millions of Indian users. The CJI remarked that the policy represents a mockery of constitutionalism and warned that the court would not allow the rights of citizens to be compromised for corporate data harvesting. The ruling reinforces the “Right to Privacy” as a fundamental tenet under Article 21.
Exam Angle: Crucial for GS-II (Fundamental Rights) and GS-III (Cybersecurity/Data Protection). Connect with the Puttaswamy Judgment and DPDP Act 2023.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
URL: https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20260203/4d3f2f9ffe584f69a38385aace0c81c8/c.html
SC Rules Turnover as Basis for Environmental Compensation
Summary: Landmark judgment upholds that larger firms with higher profits must pay more for ecological damage.
In a significant verdict on February 3, 2026, the Supreme Court upheld the principle that a company’s turnover should be a deciding factor in calculating environmental compensation. Dismissing appeals by real estate developers against National Green Tribunal (NGT) penalties, Justices Dipankar Datta and Vijay Bishnoi ruled that larger operations inherently cause greater resource depletion and waste. The court upheld fines of ₹5 crore and ₹4.47 crore on Pune-based developers for violating green norms. This judgment effectively moves away from “one-size-fits-all” penalties, ensuring that big corporations face a genuine deterrent against environmental violations rather than viewing fines as a “cost of doing business.”
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS-III (Environment – Polluter Pays Principle). Important for legal benchmarks in corporate accountability.
Source: CourtKutchehry
URL: https://www.courtkutchehry.com/pages/blog/supreme-court-turnover-based-environmental-compensation-ngt/
3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India-US Strike Landmark Trade Deal to Cut Tariffs to 18%
Summary: President Trump and PM Modi finalize an agreement reducing US reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%.
In a major diplomatic breakthrough on February 3, 2026, the United States and India finalized a trade deal that slashes tariffs on Indian exports to 18%, down from a previous peak of 50% on certain items. The announcement, initially shared by US President Trump and later confirmed by diplomatic channels, marks a “strategic reset” in bilateral ties. In exchange, India has reportedly agreed to shift its energy procurement, reducing reliance on Russian oil and increasing imports from the US and potentially Venezuela. While the opposition in India has raised concerns over “one-sided concessions,” the government maintains that the deal secures market access for Indian MSMEs and solar exports, providing a competitive edge over regional rivals.
Exam Angle: Critical for GS-II (International Relations – India-US). Focus on “reciprocal tariffs” and energy diplomacy.
Source: The Economic Times
URL: https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/india-us-trade-deal-us-ambassador-india-sergoi-gor-how-a-diplomat-from-land-of-mughals-changed-the-cold-trade-winds-between-the-biggest-and-oldest-democracies/articleshow/127878599.cms
EAM Jaishankar and US Secretary Rubio Discuss Critical Minerals
Summary: Bilateral meeting in Washington DC focuses on formalizing cooperation in mining and exploration of critical minerals.
On February 3, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department in Washington DC. The primary focus of the discussion was the “formalization” of bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, which is vital for the semiconductor and EV industries. The meeting preceded the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial. Both leaders welcomed the newly announced trade deal, emphasizing that democratic supply chains are essential for global energy security. Jaishankar noted that the strategic partnership now covers a wide spectrum from nuclear and defense to digital technology and rare earth elements, aiming to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS-II (Bilateral Relations) and GS-III (Resources/Supply Chain). Understand the significance of critical minerals for “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Source: The Federal
URL: https://thefederal.com/category/news/jaishankar-rubio-meeting-india-us-trade-deal-critical-minerals-228323
Lancet Study Warns of Massive Health Cost from Global Aid Cuts
Summary: Study predicts 22.6 million additional deaths by 2030, including 5.4 million children, due to falling development assistance.
A peer-reviewed study published in The Lancet Global Health on February 3, 2026, has warned that a sharp decline in global development assistance for health (DAH) could reverse decades of progress. The study, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, identifies India as one of the 21 Asian countries at high risk. It estimates that current and projected aid cuts in 2025 and 2026 could result in 5.4 million additional child deaths and millions of deaths from HIV/AIDS and malaria by 2030. The Rockefeller Foundation, which supported the research, called for “country-led financing” and resilient health systems to mitigate the impact of reduced international funding.
Exam Angle: Important for GS-II (Social Justice – Health) and GS-III (Economy). Highlights the importance of Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Source: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/global-aid-cuts-could-reverse-health-gains-warns-new-lancet-study/article70586816.ece
4. ECONOMY & FINANCE
Nirmala Sitharaman Highlights ‘Orange Economy’ in Budget 2026
Summary: The creative economy, including AVGC and heritage tourism, is identified as a primary engine for job creation.
During post-budget discussions on February 3, 2026, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman elaborated on the “Orange Economy” concept introduced in the Union Budget 2026-27. The government defines this sector as economic activities based on creativity, culture, and IP, including Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC), fashion, and music. The budget has proposed special skilling programs for creative jobs and new digital platforms for IP monetization. Sitharaman stated that the Orange Economy would be a major driver for soft power and employment, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative. The government plans to support startups in this space through dedicated venture funds and simplified tax structures for creative exports.
Exam Angle: New terminology for GS-III (Economy – Sectors of Growth). Understand its role in employment and soft power.
Source: PWOnlyIAS
URL: https://pwonlyias.com/news-headline/news-of-the-day-03rd-february-2026/
Government to Establish ‘Rare Earth Corridors’ in Coastal States
Summary: New initiative aims to exploit monazite-rich sands in Odisha, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh to ensure strategic autonomy.
The Union Government on February 3, 2026, detailed its plan to establish “Rare Earth Corridors” across India’s coastal belt. These corridors will focus on the extraction and processing of rare earth elements (REEs) from monazite-rich sands found in Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. The move is strategically designed to reduce India’s import dependence on China, which currently dominates the global REE supply chain. These minerals are indispensable for manufacturing permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and advanced defense systems. The government will offer production-linked incentives (PLI) for private players to set up refining units within these corridors.
Exam Angle: Significant for GS-III (Energy/Security/Resources). Rare Earths are “critical minerals” for the green energy transition.
Source: PWOnlyIAS
URL: https://pwonlyias.com/news-headline/news-of-the-day-03rd-february-2026/
RBI Orders Banks to Remain Open on March 31 for Govt Transactions
Summary: The central bank issues a directive to ensure all financial year-end receipts and payments are recorded by March 31, 2026.
In a routine but critical administrative order on February 3, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directed all banks handling government business to remain open for the public on March 31, 2026. This directive ensures that all government transactions relating to receipts and payments for the Financial Year 2025-26 are accounted for within the same fiscal year. The order applies to all branches designated for government work. This is part of the RBI’s efforts to facilitate a smooth closing of government accounts and ensure transparency in fiscal reporting. Banks are required to make necessary arrangements to handle the anticipated rush of taxpayers and department filings on the final day.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Banking awareness and GS-III (Economy – Fiscal Management).
Source: News on AIR
URL: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/rbi-directs-banks-to-remain-open-on-31st-march-for-govt-transactions/
5. SPORTS
India Wins Hosting Rights for 2027 Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship
Summary: New Delhi to host the historic Olympic qualifier where eight spots for LA 2028 will be contested.
On February 3, 2026, the Asian Shooting Confederation (ASC) officially awarded India the hosting rights for the 2027 Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship. This is a milestone event as it will serve as an Olympic qualifier for the Los Angeles 2028 Games, offering eight quota places. NRAI President Kalikesh Singh Deo welcomed the decision, noting that this will be the first time India hosts two Olympic quota competitions in one cycle (the other being a World Cup in 2027). The event is expected to provide Indian shooters with a significant “home advantage” to secure early qualification. Currently, Delhi is already hosting the 2026 Asian Championships (Rifle/Pistol) at the Karni Singh Ranges, which commenced on February 4, 2026.
Exam Angle: Important for Sports current affairs. Focus on India’s rising status in global shooting and the venue (Karni Singh Range).
Source: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/india-to-host-shootings-asian-olympic-qualifying-championship-next-year/article70586816.ece
India Faces Afghanistan in U-19 World Cup Semifinal
Summary: Defending champions India enter the semifinal as favorites in Harare, aiming for a record-extending sixth title.
The Indian Under-19 cricket team, led by captain Ayush Mhatre, is set to face Afghanistan in the semifinal of the ICC U-19 World Cup in Harare on February 4, 2026. Reporting from the eve of the match on February 3, analysts have termed India as “overwhelming favorites” due to their unbeaten run in the tournament. India has consistently dominated the U-19 level, holding five titles so far. The match is viewed as a test of India’s spin-playing ability against Afghanistan’s highly-rated bowling attack. A victory would put India in their third consecutive final. The tournament has served as a platform for emerging stars, with several Indian players already being scouted for senior domestic leagues.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Sports sections of various exams. Tracks India’s dominance in age-group international cricket.
Source: The Hindu
URL: https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/icc-under-19-world-cup-semifinal-india-vs-afghanistan-preview/article70586792.ece
Ministry of Youth Affairs Announces Rural Sports Talent Hunt
Summary: A nationwide initiative to identify athletes in traditional sports like Kabaddi and Kho-Kho launched on February 3.
In an effort to diversify India’s sporting success, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced a new “Rural Sports Talent Hunt” on February 3, 2026. The scheme aims to identify gifted athletes from remote districts in traditional disciplines such as Mallakhamb, Kabaddi, and Kho-Kho. Selected athletes will be provided with residential training at Sports Authority of India (SAI) centers and a monthly stipend. The initiative is part of the larger ‘Khelo India’ mission to create a robust pipeline for international events. The first phase of trials will begin in April 2026 across 100 rural clusters, focusing on the 12-16 age group to ensure long-term development for the 2032 Olympics.
Exam Angle: Relevant for GS-II (Government Schemes) and Sports. Focus on the integration of traditional sports into the national framework.
Source: Jagran Josh
URL: https://www.jagranjosh.com/articles/school-assembly-news-headlines-today-3rd-february-2026-union-budget-2026-jammu-and-kashmir-earthquake-and-other-important-news-1800008165-1
6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
ISRO to Attempt PSLV-C60 Launch in June 2026
Summary: Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirms the next scheduled launch after a pause for rigorous fuel-switch investigations.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, announced on February 3, 2026, that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to resume its launch schedule with the PSLV-C60 mission in June 2026. The announcement follows a period of technical review after a purported fuel-cut-off switch glitch in a commercial aircraft led to a wider inspection of similar components in aerospace applications. An external expert team was involved in the probe to ensure the reliability of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle’s (PSLV) critical systems. The upcoming mission will carry multiple international small satellites and an Indian Earth Observation Satellite (EOS), reinforcing ISRO’s position in the global commercial launch market.
Exam Angle: Important for GS-III (Space Technology). Focus on the reliability of the PSLV (India’s “Workhorse”).
Source: Press Information Bureau
URL: https://www.pib.gov.in/AllRelease.aspx?PMO=1&MenuId=23®=1&lang=1
Wetlands Declared as ‘National Public Good’ by Environment Experts
Summary: A national symposium calls for legal status for wetlands as public commons to prevent private encroachment.
On February 3, 2026, following World Wetlands Day celebrations, environmental experts and policymakers at a national symposium in New Delhi advocated for the classification of wetlands as a “National Public Good.” Currently, many wetlands are vulnerable to being treated as private property or being filled for urban expansion. The proposal seeks to treat wetlands as “public commons,” similar to air and water, ensuring they cannot be diverted for commercial purposes without stringent central oversight. This follows the recent addition of Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat) to the Ramsar list, bringing India’s total to over 80 sites. The move is aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water security and biodiversity.
Exam Angle: Crucial for GS-III (Environment – Conservation). Understand the Ramsar Convention and the “Public Trust Doctrine.”
Source: PWOnlyIAS
URL: https://pwonlyias.com/news-headline/news-of-the-day-03rd-february-2026/
DRDO Successfully Demonstrates Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet Technology
Summary: The flight test proves the efficiency of indigenously developed propulsion systems for long-range air-to-air missiles.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on February 3, 2026, carried out a successful demonstration of the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. SFDR technology is a critical propulsion system that allows missiles to maintain high speeds for longer durations compared to conventional solid motors, significantly enhancing the “no-escape zone” for air-to-air missiles. The test confirmed the successful integration of the ramjet engine with the missile booster and control systems. This breakthrough places India among a select group of nations possessing advanced ramjet technology, essential for developing next-generation long-range interception capabilities.
Exam Angle: Significant for GS-III (Defense Technology). Focus on “Ramjet” vs “Scramjet” and SFDR’s role in air superiority.
Source: Press Information Bureau
URL: https://www.pib.gov.in/AllRelease.aspx?PMO=1&MenuId=23®=1&lang=1
7. OTHERS
Shri Divakar Jayant Takes Over as DG of Naval Armament
Summary: Senior officer assumes leadership of the critical department responsible for the Navy’s weapon systems.
On February 3, 2026, Shri Divakar Jayant, a distinguished officer of the Indian Naval Armament Service (INAS), took over as the Director General of Naval Armament (DGNA). The DGNA is a pivotal post within the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Navy), overseeing the design, development, procurement, and maintenance of all naval weapons and ammunition. Jayant’s appointment comes at a time when the Indian Navy is aggressively pursuing indigenization of missile systems and torpedoes under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. His tenure is expected to focus on streamlining the supply chain for advanced armaments and enhancing the safety protocols for explosive storage and handling across naval bases.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Appointments (Person in News). DGNA plays a key role in maritime security infrastructure.
Source: Press Information Bureau
URL: https://www.pib.gov.in/AllRelease.aspx?PMO=1&MenuId=23®=1&lang=1
New Income Tax Act to be Effective from April 1, 2026
Summary: Finance Minister confirms that the overhauled direct tax law will replace the 1961 Act in the next fiscal year.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in a post-budget clarification on February 3, 2026, confirmed that the entirely new Income Tax Act will come into effect from April 1, 2026. The new Act aims to simplify the complex tax code of 1961, removing redundant clauses and providing a more readable framework for individual and corporate taxpayers. A key feature of the new legislation is the “presumptive taxation” expansion and the elimination of several exemptions in favor of lower tax rates. The government will release the final draft for public consultation in the coming months. This move is expected to reduce litigation and improve the ease of doing business by making tax compliance more predictable and digital-first.
Exam Angle: Significant for GS-III (Economy – Taxation). This is the biggest direct tax reform in decades.
Source: PWOnlyIAS
URL: https://pwonlyias.com/news-headline/news-of-the-day-03rd-february-2026/
QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (Core Recall Points)
1. National & State Governance
- Pennaiyar River Tribunal: Supreme Court directs Centre to constitute tribunal within 12 weeks for water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- Significance: Tests knowledge of Article 262 and Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
- WhatsApp Privacy Policy Case: SC bench led by CJI Surya Kant slams Meta for “take it or leave it” policy; upholds ₹213 crore CCI penalty.
- Significance: Crucial for Right to Privacy under Article 21, connects with Puttaswamy Judgment and DPDP Act 2023.
- Turnover-Based Environmental Penalty: SC upholds principle that company turnover should determine environmental compensation; ₹5 crore and ₹4.47 crore fines on Pune developers.
- Significance: Landmark for Polluter Pays Principle and corporate environmental accountability.
- President’s Visit: President Droupadi Murmu begins 6-day visit to Odisha and Chhattisgarh focusing on tribal welfare and regional universities.
- Significance: Constitutional role of President in ceremonial and developmental functions.
- Manipur Government Formation: BJP legislature party elects new CM candidate after President’s Rule; transition back to elected executive.
- Significance: Article 356 (President’s Rule) and government formation procedures.
- Bikaner Bandh: Complete shutdown in Bikaner protesting Khejri tree (state tree of Rajasthan) felling; Bishnoi community leads conservation efforts.
- Significance: State-specific conservation movements and environmental activism.
2. Economy & Finance
- Orange Economy: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlights creative sector (AVGC, fashion, music) as new growth engine in Budget 2026-27.
- Significance: New economic terminology for job creation, soft power, and IP-based growth.
- Rare Earth Corridors: Budget 2026 proposes corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh for REE extraction with PLI incentives.
- Significance: Strategic autonomy, critical minerals for EVs/defense, reducing China dependency.
- New Income Tax Act: Effective April 1, 2026; replaces 1961 Act with simplified framework, presumptive taxation expansion.
- Significance: Major direct tax reform, ease of doing business, digital-first compliance.
- RBI Directive: Banks handling government business to remain open on March 31, 2026 for FY 2025-26 year-end transactions.
- Significance: Fiscal management and banking operations awareness.
3. International Relations & Defence
- India-US Trade Deal: US reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods reduced from 25% to 18%; India to increase US oil imports (reduce Russian dependence).
- Significance: Bilateral trade, energy diplomacy, market access for MSMEs and solar exports.
- Jaishankar-Rubio Meeting: EAM and US Secretary of State discuss critical minerals cooperation in Washington DC for semiconductor/EV industries.
- Significance: Strategic partnership, supply chain security, Atmanirbhar Bharat in critical minerals.
- Lancet Health Study: Predicts 5.4 million additional child deaths by 2030 due to global aid cuts; India among 21 high-risk Asian countries.
- Significance: Official Development Assistance (ODA), global health governance, SDGs.
- DRDO SFDR Test: Successful demonstration of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet technology from Chandipur, Odisha for long-range air-to-air missiles.
- Significance: Indigenous defense technology, Ramjet propulsion, air superiority capabilities.
- DG Naval Armament: Shri Divakar Jayant assumes charge; focus on indigenization of naval weapons under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Significance: Key defense appointment and maritime security infrastructure.
4. Science, Environment & Sports
- PSLV-C60 Launch: ISRO to resume launches in June 2026 after technical review; will carry international satellites and Indian EOS.
- Significance: PSLV reliability as India’s “Workhorse,” commercial space market presence.
- Wetlands as National Public Good: National symposium advocates legal status for wetlands as public commons; India has 80+ Ramsar sites.
- Significance: Ramsar Convention, Public Trust Doctrine, SDGs on water security and biodiversity.
- 2027 Asian Shooting Championship: India awarded hosting rights; Olympic qualifier for LA 2028 with 8 quota places at Karni Singh Ranges, Delhi.
- Significance: Sports infrastructure, home advantage for Olympic qualification.
- U-19 World Cup Semifinal: India faces Afghanistan on Feb 4, 2026 in Harare; defending champions seeking 6th title.
- Significance: India’s dominance in youth cricket, talent pipeline for senior teams.
- Rural Sports Talent Hunt: Ministry of Youth Affairs launches initiative for Mallakhamb, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho; trials in 100 rural clusters from April 2026.
- Significance: Khelo India mission, traditional sports integration, 2032 Olympics pipeline.
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