🇮🇳 National News
The President of Seychelles Dr. Patrick Herminie was on a five-day official visit to India from February 5 to 10, 2026, at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi. The visit marks the 50th anniversary of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations (established 1976).
This visit strengthens strategic partnership in the Indian Ocean Region, with focus on maritime security, economic cooperation, and cultural ties.
Major Announcements:
- Special Economic Package: India announced a USD 175 million package including USD 125 million Line of Credit and USD 50 million Grant Assistance
- SESEL Joint Vision: India and Seychelles adopted the India-Seychelles Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL)
- MoUs Signed: Multiple MoUs across healthcare, meteorology, digital transformation, ocean research, capacity building, culture, and hydrography
- Donations: India donated 10 fully equipped ambulances, 1,000 metric tons of grains, 10 utility vehicles, and 5 Laser Radial class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force
- Maritime Cooperation: Dr. Herminie expressed support for GoI’s MAHASAGAR initiative (Maritime Heads for Active Security and Growth for All in the Region)
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurated the 12th PlastIndia 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from February 5-10, 2026 under the theme ‘Bharat Next’.
PlastIndia 2026 is the first 100% Zero-Waste plastics exhibition in the world, showcasing India’s commitment to sustainability and circular economy.
Key Details:
- Organisers: PlastIndia Foundation with support from Ministry of Commerce & Food, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and Ministry of MSME
- Report Released: Union Minister Chirag Paswan released the Plastic Industry Status Report 2025
- Focus Areas: Sustainability, circular economy, innovation in plastics sector
Union Minister J.P. Nadda (MoHFW) launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis) in India.
India aims to eliminate LF by 2027, ahead of the SDG deadline of 2030, demonstrating commitment to public health excellence.
Campaign Details:
- Coverage: 124 districts (55 Double Drug + 69 Triple Drug) across 12 endemic states, covering 719 blocks
- Objective: Reduce microfilaria prevalence to below 1% in all endemic areas
- Strategy: Enhanced Five-Pronged Strategy with MDA as the central pillar
About Lymphatic Filariasis: Also known as Elephantiasis, it is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, causing severe swelling and disability.
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) signed an MoU with the General Insurance Council (GIC) to provide cashless treatment across 32 insurance companies.
Signatories:
- Prof. P.K. Prajapati – Director, AIIA
- Segar Sampathkumar – Director-Health, GIC
This agreement mainstreams Ayurveda into formal insurance coverage, improving healthcare access and recognition of traditional medicine systems.
On February 7, 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (MoAFW) launched the Nationwide Pulse Self-Reliance Mission at the Food Legumes Research Centre in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh.
Mission Objectives:
- Aim: Achieve self-reliance in pulse production and transform India into a global exporter of pulses
- Model: Cluster-based production to boost productivity
- Alignment: Part of Atmanirbhar Bharat vision
Pulses are crucial for nutritional security and reducing import dependency. India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses globally.
The government introduced the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, seeking to clarify the legal position surrounding the repeal of earlier labour laws.
Purpose: The amendment aims to provide legal clarity and streamline industrial relations framework by addressing gaps created by the repeal of older labour legislations.
India has reaffirmed its nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, rejecting calls for relaxation that would have opened the market to such devices.
The ban continues India’s strict stance on tobacco control and protection of youth from emerging nicotine delivery systems.
Background: The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act was enacted in 2019.
The government has amended the IT Rules, 2021, effective February 20, 2026, mandating social media platforms to take down flagged content within 3 hours.
Key Details:
- Timeline: Platforms must remove or disable access to flagged harmful content within 3 hours
- Objective: Faster response to illegal and harmful online content
- Scope: Applies to all significant social media intermediaries operating in India
This amendment strengthens India’s regulatory framework for digital platforms and online content moderation.
The Magenta Line (Line-8) of Delhi Metro is set to become the longest corridor in the network following completion of Phase-IV and Phase-V (A) extensions.
Current Status: The Magenta Line currently connects Botanical Garden to Janakpuri West. The extensions will significantly increase its length and connectivity across Delhi-NCR.
The Delhi government announced Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, a new financial assistance programme for girls from economically weaker families.
The scheme aims to provide financial security and empowerment to girl children from disadvantaged backgrounds, supporting their education and future prospects.
Union Minister Jitin Prasada launched the STQC Lab Automation Portal SATYA, developed under MeitY, integrating testing, certification, and quality assurance on a single digital platform.
About SATYA:
- Full Form: Standardisation, Testing and Quality Certification Automation
- Developed by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- Purpose: Streamline quality certification processes through digital integration
💼 Business & Economy
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has revised base years for key economic indicators:
| Indicator | New Base Year | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| GDP | 2022-23 | 27 February 2026 |
| IIP | 2022-23 | May 2026 |
| CPI | 2024 | 12 February 2026 |
Base year revision captures structural changes in the economy, new products/services, and updated consumption patterns, providing more accurate economic measurements.
Abbreviations:
- GDP: Gross Domestic Product
- IIP: Index of Industrial Production
- CPI: Consumer Price Index
Uttar Pradesh presented its 2026-27 budget totalling Rs 9.13 lakh crore (12.2% rise from previous year), with fiscal deficit capped at 3% of GSDP.
Key Budget Allocations:
| Sector | Allocation |
|---|---|
| Education | 12.4% |
| Health | 6% |
| Agriculture | 9% |
UP aims to become a $1 trillion economy, positioning itself as one of India’s largest economic powerhouses.
Significance: The 12.2% increase reflects the state’s focus on development and infrastructure while maintaining fiscal prudence with the 3% deficit cap aligned with FRBM guidelines.
🌐 International News
India and the UK signed a Social Security Agreement on February 10, 2026, preventing temporary employees (up to 36 months) from paying double social security contributions.
Key Benefits:
- Sectors Benefited: IT, finance, education, and consulting sectors
- Coverage Protection: Workers maintain their home-country social security coverage
- Duration: Applies to temporary assignments up to 36 months
- Cost Savings: Prevents dual social security taxation
This agreement facilitates smoother movement of professionals between India and UK, reducing compliance burden and costs for multinational companies.
Indonesia is preparing to deploy up to 8,000 soldiers to the Gaza Strip as part of a proposed multinational peacekeeping mission under a UN-backed framework.
Context:
- Part of international efforts for peacekeeping in the Gaza region
- Deployment contingent on UN Security Council approval
- Reflects Indonesia’s commitment to Palestinian cause and Middle East peace
Indonesia, as the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, has historically supported Palestinian rights and participates actively in UN peacekeeping missions.
🔬 Science & Technology
Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh along with AP CM N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for India’s first Quantum Valley – the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) at Uddandarayunipalem, Amaravati.
This marks India’s entry into the exclusive club of nations developing dedicated quantum technology hubs, positioning the country at the forefront of next-generation computing.
Key Details:
- Support: Backed by National Quantum Mission (NQM)
- Objective: Establish a global hub for quantum computing and artificial intelligence
- Location: Uddandarayunipalem, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
- Vision: Foster research, development, and innovation in quantum technologies
About National Quantum Mission: Launched with Rs 6,000 crore budget to develop quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum materials & devices.
⚽ Sports
India raised its tally to 39 gold and 66 total medals (39G, 15S, 12B) at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 in New Delhi.
India’s exceptional medal haul demonstrates the country’s growing prowess in shooting sports and continued success in Olympic disciplines.
Key Performers:
- Prachi Gaikwad: Junior shooter won gold in 50m rifle 3-position event
- Manu Bhaker: Won silver in 25m pistol event
| Medal Type | Count |
|---|---|
| 🥇 Gold | 39 |
| 🥈 Silver | 15 |
| 🥉 Bronze | 12 |
| Total | 66 |
Event: Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026, New Delhi, India
📅 Important Days
February 12 marks Hug Day, the sixth day of Valentine’s Week (February 7-14).
About Valentine’s Week:
- 7 February – Rose Day
- 8 February – Propose Day
- 9 February – Chocolate Day
- 10 February – Teddy Day
- 11 February – Promise Day
- 12 February – Hug Day
- 13 February – Kiss Day
- 14 February – Valentine’s Day
Hug Day celebrates the warmth and affection shared through hugs, promoting emotional connection and expressing care for loved ones.
Darwin Day is observed on February 12 to commemorate the birthday of Charles Darwin (born 1809) and celebrate scientific inquiry and curiosity.
Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was an English naturalist who proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection in his groundbreaking work “On the Origin of Species” (1859).
Significance:
- Celebrates Darwin’s contributions to science and our understanding of life on Earth
- Promotes scientific thinking, rational inquiry, and evidence-based reasoning
- Highlights the importance of evolution in modern biology and life sciences
- Encourages curiosity about the natural world
Key Contribution: Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection revolutionized biology and remains the unifying principle of modern life sciences.
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