Daily Current Affairs

In February 2026, the Government of India (GoI) paid USD 35.18 million to the United Nations (UN) Regular Budget for 2026. Following this contribution, India joined the UN’s ‘Honour Roll’ alongside 51 other member states who paid their regular budget dues in full and on time.

• Total Assessed Contribution: India’s overall assessed contribution to the UN budget stands at USD 38.223 million, with USD 3.091 million offset against staff income taxes.
• India contributed 1.016% to the UN’s regular budget of USD 3.45 billion.
• Budget Approved for 2026: In December 2025, the 193-member UN General Assembly (UNGA) approved a USD 3.45 billion regular budget covering peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.

In February 2026, the Government of India signed a tripartite agreement with the Nagaland Government and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), focused on the development and governance of Eastern Nagaland.

• Signed in presence of: Union Minister Amit Shah (MHA) and Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, in New Delhi
• Districts Covered: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamtor (6 districts)
• Devolution of Powers: Powers related to 46 state subjects will be transferred to the FNTA
• The agreement does not alter the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.

On 05 February 2026, Union Minister Amit Shah launched ‘Bharat Taxi’, India’s first cooperative-sector ride-hailing service, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

• Establishment: Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002; established on 06 June 2025
• Operations: Enables booking of cars, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers. Pilot operations began on 02 December 2025 in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat.
• Revenue Model: Bharat Taxi retains only 20% of earnings; 80% goes directly to drivers (called ‘Sarathis’)
• Women Empowerment: Includes ‘Bike Didi’ and ‘Sarathi Didi’ programmes for women drivers and passengers

In February 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified a revised startup recognition framework under the Startup India Action Plan.

• Turnover Threshold: Increased from Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore
• New Sub-category: ‘Deep Tech Startup’ introduced for entities working on cutting-edge and emerging technologies
• Deep Tech Eligibility: Age limit extended from 10 to 20 years; turnover limit raised to Rs 300 crore
• Cooperative Inclusion: Multi-State Cooperative Societies and State/UT Cooperative Societies now eligible for startup recognition

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled the Tamil Nadu Urban Greening Policy 2026 under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, aiming to transform cities into climate-resilient, liveable spaces.

• Target: Increase overall green cover from 23.7% to 33%; urban local bodies to maintain at least 15% green cover
• Focus: Restoring and expanding urban forests, neighbourhood parks, green corridors, and blue-green infrastructure including lakes, canals, and wetlands
• Alignment: Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals

On 6 February 2026, India successfully test-fired the Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.

• Range: Approximately 3,000 to 3,500 kilometres
• Payload Capacity: Up to 1.5 tonnes; nuclear-capable
• Type: Two-stage solid propellant missile; designed and developed by DRDO
• The launch validated all operational and technical parameters. The missile has been inducted into the armed forces.

On February 6, 2026, India defeated England by 100 runs in the ICC U19 World Cup Final at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe, to clinch a record sixth title.

• Star Performer: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (14 years old) scored a sensational 175 off 80 balls (15 fours, 15 sixes) — the highest individual score in U19 WC final history
• India’s Total: 411/9 in 50 overs; Captain Ayush Mhatre contributed 53
• England’s Reply: 311 all out (Caleb Falconer scored 115); Kanishk Chouhan took the final wicket

On February 6, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held the 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi, interacting with students, teachers, and parents ahead of board examinations.

• Multi-location Format (First Time): Also held in Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Dev Mogra (Gujarat), and Guwahati (Assam)
• Participation: Over 4.5 crore registrations, surpassing the Guinness World Record set in 2025
• Key Message: PM emphasised stress-free exams, balance between studies and hobbies, and self-belief

In February 2026, Goldman Sachs upgraded India’s Calendar Year 2026 real GDP growth forecast by 20 basis points from 6.7% to 6.9%, following the conclusion of the US–India trade deal that reduced reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%.

• External Impact: Lower tariffs projected to narrow the Current Account Deficit by about 0.25% of GDP to nearly 0.8% in CY26

In February 2026, Apogee Aerospace Private Limited placed an order worth Rs 3,500 crore for 15 amphibian aircraft (seaplanes) with Australia’s Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI), anchored by AAI’s Albatross 2.0 platform.

• Additional Investment: Apogee Aerospace will invest Rs 500 crore to set up tail-section manufacturing, MRO, and training facilities in India

MoC&I Secretary Rajesh Agarwal launched the India–Australia Business Case Studies Compendium titled “Pitch Perfect Australia-India: Perfect Conditions for a USD 100 Billion Partnership.”

• Developed by: Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) and Newland Global Group
• Key Sectors: Manufacturing, critical minerals, education, technology, agriculture, and clean energy

Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), visited the United States of America from February 2 to 4, 2026, to participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting in Washington, D.C.

• Bilateral Meeting: Met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
• FORGE Initiative: India announced support for the Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), a new global initiative for critical mineral supply chains; chaired by Republic of Korea until June 2026
• Project Vault: President Donald Trump launched this strategic minerals reserve initiative with total funding of about USD 12 billion

On February 4, 2026, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) elected Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha as its first-ever female member from Iran at the 145th IOC Session in Milan, Italy.

• Election: Elected with a 95-2 vote as the 107th IOC member; third-ever Iranian representative and youngest current member at 30 years old
• Background: Badminton player who represented Iran at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021) as Iran’s first female Olympian in the sport
• Current IOC President: Kirsty Coventry (first female president in IOC’s 132-year history); women now comprise 45% of IOC membership

National Periodic Table Day is observed annually on February 7 to recognise the significance of the periodic table of elements and honour scientists who contributed to its development.

February 7 marks Rose Day, the beginning of Valentine’s Week (February 7–14).