37 exam-relevant headlines, written simply. Read the bold fact in each — that's what exams ask.
2026-02-01economy
Union Budget 2026-27 presented with Rs 53.47 lakh crore outlay
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament on February 1, 2026. Total expenditure was estimated at Rs 53.47 lakh crore, about 7.7% higher than the previous year's revised estimate. The budget raised the electronics component scheme outlay to Rs 40,000 crore and announced the Biopharma SHAKTI initiative.
- 📌 Budget 2026-27 total expenditure: Rs 53.47 lakh crore
- 📌 Budget 2026-27 presented by: Nirmala Sitharaman
2026-02-01economy
16th Finance Commission report recommends 41% devolution
The report of the 16th Finance Commission was tabled in Parliament along with the Union Budget 2026-27. It recommended that 41% of the central taxes be shared with the states for 2026-31.
- 📌 16th Finance Commission devolution to states: 41%
- 📌 Recommendation period: 2026-31
2026-02-01days
Indian Coast Guard celebrates 50th Raising Day
The Indian Coast Guard observed its 50th Raising Day on February 1, 2026. It was formed on February 1, 1977 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978, and protects India's maritime interests.
- 📌 Indian Coast Guard raised: 1 February 1977
- 📌 Coast Guard works under the Ministry of Defence
2026-02-01awards
Dalai Lama wins first Grammy at 68th Grammy Awards
At the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, the Dalai Lama won his first Grammy for Best Audio Book for 'Meditations'. Bad Bunny became the first artist to win Album of the Year with a Spanish-language album, while 'Luther' by Kendrick Lamar and SZA won Record of the Year.
- 📌 68th Grammy Awards: February 2026, Los Angeles
- 📌 Dalai Lama won his first Grammy (Best Audio Book)
- 📌 First Spanish-language Album of the Year: Bad Bunny
2026-02-01sports
Alcaraz and Rybakina win Australian Open 2026
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain beat Novak Djokovic to win the Australian Open men's title, becoming the youngest man of the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam. Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina won the women's title, beating Aryna Sabalenka, the first Kazakh woman to do so.
- 📌 Australian Open 2026 men's champion: Carlos Alcaraz
- 📌 Women's champion 2026: Elena Rybakina
- 📌 Alcaraz: youngest man to complete career Grand Slam (Open Era)
2026-02-04appointments
Yumnam Khemchand sworn in as Manipur Chief Minister
BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand was sworn in as Manipur's Chief Minister on February 4, 2026, ending President's Rule imposed in February 2025. Nemcha Kipgen became the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister.
- 📌 Manipur CM (Feb 2026): Yumnam Khemchand
- 📌 Manipur's first woman Deputy CM: Nemcha Kipgen
2026-02-06economy
RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 5.25%
The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in its review for FY 2025-26. The stance stayed 'neutral', with SDF at 5.00% and MSF and Bank Rate at 5.50%.
- 📌 Repo rate after February 2026 MPC: 5.25%
- 📌 RBI policy stance: Neutral
- 📌 RBI Governor: Sanjay Malhotra
2026-02-06sports
India wins sixth U-19 Cricket World Cup
India beat England by 100 runs in the final at Harare to win the ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup for the sixth time. Vaibhav Suryavanshi hit 175 off 80 balls, the highest score in a U-19 final, and was named Player of the Tournament.
- 📌 U-19 World Cup 2026: India's 6th title (beat England by 100 runs)
- 📌 Final held at: Harare, Zimbabwe
- 📌 Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 175 off 80 balls in the final
2026-02-07national
Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority agreement signed
The Centre, Nagaland government and the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation signed a tripartite agreement to create the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority covering six districts, with 46 subjects devolved to it.
- 📌 Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority covers: 6 districts
- 📌 Agreement signed with: ENPO
2026-02-07international
India and USA agree framework for interim trade pact
India and the United States announced a Framework for an Interim Trade Agreement. India will cut tariffs on several industrial and farm goods, while the US keeps an 18% reciprocal tariff on some Indian goods and India will buy USD 500 billion of American products over five years.
- 📌 India-USA interim trade framework: February 2026
- 📌 US reciprocal tariff under the deal: 18%
- 📌 India to buy USD 500 billion of US goods over 5 years
2026-02-10science
India's first Quantum Valley foundation laid at Amaravati
The foundation stone for India's first Quantum Valley was laid at Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, with support from the National Quantum Mission. Partners include IBM, TCS, L&T, C-DOT and C-DAC, and it will host India's first 133-qubit quantum computer centre.
- 📌 India's first Quantum Valley: Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh)
- 📌 Quantum computer planned: 133 qubits
2026-02-10international
Japan's ruling LDP wins big under Sanae Takaichi
In Japan's general election, the Liberal Democratic Party led by Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first woman Prime Minister, won a record 316 of 465 lower house seats. Her coalition with the Japan Innovation Party took the total to 352.
- 📌 Japan's first woman PM: Sanae Takaichi
- 📌 LDP's 2026 election tally: 316 of 465 seats
2026-02-11reports
India ranks 45th on Network Readiness Index 2025
In the Network Readiness Index 2025, the USA ranked first for the fourth straight year and India climbed four places to 45th among 127 economies, second among lower-middle-income countries after Vietnam.
- 📌 Network Readiness Index 2025 topper: USA
- 📌 India's rank in NRI 2025: 45th
2026-02-11states
Rajasthan is India's largest wool producer
Official data showed Rajasthan produces about 47.5% of India's wool, the highest among states, followed by Jammu and Kashmir and Karnataka. India has about 77.4 million sheep, the second highest in the world.
- 📌 India's largest wool-producing state: Rajasthan (~47.5%)
2026-02-11science
Mons Mouton-4 chosen as Chandrayaan-4 landing site
ISRO selected the Mons Mouton-4 region near the Moon's south pole as the landing site for Chandrayaan-4, India's first lunar sample-return mission. The site was studied using Chandrayaan-2 images.
- 📌 Chandrayaan-4 mission type: lunar sample return
- 📌 Chandrayaan-4 landing site: Mons Mouton-4
2026-02-12reports
India improves to 91st in Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 ranked India 91st of 180 countries with a score of 39, an improvement from 96th the previous year. Denmark topped the list for the eighth straight year.
- 📌 CPI 2025 India rank: 91st (score 39)
- 📌 CPI 2025 topper: Denmark
- 📌 CPI is released by Transparency International
2026-02-12reports
Quarterly PLFS shows unemployment at 4.8%
The NSO's quarterly PLFS bulletin put India's unemployment rate at 4.8% for October-December 2025, a three-quarter low. Rural unemployment fell to 4% while urban unemployment was 6.7%.
- 📌 Unemployment rate (Oct-Dec 2025): 4.8%
2026-02-14defence
Defence Acquisition Council clears Rs 3.25 lakh crore Rafale deal
The DAC, chaired by Rajnath Singh, approved the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France for about Rs 3.25 lakh crore, along with six more P-8I aircraft for the Navy. Of the Rafales, 18 will come ready-built and 96 will be made in India.
- 📌 DAC-approved Rafale deal: 114 jets, about Rs 3.25 lakh crore
- 📌 96 of the 114 Rafales will be Made in India
2026-02-17international
Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh's 11th Prime Minister
BNP chief Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh's 11th Prime Minister, the first head of government after the July Revolution. His BNP-led alliance won 212 of 299 seats, and he succeeded interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
- 📌 Bangladesh's 11th PM: Tarique Rahman (BNP)
- 📌 He succeeded interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus
2026-02-17national
Vibrant Villages Programme-II launched from Assam
Home Minister Amit Shah launched Vibrant Villages Programme-II at Nathanpur in Assam. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 6,839 crore till FY29 and covers 1,954 border villages across 15 states and two Union Territories.
- 📌 VVP-II outlay: Rs 6,839 crore till FY29
- 📌 VVP-II covers: 1,954 border villages
2026-02-17schemes
Cabinet clears Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund
The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund for FY26-FY31 and a Rs 10,000 crore Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0. The Centre will fund 25% under the urban fund, with at least half the project cost from market sources.
- 📌 Urban Challenge Fund outlay: Rs 1 lakh crore
- 📌 Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0: Rs 10,000 crore
2026-02-18awards
Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year
Smriti Mandhana won the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award for her role in India's 2025 Women's ODI World Cup win and RCB's WPL title. Chess player Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player award and shooter Anjali Bhagwat got the Lifetime Achievement honour.
- 📌 BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025: Smriti Mandhana
2026-02-19national
India unveils first AI Governance Framework
The government released India's first comprehensive AI Governance Framework under the IndiaAI Mission. It rests on seven guiding principles, called Sutras, including 'People First' and 'Fairness and Equity'.
- 📌 India's AI Governance Framework: 7 Sutras (principles)
- 📌 Framework released under the IndiaAI Mission
2026-02-19schemes
PM RAHAT scheme for cashless accident treatment
The government approved the PM RAHAT scheme, giving cashless treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per road accident victim for seven days. It is linked to the 112 emergency helpline.
- 📌 PM RAHAT scheme covers: Rs 1.5 lakh cashless treatment for 7 days
- 📌 PM RAHAT deals with road accident victims
2026-02-19states
India's largest lithium battery gigafactory planned in Andhra Pradesh
Waaree Energies announced a Rs 8,175 crore lithium-ion battery gigafactory at Rambilli in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. With about 16 GWh capacity, it will be India's largest.
- 📌 Waaree gigafactory location: Rambilli, Andhra Pradesh
- 📌 Planned investment: Rs 8,175 crore (~16 GWh)
2026-02-20international
India hosts 2nd India-AI Impact Summit
The second India-AI Impact Summit was held on February 16-20, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the first such global AI summit in the Global South. Prime Minister Modi unveiled the MANAV framework, a New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact was endorsed by 91 countries and organisations, and Geneva will host the 2027 edition.
- 📌 2nd India-AI Impact Summit: New Delhi, February 2026
- 📌 New Delhi Declaration endorsed by 91 countries
- 📌 AI Impact Summit 2027 host: Geneva
2026-02-21international
Macron visits India; H-125 helicopter line opened
French President Emmanuel Macron attended the AI Impact Summit on his fourth India visit. The two countries inaugurated an H-125 helicopter assembly line in Karnataka and declared 2026 the India-France Year of Innovation.
- 📌 India-France Year of Innovation: 2026
- 📌 H-125 helicopter assembly line state: Karnataka
2026-02-21books
Shashi Tharoor's book on Sree Narayana Guru released
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan released 'The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru' by Shashi Tharoor. Sree Narayana Guru was a social reformer from Kerala.
- 📌 Book on Sree Narayana Guru authored by: Shashi Tharoor
2026-02-22sports
Norway tops Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics
Norway topped the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with 18 gold medals and 41 in total. India was represented by skier Arif Mohammad Khan, who recorded India's best men's slalom finish. It was the first Winter Games hosted by two cities.
- 📌 Winter Olympics 2026: Milano-Cortina, Italy
- 📌 Top nation: Norway (18 gold, 41 total)
- 📌 India's representative: Arif Mohammad Khan (alpine skiing)
2026-02-23states
Bihar to get greenfield international airport at Sonpur
The Bihar Cabinet approved a greenfield international airport at Sonpur in Saran district, to be India's 24th greenfield airport. The state sanctioned Rs 1,302 crore for land and completion is targeted by 2030.
- 📌 Bihar's greenfield airport site: Sonpur (Saran district)
- 📌 India's 24th greenfield airport
2026-02-23obituaries
Former Union Minister Mukul Roy dies at 71
Mukul Roy, a founding member of the Trinamool Congress and former Union Railway Minister, died in Kolkata at 71. He served as the 32nd Railway Minister in 2012.
- 📌 Mukul Roy: former Union Railway Minister (2012), TMC founder-member
2026-02-24appointments
Sachin Tendulkar named UN Global Road Safety Champion
Sachin Tendulkar was named a UN Global Road Safety Champion under a campaign with JCDecaux, supporting a project on sustainable financing for road safety in India with WHO, UNICEF and UNESCAP.
- 📌 UN Global Road Safety Champion: Sachin Tendulkar
2026-02-25national
Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala as Keralam
The Union Cabinet approved renaming the state of Kerala as 'Keralam', following Assembly resolutions. A constitutional amendment bill under Article 3 is required to change the name in the First Schedule.
- 📌 Kerala renamed as: Keralam (Cabinet approval, February 2026)
- 📌 Renaming a state needs a Bill under Article 3
2026-02-26national
PRAHAAR: India's first counter-terrorism policy released
The Home Ministry released 'PRAHAAR', India's first national counter-terrorism policy and strategy, built on seven pillars covering prevention, response, human rights and resilience.
- 📌 India's first counter-terrorism policy: PRAHAAR
- 📌 PRAHAAR has 7 pillars
2026-02-26national
CBDC-based digital food currency piloted in Puducherry
The government launched a CBDC-based Digital Food Currency pilot in Puducherry for direct benefit transfer under the PMGKAY food security programme. Beneficiaries get programmable digital rupee tokens that can be redeemed at Fair Price Shops.
- 📌 CBDC food currency pilot state/UT: Puducherry
- 📌 Digital tokens used under: PMGKAY
2026-02-27economy
E20 petrol nationwide from April 2026
The Petroleum Ministry mandated that from April 1, 2026 all petrol in the country will have up to 20% ethanol blending and a minimum octane number of 95. India's ethanol blending programme began in 2003.
- 📌 E20 fuel mandate effective: April 1, 2026
- 📌 E20 means: up to 20% ethanol in petrol
2026-02-27defence
MILAN 2026 naval exercise held at Visakhapatnam
The Indian Navy hosted the 13th MILAN exercise at Visakhapatnam on the theme 'Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration', along with the International Fleet Review reviewed by President Murmu. India also took over the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium for 2026-28.
- 📌 MILAN 2026: 13th edition, Visakhapatnam
- 📌 International Fleet Review 2026 presided by: President Murmu
- 📌 IONS chairman 2026-28: India