- On February 8, 2026, India paid USD 35.18 million to the United Nations Regular Budget for 2026. With this timely payment, India was placed on the UN’s “Honour Roll”, a recognition given to member states that pay their dues in full at the start of the year. This contribution reflects India’s commitment to multilateralism and global responsibilities.
- On Feb 5, 2026, the Government of India, Nagaland Government, and ENPO signed a pact in New Delhi. It created the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) as an autonomous body for six eastern districts. Aim: Address developmental and political concerns of Eastern Nagaland. Significance: Marks a step toward greater autonomy and regional empowerment.
- On Feb 5, 2026, DPIIT rolled out a revised Startup Recognition Framework under the Startup India Action Plan. It now recognizes Deep Tech Startups, extends eligibility to 20 years, and raises the turnover cap to ₹300 crore. Cooperative societies are also eligible for recognition. Significance: Strengthens India’s innovation ecosystem and boosts R&D‑driven ventures.
- The New York City Health Department announced on February 4, 2026 that it has officially joined the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). This makes NYC the first U.S. municipal health department to independently join GOARN after the federal withdrawal from WHO in January 2026.
- On Feb 7, 2026, India and the US announced a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement. It focuses on lowering tariffs, boosting advanced tech trade (GPUs, AI hardware), and strengthening supply‑chain resilience. India gains reduced duties on textiles, leather, chemicals, and machinery, while the US benefits from lower tariffs on industrial and farm products.
- On February 6, 2026, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal launched the compendium “Pitch Perfect Australia–India: Perfect Conditions for a $100 Billion Partnership” at IIFT, New Delhi. The publication highlights business collaborations and provides a roadmap to strengthen bilateral economic ties. Its goal is to accelerate trade and investment, aiming to raise India–Australia trade to USD 100 billion.
- On Feb 5, 2026, the provisions of the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025 came into force. Aim: To modernize insurance laws, expand coverage, and strengthen consumer protection. Highlights: Simplified regulations, promotion of digital insurance platforms, and wider access for rural/low‑income groups.
- On February 5, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India approved Blackstone to acquire up to 9.99% stake in Federal Bank through its affiliate Asia II Topco XIII Pte Ltd. The investment, valued at about $700 million, will make Blackstone the largest shareholder in the bank, which has no promoter group.
- By 2025–26, India has become the world’s second‑largest mobile phone producer. Driven by Make in India and the PLI scheme, units expanded from 2 in 2014 to 300+ by 2025. Production value rose from ₹18,000 crore (FY15) to ₹5.45 lakh crore (FY25), with exports crossing ₹1.2 lakh crore.
- In January 2026, India achieved its highest‑ever monthly production of phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers, reaching 15.76 lakh metric tonnes (LMT). This included record output of di‑ammonium phosphate (DAP) and complex NPK grades. The achievement was driven by policy reforms, capacity expansion, and better raw material availability.
- India’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.4 in Jan 2026, up from a two‑year low of 55.0 in Dec 2025. The increase signals stronger factory output and demand recovery. Expansion was driven by new orders, export growth, and improved business confidence.
- On Feb 5–6, 2026, in Bilaspur, the HP Government signed an MoU with Geotropy India Pvt. Ltd. to explore geothermal energy. The aim was to make Himachal a Green Energy State through clean energy transition. CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also launched the ‘Padhai with AI’ platform for digital learning. Highlights: renewable energy exploration and AI‑powered education access for students.
- The Black Swan Summit India 2026 took place on Feb 5–6 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Its theme was “AI and Future Tech Stacks: GCCs, Education & Jobs in FinTech/InsurTech.” The summit aimed to make Odisha a global hub for AI, FinTech, and digital transformation. Significance: Highlighted global collaborations and Odisha’s vision of becoming a $112‑billion tech‑driven economy.
- Apogee Aerospace has placed a ₹3,500 crore order with Australia’s Amphibian Aerospace Industries for 15 Albatross 2.0 seaplanes. These amphibian aircraft will support maritime surveillance, rescue, and disaster relief operations. The deal also includes a ₹500 crore investment in India for manufacturing, training, and MRO facilities, strengthening the nation’s aerospace and blue economy initiatives.
- Observed from February 1–7, 2026, the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week promoted peace and cooperation. Theme: “Better Together for a Harmonious World.” Established by the UN General Assembly after a proposal by His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan.
- On February 6, 2026, Toyota Motor Corporation confirmed that Kenta Kon, its current CFO and veteran executive, will become the new President and CEO. He will officially assume the role on April 1, 2026, succeeding Koji Sato, whose three-year tenure as CEO is among the shortest in Toyota’s history.
Questions:
Q.1 Which city’s health department became the first U.S. municipal body to join the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN)?a) Los Angeles
b) Chicago
c) New York City
d) Boston
Answer: c) NYC independently joined GOARN of the World Health Organization, strengthening global disease surveillance collaboration.
Q.2 Who has been designated to assume leadership of Toyota Motor Corporation from April 2026?
a) Akio Toyoda
b) Hiroki Nakajima
c) Masahiro Inoue
d) Kenta Kon
Answer: d) Toyota Motor Corporation confirmed that Kenta Kon, its current CFO and veteran executive, will become the new President and CEO.
