🇮🇳 National Affairs
1. RBI Strengthens Digital Payment Security Framework
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued updated guidelines to enhance cybersecurity in digital transactions.
Banks must implement AI-based fraud detection systems by 30 September 2026.
Mandatory real-time transaction alerts and biometric verification for high-value transactions.
This move supports India’s expanding digital payments ecosystem, which crossed ₹20,000 crore daily UPI transactions recently.
2. India Launches National Green Hydrogen Corridor Phase-II
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy approved Phase-II of the Green Hydrogen Corridor.
Budget allocation: ₹18,500 crore.
Focus: transmission infrastructure for renewable energy-powered hydrogen production.
Target: 5 MMT annual green hydrogen production by 2030.
3. Government Expands PM Vishwakarma Scheme
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme now includes 18 traditional artisan trades.
Provides collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakh.
Over 2.4 million artisans registered nationwide.
4. India’s Retail Inflation Moderates
CPI inflation for January 2026 eased to 4.8%, down from 5.3% in December 2025.
Food inflation declined due to improved vegetable supply.
RBI inflation target range: 2–6%.
🌍 International Affairs
5. G20 Finance Ministers Meeting Concludes in São Paulo
Focus areas:
Global debt sustainability
Climate financing reforms
Digital public infrastructure cooperation
India highlighted success of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) such as Aadhaar and UPI.
6. European Union Approves AI Regulation Framework Implementation
The EU began phased implementation of its AI Act.
High-risk AI systems must meet transparency and safety requirements.
Expected to influence global regulatory frameworks.
7. IMF Revises Global Growth Outlook
The International Monetary Fund projected global growth at 3.1% for 2026.
India expected to remain fastest-growing major economy at 6.5% growth.
🏦 Banking & Economy
8. Public Sector Banks Report Strong Q3 Performance
Combined net profit of PSBs rose 32% YoY in Q3 FY26.
Improved asset quality with GNPA ratio declining to 3.6%.
Credit growth remains strong in MSME and retail segments.
9. SEBI Introduces T+0 Settlement Pilot
The Securities and Exchange Board of India launched optional same-day settlement (T+0) for select stocks.
Objective: improve liquidity and reduce settlement risk.
🏛️ Appointments & Resignations
10. New Chairman Appointed at NABARD
Shaji K. V. appointed Chairman of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
Previously served as Deputy Managing Director.
NABARD plays key role in rural credit and agricultural financing.
11. UNDP Regional Director Appointment
Dr. Xu Haoliang took charge as UNDP Regional Director for Asia-Pacific.
Focus: climate resilience and sustainable development financing.
🛰️ Science & Technology
12. ISRO Successfully Tests Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) completed autonomous runway landing test.
Objective: reduce launch costs and improve mission reusability.
India aims to strengthen commercial space launch capabilities.
13. India’s Semiconductor Mission Gains Momentum
Two fabrication units under construction in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Investment exceeds ₹1.5 lakh crore under semiconductor incentive scheme.
🏅 Awards & Honours
14. Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize 2025 Announced
Awarded to Dr. Meenakshi Sharma for Hindi translation of a classical Tamil literary work.
Recognizes contribution to Indian linguistic integration.
15. UNESCO Heritage Recognition (Tentative List Update)
India added Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh) to tentative list.
Known for limestone caves and biodiversity.
🏏 Sports News
16. India Wins ODI Series Against New Zealand
India defeated New Zealand 3–1 in ODI series.
Final match held in Ahmedabad.
Player of the Series: Shubman Gill
Gill scored 412 runs in four matches.
17. ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier Results
Bangladesh and Ireland secured qualification for the 2026 tournament.
Bangladesh defeated Scotland by 28 runs in final qualifier.
18. National Games 2026 Medal Tally Update
Services Sports Control Board leads medal tally.
Maharashtra and Haryana in second and third positions respectively.
🚧 Infrastructure & Development
19. India Inaugurates Eastern Freight Corridor Segment
New 110 km freight rail section inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh.
Part of Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation project.
Expected to reduce logistics cost by 30%.
20. Smart City Mission Achieves Major Milestone
Over 7,400 projects completed across 100 cities.
Integrated command and control centres operational nationwide.
📊 Important Data & Exam Highlights
India GDP Growth Forecast (2026): 6.5%
CPI Inflation (Jan 2026): 4.8%
Global Growth Forecast: 3.1%
Green Hydrogen Target: 5 MMT by 2030
PSB GNPA Ratio: 3.6%
UPI Daily Value: ₹20,000 crore+
