DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS – 05.02.2026

🔎 National News (India)

Public Sector Banks (PSB) Strategic Roadmap Meet
- Government to host a PSB conclave in February 2026.
- Objective: Draft strategic plans to transform Indian PSBs into globally competitive lenders under “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision.
- Focus areas: Capital adequacy, global expansion, digitisation, asset quality improvement, and international banking networks.
Major Government Borrowing Plan (2026-27)
- India plans a record government borrowing of ₹17.2 trillion (approx) for FY 2026-27.
- This is a 17% increase over previous fiscal borrowing.
- Net borrowing estimated at ₹11.73 trillion.
- Strategy includes bond switches, buybacks, and open market operations to ensure market stability and prevent yield surges.
Central Bank of India Recruitment Update
- Registration extended to 15 February 2026 for 350 Specialist Officer posts.
- Roles include Marketing Officer (Scale I) and Foreign Exchange Officer (Scale III).
- Selection stages: Online exam → Personal Interview.
India Joins BRICS Industrial Competencies Centre
- India formally became a member of the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies.
- Marks enhanced industrial cooperation among BRICS nations.
Election Commission of India Initiative
- ECI to host National Conference of State Election Commissioners on 24 February 2026.
- First national interaction in over 25 years, focusing on electoral reforms and best practices.

2026 Winter Olympics – Milano Cortina, Italy
- The XXV Winter Olympics officially start on 06.02.2026 and continue until 22.02.2026.
- Hosted across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, Livigno and Val di Fiemme.
- Approximately 3,500 athletes from 93 nations across 16 disciplines.
- Opening Ceremony on 06.02.2026 at San Siro Stadium, Milan.
- Notable performers include internationally acclaimed tenor Andrea Bocelli at the opening ceremony.
IOC Considers Calendar Shift for Future Winter Games
- Due to rising global temperatures, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is discussing moving future Winter Games to earlier months (January).
- Aims to protect snow sports reliability and competition quality.
Olympic Truce Initiative
- Ahead of Milano Cortina 2026, the UN and Olympic organisers renewed calls for an Olympic Truce.
- Proposal: Cease armed conflicts globally from one week before the Games opening to one week after the Paralympics closure (~06 Feb to ~15 Mar 2026).
- Symbolic peace gesture with strong moral importance in international relations.
World Hindi Day at United Nations
- India’s Permanent Mission to the UN celebrated World Hindi Day, emphasising the global spread of the Hindi language.

Financial Markets & Fiscal Management
- India’s careful management of its increased borrowing plan aims to maintain healthy bond markets and stable yields.
- RBI plays key role in ensuring liquidity and monitoring debt instruments.
Trade & Global Partnerships
- Ongoing India-US trade dialogues focus on tariff reductions and strengthening bilateral economic ties.
- Business and trade communities have welcomed steps toward a comprehensive economic agreement.

UPI and International Digital Integrations
- Discussions between RBI & Government to integrate UPI with Singapore’s Alipay Plus platform.
- Potential for expanded digital payment ecosystem and cross-border remittances.
RBI & Banking Regulatory Updates
- Continued focus on enhanced banking tech, regulatory compliance, and fintech adoption.

Milano Cortina 2026 – Alpine Skiing Schedule
- Alpine skiing events feature: Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom, Slalom, Combined.
- Training and pre-event runs began in early February 2026.
- Medal events:
  - Men’s Downhill: 07.02.2026
  - Women’s Downhill: 08.02.2026
  - Super-G: 11-12.02.2026
  - Slalom Finals: 16-18.02.2026
Winter Olympics – Team GB Squad
- Great Britain at 2026 Winter Olympics:
  - 53 athletes (30 Men, 23 Women) across 11 sports.
  - Flagbearers: Lilah Fear and Brad Hall.
  - Competitions include Alpine skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Snowboarding, and Skeleton.
WM Phoenix Open – PGA Tour Event
- Scheduled 05-08.02.2026 at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.
- Total prize money: $9.6 million.
- Elite field: Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland.
Cricket – T20 World Cup Warm-Up
- India vs South Africa warm-up match saw Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma open the innings.
- Senior player Sanju Samson’s World Cup spotting came under scrutiny after batting order changes.
Snooker – World Grand Prix 2026 (Hong Kong)
- 32-player event featuring Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump.
- Judd Trump suffered an early exit despite recent German Masters win.

World Cancer Day – 04.02.2026
- Theme for 2026: “United by Unique”.
- Focus: Personal cancer journeys and collective action for equitable care.
Key Upcoming Days
- National Ramser Sites Count Increase (India reached new totals influencing environmental protection topics).
- Details relevant for Polity & Environment sections in competitive exams.