National Affairs

Ministry of Cooperation Launches 'White Revolution 2.0' to Boost Women's Role in Dairy Sector

In February 2026, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), in a written reply to Lok Sabha informed that MoC has launched a cooperative-led initiative, 'White Revolution 2.0'.

This initiative aims to expand cooperative coverage in the dairy sector, generate job opportunities, and strengthen women's empowerment.

Key Details of White Revolution 2.0:

• Key Target: Increase milk procurement by dairy cooperatives by 50% over the next 5 years, expected to reach 1,007 lakh kg per day by 2028-29.
• Two-Pronged Strategy:
• Expanding the coverage of dairy cooperatives.
• Strengthening the reach of existing dairy cooperatives in the organised sector.
• Key Activities:
• Establish and strengthen nearly 1.20 lakh new/existing Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS)/ M-DCS/ M-PACS.
• Link these cooperatives with new and expanded milk routes.
• Provide key infrastructure such as automatic milk collection units, testing equipment, bulk milk coolers, among others.

India Signs Bilateral Pact with UK to Boost Strategic & Economic Ties

In February 2026, India signed a bilateral Social Security Agreement with the United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, focusing on social security contributions for cross-border workers.

This pact prevents double taxation on social security payments and facilitates smoother mobility for Indian professionals working in the UK.

Key Details of the Social Security Agreement:

• Prevention of Double Contributions: Employees on short-term assignments will not be required to pay social security contributions in both countries.
• Benefits & Impact: Around 75,000 Indian professionals, particularly in IT, engineering, finance, and consultancy, are expected to benefit. Indian companies operating in the UK will also find it more cost-effective to deploy staff for short-term assignments.
• Certificate of Coverage (CoC): To claim exemption, workers must obtain a CoC. Indian workers can secure it through the EPFO under the Ministry of Labour & Employment or via MEA.

About Ireland:

• President: Catherine Connolly
• Capital: Dublin
• Currency: Euro (EUR)

MHA Issues Guidelines on Rendition of National Song 'Vande Mataram'

In February 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued comprehensive guidelines to standardise the official protocol for rendering India's National Song 'Vande Mataram' at government and public events.

Key Provisions:

• Duration: The approved version includes all six stanzas, with a total duration of approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
• Sequence: Whenever both the National Song and the National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' are performed together, Vande Mataram must be rendered first.
• Occasions: The National Song shall be sung or played during designated official events.
• Mass Singing: Encouraged during cultural or ceremonial events involving National Flag unfurling (excluding parades), with coordinated participation through choirs and public audio systems.
• Protocol: Audience members must stand in attention when the National Song is rendered. However, standing is not mandatory if it is part of a newsreel or documentary.

India Chairs 1st BRICS Sherpas' Meeting in New Delhi

The 1st meeting of BRICS Sherpas' and Sous Sherpas hosted by the Government of India was held from February 9 to 10, 2026 in New Delhi.

Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) and India's BRICS Sherpa, chaired the meeting, supported by Shambhu L. Hakki, Joint Secretary (Multilateral Economic Relations) and India's BRICS Sous Sherpa.

Key Details:

• Key Participants: BRICS Sherpas and senior officials from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE.
• Theme for BRICS Summit 2026: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability"
• Priority Areas of Cooperation: Health, agriculture, labour and employment, disaster risk reduction, environment, climate change, energy, innovation, among others.
• BRICS Summit 2026: India will chair BRICS Summit for the 4th time in 2026. Previously chaired in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

Agneevasthraa Signs MoU with Indian Army to Supply Defence Materials

On February 11, 2026, Agneevasthraa, a domestic manufacturer of carbon fabrics and advanced composite materials, signed an MoU with the Indian Army to supply advanced carbon fabrics and composite materials for defence applications.

Key Details:

• Products: The MoU covers carbon fabrics (lightweight, high-strength textiles made from carbon fibers) and composite materials (combining two or more constituent materials for defence use).
• Material Utilization: Used in armour systems, protective gear, structural components, and high-performance defence platforms.
• Alignment: Aligns with GoI's vision of 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

INSA and CSIR-NIScPR Sign MoU to Strengthen Science Communication and Policy Research

In February 2026, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) signed an MoU at INSA in New Delhi.

The partnership aims to promote collaborative activities in science communication and evidence-based Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy research.

Key Details:

• Dignitaries: Dr. V.K. Saraswat (Member, NITI Aayog), Prof. Shekhar C. Mande (President, INSA), Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam (Director, CSIR-NIScPR), and others.
• Initiatives: Joint policy research, co-authored publications, pilot projects, capacity-building, and outreach programmes.
• Engagement: Facilitates collaboration with government bodies, international organisations, think tanks, researchers, and young scholars to strengthen India's STI policy ecosystem.

DRDO Signs Agreement with CSIR to Jointly Undertake R&D Activities

On February 11, 2026, DRDO (under MoD) signed a collaborative agreement with CSIR (under MoS&T) to jointly undertake Research and Development (R&D) activities.

Key Details:

• Objective: Develop technologies that enhance human sustenance and performance in extreme and challenging environments.
• Focus Areas: High-altitude survival, human performance enhancement, off-grid energy systems, and waste management solutions for extreme and remote environments.
• Shared Resources: Personnel, laboratories, technology platforms, and scientific equipment.
• Alignment: Aligns with GoI's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

International Affairs

WIPO: India Ranks 7th in Global R&D Spending in 2024; China Tops

In February 2026, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), based on the Global Innovation Index 2025 and related R&D expenditure estimates, reported that India ranked 7th in 2024, investing approximately USD 75.73 billion in research activities.

China ranked 1st with USD 785.9 billion, followed by the USA (USD 781.8 billion) and Japan (USD 186.0 billion).

Top 10 Rankings:

Highlights of Global R&D Spending in 2024:

• Global Total: World R&D expenditure rose to USD 2.87 trillion in 2024, up from USD 2.78 trillion in 2023, reflecting approximately 3% year-on-year growth.
• R&D as % of GDP: Increased from around 1.48% in 2000 to about 2% in 2024.

Banking & Finance

EximPe Receives RBI Approval for PA-CB Licence

In February 2026, EximPe, a Singapore-headquartered cross-border payments fintech, secured final RBI Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) authorization, enabling international merchants to collect payments from Indian customers via UPI, cards, wallets, and net banking.

Notably, the approval was secured without holding a prior domestic PA licence.

Key Details:

• Previous Role: Before this authorisation, EximPe operated as a technology service provider to banking partners and facilitated more than USD 500 million in bank-led cross-border trade payments across key Asia corridors.
• Key Goal: Target to achieve USD 1 billion in annualised UPI payments over the next 24 months.
• About EximPe: Founded by Arjun Zacharia, with offices in Bengaluru and Mumbai. Raised USD 5 million in a 2022 seed funding round backed by Leo Capital and other investors.

PNB Announces 'Soldierathon 2026' to Honour Indian Armed Forces

In February 2026, Punjab National Bank (PNB) announced the 'PNB Soldierathon 2026', a themed half marathon, at its Corporate Office in Dwarka, New Delhi.

The announcement was made ahead of the bank's 132nd Foundation Day Celebrations on April 12, 2026.

About PNB Soldierathon 2026:

• Theme: "PNB Soldierathon 2026 – Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers"
• Edition: 2nd edition of PNB's marquee half marathon.
• Objective: Honours the Indian Armed Forces while promoting fitness, discipline, national pride, and community engagement.
• Other Key Launch: PNB unveiled the official name, theme, T-shirt, and medal. A short film was also showcased to highlight the rising scale and impact of PNB's flagship fitness initiatives.

Awards & Recognitions

Puducherry Doctors Dr. Haripriya Aravind & Dr. R. Venkatesh Win Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026

In February 2026, two senior ophthalmologists from Puducherry — Dr. Haripriya Aravind and Dr. R. Venkatesh — were selected for the Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award 2026 for their exceptional contributions in cataract blindness prevention and visual disability care.

Both doctors are affiliated with the Aravind Eye Care System (AECS).

Key Details:

• Presentation: The award will be presented during the ASCRS Foundation conference in Washington D.C., USA, on April 11, 2026.
• Establishment: The award was established in 2017 by the ASCRS Foundation through a gift from David and Victoria Chang.
• Purpose: Recognises outstanding humanitarian service in ophthalmology.
• Prize Money: Includes a financial grant of USD 100,000, which recipients donate to a charitable ophthalmic organisation of their choice.

Acquisitions & Mergers

ICICI Prudential AMC Receives RBI Approval to Acquire Stakes in Eight Banks

In February 2026, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC), along with group entities of ICICI Bank, received RBI approval to acquire up to 9.95% of paid-up share capital or voting rights in eight Indian banks.

Banks Covered:

• Bandhan Bank Limited
• City Union Bank Limited
• Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited
• Federal Bank Limited
• IDFC FIRST Bank Limited
• HDFC Bank Limited
• Karur Vysya Bank Limited
• RBL Bank Limited

RBI Approval Framework:

• Conditions: Completion of major shareholding within one-year validity, maintaining aggregate holding below 9.95%, and obtaining fresh RBI approval if stake falls below 5% and is later increased.
• Compliance: Must follow the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; RBI Directions 2025; FEMA, 1999; and SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015.
• Coverage: Applies to equity acquisitions through schemes of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, SIF, AIF, and PMS clients.

Science & Technology

IN-SPACe Selects Astrome, Azista and Dhruva Space for Satellite Bus Platforms

In February 2026, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the commercial arm of ISRO, selected 3 Indian private startups — Astrome Technologies, Azista Industries, and Dhruva Space — to develop and test indigenous small satellite bus platforms under its 'Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS)' initiative.

Key Details:

• Satellite Bus: Under SBaaS, satellite buses provide essential services to payloads and act as a cost-effective, modular platform for hosting multiple payloads for domestic and international use.
• Financial Support: Each selected company will receive Rs. 5 crore as a grant for development and demonstration.
• Collaboration: IN-SPACe will provide access to ISRO and DoS infrastructure, testing facilities, and technical guidance.

Important Days

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 – February 11

The United Nations' International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) is observed annually on February 11 to advocate for equal participation in STEM fields.

Background:

• Development: In 2013, UNGA adopted a resolution recognizing equal access to innovation as essential for gender equality.
• Proclamation: UNGA passed Resolution A/RES/70/212 on 22 December 2015, officially declaring February 11 as IDWGIS.
• First Observance: 11 February 2016.
• Leadership: Celebrations led by UNESCO and UN-Women, in collaboration with civil society.

2026 Event:

• Commemorated through a hybrid one-day event at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.
• Theme: "From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap"

International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism 2026 – February 12

The United Nations observes this day on 12 February each year to raise awareness about violent extremism and strengthen global cooperation against terrorism-related threats.

2026 Theme: "Preventing Violent Extremism in the Age of New and Emerging Technologies."

Background:

• Adoption: On 20 December 2022, UNGA adopted Resolution A/RES/77/243, officially designating 12 February.
• First Observance: February 12, 2023.
• Coordination: Mandated by UNGA to the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in collaboration with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact.

2026 Event:

• UNOCT, through UNCCT, in partnership with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea, held a Special Dialogue titled "From Principles to Practice: Special Dialogue on AI and PCVE" in New York, USA.

State News

UP FM Suresh Khanna Presents Rs. 9.12 Trillion Budget for FY27

In February 2026, Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented a Rs. 9,12,696.35 crore (Rs. 9.12 trillion) budget for FY27 in the Uttar Pradesh state legislative assembly in Lucknow.

The budget outlay witnessed an increase of 12.9% compared to the previous year (Rs. 8.08 trillion), with a focus on infrastructure expansion, employment generation, and healthcare.

The UP government allocated over Rs. 45,000 crore for new schemes, with major sectoral shares directed toward education (12.4%), agriculture and allied activities (9%), and health (6%).

Key Financial Indicators:

• Fiscal Deficit: Fixed at 3% for FY27, in line with recommendations of the 16th Central Finance Commission, applicable till 2030-31.
• Capital Expenditure (CapEx): Estimated at 19.5% of total budget outlay.
• State's GSDP: Estimated at Rs. 30.25 lakh crore for FY25, representing 13.4% growth.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Launches 'Sthree Suraksha' Scheme for Women's Financial Security

On February 11, 2026, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the 'Sthree Suraksha' scheme, a women's social security pension initiative providing financial support to unemployed women and transgender women not covered under existing welfare pension programmes.

About Sthree Suraksha Scheme:

• Financial Assistance: Economically disadvantaged women and transgender women will receive a monthly pension of Rs. 1,000.
• Eligibility:
• Vulnerable women and trans women aged 35 to 60 years.
• Must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
• Must hold Antyodaya Anna Yojana (Yellow) or Priority Household (Pink) ration cards.
• Must not be employed in government services or receiving any other pensions.