National Affairs

Overview of Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie's Visit to India (February 5–10, 2026)

The President of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, was on a five-day official visit to India from February 5 to 10, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This was his first visit to India since assuming office in October 2025 and coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles, established in 1976.

Highlights of the Visit:

• Arrival: Dr. Patrick arrived at the Chennai International Airport, Tamil Nadu, on February 5, 2026.
• Maritime Discussions: Met Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal (MoPSW) in Mumbai to discuss maritime trade, blue economy cooperation, investment opportunities, and sustainable development.
• Presidential Meeting: President Droupadi Murmu received him at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, and hosted a banquet in his honour.
• Bilateral Meeting with PM Modi: Held at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, reinforcing strategic partnership and shared vision on regional and global issues.
• MEA Meeting: Met Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and expressed support for GoI's MAHASAGAR (Maritime Heads for Active Security and Growth for All in the Region) maritime cooperation framework.

SESEL Joint Vision Adoption:

• India and Seychelles adopted the India-Seychelles Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL), a framework for deepening cooperation across multiple domains.

MoUs Signed:

• Multiple MoUs across sectors including healthcare, meteorology, digital transformation, ocean research, capacity building, culture, procurement, and hydrography.

Key Outcomes:

• GoI announced a Special Economic Package of USD 175 million, including USD 125 million Line of Credit (LoC) and USD 50 million Grant Assistance.
• India donated 10 fully equipped ambulances and 1,000 metric tons of grains to Seychelles.
• India presented 10 utility vehicles and 5 Laser Radial class boats with spares to the Seychelles Defence Force.

Overview of PlastIndia 2026 Held from February 5 to 10, 2026 in New Delhi

In February 2026, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi, inaugurated the 12th International Plastics Exhibition, Conference & Convention, also known as PLASTINDIA 2026, held from February 5 to 10, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

About PlastIndia 2026:

• Theme: "Bharat Next" — highlighting PM Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, focusing on building a strong and self-reliant manufacturing sector.
• Organizers: PlastIndia Foundation, with support from the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) under MoC&F, MoC&I, and MoMSME.
• Significance: PlastIndia 2026 was the first 100% Zero-Waste plastics exhibition, focusing on sustainability and circular economy practices.

Release of Plastic Industry Status Report 2025:

• Union Minister Chirag Paswan (MoFPI) visited PlastIndia 2026 and released the Plastic Industry Status Report 2025.
• He also presented awards to winners of the Startup Search Initiative, organized by PlastIndia Foundation in collaboration with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), Kolkata.

Union Minister J.P. Nadda Launches Annual Nationwide MDA Campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027

In February 2026, Union Minister J.P. Nadda (MoHFW and MoC&F) launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) or Elephantiasis in India through a video conference.

The initiative advances India's target of eliminating LF as a public health problem by 2027, ahead of the SDG deadline of 2030.

About the National LF MDA Campaign:

• Transition: From February 2026, the programme adopted a unified annual MDA to interrupt transmission, replacing earlier biannual rounds, with improved surveillance and logistics.
• Objective: Stop disease transmission by reducing microfilaria prevalence to below 1% in all endemic areas.
• Strategy: Adoption of an Enhanced Five-Pronged Strategy, with the MDA campaign as the central pillar.
• Coverage: Targets 124 districts (55 Double Drug and 69 Triple Drug districts) across 12 endemic states, covering 719 blocks.

AIIA Signs MoU with GIC to Provide Cashless Treatment Across 32 Insurance Companies

In February 2026, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) signed an MoU with the General Insurance Council (GIC) to introduce cashless treatment facilities for eligible Ayurveda healthcare services.

Key Highlights:

• Signatories: Prof. (Vaidya) P.K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA, and Segar Sampathkumar, Director (Health), GIC, in the presence of Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Chairman of the Core Group of Experts on Ayush Health Insurance, in New Delhi.
• Coverage: Patients can access treatment across 32 insurance companies, improving affordability and strengthening the integration of Ayush-based healthcare with mainstream medical insurance.
• Launch of Helpline: For the first time, GoI launched a dedicated Ayush Health Insurance Helpline '1800-11-0008' to support beneficiaries.

About GIC:

• Chairman: Tapan Kumar Singhel
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Established: 2001

NSO Data: India's Unemployment Rate Declines to 3-Quarter Low of 4.8% in Q3 FY26

In February 2026, the National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Quarterly Bulletin for October–December 2025.

The overall Unemployment Rate (UR) declined to a 3-quarter low of 4.8% in Q3 FY26.

Key Findings:

• Rural UR: Dropped to 4% (Q3 FY26) from 4.4% in the previous quarter.
• Urban UR: Decreased to 6.7% from 6.9% over the same period.
• LFPR: Overall Labour Force Participation Rate for individuals aged 15+ increased to 55.8% (Q3 FY26) from 55.1% (Q2 FY26).
• WPR: Overall Worker Population Ratio for individuals aged 15+ increased to 53.1% (Q3 FY26) from 52.2% (Q2 FY26).

About NSO:

• Chief Statistician of India: Dr. Saurabh Garg
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Established: 2019

Union MoS Jitin Prasada Inaugurates STQC Lab Automation Portal 'SATYA'

In February 2026, Union MoS Jitin Prasada (MeitY and MoC&I) inaugurated the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Lab Automation Portal 'SATYA' in New Delhi.

About STQC Lab Automation Portal – 'SATYA':

• Development: Developed with technical support from C-DAC under MeitY.
• Integration: Digitises the entire certification lifecycle for electronics and IT products through a single-window automated platform, integrating testing, calibration, inspection, certification, and real-time tracking.
• Benefits: Supports industry, startups, MSMEs, government departments, and citizens by enabling faster certification, predictable processes, secure products, and easier market access.
• Governance: Advances 'Digital India' and supports the vision of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance'.

DoP and NSE Sign MoU to Expand Mutual Fund Access Across India

In February 2026, the Department of Posts (DoP) under the Ministry of Communications signed a three-year renewable MoU with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) to enable distribution of Mutual Fund (MF) products through India Post's extensive network.

Key Details:

• Access: India Post will utilise its network of over 1.64 lakh post offices to enable MF investments through the NSE MF Invest platform, offering end-to-end services including e-KYC, investor onboarding, transactions, and back-office integration.
• Phased Rollout: Initially offering simple 'Do-It-Yourself (DIY)' investment options, later expanding to a comprehensive MF ecosystem.
• Training: Selected DoP employees will be trained as certified MF distributors, requiring mandatory NISM certification and EUIN registration before offering services.

GFTN and Startup Policy Forum Sign MoU to Accelerate FinTech and Digital Innovation

In January 2026, the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) and the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) announced a strategic collaboration to accelerate fintech and digital innovation through coordinated policy engagement, ecosystem development, and cross-border growth initiatives.

The partnership was formally unveiled at the Black Swan Summit India 2026 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Partnership Overview:

• Aim: Strengthen global–India innovation corridors, enable structured policy dialogue between regulators and industry, and support international expansion of Indian startups.
• Focus Areas: Digital finance infrastructure, responsible AI, digital assets, cross-border payments, and regulatory innovation.
• About GFTN: Headquartered in Singapore, established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
• About SPF: Represents over 65 high-growth Indian startups with a combined valuation exceeding USD 100 billion.

Indian Air Force & Thai Air Force Undertake Joint In-Situ Air Exercise

On February 10, 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) conducted a joint in-situ air exercise to enhance operational coordination and interoperability.

About India-Thailand In-Situ Exercise:

• In-Situ Training: Military forces operate together under realistic conditions at or near their actual mission locations, rather than in isolated or simulated environments.
• Purpose: Strengthen operational coordination in aerial operations, foster IAF-RTAF interoperability, and reinforce Indo-Thai defence cooperation and regional synergy.
• IAF Aircraft: Su-30MKI fighter jet, AWACS, AEW&C, and IL-78 mid-air refueling aircraft.
• RTAF Aircraft: Gripen fighter aircraft (Sweden-made multi-role fighter).

International Affairs

CPI 2025: India Ranks 91st Among 182 Countries; Denmark Retains Top Position

In February 2026, Germany-based international NGO Transparency International released the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI 2025).

India improved its ranking by 5 places to 91st out of 182 countries with a score of 39 out of 100, a marginal increase of one point compared to last year (96th, score 38).

Key Highlights:

• Global CPI Average: For the first time, the global average has declined to just 42 out of 100, the lowest in more than a decade.
• Top 3 Countries:

• Denmark retained the top position for the 8th consecutive year.

Banking & Finance

MoF: FDI Flow in Banking Sector Declined to USD 115 Million in FY25

In February 2026, Union MoS Pankaj Chaudhary (Ministry of Finance) informed the Rajya Sabha that FDI equity inflows into the banking sector declined to USD 115 million in FY25, down from USD 898 million in FY23.

Key Details:

• RBI's Approval: Prior approval from RBI is mandatory for acquiring 5% or more of the paid-up capital of a banking company.
• FDI Inflow in PSBs (Foreign Shareholding by end of FY25):

• Mudra Loans: Since the inception of PMMY, over 56.31 crore loan accounts have been sanctioned, amounting to Rs. 37.31 lakh crore as of January 2, 2026.

BOBCARD Launches Braille-Enabled 'BOBCARD Premier Credit Card'

On February 10, 2026, BOBCARD Limited, the credit card issuing arm of Bank of Baroda (BOB), introduced a Braille-enabled version of its Premier Credit Card at an event in Manipal, Karnataka.

About Braille-Enabled BOBCARD Premier Credit Card:

• Enhanced Accessibility: Incorporates braille elements to help visually impaired users identify and use their credit card with greater ease and confidence.
• Features: Integrates an inclusive Braille design with premium features, providing accelerated rewards on travel, lifestyle, dining, and international transactions.
• Benefits: Includes travel perks such as complimentary domestic airport lounge access and curated lifestyle privileges.

About BOBCARD:

• Established in 1994 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Was the first Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in India to issue credit cards.

PB Pay Receives RBI Certificate to Operate as Payment Aggregator

In February 2026, PB Pay Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PB Fintech Limited (parent of Policybazaar and Paisabazaar), received a Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) from the RBI to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA).

About PA License:

• Approval: Received CoA under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, completing a regulatory process that began with incorporation in 2024 and in-principle approval in April 2025.
• Integration: Enables vertical integration for PB Fintech, allowing Policybazaar and Paisabazaar to process payments internally, reducing reliance on third-party gateways.
• Significance: Allows PB Pay to legally onboard merchants and offer digital payment services, including UPI, credit/debit cards, and digital wallets, marking its formal entry into India's regulated payments sector.

Important Days

Safer Internet Day 2026 – February 10

Safer Internet Day (SID) is observed worldwide on the second Tuesday of February to encourage awareness and advocate for the safe and responsible use of the internet, particularly among children and youth.

SID 2026, observed on 10th February, marks the 23rd edition of the global event.

Theme 2026: "Smart Tech, Safe Choices"

Background:

• Origin: Launched in 2004 by the EU's SafeBorders project and later adopted in 2005 by the Insafe network.
• Organisers: Insafe and INHOPE (International Association of Internet Hotlines) on behalf of the European Commission under the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL).
• First Celebration: 6 February 2004.

2026 Highlights:

• Digital Well-Being Index (DWBI) 2026: India secured 1st place in the 2026 DWBI, released by Snap Inc. (Snapchat) — India's fourth consecutive year at the top, credited to strong family-led support systems.
• India's Celebration: MeitY, under its Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Project, proposed to celebrate SID on 10th February 2026.

World Unani Day 2026 – February 11

World Unani Day is observed annually on 11th February to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mohammad Ajmal Khan (Hakim Ajmal Khan), an eminent Indian Unani physician and social reformer.

2026 Theme: "Innovation and Evidence in Unani Practice"

Background:

• Recognition: The Ministry of AYUSH, GoI, declared 11 February as World Unani Day in recognition of Hakim Ajmal Khan's contributions.
• Inauguration: The first World Unani Day was celebrated on 11 February 2017 at the Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CRIUM) in Hyderabad, Telangana.

2026 Event:

• The Ministry of AYUSH is organising a two-day National Conference on Unani Medicine on 14–15 February 2026 in hybrid mode under the aegis of CCRUM in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

About Ministry of AYUSH:

• MoS (Independent Charge): Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav (Constituency: Buldhana, Maharashtra)

State News

Delhi Government Launches Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana for Financial Support to Girls

In February 2026, the Government of Delhi announced the launch of the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana (LBY) to provide long-term financial assistance for girls in the National Capital Territory.

Scheme Highlights:

• Aim: Ensure no girl drops out of school due to financial constraints by providing targeted assistance to girls from low-income families.
• Implementation: The scheme will replace the existing Ladli Yojana (2008) and come into effect from April 1, 2026.
• Financial Benefits: Eligible beneficiaries will receive phased deposits of up to Rs. 56,000, which will grow into a maturity amount of more than Rs. 1 lakh, credited directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account.