Daily Current Affairs – 07-02-2026

National News

President of India at Black Swan Summit, Bhubaneswar

The President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced the Black Swan Summit organised by the Government of Odisha in collaboration with Global Finance and Technology Network at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on February 6, 2026. During the event, she highlighted that India has witnessed a significant transformation in its financial system over the past decade through direct benefit transfer and digital payments, which have become widely used among farmers, small traders, and women. She stated that India’s fintech development is linked with gender justice, emphasising the need to include women as leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the fintech ecosystem. She also underlined the importance of digital and financial literacy, especially in remote, tribal, and rural areas, to ensure inclusive growth and employment generation. The President referred to government initiatives such as the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, and Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre to prevent financial frauds. She noted that the Government of Odisha has launched the BharatNetra initiative to develop a future-ready workforce and innovation ecosystem in digital, financial, and insurance technology sectors, and appreciated the co-organisation of the summit under this initiative.

MoU to Strengthen Quality Control of Agri-Inputs

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Posts on 07 January 2026 to operationalize a standardized, faceless and fully traceable logistics mechanism for transportation and quality control of seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. The agreement enables secure, time-bound and tamper-proof movement of samples from collection points to designated laboratories with end-to-end digital tracking. The framework covers state-level fixation of quality control targets, collection and dispatch of samples, laboratory analysis, generation of test reports, and initiation of prosecution wherever required, with legal action taken under the respective Acts governing the commodities. The information was provided by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on 06 February 2026.

Advantage Vidarbha 2026 and Key Industrial MoUs

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Advantage Vidarbha 2026 – Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav on 06 February 2026, during which three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on the opening day. Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. announced an investment of ₹15,000 crore to establish greenfield manufacturing facilities for multi-category vehicles. Super Smelters Ltd. signed an MoU to set up an integrated steel plant in Gadchiroli with an investment of ₹10,100 crore. In addition, Global India Business Corridor (GIBC) and the Association for Industrial Development (AID), Nagpur entered into a strategic collaboration to promote trade, investment, innovation, and industrial development across Vidarbha, Maharashtra, and global markets.

Agni-3 Missile Test Successful

India successfully conducted the test of the Agni-3 medium-range ballistic missile at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, near Balasore, Odisha. The indigenously developed two-stage, solid-fuel missile had earlier been postponed due to a technical issue and was launched with precision. Agni-3 has a strike range of about 3,000 km and can carry a 1,500 kg payload. The missile weighs 48,300 kg, measures 16.7 metres in length, and has a 2-metre diameter. Over the last three years, tests of Agni-3 have been conducted by the special forces of the Armed Forces. The Agni missile series includes Agni-1 (700 km), Agni-2 (2,000 km), Agni-3 (3,000 km), Agni-4 (4,000 km), and Agni-5 (5,000 km), all designed for accurate long-range targeting.

Ennam Digital ID Cards for Farmers

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, informed the Lok Sabha on 06 February 2026 that the Ennam (digital) system is being expanded in the agriculture sector and Ennam digital identity cards have been issued to 8.48 crore farmers across 19 states, including Tamil Nadu. Through the Agri Stack portal, comprehensive farmer-related data such as land details, climate information, cultivation and crop data are being collected and maintained digitally. The states covered include Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, among others, with land and family details recorded for beneficiaries. The Minister stated that Goa, Sikkim and Jammu & Kashmir are next to be covered, with Central Government support to State Governments for implementation. The digital IDs facilitate direct transfer of financial assistance to bank accounts and payments for procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP), and the system also supports AI-based advisory services and identification of fake seeds and inputs.

₹15,000 Crore Development Project Agreements

Agreements worth ₹15,000 crore were signed with stakeholders for development and technology enhancement projects, involving Indian Railways with financial support in collaboration with Tarani Putra Party and environmental industry organisations. The agreements cover projects across multiple sectors, including railways, bullet train, space, defence, maritime, aviation, roads, mining, power, gas, telecommunications, education, health, coal, petroleum, fertilisers, agriculture, finance, meteorology and disaster management. As part of the initiative, Indian Railways signed development project agreements with 9 States for the financial year 2024–25. The agreement signing ceremony was attended by Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Railway Board Chairman and CEO V. K. Tripathi, Union Government Secretaries and State Ministers, marking the commencement of new development initiatives in the railway and allied sectors.

Vidarbha Minerals and Advantage Vidarbha 2026

The Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, stated on 06 February 2026 at Nagpur that Vidarbha region holds about 75% of Maharashtra’s mineral resources and also contains some of the world’s best iron ore, giving it the potential to emerge as India’s steel hub. He made this statement while inaugurating Advantage Vidarbha 2026 – Khasdar Audyogik Mahotsav, a three-day business conclave organised to attract investments into the region. During the event, Mahindra & Mahindra announced an investment of ₹15,000 crore to establish greenfield manufacturing facilities for ICE and EV passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, tractors and farm machinery at MIDC Butibori (Nagpur), MIDC Advan (Igatpuri) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, expected to generate over 15,000 jobs. In addition, Super Smelters Ltd signed an MoU to set up an integrated steel plant in Gadchiroli with an investment of ₹10,100 crore, while the Global India Business Corridor and the Association for Industrial Development (AID) entered into a strategic collaboration to promote trade, investment, innovation and industrial development across Vidarbha, Maharashtra and global markets.

Supreme Court Allows Termination of 30-Week Pregnancy of Minor

The Supreme Court of India on Friday permitted the medical termination of a 30-week pregnancy of a minor, holding that no person can be compelled to carry a pregnancy to full term. The order was passed by a Bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, which took note that the pregnancy involved a minor girl and that continuation of such pregnancy would force her to face an unfortunate and legally impermissible situation. The Court recognised and reaffirmed the reproductive autonomy of a woman, emphasizing that the minor’s rights and well-being must be given primacy while allowing medical termination in this case. The Supreme Court’s decision is based on Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

Article 21 - Protection of life and personal liberty

No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.

Important Supreme Court Cases under Article 21

• A.K. Gopalan vs State of Madras (1950)

• Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India (1978)

• Francis Coralie Mullin vs Administrator, Union Territory of Delhi (1981)

• Hussainara Khatoon vs State of Bihar (1979)

• Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017)

• Common Cause vs Union of India (2018)

• Suchita Srivastava vs Chandigarh Administration (2009)

International News

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure Cooperation Agreements

The Government of India has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)/agreements with 23 countries for sharing and cooperation on India Stack / Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enable replication and adoption of India’s digital governance platforms, covering areas such as digital identity, digital payments, data exchange and service delivery. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now live in over eight countries, including United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius and Qatar. Separate DigiLocker MoUs have been signed with Cuba, Kenya, United Arab Emirates and Lao People’s Democratic Republic. To promote global adoption of DPI, India Stack Global and the Global DPI Repository, launched during India’s G20 Presidency (2023), showcase India’s digital platforms, with India contributing the highest number of DPI solutions. Key Indian DPI platforms include Aadhaar, UPI, CoWIN, DigiLocker, GeM, UMANG, DIKSHA, e-Sanjeevani, e-Office, eCourts, PFMS and PM GatiShakti. The list of 23 countries includes Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, Tanzania, Kenya, Cuba, Colombia, Lao PDR, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Gambia, Fiji, Guyana, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Lesotho, Maldives and Mongolia. This information was submitted by the Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Jitin Prasada, in the Rajya Sabha on 06 February 2026.

Tamil Nadu News

VOC Port Authority Introduces Anti-Drone Security System

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has become India’s first port to initiate the implementation of an Anti-Drone Security System, as announced on 06 February 2026. The project involves deployment of an integrated Radio Frequency (RF) and radar-based drone detection and jamming system providing 360-degree omnidirectional coverage with an effective range of up to 5 km, enabling real-time detection, tracking, classification and neutralisation of unauthorised drones to protect port infrastructure and operations. The agreement was signed between Mr. A. Ganesan, Chief Mechanical Engineer, VOC Port Authority, and Mr. Anurag Agarwal on behalf of Central Electronics Limited, a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology, in the presence of Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, and Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, VOC Port Authority. The project is scheduled for completion within three months and is aligned with Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030.

Full-Length Statue of Karl Marx at Egmore Museum Complex

M. K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, unveiled a full-length statue of Karl Marx on 06 February 2026 at the Connemara Public Library and Egmore Museum complex in Chennai. The statue was installed by the Tamil Development and Information Department at a cost of ₹85.80 lakh. On the same occasion, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the portrait of Karl Marx and visited a photo exhibition depicting the life history of Karl Marx set up at the venue.

Tamil Nadu’s First Sea Turtle Conservation Centre

M. K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, laid the foundation stone for Tamil Nadu’s first Sea Turtle Conservation Centre on 06 February 2026 in Chennai, with an estimated investment of ₹14.50 crore. The centre is being established to strengthen conservation efforts for Olive Ridley sea turtles, which nest annually along the Tamil Nadu coastline. The Tamil Nadu Government has been implementing scientific and multi-disciplinary conservation measures, under which the number of turtle eggs collected increased from 70,700 in 2019–2020 to an estimated 3.20 lakh in 2024–2025. The Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, located at Guindy, Chennai, is equipped with modern facilities to study the scientific aspects and life cycle of sea turtles. The event was attended through video conference by Chief Secretary Sivadas, Principal Secretary (Environment, Climate Change and Forests) Supriya Sahu, and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests G. Anwarudeen. The initiative aims to strengthen coastal conservation and promote marine biodiversity research in the state.

Poompuhar Corporation Secures Index for 23 Handicrafts

The Poompuhar Corporation, a Tamil Nadu Government public sector undertaking, has secured an index for 23 handicraft products, including items associated with Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan awardees, as announced on 06 February 2026 in Chennai by Thamo Anbarasan. The corporation, which has been serving artisans for 52 years, recorded sales of ₹232.22 crore over the last five years through direct sales and exports. To promote Tamil Nadu handicrafts globally, the index has been obtained for products such as Arumbavoor wood carvings, Thanjavur and Karuppur Kalamkari paintings, Maala Malaraaram, Mayilady sculptures, Pattamadai mats, and Chinnamanur handicrafts, among others, totaling 23 items, with efforts underway to secure the index for 10 more products. Under the Kalaignar Handicrafts Scheme, implemented through Poompuhar, 504 artisans have received subsidised loans amounting to ₹2.52 crore to support entrepreneurship in the handicrafts sector.

Tamil Nadu Urban Greening Policy 2026 Released

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin released the Tamil Nadu Urban Greening Policy 2026 in Chennai, aiming to build climate-resilient, liveable and sustainable cities across the State. The policy is aligned with the Green Tamil Nadu Mission and targets increasing forest and tree cover to 33%, strengthening ecological security and improving climate resilience. As part of ongoing greening initiatives, the State has planted over 12.05 crore saplings, expanded agroforestry across more than 2.24 lakh acres, undertaken mangrove plantation and restoration, promoted palmyrah cultivation, established 100 village woodlots (Maragathapooncholai) across 38 districts, created 1,000 micro-forests (Kurunkadugal) in industrial premises, and notified 100 new reserve forests. The policy integrates urban forests, parks, wetlands and blue-green infrastructure into urban planning to address challenges such as rapid urbanisation, urban heat island effect, declining air quality, loss of urban biodiversity and shrinking green spaces. It also provides for a State-level coordination committee, establishment of a dedicated Urban Forest Wing under the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Department, preparation of city-level urban biodiversity plans and urban greening micro-plans, geospatial mapping, carbon accounting, and monitoring dashboards, while enabling Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to explore the levy of a green fee for urban greening activities.

Economy News

RBI Raises Collateral-Free Loan Limit for MSMEs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the collateral-free loan limit for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has been doubled from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh, with effect for loans disbursed or renewed from 01 April 2026, following a decision taken at the monetary policy review meeting in Mumbai. The announcement was made by Sanjay Malhotra, Governor, RBI, and also included the formation of a committee to advise MSMEs on operations and capacity enhancement. The RBI stated that new guidelines are being framed to provide compensation up to ₹25,000 for victims of small-value digital financial frauds, along with special measures for senior citizens and upcoming norms for loan recovery agents and repayment practices. The repo rate has been kept unchanged at 5.25%, the inflation target remains 4%, average inflation is around 2%, and GDP growth for the current financial year is projected at 7.4% by March. The RBI also noted that gold loan demand has doubled in the last two years, with banks providing loans up to 85% of the value of gold jewellery.

₹25,000 Compensation for Digital Fraud Victims

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced on 06 February 2026 that victims of digital frauds will be eligible for compensation of up to ₹25,000 through banks, as stated by Sanjay Malhotra, Governor, RBI, in New Delhi. Following a three-day RBI committee meeting held from 04 February 2026, the RBI Governor and the Union Finance Secretary T. V. Somanathan briefed the media on the new framework, under which from 2025, banks will provide compensation based on eligible digital fraud cases to ensure customer protection. The RBI also indicated the introduction of a three-tier framework to prevent digital frauds and protect customers, including compensation for losses, measures to prevent misuse of bank accounts by fraudsters, and steps to safeguard bank accounts, particularly of senior citizens. The repo rate was kept unchanged at 5.25%, and the RBI also noted the issuance of new coins.

REC–PFC Merger Gets In-Principle Approval

The Power Finance Corporation (PFC) board has given in-principle approval for the merger of REC Limited (REC) with itself, as reported on 06 February 2026 in New Delhi. The approval followed a Budget announcement, and it has been clarified that PFC will continue as a ‘Government Company’ after the merger under the Companies Act, 2013 and other applicable laws. Earlier, based on in-principle approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, PFC acquired 52.63% stake in REC for ₹14,500 crore in March 2019, following which REC has been operating as a subsidiary of PFC.

Sports News

India’s Medal Haul at Asian Shooting Championships

At the Asian Shooting Championships, on 06 February 2026, India won 8 medals in a single day—5 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze—on the third day of competition. In the men’s 10 m air rifle final, Rudrankksh Patil won gold with 251.9 points, while Arjun Babuta secured silver with 250.7 points, and Naoya Okada won bronze with 229.3 points; Divyansh Singh finished fifth with 185.5 points. In the men’s team event, the Indian team of Rudrankksh Patil, Arjun Babuta and Divyansh Singh won gold with 1,884.7 points, ahead of Kazakhstan (silver) and Japan (bronze). In the 10 m air rifle junior men’s final, India swept all three medals with Abhinav Shaw winning gold (250.8), Sri Karthik Sabari Raj Ravishankar silver (247.9) and Parth Mane bronze (226.8); the junior men’s team of Abhinav Shaw, Sri Karthik and Parth Mane also won gold (1,887.8). In the 10 m air pistol junior mixed team event, Vanshika Sehgal and Mukesh Nelavalli won gold with 481.1 points. By the end of Day 3, India’s overall tally stood at 18 medals—11 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze.

India Wins Under-19 Cricket World Cup for the 6th Time

India won the Under-19 Cricket World Cup for the 6th time by defeating Australia by 7 wickets in the final match held at Benoni on 06 February 2026. Australia scored 253/7 in 50 overs, while India successfully chased the target by scoring 254/3 in 45.5 overs. For India, Adarsh Singh scored 76 runs with 7 boundaries, and Musheer Khan remained unbeaten on 77 runs with 7 boundaries. India has now won the Under-19 World Cup titles in the years 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022, and 2024, which is the highest by any country. Musheer Khan was named Man of the Match, while Kwena Maphaka was awarded Player of the Tournament. Indian player Suryavanshi created multiple records, becoming the youngest Indian (15 years) to score a century in a U-19 World Cup knockout match, registering the highest individual score of 175 in Indian U-19 one-day cricket against England U-19, scoring the fastest fifty (30 balls) in U-19 World Cup history, hitting 14 sixes in a single innings, and sharing the highest partnership of 411 runs in U-19 one-day cricket with Arshin Kulkarni.

Under-19 Cricket World Cup – Year-wise India Titles

• 2000 – India (Champions)

• 2008 – India (Champions)

• 2012 – India (Champions)

• 2018 – India (Champions)

• 2022 – India (Champions)

• 2024 – India (Champions)

• India is the most successful team in U-19 World Cup history (6 titles).

Key Records – Indian Player (Suryavanshi)

• Youngest Indian to score a century in U-19 World Cup knockout (15 years)

• Highest individual score by an Indian in U-19 ODIs: 175

• Fastest fifty in U-19 World Cup: 30 balls

• Most sixes in an innings by an Indian in U-19 WC: 14

• Highest partnership in U-19 ODIs: 411 runs (with Arshin Kulkarni)

Personalities, Awards and Events

Kalaignar Memorial Arts and Craftsman Awards 2024–2025

M. K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, announced on 06 February 2026 that the ‘Kalaignar Memorial Arts and Craftsman Award’ for the years 2024 and 2025 will be conferred on veteran actress M. N. Rajam and film director S. P. Muthuraman respectively. The award is presented annually by the Tamil Nadu Government to individuals who have made lifetime contributions to the Tamil film industry. As per the official announcement, the awardees will receive a cash prize of ₹10 lakh each along with a memento, to be presented by the Chief Minister. The government also noted that the award was earlier given to writer and dialogue writer Acharyas (2022–2023) and poet Mu. Metha and playback singer P. Susheela (2023).

Writer Pepita Seth Becomes Indian Citizen

Pepita Seth, a writer and photographer and Padma awardee, officially became an Indian citizen at the age of 84 at Thrissur, Kerala. The citizenship documents were formally handed over on Friday at the Thrissur Collectorate by Arjun Pandian, District Collector of Thrissur. Born in Britain, Pepita Seth developed a long association with India and Kerala, and her work has contributed to documenting and bringing global attention to Kerala’s culture and heritage. The conferment of Indian citizenship marks her formal recognition as an Indian national after decades of engagement with the country.

How Can a Foreign National Obtain Indian Citizenship?

• Indian citizenship for a foreign national is governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955.

• Citizenship can be acquired through five methods: Birth, Descent, Registration, Naturalisation, and Incorporation of Territory.

• In cases like Pepita Seth, citizenship is granted through Registration or Naturalisation under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

• Article 5 to Article 11 of the Indian Constitution deal with citizenship provisions.

• Article 11 empowers Parliament to make laws related to acquisition and termination of citizenship, under which the Citizenship Act, 1955 was enacted.

• Naturalisation requires continuous residence in India for 12 years (11 years + 1 year immediately before application), good character, and intention to reside permanently in India.

• The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 amended the 1955 Act to reduce the residency requirement to 5 years for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh (this amendment does NOT apply to Pepita Seth’s case).