Weekly UPSC Current Affairs Digest: Key Highlights from February 2-8, 2026
This comprehensive weekly digest provides essential current affairs for UPSC, state PSCs, and other competitive examinations. Covering events from February 2 to February 8, 2026, it includes critical updates across polity, international relations, science, sports, and awards. Test your knowledge with the included multiple-choice questions.
Significant Events of the Week
World Governments Summit 2026 was held from February 3-5 in Dubai, UAE, focusing on the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments.’ This global platform aims to set agendas for leaders to harness innovation and technology for solving humanity's challenges.
World Wetlands Day 2026 was observed on February 2 with the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.” Wetlands, such as marshes and lakes, are vital for biodiversity, water conservation, and supporting migratory species.
World Cancer Day 2026 was marked on February 4 under the theme “United by Unique.” A WHO and IARC analysis reveals that globally, four in ten cancer cases are preventable, with tobacco being the leading cause, followed by infections and alcohol. In India, approximately 37.1% of cancers are preventable.
National Conference of State Election Commissioners (SECs) will be hosted by the Election Commission of India on February 24, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This conference, the first in over 25 years, aims to enhance synergy in electoral processes.
Polity and Governance Updates
16th Finance Commission Report was tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha on February 1. Headed by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, it recommends tax devolution for 2026-2031, retaining states' share at 41% but altering horizontal devolution criteria.
Meghalaya’s Rat-Hole Mines Tragedy saw the death toll rise to 25 after four more bodies were retrieved on February 6. Rat-hole mining, banned since 2014, involves narrow pits for coal extraction and remains prevalent despite safety risks.
Bharat Taxi Launch occurred on February 5 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Operating on a zero-commission model, this driver-owned initiative promises lower fares and higher earnings, with a nationwide rollout planned over three years.
SOP on Disaster Victim Identification was released by the National Disaster Management Authority on Republic Day. It includes guidelines for mass fatality incidents and recommends creating a National Dental Data Registry.
Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) was established through a tripartite agreement involving ENPO, Nagaland government, and MHA. Covering six districts, it devolves powers on 46 subjects while preserving Article 371(A).
Compensation for Digital Fraud Victims was proposed by RBI, offering up to Rs 25,000 per case for small-value fraudulent transactions. Compensation will be sourced from the Deposit Education and Awareness Fund.
International Cooperation Developments
India-U.S. Interim Trade Agreement Framework was announced, building on talks from February 2025. It aims to lower tariffs, open markets, and reshape energy and technology ties, with India committing to purchase $500 billion in U.S. goods over five years.
New START Treaty Expiry occurred on February 5, 2026, ending the last nuclear arms control treaty between the U.S. and Russia. This treaty limited deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems.
Exercise KHANJAR, the 13th India-Kyrgyzstan joint military exercise, began in Assam, focusing on urban warfare and counter-terrorism under UN mandate.
BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) saw India join this UNIDO-partnered initiative to support manufacturing and MSMEs across BRICS nations, emphasizing Industry 4.0 competencies.
Science and Technology Advancements
J1007+3540 Discovery: Astronomers using the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope discovered a rare giant radio galaxy, enhancing our understanding of cosmic structures.
Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology was successfully tested by DRDO, positioning India among elite nations capable of developing long-range, supersonic air-to-air missiles.
Intrusion Detection System (IDS) expansion by Indian Railways involves a Rs. 208-crore project to install fiber-based systems across 1,158 route kilometers, using Distributed Acoustic Sensing to detect elephant movements.
Places and Persons in News
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) won the First Prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025 for excellence in cleanliness and sustainability.
Poola Anthony was elected President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, becoming the first Dalit prelate to lead India's nearly 2 crore Catholics.
Awards and Recognitions
Global Teacher Prize was awarded to Rouble Nagi from Jammu and Kashmir at the World Governments Summit. Known as the “Nobel of Teaching,” she was honored for transforming walls into educational murals and establishing over 800 educational centers.
2026 Grammy Awards saw the Dalai Lama win his first Grammy for best audiobook, while Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, and Billie Eilish took top music categories.
Sports Highlights
Super 300 Title: Devika Sihag won the Thailand Masters, becoming the third Indian women's singles player after P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal to secure a Super 300 title.
India Wins U-19 World Cup: Captained by Ayush Mhatre, India claimed a record sixth title, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi setting multiple records, including the first to hit 100 sixes in Youth ODIs.
Women’s Premier League 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their second title, with Smriti Mandhana winning the Orange Cap and Sophie Devine taking the Purple Cap.
Test Your Knowledge with MCQs
- The “New START” treaty was in the news. What is this treaty? (UPSC CSE 2011)
- (a) It is a bilateral strategic nuclear arms reduction treaty between the USA and the Russian Federation.
- (b) It is a multilateral energy security cooperation treaty among the members of the East Asia Summit.
- (c) It is a treaty between the Russian Federation and the European Union for energy security cooperation.
- (d) It is a multilateral cooperation treaty among the BRICS countries for the promotion of trade.
- Consider the following statements about the Deposit Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund:
- Constituted by the RBI.
- Deposit accounts with Commercial banks, not operated for 10 years, are credited here.
- The payout for digital fraud victims will be made from this fund.
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Answer Key: 1. (a), 2. (c)
This weekly digest ensures you stay updated with must-know current affairs for competitive exam preparation. Regularly revisiting these pointers can significantly enhance your readiness for UPSC and similar examinations.
