Weekly Current Affairs: 02–07 February, 2026 | Assam, National & International News

02 Feb 2026 – 07 Feb 2026 | Weekly Current Affairs
Weekly Current Affairs: 02–07 February, 2026 | Assam, National & International News

Weekly Current Affairs: 02–07 February, 2026 | Assam, National & International News

Introduction
The first week of February 2026 was marked by transformative developments at both the national and state levels. The Union Budget 2026-27 was presented, introducing the 'Yuva Shakti-driven Budget' with a strong push for manufacturing, infrastructure, and fiscal consolidation. In a major diplomatic breakthrough, India and the US signed an interim trade deal, slashing tariffs on Indian exports to 18%. For Assam, this week was significant as the state witnessed the highest-ever enrollment for HSLC and HS examinations, now conducted exclusively in government schools to ensure transparency. Additionally, the 16th Finance Commission's recommendations were implemented, and the NDMA released its first-ever guidelines for Disaster Victim Identification. These topics are crucial for APSC, UPSC, SSC, and Banking exams, covering governance, economy, and science & technology.

1. Assam State News

Assam Records Highest-Ever Student Enrollment for Board Exams 2026

Brief Paragraph:
In a major administrative move to ensure the sanctity of examinations, the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) and Higher Secondary (HS) final examinations for 2026 are being conducted exclusively in government schools, with invigilation entrusted only to government and provincialised school teachers. Announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, this decision was taken to establish direct accountability and administrative control, as the government has limited authority over private institutions in case of malpractices. This year's examination cycle is the largest in the state's history, with a combined total of over 7.69 lakh students appearing. To manage this scale, the government has appointed nearly 10,000 new teachers, ensuring no manpower shortage. Of the total HSLC centres, 194 have been identified as 'sensitive' or 'most sensitive' and are under enhanced surveillance. Strict measures have been implemented, including a ban on mobile phones, mandatory frisking, and the imposition of prohibitory orders under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in districts like Kokrajhar to prevent unfair practices. District-level committees were formed to allot centres close to students' residences, minimizing travel. The government has also set up round-the-clock control rooms to coordinate with police for the secure transportation of question papers.

HDFC Bank Inaugurates Tech & Digital Factory in Assam

Brief Paragraph:
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the HDFC Bank Tech & Digital Factory, marking a significant milestone in the state's journey toward becoming a technology-driven growth hub in the Northeast. This inauguration is a key outcome of the investment commitments made during the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, demonstrating the state government's focus on time-bound execution of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The Chief Minister emphasized that the facility was completed within just one year, translating promises made to investors into on-ground reality. The new digital facility is expected to strengthen Assam's position in the banking technology and fintech ecosystem, generate substantial employment opportunities for the state's youth, and contribute to the broader vision of digital transformation. This development signals growing investor confidence in Assam's business climate and its potential as a hub for financial technology in the region. The government has been closely monitoring the implementation of all commitments from the summit, with this project serving as a prime example of its commitment to accelerating industrial growth and private sector participation.

Meghalaya Coal Mine Blast: Renewed Focus on Rat-Hole Mining

Brief Paragraph:
A tragic explosion in an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district killed several workers, exposing the continued failure of enforcement mechanisms despite a long-standing ban. The incident prompted the Meghalaya government to constitute a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a Judicial Inquiry Commission headed by former judge Justice R.S. Chauhan to probe the circumstances and lapses. Rat-hole mining, a primitive method involving narrow tunnels (3-4 ft high) where workers crawl in without ventilation, was banned by the NGT in 2014 and upheld by the Supreme Court. However, it continues due to thin coal seams making open-cast mining expensive, high local livelihood dependence, and weak enforcement. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which gives Autonomous District Councils control over mining, further complicates enforcement. The Meghalaya High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident, and the NHRC has issued a notice to the state government. The Katakey Committee, appointed by the High Court, had previously filed multiple reports flagging continued illegal mining and even the "missing" of 18 lakh metric tonnes of coal.

2. National Politics & Government

16th Finance Commission Recommendations Accepted

Brief Paragraph:
The Union government formally accepted the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, which will govern the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and states for the period 2026–31. Presented in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the report retains the states' share of the divisible pool at 41%, the same as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission. In a major shift toward performance-based fiscal federalism, the Commission introduced a new criterion for horizontal devolution: 'Contribution to GDP', with a weight of 10%. This replaces the 'tax effort' criterion, potentially favouring states with larger economies. The grants-in-aid package includes a significant ₹8 lakh crore for local bodies, structured as 80% basic grants and 20% performance-based grants. For disaster management, the funding pattern remains 90:10 for Northeast and Himalayan states, and 75:25 for other states. The Commission has also set a state fiscal deficit limit of 3% of GSDP and a central fiscal deficit target of 3.5% of GDP by 2030–31, while recommending an end to off-budget borrowings.

Supreme Court Recognizes Menstrual Health as Fundamental Right

Brief Paragraph:
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India declared menstrual health a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court ruled that access to menstrual hygiene is integral to the right to live with dignity and is also protected under the right to education and equality (Article 14). The verdict came in the case of Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Union of India. The Court issued specific directions to all schools across the country, mandating the provision of free sanitary napkins, functional and separate toilets for girls, safe waste disposal systems, and the establishment of menstrual hygiene management corners. It also called for gender sensitization education to break the stigma surrounding menstruation. The implementation of these directions is to be monitored by District Education Officers and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). This judgment transforms menstrual health from a welfare issue into a constitutional entitlement, legally obligating the government to provide necessary facilities and removing a major barrier to girls' education.

India-US Interim Trade Deal Signed

Brief Paragraph:
India and the United States reached a historic framework for an interim trade agreement, significantly de-escalating ongoing trade tensions. Under the deal, the US has slashed its reciprocal tariff on Indian exports from approximately 50% to 18%, giving Indian goods a tariff advantage over competitors like China (30-35%), Vietnam, and Bangladesh (20%). Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the agreement protects India's sensitive agricultural and dairy sectors, with products like maize, wheat, rice, sugar, and poultry kept outside the tariff concessions. However, India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on a range of US industrial goods and agricultural products like almonds, cranberries, and pork. Crucially, India has committed to purchasing $500 billion worth of US energy products (including oil and gas), technology goods (like GPUs), and defence equipment over the next five years, which may lead to a reduction in oil imports from Russia. The deal is seen as a strategic move to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific and strengthen supply chain resilience, marking a shift from strategic autonomy to deeper strategic alignment.

Anti-Defection Law in Spotlight

Brief Paragraph:
The Supreme Court once again pulled up the Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker for delaying decisions on disqualification petitions under the Anti-Defection Law, warning that decisions must be made within a reasonable time frame. This brings the focus back to the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which was added by the 52nd Amendment to prevent political defections. The law disqualifies a Member of Parliament or Legislative Assembly for voluntarily giving up party membership or voting against party whips. The only exception is a merger where at least two-thirds of the party's legislators agree to merge with another party. While the Speaker is the designated authority to decide on disqualification, their decisions are subject to judicial review, as established in the Kihoto Hollohan case (1992). The lack of a statutory time limit for the Speaker's decision has been a persistent problem, leading to prolonged uncertainty. The Supreme Court, in the Keisham Meghachandra case (2020), had previously directed that such decisions should ideally be made within three months.

3. Economy & Banking

Union Budget 2026-27: Highlights

Brief Paragraph:
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27, themed as a 'Yuva Shakti-driven Budget' aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat. The budget is guided by three principles: Action over Ambivalence, Reform over Rhetoric, and People over Populism. It focuses on three 'Kartavyas' (duties): sustaining economic growth, building people's capacities, and ensuring inclusive development. To boost manufacturing, the government launched the Biopharma SHAKTI mission (₹10,000 crore) and increased the outlay for electronics manufacturing to ₹40,000 crore under the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0. Infrastructure received a massive push with an increased capex of ₹12.2 lakh crore, focusing on 7 High-Speed Rail Corridors and Dedicated Freight Corridors. On the tax front, the new Income Tax Act, 2025, will come into effect from April 2026, simplifying rules. Customs duty was reduced on personal imports (20% to 10%) and 17 cancer drugs were exempted. A special focus was given to the North-East with the development of Buddhist tourism circuits and the East Coast Industrial Corridor.

RBI MPC Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%

Brief Paragraph:
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the benchmark repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in its February 2026 review. The decision was driven by robust economic growth projections and low retail inflation, which allows the central bank to maintain a status quo while past rate cuts continue to filter through the economy. The MPC maintained a 'neutral' stance, indicating flexibility to act in either direction based on future data. The central bank projected a real GDP growth of 7.4% for the next fiscal year, while retail inflation is expected to remain manageable at around 2.1%. The 'neutral' stance is a shift from the earlier 'accommodative' stance, suggesting that the rate cut cycle may have paused as the focus balances between supporting growth and anchoring inflation expectations amid global uncertainties.

Revised Startup Recognition Framework

Brief Paragraph:
The Indian government revised its startup recognition framework to specifically promote and support deep technology (deep tech) innovation in the country. A new category, 'Deep Tech Startup', has been introduced, defined by its basis in scientific innovation, high R&D spending, and creation of Intellectual Property (IP). To account for the longer gestation periods and higher capital requirements of deep tech ventures, these startups are granted extended eligibility limits: they can be recognized up to 20 years from incorporation (as opposed to 10 years for normal startups) and have a turnover limit of up to ₹300 crore (as opposed to ₹200 crore). The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) remains the nodal authority for recognition. In a move to widen the base of innovation, cooperative societies have also been made eligible for startup recognition. The Startup India initiative, launched in 2016, has so far recognized over 2 lakh startups and created more than 120 unicorns.

4. Science & Technology

NDMA Releases First-ever Guidelines on Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)

Brief Paragraph:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) released India's first-ever national guidelines on Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), marking 25 years of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. The comprehensive guidelines establish a scientific, standardized, and humane four-stage process for identifying victims in mass fatality incidents. These stages include the systematic recovery of remains; collection of post-mortem data (DNA, fingerprints, dental records); collection of ante-mortem data from families; and scientific reconciliation for confirmation. A notable recommendation is the creation of a 'National Dental Data Registry', as teeth are durable and useful for identification even after decomposition in fires or floods. The guidelines also introduce the use of advanced forensics like forensic archaeology and odontology. The move comes after five major tragedies in 2025, including the Air India crash in Ahmedabad and the Delhi car bomb blast. By adopting INTERPOL's global standards, the guidelines aim to strengthen institutional preparedness, improve coordination among agencies, and ensure dignified handling of remains with respect for cultural customs.

DRDO Successfully Tests SFDR Technology

Brief Paragraph:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology, a next-generation air-breathing propulsion system for missiles. Unlike conventional rockets that carry both fuel and oxidizer, the SFDR uses atmospheric oxygen to sustain combustion, allowing the missile to travel at supersonic speeds (Mach 2 to 3.8) over much longer ranges (up to 340 km) with high manoeuvrability. This technology provides a significant tactical advantage, enabling a "first look, first kill" capability. The SFDR is expected to form the backbone of the indigenous Astra Mk-3 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), drastically enhancing the combat capability of the Indian Air Force. The successful test marks a major step towards strategic autonomy in defence technology, reducing dependence on foreign missile systems and strengthening India's air defence deterrence.

Miniratna Status for Yantra India Limited

Brief Paragraph:
Yantra India Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, was granted Miniratna Category-I status by the government. This coveted status provides the company with greater financial and operational autonomy, allowing it to invest up to ₹500 crore in new projects or modernization without seeking prior approval from the central government. The decision is part of the government's broader strategy to strengthen defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) and promote indigenisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. With this enhanced autonomy, Yantra India Limited can now fast-track its expansion plans, modernize its production facilities, and improve its competitiveness in defence manufacturing. This move is expected to boost the production of critical ordnance items and contribute to the overall strengthening of the country's defence industrial base.

5. Environment & Geography

NITI Aayog Reports on Circular Economy in Mobility

Brief Paragraph:
NITI Aayog released a series of reports highlighting the urgent need for a circular economy in the mobility sector, focusing on end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), waste tyres, e-waste, and lithium-ion batteries. The reports project a massive surge in ELVs from 23 million in 2025 to 50 million by 2030, and e-waste from 6.19 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2024 to 14 MMT by 2030. Currently, the lack of formal scrapping facilities and the dominance of the informal sector in dismantling and recycling pose major environmental and economic challenges. The circular economy model—based on reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover—is essential for India's resource security, as the country has limited mineral reserves and relies heavily on imports for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. The reports recommend strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), formalizing informal recyclers, and improving recycling technology to support India's energy transition and EV growth ambitions while reducing pollution and creating green jobs.

6. Awards & Honours

Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 Launched by NITI Aayog

Brief Paragraph:
NITI Aayog launched the second phase of the 'Sampoornata Abhiyan' (Campaign for Completeness) to further improve development indicators across the country's most backward regions. Building on the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 will focus on 112 aspirational districts and 513 aspirational blocks. The campaign aims to achieve saturation coverage of key socio-economic indicators, with a specific focus on health and nutrition, education, sanitation, and animal vaccination. By converging the efforts of central and state governments with district administrations, the initiative seeks to ensure that no individual or household is left out of basic welfare schemes. The program emphasizes outcome-based monitoring and community participation to drive rapid improvements in human development indices and reduce regional inequalities.

7. Sports

Exercise KHANJAR Concludes

Brief Paragraph:
The annual joint military exercise 'KHANJAR' between India and Kyrgyzstan concluded, focusing on enhancing interoperability and defence cooperation between the two nations. The exercise, which has been conducted annually since 2011, involves special forces from both armies training together in counter-terrorism operations, mountain warfare tactics, and high-altitude combat. The exercise strengthens India's strategic ties with Kyrgyzstan, a key partner in the Central Asian region. It provides a platform for sharing best practices, improving tactical skills, and building camaraderie between the troops. Such exercises are crucial for India's regional security calculus, particularly in the context of the situation in Afghanistan and the need for stable partners in Central Asia, which is part of India's 'Extended Neighbourhood'.

Related MCQs (Sample)

Showing 2 sample MCQs out of total MCQs

Q. What was the primary reason cited by the Assam Government for conducting HSLC and HS exams exclusively in government schools in 2026?

  • A. To reduce examination fees
  • B. To ensure direct accountability and administrative control over malpractices
  • C. To promote private school infrastructure
  • D. To increase the number of exam centres

Q. Which district in Assam recorded the highest number of HSLC candidates for the 2026 board exams?

  • A. Kamrup Rural
  • B. Barpeta
  • C. Lakhimpur
  • D. Dibrugarh
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