Current Affairs - February 2, 2026 Current Affairs

Gujarat launched the Mukhyamantri Gramotthan Yojana to promote urban-style infrastructure and amenities in rural areas. The initiative was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel from Bhadran in Anand district. In its first phase, the scheme covers 114 taluka-headquarter villages and focuses on improving essential facilities such as roads, drainage systems, solar street lighting, and e-Gram services. Additionally, foundation stones were laid for 2,666 Gram Panchayat Ghar-cum-Talati Awas buildings with a total investment of ₹663 crore, reflecting the state’s commitment to strengthening rural governance and infrastructure development.

The IndiaAI–Digital India Workshop on Artificial Intelligence was conducted in Gangtok at Chintan Bhawan. The one-day event was organised by the Information Technology Department of the Government of Sikkim in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It served as a pre-event to the IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026 scheduled in New Delhi. The workshop brought together policymakers, educators, students, and experts to deliberate on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and its practical applications across governance, education, and society.

Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, marking a historic moment as she became the first woman to hold this position in the state. A Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, she was unanimously elected as the leader of the NCP legislature party at Vidhan Bhavan. Her appointment followed the tragic death of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. Backed by senior party leaders, her elevation reflects political continuity as well as a significant step toward greater representation of women in top executive roles within state governance.

Nagaland has initiated the digitisation of old manual birth and death certificates as part of efforts to modernise its civil registration system. Launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the initiative aims to improve the accuracy of vital statistics, enhance citizen access to essential documents, and strengthen service delivery. The move also supports evidence-based policymaking by ensuring reliable demographic data. In line with the guidelines of the Registrar General of India, the state is transitioning to a fully online registration system, thereby discontinuing the use of manual certificates and promoting digital governance.

The CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography inaugurated its Shore-Based Laboratory in Visakhapatnam to enhance India’s capabilities in coastal and ocean research. The facility focuses on studying the Eastern Coastal Margin, which is known for its geological diversity and rich potential in hydrocarbons, oil, gas, and seabed minerals influenced by Himalayan sediment deposits. The laboratory is also envisioned as a hub for skill development, innovation, and startup support, encouraging young scientists and researchers to contribute to India’s growing marine and ocean economy while strengthening scientific infrastructure along the eastern coastline.

Andhra Pradesh achieved a Guinness World Record by distributing 5,555 e-cycles to women within a span of 24 hours under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The initiative was aimed at promoting green mobility, reducing monthly transportation expenses, and empowering women by enhancing their independence and confidence. The e-cycles, assembled in Kuppam, have a running capacity of up to 60 kilometers and can be charged using rooftop solar power. This initiative highlights the state’s commitment to sustainable transport, renewable energy, and women-centric development programs.

World Wetlands Day is an important global observance linked to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It commemorates the adoption of the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty focused on wetland protection. In 2026, World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2, drawing attention to the theme “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage.” The day highlights the ecological, cultural, and economic value of wetlands worldwide. With 172 contracting parties and India having 98 Ramsar Sites, the observance reinforces the role of wetlands in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and sustaining traditional livelihoods.