Current Affairs - February 5, 2026 Current Affairs

New Delhi was the venue for the AIM SUMVAAD 2026 incubator conclave organized by the Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog. The conclave brought together more than 100 Atal Incubation Centres, Community Innovation Centres, and other key stakeholders from across the country. It marked the launch of the National Innovation Challenge 2026 and the National Incubation Awards, both aimed at strengthening India’s startup and innovation ecosystem. The event also focused on introducing indicators for the National Incubator Assessment Framework, a collaborative initiative involving AIM, DBT, DST, and DPIIT, reinforcing the importance of the national capital as a centre for policy-driven innovation initiatives.

The National Biodiversity Authority launched the digital portal to enable online issuance of Certificates of Origin for cultivated medicinal plants, marking an important step in digitizing biodiversity-related regulatory processes. The portal facilitates easier access for stakeholders seeking Access and Benefit Sharing exemptions under the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023. By offering a single-window, end-to-end digital system, it significantly reduces procedural delays and improves transparency. The initiative supports sectors such as AYUSH, seed industries, and research institutions, ensuring smoother compliance with biodiversity regulations while promoting sustainable use and conservation of biological resources across the country.

Bhutan is collaborating with India to strengthen cooperation in the power sector, with special emphasis on hydropower development. This partnership combines India’s financial investment capacity with Bhutan’s technical expertise in hydropower generation. The initiative aims to expand cross-border electricity trade, ensure a reliable energy supply, and enhance bilateral economic ties. By focusing on renewable and sustainable energy, the collaboration supports long-term development goals while addressing environmental concerns. The agreement also reflects the strong strategic relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to clean energy and regional energy security.

India became a formal member of the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies with the objective of enhancing industrial capabilities and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises. Through this partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the initiative focuses on strengthening manufacturing competitiveness across BRICS nations. Within India, the National Productivity Council has been designated as the BCIC centre and operates under the guidance of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. The effort emphasizes capacity building, adoption of Industry 4.0 practices, and productivity enhancement, contributing to sustainable industrial growth and economic development.

IIM Udaipur served as the host institution for the 3rd edition of D’Future – India Digital Conclave 2026, even though the event was held at T-Hub in Hyderabad. The conclave brought together leaders from government, academia, and the startup ecosystem to discuss technology-led economic growth and inclusive development. Key discussions focused on a decade of Digital India initiatives, Telangana’s achievements in technology-driven governance, and the expanding role of artificial intelligence across sectors such as business, healthcare, and rural development. The event highlighted IIM Udaipur’s growing role in fostering dialogue at the intersection of management education, technology, and public policy.

Paradip Port Authority received the first prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025, presented by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The recognition was awarded for its exceptional performance in maintaining cleanliness, promoting sustainability, and encouraging community involvement. The authority implemented several impactful initiatives, including large-scale public participation in sanitation drives and an extensive green campaign that led to the planting of around 40,000 saplings. Additionally, welfare measures for Safai Mitras were undertaken, reflecting a commitment to worker well-being. These efforts highlight the port’s role in promoting environmental responsibility and sustainable development practices.

The World Bank approved the $830 million loan to support the modernisation of India’s Industrial Training Institutes with the objective of strengthening skill development and aligning training programs with labour market requirements. The funding comes with a long repayment period of 19.5 years, including a four-year grace period, allowing India sufficient time to implement reforms and realize outcomes. The initiative focuses on reducing the gap between industry needs and workforce skills, enhancing employability, and expanding job opportunities. This support also contributes to India’s broader Viksit Bharat vision by promoting sustainable economic growth through a skilled and future-ready workforce.

Punjab National Bank collaborated with Tripura Gramin Bank to launch the nation’s first co-branded RuPay Credit Card by a regional rural bank. This initiative marked a significant milestone in advancing digital financial inclusion, especially for customers in rural and semi-urban areas. By leveraging the RuPay ecosystem, the partnership aims to enhance access to secure credit facilities while promoting digital payment adoption. The launch, coinciding with Tripura Gramin Bank’s Golden Jubilee, sets a new benchmark for regional rural banks in offering modern banking products and supports the broader goal of expanding inclusive and technology-driven financial services across the country.

Divakar Jayant took over as the Director General of Naval Armament, bringing with him more than three decades of experience in India’s naval armament ecosystem. A 1991-batch officer of the Indian Naval Armament Service, he has served in several senior leadership roles at key naval armament depots and at the Ministry of Defence. His technical background as an IIT Delhi graduate and expertise in areas such as torpedo life-cycle management and explosive infrastructure planning make him well-suited for the role. His appointment comes at a crucial time when India’s Navy is undergoing major modernisation and capability enhancement.

Tanzania partnered with India for the 4th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting, which took place in Zanzibar in early February 2026. The meeting served as a platform to review existing defence cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration. Discussions covered military training, service-to-service exchanges, maritime security, and defence industry partnerships. Both sides also identified emerging focus areas such as counter-terrorism, peacekeeping operations, military medicine, and advanced technologies, including cyber security and artificial intelligence. This engagement reflects the growing strategic defence relationship between India and Tanzania and their shared interest in regional and global security cooperation.