UPSC Current Affairs 3 February 2026

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

U.S. tariff on India reduced to 18%, say Modi and Trump, Pg1

India and U.S. reach trade deal: U.S. reduces tariff to 18%, India to lower trade barriers.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

U.S. tariff on India reduced to 18%, say Modi and Trump, Pg1

India and U.S. reach trade deal: U.S. reduces tariff to 18%, India to lower trade barriers.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Wetlands as a national public good, Pg8

India's wetlands face dire threats despite regulations; urgent action needed for conservation, restoration, and community-led management to secure water and resilience.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Wetlands as a national public good, Pg8

India's wetlands face dire threats despite regulations; urgent action needed for conservation, restoration, and community-led management to secure water and resilience.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local LevelsGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

A cautious nudge, Pg8

Finance Commission retains 41% vertical devolution, tweaks horizontal formula rewarding GDP contribution, but avoids structural fiscal federalism changes.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local LevelsGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

A cautious nudge, Pg8

Finance Commission retains 41% vertical devolution, tweaks horizontal formula rewarding GDP contribution, but avoids structural fiscal federalism changes.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Health Sector

A full stop, Pg8

Supreme Court links menstrual health to fundamental rights, orders states to ensure hygiene facilities in schools, addressing 'menstrual poverty'.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Health Sector

A full stop, Pg8

Supreme Court links menstrual health to fundamental rights, orders states to ensure hygiene facilities in schools, addressing 'menstrual poverty'.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Inclusive GrowthGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Visible progress, invisible exclusion, Pg9

Budget prioritizes infrastructure and MSME growth, but employment elasticity declines, creating a dual economy with jobless growth.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Inclusive GrowthGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Visible progress, invisible exclusion, Pg9

Budget prioritizes infrastructure and MSME growth, but employment elasticity declines, creating a dual economy with jobless growth.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local LevelsGS 1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies

Finance Commission triples grants to urban local governments, Pg9

16th Finance Commission triples grants to ₹3.5 lakh crore for urban local governments over five years, boosting infrastructure.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local LevelsGS 1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies

Finance Commission triples grants to urban local governments, Pg9

16th Finance Commission triples grants to ₹3.5 lakh crore for urban local governments over five years, boosting infrastructure.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 1: LiteratureGS 2: E Governance

Number of manuscripts digitised under Gyan Bharatam, Pg10

Gyan Bharatam initiative digitizes 7.5 lakh manuscripts, preserving India's cultural heritage; 1.29 lakh available on dedicated portal.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 1: LiteratureGS 2: E Governance

Number of manuscripts digitised under Gyan Bharatam, Pg10

Gyan Bharatam initiative digitizes 7.5 lakh manuscripts, preserving India's cultural heritage; 1.29 lakh available on dedicated portal.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Why are tribals protesting in Maharashtra?, Pg10

Thousands of tribal farmers protest in Maharashtra demanding land rights, irrigation, employment, and proper implementation of Forest Rights Act, 2006.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Why are tribals protesting in Maharashtra?, Pg10

Thousands of tribal farmers protest in Maharashtra demanding land rights, irrigation, employment, and proper implementation of Forest Rights Act, 2006.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine

How can adaptive testing be adopted in India?, Pg10

IIT Council considers adaptive testing for JEE, aiming for fairer assessment, but legal and logistical challenges loom regarding equality and infrastructure.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure Doctrine

How can adaptive testing be adopted in India?, Pg10

IIT Council considers adaptive testing for JEE, aiming for fairer assessment, but legal and logistical challenges loom regarding equality and infrastructure.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other StakeholdersGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

What is the next phase for rural women entrepreneurship?, Pg11

Revamping DAY-NRLM: Empowering rural women through strengthened CLFs, innovative finance, and convergence for enhanced entrepreneurship and livelihoods by 2026-2031.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other StakeholdersGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

What is the next phase for rural women entrepreneurship?, Pg11

Revamping DAY-NRLM: Empowering rural women through strengthened CLFs, innovative finance, and convergence for enhanced entrepreneurship and livelihoods by 2026-2031.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

SC issues notices to 12 States on petition by church body against anti-conversion laws, Pg12

Supreme Court scrutinizes anti-conversion laws in 12 states amid concerns over vigilante violence against minorities, issuing notices to Centre and states.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

SC issues notices to 12 States on petition by church body against anti-conversion laws, Pg12

Supreme Court scrutinizes anti-conversion laws in 12 states amid concerns over vigilante violence against minorities, issuing notices to Centre and states.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

External team involved in PSLV probe; next launch date in June, says Minister, Pg14

ISRO's PSLV probe involves external team after consecutive failures; next launch targeted for June with 18 launches scheduled this year.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

External team involved in PSLV probe; next launch date in June, says Minister, Pg14

ISRO's PSLV probe involves external team after consecutive failures; next launch targeted for June with 18 launches scheduled this year.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

AYUSH Ministry to invite proposals for Ayurveda institutes, Pg14

AYUSH Ministry to invite proposals from states for establishing three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIAs) by 2026-27.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

AYUSH Ministry to invite proposals for Ayurveda institutes, Pg14

AYUSH Ministry to invite proposals from states for establishing three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIAs) by 2026-27.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Space Technology

General relativity survives its hardest test yet, PgII

Einstein's general relativity triumphs in rigorous black hole merger test using GW250114 gravitational wave data.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Space Technology

General relativity survives its hardest test yet, PgII

Einstein's general relativity triumphs in rigorous black hole merger test using GW250114 gravitational wave data.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India, US have a deal, 50% tariffs cut to 18%, Pg1

India and US strike trade deal, slashing tariffs from 50% to 18% after months of strained relations.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India, US have a deal, 50% tariffs cut to 18%, Pg1

India and US strike trade deal, slashing tariffs from 50% to 18% after months of strained relations.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Deal clears what was looking hazy: India's role as US ally, China counter, Pg1

US lowers tariffs on India to 18% signaling stronger alliance against China amidst trade negotiations and geopolitical tensions.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Deal clears what was looking hazy: India's role as US ally, China counter, Pg1

US lowers tariffs on India to 18% signaling stronger alliance against China amidst trade negotiations and geopolitical tensions.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 3: IT and Computers

Uncertainty over for global capital, China+1 strategy back in game: CEA, Pg1

US tariff cut boosts FDI prospects as China+1 strategy revives; Rupee expected to strengthen amidst improved economic outlook.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 3: IT and Computers

Uncertainty over for global capital, China+1 strategy back in game: CEA, Pg1

US tariff cut boosts FDI prospects as China+1 strategy revives; Rupee expected to strengthen amidst improved economic outlook.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Pennaiyar water dispute: SC directs Centre to set up tribunal, Pg5

Supreme Court mandates Centre to establish tribunal within a month to resolve Pennaiyar river water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Pennaiyar water dispute: SC directs Centre to set up tribunal, Pg5

Supreme Court mandates Centre to establish tribunal within a month to resolve Pennaiyar river water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

Individual taxpayers biggest beneficiary of tax deductions claimed on political donations, Pg6

Tax deductions on political donations surge to ₹3,126 crore in FY25, individuals overtake corporates in claiming benefits.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

Individual taxpayers biggest beneficiary of tax deductions claimed on political donations, Pg6

Tax deductions on political donations surge to ₹3,126 crore in FY25, individuals overtake corporates in claiming benefits.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Vulnerable SectionsGS 1: Women and Women's Organizations

16th Finance panel: Exit clauses must for cash transfer schemes, Pg8

16th Finance Commission flags states' rising unconditional cash transfers, warns of fiscal destabilization, and suggests exit clauses for schemes.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 2: Vulnerable SectionsGS 1: Women and Women's Organizations

16th Finance panel: Exit clauses must for cash transfer schemes, Pg8

16th Finance Commission flags states' rising unconditional cash transfers, warns of fiscal destabilization, and suggests exit clauses for schemes.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Jumping hurdles: How India managed to diversify exports in the face of US tariffs, Pg9

India strategically diversifies exports amidst US tariffs, forging new trade deals with EU, UK, and UAE, showcasing economic resilience.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Jumping hurdles: How India managed to diversify exports in the face of US tariffs, Pg9

India strategically diversifies exports amidst US tariffs, forging new trade deals with EU, UK, and UAE, showcasing economic resilience.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

India to stop buying Russian crude, will buy from US, even Venezuela: Trump, Pg9

India pivots from Russian oil, increasing US and potentially Venezuelan imports amid geopolitical shifts and trade negotiations.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

India to stop buying Russian crude, will buy from US, even Venezuela: Trump, Pg9

India pivots from Russian oil, increasing US and potentially Venezuelan imports amid geopolitical shifts and trade negotiations.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

How Trump influenced India’s trade policy & goods trade, Pg9

Trump's trade policies impacted India-US relations, leading to tariff reductions and shifts in trade dynamics, especially in oil and LPG imports.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

News Analysis

U.S. tariff on India reduced to 18%, say Modi and Trump, Pg1

U.S. tariff on India reduced to 18%, say Modi and Trump, Pg1

Wetlands as a national public good, Pg8

Wetlands as a national public good, Pg8

A cautious nudge, Pg8

A cautious nudge, Pg8

A full stop, Pg8

A full stop, Pg8

Visible progress, invisible exclusion, Pg9

Visible progress, invisible exclusion, Pg9

Finance Commission triples grants to urban local governments, Pg9

Finance Commission triples grants to urban local governments, Pg9

Number of manuscripts digitised under Gyan Bharatam, Pg10

Number of manuscripts digitised under Gyan Bharatam, Pg10

Why are tribals protesting in Maharashtra?, Pg10

Why are tribals protesting in Maharashtra?, Pg10

How can adaptive testing be adopted in India?, Pg10

How can adaptive testing be adopted in India?, Pg10

What is the next phase for rural women entrepreneurship?, Pg11

What is the next phase for rural women entrepreneurship?, Pg11

SC issues notices to 12 States on petition by church body against anti-conversion laws, Pg12

SC issues notices to 12 States on petition by church body against anti-conversion laws, Pg12

External team involved in PSLV probe; next launch date in June, says Minister, Pg14

External team involved in PSLV probe; next launch date in June, says Minister, Pg14

AYUSH Ministry to invite proposals for Ayurveda institutes, Pg14

AYUSH Ministry to invite proposals for Ayurveda institutes, Pg14

General relativity survives its hardest test yet, PgII

General relativity survives its hardest test yet, PgII

India, US have a deal, 50% tariffs cut to 18%, Pg1

India, US have a deal, 50% tariffs cut to 18%, Pg1

Deal clears what was looking hazy: India's role as US ally, China counter, Pg1

Deal clears what was looking hazy: India's role as US ally, China counter, Pg1

Uncertainty over for global capital, China+1 strategy back in game: CEA, Pg1

Uncertainty over for global capital, China+1 strategy back in game: CEA, Pg1

Pennaiyar water dispute: SC directs Centre to set up tribunal, Pg5

Pennaiyar water dispute: SC directs Centre to set up tribunal, Pg5

Individual taxpayers biggest beneficiary of tax deductions claimed on political donations, Pg6

Individual taxpayers biggest beneficiary of tax deductions claimed on political donations, Pg6

16th Finance panel: Exit clauses must for cash transfer schemes, Pg8

16th Finance panel: Exit clauses must for cash transfer schemes, Pg8

Jumping hurdles: How India managed to diversify exports in the face of US tariffs, Pg9

Jumping hurdles: How India managed to diversify exports in the face of US tariffs, Pg9

India to stop buying Russian crude, will buy from US, even Venezuela: Trump, Pg9

India to stop buying Russian crude, will buy from US, even Venezuela: Trump, Pg9

How Trump influenced India’s trade policy & goods trade, Pg9

How Trump influenced India’s trade policy & goods trade, Pg9

Finance Commission strikes a new balance, Pg10

Finance Commission strikes a new balance, Pg10

Pact with EU is not about compulsion but compatibility, Pg11

Pact with EU is not about compulsion but compatibility, Pg11

Signals from the India-Arab Delhi Declaration, Pg12

Signals from the India-Arab Delhi Declaration, Pg12

Is WhatsApp reading user messages? What US lawsuit claims, Pg12

Is WhatsApp reading user messages? What US lawsuit claims, Pg12

Your next car may be expensive. Blame the AI data centre boom, Pg12

Your next car may be expensive. Blame the AI data centre boom, Pg12

Proposal for banning entry of non-Hindus at Char Dham, questions it raises, Pg12

Proposal for banning entry of non-Hindus at Char Dham, questions it raises, Pg12

Would like infra projects to come up in all sectors, involve more private finance’, Pg13

Would like infra projects to come up in all sectors, involve more private finance’, Pg13

FC bats for discom privatisation, debt clean-up via SPVs, Pg13

FC bats for discom privatisation, debt clean-up via SPVs, Pg13

Benchmark 10-year bond yields rise on record borrowing plan, Pg13

Benchmark 10-year bond yields rise on record borrowing plan, Pg13

IBC Amendment Bill in 2nd half of Budget session', Pg13

IBC Amendment Bill in 2nd half of Budget session', Pg13

FinMin considers raising FDI in PSU banks to 49%: DFS Secretary, Pg13

FinMin considers raising FDI in PSU banks to 49%: DFS Secretary, Pg13

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