UPSC Current Affairs 5 February 2026

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

The Budget and the imperative of fiscal consolidation, Pg6

Union Budget 2026-27 emphasizes fiscal consolidation, infrastructure development, and technology investments to achieve 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

The Budget and the imperative of fiscal consolidation, Pg6

Union Budget 2026-27 emphasizes fiscal consolidation, infrastructure development, and technology investments to achieve 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

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

The U.S. trade deal — gains from economic diplomacy, Pg6

India and U.S. strike crucial trade deal, slashing tariffs to 18%, boosting Indian exports and strengthening strategic ties.

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

The U.S. trade deal — gains from economic diplomacy, Pg6

India and U.S. strike crucial trade deal, slashing tariffs to 18%, boosting Indian exports and strengthening strategic ties.

Prelims

Generations apart, Pg6

Carlos Alcaraz triumphs at Australian Open, youngest to achieve Career Grand Slam; Rybakina stuns Sabalenka in women's final.

Prelims

Generations apart, Pg6

Carlos Alcaraz triumphs at Australian Open, youngest to achieve Career Grand Slam; Rybakina stuns Sabalenka in women's final.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 1: Political Philosophies, Communism, Capitalism and Socialism

A turning point for nuclear deterrence, Pg7

Trump's actions erode NATO trust, prompting Europe to reshape security architecture amidst nuclear deterrence concerns and evolving geopolitical landscape.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 1: Political Philosophies, Communism, Capitalism and Socialism

A turning point for nuclear deterrence, Pg7

Trump's actions erode NATO trust, prompting Europe to reshape security architecture amidst nuclear deterrence concerns and evolving geopolitical landscape.

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 Interests

Decline in Russian oil imports in Jan./Dec. amid trade talks, Pg8

India reduces Russian oil imports by 9% amid US trade deal to cut tariffs to 18%.

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 Interests

Decline in Russian oil imports in Jan./Dec. amid trade talks, Pg8

India reduces Russian oil imports by 9% amid US trade deal to cut tariffs to 18%.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Number of Himalayan peaks opened up for mountaineering, Pg8

India opens 83 Himalayan peaks for mountaineering, waiving expedition fees to boost tourism and adventure sports in the region.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Number of Himalayan peaks opened up for mountaineering, Pg8

India opens 83 Himalayan peaks for mountaineering, waiving expedition fees to boost tourism and adventure sports in the region.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Basics of Cyber Security

Amount saved from cyber criminals between 2021-25, Pg8

Government thwarts cybercrime, saving ₹8,189 crore across 23.61 lakh cases between 2021-2025, showcasing enhanced digital security measures.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Basics of Cyber Security

Amount saved from cyber criminals between 2021-25, Pg8

Government thwarts cybercrime, saving ₹8,189 crore across 23.61 lakh cases between 2021-2025, showcasing enhanced digital security measures.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial BodiesGS 2: Education Sector

Issues surrounding UGC regulations, Pg8

Supreme Court stays UGC's 2026 regulations on equity in higher education, citing ambiguity and potential misuse concerning caste-based discrimination.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial BodiesGS 2: Education Sector

Issues surrounding UGC regulations, Pg8

Supreme Court stays UGC's 2026 regulations on equity in higher education, citing ambiguity and potential misuse concerning caste-based discrimination.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Why are Meta and WhatsApp facing a judicial ultimatum?, Pg8

Supreme Court questions Meta's data practices, hinting at potential restrictions on WhatsApp data sharing due to privacy concerns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Why are Meta and WhatsApp facing a judicial ultimatum?, Pg8

Supreme Court questions Meta's data practices, hinting at potential restrictions on WhatsApp data sharing due to privacy concerns.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 1: Indian Society and Diversity of India

Will notify questions on caste for Census as per norms: govt., Pg11

Government to include caste-based questions in Census 2027's second phase, addressing demands from states like Tamil Nadu.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 1: Indian Society and Diversity of India

Will notify questions on caste for Census as per norms: govt., Pg11

Government to include caste-based questions in Census 2027's second phase, addressing demands from states like Tamil Nadu.

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

Jaishankar, Rubio welcome trade deal, discuss critical minerals, Quad cooperation, Pg11

Jaishankar and Rubio formalize critical mineral cooperation, discuss trade deal, Quad, and Indo-Pacific partnership amidst US-India ties reset.

Jaishankar, Rubio welcome trade deal, discuss critical minerals, Quad cooperation, Pg11

Jaishankar and Rubio formalize critical mineral cooperation, discuss trade deal, Quad, and Indo-Pacific partnership amidst US-India ties reset.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 1: Modern History Significant Events, Personalities and Issues

Denotified tribes seek constitutional recognition, separate Census entry, Pg12

Denotified tribes demand constitutional recognition and separate Census entry for better enumeration and welfare schemes implementation.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 1: Modern History Significant Events, Personalities and Issues

Denotified tribes seek constitutional recognition, separate Census entry, Pg12

Denotified tribes demand constitutional recognition and separate Census entry for better enumeration and welfare schemes implementation.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other Stakeholders

Cooperative cab service Bharat Taxi’s launch today, Pg12

Amit Shah launches Bharat Taxi, India's first cooperative ride-hailing platform, empowering drivers and aiming nationwide expansion in two years.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Development Processes and Role of NGOs, SHGs and Other Stakeholders

Cooperative cab service Bharat Taxi’s launch today, Pg12

Amit Shah launches Bharat Taxi, India's first cooperative ride-hailing platform, empowering drivers and aiming nationwide expansion in two years.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

U.S., Iran confirm talks amid flare-up over drone downing, Pg14

U.S. and Iran confirm upcoming talks amidst rising tensions over drone incident near USS Abraham Lincoln in Arabian sea.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

U.S., Iran confirm talks amid flare-up over drone downing, Pg14

U.S. and Iran confirm upcoming talks amidst rising tensions over drone incident near USS Abraham Lincoln in Arabian sea.

GS 1: World HistoryGS 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

Nicolas Maduro’s ouster, Trump’s oil blockade push Cuba to the brink, Pg14

US sanctions push Cuba to brink of collapse amid oil crisis after Maduro's ouster and Trump's blockade.

Nicolas Maduro’s ouster, Trump’s oil blockade push Cuba to the brink, Pg14

US sanctions push Cuba to brink of collapse amid oil crisis after Maduro's ouster and Trump's blockade.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Could the near-extinct Asiatic cheetah rewild Saudi Arabia?, PgII

Saudi Arabia plans cheetah rewilding using ancient DNA, mirroring India's project, but faces habitat and genetic sourcing challenges.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Could the near-extinct Asiatic cheetah rewild Saudi Arabia?, PgII

Saudi Arabia plans cheetah rewilding using ancient DNA, mirroring India's project, but faces habitat and genetic sourcing challenges.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Space Technology

Launch of NASA’s mission to moon put off till March, PgII

NASA delays Artemis 2 moon mission to March after encountering hydrogen leaks during critical 'wet dress rehearsal' tests.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Space Technology

Launch of NASA’s mission to moon put off till March, PgII

NASA delays Artemis 2 moon mission to March after encountering hydrogen leaks during critical 'wet dress rehearsal' tests.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Energy and critical minerals in focus as Jaishankar holds talks in Washington, Pg1

Jaishankar, US officials discuss energy security, critical minerals, and trade, amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics and supply chain concerns.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Energy and critical minerals in focus as Jaishankar holds talks in Washington, Pg1

Jaishankar, US officials discuss energy security, critical minerals, and trade, amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics and supply chain concerns.

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

Tech stocks see sharp fall as US start-up's new AI tool triggers fears, Pg1

Indian IT stocks crash as new US AI tool sparks job automation fears; India-US trade deal offers investment hope.

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

Tech stocks see sharp fall as US start-up's new AI tool triggers fears, Pg1

Indian IT stocks crash as new US AI tool sparks job automation fears; India-US trade deal offers investment hope.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster Management

NDMA's first-ever guidelines for identification of disaster victims, Pg7

NDMA releases first-ever comprehensive guidelines for disaster victim identification, including dental data registry and forensic archaeology for dignified management.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster Management

NDMA's first-ever guidelines for identification of disaster victims, Pg7

NDMA releases first-ever comprehensive guidelines for disaster victim identification, including dental data registry and forensic archaeology for dignified management.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Delhi HC orders Indian passport for stateless Tibetan woman, Pg7

Delhi HC grants Indian passport to stateless Tibetan woman born in India, affirming citizenship rights under the Citizenship Act.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Indian Constitutional Evolution, Features, Amendments, Basic Structure DoctrineGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

Delhi HC orders Indian passport for stateless Tibetan woman, Pg7

Delhi HC grants Indian passport to stateless Tibetan woman born in India, affirming citizenship rights under the Citizenship Act.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal MechanismsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

SC sets aside HC order staying TN Bills on V-C appointment, Pg8

Supreme Court overturns Madras HC stay on Tamil Nadu Bills regarding Vice-Chancellor appointments, citing insufficient time given to state.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal MechanismsGS 2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary

SC sets aside HC order staying TN Bills on V-C appointment, Pg8

Supreme Court overturns Madras HC stay on Tamil Nadu Bills regarding Vice-Chancellor appointments, citing insufficient time given to state.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

Bankruptcy code being misused by firms facing insolvency, govt tells apex court, Pg9

Centre flags IBC misuse to Supreme Court amid concerns over RADAG asset sales below valuation, raising fraud allegations.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

Bankruptcy code being misused by firms facing insolvency, govt tells apex court, Pg9

Centre flags IBC misuse to Supreme Court amid concerns over RADAG asset sales below valuation, raising fraud allegations.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

CCI orders probe into IndiGo's operational meltdown in Dec, Pg9

CCI probes IndiGo for allegedly abusing dominant position during December flight cancellations, potentially creating artificial scarcity and inflating prices.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

CCI orders probe into IndiGo's operational meltdown in Dec, Pg9

CCI probes IndiGo for allegedly abusing dominant position during December flight cancellations, potentially creating artificial scarcity and inflating prices.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

With 7 new corridors, India will be 100% atmanirbhar in making Bullet trains, Pg15

India to achieve 100% self-reliance in bullet train technology with seven new high-speed rail corridors, investing ₹16 lakh crore.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

With 7 new corridors, India will be 100% atmanirbhar in making Bullet trains, Pg15

India to achieve 100% self-reliance in bullet train technology with seven new high-speed rail corridors, investing ₹16 lakh crore.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 1: Political Philosophies, Communism, Capitalism and Socialism

House of Dynamite? Last US-Russia nuclear pact to expire, Pg16

US-Russia nuclear pact expiring, raising fears of unconstrained arms race and global instability amid China's growing arsenal.

House of Dynamite? Last US-Russia nuclear pact to expire, Pg16

US-Russia nuclear pact expiring, raising fears of unconstrained arms race and global instability amid China's growing arsenal.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Government Budgeting

Why carbon capture is key to achieving net-zero goal, Pg17

Budget allocates ₹20,000 crore for Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Government Budgeting

Why carbon capture is key to achieving net-zero goal, Pg17

Budget allocates ₹20,000 crore for Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Sports Ministry steps in to prevent repeat of India Open lapses, Pg20

Sports Ministry mandates oversight at international events after India Open criticism to bolster 2036 Olympics bid.

Sports Ministry steps in to prevent repeat of India Open lapses, Pg20

Sports Ministry mandates oversight at international events after India Open criticism to bolster 2036 Olympics bid.

News Analysis

The Budget and the imperative of fiscal consolidation, Pg6

The Budget and the imperative of fiscal consolidation, Pg6

The U.S. trade deal — gains from economic diplomacy, Pg6

The U.S. trade deal — gains from economic diplomacy, Pg6

Generations apart, Pg6

Generations apart, Pg6

A turning point for nuclear deterrence, Pg7

A turning point for nuclear deterrence, Pg7

Decline in Russian oil imports in Jan./Dec. amid trade talks, Pg8

Decline in Russian oil imports in Jan./Dec. amid trade talks, Pg8

Number of Himalayan peaks opened up for mountaineering, Pg8

Number of Himalayan peaks opened up for mountaineering, Pg8

Amount saved from cyber criminals between 2021-25, Pg8

Amount saved from cyber criminals between 2021-25, Pg8

Issues surrounding UGC regulations, Pg8

Issues surrounding UGC regulations, Pg8

Why are Meta and WhatsApp facing a judicial ultimatum?, Pg8

Why are Meta and WhatsApp facing a judicial ultimatum?, Pg8

Will notify questions on caste for Census as per norms: govt., Pg11

Will notify questions on caste for Census as per norms: govt., Pg11

Jaishankar, Rubio welcome trade deal, discuss critical minerals, Quad cooperation, Pg11

Jaishankar, Rubio welcome trade deal, discuss critical minerals, Quad cooperation, Pg11

Denotified tribes seek constitutional recognition, separate Census entry, Pg12

Denotified tribes seek constitutional recognition, separate Census entry, Pg12

Cooperative cab service Bharat Taxi’s launch today, Pg12

Cooperative cab service Bharat Taxi’s launch today, Pg12

U.S., Iran confirm talks amid flare-up over drone downing, Pg14

U.S., Iran confirm talks amid flare-up over drone downing, Pg14

Nicolas Maduro’s ouster, Trump’s oil blockade push Cuba to the brink, Pg14

Nicolas Maduro’s ouster, Trump’s oil blockade push Cuba to the brink, Pg14

Could the near-extinct Asiatic cheetah rewild Saudi Arabia?, PgII

Could the near-extinct Asiatic cheetah rewild Saudi Arabia?, PgII

Launch of NASA’s mission to moon put off till March, PgII

Launch of NASA’s mission to moon put off till March, PgII

Energy and critical minerals in focus as Jaishankar holds talks in Washington, Pg1

Energy and critical minerals in focus as Jaishankar holds talks in Washington, Pg1

Tech stocks see sharp fall as US start-up's new AI tool triggers fears, Pg1

Tech stocks see sharp fall as US start-up's new AI tool triggers fears, Pg1

NDMA's first-ever guidelines for identification of disaster victims, Pg7

NDMA's first-ever guidelines for identification of disaster victims, Pg7

Delhi HC orders Indian passport for stateless Tibetan woman, Pg7

Delhi HC orders Indian passport for stateless Tibetan woman, Pg7

SC sets aside HC order staying TN Bills on V-C appointment, Pg8

SC sets aside HC order staying TN Bills on V-C appointment, Pg8

Bankruptcy code being misused by firms facing insolvency, govt tells apex court, Pg9

Bankruptcy code being misused by firms facing insolvency, govt tells apex court, Pg9

CCI orders probe into IndiGo's operational meltdown in Dec, Pg9

CCI orders probe into IndiGo's operational meltdown in Dec, Pg9

With 7 new corridors, India will be 100% atmanirbhar in making Bullet trains, Pg15

With 7 new corridors, India will be 100% atmanirbhar in making Bullet trains, Pg15

House of Dynamite? Last US-Russia nuclear pact to expire, Pg16

House of Dynamite? Last US-Russia nuclear pact to expire, Pg16

Why carbon capture is key to achieving net-zero goal, Pg17

Why carbon capture is key to achieving net-zero goal, Pg17

Sports Ministry steps in to prevent repeat of India Open lapses, Pg20

Sports Ministry steps in to prevent repeat of India Open lapses, Pg20

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