Daily Current Affairs Recap
For aspirants of UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PSC exams, the first few days of February have been packed with critical policy shifts, judicial verdicts, and international milestones. From the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on women's health to major announcements in the Union Budget 2026 aftermath, here are the vital updates you need to know.
1. SC Declares Menstrual Health a Fundamental Right
In a historic verdict delivered on February 2, the Supreme Court of India declared that access to menstrual hygiene products and health facilities is a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution. The court has directed the Centre and State governments to ensure the provision of free sanitary napkins and functional toilets in all government-aided schools, emphasizing that the denial of these facilities amounts to a violation of a girl child's dignity and right to education.
2. Environment: India Adds Two New Ramsar Sites
Ahead of World Wetlands Day (February 2), the Union Environment Ministry announced the addition of two new wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites of international importance. The new sites are the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, and the Chhari-Dhand Wetland Reserve in the Kutch district of Gujarat. This inclusion highlights India's continued focus on conserving biodiversity and critical marshland ecosystems.
3. Economy: Launch of 'Biopharma SHAKTI' Scheme
Following the Union Budget presentation, the government has launched the ‘Biopharma SHAKTI’ mission with a massive outlay of ₹10,000 crore. The scheme aims to position India as a global hub for the manufacturing of biologics and biosimilars. It focuses on upgrading the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) and establishing new clinical trial infrastructure to reduce import dependence in the high-value pharma sector.
4. Awards: Dalai Lama and Bad Bunny Win at 2026 Grammys
The 68th Grammy Awards saw historic wins, with Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, winning the 'Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording' award. In the music categories, Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny clinched the prestigious 'Album of the Year' award, marking a significant moment for Latin music on the global stage. Additionally, the track "Golden" became the first-ever K-Pop song to win a Grammy, securing the 'Best Song Written for Visual Media' title.
5. International Relations: US Reopens Mission in Venezuela
In a major diplomatic thaw, the United States has officially reopened its diplomatic mission in Venezuela after a seven-year hiatus. The arrival of the US Ambassador in Caracas signals a potential reset in bilateral ties between Washington and the oil-rich Latin American nation, which could have ripple effects on global energy markets and regional geopolitics.
6. Finance: 16th Finance Commission Recommends 41% Devolution
The 16th Finance Commission has submitted its recommendations, proposing to retain the states' share in the divisible pool of central taxes at 41% for the coming five-year period. A key change in the formula includes the introduction of a "GDP Efficiency" criterion to reward states that show fiscal prudence and economic performance, replacing older tax-effort indicators.
7. Sports: Pakistan Boycotts T20 World Cup Match Against India
The International Cricket Council (ICC) faces a major diplomatic hurdle as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially announced its decision to boycott the scheduled T20 World Cup match against India. Citing security concerns and political tensions, the move has cast uncertainty over the tournament schedule, with the ICC currently holding emergency meetings to resolve the standoff.
8. Science: Indian-Origin Scientist Wins Crafoord Prize
Renowned climate scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan has been awarded the prestigious Crafoord Prize in Geosciences for 2026. He was honoured for his groundbreaking work on the impact of short-lived climate pollutants (like black carbon) on global warming. The Crafoord Prize is often considered a complement to the Nobel Prizes in disciplines not covered by the Nobel committee.
9. Infrastructure: New Baggage Rules for International Travellers
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has notified new baggage rules effective from February 3, 2026. The limit for bringing duty-free goods into India for international passengers has been raised to ₹75,000, aiming to ease customs clearances and facilitate smoother travel experiences for tourists and returning Indians.
10. Defence: BLA Launches 'Operation Herof Phase II' in Pakistan
Tensions have escalated in India's neighborhood as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched 'Operation Herof Phase II', targeting Pakistani military infrastructure and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) assets in Gwadar. This internal conflict in Pakistan poses security concerns for the region and impacts the stability of the Chinese investments in the province.
Quick Revision Checklist
- Article 21: Now covers Menstrual Health Rights.
- New Ramsar Sites: Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP), Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat).
- Biopharma SHAKTI: ₹10,000 Cr scheme for biologics.
- Grammy 2026: Dalai Lama (Audio Book), Bad Bunny (Album of Year).
- Tax Devolution: Retained at 41% by 16th FC.