Indian Polity and Governance
DPI Cooperation Agreements with 23 Countries:
Context:
On 7 February 2026, India signed cooperation agreements on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) with 23 countries to expand digital identity, payments, and governance models internationally.
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- Agreements aim to promote adoption of India’s DPI platforms globally.
- DPI includes systems like Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and DigiLocker.
- India’s digital identity and payments infrastructure is seen as a model for inclusive digital governance.
- The cooperation reflects India’s digital diplomacy push.
- DPI agreements facilitate interoperable and scalable solutions for partner countries.
- UPI is already operational in several countries including the UAE and Singapore.
- Agreements include data exchange, identity systems, and service delivery enhancements.
- The initiative enhances India’s position in global digital governance.
(DD India)
International Developments
India–US Interim Trade Deal Framework:
Context:
On 7 February 2026, India and the United States agreed on a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) designed to reduce tariffs and expand market access for goods and services as a precursor to a full bilateral trade pact.
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- The ITA represents a mutually agreed framework to reduce tariffs and facilitate trade between India and the US.
- The US removed an additional 25% tariff that had been imposed on Indian goods, improving access for Indian exporters.
- Both sides agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs to about 18% on a range of industrial and agricultural products.
- India agreed to lower or eliminate duties on several US industrial and farm goods, including certain energy and technology products.
- Sensitive sectors such as dairy and cereals were protected from full liberalisation to safeguard domestic interests.
- The framework is positioned as a step toward a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement.
- The agreement aims to support Make in India by boosting export competitiveness.
- It is expected to strengthen cooperation on technology, energy, and industrial goods.
(TH+HT)
Economy
India as Second-Largest Mobile Producer:
Context:
India became the world’s second-largest mobile phone producer due to concentrated electronics manufacturing growth backed by national policy support.
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- Electronics production expanded nearly six-fold from 2014–15 to 2024–25.
- Mobile manufacturing value grew to ₹5.5 lakh crore.
- Mobile exports surged 127 times, turning India into a net exporter.
- Driven by PLI schemes and Make in India policies.
- Over ₹15,000 crore in investments and 1.7 lakh jobs created under LSEM schemes.
- IT hardware and semiconductor linked incentives (SPECS, EMC 2.0) add scale.
- Growth supports export diversification and trade balance.
- Electronics manufacturing enhances technological self-reliance.
(PIB)
RBI Maintains Repo Rate at 5.25%:
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in its monetary policy review reported on 7 February 2026, signalling steady macroeconomic conditions post-Budget.
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- Repo rate maintained at 5.25% as decided by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
- Policy stance remained neutral, indicating balance between growth and inflation control.
- This was the first review after the Union Budget 2026–27.
- RBI revised upward its real GDP growth estimate for 2025–26 to 7.4%.
- Consumer price inflation was projected at ~2.1% for the fiscal year.
- RBI announced plans for a unified digital portal for Lead Bank data.
- Easing norms for NBFC branch expansion was proposed.
- The decision was unanimous by the MPC members.
(IE)
Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment
India–Seychelles Maritime & Blue Economy Cooperation:
Context:
On 7 February 2026, India and the Republic of Seychelles explored deeper cooperation in maritime trade, blue economy sectors and sustainable development at a business roundtable in Mumbai.
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- Hosted at an Indo-Seychelles Business Roundtable with maritime, trade, and economic focus.
- Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie attended, signalling high-level engagement.
- Discussions were anchored in the MAHASAGAR vision (Indian Ocean cooperation).
- Emphasis on maritime trade, port services, and logistics cooperation.
- Blue economy sectors like fisheries, marine tourism, and coastal infrastructure were highlighted.
- Cooperation includes sustainable development and disaster response capacities.
- Reflects India’s role as a strategic partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
(PIB)
Miscellaneous
Clinches U19 Cricket World Cup 2026:
Context:
On 6 February 2026, India’s Under-19 Cricket team won the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup for a record sixth time, dominating the final against England in Harare, Zimbabwe.
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- The final was against England at Harare Sports Club.
- Ayush Mhatre led as captain in the final.
- India remained undefeated throughout the tournament.
- Previous wins include 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022.
- Cricket achievements contribute to India’s sports diplomacy and youth talent pipeline.
- The win boosts grassroots development focus.
- Records and performances were widely covered in Indian media.
(ICC)
Global Teacher Prize 2026 – Indian Laureate Rouble Nagi:
Context:
Indian educator Rouble Nagi won the Global Teacher Prize 2026 at the World Government Summit for her innovative educational initiatives, bringing international recognition to India’s grassroots education efforts.
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- She was honoured with the Global Teacher Prize 2026, a USD 1 million award.
- The award was given at the World Government Summit in Dubai.
- Nagi’s work focuses on educating out-of-school children.
- Her living walls of learning convert public spaces into educational environments.
- The Rouble Nagi Art Foundation runs 800+ learning centres in India.
- She plans to use prize money for vocational and digital literacy institutes.
- Recognises contributions from over 5,000 nominations globally.
- Highlights innovative grassroots education solutions.
(ET)
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