10 February 2026 Current Affairs

• HDFC Life partnered with Muthoot FinCorp.

• Objective: Increase insurance penetration via NBFC distribution networks.

Mining, Infrastructure & Strategic Assets

Offshore Areas Mineral Rules, 2026

• Notified by the Ministry of Mines.

• Regulates illegal extraction, storage, transport, and export of offshore minerals (excluding hydrocarbons).

• Significance: Blue economy governance and mineral resource security.

VOC Port Anti-Drone System

• V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Thoothukudi) became the first Indian port to initiate installation of an advanced anti-drone system.

• Enhances protection of critical maritime infrastructure.

Trade, Economy & Institutional Developments

India–USA Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) Framework

• Agreement on a framework toward a future Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) .

• Strategic importance:

  • Market access

  • Supply-chain cooperation

  • Economic diplomacy.

IIFCL Leadership

• Rohit Rishi appointed Managing Director for three years.

• Relevant for infrastructure finance governance.

PFC–REC Proposed Merger

• In-principle approval aligns with Budget 2026 restructuring of public sector NBFCs.

• Objective: Improve capital efficiency and scale in infrastructure financing.

Innovation, Start-ups & Data Governance

IITM–Unicorn Frontier Fund I

• ₹600-crore venture capital fund launched by IIT Madras Research Park with Unicorn India Ventures.

• Focus: Deep-technology startups (AI, robotics, semiconductors).

• Exam relevance: Innovation financing ecosystem.

NSO Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server

• Beta version launched for eSankhyiki portal .

• Enables improved data interoperability and statistical dissemination.

• Important for digital governance and evidence-based policymaking.

Social Justice, Education & Inclusion

DoSJE–Physics Wallah Foundation MoU

• Free online coaching for 5,000 SC, OBC, and PM CARES for Children