6 February 2026 Current Affairs

INS Sudarshini – Lokayan 26 Voyage

• First international port call at Salalah, Oman .

• Strengthens maritime diplomacy and cultural outreach .

• Linked to Act West + Indian Ocean engagement .

US Security Assistance to Baltic States

• $200 million amid Russian military pressure.

• Reflects NATO deterrence strategy and European security dynamics.

• IR relevance: Ukraine conflict spillover, NATO eastern flank.

🔶 Science, Technology & Innovation

ANRF–TDB Open Call under RDI Fund

• Supports deep-tech, indigenous R&D, and commercialisation of research .

• Strengthens innovation pipeline beyond startups .

• GS-III relevance: Research ecosystem, Atmanirbhar innovation.

🔶 Agriculture, MSMEs & Regional Development

NE-RACE Portal Fully Operational

• Connects farmers, FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives of NER with national buyers.

• Improves market access, price discovery, and agri-value chains .

• Exam angle: Digital agriculture, North-East development.

🔶 Environment, Data & Public Administration

Two New Ramsar Sites Added

• Strengthens India’s wetland conservation commitments .

• High-frequency Prelims topic (Ramsar Convention, ecosystem services).

National Household Income Survey (NHIS)

• India’s first-ever comprehensive income survey .

• Improves data on inequality, consumption, welfare targeting .

• GS-III relevance: Evidence-based policymaking.

Excise Duty Withdrawal on Unmanufactured Tobacco

• Revenue + public health implications.

• Relevant for sin taxes, fiscal policy, health economics .

🔶 Minority Affairs & Digital Governance

UMEED Portal – Waqf Management Modules

• Introduces survey & lease management for Waqf properties.

• Enhances transparency, accountability, and digitisation .