Economy & Finance

• According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) by the National Statistics Office, India's urban unemployment rate climbed to a three-month high of 5% in January 2026.

• The wholesale price-based inflation in India accelerated to a 10-month peak of 1.81% in January 2026, a significant jump from 0.83% recorded in December 2025.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a proposal mandating that AD Cat-I banks report all OTC foreign exchange and interest rate derivative contracts.

• SEBI has granted approval to the National Stock Exchange (NSE) for the launch of futures contracts based on Indian Natural Gas.

🔶 Infrastructure, Connectivity & Economic Development

4-Lane Access-Controlled Greenfield Corridor – Assam

Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

Why Important:

• Boosts logistics efficiency & regional mobility

• Supports North-East economic integration

• Reflects greenfield infrastructure expansion strategy

Exam Relevance:
✔ Infrastructure-led growth
✔ Access-controlled highways concept
✔ North-East development priorities

Global Governance & Multilateral Diplomacy

BRICS Sherpas Meeting – India’s Chairship 2026

The first meeting of BRICS Sherpas & Sous Sherpas was convened in New Delhi.

Why it matters:

• Sherpas shape summit agendas and negotiation priorities.

• Reflects India’s leadership role in Global South diplomacy.

Exam relevance:
✔ BRICS institutional structure
✔ India’s multilateral engagement strategy
✔ Consensus-building diplomacy

Statistics, Data Governance & Economic Monitoring

NSSTA – 18th Foundation Day

National Statistical Systems Training Academy (MoSPI) celebrated its foundation day.

Core Role:

• Capacity building in official statistics

• Training for data collection & survey methodologies

Exam Relevance:

• Statistical governance infrastructure

• Importance of human capital in data systems

🔶 State Finances & Fiscal Policy

Uttar Pradesh Budget 2026–27

• Total Outlay: ₹9.13 lakh crore

• Growth: 12.2% increase over previous FY

• Signals continued emphasis on infrastructure, welfare expenditure, and capital formation.