Climate Concerns Gain Visibility, But Caution Persists

India’s Union Budgets have gradually begun reflecting climate priorities since 2021, when a modest allocation of Rs4,500 crore was earmarked to localise solar photovoltaic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports. In the Union Budget 2026–27, climate-linked spending has widened in scope, touching sectors such as heavy industry, renewable energy, green hydrogen and nuclear power. Yet, the overall approach remains cautious, with allocations signalling pilots and gradual scaling rather than rapid transformation.

RBI Keeps Policy Rate Unchanged After MPC Review

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, following the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held on 6 February 2026. The decision was unanimous, reflecting broad consensus among MPC members amid stable macroeconomic conditions.

Announcing the outcome, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the committee has retained a neutral policy stance, after a careful assessment of domestic and global economic trends.

India Moves Towards a Comprehensive Trade Pact with the GCC

India has taken a decisive step towards concluding a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council by signing the Terms of Reference (ToR) for negotiations. The move signals a renewed push to deepen economic engagement with one of India’s most vital trading regions at a time of global economic uncertainty and supply-chain realignments.

Isro Moves to Revive a Critical Earth Observation Mission

More than four years after a failed launch disrupted India’s geo-imaging plans, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is preparing to launch Gisat-1A, also designated EOS-05. The satellite is a replacement for EOS-03 (Gisat-1), which failed to reach orbit in 2021, and is expected to arrive soon at India’s spaceport for final launch preparations.

Thiruvananthapuram Leads in Stray Dog Bite Incidents

Thiruvananthapuram has once again recorded the highest number of stray dog bite cases in the State, underscoring a growing public health and urban governance challenge. In 2025, as many as 58,108 people sought treatment for stray dog bites at government hospitals in the district—an increase of about 8,000 cases compared to 2024. Health officials caution that the actual number may be even higher, as not all victims report to public health facilities.