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TODAY NEWS HIGHLIGHT
➤ Ravi Shankar Chhabi appointed DIG in CRPF on central deputation
➤ Vidarbha created history by winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time
➤ India AI Impact Summit 2026: Shaping inclusive and responsible AI for the world
➤ India ranked 6th in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026
➤ Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary declared as Eco-Sensitive Zone
➤ Sunita Williams retires from NASA
➤ UAE becomes India's second largest LNG supplier after new agreement
➤ Vasant Panchami
1. Ravi Shankar Chhabi Appointed DIG in CRPF on Central Deputation
The Union Home Ministry has approved the appointment of Ravi Shankar Chhabi, a 2007 batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on central deputation. The order was issued on January 19, 2026, and he has been posted against an existing vacancy in the CRPF.
2. Vidarbha Creates History by Winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the First Time
In a historic achievement in Indian domestic cricket, Vidarbha has won the Vijay Hazare Trophy title for the first time. In the final match played in Bengaluru, Vidarbha defeated two-time champions Saurashtra by 38 runs. The final match was played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where Vidarbha, as they had throughout the tournament, displayed a balanced and disciplined performance under pressure.
3. India AI Impact Summit 2026: Shaping Inclusive and Responsible AI for the World
India will host the India AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16–20, 2026, at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This is the first large-scale international AI summit to be held in the Global South, aiming to integrate artificial intelligence into social welfare, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth, rather than just technological advancements.
4. India Ranks 6th in Asia Manufacturing Index 2026
India has ranked sixth among 11 Asian countries in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026, highlighting progress in its manufacturing capabilities as well as some structural challenges. The index, released annually by Hong Kong-based pan-Asian consultancy Dezan Shira & Associates, provides a comparative assessment of the long-term manufacturing competitiveness of Asia's major economies.
5. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a notification declaring an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan, a move considered a significant step towards protecting the fragile ecology of the Aravalli mountain range. Under this notification, the area from zero to one kilometer from the sanctuary's boundary has been designated as an ESZ.
6. Sunita Williams Retires from NASA
NASA's renowned astronaut Sunita Williams has retired from the American space program after 27 years of distinguished service. Throughout her long and distinguished career, she played a pivotal role in space exploration and international space cooperation. She began her professional life as an officer and pilot in the U.S.
7. Following the New Agreement, the UAE Becomes India's Second Largest LNG Supplier
A significant long-term LNG supply agreement was concluded between India and the United Arab Emirates during the visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India in January 2026. Under this agreement, the UAE will supply India with 0.5 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas annually.
8. Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami is a major cultural and religious festival in India, considered a symbol of the arrival of spring. This festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Magha and, according to the Hindu calendar, marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Vasant Panchami is deeply connected to education, art, music, and knowledge, which is why it holds a special place in cultural and contemporary discussions.
QUIZ WITH EXPLANATIONS
1. Ravi Shankar Chhabi is an IPS officer of which cadre and batch?
A - Bihar Cadre, 2005 Batch
B - Uttar Pradesh Cadre, 2007 Batch
C - Rajasthan Cadre, 2008 Batch
D - Madhya Pradesh Cadre, 2006 Batch
The Union Home Ministry has approved the appointment of Ravi Shankar Chhabi, a 2007 batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, as Deputy Inspector General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on central deputation.
2. Which domestic cricket tournament title did Vidarbha win for the first time?
A - Ranji Trophy
B - Duleep Trophy
C - Vijay Hazare Trophy
D - Irani Trophy
Vidarbha created history in Indian domestic cricket by winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time.
3. Where will the India AI Impact Summit 2026 be held?
A - Hyderabad
B - Mumbai
C - Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
D - Bengaluru
India will host the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, 2026.
4. What rank did India achieve in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026?
A - Fourth
B - Fifth
C - Sixth
D - Seventh
India secured the sixth position among 11 Asian countries in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026.
5. What distance around the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared as an Eco-Sensitive Zone?
A - 0 to 500 meters
B - 0 to 1 kilometer
C - 1 to 5 kilometers
D - 5 to 10 kilometers
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change declared the area from zero to one kilometer around the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary as an Eco-Sensitive Zone.
6. How many spacewalks has Sunita Williams performed so far?
A - 5
B - 7
C - 9
D - 11
Sunita Williams participated in three space missions, spent more than 600 days in space, and performed 11 spacewalks during her career.
7. Under the agreement, how much LNG will the UAE supply to India annually?
A - 0.25 million metric tons
B - 0.5 million metric tons
C - 1 million metric ton
D - 2 million metric tons
Under the LNG agreement, the UAE will supply 0.5 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas annually.
8. On which Panchang (Hindu calendar) date is Vasant Panchami celebrated?
A - Magha Krishna Chaturthi
B - Magha Shukla Panchami
C - Phalguna Shukla Pratipada
D - Magha Shukla Saptami
Vasant Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Magha.
ONE LINER
Which country has become India's second-largest LNG supplier after the new LNG agreement? - United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Where will the India AI Impact Summit 2026 be held? - Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Which IPS officer was appointed as DIG in the CRPF on central deputation in January 2026? - Ravi Shankar Chhabi
What distance around the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared an eco-sensitive zone? - 0 to 1 kilometer
Who scored an innings of 128 runs for Vidarbha in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final? - Atharva Taide
What rank did India secure in the Asia Manufacturing Index 2026? - Sixth place
On what three principles is the India AI Impact Summit 2026 based? - People, Planet, and Progress
Which domestic cricket team won the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time? - Vidarbha
Which astronaut retired from NASA after 27 years of service? - Sunita Williams
Which cadre and batch does Ravi Shankar Chhabi belong to? - Uttar Pradesh Cadre, 2007 Batch