TODAY NEWS HIGHLIGHT
➤ Black Swan Summit India 2026 begins: Highlights from President Murmu's address
➤ Jharkhand women win gold medal in Para Throwball Nationals 2026
➤ Kotak Mahindra Bank issued India's first fully digital FPI licence
➤ Deposit insurance premium to be paid based on bank risk from April 2026
➤ US lifts 25% tariff on India for buying oil from Russia
➤ NSO makes government data AI-ready with new MCP server
➤ After Kerala, this coastal state launched India's second comprehensive bird atlas
➤ International Epilepsy Day
1. Black Swan Summit India 2026 Inauguration: Key Highlights of President Murmu's Address
The Black Swan Summit India 2026 was held in Bhubaneswar, signifying Odisha's emergence as a crucial hub for national and global discussions on digital finance and employment policy. This two-day summit, organized by the Odisha government and the Global Finance and Technology Network under the BharatNetra initiative, took place from February 6, 2026.
2. Jharkhand Women Win Gold Medal at Para Throwball Nationals 2026
The Jharkhand women's team has brought national glory to the state by winning the gold medal at the Para Throwball National Federation Cup 2026. This success is not just a sporting achievement but also reflects Jharkhand's strong participation and growing potential in inclusive sports. In the women's final, Jharkhand defeated the home team Rajasthan by a close score of 21-17, where the players maintained composure and discipline even in a high-pressure environment.
3. Kotak Mahindra Bank Issues India's First Fully Digital FPI License
In a significant digital transformation for India's financial markets, Kotak Mahindra Bank has issued the country's first fully digital Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) license. The entire process, from application to approval, was completed online using electronic signatures, eliminating the need for physical documents.
4. Banks to Pay Deposit Insurance Premiums Based on Risk from April 2026
From April 1, 2026, a risk-based deposit insurance framework will be implemented for banks in India, replacing the current uniform deposit insurance premium system, as announced by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). Under this new system, banks will pay deposit insurance premiums based on their financial health, risk profile, and governance quality.
5. US Removes 25% Tariff on India Over Oil Purchases from Russia
The United States has removed the additional 25% tariff imposed on India, following a significant trade agreement between the two countries announced on February 7, 2026. This decision is considered a crucial step in easing the heightened trade tensions between India and the US in recent months.
6. NSO Prepares Government Data for AI with New MCP Server
On February 6, 2026, the National Statistical Office (NSO) launched the beta version of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for the eSankhyiki portal, aiming to make India's official government data AI-ready. This initiative marks a significant technological shift in how government data is accessed and utilized.
7. After Kerala, this coastal state launches India's second comprehensive bird atlas
On February 7, 2026, Goa released the Goa Bird Atlas, becoming the second state in India, after Kerala, to publish a state-level bird atlas. This initiative is considered a significant step towards biodiversity conservation and evidence-based policy-making. A bird atlas is a scientific document that maps the distribution and relative abundance of various bird species through grid-based surveys.
8. International Epilepsy Day
International Epilepsy Day is observed every year on the second Monday of February, aiming to raise global awareness about epilepsy and reduce the associated social stigma. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and it can affect people of all ages.
QUIZ – WITH EXPLANATION (EXACT)
1. Where was the Black Swan Summit India 2026 held?
A - New Delhi
B - Hyderabad
C - Bhubaneswar
D - Bengaluru
The Black Swan Summit India 2026 was held in Bhubaneswar, reflecting Odisha's growing national and global role in digital finance and employment policy. This two-day summit was organized from February 6, 2026, by the Odisha government and the Global Finance and Technology Network under the BharatNetra initiative. President Droupadi Murmu's participation lent it national significance.
2. Which state won the gold medal in the women's category at the Para Throwball National Federation Cup 2026?
A - Rajasthan
B - Jharkhand
C - Haryana
D - Andhra Pradesh
The Jharkhand women's team brought glory to the state by winning the gold medal at the Para Throwball National Federation Cup 2026. The team displayed exceptional discipline, strategy, and mental fortitude, defeating Rajasthan 21-17 in the final.
3. Which bank issued the country's first fully digital FPI license?
A - HDFC Bank
B - ICICI Bank
C - Kotak Mahindra Bank
D - SBI
In a major achievement towards digital transformation in India's financial markets, Kotak Mahindra Bank has issued the country's first fully digital FPI license. The entire process, from application to approval, was completed online through electronic signatures, eliminating paperwork.
4. From when will the risk-based deposit insurance framework be implemented in India?
A - April 1, 2025
B - January 1, 2026
C - April 1, 2026
D - January 1, 2027
From April 1, 2026, a risk-based deposit insurance framework will be implemented in India, replacing the uniform deposit insurance premium system for banks.
5. By what percentage have reciprocal tariffs been reduced?
A - 10%
B - 15%
C - 18%
D - 20%
The United States has removed the additional 25% tariff imposed on India, easing recent trade tensions between the two countries.
6. Which institution launched the beta version of the MCP server?
A - NITI Aayog
B - National Statistical Office
C - Reserve Bank of India
D - SEBI
On February 6, 2026, the National Statistical Office launched the beta version of the MCP server for the eSankhyiki portal, making government data AI-ready.
7. In which year was the Goa Bird Atlas released?
A - 2024
B - 2025
C - 2026
D - 2027
On February 7, 2026, Goa released the Goa Bird Atlas, becoming the second state in India after Kerala to publish a state-level bird atlas.
8. What is the main objective of International Epilepsy Day?
A - Promoting new medicines
B - Organizing sports competitions
C - Reducing social stigma and increasing awareness
D - Privatizing hospitals
International Epilepsy Day is observed every year on the second Monday of February, aiming to raise awareness about epilepsy and reduce the social stigma associated with it.
ONE LINER (EXACT)
Which state won the gold medal in the women's category at the Para Throwball National Federation Cup 2026? – Jharkhand
From when will the risk-based deposit insurance premium system be implemented in India? – From April 1, 2026
In which state capital was the Black Swan Summit India 2026 held? – Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha
Which country has removed the additional 25% tariff imposed on India? – United States of America
Which server's beta version has the NSO launched to make government data AI-ready? – Model Context Protocol (MCP) server
Which Indian President addressed the Black Swan Summit India 2026? – President Droupadi Murmu
During which bird festival was the Goa Bird Atlas released? – Goa Bird Festival
What does the fully digital license issued by Kotak Mahindra Bank pertain to? – Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) license
When is International Epilepsy Day celebrated every year? – On the second Monday of February
Which state became the second state in India after Kerala to publish a state-level bird atlas? – Goa