🗞️ Why in News February 4–5, 2026 saw Bharat Taxi launch as India’s first cooperative ride-hailing platform, an Operation Kiya counter-terror success in J&K, a deadly explosion at an illegal rat-hole mine in Meghalaya killing 27 workers, India’s formal joining of the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies, and the RBI MPC beginning its February 2026 rate-setting meeting.

Bharat Taxi — India’s First Cooperative Ride-Hailing Platform

Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi — India’s first cooperative-sector ride-hailing platform — registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. Key features: zero-commission, surge-free pricing; drivers called “Sarathis” retain 80% of earnings. At launch: 21.34 lakh registered users and 2.31 lakh Sarathis. Initially operational in Delhi-NCR (Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad) and Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Somnath, Dwarka). Target: expand to Tier-2/Tier-3 cities and tehsils over three years. Contrast with Ola/Uber: foreign-investment-backed aggregator model. Constitutional backing: Article 43B (promotion of cooperatives, inserted by 97th Constitutional Amendment, 2011).

UPSC Angle (GS2/GS3): Cooperative economy, gig worker rights, platform economy regulation, Ministry of Cooperation.

Meghalaya Rat-Hole Mine Explosion — 27 Dead in East Jaintia Hills

An explosion at an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Thangkso area, East Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya, killed at least 27 workers (final toll; initial reports: 18). Most victims were migrant labourers from Assam. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in Meghalaya in 2014 but illegal operations persisted. NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) and SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) were deployed for rescue. PM expressed condolences; Centre announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh per family; Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced Rs 5 lakh for Assam-origin victims. Meghalaya HC summoned East Jaintia Hills District Collector and SP. Previous similar tragedy: December 2018 — 15 miners trapped in East Jaintia Hills; rescue lasted months. Governing laws: Mines Act, 1952; MMDR Act, 1957; NGT Act, 2010.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Environment — rat-hole mining, NGT powers, tribal customary rights vs. regulation, inter-state migrant labour.

India Joins BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) — DPIIT-UNIDO Trust Fund

India formally joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) through a Trust Fund Agreement signed between DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) and UNIDO at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi on February 4, 2026. India’s designated centre: National Productivity Council (NPC) — under DPIIT policy guidance and UNIDO technical support. BCIC mandate: One-stop support centre for manufacturing companies and MSMEs across BRICS nations, focusing on Industry 4.0 competencies (AI, IoT, automation). Signed by: Economic Adviser DPIIT Agrim Kaushal + UNIDO Director Dr. Cristiano Pasini. Presided by: DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia. NPC was established in 1958; UNIDO is headquartered in Vienna.

UPSC Angle (GS2/GS3): BRICS cooperation, UNIDO mandate, India MSME sector (63 million enterprises, 110 million employed, ~30% GDP), Industry 4.0.

Operation Kiya — Two JeM Terrorists Neutralised in Udhampur, J&K

Operation Kiya concluded after a 20+ hour encounter in Jophar forest, Ramnagar-Basantgarh belt, Udhampur district, J&K (launched February 3 evening; concluded February 4–5). Forces involved: Army’s White Knight Corps (CIF Delta), J&K Police, and CRPF acting on specific police intelligence. Two Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists killed including top commander Rubani alias Abu Mavia (active in the region for several years). Arms recovered: M4 Carbine (US-made), AK Assault Rifle, 3 grenades. JeM was founded by Masood Azhar in 2000, headquartered in Bahawalpur, Pakistan; UN Security Council designated it a global terrorist organisation in 2019. JeM has carried out major attacks: 2001 Parliament attack, 2016 Uri attack, 2019 Pulwama attack.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Counter-terrorism in J&K, multi-force coordination, cross-border terrorism, JeM background.

RBI MPC February 2026 Meeting — Commences February 4

The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) commenced its February 2026 rate-setting meeting (February 4–6, 2026) under RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra. Decision due: February 6, 2026. The MPC is constituted under Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, 1934 (amended 2016) — 6 members (3 RBI officials + 3 external members appointed by government). Meeting takes place against the backdrop of: Union Budget 2026-27 (presented February 1), India-US trade deal (February 2), and cumulative 125 bps of repo rate cuts already delivered since FY25 (from 6.50%). Previous repo rate: 5.25% (held at December 2025 meeting). India’s economy described as in a “Goldilocks phase” — growth ~7.3%, CPI inflation well below the 4% target.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Monetary policy, MPC composition, inflation targeting (RBI Act 1934), repo rate and transmission.

Sabhasaar — AI Platform for Gram Sabha Meeting Records

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s Sabhasaar AI platform — launched August 2025 — had been adopted by 1.11 lakh Gram Panchayats by January 2026 (out of ~2.5 lakh total). Function: AI-powered automatic recording, transcription, and summarisation of Gram Sabha meetings into structured Minutes of Meeting. Operates in 13 Indian languages via Bhashini (National Language Translation Mission). Infrastructure: Government IT systems (no third-party cloud). Significance: reduces panchayat secretary workload, creates legally valid digital records, minimises disputes. Gram Sabha is a constitutional body under Article 243A (73rd Constitutional Amendment, 1992). Showcased at AI India Impact Summit 2026, New Delhi (February 16–20).

UPSC Angle (GS2): Panchayati Raj, 73rd Amendment, e-governance, Article 243A, Bhashini/Digital India.

World Cancer Day — February 4

World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 every year — established by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Theme 2025–2027: “United by Unique” (focusing on individualised cancer care). India’s cancer burden: ~14.1 lakh new cases/year (ICMR 2022 estimate; projected 15.7 lakh by 2025). Most common cancers in India: breast cancer (women), oral cancer (men), cervical cancer. India’s programmes: National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVD and Stroke (NPCDCS); Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (covers cancer treatment up to Rs 5 lakh/year); National Cancer Grid (NCG) — 300+ cancer centres.

UPSC Angle (GS2): NCDs, Universal Health Coverage, SDG 3, NPCDCS, PM-JAY.

International Day of Human Fraternity — February 4

International Day of Human Fraternity is observed on February 4 every year — established by the UN General Assembly in 2020. Origin: Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together signed on February 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis (Catholic Church) and Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb (Al-Azhar, Egypt). Theme 2026: “Dialogue Over Division.” India relevance: Fraternity is part of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution (“fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation”); India’s G20 theme: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family — from Maha Upanishad).

UPSC Angle (GS1/GS4): Constitutional values (Preamble — fraternity), secularism (Articles 25-28), interfaith dialogue.

Spain to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced at the World Governments Summit (Dubai, February 3, 2026) that Spain would become the first European country to ban social media for children under 16, requiring platforms to implement robust age-verification systems. Platform executives face criminal liability for failing to remove illegal/hateful content. Global context: Australia was the first country globally to ban social media for under-16s (December 2025); France approved a bill banning under-15s. India has ~467 million social media users but no age-restriction law; Draft Digital India Act proposes some safeguards. India’s existing framework: IT Act, 2000 and IT (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules, 2021.

UPSC Angle (GS2/GS4): Digital rights, child protection, UN Convention on Rights of the Child (Article 17), IT intermediary liability.

Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary — 63 New Species Recorded

A faunal survey of Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary (Malappuram district, Kerala; Western Ghats) recorded 63 new species including odonates, butterflies, and birds. Butterfly count: 263 species; odonates: 58 species; also 141 moth species, 38 ant species, 5 bee species, 4 fish species. Notable new species: Suffused Double Banded Judy, Painted Courtesan (butterflies); Gomphidia kodaguensis, Rhyothemis triangularis (odonates). Sanctuary area: ~225 sq km; contiguous with Silent Valley National Park. Western Ghats: UNESCO World Heritage Site; one of 8 hottest biodiversity hotspots globally (Conservation International). Odonates are bioindicators of freshwater ecosystem health.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Western Ghats biodiversity, wildlife sanctuaries (Wildlife Protection Act 1972), bioindicators, UNESCO World Heritage.

Persons in News

Sunetra Pawar — Sworn in as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister (January 31, 2026). Rajya Sabha MP; husband Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 29. Under Article 164(4) she must become an MLA/MLC within 6 months.

UPSC Relevance

Prelims: Bharat Taxi (Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act 2002; Article 43B; 97th Amendment 2011; 80% driver share; Sarathis; 21.34 lakh users); JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammad; Masood Azhar; 2000; UN designated 2019; 2019 Pulwama); Operation Kiya (Udhampur; White Knight Corps; M4 Carbine); BCIC (BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies; DPIIT-UNIDO; NPC since 1958; Industry 4.0); MPC (Section 45ZB RBI Act 1934; 6 members; February meeting Feb 4-6); Sabhasaar (13 languages; Bhashini; Article 243A; 1.11 lakh Gram Panchayats); World Cancer Day (Feb 4; UICC; 14.1 lakh cases/yr; oral/breast/cervical); Human Fraternity Day (Feb 4; UNGA 2020; Abu Dhabi 2019; Pope Francis + Grand Imam Al-Tayeb); Karimpuzha WS (Malappuram; 63 new species; contiguous Silent Valley NP; Western Ghats UNESCO); Australia first social media ban under-16 (December 2025); Spain first European ban.

Mains GS-2: Cooperative economy and platform regulation; JeM and Pakistan-based terrorism; Sabhasaar and e-governance in PRIs; Article 243A and Gram Sabha’s role. GS-3: Rat-hole mining ban and enforcement failure; BCIC and Industry 4.0; RBI MPC monetary policy transmission; Western Ghats biodiversity.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

Bharat Taxi:

  • Legal registration: Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002
  • Commission model: Zero commission; surge-free
  • Driver share: 80% of earnings
  • Drivers called: Sarathis
  • At launch: 21.34 lakh registered users; 2.31 lakh Sarathis
  • Launch: Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi; by Home Minister Amit Shah
  • Constitutional backing: Article 43B (Part IV — Directive Principles; cooperatives)
  • Inserted by: 97th Constitutional Amendment, 2011 (added Part IX-B on cooperative societies)

Meghalaya Rat-Hole Mining Blast:

  • Location: Thangkso area, East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
  • Deaths: 27 workers (mostly Assam migrants)
  • NGT ban: 2014 — rat-hole mining banned in Meghalaya
  • Previous tragedy: December 2018 — 15 miners trapped (East Jaintia Hills); months-long rescue
  • Governing laws: NGT Act 2010, Mines Act 1952, MMDR Act 1957
  • Rat-hole mining: Narrow tunnel (diameter: ~3 feet) dug into hillside; unregulated; extremely dangerous

Operation Kiya:

  • Location: Jophar forest, Udhampur district, J&K
  • Duration: 20+ hours (Feb 3 evening → Feb 4-5)
  • Killed: 2 JeM terrorists including Rubani alias Abu Mavia (top commander)
  • Forces: White Knight Corps (Army) + J&K Police + CRPF
  • Weapons recovered: M4 Carbine, AK Assault Rifle, 3 grenades

Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM):

  • Founder: Masood Azhar; Founded: 2000
  • HQ: Bahawalpur, Pakistan
  • UN designation: Global terrorist organisation — 2019 (UNSC Resolution)
  • Major attacks: 2001 Parliament, 2016 Uri, 2019 Pulwama (40 CRPF personnel killed)

BCIC — India’s Joining:

  • Trust Fund Agreement: DPIIT + UNIDO (Feb 4, 2026)
  • India’s nodal body: NPC (National Productivity Council); established 1958
  • NPC parent ministry: DPIIT (not Labour & Employment — note: earlier research cited Labour; BCIC trust fund is with DPIIT)
  • BCIC focus: Industry 4.0, MSMEs, manufacturing competitiveness across BRICS
  • UNIDO HQ: Vienna, Austria

Sabhasaar AI Platform:

  • Developer: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
  • Launched: August 2025
  • Adopted by: 1.11 lakh Gram Panchayats (of ~2.5 lakh total)
  • Languages: 13 Indian languages via Bhashini
  • Legal basis: Article 243A (73rd Amendment, 1992) — Gram Sabha

Other Relevant Facts:

  • Australia: First country to ban social media for under-16s (December 2025)
  • Spain: First European country to ban under-16 social media access (announced Feb 3, 2026)
  • India social media users: ~467 million
  • Karimpuzha WS: Malappuram, Kerala; ~225 sq km; contiguous with Silent Valley NP; 63 new species in 2026 survey
  • World Cancer Day: February 4; India cancer cases: 14.1 lakh/year; National Cancer Grid: 300+ centres
  • International Human Fraternity Day: February 4; UNGA 2020; origin: Abu Dhabi document, February 4, 2019
  • Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: From Maha Upanishad (Chapter 6); India’s G20 theme 2023

24th India-US Joint Technical Group (JTG) Plenary — DRDO, New Delhi

The 24th India-US Joint Technical Group (JTG) Plenary Meeting was held on February 3–4, 2026 at DRDO Headquarters, New Delhi. Co-chairs: Dr. Chandrika Kaushik (Director General, DRDO) and Mr. Michael Francis Dodd (Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies, US Department of War).

Key outcomes:

  • Reviewed ongoing defence S&T cooperation under the India-US Major Defence Partnership (signed October 2025 by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and US Secretary Pete Hegseth)
  • Explored DRDO–Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) collaboration under the Innovation Bridge framework
  • Signed a project agreement on new cooperation areas: Electronic Warfare (EW), Cyber, Artificial Intelligence
  • Discussed university-affiliated research centres and defence lab partnerships

Context: India-US defence trade has reached USD 20 billion. India ordered 113 GE F404 engines (~USD 1 billion) to power Tejas Mk-1A LCA. The JTG is India-US’s premier defence S&T cooperation forum under the DTTI (Defence Technology and Trade Initiative).

UPSC Angle (GS2/GS3): India-US defence partnership milestones: LEMOA (2016), COMCASA (2018), BECA (2020), iCET (2023); DTTI (2012); Quad; DRDO’s role in indigenisation; 75% domestic capital acquisition reservation in Budget 2026.

NAMASTE Scheme — First National Waste-Pickers Enumeration Data

The Union Government released first-ever national enumeration data of waste-pickers under the NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme — a joint initiative of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE).

Key data (validated till January 23, 2026):

  • 1.52 lakh waste-pickers profiled across 35 States/UTs
  • 84.5% belong to SC, ST, and OBC communities — documents occupational segregation of marginalised groups
  • NAMASTE targets enumerating 2.5 lakh individuals
  • Scheme benefits: formal ID cards, safety training, social security, skill development, collective empowerment

Context: Separately, 92% of ~38,000 manual scavengers and hazardous sewer-cleaning workers across Indian cities also belong to SC/ST/OBC communities.

UPSC Angle (GS1/GS2): Constitutional Articles 17 (untouchability abolition), 21 (dignity), 46 (weaker sections); Manual Scavenging Prohibition Act, 2013; NSKFDC (National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation); link between occupational caste and social exclusion.

Turtle Trails — Budget 2026 Eco-Tourism Proposal Draws Conservation Concerns

Budget 2026-27 announced Turtle Trails — strictly regulated eco-tourism circuits centred on sea turtle conservation. Key nesting sites targeted: Gahirmatha (Odisha), Rushikulya (Odisha), Karnataka coast, Kerala coast. Focus species: Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), known for the mass nesting phenomenon called Arribada.

However, conservationists and researchers raised alarms on February 4 that eco-tourism infrastructure could disrupt Olive Ridley nesting — the turtles are highly sensitive to light, noise, and human activity. Concerns include CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) guideline compliance and Environmental Clearance norms.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Olive Ridley: Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act 1972); IUCN: Vulnerable; India’s major nesting sites (Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi river mouth in Odisha); Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary; CRZ Notification 2019; tension between development and conservation.

NTPC Green Energy + Assago MoU — India’s First Large-Scale Green Urea Plant

NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and Assago Industries signed an MoU on February 4, 2026 to develop India’s first large-scale green urea plant at the Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub, Anakapalle district, Andhra Pradesh (~50 km from Visakhapatnam).

  • NGEL will supply green ammonia, CO₂, and renewable energy to Assago
  • Capacity: 1,000 tonnes per day (TPD) of green urea
  • Pudimadaka hub investment: Rs 1.85 lakh crore; target: 1,500 TPD green hydrogen
  • Part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (PM Modi laid foundation stone January 2025)

India currently depends heavily on imported urea (conventional). Green urea = urea produced using green hydrogen and captured CO₂ — a net-zero fertiliser pathway.

UPSC Angle (GS3): National Green Hydrogen Mission; NTPC as Navratna PSU; urea sector (India imports significant conventional urea); fertiliser subsidy reform; Paris Agreement/net-zero 2070.

Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha — Exposition in Sri Lanka (February 4–10)

India exhibited the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha at Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, Sri Lanka from February 4–10, 2026. The relics are normally enshrined at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat.

  • Devnimori archaeological site: near Shamlaji, Aravalli district, Gujarat — an important ancient Buddhist centre
  • Delegation led by Acharya Devvrat (Governor of Gujarat) and Harsh Sanghavi (Deputy CM, Gujarat)
  • Over 1 million devotees participated in veneration across Sri Lanka
  • Part of PM Modi’s cultural diplomacy vision (Sri Lanka visit, April 2025)

UPSC Angle (GS1/GS2): India-Sri Lanka cultural ties; Buddhist diplomacy as soft power; Gujarat’s archaeological significance; Bhakti/Buddhist heritage in Indian civilisation.

Lok Sabha — 8 Opposition MPs Suspended

Eight opposition MPs were suspended from Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Budget Session for “throwing papers on the Chair” during uproar over the Galwan clash reference demand. Suspended members were from Congress. The suspension was later revoked in March 2026 after Speaker Om Birla held an all-party meeting.

UPSC Angle (GS2): Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure — Rule 374 (suspension of members by Speaker); parliamentary privilege; Speaker’s role in maintaining decorum; anti-defection does not apply to suspensions.

DRDO-ISRO MoU — Himalayan Snow and Mountain Meteorology

DRDO and ISRO signed an MoU to use space-based technology for enhanced monitoring of Himalayan snow cover and mountain meteorology forecasting. Focus: satellite-based retrieval algorithms for snow/glacier/terrain; high-resolution forecast integration; shared field data for operational geospatial products.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Himalayas as India’s freshwater tower; glacier retreat and water security; ISRO’s Earth observation missions (Cartosat, RISAT, Resourcesat); DRDO’s strategic infrastructure role.

📌 Additional Facts — February 4, 2026

24th India-US JTG:

  • Framework: DTTI (Defence Technology and Trade Initiative, 2012); under Major Defence Partnership (Oct 2025)
  • New focus areas: Electronic Warfare (EW), Cyber, Artificial Intelligence
  • DRDO-DIU collaboration: under Innovation Bridge framework
  • India-US defence trade: USD 20 billion
  • GE F404 engine deal: 113 engines (~USD 1 billion) for Tejas Mk-1A LCA

NAMASTE Scheme:

  • Ministries: MoHUA + MoSJE (joint scheme)
  • Data released: 1.52 lakh waste-pickers profiled; target 2.5 lakh
  • Marginalised share: 84.5% SC/ST/OBC (35 States/UTs)
  • Link: Manual Scavenging Prohibition Act 2013; Article 17 (untouchability); Article 46 (weaker sections)

Turtle Trails:

  • Proposal: Budget 2026-27; regulated eco-tourism on sea turtle nesting coasts
  • Species: Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea); IUCN: Vulnerable; WPA: Schedule I
  • Nesting phenomenon: Arribada (mass nesting)
  • Key sites: Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary (Odisha), Rushikulya (Odisha), Devi river mouth
  • CRZ Notification: 2019

NTPC Green Urea:

  • Partners: NGEL + Assago Industries; MoU: February 4, 2026
  • Location: Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub, Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh
  • Capacity: 1,000 TPD green urea; Hub investment: Rs 1.85 lakh crore
  • Mission: National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

Devnimori Relics:

  • Normal home: MSU Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
  • Devnimori site: Aravalli district, Gujarat
  • Venue: Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo; Feb 4–10, 2026; ~1 million devotees

Lok Sabha Suspensions:

  • Rule invoked: Rule 374 (Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure — suspension by Speaker)
  • MPs suspended: 8 (Congress); reason: throwing papers at Chair
  • Revoked: March 2026 (after Speaker’s all-party meeting)

Sources: PIB, Business Standard, Insights on India, IDRW, Renewable Watch