🗞️ Why in News February 7, 2026 saw a historic tripartite agreement for Frontier Nagaland, an RBI monetary policy decision, India’s Agni-III missile test, and a range of economic, judicial, and international developments.

Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Agreement Signed

A tripartite agreement was signed between the Union Government, Nagaland Government, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), granting financial autonomy and legislative/executive powers over 46 state subjects to six eastern Nagaland districts.

The FNTA covers Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator districts, home to 8 recognised Naga tribes. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio. Article 371(A) protections for Nagaland remain unaffected by the arrangement. This is the 12th agreement signed for the Northeast since 2019 under the current government.

UPSC Angle (GS2): Federal structure, Article 371(A), Sixth Schedule areas, Northeast governance, Centre-State conflict resolution.

RBI MPC Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% — Neutral Stance

The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) maintained the repo rate at 5.25% in its February 2026 review, retaining a “neutral” policy stance. The previous rate cut of 25 basis points was in December 2025, making this the second consecutive hold.

The MPC revised upward the FY26 GDP growth forecast to 7.4% (from 7.3%) and the retail inflation projection to 2.1% (from 2.0%). December 2025 headline inflation was 1.33%, well within the RBI’s 2–6% target band. The cumulative rate reduction in the current easing cycle stands at 125 basis points.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Monetary policy, inflation targeting, RBI mandate, interest rate transmission, MPC composition.

DPIIT Revises Startup Recognition Framework — New Deep Tech Category

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified revised startup recognition criteria under the Startup India Action Plan. Key changes: turnover limit raised from Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore for general startups; a new “Deep Tech Startup” category introduced with a turnover cap of Rs 300 crore and extended recognition period of 20 years (general: 10 years). Cooperative societies are newly made eligible. India has 2 lakh+ recognised startups and 120+ unicorns. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and Rs 1 lakh crore RDI Fund support the ecosystem. About 45% of recognised startups have a woman director.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Innovation policy, industrial regulation, Section 80-IAC (IT Act), startup ecosystem.

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

Union Minister Amit Shah launched “Bharat Taxi”, India’s first cooperative-sector ride-hailing platform, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. It is registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 and backed by IFFCO, AMUL, NCDC, NABARD, NDDB, KRIBHCO, NAFED, and NCEL.

Incorporated on June 6, 2025 and piloted from December 2, 2025, Bharat Taxi offers drivers (called “Sarathis”) 80% of fare revenue (vs the 20–25% typical of commercial platforms). It has 150+ women drivers as “Bike Didi.” Currently operational in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, with national expansion planned over 2–3 years. Nine MoUs were signed at the launch.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Cooperative sector, gig economy regulation, platform economy, women entrepreneurship.

Supreme Court Issues Final Deadline to Telangana Speaker on Anti-Defection

The Supreme Court imposed a final 3-week deadline on the Telangana Assembly Speaker to decide pending disqualification petitions against defecting MLAs under the Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule), warning of contempt proceedings for non-compliance.

The Tenth Schedule was introduced by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment (1985) and governs defection disqualification. The 91st Constitutional Amendment (2003) capped the size of ministerial councils. The Supreme Court has consistently held that Speakers’ quasi-judicial role under the Tenth Schedule is subject to judicial review, a principle upheld in the Nabam Rebia (2016) and Kihoto Hollohan (1992) cases.

UPSC Angle (GS2): Tenth Schedule, anti-defection law, constitutional amendments, judicial oversight of legislative Speaker.

Rat-Hole Mining Explosion Kills Workers in Meghalaya

An explosion at an illegally operating rat-hole coal mine in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya killed at least 18 workers, the deadliest such incident since the December 2018 Ksan mine flooding. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned rat-hole mining in April 2014 on grounds of no mining leases, no environmental clearances, child labour use, and zero safety standards. The ban has been upheld by the Supreme Court but enforcement remains weak due to the complexity of Sixth Schedule tribal land rights in the state. The three Autonomous District Councils (Khasi Hills, Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills) exercise significant powers over land use.

UPSC Angle (GS3/GS2): Environmental governance, Sixth Schedule, NGT powers, illegal mining, Acid Mine Drainage.

Agni-III Ballistic Missile Successfully Test-Fired

India successfully test-fired the Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha, under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). Agni-III has a strike range exceeding 3,000 km and payload capacity of approximately 1.5 tonnes. The Agni missile programme was conceptualised in the 1980s; the first test was in 1989. The Strategic Forces Command, established in 2003, is responsible for the management and administration of India’s nuclear forces.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Ballistic missile programme, strategic deterrence, DRDO, nuclear command authority.

India Pays UN Regular Budget — Joins Honour Roll

India paid USD 35.18 million to the UN Regular Budget for 2026, joining 51 other member states on the UN’s “honour roll” for full and timely payment within the 30-day window. India’s assessed contribution is USD 38.223 million (1.016% of the total UN budget), reduced by USD 3.091 million for staff income tax offsets. The total UN Regular Budget for 2026 is USD 3.45 billion.

UPSC Angle (GS2): UN financing, India’s multilateral commitments, international organisations, assessed contributions.

RBI Approves Blackstone 9.99% Stake in Federal Bank

The Reserve Bank of India approved the acquisition of up to 9.99% stake in Federal Bank Limited by Blackstone’s entity Asia II Topco XIII Pte Ltd, via preferential issue of convertible warrants. The total investment is Rs 6,196.51 crore (~USD 700 million). The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had given its approval in December 2025. Board nomination rights are triggered at ≥5% shareholding.

UPSC Angle (GS3): FDI in banking sector, RBI ownership regulations, fit-and-proper criteria, private equity in financial sector.

EAM Jaishankar’s USA Visit — Critical Minerals Ministerial

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Washington D.C. (February 2–4, 2026) for the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting and met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. India announced support for FORGE (Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement), chaired by South Korea until June 2026. US President Trump launched “Project Vault” — a strategic minerals reserve backed by USD 12 billion (USD 10 billion EXIM Bank + USD 2 billion private sector). India highlighted risks of over-concentration in critical mineral processing chains (reference to China’s dominance in rare earths, lithium processing).

UPSC Angle (GS2/GS3): India-US relations, critical minerals geopolitics, supply chain security, resource diplomacy.

POWERGRID Subsidiaries Merger — MCA Approval

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) approved the merger of 17 wholly-owned POWERGRID (Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd) subsidiaries into two entities, effective April 1, 2024: 12 subsidiaries into “POWERGRID Khavda II-C Transmission Limited” and 5 into “POWERGRID Vataman Transmission Limited.” The consolidation streamlines operational management of transmission infrastructure projects.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Public sector restructuring, power transmission infrastructure, POWERGRID as Navratna PSU.

Rouble Nagi Wins Global Teacher Prize 2026

Rouble Nagi, a Mumbai-based teacher and social activist, won the Global Teacher Prize 2026 (prize value: USD 1 million) at the World Government Summit in Dubai. Nagi has established 800+ learning centres across India. The prize is awarded by the Varkey Foundation (established 2014) in collaboration with UNESCO. GEMS Education (est. 1959, chaired by Sunny Varkey, HQ: Dubai) is the founding entity.

UPSC Angle (GS1/GS2): Education innovation, social development, international recognition of Indian educators.

WPL 2026 Final — Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Win

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women won the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 title, defeating Delhi Capitals Women by 6 wickets in the final at Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. RCB-W chased 204/4 in 19.4 overs — the highest successful chase in WPL final history. Smriti Mandhana scored 87 off 41 balls and finished as leading scorer of the tournament (377 runs). The Mandhana-Georgia Voll partnership of 165 runs was the highest in any WPL final. WPL 2026 (4th edition) ran from January 9 to February 5, 2026; title sponsor: TATA Group.

Union Budget 2026-27: Chemical Parks Initiative

The Union Budget 2026-27 announced India’s first dedicated budgetary support for chemical park infrastructure — a challenge-based scheme with an allocation of Rs 600 crore to support 3 state-level chemical parks. India’s chemical industry contributes 7% of GDP, is ranked 6th globally and 3rd in Asia.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Industrial policy, chemical sector, manufacturing clusters, Make in India.

Private Member’s Bill — Mandatory Census Every 10 Years

A Private Member’s Bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha proposing to amend the Census Act, 1948, to legally mandate a nationwide census every 10 years. Only 14 Private Member’s Bills have been passed since Independence; none have passed both Houses since 1970. The last Census was in 2011; the 2021 Census was delayed due to COVID-19 and remains unpublished as of early 2026.

UPSC Angle (GS2): Parliamentary procedures, Private Member’s Bills, Census importance for delimitation and welfare planning.

Supreme Court on DGP Appointments — Prakash Singh Judgment Violations

The Supreme Court flagged ongoing violation of the Prakash Singh judgment (2006) by states appointing “acting” DGPs to bypass merit-based UPSC-panel selection requirements. The Court issued directions in 2018 and 2019 mandating a minimum 2-year tenure for DGPs to ensure operational independence from political interference.

UPSC Angle (GS2): Police reform, Prakash Singh case, judicial oversight of executive appointments, constitutional governance.

FLO Bengaluru — India’s First Women-Led Industrial Park

The FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) Bangalore inaugurated India’s first women-led industrial park at Gowribidanur, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka — 50 acres exclusively for FLO Bangalore members, set up in partnership with KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board) and Karnataka Udyog Mitra. Features include single-window clearances and access to financial institutions. FLO was established in 1983 and is headquartered in New Delhi.

UPSC Angle (GS1/GS3): Women entrepreneurship, gender-inclusive industrial development, state industrial policy.

Himachal Pradesh Geothermal MoU and “Padhai with AI” Platform

The Himachal Pradesh Government signed a geothermal energy exploration MoU with Geotropy India Pvt Ltd under CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. HP also launched “Padhai with AI” — an AI-based digital learning platform for competitive exam preparation, piloted in Bilaspur district.

UPSC Angle (GS3): Renewable energy (geothermal), digital education initiatives, state-level governance innovations.

UPSC Relevance

Prelims: FNTA (6 eastern Nagaland districts, 46 subjects, Article 371(A)); RBI repo rate 5.25% (neutral stance, FY26 GDP 7.4%); DPIIT startup revision (Rs 200 crore general / Rs 300 crore deep tech); Bharat Taxi (MSCS Act 2002, 80% driver share); 52nd Amendment/Tenth Schedule; Agni-III (3,000+ km, ITR Chandipur); UN Regular Budget (USD 35.18 million, 1.016%); Blackstone-Federal Bank (9.99%, Rs 6,196.51 crore); FORGE (critical minerals); Rouble Nagi (Global Teacher Prize 2026, USD 1 million); WPL 2026 RCB-W; Chemical Parks (Rs 600 crore, 3 parks); Census Act 1948; Prakash Singh 2006.

Mains GS-2: FNTA model and Article 371(A); Anti-defection law and Tenth Schedule; DGP appointments and police reform; parliamentary procedures and Private Member’s Bills. GS-3: RBI monetary policy and inflation targeting; startup ecosystem and DPIIT; cooperative sector and platform economy; critical minerals geopolitics.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

FNTA (Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority):

  • Districts: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, Shamator (6 eastern Nagaland)
  • Subjects transferred: 46 state subjects
  • Tribes represented: 8 recognised Naga tribes (ENPO umbrella)
  • Constitutional basis: Negotiated under Article 371(A) framework
  • Agreement signed by: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio, ENPO
  • Northeast agreements count: 12th since 2019

RBI MPC — February 2026:

  • Repo rate: 5.25% (unchanged, neutral stance)
  • Last cut: 25 bps in December 2025
  • Cumulative cuts in cycle: 125 bps
  • FY26 GDP forecast: 7.4% (revised up from 7.3%)
  • FY26 inflation projection: 2.1%
  • December 2025 headline inflation: 1.33%
  • RBI inflation target band: 2–6%

DPIIT Startup Revision:

  • General startup turnover cap: Rs 200 crore (up from Rs 100 crore)
  • Deep Tech turnover cap: Rs 300 crore (new category)
  • Deep Tech recognition period: 20 years (general: 10 years)
  • Recognised startups in India: 2 lakh+
  • Unicorns: 120+
  • Women director share: 45% of recognised startups

Agni-III Missile:

  • Type: Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)
  • Range: 3,000+ km
  • Payload: ~1.5 tonnes
  • Test site: ITR (Integrated Test Range), Chandipur, Odisha
  • Supervised by: Strategic Forces Command (SFC); est. 2003

Bharat Taxi:

  • Registered under: Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002
  • Incorporated: June 6, 2025; pilot: December 2, 2025
  • Driver revenue share: 80% (industry average: 20–25%)
  • Women drivers: 150+ “Bike Didi”
  • Backing institutions: IFFCO, AMUL, NCDC, NABARD, NDDB, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NCEL

India at UN:

  • UN Regular Budget payment: USD 35.18 million
  • Assessed contribution: USD 38.223 million (1.016% of total)
  • UN Regular Budget 2026: USD 3.45 billion
  • Honour roll members (timely payers): 51 states

WPL 2026:

  • Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women
  • Venue of final: Vadodara International Cricket Stadium
  • Edition: 4th (January 9 – February 5, 2026)
  • RCB-W chase: 204/4 in 19.4 overs (highest successful WPL final chase)
  • Smriti Mandhana: 87 off 41 balls; 377 runs (tournament top scorer)
  • Mandhana-Voll partnership: 165 runs (WPL final record)
  • Prize: Winners Rs 6 crore; runners-up Rs 3 crore

Other Relevant Facts:

  • Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection): inserted by 52nd Constitutional Amendment, 1985
  • 91st Constitutional Amendment 2003: capped ministerial council at 15% of House strength
  • Prakash Singh judgment 2006: landmark SC ruling on police reforms; mandated independent Police Complaints Authorities, fixed DGP tenure
  • Chemical industry (India): 7% of GDP; 6th globally; 3rd in Asia
  • Census Act enacted: 1948; last Census conducted: 2011
  • FORGE: Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement; chaired by South Korea until June 2026
  • Project Vault (USA): strategic minerals reserve; USD 12 billion (USD 10B EXIM Bank + USD 2B private)

Sources: AffairsCloud, Drishti IAS