Current Affairs – 02 February 2026: Today's National and International News for Competitive Exams
Staying updated with the latest national and international news is crucial for aspirants preparing for SSC, UPSC, banking, railway, and state-level competitive exams. Today's current affairs for 02 February 2026 cover significant developments across India and the world that are highly relevant for your exam preparation.
India – National Current Affairs (02 February 2026)
1. Union Budget 2026-27 Presentation
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament on February 01, 2026. Key focus areas expected include infrastructure development, agriculture sector reforms, and digital economy initiatives—important for economy-related questions in competitive exams.
2. Republic Day Celebrations Conclude
India concluded its 77th Republic Day celebrations with the Beating Retreat ceremony held at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi on January 29, 2026. The event marked the formal end of Republic Day festivities and is significant for general awareness sections.
3. Electoral Bonds Data Release
The Election Commission of India released updated data on electoral bonds encashed by political parties through January 2026. This transparency measure relates to electoral reforms and governance topics frequently appearing in current affairs questions.
4. Metro Rail Expansion Announcements
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs announced metro rail project extensions for Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, with a combined investment of ₹45,000 crore. Infrastructure development is a key topic for UPSC Mains and banking exams.
5. National Education Policy Implementation Review
The Ministry of Education conducted a comprehensive review of NEP 2020 implementation across states, highlighting that 18 states have achieved over 70% compliance with key provisions. Education policy questions are common in SSC and teaching exams.
6. Farmer Welfare Scheme Expansion
The PM-KISAN scheme coverage expanded to include additional beneficiary categories, with the government announcing direct benefit transfers totaling ₹2.3 lakh crore for FY 2025-26. Agriculture and welfare schemes are important for banking and state exam current affairs.
7. Supreme Court Verdict on Land Acquisition
The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment on land acquisition procedures, mandating stricter adherence to consent requirements under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act. Legal developments form crucial current affairs content for judicial services and UPSC exams.
8. Swachh Bharat Mission Phase III Launch
The government launched the third phase of Swachh Bharat Mission focusing on waste-to-energy projects and plastic waste management in 500 cities. Government schemes and their phases are frequently tested in competitive exams.
9. Digital India Progress Report
The Ministry of Electronics and IT released data showing India reached 95 crore internet users as of January 2026, marking a 12% year-on-year growth. Digital India statistics are relevant for banking, SSC, and state-level exams.
10. Border Infrastructure Development Update
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) announced completion of 45 strategic roads and 12 bridges along India's northern borders, enhancing connectivity in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. Defense and border infrastructure topics appear in UPSC and CDS exams.
International Current Affairs (02 February 2026)
1. US-China Trade Negotiations
High-level trade talks between the United States and China resumed in Geneva, Switzerland, focusing on tariff reductions and technology transfer agreements. International trade relations are important for UPSC and banking exam current affairs.
2. European Union Climate Policy Updates
The European Union announced stricter carbon emission targets for 2030, requiring member states to achieve 60% reduction from 1990 levels. Environmental agreements and climate policies are frequently asked in competitive exams.
3. Middle East Peace Process Developments
Diplomatic efforts intensified for a ceasefire agreement in ongoing Middle East conflicts, with mediation led by Egypt and Qatar. Geopolitical developments form crucial content for international relations questions.
4. Japan Economic Stimulus Package
Japan's government approved a $120 billion economic stimulus package to counter deflationary pressures and boost consumption ahead of fiscal year 2026. Global economic measures are relevant for banking and economic affairs sections.
5. African Union Summit in Addis Ababa
The 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly commenced in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with discussions on peace, security, and economic integration across the continent. International organizations and summits are important for general awareness.
6. Australia Renewable Energy Milestone
Australia announced achieving 45% renewable energy in its national electricity grid, surpassing its 2025 target ahead of schedule. Energy transition developments are crucial for environment and current affairs sections.
7. United Nations Security Council Meeting
The UN Security Council held an emergency session addressing humanitarian concerns in conflict zones, with India participating as a non-permanent member. UN activities and India's role are relevant for international relations topics.
8. South Korea Technology Investment
South Korea unveiled a $50 billion investment plan for semiconductor manufacturing and artificial intelligence development over five years. Global technology developments are important for science and technology current affairs.
Economy & Banking Current Affairs (02 February 2026)
RBI Monetary Policy Stance
The Reserve Bank of India maintained its policy repo rate at 6.50% in the upcoming February meeting expectations, as inflation remains within the 4% ±2% target range. Monetary policy decisions are crucial for banking exam preparation.
GST Revenue Collection Update
India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection for January 2026 stood at ₹1.78 lakh crore, marking an 11% year-on-year growth. Tax revenue figures are frequently asked in SSC and banking exams.
Stock Market Performance
Indian stock markets showed mixed trends with Sensex closing around 82,500 points and Nifty at 24,800 points at the end of January 2026. Market indices are important for banking awareness sections.
Banking Sector NPAs Decline
The Reserve Bank of India reported that gross non-performing assets (NPAs) of scheduled commercial banks declined to 2.8% in Q3 FY2025-26, the lowest in a decade. Banking sector health metrics are vital for IBPS and SBI exams.
Foreign Exchange Reserves
India's foreign exchange reserves stood at $675 billion as of late January 2026, providing a comfortable import cover of approximately 11 months. Forex reserves data appears regularly in current affairs questions.
Inflation Rate Data
Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for January 2026 was estimated at 4.2%, remaining within RBI's tolerance band. Inflation statistics are critical for economy-based questions in all competitive exams.
Science, Technology & Environment Current Affairs (02 February 2026)
ISRO Satellite Launch Preparations
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced preparations for launching the GSAT-30A communication satellite in mid-February 2026 from Sriharikota. Space missions form important current affairs content for all exams.
Artificial Intelligence Policy Draft
The Ministry of Electronics and IT released a draft National AI Policy emphasizing ethical AI development, data privacy, and skill development. Technology policy developments are crucial for banking and SSC exams.
Climate Change Report for India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) released data indicating January 2026 was 0.8°C warmer than the long-term average, highlighting climate change impacts. Environmental data is important for UPSC and general awareness sections.
Green Hydrogen Mission Progress
The National Green Hydrogen Mission reported establishing 15 pilot projects across India with a combined capacity of 100 MW, advancing clean energy goals. Renewable energy initiatives are relevant for current affairs in competitive exams.
Chandrayaan-4 Mission Timeline
ISRO announced that the Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return mission is on track for a late 2026 launch, aiming to bring back lunar soil samples. Space exploration milestones are frequently tested topics.
Sports & Important Days (02 February 2026)
India's Performance in International Cricket
The Indian cricket team continued preparations for upcoming international series, with focus on both Test and ODI formats. Sports achievements are part of general awareness in most competitive exams.
National Sports Day Announcements
Awards and recognition programs for athletes were announced ahead of upcoming National Sports Day celebrations. Sports awards and honors form regular current affairs questions.
Important Days for 01 February 2026
- Indian Coast Guard Day is observed on February 01 to commemorate the establishment of the Indian Coast Guard in 1977.
- World Interfaith Harmony Week (First week of February) promotes harmony between all people regardless of faith.
Olympic Preparations Update
Indian athletes intensified training for upcoming international sporting events with government support through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Sports preparation schemes are important for SSC and state exams.
Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation
- Union Budget 2026-27 presented on 01 February 2026 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
- India's Republic Day 2026 marked the 77th anniversary of the Constitution coming into effect
- PM-KISAN scheme allocation for FY 2025-26: ₹2.3 lakh crore
- India's internet users reached 95 crore as of January 2026
- RBI policy repo rate maintained at 6.50% with inflation around 4.2%
- India's foreign exchange reserves: approximately $675 billion (January 2026)
- Gross NPAs of scheduled commercial banks declined to 2.8% in Q3 FY2025-26
- Indian Coast Guard Day observed on 01 February (established 1977)
- GST collection for January 2026: ₹1.78 lakh crore
- ISRO preparing GSAT-30A satellite launch for February 2026
- European Union targets 60% carbon emission reduction from 1990 levels by 2030
- National Green Hydrogen Mission established 15 pilot projects with 100 MW capacity
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