Bond Yields Surge After Budget on Record Borrowing Plan

The government bond market saw a sharp reaction on February 2, 2026, with the benchmark 10-year government bond yield climbing to its highest level in over a year, a day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget and announced a record gross borrowing programme for 2026–27. The 10-year yield rose by as much as 8 basis points to 6.78%, its highest level since January 17, 2025, marking the Read More …

Budget 2026-27: ₹20,000 Crore Allocated for Carbon Capture Technologies

The Union Budget has earmarked ₹20,000 crore over the next five years for the development of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) solutions, signalling a major policy push towards technologies critical for reducing emissions from India’s most carbon-intensive industries. The move is seen as a long-term enabler for India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions. CCUS focuses on capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) released during industrial processes and preventing it from entering Read More …

Motion of Thanks

Discussion on matters referred to in the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha takes place under Rule 17 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, through a Motion of Thanks moved by one member and seconded by another. On the days allotted for the debate, the House is free to discuss all issues mentioned in the Address. The scope of discussion is wide, allowing members to raise a Read More …

Budget Proposal on ‘Turtle Trails’ Raises Conservation Concerns

The Union Budget’s proposal to develop ‘turtle trails’ along key Olive Ridley nesting sites in the coastal areas of Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala has triggered strong scepticism among conservationists and marine researchers, who warn that such initiatives could threaten fragile nesting ecosystems. Experts argue that mass nesting (arribada) of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles is an extremely sensitive natural phenomenon that requires minimal human disturbance. They caution that permitting ecotourism Read More …

CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ (FOR ALL EXAMs) 3 FEBRUARY 2026

MONTHLY COMPILED PDFSs of MCQs with EXPLANATION ARE AVAILABLE. (ONE MONTH PDF: Rs 65) (ONE YEAR PDFS RS 650.) PAY TO 9818187354 through Google Pay or Phone Pe or Paytm. WhatsApp: 9818187354/7428811251. OR CLICK HERE (USEFULL FOR: UPSC, BPSC, JPSC, UPPSC, MPPSC, APPSC, WBPSC, KPSC, HPSC, NDA, CDS, BANKING, ETC..) (COPYING MCQs Prohibited: [email protected]) Question: With reference to Bharat-VISTAAR announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, consider the following statements:1. It Read More …

Union Budget 2026–27: Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 announced the launch of the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative’ in the Union Budget 2026–27, aimed at strengthening the khadi and handicrafts sector across the country. The initiative seeks to streamline the production and manufacturing of khadi products and enhance their competitiveness in domestic and international markets. Presenting the Budget, the Finance Minister said the scheme would benefit weavers and rural youth, Read More …

What are SHE-Marts?

In the Union Budget 2026–27 (₹53.4 lakh crore), Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of ‘SHE-Marts’ to strengthen market access for rural women-led enterprises. What are SHE-Marts? Objectives Linkages with Existing Schemes Lakhpati Didi Programme

Union Budget 2026–27: Major Expansion of Safe Harbour Rules for IT Services

In the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant overhaul and expansion of the Safe Harbour framework for IT services, aimed at simplifying transfer pricing compliance and enhancing ease of doing business. Key Announcements Expanded Eligibility Threshold Unified Category: “Information Technology Services” All to be clubbed under a single category, recognising growing convergence in the digital services sector. Common Safe Harbour Margin Automated Approval Process Long-term Tax Read More …

What is the Power Gap Index?

The Economic Survey 2025–26 makes a first-of-its-kind reference to the Power Gap Index, citing it as evidence that India is operating below its full strategic potential. What is the Power Gap Index? Interpretation: India’s Performance Asia Power Index 2025 Comparison with Other Countries Country Power Gap Score Japan +1.0 Australia +8.0 Singapore +5.2 South Korea +5.1 India –4.0 These countries convert relatively smaller resource bases into greater regional influence through Read More …

Union Budget 2026–27: Boost to Orange Economy and Creative Education

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2026–27, announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s Orange Economy and expanding access to creative education, with a special emphasis on youth and women. Key Announcements Objectives of AVGC Content Creator Labs Focus on Inclusive Growth The initiative is designed to: What is the Orange Economy? The Orange Economy refers to economic activities driven by: It includes sectors Read More …

Union Budget 2026–27: India to Set Up Rare Earth Corridors in Coastal States

In her Union Budget 2026–27 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of dedicated rare earth corridors in India’s coastal states—Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu—to strengthen domestic capacity in critical mineral supply chains and reduce strategic dependence on imports. Key Announcements Why REPMs Matter REPMs are high-strength magnets essential for: Currently, the global REPM supply chain is highly concentrated, with China controlling over 90% of both manufacturing Read More …

World Wetlands Day 2026

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav highlighted that wetlands nurture not only ecosystems, but also communities, culture and livelihoods, underlining their multifaceted importance for sustainable development. To mark World Wetlands Day 2026, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change organised a special event at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary on the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.” The event emphasised the Read More …

What is Biopharma SHAKTI Initiative?

The Union Budget 2026–27 marks a decisive shift in India’s pharmaceutical policy by placing biopharma and biologic medicines at the core of the country’s healthcare and manufacturing strategy. The move aligns with the Government of India’s long-term vision of transforming India into a leading global biopharma hub and capturing 5 per cent of the global biopharmaceutical market. Biopharma SHAKTI Initiative A key announcement in the Budget is the launch of Read More …

Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on January 28 launched the CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026, a nationwide public outreach and awareness initiative aimed at strengthening India’s coastal security through community participation. Significance of India’s Coastline India’s coastline spans 72 coastal districts and is home to nearly 18 per cent of the country’s population. Covering about 12 per cent of India’s mainland area, the coastal belt is critical to the Read More …