Current Affairs

SECL CMD Harish Duhan Gets Additional Charge as WCL CMD

In an order issued by the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, Shri Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), has been entrusted with the additional charge of Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL).

The additional responsibility will be effective from February 1, 2026, for an initial period of three months or until further orders, whichever is earlier.



Union Bank of India Announces Senior Management Change on February 1, 2026

Union Bank of India has informed the stock exchanges about key changes in its senior management in compliance with Regulation 30 and Regulation 51 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

The Bank announced that Shri Bhaskara Rao Kare, Chief General Manager, superannuated from the services of the Bank on January 31, 2026, marking the completion of his tenure.

Following this development, Shri Sarvesh Ranjan, currently serving as General Manager, has been elevated to the post of Chief General Manager with effect from February 1, 2026.



In a first, Kochi airport to run hydrogen-powered buses

Kochi International Airport is set to become the first airport in the country to operate hydrogen-powered buses for passenger transportation. The move is based on an MoA signed between the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster (K-HVIC) Foundation and Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) on Sunday.

The agreement pertains to the procurement and operation of three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses at Kochi airport as part of the Kerala Hydrogen Valley initiative. Under the MoA, the K-HVIC Foundation will provide financial support for the procurement of the buses, with funding capped at `2.90 crore per bus and the overall project of `8.7 crore that will be released in stages.

Procurement of the buses is scheduled to be completed within 12 months. Ownership of the buses will vest with CIAL. The project is expected to enhance passenger convenience while reducing emissions from airport transport operations.



SBI launches ‘CHAKRA’ centre of excellence to finance sunrise sectors

State Bank of India on Monday launched CHAKRA, a Centre of Excellence (CoE) aimed at strengthening financing for sunrise sectors critical to India’s long-term economic transformation and its goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

According to an SBI release, the identified sunrise sectors are expected to attract capital expenditure of around ₹100 lakh crore by 2030.

The CHAKRA Centre will function as a knowledge-led platform to support financing for technology-driven and sustainability-focused industries. The bank said it will enhance its risk assessment capabilities and develop innovative financing structures aligned with evolving business models to channel capital into these capital-intensive sectors.



Indian Air Force Showcases Aerial Prowess at Singapore Airshow

The Indian Air Force, IAF is showcasing its aerial capability at the Singapore Airshow this year. The Ministry of Defence has informed that the IAF is participating with the Sarang Helicopter Display Team and is flying the indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv at the event.

The airshow, being held at the Changi Exhibition Centre from the 3rd to the 8th of this month, is Asia’s leading biennial aerospace and defence exhibition. Sarang’s precision flying and close-formation manoeuvres highlight the versatility and reliability of the ALH Dhruv. The event features flying displays by four teams and a static display of 37 aircraft.



RITES & SAIL Sign Strategic MoU for Locomotive Leasing & Maintenance

RITES Limited, a premier Navratna Public Sector Enterprise and a leader in transport infrastructure consultancy, has officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). This strategic alliance is set to overhaul the logistics and locomotive management across SAIL’s extensive network of plants and mines.



Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Launches MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026

Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today launched MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026, following the success of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. The nationwide youth-centric initiative, which will commence tomorrow, is aimed at enhancing the understanding of the Union Budget by the Youths of the country, making budgetary provisions more accessible, relatable and citizen-centric. It seeks to connect the Budget with the everyday lives of citizens by engaging youth from colleges, institutions and coaching centers across the country through a structured and participatory framework. Launching the initiative, the Minister said that with MY Bharat Budget Quest, the government focuses to empower young voices.

Dr Mandaviya said that the first round of the competition will be open to the youth registered on the MY Bharat portal till the 17th of this month. After this, top performers from each State and Union Territory will be selected and they will take part in the second essay-writing round from February 17 to March 3rd. In the essay round, youth will be provided with eight topics related to the Union Budget aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat. The Ministry informed that state and Union Territory wise merit lists of the quest will be announced on March 10th. The winners will also get an opportunity to participate in an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



NSO to conduct nationwide migration survey

The National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), will conduct a Survey on Migration across the country during July 2026 to June 2027, aimed at generating comprehensive and updated data on migration patterns in India.

According to a written reply shared by Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, the proposed survey will capture detailed information on the extent and nature of migration, including rural–urban and inter-state movement, reasons for migration, return and seasonal migration, and the employment profiles of migrants.

The Ministry said the data generated will help policymakers, planners, researchers and development practitioners design more targeted interventions in key areas such as urban planning, housing, transport infrastructure, employment generation, social security and skill development.



Rajnath Singh approves grant of ‘Miniratna’ Category-I status to Yantra India Limited

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the grant of Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited (YIL), marking a significant milestone in the company’s transformation into a profit-making defence public sector undertaking.

Congratulating the company, the Defence Minister expressed satisfaction over YIL’s rapid progress since its corporatisation, noting its efforts to increase turnover, enhance indigenisation, and meet key performance benchmarks required for Miniratna status. YIL has achieved this recognition within four years of its formation.

The company has recorded substantial growth in sales, which rose from ₹956.32 crore in the second half of FY 2021-22 to ₹3,108.79 crore in FY 2024-25. Its export performance has also shown a sharp rise, increasing from zero exports in FY 2021-22 (H2) to ₹321.77 crore in FY 2024-25. YIL’s product portfolio includes carbon fibre composites, assemblies for medium and large calibre ammunition, armoured vehicles, artillery guns, main battle tanks, glass composites and aluminium alloys.



India to host 1st-ever Big Cat Summit to boost conservation, 95 nations to attend

India will host the first-ever Global Big Cat Summit this year, bringing together heads of governments and ministers from 95 range countries to deliberate on collective strategies for conservation, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Sunday.

Presenting the Union Budget for 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said the summit would mark a significant step in strengthening global cooperation for the protection of big cats.

"This year, India is hosting the first-ever Global Big Cat Summit, where heads of governments and ministers from 95 range countries will deliberate on collective strategies for conservation," she said.