3rd February 2026 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

On 3 February 2026, the Supreme Court reinforced cooperative federalism by directing the Centre to constitute a Pennaiyar River Water Disputes Tribunal, addressing the long-standing Tamil Nadu–Karnataka water conflict. The NSO announced a nationwide Migration Survey (2026–27) to generate updated, policy-relevant migration data. In sports and adventure, Kabak Yano of Arunachal Pradesh scaled Mount Aconcagua, the Western Hemisphere’s highest peak, inspiring youth nationwide. Key governance, defence, digital, and international developments further reflected institutional strengthening, strategic cooperation, and India’s growing global and regional engagement.

National News

Supreme Court Instructs Centre to Set Up Pennaiyar River Water Tribunal

• The Supreme Court of India intervened in the long-standing Pennaiyar river dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on 2 February 2026, directing the Union government to set up a dedicated water disputes tribunal within a month.
• The Pennaiyar river, flowing through both states, has been at the centre of conflict due to Karnataka’s construction of check dams and diversion structures, which Tamil Nadu contends reduce downstream water flow and violate the 1892 agreement.
• Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court in 2018, asserting that interstate river waters are national assets and unilateral actions breach federal norms.
• The apex court’s directive relies on Article 262 of the Constitution and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, underscoring the tribunal mechanism for resolving such disputes and highlighting the judiciary’s role in preserving cooperative federalism.

NSO Announces Countrywide Migration Survey to Update Migration Data

• The National Statistics Office will conduct a nationwide Survey on Migration from July 2026 to June 2027.
• It aims to capture rural–urban, inter-state, seasonal, and return migration, along with reasons and employment profiles.
• The survey will provide comprehensive data to guide urban planning, housing, transport, employment, and social protection policies.
• Special focus will be on temporary and circular migration, helping policymakers design evidence-based interventions for balanced regional development.

Kabak Yano from Arunachal Pradesh Conquers This Western Hemisphere’s Highest Peak

• Indian mountaineer Kabak Yano successfully summited Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest peak in South America and the Western Hemisphere at 22,831 feet.
• The 27-year-old climber from Arunachal Pradesh achieved this as part of her 7-Summit Mountaineering Expedition.
• Despite extreme altitude and harsh weather, the ascent showcased her endurance, skill and determination.
• Her achievement has inspired young athletes and brought national attention to adventure sports from the Northeast.A

State News

Pilloo AI Launched to Enable Voice-Based Accounting in Local Languages

• Andhra Pradesh launched Pilloo AI on 2 February 2026, a voice-based billing and accounting app aimed at simplifying financial management for small businesses.
• The AI-powered tool allows users to create invoices, record transactions and generate reports simply by speaking in their native language.
• Supporting multiple Indian languages, it reduces dependence on accountants and complex software for MSMEs.
• The initiative reflects the state’s push to use technology for transparency, ease of business and MSME digitisation.

Assam Government Approves Heritage Grant for Darrang Kings of Koch Dynasty

• On February 2, 2026, Assam announced a ₹50 crore grant to preserve the heritage of the Darrang kings of the Koch dynasty.
• The initiative will restore royal sites, monuments, and cultural landmarks, highlighting the dynasty’s historical and cultural contributions.
• The move honours figures like Mahabir Chilarai and Maharaj Naranarayan while promoting Assam’s tourism and indigenous identity.
• Additional steps include unveiling statues, inaugurating Chilarai Bhawans, and supporting the All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilani.

International News

Dhaka Court Sentences Former PM Sheikh Hasina to 10 Years in Corruption Cases

• Dhaka court sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in prison over two corruption cases involving land allocation.
• The verdict also convicted several of her relatives, including her nephew and nieces, with prison terms ranging from 2 to 7 years.
• Fines of Tk 1 lakh were imposed, with additional imprisonment for defaults.
• Hasina has been living in exile in India since August 2025, making this one of Bangladesh’s most significant recent corruption judgments.

United States and India Reach To Trade Deal, Tariffs Reduced to 18%

• On 2 February 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States and India have reached a trade deal following a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The agreement includes an immediate reduction of U.S. reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%.
• Trump claimed India would lower tariffs and non-tariff barriers on U.S. products and significantly increase imports, including energy purchases.
• While PM Modi welcomed the tariff cut, detailed legal commitments and long-term implications are yet to be officially clarified.

Agreements News

India, European Union Sign Key Agreement to Boost Cross-Border Digital Trade

• India and the EU signed an administrative arrangement to enable secure cross-border use of electronic signatures and seals.
• The agreement, signed by MeitY and DG CONNECT officials, ensures legal validity of digital contracts and documents between the two regions.
• It links trusted service providers in India and the EU, facilitating paperless trade.
• Implementation in India will be overseen by the Controller of Certifying Authorities under the IT Act, 2000, reducing delays, cutting costs, and strengthening digital trust and cooperation in cross-border commerce.

IHMCL, NFSU Join Hands to Safeguard Digital Highway Operations

• Indian Highways Management Company Limited has signed an MoU with the National Forensic Sciences University to strengthen cyber security and data protection in highway operations.
• The agreement focuses on cyber forensics, digital evidence integrity, training and research for a three-year period.
• It aims to secure digital systems such as MLFF tolling and advanced traffic management platforms from cyber threats.
• The move highlights the government’s push to safeguard critical digital infrastructure as highways become increasingly technology-driven.

Appointments News

New Director Appointment in Defence Department Approved BY ACC, Check Here

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of M Anitha, an IRS (Income Tax) officer of the 2007 batch, as Director in the Department of Defense.
• She will join on lateral shift from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management under the Central Staffing Scheme.
• Her tenure will run until 26 September 2026, completing the balance of her five-year deputation.
• The move reflects the government’s practice of placing experienced civil servants in key strategic ministries.

Meet The First Woman To Hold AAI Board Member Post

• Nivedita Dubey has taken charge as Member (Human Resources) of the Airports Authority of India from January 30, becoming the first woman to hold this position on the AAI Board.
• With over 30 years of experience, she has served in key operational and leadership roles across India’s aviation sector.
• Her appointment marks a milestone for inclusive leadership and stronger HR governance at AAI.
• She will oversee personnel policies, industrial relations and workforce development amid rapid airport expansion.

Awards News

Indian-Origin Scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan Wins Crafoord Prize 2026

• Indian-origin scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan has been awarded the Crafoord Prize, often called the “Nobel of Geosciences,” for his groundbreaking climate research.
• His work proved that gases like CFCs, methane and nitrous oxide play a major role in global warming, beyond carbon dioxide alone.
• His discoveries reshaped climate science and influenced global policies, including the Montreal Protocol.
• The award recognises his lifelong contribution to understanding climate change and protecting the planet through science.

Defense News

Yantra India Limited Granted Miniratna Category-I Status by Ministry of Defense

• Yantra India Limited has been granted Miniratna Category-I status on 2 February 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s defence manufacturing reforms.
• Formed after the corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board, YIL has rapidly emerged as a profit-making PSU with strong sales and rising exports.
• The new status gives it greater financial and operational autonomy, enabling faster investment and modernization decisions.
• The move strengthens India’s push for self-reliance and competitiveness in defence production.

13th India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Military Exercise KHANJAR-XIII Scheduled in Assam

• From 4 to 17 February 2026, India and Kyrgyzstan will conduct the 13th edition of Exercise KHANJAR at Misamari, Assam.
• The joint drill involves elite Special Forces, focusing on counter-terrorism, urban warfare, and advanced tactical operations.
• Started in 2011, KHANJAR enhances interoperability, trust, and knowledge-sharing between the two militaries.
• The exercise underscores the strategic partnership, preparing forces for modern combat challenges and multinational or UN-mandated operations.

Sports News

Asian Rifle & Pistol Shooting Championships 2026 Begin in This City

• The Asian Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championships 2026 have begun at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in New Delhi, bringing together elite shooters from across Asia.
• The two-week tournament features 10m, 25m and 50m rifle and pistol events across men’s, women’s, junior and youth categories.
• A total of 17 countries are participating, highlighting the depth of Asian shooting talent.
• Hosting the championship reinforces India’s growing stature as a global hub for international shooting competitions.

Asian Rifle & Pistol Shooting Championships 2026 Begin in This City

• The Asian Rifle and Pistol Shooting Championships 2026 have begun at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in New Delhi, bringing together elite shooters from across Asia.
• The two-week tournament features 10m, 25m and 50m rifle and pistol events across men’s, women’s, junior and youth categories.
• With participation from 17 countries, the championship offers individual, team and mixed events at the highest competitive level.
• Hosting the event highlights India’s growing stature as a global hub for international shooting competitions.

Current Affairs Today | Birthday Special 🎁 | 03 February 2026 Current Affairs | By Ashish Gautam