Daily Current Affairs- 3rd February 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 3rd February 2026

Meet The First Woman To Hold AAI Board Member Post

In the News: Nivedita Dubey assumed charge as Member (Human Resources) of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), becoming the first woman to hold a Board-level position in the organization's history. A seasoned aviation professional with over three decades of experience, her appointment marks a historic milestone for AAI and represents a significant step towards inclusive leadership in India's civil aviation sector.

Key Points:

• Historic Appointment: Nivedita Dubey became the first woman Director (HR) and first woman officer to be inducted into the AAI Board. She assumed charge on January 30, 2026, marking a watershed moment for gender representation in India's aviation leadership.
• Position and Role: As Member (Human Resources), Dubey will oversee critical functions including personnel policies, industrial relations, staff welfare, training and development, and commercial management. She plays a central role in strengthening the workforce that supports India's rapidly expanding aviation infrastructure.
• Personal Background: Nivedita Dubey is a native of Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. She completed her early education at St. Mary's Convent School in Prayagraj, bringing pride to the Sangam city with her historic achievement.
• Key Operational Experience: Her performance as Airport Manager at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport), New Delhi, was widely appreciated. She handled critical emergency situations, managed large teams, and addressed complex operational challenges at one of India's busiest airports.
• Regional Leadership Milestone: In 2023, Dubey became the first woman Regional Executive Director (Eastern Region) of AAI, managing 12 airports across the region. This position marked another significant breakthrough in her career and for women's representation in senior aviation management.

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

In the News: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved Miniratna Category-I status for Yantra India Limited (YIL), a defense Public Sector Undertaking formed after the corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board in October 2021.

Key Points:

• Ministerial Approval: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved the grant of Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited on February 2, 2026. The Minister congratulated YIL for successfully transforming from a government organization into a profit-making corporate entity within approximately four years of its inception.
• About Yantra India Limited: YIL is one of seven Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) formed after the corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board on October 1, 2021. It operates as a Schedule 'A' DPSU under the administrative control of the Department of Defense Production, Ministry of Defence. The company is headquartered at Ordnance Factory Ambajhari, Nagpur, Maharashtra.
• Product Portfolio: YIL manufactures critical defense products including carbon fiber composites, glass composites, aluminum alloys, forgings, castings, metal and steel components, assembly products for medium and large caliber ammunition, armored vehicles, artillery guns, main battle tanks, and defense-grade industrial materials.
• Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for Miniratna Category-I status, a CPSE must have positive net worth, be profitable for the last three years, demonstrate strong management capabilities, and play an important role in its sector. The company must meet specific financial parameters and operational benchmarks.
• Miniratna Category-II Distinction: Miniratna has two sub-categories: Category-I (₹500 crore capital expenditure autonomy or net worth) and Category-II (₹300 crore or 50% of net worth). YIL received the higher Category-I status, reflecting its stronger financial performance and operational scale.

Supreme Court Orders Tribunal on Pennaiyar Water Dispute

In the News: The Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to constitute a tribunal within one month to adjudicate the long-pending inter-state water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the Pennaiyar River. The order marks a significant step towards resolving a conflict that has remained unresolved for several years despite repeated representations and failed negotiation attempts between the two states.

Key Points:

• Supreme Court Directive: A two-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and N V Anjaria directed the Centre to issue a notification in the official gazette and constitute an inter-state water disputes tribunal. The court observed that there was no justification for further delay in initiating the statutory mechanism to resolve the dispute.
• Case Background: The case stems from an original suit (Original Suit No. 1 of 2018) filed by the Tamil Nadu government under Article 131 of the Constitution against Karnataka and the Union government. Tamil Nadu challenged Karnataka's construction of check dams and diversion structures on the Pennaiyar River and sought the constitution of a river water tribunal.
• Court's Final Order: The Supreme Court returned the complaint in Original Suit No. 1 of 2018 for presentation and adjudication before the tribunal to be constituted. The court wrapped up hearings on December 19, 2025, after the Centre submitted that no consensus could be arrived at and discussions for an amicable settlement had failed between the states.
• Tamil Nadu's Contentions: Tamil Nadu contended that Karnataka's upstream interventions through check dams and diversion structures adversely affect water availability in its downstream regions, particularly during lean seasons. These interventions impact agriculture and drinking water supply in Tamil Nadu's portions of the Pennaiyar basin, affecting the interests of downstream inhabitants.
• Constitutional Arguments: Tamil Nadu argued that water in an inter-state river is a national asset governed by constitutional provisions and that no single state can claim exclusive ownership or unilateral control. The state maintained that Karnataka's actions violated established principles governing inter-state rivers and warranted adjudication under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 (Central Act 33 of 1956).
• Pennaiyar River Geography: The Pennaiyar is an inter-state river with Karnataka being the upper riparian state and Tamil Nadu the lower riparian state. This geographical positioning is central to the dispute, as upstream activities by Karnataka directly affect downstream water availability in Tamil Nadu.
• Markandeya River Projects: In addition to the Pennaiyar dispute, Tamil Nadu also challenged projects on the Markandeya River. The state specifically sought directions to maintain status quo regarding construction of a dam across the Markandeya River near Yargol Village in Karnataka pending tribunal constitution.
• Specific Water Diversion Issues: Tamil Nadu sought status quo on several specific water diversion activities including pumping of water from Varathur tank to Narsapur tank in Kolar district, pumping from Yellamallappa Chetty tank to Hoskote tank, and direct pumping from the Pennaiyar River at Belahalli and Thattanur villages in Karnataka.

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

In the News: A Dhaka special court sentenced former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years in prison in two corruption cases related to irregularities in the Purbachal New Town plot allocation project. The verdict also convicted several of her family members, including her niece Tulip Siddiq, a British MP, marking one of the most significant corruption judgments in Bangladesh's recent history. Hasina has been living in exile in India since August 2024 following her ouster from power.

Key Points:

• Court Verdict: Judge of Special Judge's Court-4 in Dhaka sentenced Sheikh Hasina to five years in each of two corruption cases, totaling 10 years in prison. The document states 5 years in each of two cases (totaling 10 years), plus 26 years from previous cases (November-December 2025), totaling 36 years. The court also imposed a fine of Tk 2 lakh .The document mentions "Tk 1 lakh per case" for two cases.on Hasina, with failure to pay resulting in an additional six months' imprisonment.
• Corruption Charges Details: The cases relate to alleged irregularities in the allocation of plots under the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) New Town Project in Purbachal, near Dhaka. According to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Hasina, in collusion with senior Rajuk officials, unlawfully secured six 10-katha plots in the diplomatic zone of Sector 27 of Purbachal New Town for herself and family members despite their ineligibility.
• Abuse of Authority: The ACC accused Hasina of abusing her authority as Prime Minister to influence officials to illegally secure the plots. Tulip Siddiq allegedly influenced her aunt to help her mother (Sheikh Rehana) and siblings acquire plots in the government project, playing a role in securing plots for other relatives through misuse of power.
• Previous Corruption Convictions: Between November 27 and December 1, 2025, Hasina had already been sentenced to 26 years' rigorous imprisonment in four other graft cases related to the same Purbachal project. In those cases, her children Sajeeb Wazed and Saima Wazed received five years each, and her sister Sheikh Rehana was sentenced to seven years.
• Total Sentences: With the latest verdict, Sheikh Hasina's total prison sentence in corruption cases related to the Purbachal project now stands at 36 years (10 years from the current cases plus 26 years from previous convictions).
• Hasina's Exile Status: Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in India since August 5, 2024, after fleeing Bangladesh amid massive student-led protests against her government. She was ousted following a student-led mass uprising that ended her 15-year rule. The court had earlier declared her a fugitive for failing to appear during trial proceedings.

Responsible Nations Index 2026: Complete Rankings and Analysis

In the News: The World Intellectual Foundation (WIF) launched the Responsible Nations Index (RNI) at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, in the presence of former President of India Ram Nath Kovind. This groundbreaking index represents India's first globally anchored framework for evaluating national responsibility, assessing 154 countries based on ethical governance, social welfare, environmental stewardship, and global accountability rather than traditional GDP or military power metrics.

Key Points:

• Index Launch: The Responsible Nations Index was officially launched on January 19, 2026, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Former President of India Ram Nath Kovind graced the launch ceremony, underscoring the national significance of this initiative.
• Development Partnership: The index is developed by the World Intellectual Foundation (WIF) in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai), and the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre. This
• Scope and Coverage: The index evaluates 154 countries worldwide, making it one of the most comprehensive assessments of national responsibility.
• Four Pillars Expansion: The index is structured around three key dimensions: Internal responsibility, Environmental responsibility, and External responsibility.
• Top 10 Global Rankings: Singapore leads with a score of 0.6194 (61.9%), followed by Switzerland at 0.5869 (58.7%), Denmark at 0.5837 (58.4%), Cyprus at 0.5774 (57.7%), Sweden at 0.5740 (57.4%), Czechia (6th), Belgium (7th), Georgia (8th), Austria (9th), Croatia (10th).
• India's Performance: India ranks 16th globally with a responsibility score of 0.5515 (55.15%), demonstrating significant progress in ethical governance, social welfare initiatives, environmental commitments, and global accountability. India's position in the top 20 reflects its balanced approach across multiple responsibility dimensions.
• Singapore's Leadership: Singapore's score of 61.9% sets the global benchmark for responsible national conduct. Singapore is the only Asian country in the top 10, the document also states India ranks 16th and is described in multiple sources as "the top-ranked Asian nation suggesting Singapore's classification may be contextual
• South Asian Context: Within South Asia, India leads at 16th position, while Pakistan ranks 90th. This significant gap highlights different approaches to governance, social welfare, and environmental responsibility within the region.

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

In the News: U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States and India have reached a trade deal following a direct call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agreement reduces the reciprocal tariff itself from 25% to 18% and includes India's commitment to increase purchases of American products and shift oil imports away from Russia toward the United States and potentially Venezuela. Tariffs that had risen as high as 50% were reduced, with the reciprocal tariff lowered from 25% to 18%.

Key Points:

• Tariff Reduction: The U.S. reduced its "reciprocal tariff" on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, effective immediately. The 50% rate comprised a 25% reciprocal tariff plus a punitive 25% duty imposed in August 2025 for India's purchase of Russian oil. The new 18% tariff rate is comparable to tariff levels applied to Southeast Asian goods entering the U.S. Effective tariffs had reached ~50%, but the reciprocal tariff itself was 25%.
• Official Announcement: President Trump announced the deal via Truth Social following a phone call with PM Modi on February 2, 2026. Trump stated the agreement was made out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request.
• Rescinding Punitive Duty: A White House official told Reuters that the U.S. was rescinding the punitive 25% duty on all imports from India that had been imposed over its purchases of Russian oil. This duty had stacked on top of the 25% reciprocal tariff rate, creating the 50% total tariff burden.
• Russian Oil Context: India's energy choices have been a sensitive issue in U.S.-India relations, especially after Washington imposed higher tariffs in August 2025 citing India's continued Russian oil imports. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, India had increased Russian oil imports to benefit from lower prices amid Western sanctions on Russian energy exports.
• Venezuelan Oil Alternative: Purchases of Venezuelan oil would help replace some Russian oil imports. Questions remain regarding the terms, pricing, and volumes of potential Venezuelan oil purchases. India has historically been a buyer of Venezuelan oil, including as recently as a year ago.

Gujarat Reclaims 'Tiger State' Status

In the News: Gujarat regained its status as a tiger-bearing state after 33 years following the sustained presence of a four-year-old Royal Bengal Tiger in the Jambughoda and Ratanmahal forest ranges of Central Gujarat. This milestone makes Gujarat the only state in India to host all three major big cats: Asiatic Lions, Royal Bengal Tigers, and Leopards, marking a significant achievement in India's wildlife conservation history.

Key Points:

• Tiger Migration: The tiger traveled approximately 60 km from Katthiwada Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh's Alirajpur district into Gujarat's Dahod district (Kanjeta range) before reaching Kevdi in Chhota Udepur district. The 90-km corridor from Kanjeta to Kevdi and Jambughoda comprises dense, hilly forest patches with natural caves, water sources, and minimal human habitation.
• Official Announcement: In December 2025, Gujarat's Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia announced the tiger's sustained presence, marking Gujarat's return as a tiger-bearing state after 33 years.
• Unique Biodiversity Status: Gujarat is now the only state in India to host three major big cat species simultaneously: Asiatic Lions (Gir Forest), Royal Bengal Tigers (Ratanmahal-Jambughoda corridor), and Leopards (various forest regions).
• Herbivore Breeding Centre: Established in 2024 near Kada dam in Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary to augment the prey base. One 555-sq metre enclosure holds approximately 50 spotted deer (chital) including 16 males, 25 females, and 9 fawns. Another 250-sq metre enclosure contains 33 sambars (15 males, 12 females, 6 fawns). The centre features 15-feet-tall fences, electrified barbed wire, and galvanised iron sheets to protect breeding stock from leopards.
• Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Panchmahal district, characterized by dry southern tropical and dry deciduous forests with grasslands and medicinal herbs. Dominated by Teak, Mahua, and Bamboo thickets providing dense cover. Supports significant populations of Leopards, Sloth Bears, Chausinghas (four-horned antelope), Nilgais, and Hyenas.
• Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary: Established in 1982 along Gujarat's border with Madhya Pradesh. Known for hosting Gujarat's highest population of Sloth Bears. Features dry teak and mixed deciduous forests with Bamboo, Mahua, and Jamun trees. Serves as the catchment area for River Panam, supporting water conservation for Dahod and Panchmahal districts.
• Legal Framework: Section 11(1)(a) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, empowers State Chief Wild Life Wardens to grant permits for hunting Schedule I animals that become dangerous to human life. Section 11(1)(b) covers Schedule II, III, IV and property (including standing crops).