CURRENT AFFAIRS

Indian households are increasingly diversifying their savings into equities and mutual funds, with their share in financial assets rising from 7% in 2022–23 to 15% in 2024–25. Despite this shift, the traditional preference for gold remains robust.

In 1999, Nvidia introduced the GeForce 256, branding it as the world’s first Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Over the past 25 years, GPUs have evolved from gaming-focused chips into foundational infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data centres, and large-scale computing.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has approved the ₹81,000-crore Great Nicobar infrastructure project, citing its strategic importance and noting that environmental safeguards are in place.

India plans to block the surplus flow of the Ravi River to Pakistan as the long-delayed Shahpur Kandi Dam Project on the Punjab–Jammu & Kashmir border approaches completion.

The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) has launched the UNEP FI Impact Center, which consolidates its SDG and impact workstreams into a dedicated center of expertise.

The Uttar Pradesh government has banned the sale of non-subsidised fertilisers by urea manufacturers and suppliers, citing concerns over alleged “tagging” practices. The move has reignited debate over excessive regulatory controls in India’s fertiliser sector and their implications for nutrient use efficiency, private investment, and long-term agricultural sustainability.

India and the United States have signed an interim trade agreement aimed at restoring trade flows after a period of tariff escalation. While presented as a breakthrough in bilateral ties, the pact has triggered debates over its economic impact, agricultural implications, and concerns regarding strategic autonomy.

The Union Minister for Home and Cooperation recently informed the Rajya Sabha about the implementation and progress of the Ayushman Sahakar Scheme, highlighting its role in strengthening cooperative-led healthcare infrastructure across the country.

Parliament has passed the SHANTI Act, introducing sweeping reforms to India’s nuclear power framework by opening the sector to private participation and significantly modifying the country’s nuclear liability regime.

On February 12, 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released India’s first retail inflation data under the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series (Base Year: 2024=100).