Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 4th February 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 4th February 2026

1. Spain Plans to Ban Social Media for Under-16s

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has announced plans to implement a nationwide ban on social media usage for individuals under the age of 16. The proposal aims to combat the increasing concerns around child safety and harmful online content, which has raised alarms over cyberbullying, privacy issues, and exposure to inappropriate material. This move will also involve strict age verification procedures for users to ensure compliance, a landmark step towards safer internet practices for minors in the country. The government is expected to roll out these regulations soon.

2. 13th Exercise KHANJAR Begins in Assam

The 13th edition of Exercise KHANJAR has commenced in Assam, focusing on enhancing the interoperability between the special forces of India and Kyrgyzstan. This joint military exercise will focus on urban warfare tactics and counter-terrorism operations. The exercise aims to strengthen bilateral defense relations and improve cooperation in tackling modern-day security challenges. It also offers an opportunity for the forces of both nations to enhance their technical and operational proficiency in dynamic and complex urban environments.

3. Yumnam Khemchand Singh Elected BJP Legislative Party Leader

In a significant political development, Yumnam Khemchand Singh has been unanimously elected as the BJP Legislative Party Leader and is set to become the next Chief Minister of Manipur. The announcement comes amid ongoing political changes in the state, which has been under President’s Rule since February. This new leadership is expected to bring a change in governance with a focus on restoring normalcy and strengthening administrative structures within the state.

4. India Sends Sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka

In a remarkable cultural and spiritual gesture, India has sent the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka for their first-ever international exhibition at the Gangaramaya Temple. This event marks a historic moment in India-Sri Lanka relations and highlights the cultural bond between the two nations. The relics, which hold immense significance in Buddhist tradition, will be displayed in Sri Lanka to honor the teachings and legacy of Lord Buddha.

5. Vast Space’s Haven-1: The First Fully Private Space Station

As the International Space Station nears its retirement, a new frontier in space exploration has been opened by Vast Space, a U.S.-based startup. Vast Space is set to launch its own space station, Haven-1, which will be the first fully private station to reach orbit. This bold move is expected to revolutionize commercial space exploration and could pave the way for more private entities to establish space habitats and conduct research beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Haven-1 promises to offer new opportunities for scientific research, industrial applications, and even space tourism.

6. India Achieves Key Defence Milestone with SFDR Propulsion Test

In a major defense achievement, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in India has successfully demonstrated the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system, marking a crucial milestone in the country’s missile technology. This advancement enhances India’s capabilities in long-range air-to-air missile systems and provides a strategic edge in modern air combat. The SFDR technology improves missile performance by increasing speed and range, crucial for Beyond Visual Range (BVR) engagements.

7. World Government Summit 2026 Opens in Dubai

The World Government Summit 2026 has opened in Dubai, focusing on the theme “Shaping Future Governments.” The summit brings together global leaders, policy makers, and innovators to discuss sustainability, innovation, and the role of technology in shaping governance worldwide. Discussions will center on how governments can adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape and drive progress in areas such as digital governance, environmental policies, and citizen engagement.

8. Tripura Tops Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0

Tripura has emerged as the leader in the newly launched Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0, which assesses the performance of states in terms of grassroots governance. The index highlights the state’s success in decentralization, transparency, and its ability to deliver effective services at the village level. Tripura’s achievement has been lauded for setting an example in improving local governance, fostering public trust, and enhancing the quality of life in rural areas.

Conclusion

The events of February 4, 2026, reflect a diverse range of developments in political, military, cultural, and technological spheres. From Spain’s social media regulations to India’s defense advancements and Vast Space’s innovative space mission, the world is experiencing significant progress and transformative changes. These updates not only inform us about the current landscape but also provide insights into future directions in global governance, defense, and cultural exchange.