Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams |5th February 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams |5th February 2026

1. Amit Shah Launches ‘Bharat Taxi’: India’s First Cooperative Ride-Hailing Platform

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing service, aimed at empowering drivers.

Key Features:

• Zero commission model, unlike private aggregators
• No surge pricing, ensuring affordable rides
• Social security benefits for drivers
• Operates on a cooperative ownership structure

Significance:

• Reduces exploitation of drivers
• Promotes inclusive digital entrepreneurship
• Aligns with India’s cooperative movement vision

2. India to Reintroduce Eight Cheetahs from Botswana

India will reintroduce eight cheetahs from Botswana as part of its ongoing wildlife restoration programme.

Key Points:

• Cheetahs are classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN
• Part of India’s long-term cheetah conservation initiative
• Aims to restore lost grassland biodiversity

Importance:

• Strengthens India–Africa conservation cooperation
• Enhances ecosystem balance
• Boosts eco-tourism and scientific research

3. Yumnam Khemchand Singh Sworn in as Manipur Chief Minister

Yumnam Khemchand Singh took oath as the new Chief Minister of Manipur, ending 12 months of President’s Rule.

Context:

• Comes amid ongoing Kuki–Meitei tensions
• Focus on peace-building and administrative stability

Significance:

• Restoration of elected government
• Renewed focus on reconciliation and governance
• Critical for Northeast political stability

4. India Joins BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies

India became a member of the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies, in collaboration with UNIDO.

Objectives:

• Promote Industry 4.0 skills
• Support MSMEs
• Enhance industrial cooperation among BRICS nations

Importance:

• Strengthens South–South cooperation
• Boosts manufacturing competitiveness
• Supports India’s Make in India vision

5. Election Commission to Host National Conference of State Election Commissioners

The Election Commission of India will host a National Conference of State Election Commissioners on 24 February 2026.

Focus Areas:

• Electoral law reforms
• Inter-state coordination
• Use of technology in elections

Significance:

• Strengthens cooperative federalism
• Enhances electoral transparency
• Improves conduct of local body elections

6. Seychelles President Visits India, Marking 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties

President Patrick Herminie of Seychelles is visiting India from 5–10 February 2026.

Key Discussion Areas:

• Maritime security in the Indian Ocean
• Climate change cooperation
• Trade and economic engagement

Importance:

• Celebrates 50 years of India–Seychelles relations
• Strengthens India’s Indian Ocean outreach
• Supports SAGAR and maritime diplomacy

7. Karnataka Launches Automatic Property Mutation System

Karnataka has introduced an automatic property mutation system linked to land registration.

Key Features:

• Real-time digital updating of land records
• Reduced delays and manual intervention
• Improved transparency in property ownership

Significance:

• Major land governance reform
• Benefits citizens and investors
• Supports Digital India and ease of living

8. US Approves $200 Million Security Aid for Baltic Nations

The US Congress approved a $200 million security assistance package for the Baltic nations.

Context:

• Rising Russian military activity
• Strengthening NATO’s eastern flank

Importance:

• Reinforces transatlantic security
• Signals continued US commitment to European defence
• Heightens geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe

Why These Developments Matter (Exam Perspective)

• Polity & Governance: Manipur CM, Election Commission conference
• Economy & Industry: Bharat Taxi, BRICS industrial cooperation
• Environment: Cheetah reintroduction
• International Relations: Seychelles visit, Baltic security aid

• Digital Governance: Karnataka land reforms