UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 February 2026

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 February 2026 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents

GS Paper 3:

• Wetlands as a National Public Good

Wetlands as a National Public Good

GS Paper 4:

• Shaping the Future of CSR

Shaping the Future of CSR

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Adaptive Testing

Adaptive Testing

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited

Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited

• Addition of 2 New Wetlands to India’s Ramsar List

Addition of 2 New Wetlands to India’s Ramsar List

• Motion of Thanks to President’s Address

Motion of Thanks to President’s Address

• Single-unit solar energy capture and storage device

Single-unit solar energy capture and storage device

• SBI launches ‘CHAKRA’ Centre of Excellence

SBI launches ‘CHAKRA’ Centre of Excellence

Mapping:

• Pennaiyar River

Pennaiyar River

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 February 2026

GS Paper 3:

Wetlands as a National Public Good

Source: TH

Subject: Environment

Context: India celebrated World Wetlands Day with the theme Wetlands and traditional knowledge, notably adding two new Ramsar sites—Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat)—bringing the national total to 98.

About Wetlands as a National Public Good:

What it is?

• Wetlands are land areas saturated or flooded with water, either permanently or seasonally. They act as national public goods because they provide essential services—like flood control and water purification—that benefit the entire community and cannot be easily restricted to private owners.

Key Characteristics of Wetlands:

• Hydrology: Presence of water at or near the soil surface for at least part of the year.

• Hydric Soils: Soils developed under anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions due to prolonged saturation.

• Hydrophytes: Specialized vegetation, such as mangroves or reeds, adapted to grow in water-logged soil.

• Ecotone Status: They serve as transition zones (buffer areas) between dry land and deep-water aquatic systems.

Status of Wetlands in India:

• Ramsar Network: India now has 98 Ramsar sites (as of Feb 2026), the highest in South Asia.

• Geographical Spread: Wetlands cover approximately 5% of India’s land area (around 15.9 million hectares).

• Rate of Loss: India has lost nearly 40% of its natural wetlands over the last three decades due to urbanization.

• Leading State: Tamil Nadu holds the highest number of Ramsar sites (20) in the country.

Importance of Wetlands as a Public Good:

• Flood Mitigation: They act as natural sponges, absorbing excess monsoon runoff.

E.g. Deepor Beel (Assam) absorbs nearly 40% of the Brahmaputra’s overflow, protecting Guwahati from devastating floods.

• Water Purification: Wetlands filter out nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals.

E.g. The East Kolkata Wetlands naturally treat 750 million liters of sewage daily, saving the city crores in treatment costs.

• Climate Resilience: They store massive amounts of carbon and act as bio-shields.

E.g. During Cyclone Dana (2024), the Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Odisha) reduced wind speeds, shielding inland villages from damage.

• Livelihood Security: Millions depend on wetlands for fishing, agriculture, and fodder.

E.g. The Kuttanad (Kerala) wetland system supports below-sea-level farming, producing over 6 lakh tonnes of rice annually.

• Biodiversity Hotspots: They support 40% of the world’s species, including rare migratory birds.

E.g. Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat) serves as a critical breeding ground for the endangered Desert Fox and thousands of Flamingos.

Threats and Challenges:

• Urban Encroachment: Rapid real estate growth often involves filling wetlands for construction.

E.g. Pallikaranai Marsh (Chennai) has shrunk significantly due to high-rise townships and infrastructure projects.

• Pollution and Dumping: Wetlands are frequently treated as wastelands for solid waste and sewage.

E.g. Ashtamudi Lake (Kerala) saw mass fish kills in late 2025 due to industrial effluents and organic waste dumping.

• Hydrological Disruption: Dams and sand mining block the natural flow of water into these basins.

E.g. Harike Wetland (Punjab) has seen its area reduced as nearly 60% of its surroundings were converted to paddy fields.

• Invasive Species: Non-native plants choke native biodiversity and reduce water capacity.

E.g. Water Hyacinth covers nearly 40% of Loktak Lake (Manipur), severely impacting fish yields and local navigation.

• Climate Change: Rising sea levels and salinity threaten coastal and high-altitude systems.

E.g. Sundarbans (West Bengal) is losing mangrove cover due to increasing salinity and frequent high-intensity cyclones.

Way Forward:

• Notification and Demarcation: Legally notify all wetland boundaries and make maps public to prevent illegal land conversion.

• Watershed-Scale Governance: Shift from isolated projects to managing wetlands as part of a whole river basin or catchment area.

• Capacity Building: Launch a national mission to train managers in GIS, hydrology, and community-led restoration.

• Mainstreaming Traditional Knowledge: Incorporate ancient practices, like the Kenis of Wayanad, into modern water management plans.

• Nature-Based Infrastructure: Integrate wetlands into Smart City planning as flood buffers rather than choosing grey concrete solutions.

Conclusion:

Wetlands are not just scenic spots but the biological kidneys of our nation. By moving from beautification to ecological functionality, India can ensure its water security and climate resilience. The future of our cities and villages depends on treating these vibrant ecosystems as a shared heritage rather than disposable land.

Q. “Wetlands are ecological regulators rather than mere biodiversity repositories.” Examine this assertion. Discuss how wetland degradation undermines climate resilience and livelihood security in India. (10 M)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 February 2026 GS Paper 4:

Shaping the Future of CSR

Source: ET

Subject: Corporate Governance

Context: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is undergoing a strategic shift globally and in India, with 2026 projected as a turning point where CSR moves from peripheral philanthropy to a core business imperative.

About Shaping the Future of CSR:

What is CSR?

• CSR is a business model where companies integrate social and environmental concerns into their operations and interactions with stakeholders.It represents a commitment to contribute to sustainable economic development while improving the quality of life for the workforce, local communities, and society at large.

Key Features of CSR in India:

• Mandatory Status: India is the first country to make CSR mandatory under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, requiring companies with a certain turnover/profit to spend 2% of their average net profit.

• Board-Driven: The CSR policy is overseen by a Board-level Committee, ensuring high-level accountability.

• Schedule VII Framework: Spending is restricted to specific activities such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability.

• Unspent Funds Rule: Companies must transfer unspent CSR funds to specified government funds or Unspent CSR Accounts for ongoing projects.

How the CSR Landscape is Changing?

• From Philanthropy to Business Value: CSR is now linked to measurable ROI, such as building a future talent pipeline through skill development.

E.g. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) uses its goIT program to teach coding to students, directly addressing the tech talent shortage in India.

• Focus on AI Literacy: With AI-driven layoffs rising, CSR is pivoting toward upskilling vulnerable communities to work alongside new tech.

E.g. Infosys Foundation has expanded its digital literacy programs to include AI training for rural teachers across Karnataka.

• Employee-Led Selection: Retention of Gen Z talent is now tied to whether employees feel their company’s social stance matches their personal values.

E.g. Wipro allows employees to nominate local NGOs for grants, resulting in higher internal engagement scores in 2025-26.

• Environmental Functionality over Beautification: Companies are moving away from simple tree plantation to restoring entire watersheds and ecosystems.

E.g. Reliance Industries has shifted from park maintenance to large-scale mangrove restoration along the Gujarat coast to act as a carbon sink.

• Direct Livelihood Linking: CSR projects now prioritize creating sustainable income sources rather than one-time donations.

E.g. Hindustan Unilever (HUL)‘s Project Shakti continues to empower rural women as micro-entrepreneurs, integrating them into the supply chain.

Initiatives Taken:

• National CSR Data Portal: A government initiative to ensure transparency by making all corporate spending data accessible to the public.

• Impact Assessment Mandate: Recent amendments require companies with large CSR budgets to conduct independent third-party assessments of their projects.

• Social Stock Exchange (SSE): India has launched the SSE to allow social enterprises and NGOs to raise capital, bridging the gap between CSR funds and impact.

Challenges to CSR:

• Compliance over Conscience: Many firms treat CSR as a checkbox legal requirement rather than a moral duty.

E.g. Several firms in 2025 were penalized for greenwashing – reporting environmental spend that had no actual ecological impact.

• Geographical Imbalance: CSR funds tend to flow to industrialized states (Maharashtra, Gujarat), leaving backward regions underserved.

E.g. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Aspirational Districts in Eastern India received less than 5% of total national CSR spending.

• Capacity Constraints in NGOs: Many local NGOs lack the technical skills (GIS, AI, Impact Reporting) required by modern corporate partners.

E.g. Small-scale NGOs in Odisha struggled to partner with tech firms in 2025 due to a lack of digital transparency tools.

• Ethical Risks of AI: Using AI for grant selection can bake in biases if the data used is not diverse or representative.

E.g. An AI tool used by a major financial firm for scholarship selection was flagged in 2026 for inadvertently favoring urban applicants over rural ones.

• Short-termism: A focus on annual 2% spending often prevents long-term, multi-year projects that require sustained funding.

E.g. Many water-tank projects in Rajasthan failed within two years because CSR budgets did not cover long-term maintenance.

Way Forward:

• Collaborative CSR: Encourage companies to pool funds for mega-projects that address systemic issues like climate change or pandemic preparedness.

• Focus on ‘Aspirational Districts’: The government should provide incentives or mandates to direct a percentage of CSR funds toward the most underdeveloped regions.

• Human-in-the-Loop AI: Ensure that all AI-driven CSR decisions are audited by human experts to maintain equity and ethics.

• Integrating ESG: Move toward Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, where social impact is a core part of the company’s financial valuation.

• Strengthening Monitoring: Invest in satellite monitoring and blockchain to track the real-time progress of rural infrastructure projects.

Conclusion:

By 2026, CSR has evolved into a powerful tool for national development that goes beyond simple charity. By aligning corporate goals with local community needs and ethical AI usage, businesses can drive a more equitable future. Ultimately, the success of India’s social fabric depends on moving from mandatory compliance to authentic social leadership.

Q. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) though may have increased in terms spending but there remain many issues which restrict it from achieving its full potential. Suggest measures to ensure CSR funds are impactful across the country. (250 words)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 February 2026 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Adaptive Testing

Context: The IIT Council has recommended evaluating adaptive testing for JEE-Advanced to create a fairer and less stressful assessment system.

• An expert committee has been proposed, with a phased transition (2026–2028), including free adaptive mock tests to familiarise students and calibrate question banks.

About Adaptive Testing:

What is adaptive testing?

• Adaptive testing is a computer-based, dynamic assessment method that uses Item Response Theory (IRT) to tailor questions to a candidate’s ability level.

• Unlike traditional linear exams where all candidates answer the same questions, adaptive tests adjust question difficulty in real time based on previous responses to estimate true ability more precisely.

Key features:

• Dynamic question selection: Test begins with a medium-difficulty question. Correct answer → harder question; incorrect answer → easier question.

• Test begins with a medium-difficulty question.

• Correct answer → harder question; incorrect answer → easier question.

• Item Response Theory (IRT): Psychometric models estimate a candidate’s ability after each response.

• Common ability scale: Different candidates see different questions but are assessed on the same standardised scale.

• Fewer but sharper questions: Reduces test length while increasing measurement precision.

• Concept-over-coaching bias: Students lacking conceptual clarity cannot progress to higher-weight, difficult questions.

• Computerised delivery: Requires strong digital infrastructure, secure item banks, and real-time computation.

Significance:

• Fairer assessment: Reduces luck and paper-level bias by embedding fairness into test design itself.

• Lower stress: Eliminates extreme paper difficulty swings and long exam fatigue.

• Tests true ability: Rewards depth of understanding over rote test-cracking strategies.

• Global best practice: Widely used in exams like GRE and GMAT for over two decades.

Relevance in UPSC Examination Syllabus

• GS Paper II – Polity & Governance Constitutional principles: Raises issues related to Article 14 (Right to Equality) and equality of opportunity in public examinations. Governance reforms: Illustrates reforms in public institutions and examination bodies, transparency, accountability, and use of technology in governance.

• Constitutional principles: Raises issues related to Article 14 (Right to Equality) and equality of opportunity in public examinations.

• Governance reforms: Illustrates reforms in public institutions and examination bodies, transparency, accountability, and use of technology in governance.

• GS Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude Fairness and equity: Adaptive testing as an ethical innovation ensuring procedural justice and merit-based evaluation. Transparency and accountability: Algorithmic decision-making, bias mitigation, and ethical use of technology.

• Fairness and equity: Adaptive testing as an ethical innovation ensuring procedural justice and merit-based evaluation.

• Transparency and accountability: Algorithmic decision-making, bias mitigation, and ethical use of technology.

• GS Paper III – Science & Technology Application of technology: Use of psychometrics, algorithms, and data analytics in education assessment.

• Application of technology: Use of psychometrics, algorithms, and data analytics in education assessment.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 February 2026 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited

Source: News on Air

Subject: Economy

Context: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh approved the grant of Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited (YIL).

About Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited:

What is Miniratna status?

• Miniratna is a classification given to profit-making Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to grant them enhanced financial and operational autonomy, short of Navratna/Maharatna levels, so they can operate more efficiently and competitively.

Historical background:

• Introduced in October 1997 by the Government of India.

• Objective: To decentralise decision-making and empower efficient CPSEs (other than Navratnas) through delegated financial powers.

Types of Miniratna CPSEs:

• Miniratna Category-I – Higher autonomy

• Miniratna Category-II – Moderate autonomy

Eligibility criteria for Miniratna status

• Common conditions (for both Category-I & II) Continuous profit in the last 3 years Positive net worth No default in repayment of Government loans/interest No dependence on budgetary support or Government guarantees Board to be restructured with at least three non-official (independent) Directors

• Continuous profit in the last 3 years

• Positive net worth

• No default in repayment of Government loans/interest

• No dependence on budgetary support or Government guarantees

• Board to be restructured with at least three non-official (independent) Directors

• Additional criteria:

• Category-I: Pre-tax profit of ₹30 crore or more in at least one of the last three years Category-II: Profit in all last three years (no minimum profit threshold specified)

• Category-I: Pre-tax profit of ₹30 crore or more in at least one of the last three years

• Pre-tax profit of ₹30 crore or more in at least one of the last three years

• Category-II: Profit in all last three years (no minimum profit threshold specified)

• Profit in all last three years (no minimum profit threshold specified)

Key features & delegated powers (Category-I focus)

Capital expenditure:

• Power to incur capex up to ₹500 crore or net worth (whichever is less) without Government approval.

• Covers new projects, modernisation, and purchase of equipment.

Joint ventures & subsidiaries:

• Same financial limits as capital expenditure.

• Enables faster expansion and collaboration.

Mergers & acquisitions:

• Permitted if aligned with growth plan and core business.

• Investments abroad require CCEA to be kept informed.

Human Resource Development (HRD):

• Boards can design and implement HR policies, training, VRS, CRS.

• Powers can be further delegated for appointments, postings, transfers below Board level.

Foreign travel:

• CEOs can approve emergency foreign tours up to 5 days for functional directors (with intimation).

Technology & strategic alliances:

• Boards can enter technology JVs, strategic alliances, and acquire know-how, subject to Government guidelines.

Addition of 2 New Wetlands to India’s Ramsar List

Source: IT

Subject: Environment

Context: Union Environment Minister announced the addition of two new wetlands—Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve (Gujarat) to India’s Ramsar List ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026.

• With this inclusion, India’s Ramsar sites have increased to 98, reflecting a 276% expansion since 2014.

About Addition of 2 New Wetlands to India’s Ramsar List:

What is it?

The two newly designated Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (1971) are:

• Patna Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh

• Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve, Gujarat

What is the Ramsar Convention?

• An international treaty signed at Ramsar, Iran (1971) for conservation and wise use of wetlands.

• India became a Contracting Party on 1 February 1982.

• Ramsar sites act as model ecosystems for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

About Patna Bird Sanctuary:

What it is?

A protected bird sanctuary and wetland ecosystem, also known as Patna Vihar Bird Sanctuary, recognised for its high avifaunal diversity.

Located in:

• Etah district, Uttar Pradesh

• Established in 1991

• Area: 108 hectares (wetland ~ 1 km²)

• Smallest bird sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh

Key features:

• Hosts ~3 lakh birds from 300+ species.

• Over 106 migratory and resident bird species

• Dominant aquatic vegetation: Water hyacinth and Potamogeton spp.

• Important species: Lesser Whistling Duck, Graylag Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail.

About Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve:

What it is?

• A seasonal desert wetland conservation reserve, ecologically unique due to its saline and freshwater interactions.

Located in:

• Kutch district, Gujarat

• Situated between Banni grasslands and the Rann of Kutch

• Local meaning: Chhari = salty, Dhand = shallow wetland

Key features:

• Becomes swampy during monsoon, fed by north-flowing rivers and surrounding hills.

• Major habitat for migratory birds during monsoon and winter.

• Endangered species: Dalmatian Pelican, Oriental Darter, Black-necked Stork, Indian Skimmer.

• Large congregations of flamingos, cranes, painted storks, raptors, spoonbills.

• Also supports chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, desert foxes.

Motion of Thanks to President’s Address

Source: ANI

Subject: Polity

Context: Both Houses of Parliament took up discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address delivered by Droupadi Murmu at the start of the Budget Session.

About Motion of Thanks to President’s Address:

What is it?

• The Motion of Thanks is a formal resolution moved in both Houses of Parliament to express gratitude to the President for the Special Address delivered to a joint sitting of Parliament at the beginning of each year and after a general election.

• It provides Parliament an opportunity to debate, critique, and assess the policies and programmes of the Government outlined in the Address.

Origin and background:

• The practice flows from the Westminster parliamentary tradition, adapted to India’s constitutional framework.

• The President’s Address itself is the statement of the Government’s policy, drafted by the Council of Ministers and approved by the Cabinet.

• Discussion on the Address takes place only through the Motion of Thanks, not directly on the Address.

Constitutional provisions:

• Article 86(1): Empowers the President to address either House or both Houses of Parliament assembled together.

• Article 87(1): Mandates a Special Address by the President At the commencement of the first session after a general election, and At the commencement of the first session of every year.

• At the commencement of the first session after a general election, and

• At the commencement of the first session of every year.

• Article 87(2): Requires Parliament to make rules for discussion on matters referred to in the President’s Address, which is done through the Motion of Thanks.

Key features of the Motion of Thanks:

• Moved and seconded by members selected by the Government (through the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs).

• Wide scope of discussion: Members can raise any national or international issue, including matters not mentioned in the Address.

• Amendments allowed: Opposition members may move amendments expressing regret that the Address omitted or inadequately covered certain issues.

• Opposition members may move amendments expressing regret that the Address omitted or inadequately covered certain issues.

• Prime Minister’s reply: The debate concludes with a reply by the Prime Minister, after which amendments are voted upon.

• The debate concludes with a reply by the Prime Minister, after which amendments are voted upon.

• Voting: The Motion is put to vote; if amendments are adopted, the Motion is passed in amended form.

• The Motion is put to vote; if amendments are adopted, the Motion is passed in amended form.

• The Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address has been adopted with amendments by the Rajya Sabha only five times in India’s parliamentary history — 1980, 1989, 2001, 2015 and 2016. In contrast, no amendment to the Motion of Thanks has ever been carried in the Lok Sabha.

• In contrast, no amendment to the Motion of Thanks has ever been carried in the Lok Sabha.

Significance:

• Parliamentary accountability: Enables Parliament to hold the Executive accountable for its policies and priorities.

• Policy debate: Acts as the first major debate of the year, setting the tone for the Budget Session.

• Opposition’s platform: Provides space to formally criticise government policies through constitutional means.

Single-unit solar energy capture and storage device

Source: DD News

Subject: Science and Technology

Context: Indian scientists have developed a single-unit solar device that can capture and store solar energy simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate harvesting and storage systems.

About Single-unit solar energy capture and storage device:

What is it?

• It is a photo-rechargeable supercapacitor—a next-generation energy device that integrates solar energy harvesting and electrical energy storage in a single unit, unlike conventional solar systems that require separate solar cells and batteries/supercapacitors.

Developed by:

• Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru

• Under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology

• To develop efficient, low-cost, compact and eco-friendly energy storage systems

• To support portable, wearable, miniaturised, and off-grid technologies

• To reduce energy losses, system complexity, and dependence on fossil fuels and conventional batteries

How it works?

• The device uses binder-free nickel–cobalt oxide (NiCo₂O₄) nanowires grown directly on nickel foam through an in-situ hydrothermal process.

• These nanowires form a highly porous, conductive three-dimensional network.

• The same material structure: Absorbs sunlight (acting as a photo-harvester), and Stores electrical charge (acting as a supercapacitor electrode).

• Absorbs sunlight (acting as a photo-harvester), and

• Stores electrical charge (acting as a supercapacitor electrode).

• This dual functionality removes the need for external power-management electronics, minimizing voltage/current mismatch losses.

Key features:

• Single integrated unit for energy harvesting and storage.

• Stable output voltage of ~1.2 V.

• High durability: ~88% capacitance retention after 1,000 photo-charging cycles.

• Wide operating range: works from low indoor light to intense sunlight.

• Compact and lightweight, ideal for autonomous and miniaturised devices.

• Off-grid capability, suitable for remote and energy-poor regions.

• Supports transition towards clean, renewable, and sustainable energy systems.

SBI launches ‘CHAKRA’ Centre of Excellence

Source: IE

Subject: Economy

Context: State Bank of India (SBI) has launched ‘CHAKRA’, a dedicated Centre of Excellence (CoE) to strengthen financing for eight critical sunrise sectors.

About SBI launches ‘CHAKRA’ Centre of Excellence:

What is CHAKRA?

• CHAKRA (Centre of Excellence) is a knowledge-led institutional platform created by SBI to enhance its capability in financing capital-intensive sunrise sectors by combining sectoral expertise, risk assessment, and innovative financing models.

Launched by: State Bank of India

• To build institutional expertise in emerging, technology-led sectors

• To improve the flow of debt capital (domestic and international) into sunrise industries

• To develop innovative, policy-aligned financing structures

Key features:

• Focus on 8 sunrise sectors: Renewable Energy Advanced Cell Chemistry & Battery Storage Electric Mobility Green Hydrogen Semiconductors Decarbonisation Smart Infrastructure Data Centre Infrastructure

• Renewable Energy

• Advanced Cell Chemistry & Battery Storage

• Electric Mobility

• Green Hydrogen

• Semiconductors

• Decarbonisation

• Smart Infrastructure

• Data Centre Infrastructure

• Knowledge-driven approach: Publication of white papers and sectoral reports Hosting industry roundtables for investors and policymakers

• Publication of white papers and sectoral reports

• Hosting industry roundtables for investors and policymakers

• Enhanced financing capability: Advanced risk assessment frameworks Tailor-made financing aligned with evolving business models

• Advanced risk assessment frameworks

• Tailor-made financing aligned with evolving business models

• Ecosystem engagement: Structured collaboration with development finance institutions, multilateral agencies, NBFCs, banks, start-ups, academia, and policy think tanks

• Structured collaboration with development finance institutions, multilateral agencies, NBFCs, banks, start-ups, academia, and policy think tanks

• Builds on existing framework: Extends SBI’s earlier Centre of Excellence for MSMEs.

• Extends SBI’s earlier Centre of Excellence for MSMEs.

Significance:

• Addresses financing needs of sectors expected to attract ~₹100 lakh crore of capital expenditure by 2030.

• Strengthens India’s climate finance and green transition architecture.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 February 2026 Mapping:

Pennaiyar River

Source: DH

Subject: Mapping

Context: The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Government to constitute an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal within one month to resolve the Pennaiyar water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

• The order came on a suit filed by Tamil Nadu under Article 131 of the Constitution, invoking the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

About Pennaiyar River:

What is it?

• The Pennaiyar River, also known as Thenpennai / Ponnaiyar in Tamil and Dakshina Pinakini in Kannada, is a major east-flowing inter-state river of southern India, significant for irrigation, industry, and water security in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Origin:

• Originates in the Nandi Hills, Chikkaballapura district, Karnataka

• Arises from the Eastern Ghats system

States it flows through:

• Karnataka – Upper riparian state

• Tamil Nadu – Lower riparian state

Tamil Nadu is more dependent on the river for irrigation and drinking water, making downstream flows politically and economically sensitive.

Major tributaries of Pennaiyar:

• Markandeya River

• Varaha Nadhi

• Pambar River

• Pampar River

Markandeya River is central to the present inter-state dispute.

Mouth:

• Empties into the Bay of Bengal

• Forms a delta near Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu

Key features:

• Length: ~497 km (second longest river in Tamil Nadu after Cauvery)

• Nature: Seasonal river; flows mainly during South-West and North-East monsoons

• Major dams: Krishnagiri Dam Kelavarapalli Dam Sathanur Dam (largest; ~7.3 TMC gross capacity)

• Krishnagiri Dam

• Kelavarapalli Dam

• Sathanur Dam (largest; ~7.3 TMC gross capacity)

• Economic role: Irrigates districts in Karnataka (Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Bengaluru Rural/Urban) and Tamil Nadu (Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore).

• Irrigates districts in Karnataka (Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Bengaluru Rural/Urban) and Tamil Nadu (Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore).

• Environmental concerns: Severe industrial pollution (notably from Bengaluru–Hosur belt). Sand mining and shrinking perennial character.

• Severe industrial pollution (notably from Bengaluru–Hosur belt).

• Sand mining and shrinking perennial character.

• Cultural significance: Mentioned in Sangam literature and Tevaram hymns. Several ancient temples located along its banks.

• Mentioned in Sangam literature and Tevaram hymns.

• Several ancient temples located along its banks.

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