Daily Current Affairs and GK | 5 February 2026

Topic: Defence

1. The 13^th edition of exercise KHANJAR has begun on 4 February 2026 at Misamari in Sonitpur district of Assam.

• KHANJAR is a joint India–Kyrgyzstan military exercise. It will continue for fourteen days.
• It aims to improve coordination and interoperability between the Special Forces of both nations.
• The focus is on joint operations in urban warfare and counter-terrorism scenarios under the United Nations mandate.
• The exercise will further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan.
• While India is represented by its Parachute Regiment, Kyrgyzstan has deployed personnel from its Scorpion Brigade.
• Joint military exercises are being organised by India and Kyrgyzstan annually since 2011.
• The venues alternate between the two countries to reflect growing defence ties.
• The 12th edition was held in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025.
• It included exercises in sniping, complex building intervention, mountain craft and specialised counter‑terrorism drills.
• It also included high‑altitude operations and cultural exchanges that reinforced camaraderie between the contingents.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

2. Paradip Port Authority won the First Prize at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025.

• This prize recognises its outstanding performance in cleanliness, sustainability, and community participation.
• The awards are instituted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• The award ceremony was held in New Delhi on 3 February 2026.
• The award was received by P. L. Haranadh, Chairman of Paradip Port Authority.
• Several MoPSW organisations were also recognised at the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025.
• These organisations were evaluated for their performance during Swachhata Pakhwada 2025 and Swachhata Hi Sewa 2025.
• The initiatives focused on cleanliness drives, citizen participation and Safai Mitra welfare.
• Three core pillars of Swachhata Pakhwada 2025 were successfully implented by the Paradip Port Authority.
• These pillars were Jan Bhagidari, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Safai Mitra Suraksha.
• As part of Jan Bhagidari, large-scale cleanliness drives were organised.
• The Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative focused on plantation and greening efforts.
• Forty thousand saplings were planted at Paradip Sea Beach  to mark the birthday of PM Modi, under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign.
• Safai Mitra Suraksha focused on the dignity and safety of sanitation workers.
• Innovative programmes such as Scrap to Structure were showcased.
• The Swachhata Pakhwada Awards are organised annually by MoPSW and assess ports on cleanliness, waste management and green initiatives.

Topic: State News/Manipur

3. BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh sworn in as Chief Minister of Manipur on 4 February.

• The President’s Rule in Manipur was revoked with immediate effect and BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state.
• The revocation of President’s Rule was notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs following the formation of a new BJP-led NDA government.
• President’s Rule had been imposed in Manipur on 13 February 2025 after the resignation of then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
• During this period, the Manipur Legislative Assembly, whose tenure extends till March 2027, was kept under suspended animation.
• The swearing-in ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Imphal, where Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office.
• Two MLAs, Nemcha Kipgen of BJP and Losii Dikho of NPF, were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers during the ceremony.
• BJP MLA Govindas Konthoujam and NPP MLA Khuraijam Loken were also administered the oath as ministers in the new government.
• Yumnam Khemchand Singh, elected from the Singjamei Assembly constituency, earlier served as Speaker and later as a minister in the Biren Singh government.

Topic: Defence

4. INS Sudarshini made first International Port Call of Lokayan-26 Voyage in Oman.

• The first international port call of the Lokayan-26 transoceanic voyage was marked with the arrival of INS Sudarshini at Salalah port in Oman on February 2.
• The visit has been undertaken as part of a ten-month-long deployment aimed at showcasing India’s maritime heritage and strengthening cooperation.
• INS Sudarshini had sailed from its home port of Kochi on 20 January and navigated the seasonal winds of the Arabian Sea.
• The port call highlights the long-standing maritime ties and strategic partnership between India and Oman in the Indian Ocean region.
• During the three-day visit, professional interactions and training exchanges are scheduled with the Royal Navy of Oman.
• Outreach activities have been planned by opening the ship to school children and local residents to promote maritime awareness.
• The visit aims to strengthen people-to-people connections alongside defence cooperation.
• Lokayan-26 continues to symbolise India’s enduring seafaring legacy across global oceans.
• The voyage reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime diplomacy and goodwill missions.

Topic: National News

5. PLASTINDIA 2026 launched in New Delhi as a Zero-Waste Global Exhibition.

• On 5 February, PLASTINDIA 2026 launched in New Delhi as one of the world’s premier exhibitions in the plastics sector.
• The exhibition was inaugurated with participation from over two thousand global exhibitors showcasing advanced technologies.
• Innovations in machinery, raw materials and circular economy solutions were highlighted during the event.
• For the first time, PLASTINDIA has been conceptualised and organised as a Zero-Waste exhibition.
• The theme of the exhibition, “BHARAT NEXT”, aligns with the vision of Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• India’s strengths in Men, Material, Machine and Markets were prominently showcased.
• The exhibition revolved around the strategic pillars of Trade, Technology, Talent and Tourism.
• A dedicated space has been created for youth, innovators and start-ups focusing on sustainable plastic solutions.
• The role of young innovators in shaping the future of the plastics industry was recognised.
• The exhibition is scheduled to continue till the 10th of this month.

Topic: Defence

6. Terrorists neutralised in Joint Counter-Terror Operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

• On 4 February, one terrorist was neutralised during the ongoing joint counter-terror operation ‘Trashi-I’ in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Security forces again found terrorists during a search in the dense forest area of Dichhar.
• The operation was jointly carried out by the Army’s White Knight Corps, J&K Police and CRPF.
• This encounter marked the fifth operation in the Chatroo belt over the past 18 days.
• In a separate operation named ‘Kiya’, two Pakistani terrorists were killed in Udhampur district after being trapped in a cave.
• One of the slain terrorists was identified as Rubani alias Abu Mavia, a senior Jaish-e-Mohammad commander.
• The operation in Udhampur lasted over 20 hours and concluded with complete area domination.
• A large cache of arms and ammunition, including an M4 carbine and an AK assault rifle, was recovered.

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

7. A national conference for State Election Commissioners will be organised by the Election Commission of India on February 24, 2026.

• The conference will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• State Election Commissioners of all the States/UTs of the country will attend the Conference.
• A national conference for State Election Commissioners will be held after a gap of more than 25 years.
• The previous such conference was organised in 1999.
• The conference will be chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
• He will be joined by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
• They will address the State Election Commissioners at the inaugural ceremony.
• State Election Commissioners will be accompanied by legal experts and technical specialists.
• The conference will be attended by Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of Election Commission of India of all 36 States/UTs.
• The conference is aimed at building synergy in the functioning of Election Commission of India and State Election Commissioners.

Topic: National News

8. Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi on 5 February 2026 in New Delhi.

• Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform.
• It is a significant milestone in promoting inclusive, citizen-centric mobility solutions in India.
• It is a significant milestone in strengthening the cooperative sector.
• Drivers on Bharat Taxi are referred to as Sarathis, who are placed at the center of ownership.
• They also play a key role in operations and value creation on the platform.
• The model reduces reliance on traditional aggregator-based models.
• The platform will work on a zero-commission and surge-free pricing model.
• Earnings will be directly distributed to the drivers and social security of Sarathis is a major priority.
• Drivers will receive health insurance coverage and accident insurance benefits.
• The platform supports retirement savings for drivers.
• The Bike Didi initiative is part of Bharat Taxi that encourages women to become drivers.
• The platform has already been joined by more than 150 women drivers.

Topic: Sports

9. Olympian Esha Singh won a gold medal in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event at the Asian Rifle and Pistol Championship.

• The competition was held at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.
• Her win came on the opening day of the championship.
• Esha Singh made a strong comeback in the final round and recorded a final score of 239.8.
• It was her second individual senior gold at the Asian Championships.
• Cheng Yen-Ching of Chinese Taipei won the silver medal and finished with a score of 235.4.
• Yu Ai-Wen of Chinese Taipei won the bronze medal with final score of 217.7.
• Esha Singh also competed in the women’s team event with Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker. Suruchi Singh was also a member of the team.
• The Indian team won gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event with combined score was 1,726.
• Vietnam won the silver medal and Chinese Taipei won the bronze medal in the team event.
• In the men’s individual 10m air pistol final, Samrat Rana finished third and won the bronze medal in the event.

Topic: Important Days

10. World Cancer Day 2026: 4 February

• World Cancer Day is observed on the 4th February every year.
• This day is observed to increase cancer awareness and promote its prevention, detection, and treatment.
• As per Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, the day is a reminder to support cancer survivors.
• As per the Minister, the day is a reminder to encourage regular screenings for a healthier society.
• He highlighted that the establishment of Cancer Day Care units in every district will provide major relief to patients.
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are playing a role in strengthening the fight against cancer through large-scale screenings.
• The theme of this year's World Cancer Day is United by Unique.
• This year's World Cancer Day places people in the centre of care. It places their stories at the heart of conversation.
• The theme is part of a three-year campaign, which has been run since 2025.
• It emphasises the significance of customised care, understanding that the cancer experience of each person is unique.