“IMPORTANT DAYS”

1 February – Indian Coast Guard Day

Indian Coast Guard Day is observed on 1st February to honour the personnel for their dedication to safeguarding India’s maritime borders and interests. The Coast Guard’s key roles include search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy measures, and protection of marine resources. The day is marked with parades, award ceremonies, and demonstrations of capabilities, highlighting their service and commitment to national security.

“SPORTS”

Devika Sihag Wins Maiden BWF Super 300 Title at Thailand Masters

Indian badminton has a new rising star. Devika Sihag, a 20-year-old shuttler from Haryana, has captured national attention after winning her first BWF Super 300 title at the Thailand Masters 2026. The victory marks the biggest achievement of her young career and signals India’s growing depth in women’s singles badminton. With consistent performances and growing confidence on the international circuit, Devika’s breakthrough win adds another promising chapter to India’s badminton success story. 

“AWARDS”

Indian-Origin Scientist Wins Crafoord Prize 2026

Indian-origin scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan received the Crafoord Prize, widely known as the “Nobel of Geosciences.” His decades-long research fundamentally changed how the world understands climate change. From discovering the warming impact of industrial gases to shaping global environmental policies, his work has influenced both science and society. The award recognizes a lifetime dedicated to protecting the planet through evidence-based climate science.

Dalai Lama Wins Grammy for ‘Meditations’ Audiobook

At the age of 90, the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has earned a Grammy Award, marking a rare intersection of spirituality and global popular culture. He won the award in the Best Audiobook, Narration and Storytelling Recording category for “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, a work centred on compassion, peace, and shared human responsibility.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

New Orchid Species Discovered in Kanthalloor, Kerala

India’s biodiversity has gained fresh attention after scientists discovered a new orchid species in Kerala’s Kanthalloor region. Announced in January 2026, the finding highlights how India’s forests still hold many unexplored plant species. Orchids are among the most sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, and this discovery reinforces the ecological importance of the Western Ghats.

Adampur Airport Renamed Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport

Punjab’s aviation map witnessed a symbolic and developmental shift on 2 February 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed Adampur airport in Jalandhar after the revered saint Guru Ravidas, while also inaugurating a new civil terminal at Halwara airport in Ludhiana. The twin announcements combine cultural recognition with infrastructure development, strengthening regional air connectivity under the UDAN scheme and fulfilling long-standing public and political demands in the state.

Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch Designated as Ramsar Wetlands

Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch (Gujarat) have been officially designated as Ramsar wetlands of international importance. These additions expand India’s network of Ramsar sites to 98, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to protecting wetlands and biodiversity.