Explanation: India recently addressed the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) Roundtable at UNFCCC COP30 in Belém, Brazil, highlighting global efforts on industrial decarbonisation. LeadIT was launched in 2019 by India and Sweden with support from the World Economic Forum. It is the first global high-level initiative targeting net-zero emissions from heavy industries by 2050. It brings together countries and companies to promote public-private partnerships, finance, and best-practice sharing for an inclusive, just transition. LeadIT 2.0 (2024-26), launched at COP28, focuses on inclusive transition, low-carbon technology transfer and financial support to emerging economies. Its secretariat is hosted by the Stockholm Environment Institute, with 18 member countries and 27 companies.

Explanation: Mumbai hosted the fifth Tri-Services Veterans Day parade at Marine Drive ahead of Veterans Day. The event was held from 8 AM to 11 AM with participation of over 500 veterans, including gallantry award winners and octogenarians. Mumbai is the only city in India to host a city-level Veterans Day parade. The event was organised by the Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter with support from Headquarters Western Naval Command. Tri-Services Veterans Day marks the retirement of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, on 14 January 1953.

Explanation: हाल ही में, यूक्रेन ने FP-5 “फ्लेमिंगो” नामक लंबी दूरी की क्रूज़ मिसाइल पेश की है, जिसे फायर पॉइंट डिफेंस कंपनी ने विकसित किया है। इसकी रेंज 3,000 किलोमीटर है और यह 1,150 किलोग्राम का वॉरहेड ले जा सकती है। यह यूक्रेन की पहली स्वदेशी “हेवी” मिसाइल है, जो टर्बोफैन इंजन और GPS-आधारित नेविगेशन का उपयोग करती है।

Explanation: A Chinese reconnaissance drone recently flew over the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the northern South China Sea, which Taiwan described as œprovocative and irresponsible. The Pratas Islands, also called the Dongsha Islands, consist of three islands, with Dongsha Island being the only one above sea level; the other two are submerged. The islands have a circular atoll structure made mainly of clastic coral and reef flats.

Explanation: The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) logo, theme song, and mascot were unveiled at Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The Games are scheduled from 14 February 2026. Chhattisgarh is the first state to host these Games. Morveer is the official mascot of the inaugural edition. The mascot ‘Morveer’ combines ‘Mor’ (mine/our own) and ‘Veer’ (courage/valour), symbolising tribal pride and spirit. The Games are organised jointly by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India, Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations, and Chhattisgarh state committee.

Explanation: Bihar approved the first three grain ATM machines in Patna as a pilot project. Grain ATM, also called Annapurti, is an automated machine dispensing wheat or rice. The technology was developed by the World Food Programme in collaboration with the Food Corporation of India and state governments. Machines operate 24×7 and can be solar-powered. They use internet connectivity to access the Public Distribution System database and the profile of Below Poverty Line cardholders.

Explanation: The Tourism Department of Rajasthan has launched the Rajasthan Homestay (Paying Guest House) Scheme – 2026 to promote tourism, rural income generation, and self-employment. The scheme was announced by Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) Praveen Gupta as a major initiative to strengthen tourism infrastructure and boost the rural economy. Rajasthan recorded a 9.74 percent rise in tourist arrivals in 2025, with over 25.44 crore visitors, including more than 25.25 crore domestic tourists. The scheme is expected to further increase tourist inflow by encouraging residents to offer accommodation facilities in their homes.

Explanation: Sweden has become the world’s first cashless country, replacing physical money with digital payments through phones and cards. Travellers can easily pay anywhere — from shops to northern lights tours — using digital transactions. The transformation began with the launch of Swish, a mobile payment app introduced in 2012. Swish enables real-time money transfers between individuals, businesses, and organizations using just a phone number. Its fast adoption made digital payments common across shops, cafés, museums, and even churches. This shift marks a major milestone in Sweden’s journey toward a fully digital and cash-free economy.

Explanation: Google’s CEO announced Project Suncatcher, a long-term research plan to set up solar-powered data centers in space. The project aims to build satellite constellations that can perform large-scale machine learning using Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs). These space-based data centers avoid the environmental impact created by Earth-based data centers. They also reduce risks from power outages, undersea cable failures, and natural disasters. The project supports data sovereignty because outer space is not under national jurisdiction as per the Outer Space Treaty of 1967.

Explanation: Zero Discrimination Day is observed annually on 1st March. It is organised by the United Nations. The day promotes global solidarity to end all forms of discrimination. It encourages inclusion, compassion, peace, and positive social change. The observance educates people on equality and the importance of respecting human rights for everyone.