7 February 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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Startup Recognition Framework

Objective of Revision

• Expand access to research and innovation for startups
• Promote manufacturing-led economic growth
• Position India as a global hub for emerging and deep technologies

Key Provisions of the Revised Framework

1. Enhanced Turnover Threshold

• Increased from ₹100 crore → ₹200 crore for startup recognition

2. Introduction of a Dedicated Deep Tech Startups Category

• Covers startups working on cutting-edge and breakthrough technologies
• Expanded eligibility norms: Age limit: Extended from 10 years → 20 years from incorporation, Turnover ceiling: Enhanced to ₹300 crore

3. Inclusion of Cooperative Societies

Cooperative entities now eligible for startup recognition:

• Multi-State Cooperative Societies (under MSCS Act, 2002)
• State & UT Cooperative Societies (under respective Cooperative Acts)

Recognised Startups in India

1. Definition

• A Recognised Startup is an entity officially recognised by the
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
• based on notified eligibility criteria.

2. Benefits of DPIIT Recognition

• Exemption from including cash flow statements in financial filings
• 100% tax exemption on profits for any 3 consecutive years
• under the Income Tax Act, 1961
• Access to government schemes, funding, and regulatory relaxations

Startup Ecosystem: Current Status (India)

• Over 2 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups (as of December 2025)
• Nearly 50% originate from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, indicating: Deepening regional innovation, Broad-based entrepreneurial growth

Key Government Initiatives Supporting Startups

• Startup India Initiative
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
• GENESIS – Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups
• NIDHI – National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations

Terms of Reference (ToR) for India–GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

What is the ToR?

• Signed between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
• Defines the scope, structure, and negotiating modalities of the proposed India–GCC Free Trade Agreement
• Acts as the formal launchpad for FTA negotiations

Background

• Framework Agreement of Economic Cooperation to explore an FTA was signed between India and GCC in 2004 (New Delhi)
• The ToR operationalises this long-standing intent into a structured negotiation process

Significance of India–GCC FTA for India

1. Unlocking Economic Potential

GCC represents:

• 61.5 million population (2024)
• US$ 2.3 trillion GDP (current prices)

Offers scope for a mutually beneficial trade and investment partnership

2. Trade and Investment Expansion

India–GCC trade:

• USD 178.56 billion (FY 2024–25)
• Accounts for 15.42% of India’s total global trade

FDI inflows from GCC:

• Exceeded USD 31.14 billion (as of September 2025)

3. Energy and Supply Chain Security

• Strengthens India’s energy diversification strategy
• Supports long-term supply security amid global geopolitical and economic uncertainties

4. Sectoral Gains

Key beneficiary sectors include:

• Food processing
• Infrastructure
• Petrochemicals
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

5. Reinforcing Strategic Relations

• Enhances resilience of India’s external economic relations in a volatile global environment
• Facilitates deeper integration with West Asian economies

6. People-to-People Connectivity

• GCC hosts nearly 10 million Indians, making it one of the largest overseas Indian communities
• FTA expected to improve mobility, employment opportunities, and welfare outcomes

About the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

1. Genesis

• Established through a cooperative agreement on 25 May 1981

2. Members (6)

• United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait

3. Headquarters

• Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

4. Objective

• Promote coordination, integration, and inter-connection among member states
• Aim to achieve unity and collective economic and political strength

Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in Union Budget 2026–27

Why in News?

• Union Budget 2026–27 places Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) at the core of India’s growth strategy.
• Focus areas include Digital governance, Predictable and simplified taxation, Reduction of compliance burden and litigation
• Reforms aim to enhance India’s attractiveness as a manufacturing, investment, and trade destination.

Key Ease of Doing Business Measures in Union Budget 2026–27

1. Trade and Investment Facilitation

• Integrated Digital Cargo Clearance: Introduction of a single, interconnected digital platform for all cargo clearance approvals. Reduces delays, duplication, and inter-agency procedural bottlenecks.
• Liberalisation of Portfolio Investments: Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs) permitted to invest in listed Indian companies under the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS). Individual investment cap enhanced from 5% to 10%, widening foreign investor participation.

2. Tax Reforms for Certainty and Simplicity

• Rationalisation of Minimum Alternative Tax: MAT to be treated as a final tax liability, eliminating future adjustments. MAT rate reduced from 15% to 14%.
• Understanding MAT Ensures companies pay a minimum tax on book profits even when normal tax liability is negligible or nil.
• Relief for Non-Residents Exemption from MAT for non-residents opting for presumptive taxation.
• Presumptive Taxation Explained: Allows income declaration at a fixed percentage of turnover. Minimises record-keeping and compliance costs.

3. Rationalisation of Penalties and Litigation

• Lower Pre-Deposit for Appeals: Mandatory pre-deposit for filing tax appeals reduced from 20% to 10% of core tax demand. Improves access to appellate remedies.
• Streamlined Proceedings: Provision for a single, consolidated order covering both tax assessment and penalty. Reduces procedural complexity and time consumption.
• Decriminalisation Push Courts empowered to substitute imprisonment with monetary fines for select economic offences.

4. Trust-Based and Risk-Driven Systems

• Recognition of Trusted Importers: Low-risk importers identified through risk management systems. Benefits include Reduced physical inspections, Factory-to-ship clearance model
• Customs Duty Deferral: Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) allowed a 30-day duty payment window after import. Introduces a “Clear First, Pay Later” mechanism to improve cash flow.
• Extended Validity of Advance Rulings Customs Advance Rulings validity extended from 3 years to 5 years.
• Advance Ruling Defined: A written clarification issued by tax authorities on the applicability of tax laws to specific transactions. Enhances predictability and reduces disputes.

Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)

Why in News?

• A historic tripartite agreement was signed between the Government of India, Government of Nagaland, and representatives of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO).
• The agreement provides for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) to address long-standing developmental and administrative demands of eastern Nagaland.

About Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO)

• Apex representative body of eight recognised Naga tribes: Konyak, Sangtam, Chang, Khiamniungan, Yimkhiung, Tikhir, Phom, Sumi
• Represents tribal interests across six eastern districts of Nagaland.

Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)

Districts Covered: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, Shamator

Key Provisions of the FNTA Agreement

1. Administrative Autonomy

• Devolution of powers over 46 subjects to the FNTA.
• Subjects relate primarily to local governance, development planning, and service delivery.

2. Institutional Structure

• Establishment of a Mini-Secretariat in the FNTA region.
• Headed by an Additional Chief Secretary / Principal Secretary–level officer.

3. Financial Empowerment

• Greater financial autonomy to enable region-specific development planning.
• Enhanced flexibility in allocation and utilisation of funds.

Constitutional and Legal Safeguards

Article 371(A) Unaffected

• The FNTA arrangement does not dilute or alter the special constitutional protections granted to Nagaland under Article 371(A).
• Existing safeguards related to: Naga customary law
• Land and resource ownership
• Religious and social practices
• remain fully intact.

Significance of FNTA

• Addressing Regional Imbalances: Targets historical neglect and developmental deficits in eastern Nagaland.
• Decentralised Governance: Strengthens local decision-making and administrative responsiveness.
• Conflict Management: Provides a negotiated, constitutional solution to regional aspirations without state bifurcation.
• Model of Cooperative Federalism: Demonstrates Centre–State collaboration to resolve sub-regional demands within the constitutional framework.

Bharat Taxi

Why in News?

The Union Home and Cooperation Minister launched ‘Bharat Taxi’, India’s first cooperative-based taxi service, with nationwide availability targeted within three years.

About Bharat Taxi

1. Cooperative Ownership Model

• Operates on a driver-owned cooperative structure.
• Drivers, called ‘Sarathis’, are collective owners, not employees of corporations or platforms.
• Eliminates intermediary profit extraction by external investors.

2. Four Core Principles

1. Ownership – Sarathis hold equity in the platform.
2. Security Cover – Social security and insurance benefits for drivers.
3. Dignity – Recognition of drivers as stakeholders, not gig labour.
4. Equitable Distribution – Fair sharing of platform-generated income.

3. Financial Structure

• Share Capital: Each Sarathi can hold shares up to a maximum value of ₹500.
• Revenue Sharing: 20% retained by Bharat Taxi for operational expenses. 80% of earnings transferred directly to Sarathis.

4. Gender-Inclusive Feature

• ‘Sarathi Didi’ Option: Dedicated app window enabling women passengers to opt for rides driven by women Sarathis.

5. Welfare and Support Measures

• Health Benefits: Free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh.
• Insurance Coverage: Life and accident insurance for Sarathis.
• Financial Inclusion: Access to affordable loans and subsidies.
• Social Security: Eligibility for all government schemes applicable to gig and platform workers.

Significance

• Cooperative Digital Platform: First large-scale attempt to apply cooperative principles to the platform economy.
• Gig Worker Empowerment: Shifts gig workers from precarious contractors to stakeholding owners.
• Inclusive Mobility: Promotes women’s participation and safer transport options.
• Alignment with National Policies: Supports the vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ and labour welfare reforms.

Bharat GenAI

Why in News?

• The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology announced that Bharat GenAI will complete text-based AI models in all 22 Scheduled Indian languages within this month.
• At present, the platform supports 15 Indian languages.

About Bharat GenAI

1. Nature of the Initiative

• India’s first government-supported national initiative aimed at developing sovereign foundational Artificial Intelligence models.
• Models are tailored specifically to Indian languages, cultural contexts, and societal needs, reducing dependence on foreign AI systems.

2. Modalities Covered

Bharat GenAI spans multiple AI modalities:

• Text – Large Language Models (LLMs) for Indian languages
• Speech – Text-to-Speech (TTS) and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)
• Vision–Language – Multimodal AI systems combining image and text understanding

3. Institutional Framework

• Spearheaded by: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
• Collaborating Institutions: Multiple academic and research institutions across India

4. Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs)

Active TIHs under National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) located at:

• IIT Bombay
• IIT Madras

Significance

• Linguistic Inclusion: Enables AI access in all 22 Scheduled Languages, supporting digital inclusion.
• Technological Sovereignty: Reduces strategic dependence on foreign proprietary AI models.
• Governance & Public Services: Enhances AI use in education, health, justice delivery, and citizen services.
• Startup & Research Ecosystem: Provides a foundational layer for Indian AI startups and public sector applications.

Union Territories (UTs) with Legislature

Why in News?

The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir has questioned the constitutional validity and utility of the “Union Territory with Legislative Assembly” model and called for doing away with it.

UTs with Legislative Assembly in India

Currently, three Union Territories have an elected legislature:

• National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi
• Puducherry
• Jammu & Kashmir

Constitutional & Legal Provisions

1. Article 239A

• Empowers Parliament to create A Legislative Assembly and A Council of Ministers
• Applicable to certain Union Territories, excluding Delhi.
• Parliament has complete discretion regarding structure and powers.

2. Government of Union Territories Act, 1963

• Enacted under Article 239A.
• Provides for Legislative Assemblies and Councils of Ministers
• Applicable to Puducherry (and earlier other UTs before statehood).

3. Article 239AA (69th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1991)

• Special constitutional provision exclusively for NCT of Delhi.
• Establishes a Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers headed by a Chief Minister.
• Lieutenant Governor (LG) acts as administrator.
• Excluded Subjects: Public Order, Police, Land (Remain with Union Government)

Jammu & Kashmir

• Reorganized as a UT with Legislature under Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019
• Legislative Assembly permitted, but Public order and police remain with the Union.
• Governance largely under LG-centric administrative control.

Core Constitutional Issue

• UTs are administered under Article 239, making them extensions of Union executive authority.
• The UT-with-Assembly model creates dual control: Elected government vs Lieutenant Governor
• This leads to Administrative friction, Dilution of democratic accountability, Frequent constitutional disputes (especially in Delhi & J&K)

Significance of the Debate

• Raises questions on Federalism vs Unitary Bias, Democratic legitimacy of partial statehood, Centralization after J&K reorganization
• Reopens debate on Whether UTs should be fully governed by the Centre, or Upgraded to full statehood instead of hybrid arrangements

Governor’s Address to State Legislature

Why in News?

• In several States, Governors have walked out of the Assembly or refused to read parts of the address prepared by the elected government, triggering debates on constitutional propriety and federal ethics.

Constitutional Basis

1. Article 176 of the Constitution

The Governor shall address the State Legislature:

• At the commencement of the first session after each general election to the Legislative Assembly, and
• At the commencement of the first session of each year.
• The address is made to Legislative Assembly, or Both Houses assembled together (in States with Legislative Council).
• Purpose: To inform the Legislature of the causes of its summons.

3. Nature of the Governor’s Address

• Executive policy statement, not the personal opinion of the Governor.
• Reflects Policies, Priorities, Legislative agenda of the elected State government.
• Functionally similar to President’s Address under Article 87 at the Union level.

Role of the Governor

• The Governor acts as a constitutional head, not an independent political authority.
• The address is drafted by the State Cabinet and delivered by the Governor on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers (Article 163).

Judicial Interpretation

Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016)

Supreme Court held:

• The Governor’s address is an executive act, not a discretionary function.
• The Governor cannot modify, omit, or refuse to read the address prepared by the elected government.
• Must act strictly on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in constitutionally specified discretionary matters.

Constitutional Impropriety in Recent Incidents

1. Walking out or refusing to read the address:

• Violates Article 176
• Undermines cabinet responsibility
• Distorts federal balance

2. Such actions:

• Convert a ceremonial constitutional duty into a political veto
• Risk transforming the Governor into a parallel executive authority

Motion of Thanks

Why in News?

Protests in the Lok Sabha disrupted proceedings, preventing the Prime Minister’s reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, raising concerns about parliamentary accountability and convention.

Constitutional Basis

Article 87(1) of the Constitution

1. The President shall address both Houses of Parliament assembled together:

• At the commencement of the first session after each general election to the Lok Sabha, and
• At the commencement of the first session of each year.

2. Purpose:

• To inform Parliament of the causes of its summons
• To outline the policies and legislative agenda of the elected government.

Motion of Thanks: Meaning and Procedure

1. After the President’s Address:

• A Motion of Thanks is moved in the Lok Sabha.

2. Rule 17 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha:

• Discussion is held on matters referred to in the President’s Address.

3. The motion is:

• Moved by one member
• Seconded by another member

4. The discussion:

• May continue for several days.
• Covers governance, policy direction, and omissions in the Address.

Role of the Prime Minister

1. By convention:

• The Prime Minister replies at the end of the discussion.

2. Significance of PM’s reply:

• Clarifies government position
• Responds to criticism
• Reasserts collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers

Though not constitutionally mandatory, the reply is a strong parliamentary convention.

Amendments to Motion of Thanks

• Permissible under parliamentary rules.
• Opposition members may move amendments: Expressing regret or disapproval
• Highlighting: Omission of important issues Inadequate policy articulation
• If an amendment is passed: It amounts to an indirect censure of the government.

Legal and Political Significance

• Passage of the Motion of Thanks: Indicates confidence of the House in the government.
• Defeat of the Motion or passage of hostile amendments: Considered a serious political setback
• Though not automatically leading to resignation, it erodes moral authority.

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