News in Shorts: 06 February 2026

Operation Trashi-I

Context: Joint security forces killed a terrorist in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir in Operation Trashi-I.

About the Operation Trashi-I

• Operation Trashi-I is a major counter-terrorism operation launched in  the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Area of Operation: Kishtwar district is marked by steep mountains, dense forests, deep gorges and high-altitude routes spanning nearly 2,000 sq km.
  • It borders Anantnag (Kashmir Valley), Doda (Jammu), Zanskar (Ladakh) and Himachal Pradesh, offering militants escape corridors and natural hideouts.
• Conducting Forces: It is a joint operation led by the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps (XV Corps), in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
• Objective: The primary goal is to track, flush out, and neutralize terrorists primarily affiliated with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Seychelles

Context: President of Seychelles Dr. Patrick Herminie arrived in India, for a five-day State Visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

About Seychelles

• Location: Seychelles is an archipelagic island nation in the western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. 
• Capital: Victoria on Mahé Island is the capital and largest settlement.
• Government:  It’s a unitary presidential republic with a multi-party system. Got independence from the United Kingdom in 1976. 
• Climate: The climate is tropical oceanic, with little temperature variation during the year.

India-Seychelles Relations

• Diplomatic relations began after Seychelles’ independence on June 29, 1976, with an Indian Naval Ship (INS Nilgiri) participating in the celebrations.
• Both India and Seychelles are key, strategic members of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
• The recent visit of Seychelles President marks his first official trip to India since assuming the presidency in October 2025. 
• The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles (established in 1976).
• The visit highlights Seychelles’ role as a key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region.
• It aligns with India’s Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and its commitments to the Global South.

Anthropic AI

Context: Global tech stocks fell sharply in February 2026 after Anthropic launched AI workplace tools that signaled a trend towards SaaSpocalypse.

About Anthropic AI

• Anthropic is a San Francisco–based AI company known for its Claude family of large language models, designed with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and enterprise use.
• Anthropic launched a workplace automation suite featuring 11 new plug-ins for its Claude Cowork AI agents. Unlike earlier AI tools, these agents can directly execute tasks rather than merely supporting existing software platforms.
• Key Features
  • Autonomous AI agents capable of end-to-end task execution
  • Direct interaction with workflows without relying on traditional SaaS interfaces
  • High accuracy in reasoning-intensive tasks such as legal and financial analysis
• Applications
  • Legal: Contract review, NDA analysis, compliance monitoring
  • Business: Sales tracking, marketing analytics, CRM-like functions
  • Data & Finance: Reporting, trend analysis, decision support

What is SaaSpocalypse?

• “SaaSpocalypse” refers to the growing concern that AI agents may render Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) companies redundant by replacing entire software layers.
• Recent Trend
  • Sharp selloff in global tech stocks, especially software firms
  • Indian IT stocks fell heavily due to dependence on service-based outsourcing
  • Shift in investor narrative: AI as a substitute, not an enabler
• Relevance for India: India’s IT sector relies on service delivery models that AI agents can increasingly automate, raising concerns about job displacement, value erosion, and the need for rapid adaptation.

Bharat Taxi

Context: Recently, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform.

About Bharat Taxi

• Bharat Taxi is a cooperative-based mobility platform designed as an alternative to app-based cab aggregators, prioritising drivers and passengers.
• Objective: To provide affordable, transparent, and fair ride-hailing services while improving driver earnings and working conditions.
• Nodal Body: The service is managed by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, under the broader vision of the Ministry of Cooperation.
• Working Model: Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission, driver-owned cooperative model, where drivers collectively own, govern, and benefit from the platform.
• Driver-Centric Provisions: Drivers receive up to 80 per cent of the fare directly, improving income stability.
  • Payments are managed through a monthly credit system, ensuring transparency and financial security.
• Key Features
  • Transparent and predictable fares, aimed at avoiding surge pricing and excessive peak-hour charges.
  • Multi-modal options, including cars, auto-rickshaws, and two-wheelers through a single mobile application.
  • Digital accessibility, with a multilingual app available on Android and iOS, enabling easy booking and real-time vehicle tracking.
  • Safety-first design, featuring verified driver onboarding, integration with Delhi Police, and ride-sharing options with trusted contacts.
• Significance: Bharat Taxi strengthens cooperative entrepreneurship, ensures fair mobility services, and promotes inclusive, people-centric urban transport solutions.

Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)

Context: Recent political debate over alleged improper utility has brought the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) back into national focus.

About Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)

• MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Government of India that enables Members of Parliament (MPs) to recommend development works aimed at creating durable community assets based on locally felt needs.
• Launch: December 1993
• Administered by: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Fund limit: Each MP is entitled to ₹5 crore per year, released in two equal installments of ₹2.5 crore to the District Authority (usually the District Collector).
  • Funds are non-lapsable and carried forward if unutilised. Since April 2023, funds are routed through a Central Nodal Account (CNA) to improve efficiency.
• Allocation norms: Mandatory earmarking of 15% for SC areas and 7.5% for ST areas.
• Area of recommendation:
  • Lok Sabha MPs – within their constituency
  • Rajya Sabha MPs – within their State
  • Nominated MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha – anywhere in India
• Limited flexibility: MPs may recommend works up to ₹50 lakh annually outside their constituency/State, and up to ₹1 crore during severe natural calamities.
• Monitoring: Online dashboards, geo-tagging, and district-level implementation ensure transparency.
• Works Permitted under MPLADS: Funds can be used only for durable assets, including
  • Drinking water and sanitation facilities
  • School buildings and educational infrastructure
  • Public health assets
  • Roads, bridges, and basic civic amenities

Despite criticism over utilisation, historical data show substantial fund absorption, indicating no strong case for scrapping MPLADS, but rather for improving capacity and oversight.

Lebanon-Israel Blue Line

Context: Recently, UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) temporarily suspended patrols and routine activities along parts of the Blue Line in southern Lebanon.

• The Israeli military announced the release of a non-toxic chemical substance near the Blue Line.

About UN Peacekeepers (UNIFIL)

• United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a UN peacekeeping mission  along the Lebanon–Israel border (Blue Line).
• Establishment:1978 
  • Its mandate was expanded in 2006 after the Israel–Hezbollah war under UNSC Resolution 1701.
• Primary Objective: To monitor cessation of hostilities and prevent violations in the border area.
• Area Control & Hostility Prevention: UNIFIL is authorised to ensure its area of operations is not used for hostile activities, including presence of weapons or fighters.
• Use of Force & Operational Limits: The force is armed but largely observational, with use of force permitted only in self-defence or to protect civilians.

About Blue Line (Lebanon–Israel Frontier)

• Nature : A UN-identified withdrawal line (2000) created to verify Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, not an international boundary.
• Legal Status: A technical and temporary demarcation, used solely to monitor compliance with UN Security Council resolutions.
• Geographical Extent: Stretches for about 120 km, from the Mediterranean coast near Naqoura to the tri-junction area near Shebaa Farms and the Golan Heights.
• Historical Background: Rooted in UNSC Resolutions 425 and 426 (1978) and delineated after Israel’s withdrawal in 2000.
• Supervised by : UNIFIL in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces.
• Disputed Zones: Covers strategically sensitive areas such as Shebaa Farms, Ghajar village, and Kfarchouba hills.
• Strategic Significance: Forms the core operational area for UNIFIL under UNSC Resolution 1701, critical for regional stability and civilian protection.

M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar

Context: Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid floral tributes to former Speaker M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar on his birth anniversary at Samvidhan Sadan.

About M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar

• Madabhooshi Ananthasayanam Ayyangar (1891–1978) was a veteran freedom fighter, jurist, and distinguished parliamentarian, remembered as one of the principal architects of India’s early parliamentary traditions.
• Early Life: Born on 4 February 1891 at Tiruchanur near Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Ayyangar studied at Pachaiyappa’s College, Madras, and earned a law degree from Madras Law College in 1913.
  • He began his career as a teacher before emerging as a leading lawyer, known for his mastery over case law.
• Key Contributions
  • Freedom Struggle: Actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement, Individual Satyagraha, and Quit India Movement and was imprisoned for nearly three years.
  • Constitution-making: Member of the Constituent Assembly and its Steering Committee, contributing to foundational parliamentary practices.
  • Parliamentary Leadership: Served as Deputy Speaker and later Speaker of the Lok Sabha (1956–62), noted for impartiality, clarity of rulings, and protection of parliamentary decorum.
  • Institutional Reforms: His rulings on questions, adjournment motions, quorum, and ministerial accountability became enduring precedents.
• Legacy: Ayyangar helped lay the foundations of India’s parliamentary democracy, championed judicial independence, social reform, and secularism, and later served as Governor of Bihar.
  • He remained devoted to the Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Tirupati and charitable work until his death on 19 March 1978.

BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC)

Context: Recently, India formally joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies to strengthen Industry 4.0 adoption and MSME competitiveness across BRICS economies.

About BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) 

• BCIC is a multilateral public–private platform that provides integrated support to manufacturing enterprises and MSMEs across BRICS and BRICS Plus countries. 
  • It focuses on industrial modernisation, digital transformation and sustainable manufacturing.
  • It operates under the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR).
• Mission : To enhance industrial competitiveness, productivity and resilience by promoting advanced manufacturing technologies, innovation, and cross-border industrial cooperation.
• Origin and Institutional Support: BCIC was launched during 2024–25 at the headquarters of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
  • UNIDO provides technical expertise and institutional backing, ensuring alignment with global industrial development standards.
• Key Functions of BCIC
  • Supports Industry 4.0 and factory digitalisation
  • Facilitates partnerships with technology providers and research institutions
  • Offers market intelligence, advisory services and access to finance
  • Promotes skills, productivity and sustainable industrial practices
• India’s Role: India’s participation has been formalised through a Trust Fund Agreement between DPIIT and UNIDO. 
  • The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been designated as India’s nodal centre to lead engagement, capacity building and productivity enhancement initiatives.

Significance for India

BCIC strengthens Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat by enabling Indian firms to integrate into BRICS value chains, access new markets and scale innovation globally.

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