UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 2026-02-10

Table of Contents
1. Tracing Tamil's Centuries-Old Presence in Malaysia
2. New Dragonfly Species Discovered in Kerala
3. Safe Landing Patch Identified near Mons Mouton for Chandrayaan 4
4. The Next Big Commodity is the Mineable Self
5. SC Tells RBI to Bring in Stricter Checks to Stop Online Frauds
6. India-Seychelles Relations - Expanding Maritime Partnership to Sustainability and Strategic Cooperation
7. Gravity's Role in Earth's Journey Through Space
8. A Chance for India to Polish the Kimberley Process
9. Back on Track: On Malaysia-India Ties
10. Form 7 Controversy and Electoral Roll Revisions in India
11. Gross NPAs of SCBs at Historic Low
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GS1/History & Culture

Tracing Tamil's Centuries-Old Presence in Malaysia

Why in News?

During his inaugural foreign visit of 2026 to Malaysia, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the long-standing significance of the Tamil language, highlighting its status not just as a diaspora language but as a prominent and historical language within Malaysia. This language is prevalent in various spheres such as education, temples, media, and cultural institutions, and has roots that extend beyond the Malaysian nation-state and colonial era. The arrival of Tamil was primarily influenced by centuries of maritime trade, labor migration, settlement, and cultural continuity, rather than contemporary policies. This rich historical backdrop accounts for the presence of nearly three million people of Indian origin, predominantly Tamil, forming one of Southeast Asia's most prominent and established diasporas.

Key Takeaways

• The deep historical connection of Tamil in Malaysia, predating colonial influence.
• Significant migration patterns driven by colonial demands established a robust Tamil community.
• Modern Tamil life in Malaysia is vibrant and integrated into the nation's social fabric.

Additional Details

• Before Plantations, There Were Ships: Tamil connections in the Malay world date back to ancient maritime routes linking India's Coromandel coast with the Malay Peninsula, particularly Kedah and the Strait of Malacca, facilitating ongoing contact since before the 1st century BCE.
• Trade, Settlement, and Culture: The exchange of goods such as spices and textiles also led to the movement of people. South Indian merchant guilds established semi-permanent settlements and constructed temples, leaving behind Tamil inscriptions that integrated culture with commerce.
• Religious and Social Exchange: Alongside trade, cultural exchanges introduced Hindu and Buddhist practices into local societies, creating lasting influences on local religious and social life.
• Tamil Muslim Communities: Early Tamil Muslim traders, including Rowthers and Marakkayars, settled and intermarried, leading to enduring cultural impacts reflected in place names and customs.
• Before colonial reorganization, Tamil presence was already embedded in the region's social dynamics, predating European colonial powers.
• Colonial Demand and Mass Migration: British colonialism saw an influx of Tamil workers driven by labor needs for plantations and infrastructure development, utilizing the kangani system for recruitment from the Madras Presidency.
• Life on the Estates: By the early 20th century, Tamil laborers played crucial roles in clearing land and establishing infrastructure, often facing harsh living conditions.
• Oppression and Endurance: Despite the oppressive colonial labor conditions, Tamil culture thrived through temples, schools, and local festivals, showcasing resilience.
• Language as the Community's Spine: Tamil has remained a cornerstone of the community, fostering social mobility among estate residents into various professions.
• Post-Independence Urban Shift: Post-1957, migration to urban areas like Kuala Lumpur and Penang facilitated educational and job opportunities, strengthening Tamil institutions.
• A Public Language, Not a Memory: In contemporary Malaysia, Tamil is vibrant in schools, media, and cultural life, affirming PM Modi's observation about its structural significance in society.

In his address, PM Modi characterized the Indian diaspora in Malaysia, numbering around three million, as a "living bridge" between India and Malaysia. He proposed initiatives including social security agreements and improved visa processes to enhance bilateral ties. The historical narrative of migration underscores the profound human cost, with significant mortality rates attributed to harsh conditions. Ultimately, the enduring Tamil presence in Malaysia is a testament to the deep-rooted connections that transcend political frameworks, marking a legacy that is both historical and vibrant in today's cultural landscape.

GS3/Environment

New Dragonfly Species Discovered in Kerala

Why in News?

Researchers have recently identified and described a new species of dragonfly, named Lyriothemis keralensis, which underscores the rich and largely unexplored biodiversity found in the Western Ghats region of India.

Key Takeaways

• Scientific Name: Lyriothemis keralensis
• Taxonomic Group: Order Odonata, Family Libellulidae
• Location of Discovery: Varapetty near Kothamangalam, Ernakulam district, Kerala
• Habitat: Found in vegetated pools and irrigation canals, as well as shaded pineapple and rubber plantations.
• Seasonal Visibility: Adults are observed only during the Southwest monsoon, from late May to August, while they remain in the aquatic larval stage for the rest of the year.

Additional Details

• Habitat Description: The dragonflies thrive in environments characterized by vegetated pools, which provide essential resources for their life cycle.
• Seasonal Behavior: The adult dragonflies are predominantly active during the monsoon season, indicating a strong relationship with seasonal rainfall patterns.

The discovery of Lyriothemis keralensis not only adds to the understanding of the diversity within the Odonata order but also highlights the necessity for ongoing research into the ecological significance of such species in the Western Ghats.

Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?

• (a) Butterflies
• (b) Dragonflies
• (c) Honeybees
• (d) Wasps

GS3/Science and Technology

Safe Landing Patch Identified near Mons Mouton for Chandrayaan 4

Why in News?

A recent study conducted by the ISRO Space Applications Centre has pinpointed a safe landing area close to Mons Mouton for Chandrayaan-4, which is India's inaugural lunar sample return mission.

Key Takeaways

• Location: Mons Mouton is located in the south polar region of the Moon, approximately 160 km from the lunar south pole.
• Physical Features: The massif is about 100 km wide and rises approximately 6,000 meters above the surrounding terrain.
• Illumination Conditions: Certain regions experience near-continuous sunlight, while others are in permanent shadow.
• Scientific Importance: The area represents exposed deep lunar crust, which is rare and holds significant scientific value.

Additional Details

• Mons Mouton's Origin: This feature was formed due to rim uplift caused by ancient massive asteroid impacts.
• Observational Opportunities: Mons Mouton can be seen during favorable libration conditions, even through amateur telescopes.

In summary, the identification of a safe landing patch near Mons Mouton not only paves the way for Chandrayaan-4's mission but also emphasizes the scientific significance of the Moon's south polar region. This mission aims to enhance our understanding of the lunar surface and its geological history.

GS3/Economy

The Next Big Commodity is the Mineable Self

Why in News?

The contemporary capitalist economy increasingly transforms the human self into a commodity, extracting value not just from labor but also from personal identity, emotions, and experiences. This shift signifies a new phase of economic interaction where individuals themselves become key economic inputs.

Key Takeaways

• The modern economy extracts value from human identity and social interactions.
• Personal narratives and everyday experiences are commodified and exchanged in global markets.
• Streaming platforms and social media democratize visibility, turning personal representation into cultural capital.
• Artificial intelligence blurs the lines of identity, making personhood performative.

Additional Details

• From Labour to Identity: The shift from classical industrial capitalism to a focus on social existence marks a new extraction stage, where sociality, relationships, and emotional expressions are tracked and monetized.
• Commodification: Experiences and interactions are transformed into marketable information, rendering personal identity economically productive and perpetually renewable.
• The Global Story Economy: There is an increasing demand for relatable narratives that connect local experiences with global themes, creating a shared narrative system that reorganizes geography into a cultural marketplace.
• Streaming Platforms: The rise of internet-based platforms has led to a democratization of content, where ordinary individuals gain visibility, yet this visibility serves as economic participation, creating fragmented identities.
• Artificial Intelligence: The development of AI challenges traditional notions of identity by simulating human-like personality traits, leading to a reinterpretation of personhood as performative.
• The Culture of Visibility: The need for recognition fosters a cycle of self-presentation, where every individual's story is shared for validation, contributing to a market focused on visibility.

In conclusion, the modern economy increasingly relies on self-presentation and identity, integrating personal experiences and emotional expressions into economic systems. This paradox allows individuals to engage in unprecedented opportunities for participation and expression while simultaneously commodifying their visibility in a global marketplace.

GS3/Economy

SC Tells RBI to Bring in Stricter Checks to Stop Online Frauds

Why in News?

A Bench led by the Chief Justice of India has instructed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Union Government to enhance safeguards against online financial frauds. The Supreme Court highlighted that over ₹52,000 crore has been siphoned between April 2021 and November 2025 due to online frauds, including incidents termed as "digital arrests," which the Court described as "absolute robbery or dacoity." The Court raised concerns about the lack of alerts when substantial sums, like ₹50 lakh, are withdrawn from accounts, particularly those of retirees. It has mandated the RBI and the Home Ministry to tighten regulations surrounding suspicious transactions and to implement formal Standard Operating Procedures for better coordination on cyber frauds.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court identified large-scale cyber-enabled frauds and questioned existing monitoring mechanisms.
• It raised concerns about the lack of alerts for large withdrawals from retiree accounts.
• The Court stressed the need for the RBI to enhance protective measures for depositors.

Additional Details

• Scale of Fraud: Approximately ₹52,969 crore misappropriated in under five years, indicating a serious systemic issue.
• Judicial Scrutiny: The Court's intervention emphasizes the inadequacy of current regulatory safeguards and highlights the need for improved definitions of suspicious transactions.
• Government Directions: The Home Ministry has been ordered to implement a nationwide Standard Operating Procedure for handling cyber fraud cases.
• Institutional Mechanisms: The government is finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for sharing suspect registry data to enhance coordination and detection of fraudulent activities.

The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the pressing need for improved regulatory frameworks in the face of rising cyber-enabled financial frauds, particularly in a rapidly digitizing banking ecosystem. The scale of misappropriation and the absence of robust alert mechanisms point to gaps in regulatory vigilance. Strengthening definitions of suspicious transactions, enhancing data-sharing frameworks, and ensuring proactive oversight by the RBI are crucial steps toward preserving financial stability and depositor trust.

Value Addition

What is a digital arrest? A digital arrest is a sophisticated cyber scam where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money or data from victims. Victims are manipulated into believing they are under arrest for serious crimes, often using fake documents and high-pressure tactics. This form of online fraud aims to coerce individuals into paying fines or revealing personal information, leading to financial loss or identity theft.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2020] Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. This question addresses the growing threat of cyber crimes in India and the importance of institutional, regulatory, and technological measures to combat them, relevant to GS-3 (Internal Security and Cyber Security).

GS2/International Relations

India-Seychelles Relations - Expanding Maritime Partnership to Sustainability and Strategic Cooperation

Why in News?

The recent bilateral talks between the Indian Prime Minister and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie in New Delhi mark a significant milestone, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations alongside the 50th anniversary of Seychelles' independence. This visit, occurring within 100 days of President Herminie's election victory, highlights the strategic importance Seychelles places on its relationship with India amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR).

Key Takeaways

• The two nations adopted a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth, and Security (SESEL).
• Agreements were signed across various sectors to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Additional Details

• Strategic and Maritime Cooperation:Defence and maritime security form the core of bilateral ties, focusing on:
  • Maritime surveillance
  • Defence capacity development
  • Counter-piracy operations
  • Combating international crime and maritime threats
  • Protection of critical Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)
• Colombo Security Conclave (CSC): Seychelles has joined the CSC, enhancing regional maritime domain awareness and stability.
• Joint Vision (SESEL):Expands cooperation to include:
  • Marine research and ocean governance
  • Climate action and renewable energy solutions
  • Healthcare and digital transformation
  • Cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation
• Economic and Developmental Assistance: India has announced a $175 million Special Economic Package to support various sectors in Seychelles.
• Geostrategic Significance: Seychelles plays a crucial role in global trade and India's maritime strategy, countering external influences in the region.
• Challenges: Include geopolitical competition, climate vulnerability, and economic dependencies.
• Way Forward: Emphasizes institutional maritime domain awareness, blue economy cooperation, and enhancing governance partnerships.

The evolving India-Seychelles partnership is transitioning from a traditional defence relationship to a multidimensional strategic alliance. This collaboration not only bolsters bilateral ties but also contributes to broader regional peace, stability, and growth. As a key player in the Indo-Pacific, Seychelles supports India's aspirations to be a responsible security and development partner in the region.

GS3/Science and Technology

Gravity's Role in Earth's Journey Through Space

Why in News?

This article gains significance at the beginning of the year as it reflects on Earth's relentless journey around the Sun at an astonishing speed of nearly 107,000 kilometers per hour. Despite this incredible velocity, life remains stable on Earth due to the balancing force of gravity. It also commemorates the notable scientific milestone of the rejection of the ether theory in 1887 and pays homage to Prof. Jayant Narlikar, the founder of IUCAA, following his recent passing. The discussion contrasts the outdated notions of "aether" with current scientific understandings of vacuum and gravitational effects, emphasizing the remarkable figures of Earth traveling nearly 1 billion kilometers annually and about 40,000 kilometers hourly, illustrating the vastness of this motion, which goes unnoticed in our daily lives.

Key Takeaways

• Gravity is an essential, invisible force that attracts masses towards each other.
• It governs both terrestrial and cosmic phenomena, including falling objects and planetary motion.
• Earth completes a revolution around the Sun in 365 days, covering almost 1 billion kilometers each year.

Additional Details

• What is Gravity: Gravity is a fundamental force that draws any two objects with mass toward one another. Its strength is determined by the masses of the objects and the distance between them.
• How Does Gravity Function as a Centripetal Force: Gravity serves as a centripetal force that maintains the orbits of celestial bodies. For instance, while Earth orbits the Sun, its forward motion counterbalances the gravitational pull, preventing it from falling into the Sun.
• Why Do Objects Fall Toward Earth: Objects fall toward Earth primarily because it is the most massive object nearby, and all masses attract one another.
• How Fast Is Earth Travelling in Space: Earth travels nearly 1,000,000,000 kilometers in a year, averaging about 107,000 kilometers per hour.
• Why Is There No Friction in Space: Friction requires a medium to resist motion. In space, the absence of such a medium allows for continuous motion without deceleration.
• What Was the Ether Hypothesis and Why Did It Fail: The ether hypothesis posited that an invisible substance filled space. However, the Michelson-Morley Experiment in 1887 failed to detect ether, leading to the understanding that space is a vacuum.
• Significance of Space Studies in India: IUCAA in Pune fosters astrophysics research, with contributions from Prof. Jayant Narlikar, who was recognized with the Padma Vibhushan in 2004 for his work and public science communication.

In conclusion, Earth's silent yet rapid journey through space is maintained by the delicate balance of gravity and motion. What was once theorized as the "ether" is now explained through established scientific principles. Reflecting on these advancements and the contributions of scientists like Jayant Narlikar highlights the importance of scientific inquiry in comprehending our universe.

PYQ Relevance:

• [UPSC 2017] The Juno Mission of NASA assists in understanding Earth's origin and evolution, reinforcing the article's discussion of gravity as a fundamental force in shaping Earth's trajectory through space.

GS2/International Relations

A Chance for India to Polish the Kimberley Process

Why in News?

The global diamond trade, while a symbol of wealth, has a dark history linked to violence and political instability. The need to address the issue of conflict diamonds led to the establishment of the Kimberley Process, an international framework aimed at regulating the trade of rough diamonds. With India set to assume the chairmanship of this process in 2026, there lies a significant opportunity to lead reforms that enhance ethical trade and accountability while modernizing technology and strengthening global governance.

Key Takeaways

• The Kimberley Process was initiated in 2000 to prevent diamonds from funding wars.
• India plays a crucial role as the largest processor of diamonds, controlling significant parts of the global diamond value chain.
• Major challenges include the narrow definition of conflict diamonds and decision-making constraints within the Kimberley Process.
• India's leadership can pave the way for reforms and a developmental focus on producer countries.

Additional Details

• Emergence of the Initiative: The Kimberley Process started in 2000 through discussions among southern African nations to stop diamonds from financing conflicts. The Certification Scheme was created in 2003, and now it includes 60 participants from 86 countries, overseeing 99.8% of the global rough diamond production.
• Certification Mechanism: Each shipment of rough diamonds must carry a validated certificate confirming its legitimate origin. This mechanism aims to maintain transparency and prevent illegal trade.
• Challenges: The current definition of conflict diamonds is limited to those funding rebel groups, excluding broader issues like state violence and forced labor. Decision-making is hampered by the requirement for consensus, and ineffective sanctions have shown that embargoes alone can worsen conditions.
• Reform Opportunities: Under India's chairmanship, there are opportunities for institutional reforms to address broader definitions of conflict diamonds, implement digital innovations like blockchain for better traceability, and build capacity in producer countries to foster compliance.
• Developmental Focus: Aligning Kimberley Process initiatives with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can enhance local economies and ensure that diamond revenues contribute positively to health, education, and infrastructure in producing regions.

In conclusion, while the Kimberley Process has made progress in reducing the trade of conflict diamonds, its effectiveness is hindered by narrow definitions and political limitations. India's anticipated leadership in 2026 presents a crucial opportunity to implement necessary reforms and create a more robust and ethical diamond trade system that promotes transparency and community welfare.

GS2/International Relations

Back on Track: On Malaysia-India Ties

Why in News?

The diplomatic relationship between India and Malaysia, which had been strained over issues concerning terrorism and differing multilateral positions, is undergoing a significant recalibration. This comes in the wake of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent 24-hour visit to Kuala Lumpur, marking a strategic shift in ties after a year of tension.

Key Takeaways

• The visit signals a priority for India in engaging with ASEAN nations.
• Both countries condemned terrorism and committed to enhanced counter-terror cooperation.
• Several key agreements were signed to strengthen bilateral trade and cooperation.

Additional Details

• Reasons for Strain: Tensions arose from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's calls for dialogue between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attacks. His offer to mediate and hosting of Pakistan's PM added to diplomatic sensitivities.
• Significance of the Visit: Modi's choice of Malaysia as his first overseas destination of the year indicates a clear intention to prioritize bilateral relations and address previous discomfort.
• Agreements Signed: Notably, agreements included cooperation in semiconductors, disaster management, and combating corruption, which aim to deepen economic ties and enhance collaborative efforts.
• Geopolitical Implications: The reset in ties is strategically significant as it influences ASEAN dynamics and addresses the balance of power in the region, especially concerning China's influence.

The recent developments reflect a move towards a more cooperative relationship between India and Malaysia, focusing on shared interests in security and economic growth while setting aside contentious issues for future discussions.

GS2/Polity

Form 7 Controversy and Electoral Roll Revisions in India

Why in News?

Concerns have surfaced regarding the alleged misuse of Form 7 applications during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, resulting in a significant number of voters' names being deleted across various states.

Key Takeaways

• Electoral rolls are essential for ensuring every eligible citizen has the right to vote in India.
• Form 7 serves as a mechanism to object to the inclusion of names in electoral rolls, with recent changes raising concerns about potential misuse.
• The current SIR process has led to the removal of approximately 6.5 crore voters, sparking controversy and allegations of fraud.

Additional Details

• Electoral Rolls: These rolls are foundational to India's democratic process, governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1950. They are regularly updated to reflect new voters and remove ineligible entries.
• Form 7: This form is used to challenge the inclusion of a person's name in the electoral roll. The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, governs its use, allowing objections based on criteria like death, duplication, or ineligibility.
• Special Intensive Revision (SIR): The SIR is a comprehensive effort by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to update electoral rolls, affecting nearly 51 crore voters across various regions.
• Controversy: Allegations have emerged of bulk Form 7 submissions without voters' consent, leading to systematic deletions of eligible voters' names, particularly in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Verification Process: Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are mandated to conduct physical verifications when Form 7 applications are filed, although concerns persist regarding the effectiveness of these measures under time constraints.

In summary, the ongoing debate surrounding Form 7 and the electoral roll revisions highlights critical issues of voter disenfranchisement and the integrity of the electoral process in India. It underscores the need for enhanced transparency and robust verification mechanisms to safeguard the rights of voters.

GS3/Economy

Gross NPAs of SCBs at Historic Low

Why in News?

The Finance Ministry has announced that the gross non-performing assets (NPAs) ratio of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) has reached a historic low of 2.15 percent as of September 30, 2025. This figure represents the lowest level of NPAs seen in over a decade.

Key Takeaways

• Gross NPA ratio of SCBs: 2.15 percent
• Trend: Continuous decline for the last eight financial years
• Comparison: Lower than the level seen in 2010-11

Bank-wise Gross NPA Ratio as of September 30, 2025

Reasons for Decline in NPAs

• Asset Quality Review: Initiated by the Reserve Bank of India in 2015.
• Government's 4R Strategy: Focused on Recognition of NPAs, Resolution and Recovery, Recapitalization of Public Sector Banks (PSBs), and Reforms in the banking and financial ecosystem.
• Improved underwriting standards and stronger balance sheets have led to sustained profitability of banks.

Related Question

What was the purpose of the Inter-Creditor Agreement signed by Indian banks and financial institutions recently?

• (a) To lessen the Government of India's perennial burden of fiscal deficit and current account deficit
• (b) To support the infrastructure projects of Central and State Governments
• (c) To act as independent regulator in case of applications for loans of Rs. 50 crore or more
• (d) To aim at faster resolution of stressed assets of Rs. 50 crore or more which are under consortium lending

This development indicates a significant improvement in the health of the banking sector, reflecting effective measures taken to manage and reduce non-performing assets.