State PCS - Karnataka (KPSC)

• 06 Feb 2026

Kalpetta Becomes India’s First Fully Paperless District Court

Why in News? 

The Kalpetta judicial district in Wayanad, Kerala has become India’s first fully paperless district court. 

Key Points 

• Historic Achievement: Kalpetta has become the first district court in India to function completely without paper, transitioning to a fully digital judicial system. 
• Inauguration: The paperless court system was virtually inaugurated by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. 
• Functioning: All stages of court proceedings — including pre‑trial processes, recording of evidence, interlocutory orders, and final adjudications — are now conducted electronically without the use of physical files.  
  • The digital platform, known as the District Court Case Management System (DCMS), was developed in‑house by the Kerala High Court’s IT department to ensure secure and efficient digital operations. 
• Technology: The system integrates AI‑based judicial assistance tools that help generate structured case summaries, assist with annotation, query case details, and support judges with faster access to digital records. 
• Benefits: Going paperless is expected to reduce litigation costs, eliminate delays in transferring files, enhance access to justice, and contribute to “green jurisprudence” by lowering the environmental impact of judicial processes.  
• Model for Other Districts: The initiative is being seen as a model for other judicial districts across India, with the potential to transform traditional court operations into efficient digital systems nationwide. 

Read More: District court, AI, Chief Justice of India 

Tamil Nadu Launches India’s First Deep Tech Startup Policy

Why in News? 

Tamil Nadu unveiled India’s first dedicated Deep Tech Startup Policy at the UmagineTN 2026 technology summit in Chennai. 

Key Points 

• Policy Launch: The Deep Tech Startup Policy 2025‑26 was launched by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the UmagineTN 2026 summit held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.  
  • Tamil Nadu became the first Indian state to introduce a dedicated deep tech startup policy. 
• Implementation: The policy will be coordinated and facilitated by the Tamil Nadu Technology (iTNT) Hub, the nodal agency under the state government.  
• Investment & Startup Support: The policy targets support for 100 deep tech startups and plans to mobilise ₹100 crore in public and private investment over the next five years to bridge the gap between research and market deployment. 
  • The policy emphasises cutting‑edge sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, biotechnology, space technologies, and clean energy, which typically involve advanced scientific research and long gestation periods. 
• Ecosystem Development: It aims to facilitate technology transfer from academic and research institutions to startups, encourage patent creation, and strengthen infrastructure and capital support for innovation. 
• Government Support: The policy includes provisions like a “Government as Early Adopter” programme to pilot and validate deep tech solutions in select government departments, aiding startups in proving their technologies. 

Read More:  Startup , AI, Semiconductors,  Biotechnology, Space technologies 

World Cancer Day 2026

Why in News? 

World Cancer Day was observed on 4 February 2026 to raise awareness about cancer, promote early detection, and encourage equitable access to cancer care worldwide. 

Key Points 

• Theme: The official theme for 2026 is “United by Unique”, part of a three-year global campaign (2025–27) that underscores that everyone’s cancer journey is different but equally deserving of care and dignity. 
  • The theme stresses person-centred care, recognising individual experiences, needs and the importance of dignity in treatment and survivorship planning. 
• Purpose:Raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. 
  • Encourage timely screening and healthy lifestyles. 
  • Break myths, stigma and fear associated with cancer. 
  • Support patients, survivors and caregivers. 
  • Improve access to equitable cancer care worldwide. 
• Participation: Individuals, communities, health institutions and governments take part through awareness campaigns, educational programmes and screening activities to promote action against cancer. 
  • Health experts emphasise that early detection saves lives, and many cancer cases could be prevented or better managed with timely screening and lifestyle interventions. 
• Preventable Causes: According to WHO analyses, an estimated 4 in 10 new cancer cases can be prevented through risk-reducing measures such as avoiding tobacco, unhealthy diets, alcohol and improving physical activity. 
• Equity and Access: World Cancer Day calls for equitable access to high-quality care, especially in low- and middle-income countries where lack of resources and awareness leads to late diagnosis and poorer outcomes.  

Read More: World Cancer Day, WHO 

Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

Why in News? 

The 25th edition of the Winter Olympic Games will officially begin from 6 February. Milano Cortina 2026 will mark the first time that two cities will jointly host the Winter Olympics, and it is the fourth time Italy will stage the Winter Games.

Key Points:

• Opening Ceremony: Held on 6 February 2026 at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan. 
• Closing Ceremony: Scheduled for 22 February 2026 at the ancient Verona Arena. 
• Mascots: Tina and Milo, two stoats whose names are inspired by the host cities (Tina for Cortina and Milo for Milano). 
• Theme: Titled "Armonia" (Harmony), the show is produced by Balich Wonder Studio and features performances by Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and Laura Pausini. 
• India’s Participation:India is represented by a small but significant contingent at the 2026 Games, continuing its presence in global winter sports.  
• Athletes:Arif Mohammad Khan, the veteran alpine skier, who previously represented India at the Beijing 2022 Winter Games, has qualified in the Alpine Skiing discipline. 
  • Stanzin Lundup: Competing in Cross-Country Skiing. His participation was confirmed after a selection process that involved a Delhi High Court decision regarding the national quota. 
• India participated in the Winter Olympics:While the Winter Olympic Games began in 1924, India made its debut in 1964. 
  •  Including the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics, India has participated in 12 Winter Olympic editions, with 17 different athletes representing the country over the years.

Read More: Winter Olympics