Local Round-up: Supreme Court Rules on Menstrual Health As Right, Smithsonian To Return Indian Sculptures, and Govt Raises Duty Limit

India witnesses historic Supreme Court rulings on menstrual health rights while the Union Budget 2026-27 prioritizes defence modernization and economic reforms. From judicial landmarks to infrastructure developments and tragic industrial accidents, here’s your local round-up of major local news and stories from the first week of February 2026.

Supreme Court Declares Menstrual Health Fundamental Right, Orders Free Sanitary Pads

On January 30, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that menstrual health is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan directed all states and UTs to provide free oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins to girls in Classes 6-12, establish gender-segregated toilets, and create MHM corners in every school. States must submit compliance reports within three months.

Defence Ministry Receives Record Rs. 7.85 Lakh Crore in Budget 2026-27

Union Budget 2026-27 allocated Rs. 7.85 lakh crore to the Defence Ministry on February 1, 2026, marking a 15.19% increase from FY 2025-26. Capital outlay for modernization rose 21.84% to Rs. 2.19 lakh crore. The allocation represents 2% of estimated GDP and 14.67% of central government expenditure, following Operation Sindoor's emergency procurement needs totaling approximately Rs. 40,000 crore.

Income Tax Act 2025 to Come Into Effect from April 1, 2026

The new Income Tax Act 2025 will come into effect from April 1, 2026, replacing the six-decade-old Income Tax Act of 1961. The modernized legislation aims to simplify tax compliance, reduce litigation, and provide clarity to taxpayers through contemporary language and streamlined provisions aligned with current economic realities and digital infrastructure.

Amrit Udyan Opens for Public from February 3 to March 31

Amrit Udyan, formerly known as Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan, will open for public viewing from February 3 to March 31, 2026. Visitors can experience the beautifully landscaped gardens featuring diverse flora, seasonal flowers, and Mughal-era garden design. Entry is free and timed slots can be booked online to manage visitor flow during the spring blooming season.

Smithsonian Museum to Return Three Bronze Sculptures to India

The Smithsonian Institution announced it will return three bronze sculptures to India after determining they were stolen from temples. The repatriation follows years of investigation and collaboration between Indian authorities and the museum. This marks a significant step in recovering India's stolen cultural heritage, joining other recent successful repatriations from international museums and private collections worldwide.

ASI Launches Excavation at Iron Age Burial Site in Kodaikanal

The Archaeological Survey of India initiated excavation at an Iron Age burial site in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. The site is expected to yield important artifacts and skeletal remains that could provide insights into early settlement patterns, burial practices, and cultural developments in the region. The excavation represents significant archaeological research into South India's ancient civilizations and pre-historic communities.

Sunetra Pawar Sworn In as Maharashtra's First Woman Deputy Chief Minister

Sunetra Pawar, 62, was sworn in on January 31, 2026, as Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister, three days after her husband Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath at Lok Bhavan amid chants of "Ajit Dada Amar Rahe." She was allotted Excise, Sports and Youth Welfare, and Minorities Development portfolios.

Gautam and Sagar Adani Agree to Receive Legal Notice in US SEC Case

Gautam Adani and nephew Sagar Adani agreed to accept legal notice from the US Securities and Exchange Commission in a civil fraud case, clearing a procedural hurdle after notices couldn't be served for over a year. They have 90 days to respond to the allegations. The development marks progress in the long-standing legal proceedings against the Adani Group.

Kolkata Warehouse Fire Kills 21 Workers in Anandapur

Twenty-one workers died in a massive fire on January 26, 2026, that started at a Pushpanjali Decorators warehouse in Kolkata's Anandapur area and spread to an adjoining Wow! Momo manufacturing unit. Prime Minister Modi condoled the deaths and announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for families of the deceased. Police arrested warehouse owner Gangadhar Das for death by negligence as questions arose over fire safety compliance.

India Faces Hotter, Drier February Threatening Winter Crops

India is forecast to experience a hotter and drier February 2026, threatening winter crop yields according to meteorological predictions. The unusual weather pattern could impact wheat, mustard, and other rabi crops during critical growth stages. Agricultural experts warn of potential production losses, urging farmers to adopt water conservation measures and contingency irrigation plans to mitigate climate-related risks.

Government Raises Duty-Free Baggage Limit to Rs. 75,000

The government raised the limit for bringing duty-free imported goods from abroad to Rs. 75,000 under new baggage rules. The revision from the previous limit provides relief to international travelers and NRIs bringing personal items and gifts. The updated baggage allowance reflects inflation adjustments and aims to reduce customs compliance burden while maintaining revenue collection on high-value imports.

Pakistan to Boycott T20 World Cup Match Against India but Compete in Tournament

Pakistan's government approved the national team's participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup but decided to boycott the February 15 match against India. The decision follows the ICC's removal of Bangladesh from the tournament. Pakistani officials cited ongoing tensions as the reason, while cricket authorities confirmed participation in all other scheduled matches throughout the competition.