Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (07th February 2026)

National News

NSO Makes Government Data AI-Ready With New MCP Server

• On 6 February 2026, the National Statistics Office (NSO) launched the beta version of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server on the eSankhyiki portal, making official data AI-ready.
• The MCP Server enables direct querying of datasets like Labour Force Surveys, CPI, IIP, National Accounts, and Environmental Statistics without downloading files.
• Researchers, businesses, and policymakers can now integrate live government data into AI tools, dashboards, and reports, speeding analysis and improving evidence-based decision-making.
• This upgrade transforms eSankhyiki from a static repository to an AI-integrated service, enhancing accessibility, automation, and technology-driven insights across sectors.

Six Months, 50 Lakh Users: FASTag Annual Pass Success Story

• Within six months of its launch on 15 August 2025, the FASTag Annual Pass crossed 50 lakh users, completing over 26.55 crore toll transactions, according to the National Highways Authority of India.
• It offers hassle-free highway travel for non-commercial vehicles with a one-year validity or 200 crossings at ₹3,000, usable at 1,150+ toll plazas nationwide.
• Adoption is highest at Bijwasan, Mundaka, and Jhinjholi plazas, with Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi leading state-wise usage.
• The pass reduces waiting time, ensures uninterrupted travel, and is emerging as a key reform in India’s road transport ecosystem.

World Bank Highlights Karnataka’s Fiscal Strategy for Other States

• The World Bank has praised Karnataka’s 2014 fiscal reform, which included PSU and SPV borrowings in the state’s official liabilities, as a best practice for fiscal transparency.
• By bringing off-budget borrowings onto the books, Karnataka reduced hidden debt, strengthened budgetary control, and improved accountability.
• The report notes that most Indian states lag in consolidating liabilities, with significant underreporting in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, contrasting with the Union government’s successful inclusion of 93% of its off-budget debt.
• Karnataka’s model offers a replicable approach for states to curb hidden debt and enhance fiscal discipline.

India’s Wool Production 2026: Rajasthan Leads, Know the Full Top 10 List

• Rajasthan is India’s top wool producer, contributing 16.01 million kg (47.5% of total), followed by Jammu & Kashmir (7.77 million kg) and Karnataka (6.47 million kg).
• Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana complete the top 10.
• Wool types include Carpet Grade (85%), Apparel Grade (5%), and Coarser Grade (10%).
• The sector supports over 3.2 million people in organised and unorganised industries.
• Punjab recorded the highest annual growth rate at 22.04%, reflecting rising production.
• Wool is mainly used for carpets, blankets, textiles, shawls, and handicrafts, with regional variations based on climate and sheep breeds.

Still Using UTS? Indian Railways Has Big News for You

• Indian Railways will discontinue the UTS mobile app from March 1, 2026, shifting all unreserved ticketing services to the RailOne super app as part of its digital transformation.
• Launched in 2014, UTS allowed booking of unreserved, season, and platform tickets, all of which are now fully integrated into RailOne without requiring new user accounts.
• RailOne serves as a one-stop platform, combining ticket booking, live train status, grievance redressal, and onboard services in a single interface.
• To boost adoption, Railways is offering a 3% discount on digital payments via RailOne until July 14, 2026, promoting cashless and simplified travel.

State News

Andhra Pradesh Set to Launch Amaravati Quantum Valley Project

• The Andhra Pradesh government will launch the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) project on February 7, 2026, positioning the state as a global hub for quantum research and innovation.
• The project focuses on quantum computing, communication, and quantum-safe technologies, aiming to build a complete ecosystem linking research, industry, startups, and skilled talent.
• The foundation stone ceremony in Amaravati will be attended by N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, reflecting strong Centre–State collaboration.
• Key facilities include the IBM–TCS Quantum Innovation Centre, a Quantum Talent Hub, and advanced research labs, reinforcing India’s push in next-generation technologies.

This Southern India Port Makes History With India’s First Anti-Drone System

• V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has become India’s first port to deploy an advanced Anti-Drone System, strengthening port and coastal security against emerging aerial threats.
• The indigenous system integrates RF and radar technologies, offers 360-degree coverage up to 5 km, and enables real-time detection, tracking, classification, and neutralisation of unauthorised drones.
• Designed for complex port environments, it protects critical infrastructure, cargo, personnel, and ongoing operations from risks such as espionage and sabotage.
• Implemented in partnership with Central Electronics Limited, the system is expected to become fully operational within three months, marking a major step in technology-driven maritime security.

After Kerala, This Coastal State Takes Flight with India’s Second Comprehensive Bird Atlas

• Goa released the Bird Atlas of Goa on February 7, 2026, becoming the second Indian state after Kerala to publish a scientific bird atlas.
• The atlas maps bird distribution and abundance through grid-based surveys, supporting long-term ecological monitoring and evidence-based conservation planning.
• It was launched during the ninth Bird Festival of Goa at Valpoi, themed “Majestic Mhadei”, highlighting biodiversity of the Mhadei river basin.
• Alongside, a Konkani-language bird nomenclature book was released, strengthening community engagement, citizen science, and local participation in wildlife conservation.

Delhi Police Draws the Line with Operation Shastra Against Digital Fear

• Delhi Police launched Operation Shastra on February 7, 2026. The operation targets online fear-mongering.
• It focuses on social media posts showing weapons and threats.
• Over 6,000 profiles were examined. Police registered 61 FIRs. Eighty-three accused were apprehended.
• The drive involved large-scale mobilisation. It reflects preventive policing. Cyber and conventional policing were integrated.
• The aim is to stop crimes before they occur.

This District of Rajasthan Became India’s First Fully Insured District

• Alwar district achieved full insurance coverage. It is the first in India.
• The milestone was reached in February 2026. Insurance for All by 2047 guided the effort. Door-to-door surveys identified uninsured people. Nine villages were covered.
• Premiums were funded by an NGO. United India Insurance issued policies.
• IRDAI supports the roadmap. The model strengthens financial inclusion. It is replicable nationwide.

International News

US Lifts Additional 25% Tariff After India’s Russian Oil Commitment

• On February 7, 2026, the United States lifted the additional 25% tariff imposed on Indian goods over India’s purchase of Russian oil, easing months of trade tensions.
• The move follows a broader India–US trade agreement under which India committed to stop direct or indirect imports of Russian oil and expand defence cooperation with the US.
• The deal also cuts reciprocal tariffs on Indian products to 18% from 25% and includes India’s pledge to purchase $500 billion worth of US goods over five years.
• The decision boosts Indian exporters’ competitiveness, stabilises trade flows, and signals a reset in India–US economic and strategic relations.

Banking News

Kotak Mahindra Bank Issues India’s First Fully Digital FPI License

• Kotak Mahindra Bank has issued India’s first fully digital Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) licence, completing the entire application and approval process online using electronic signatures.
• The move simplifies onboarding for overseas investors, reducing paperwork, delays, and compliance burdens, and strengthens India’s capital markets by attracting global investment.
• FPIs can invest in equities, bonds, and other securities, providing liquidity and market depth, making this digital reform a key step in ease-of-doing-business initiatives.
• The development leverages SEBI’s Unified Digital Workflow, operational since January 2026, and sets a benchmark for other custodians and financial institutions in India.

From April 2026, Banks Will Pay Deposit Insurance Premiums Based on Risk

• From April 1, 2026, India will introduce a risk-based deposit insurance (RBI) framework, replacing the current uniform premium system, linking insurance costs to a bank’s financial health.
• Under the new system, banks will be classified into four risk categories—A to D—with safer banks paying lower premiums (8–12 paise per ₹100 deposits), incentivizing stronger balance sheets and governance.
• Risk assessments will use Tier 1 models for Scheduled Commercial Banks and Tier 2 models for Regional Rural and cooperative banks, considering supervisory ratings, CAMELS parameters, and potential losses.
• The reform aims to encourage prudent banking, improve financial discipline, and boost depositor confidence across the sector.

Defense News

From Odisha to Orbit-Ready Precision: Agni-III Passes Key Test

• India successfully test-fired the Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile on 6 February 2026 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, as part of a routine training exercise.
• Conducted under the Strategic Forces Command, the launch focused on operational validation, with propulsion, guidance, and control systems meeting all mission objectives.
• Developed by DRDO, the two-stage, solid-fuelled Agni-III has a strike range exceeding 3,000 km and can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
• The test underscores India’s commitment to maintaining credible nuclear deterrence, high preparedness, and reliability of its strategic missile forces.

Summits & Conferences News

Black Swan Summit India 2026 Kicked off: President Murmu Message

• Bhubaneswar hosted the Black Swan Summit India 2026 on February 6, spotlighting Odisha’s vision for fintech, digital finance, and future-ready jobs.
• Co-organised by the Odisha government and Global Finance & Technology Network under BharatNetra, the two-day summit brought policymakers, industry leaders, and global experts together.
• The event aims to make Odisha a hub for regulated digital finance, inclusive growth, and sustainable employment, leveraging AI, digital public infrastructure, and policy innovation.
• President Droupadi Murmu emphasized responsible technology use, skill development, and balancing innovation with societal trust to drive India’s digital economy forward.

Science & Technology News

Startup India 2.0? Govt Extends Recognition to 20 Years

• In February 2026, the government expanded the Startup India framework to formally include deep technology startups, recognising their long research cycles and high capital needs.
• Under the revised definition, deep tech startups receive recognition for up to 20 years with a higher turnover cap of ₹300 crore, compared to 10 years and ₹200 crore for regular startups.
• Deep tech firms must be based on advanced scientific or engineering innovation, demonstrate high R&D intensity, and develop novel intellectual property with commercial potential.
• This policy shift prioritises long-term innovation over quick scalability, strengthening India’s push to become a global hub for advanced technology and knowledge-driven entrepreneurship.

Sports News

ICC U-19 World Cup 2026 Final: India Outclass England and Lift The Trophy

• India clinched its 6th ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title with a dominant victory over England in the 2026 final, showcasing unmatched youth-level supremacy.
• India posted a record 411/9, the highest total ever in a U-19 World Cup final, before bowling England out for 311 despite a valiant century from Caleb Falconer.
• The match was defined by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s historic 175 off 80 balls, the highest individual score in a U-19 final, achieved at just 14 years of age.
• India’s all-round brilliance, depth, and fearless talent reaffirmed its legacy as the most successful nation in Under-19 World Cup history.

Jharkhand Women Strike Gold at Para Throwball Nationals 2026

• Jharkhand’s women’s team won the gold medal at the Para Throwball National Federation Cup 2026 with a composed victory over host Rajasthan in the final.
• The closely contested match ended 21–17, with Jharkhand displaying tactical discipline, teamwork, and consistency under pressure.
• Their well-planned campaign and adaptability against strong opponents throughout the tournament proved crucial to the title win.
• The triumph highlights Jharkhand’s growing excellence in para sports and reflects rising standards, inclusivity, and grassroots development in the national sporting ecosystem.

Current Affairs Today | 07 February 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam