Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (9th February 2026)

National News

India Launches Nationwide Pulses Revolution from This Part In Country

• A major shift in India’s agriculture policy began from Amlaha, Madhya Pradesh, with the launch of the nationwide pulses revolution on February 7, 2026.
• The Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission aims to end import dependence and position India as a global exporter, placing farmers at the centre of decision-making.
• Launched at the Food Legumes Research Centre under Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the mission adopts a field-driven, seed-to-market approach with farmer participation.
• Focused on productivity, local seed systems, processing clusters, and assured markets, it links pulses self-reliance with food security, nutrition, and higher farm incomes.

Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches Qualcomm’s This Advanced Chip In Bengaluru

• India marked a major milestone in deep-tech innovation with the launch of Qualcomm’s 2 nm semiconductor chip in Bengaluru on February 7, 2026.
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the achievement reflects India’s rising role in cutting-edge chip design as the 5th Industrial Revolution unfolds.
• The launch highlights India’s shift from a back-end IT hub to a global centre for advanced semiconductor engineering and design.
• Backed by the India Semiconductor Mission, new fabs, and a strong university-led talent pipeline, India is positioning itself as a key player in global semiconductor value chains.

Bharat Taxi Partners with AAI to Launch Surge Free Airport Services

• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed an MoU with Bharat Taxi to introduce regulated, surge-free cab services at select airports, enhancing last-mile connectivity.
• Bharat Taxi, India’s first driver-owned cooperative, ensures fair, predictable fares while empowering drivers with ownership and income security.
• The service will launch at airports in Rajkot, Vadodara, Surat, Bhuj, Pune, Aurangabad, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Agra, improving passenger convenience in regional and tier-2 cities.
• The partnership focuses on transparent pricing, reliability, and safety, marking a major step toward structured, passenger-friendly airport mobility and cooperative-based transport models.

Record-Breaking Month! Mundra Port Shines with Automobile & Liquid Cargo Surge

• Mundra Port in Gujarat achieved record milestones in January 2026, posting its highest-ever monthly automobile exports and liquid cargo handling.
• A total of 25,762 vehicles were shipped through its RoRo terminal, with a single-vessel loading record of 5,701 cars, reflecting strong global demand for Indian-made automobiles.
• The port also handled 1.120 million tonnes of liquid cargo, including energy products and industrial liquids, marking its peak throughput.
• These achievements highlight Mundra Port’s advanced infrastructure, operational efficiency, and growing role in supporting India’s export-led growth and global trade competitiveness.

State News

This Hill State Initiates ‘Padhai with AI’ to Modernize For Learning

• Himachal Pradesh launched the AI-based digital learning initiative ‘Padhai with AI’ on February 9, 2026, at Barthin in Bilaspur district, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
• The district-level programme uses artificial intelligence to provide structured content, personalised learning, and exam-oriented support for students preparing for competitive and government examinations.
• Focused on equal access, the platform enables anytime-anywhere learning along with continuous academic counselling, reducing dependence on costly private coaching.
• Implemented by the Bilaspur district administration with support from NTPC, the initiative reflects the state’s push to modernise public education through inclusive, technology-driven solutions.

International News

Look Inside the US-India Interim Trade Framework Deal: Tariffs, Tech, and Trust

• India and the United States have taken a decisive step to reshape their economic ties by announcing a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement on February 7, 2026.
• The move supports ongoing BTA talks and focuses on reducing tariffs, easing market access, and strengthening supply chains across goods, agriculture, technology, and energy.
• Both sides agreed on reciprocal tariff adjustments, relief for key sectors like aircraft, pharma, and auto components, and steps to improve trade predictability.
• By addressing non-tariff barriers and regulatory issues, the framework signals deeper trust, balanced trade, and long-term economic alignment between the two countries.

PM Modi’s Visit To Malaysia Sees India, Malaysia Ink Key Pacts on Trade and Energy

• During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuala Lumpur, India and Malaysia signed 11 agreements strengthening trade, technology, payments, and security ties.
• A key highlight was promoting local currency trade settlement using the Indian rupee and Malaysian ringgit, reducing dependence on third currencies and lowering transaction costs.
• The two nations also agreed on NPCI-PayNet digital payment linkage, semiconductor and energy cooperation, disaster management, and palm oil trade, alongside measures to ease worker and professional mobility.
• These initiatives signal a new momentum in India–Malaysia relations, expand trade beyond $18.6 billion, and enhance bilateral resilience amid global economic uncertainty.

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Wins Landslide in 2026 General Election

• Japan witnessed a historic political shift on February 8, 2026, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi led the Liberal Democratic Party to a landslide victory in the general election.
• The LDP secured a two-thirds supermajority with 316 seats in the 465-member lower house, the party’s best performance since 1955.
• The mandate strengthens Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, to push reforms in the economy, defence, and national security amid regional and global uncertainty.
• The result, aided by a fragmented opposition, matters globally as it signals policy continuity, stronger defence posture, and a more assertive Japan on the world stage.

Appointment News

Former Consumer Affairs Secretary Appointed to Key USISPF Role

• India-US economic engagement gained momentum on February 9, 2026, with the appointment of Rohit Kumar Singh as Chair of the Global Value Chains Committee of the US–India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).
• A former Consumer Affairs Secretary and 1989-batch IAS officer, Singh brings deep experience in economic governance, regulatory reform, and technology-driven administration.
• His appointment places Indian policy expertise at the centre of discussions on resilient supply chains and trusted global partnerships.
• USISPF’s role in aligning government and industry across trade, technology, energy, and defence makes this move significant amid global supply chain realignments.

Ranks & Reports News

China Beats the US in R&D Spending! See India’s Rank in the Global Top 10

• Global R&D spending hit a record $2.87 trillion in 2024, according to the Global Innovation Index 2025, reflecting nearly 3% annual growth and a long-term shift toward innovation-led development.
• China overtook the United States to become the world’s largest R&D spender, investing $785.9 billion, driven by focus on AI, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.
• The US ranked second, while Japan and major European economies saw declining global shares as Asia’s contribution rose to about 45%.
• India ranked seventh with $75.7 billion in R&D spending, highlighting its growing emphasis on science, technology, startups, and long-term innovation capacity.

Science & Technology News

ICMR Advances Development of Improved Kyasanur Forest Disease Vaccine

• ICMR announced major progress in developing an improved indigenous vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), a tick-borne viral infection affecting the Western Ghats.
• The fully inactivated, two-dose vaccine has cleared animal studies and toxicity tests, and Phase I human trials have begun to assess safety and immune response.
• Developed in collaboration with Indian Immunologicals Limited and the National Institute of Virology, the vaccine aims to provide affordable, locally available protection for forest-dependent and rural populations.
• This milestone reflects India’s growing strength in targeted disease prevention and regional health security, moving from laboratory research toward clinical application.

A 20 Year Wait Ends: South Africa Launches Homegrown FMD Vaccine

• South Africa launched its first locally developed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine in nearly 20 years, produced by the Agricultural Research Council.
• The initial release of 12,900 doses, with weekly output expected to reach 20,000, aims to strengthen livestock protection, reduce reliance on imports, and improve outbreak response.
• FMD, a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, threatens productivity, trade, and rural livelihoods, with wildlife reservoirs complicating control efforts.
• The domestic vaccine rollout marks a shift toward science-driven, preventive animal health management and supports South Africa’s efforts to regain FMD-free status and restore confidence in its livestock exports.

Sports News

India’s U-19 Women’s Team Shows Strength with Dominant Win in SAFF Final

• India crushed Bangladesh 4-0 to win the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship at Pokhara Rangasala Stadium, Nepal.
• Captain Julan Nongmaithem scored the opener, followed by goals from Elizabeth Lakra, Pearl Fernandes, and substitute Anwita Raghuraman, completing a dominant victory.
• The win allowed India’s Young Tigresses to avenge their earlier round-robin defeat against Bangladesh in the tournament.
• India had fielded their Under-17 women’s team to gain experience and prepare for the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup later this year.

BCCI Big Rewards Young U-19 World Cup Winner Over England

• India clinched a historic sixth ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title with a commanding 100-run win over England at Harare Sports Club.
• The victory underscores India’s dominance in age-group cricket and the strength of its junior talent pipeline.
• Following the triumph, BCCI announced a ₹7.5 crore cash reward for players, support staff, and the junior selection committee, recognising both on-field performance and behind-the-scenes efforts.
  The win highlights India’s structured youth development, robust domestic competitions, and long-term planning, reinforcing the U-19 World Cup as a key platform for grooming future international cricket stars.

Courage, Calm, and a Medal: Meghana Sajjanar at Asian Championships

• Indian shooting witnessed an inspiring moment at the Asian Shooting Championships 2026 when Meghana Sajjanar, eight months pregnant, won bronze in the women’s 10m air rifle on February 8.
• The 32-year-old also contributed to India’s gold in the women’s team event, marking her maiden individual medal at the Asian Championships.
• Competing in one of the most demanding precision sports, Meghana overcame constant physical, postural, and technical challenges by adapting her training, stance, and equipment throughout pregnancy.
• Her achievement has drawn widespread admiration, standing as a powerful testament to resilience, planning, and the strength of women athletes balancing elite sport and motherhood.

Extra-Time Drama! How Services Snatched the Santosh Trophy from Kerala Again

• Services defeated Kerala 1-0 in extra time to win the 79th Santosh Trophy final in February 2026 at Dhakuakhana Stadium, Assam.
• The tightly contested match was decided in the 109th minute when Abhishek Pawar finished a cross from Shubham Rana with composure.
• Kerala mounted strong late pressure, but captain and goalkeeper Gagandeep Singh led a disciplined defensive effort to preserve the narrow lead.
• The victory gave Services their eighth Santosh Trophy title, reaffirming their consistency and dominance in Indian domestic football.

Important Days News

Remembering Baba Amte: 18 Years Since the Passing of the Social Reformer

• India observes February 9, 2026, as the 18th death anniversary of Baba Amte, remembering his lifelong dedication to leprosy patients, tribal communities, and social justice.
• Born in 1914, Baba Amte abandoned a privileged life as a lawyer to serve marginalized groups, founding Anandwan in Maharashtra for rehabilitation, education, and livelihood of leprosy-affected people.
• He later became a prominent voice in the Narmada Bachao Andolan, advocating for tribal rights, environmental protection, and humane development practices.
• Baba Amte’s work continues to inspire social reform, civil society, and environmental movements, making his life and ideals highly relevant for society, public service.

International Epilepsy Day 2026: Raising Awareness for Over 50 Million Affected

• Monday, February 9, 2026, is observed as International Epilepsy Day, a global initiative to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support the rights of over 50 million people living with epilepsy.
• Led by the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy, the day focuses on education, empathy, and inclusion in healthcare, schools, workplaces, and society.
• Global events, campaigns, and policy discussions highlight lived experiences, challenge misconceptions, and promote equal access to treatment and social protection.
• The observance reinforces that epilepsy is both a public health and human rights issue, requiring collective action, informed communities, and sustained advocacy for systemic change.