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Daily Current Affairs: February 9, 2026

by jitendra sahoo | Jun 13, 2026 | current affairs | 0 comments

National Affairs

India-USA Agree on Framework for Interim Trade Agreement

On February 7, 2026, India and the United States of America (USA) agreed on a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement (ITA), marking a significant step toward a full India-USA Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

Key Elements of the India-USA Interim Trade Agreement:

Tariff Reduction: India will reduce or remove tariffs on all industrial goods and many agricultural and food products imported from the USA.
Covered Products: These include animal feed such as Distillers’ Dried Grains (DDGs), red sorghum, tree nuts, fruits (fresh and processed), soybean oil, and wine and spirits.
USA’s Reciprocal Tariffs: The USA will impose an 18% reciprocal tariff under Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025 on select Indian exports.
Affected Indian Exports: Textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastics and rubber, chemicals, handicrafts, home décor, and some machinery products.
Aircraft & Auto Parts: The USA will remove security-related tariffs on Indian aircraft and aircraft parts and provide quota-based preferential access for Indian auto parts exports.
Pharmaceuticals: Outcomes for Indian pharmaceutical exports will depend on the findings of the national security review conducted by the USA.
India’s Trade Purchases: India plans to purchase USD 500 billion worth of products from the USA over 5 years.
Major Purchase Areas: Energy products, aircraft and parts, technology products, precious metals, and coking coal.
Digital Trade: Trade in advanced technology products, including GPUs and data-center equipment, will be expanded.

About USA:

President: Donald J. Trump
Capital: Washington, D.C.
Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

DST Launches ‘India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme’ in New Delhi

On February 6, 2026, Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology, launched the India-Netherlands Hydrogen Fellowship Programme in New Delhi.

DST also hosted the signing of an MoU between the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, and 19 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to establish academic cooperation in green energy and hydrogen research.

About the Fellowship Programme:

Scheme Launch: DST released the Scheme Guidelines and Call for Proposals (CFP), officially opening applications.
Eligibility: Open to Indian PhD scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members.
Purpose: To strengthen human capacity and research expertise required for scaling up green hydrogen technologies in India.
Focus Areas: Hydrogen system integration, safety standards, techno-economic analysis, life-cycle assessment, and indigenization and deployment pathways.
Alignment: The initiative supports the goals of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Energy Independence by 2047, and Net-Zero emissions by 2070.

About the Netherlands:

Prime Minister: Dick Schoof
Capital: Amsterdam
Currency: Euro (EUR)

India Signs DPI Cooperation MoUs with 23 Countries; UPI Goes Live in 8 Countries

In February 2026, the Government of India signed MoUs and agreements with 23 countries to promote its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and components of the India Stack framework.

The information was shared by Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada in Parliament.

Key Details of the MoUs/Agreements:

Focus Areas: Digital identity, digital payments, data exchange, and service delivery platforms.
Countries Involved: Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, Tanzania, Kenya, Cuba, Colombia, Lao PDR, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Gambia, Fiji, Guyana, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Lesotho, Maldives, and Mongolia.
Global Presence of UPI: UPI is now operational in 8 countries — UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, and Qatar.
Digilocker Cooperation: India also signed MoUs with Cuba, Kenya, the UAE, and Lao PDR for cooperation on Digilocker.

Key Measures Promoting Digital Governance:

India Stack Global Portal: Provides access to 18 major digital platforms such as Aadhaar, UPI, CoWIN, and Digilocker.
Global DPI Repository: Launched during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, it serves as a global knowledge platform for DPI solutions.

VOC Port Becomes 1st Port in India to Deploy Advanced ‘Anti-Drone System’

In February 2026, V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, became the first port in India to begin installation of an advanced Anti-Drone System.

This marks a major step toward strengthening maritime and coastal security and protecting critical port infrastructure.

Key Details of the Project:

Aim: To enhance airspace surveillance, ensure compliance with evolving coastal defence norms, and improve emergency response preparedness.
Signatories: The agreement was signed by A. Ganesan, Chief Mechanical Engineer, VOC Port Authority, and Anurag Agarwal on behalf of Central Electronics Limited (CEL).
Timeline: The project is expected to be completed within 3 months.
Deployment: The system includes integrated radio frequency (RF) and radar-based drone detection and jamming technology.
Coverage: It offers 360-degree coverage, omnidirectional bearing, and an effective range of up to 5 km.

DoSJE, PW Foundation Sign MoU to Provide Free Online Coaching for Competitive Exams

In February 2026, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment signed an MoU with the Physics Wallah (PW) Foundation to provide free online coaching to 5,000 aspirants annually.

The scheme will benefit candidates from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and beneficiaries of the PM CARES for Children Scheme.

About the Scheme:

Coaching Support: Free online coaching for exams such as Civil Services Examination (CSE), SSC exams, and various banking examinations.
Selection Process: Beneficiaries will be selected on a merit basis through a dedicated online portal.
Learning Support: Includes live and recorded classes, test series, previous year question papers, study material, mentorship, doubt-solving support, and counselling.
About PM CARES for Children: Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29, 2021, the scheme aims to ensure long-term care, protection, and overall well-being of children.

NSO Launches Beta Version of ‘MCP Server’ on eSankhyiki Portal

In February 2026, the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the beta version of its Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server on the eSankhyiki portal.

The server enables users to directly connect official datasets to their own AI tools and applications, marking an important step toward building data infrastructure for Viksit Bharat.

About the MCP Server:

Datasets Available: PLFS, CPI, ASI, IIP, NAS, WPI, and Environment Statistics.
Future Expansion: MoSPI plans to add more datasets in the coming months.
Significance: It enables real-time access to verified data and insights, helping businesses, researchers, and policymakers make informed decisions faster.
Alignment: The initiative aligns with the objectives of Working Group 6 on Democratising AI, headed by Dr. Saurab Garg, Secretary, MoSPI.
eSankhyiki Portal: Launched in June 2024, it serves as India’s national platform for official statistics.

IIT Madras & UIV Launch ‘IITM-Unicorn Frontier Fund I’ Worth Rs. 600 Crore

On February 6, 2026, IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP), in partnership with Unicorn India Ventures (UIV), launched IITM-Unicorn Frontier Fund I, a venture capital fund worth Rs. 600 crore.

The fund aims to support deep-tech startups in India and strengthen strategic technology self-reliance.

About IITM-Unicorn Frontier Fund I:

Purpose: To support IP-driven, engineering-intensive startups and bridge the gap between lab prototypes and commercial products.
Fund Structure: Includes a greenshoe option of Rs. 400 crore, taking the total potential corpus to Rs. 1,000 crore.
Tenure: 10 years, extendable by 2 years.
Investment Plan: More than 25 startups are expected to receive funding.
Capital Allocation: Around 60% for initial investments and 40% for follow-on funding.
Focus Sectors: Robotics, space technology, defence technology, semiconductors, medtech, and other strategic technologies.
Investment Stages: Startups across TRL 3-4, TRL 5-7, and TRL 7-9.

Mines Ministry Notifies Rules to Curb Illegal Offshore Mineral Mining

On February 3, 2026, the Ministry of Mines notified the Offshore Areas Mineral (Prevention of Illegal Mining and Transportation) Rules, 2026, with immediate effect.

The rules aim to regulate and prevent illegal mining, storage, transportation, and export of offshore minerals, excluding hydrocarbons.

About the Offshore Mining Rules, 2026:

Legal Basis: Issued under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002.
Coverage: Applies to offshore minerals except mineral oils and hydrocarbons.
Exemption: Non-commercial scientific and research activities are exempted.
Definition of Illegal Mining: Includes operations without valid rights or beyond approved limits.
Monitoring: Operators and carriers must install real-time electronic monitoring systems and use only registered machinery and carriers.
Transit Rules: Dispatch details must be uploaded for digital transit permits, mandatory weighment at discharge points, and prior CBIC export clearance is required.
Penalties: Violations may attract imprisonment up to 5 years, fines from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 1 crore, daily penalties up to Rs. 5 lakh, seizure of equipment, and cancellation of licences or leases.
Appeal Provision: Aggrieved persons may appeal to the Central Government within 3 months.

Banking & Finance

Highlights of RBI’s 6th Bi-monthly Monetary Policy FY2025-26

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) held its 59th and 6th Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting for FY2025-26 from February 4 to 6, 2026, under the chairmanship of RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.

The meeting was attended by MPC members Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Saugata Bhattacharya, Prof. Ram Singh, Dr. Poonam Gupta, and Indranil Bhattacharyya.

Key Highlights:

Repo Rate: Kept unchanged at 5.25%
Decision: Unanimous decision by the MPC
SDF Rate: 5.00%
MSF Rate: 5.50%
Bank Rate: 5.50%
Policy Stance: Maintained at Neutral

Significance:
The continued neutral stance indicates that the RBI remains open to future policy action depending on inflation and growth trends.

Kotak Mahindra Bank Issues India’s 1st Fully Digital FPI Licence

In February 2026, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) became the first custodian in India to issue a Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) licence and complete the full onboarding process using electronic signatures.

Key Details:

Digital Workflow: This follows SEBI’s unified digital workflow operationalised in January 2026 through the FPI Common Application Form (CAF) portal.
Compliance: Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) must be issued by Indian certifying authorities under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Digital Licence Issuance: KMBL had earlier issued its first two FPI licences using fully digitally signed documents, eliminating physical paperwork and wet signatures.

Appointments & Resignations

IOC Elects Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha as Iran’s First Female IOC Member

In February 2026, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) elected Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha as its 107th member during the 145th IOC Session held in Milan, Italy.

She became the first Iranian woman and the third Iranian overall to be elected to the IOC, ending over two decades of Iranian absence from IOC representation.

About Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha:

Profile: Professional badminton player from Iran.
Olympic Milestone: Represented Iran at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, becoming the first Iranian female badminton Olympian.
Leadership Roles: Served on the Athletes’ Commission of the Iranian National Olympic Committee and was previously a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

About IOC:

Founded: 1894
Founder: Pierre de Coubertin
Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
Role: Governs the Olympic Movement, organizes the Olympic Games, selects host cities, promotes Olympic values, and supports athletes worldwide.

Science & Technology

Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-3’ Successfully Test-Fired in Odisha

On February 6, 2026, India successfully test-fired the Agni-3 missile, an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM), from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.

The launch was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and validated all operational and technical parameters, reinforcing India’s strategic deterrence capability.

About Agni-3 Missile:

Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Type: Surface-to-surface missile
Propulsion: Two-stage, solid-fuelled propulsion system
Length: 16.7 metres
Diameter: 2 metres
Launch Weight: 48,300 kg
Range: 3,000–3,500 km
Payload: Up to 1,500 kg
Warhead Capability: Can carry conventional or nuclear warheads
Launch Platform: Road and rail-mobile
Navigation: Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (INS) supported by GPS
Speed: Mach 15

About Strategic Forces Command (SFC):

Commander-in-Chief: Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana
Headquarters: New Delhi
Established: 2003

Sports

India Wins Sixth ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Title 2026 by Defeating England

In February 2026, India’s Under-19 men’s cricket team won its record sixth ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title by defeating England by 100 runs in the final at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe.

The 16th edition of the tournament was held from January 15 to February 6, 2026 across Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Match Highlights:

Star Performer: Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed 175 runs off 80 balls, the highest individual score in a U19 World Cup final.
Milestone Knock: He reached 150 in just 71 deliveries.
Tournament Performance: He finished with 439 runs and 30 sixes.

Overview of ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026:

Leadership: Captain Ayush Mhatre scored 53 off 51 balls and shared a 142-run second-wicket partnership with Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
India’s Innings: India posted 411/9 in 50 overs, the highest total in a U19 World Cup final.
Other Contributors: Abhigyan Kundu (40), Kanishk Chouhan (37), Vedant Trivedi (32), and Vihaan Malhotra (30).
Bowling Effort: RS Ambrish took 3/56, while Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan claimed two wickets each.
England’s Chase: England were bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs despite Caleb Falconer’s 115, Ben Dawkins’ 66, and Ben Mayes’ 45.

Awards & Tournament Statistics:

Player of the Match (Final): Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India)
Player of the Tournament: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India)
Leading Run-Scorer: Ben Mayes (England) – 444 runs
Leading Wicket-Taker: Manny Lumsden (England) – 16 wickets
Highest Score of the Tournament: Viran Chamuditha (Sri Lanka) – 192
Best Bowling Figures: Shaquan Belle (West Indies) – 6/40

About ICC:

CEO: Sanjog Gupta
Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
Established: 1909

State News

Goa Becomes 2nd State in India to Publish State-level Bird Atlas

In February 2026, the Government of Goa published the Bird Atlas of Goa during the 9th Bird Festival of Goa held at Valpoi, becoming the second state in India after Kerala to publish a comprehensive state-level bird atlas.

The atlas is a citizen science-driven initiative completed within a single year.