National Affairs

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates Zetwerk Electronics’ New Manufacturing Facility in Bengaluru

In February 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology) along with Karnataka Industries Minister M.B. Patil inaugurated Zetwerk Electronics’ new advanced manufacturing facility at KIADB Hi-Tech Park in Bengaluru. The Minister also launched Qualcomm’s 2-nanometer semiconductor chip design.

About Zetwerk Electronics’ New Manufacturing Facility:

• Investment: Rs. 100 crore facility focused on high-reliability systems.
• Focus Sectors: Defence & aerospace, automotive, IT hardware, medical devices, and telecom hardware.
• Capabilities: Equipped with advanced Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Final Assembly, Testing & Packaging (FATP).
• Scope: Provides end-to-end support from design and engineering to manufacturing and quality control.

About India Semiconductor Mission (ISM):

• Launch: Initiated in 2021 with an outlay of Rs. 76,000 crore.
• Objective: To build a comprehensive semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in India.
• Implementation: Managed by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
• Progress: As of December 2025, 10 projects worth Rs. 1.60 lakh crore approved across six states.
• Target: India’s semiconductor market expected to reach USD 100–110 billion by 2030.

Union MoS Jitendra Singh and AP CM Lay Foundation Stone for India’s First Quantum Valley in Amaravati

In February 2026, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh (Ministry of Science and Technology) along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for India’s first Quantum Valley at Uddandarayunipalem village in Amaravati.

About Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV):

• Support: Backed by the National Quantum Mission (NQM).
• Objective: To create a global hub for quantum computing, Artificial Intelligence, and emerging technologies.
• Key Partners: IBM, TCS, L&T, C-DOT, C-DAC, and leading quantum startups.
• Focus Areas: R&D, innovation, manufacturing, and skill development in quantum computing, AI, cybersecurity, healthcare, defence, and finance.
• Major Facilities: IBM–TCS Quantum Innovation Centre, Quantum Talent Hub, and Quantum Reference Facility by SRM University.
• Timeline: Complex to be completed by August 2026; quantum computer installation targeted by December 2026.
• Key Launches: AQV logo, IBM and TCS Quantum Cloud Services, IBM-TCS Quantum Innovation Centre, and WISER Quantum Talent Hub (aims to train 35 lakh students in quantum computing by 2035).

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches Nationwide Pulse Self-Reliance Mission

On February 7, 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare) launched the Nationwide Pulse Self-Reliance Mission at the Food Legumes Research Centre in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh.

Key Dignitaries Present: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida, and Union MoS Bhagirath Choudhary.

About Pulse Self-Reliance Mission:

• Objective: Achieve self-reliance in pulse production, transform India into a global exporter, and improve farmer livelihoods.
• Key Components:
• Cluster-based production model to boost productivity.
• Establishment of seed villages for high-quality seed distribution.
• Setting up of 1,000 pulse mills across India (55 in Madhya Pradesh) with subsidy up to Rs. 25 lakh per mill.
• Strengthening research-farmer linkages for adoption of scientific methods and improved varieties.
• Alignment: Supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates Rail Projects and Flags Off New Train in West Bengal

On February 9, 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (Ministry of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and MeitY) virtually inaugurated two Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and flagged off a new train service in West Bengal.

Key Highlights:

• Siuri ROB: Expected to eliminate transit delays for local residents.
• Kumarpur ROB: Vital link between central Asansol, West Burdwan, and Jharkhand; will reduce traffic congestion and boost trade.
• Asansol–Bokaro Train Service: Connects two major SAIL industrial hubs, benefiting commuters and enhancing economic ties between West Bengal and Jharkhand.

World’s First Doctor-Led AI-Powered Home Healthcare Ecosystem ‘iLive Connect’ Launched

In February 2026, India launched iLive Connect, the world’s first doctor-led, AI-powered home healthcare ecosystem aimed at providing round-the-clock medical monitoring, especially for senior citizens and high-risk patients.

Key Features:

• Developers: Developed by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Rahul Chandola and interventional cardiologist Dr. Viveka Kumar.
• Functioning: Acts as a personalised ICU-like care system at home.
• Devices: Uses FDA- and CE-certified wearable devices including a chest-mounted biosensor patch and a wristband.
• Parameters Monitored: Two-lead ECG, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, blood pressure trends, physical activity, and heart rate variability.
• Monitoring: Data transmitted securely to a cloud platform and monitored 24×7 by specialist doctors at a central command centre.

International Affairs

PM Narendra Modi’s Two-Day Official Visit to Malaysia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a two-day official visit to Malaysia from February 7 to 8, 2026, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This was PM Modi’s third official visit to Malaysia.

Highlights of the Visit:

• Bilateral Meetings: Held restricted and delegation-level talks to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) established in 2024.
• Cooperation Areas: Trade & investment, defence & security, digital economy, AI & semiconductors, infrastructure, clean energy, tourism, education, health, and maritime cooperation.
• 10th India-Malaysia CEO Forum: PM Modi attended the forum in Kuala Lumpur to discuss trade and economic cooperation.
• MoUs Signed: Agreements signed on AV co-production, disaster management, anti-corruption, UN peacekeeping, semiconductors, wildlife conservation, social security, vocational education, security, and health. An MoU was also signed between University of Cyberjaya and Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar for academic collaboration in Ayurveda.
• Other Initiatives: Establishment of a new Indian Consulate General, Thiruvalluvar Centre for Tamil language and culture, and linkage of payment systems between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Malaysia’s PayNet.

India Rises to 2nd Position in USGBC LEED List 2025

In February 2026, the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) released the 2025 annual list of top countries for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) outside the USA. India climbed to the 2nd position.

Key Findings of USGBC LEED List 2025:

• India’s Performance: Recorded over 16.11 million Gross Square Meters (GSM) across 611 projects, up from 3rd place in 2024.
• Global Leader: Mainland China topped the list with 26.65 million GSM across 1,939 projects.
• USA Overall Lead: Remains the global leader with 50.13 million GSM across 2,228 projects.
• Other Top Countries: Canada (3rd), Republic of Korea (4th), Mexico (5th), Hong Kong (6th), Brazil (7th), Vietnam (8th – first time in top 10), Sweden (9th), and UAE (10th).
• Major Growth Area: Significant increase observed in industrial manufacturing and warehousing projects.

Banking & Finance

Transcorp International Receives RBI’s In-Principle Approval for Centralized Payment Systems

In February 2026, Transcorp International Limited received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to participate in Centralized Payment Systems (CPS).

Key Details:

• Significance: Allows the company to hold and operate a bank account with RBI and get its own Indian Financial System Code (IFSC).
• Capabilities: Will enable development of RTGS and NEFT payment ecosystem in compliance with RBI guidelines.
• Benefits: Improves payment independence, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and supports secure technology-driven solutions.
• Financial Performance: 49% quarter-on-quarter profit growth and 67% growth in the 9-month period ending December 31, 2025. The company has fully repaid all public Fixed Deposits.

Appointments & Resignations

Sanae Takaichi’s LDP Secures Landmark Victory in Japan Snap Elections

In February 2026, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by the country’s first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, along with its coalition partners secured a landmark victory in snap elections.

Key Details of Elections:

• LDP Performance: Won 316 seats, surpassing the 261-seat majority mark in the 465-member lower house — the highest since the party’s founding in 1955.
• Coalition Total: Coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) won 36 seats, taking the ruling coalition to 352 seats (two-thirds majority).
• Opposition: Secured only 111 seats collectively.
• Voter Turnout: Marginally over 56%.

About Japan:

• Capital: Tokyo
• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)

Anutin Charnvirakul Wins Thailand’s 2026 General Election

In February 2026, Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) won the general election for the 500-member House of Representatives.

Election Results:

• BJT Performance: Secured 194 seats (175 constituency + 19 party-list).
• Other Parties: People’s Party (116 seats), Pheu Thai (76 seats), Kla Tham (57 seats), and Democrat Party (22 seats).
• Background: Anutin assumed the role of PM in September 2025 amid political turbulence.

About Thailand:

• Capital: Bangkok
• Currency: Thai Baht (THB)

Environment

Two New Marine Worm Species and New Dragonfly Discovered in India

In February 2026, researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), in collaboration with global experts, discovered two new polychaete worm species in the Bay of Bengal ecosystem (Digha and Bankiput regions of West Bengal). A new dragonfly species was also discovered in Kerala.

New Species Discovered:

• Namalycastis solenotognatha: Named for its unique jaw structure with numerous canals.
• Nereis dhritiae: Named in honour of Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, the first woman Director of ZSI.
• Lyriothemis keralensis (Slender Bombardier): Discovered in low-lying coastal areas of Kerala; features slender abdomen and unique tail and genital structures.

About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI):

• Director: Dr. Dhriti Banerjee
• Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
• Established: 1916

Sports

India Clinches SAFF U-19 Women’s Football Championship 2026 Title

On February 7, 2026, India’s U-17 women’s team defeated Bangladesh 4–0 in the final of the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2026 at Pokhara Rangasala Stadium, Nepal.

About SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2026:

• Edition: 7th edition held from January 31 to February 7, 2026.
• Participants: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal.
• India’s Achievement: Third title (previously won in 2022 and 2024).
• Strategy: AIFF fielded the U-17 team to prepare for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup.
• Awards: Most Valuable Player & Top Scorer — Alpi Akter (Bangladesh); Best Goalkeeper — Munni (India); Fair Play Award — India.

About South Asian Football Federation (SAFF):

• President: Kazi Salahuddin (Bangladesh)
• Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Established: 1997

Books & Authors

Odisha Governor Releases Two Books by Former AP Governor

In February 2026, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati released two books authored by Biswabhushan Harichandan, former Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Books Released:

• ‘E Mati Katha Kahe’ (Odia): Collection of essays reflecting on democracy, Odia identity, national leadership, and spiritual traditions including Nabakalebara of Lord Jagannath.
• ‘Buxi Jagabandhu: The Great Commander’ (English): Tribute to Odisha’s Paika leader Buxi Jagabandhu and one of the earliest resistance movements against British colonial rule.

Important Days

International Day of the Arabian Leopard 2026 – February 10

The United Nations observes the International Day of the Arabian Leopard annually on February 10 to raise awareness about the conservation of one of the world’s rarest leopard subspecies. February 10, 2026 marked the 3rd observance of the day.

Background:

• Launch: Initiated by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in 2022.
• UN Recognition: UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/77/295 on June 12, 2023, declaring February 10 as the official day.
• First UN Observance: February 10, 2024.
• Significance: Focuses on habitat protection, prevention of poaching and illegal trade, research, conservation programmes, and community engagement.

About United Nations (UN):

• Secretary-General: Antonio Guterres
• Headquarters: New York, USA
• Established: 1945