🇮🇳 NATIONAL AFFAIRS – INDIA
🔹 India-US Trade and Economic Cooperation
India and the United States finalized a bilateral trade deal after months of negotiations, reducing US tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18% and India to eliminate several tariffs on American imports.
India intends to purchase goods worth approximately $500 billion from the US over the next five years, strengthening economic ties and export potential.
🔹 Prime Minister’s Official Visit to Malaysia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his 2-day visit (07–08 Feb) to Malaysia to deepen cooperation in trade, defence, semiconductors and healthcare collaboration.
Multiple MoUs and cooperation agreements were signed to enhance bilateral links.
🔹 Railway Infrastructure Progress
The Indian Railway Ministry confirmed progress under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with more than 1,300 railway stations being modernised to improve passenger amenities and regional connectivity.
🔹 Launch of ‘Bharat Taxi’
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated “Bharat Taxi” — India’s first cooperative ride-hailing platformaimed at boosting incomes for over 100,000 drivers.
🔹 UN Honour Roll Recognition
India secured a spot on the United Nations Honour Roll for 2026 by paying its annual UN dues on time ($35.18 million), enhancing its role in global diplomacy.
🔹 Mid-Day Meal Workers’ Strike
Mid-day meal workers nationwide announced a one-day strike on 12 February, prompting schools to utilise alternate funds to continue student meals without disruption.
🌍 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
🔹 Winter Olympics 2026 – Ongoing
Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics commenced with 3500+ athletes from more than 90 countries, participating in 304 events across multiple disciplines — continuing throughout early February.
Estimated global audience reach: 3 billion viewers.
🔹 Ukraine-Russia Conflict Update
Peace talks and diplomatic pressure continue, with forecasts suggesting potential cessation of hostilities by June 2026 as major powers push diplomatic resolutions.
🔹 Spain’s Social Media Regulation
Spain instituted a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16 to safeguard mental health and digital well-being.
🔹 Lebanon Government Formation
Former ICJ President Nawaf Salam was appointed as Prime Minister of Lebanon to steer economic reforms and recovery efforts.
🔹 Global Diplomatic Missions Expansion
Canada and France announced new diplomatic missions in the strategic Arctic region of Greenland, reflecting rising geopolitical interests in polar affairs.
📊 ECONOMY & BUSINESS UPDATES
🔹 RBI Monetary Policy Status
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained the Repo Rate at 6.25% during the latest Monetary Policy Committee meeting, balancing inflation control and growth support.
🔹 France Hosts Global Ocean Summit
Global Ocean Summit 2026 took place in Brest, France, focusing on blue economy investment, marine protection and plastic pollution management.
India committed to the “30×30 Marine Protection Goal” — conserving at least 30% of ocean areas by 2030.
🔹 France-Sri Lanka IMF Support
Sri Lanka received the final tranche of its IMF bailout package, stabilising its macroeconomic outlook and currency stability.
🔹 Green Hydrogen Norms Launched
India notified new Green Hydrogen Consumption Norms for the steel and fertilizer sectors to accelerate clean energy integration and reduce carbon emissions.
🛡️ DEFENCE & GOVERNANCE
🔹 DRDO Weapon Test Success
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested Helina, a helicopter-launched anti-tank guided missile, boosting India’s precision strike capability.
🔹 Education Reforms Initiative
Government launched consultations for Samagra Shiksha 3.0, aiming to integrate digitisation in education, aligned with NEP outcomes and digital classroom adoption.
👨🎓 APPOINTMENTS & PERSONNEL CHANGES
(No major appointments reported for 08.02.2026)
🧪 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
🔹 AI & Clean Energy Research Expansion
Indian research institutions expanded work on AI-enabled learning tools and clean energy storage systems to support sustainability and technological competitiveness.
🏆 SPORTS NEWS
🏏 Cricket
India clinched the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 title, defeating England U19 by 100 runs in the final held at Harare Sports Club (07 Feb 2026).
Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 175 off 80 balls, named Player of the Match & Tournament — first in U19 history.
India posted a massive 411/9 total; finished with 439 tournament runs at a strike rate of 169.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka) latest developments:
India will travel to Colombo for a Group A fixture despite Pakistan’s boycott due to geopolitical tensions.
The tournament features 20 teams, opening with three matches on the first day.
🥌 Winter & Other Sports
Major fixtures and updates continue from the 2026 Winter Olympics.
2026 World Grand Prix (Snooker) is underway in Hong Kong, culminating on 08 Feb 2026 with top players competing for a £700,000 prize fund.
🏸 Badminton Discussion
Debates in Indian sports media suggest allowing elite players to prioritise major events like All England Championships over national team duties in certain years to align training cycles and avoid injuries.
🎉 CULTURE & MISCELLANEOUS
💘 Propose Day 2026
8 February is celebrated globally as Propose Day, part of Valentine’s Week, emphasising expressions of commitment and romance.
🎶 Udaipur World Music Festival
The festival marked its 10th anniversary (06–08 Feb 2026) with 150+ artists from 11+ countries, showcasing diverse musical genres across scenic lakes and ghats.
🎨 India Art Fair 2026
The 17th India Art Fair (05–08 Feb) in New Delhi highlighted K-Art Pavilion and international art collaborations, featuring cutting-edge Korean contemporary art.
📅 IMPORTANT DATES & EVENTS
13 Feb 2026: Delhi to host month-long Delhi Khel Mahakumbh featuring 20,000+ athletes across multi-sports venues.
13–22 Feb 2026: 2026 Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars Cricket tournament in Thailand.
