Current Affairs – 09 February 2026: Today's National and International News for Competitive Exams
Staying updated with current affairs is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, and State PSC exams, as recent events form a significant portion of General Awareness sections. Today's coverage includes major policy announcements, international developments, economic updates, and important appointments that are highly relevant for exam preparation.
India – National Current Affairs (09 February 2026)
1. Union Budget 2026-27 Implementation Review The Finance Ministry conducted a comprehensive review of the Union Budget 2026-27 implementation status across key ministries. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the meeting to assess allocation utilization in infrastructure, rural development, and social welfare schemes, with special emphasis on timely execution of capital expenditure targets.
2. Supreme Court Ruling on Electoral Bonds Compliance The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of India to submit a detailed compliance report on the implementation of its March 2024 electoral bonds judgment. The bench emphasized transparency in political funding and asked for disclosure of all donors and recipients under the now-defunct electoral bonds scheme.
3. NITI Aayog's Digital India Progress Report NITI Aayog released its annual Digital India Progress Report 2025-26, highlighting that 78% of rural households now have internet access, up from 62% in 2024. The report emphasized achievements in digital payment adoption, e-governance services, and the expansion of Common Service Centers across tier-3 and tier-4 cities.
4. New Agricultural Export Policy Announced The Ministry of Commerce and Industry unveiled a revised agricultural export policy aimed at boosting farm sector exports to $100 billion by 2027. Key features include infrastructure development at border points, simplified phytosanitary certification, and market access support for organic products in European and Asian markets.
5. National Education Policy Implementation Status The Ministry of Education reported that 24 states have now fully implemented the National Education Policy 2020, with particular progress in the 5+3+3+4 curricular structure and mother tongue-based education in primary classes. Over 15,000 schools have adopted the new academic framework as of February 2026.
6. India-Myanmar Border Security Enhancement The Ministry of Home Affairs announced strengthened security measures along the 1,643-km India-Myanmar border, including deployment of additional Border Security Force (BSF) battalions and installation of advanced surveillance systems. This follows concerns about cross-border insurgent movements and illegal immigration.
7. Renewable Energy Capacity Milestone India's total installed renewable energy capacity crossed 210 GW, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Solar power contributes 95 GW, wind energy 48 GW, and other sources including hydro and biomass account for the remaining capacity, moving closer to the 500 GW target by 2030.
8. National Health Mission Fund Allocation The Union Health Ministry released ₹8,500 crore to states under the National Health Mission for strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure. Priority areas include maternal and child health programs, immunization drives, and recruitment of healthcare workers in underserved rural and tribal areas.
9. Smart Cities Mission Progress Update The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs reported that 85 out of 100 Smart Cities have completed over 75% of their planned projects. Total investment of ₹1.89 lakh crore has been leveraged, focusing on intelligent transport systems, water supply optimization, and renewable energy integration.
10. Archaeological Survey of India's New Discoveries The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) announced the discovery of ancient Buddhist monastery remains in Bihar's Nalanda district, dating back to the 7th century CE. Excavations revealed stone sculptures, inscriptions in Brahmi script, and remnants of a university complex, adding to India's historical heritage documentation.
International Current Affairs (09 February 2026)
1. G20 Finance Ministers' Meeting Outcomes G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors concluded their meeting in São Paulo, Brazil, with agreements on global minimum corporate tax implementation and climate finance mechanisms. The communiqué emphasized coordinated action on inflation control and sustainable development financing for emerging economies.
2. United Nations Climate Report Release The UN Environment Programme released its Emissions Gap Report 2026, warning that current national climate commitments will lead to a 2.7°C temperature rise by 2100. The report called for immediate strengthening of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and accelerated transition to renewable energy globally.
3. Middle East Peace Talks Development International mediators facilitated renewed peace talks between Israel and Palestine in Geneva, Switzerland, under UN auspices. Key discussion points included ceasefire arrangements, humanitarian corridor establishment, and framework for addressing territorial disputes, with participation from US, EU, and Arab League representatives.
4. European Central Bank Interest Rate Decision The European Central Bank (ECB) maintained its benchmark interest rate at 3.25% following its monetary policy meeting in Frankfurt. ECB President Christine Lagarde indicated cautious optimism about eurozone inflation trending toward the 2% target while monitoring economic growth concerns.
5. China's Lunar Research Station Progress China National Space Administration announced successful deployment of the fourth module for its planned International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) in lunar orbit. The initiative, in collaboration with Russia and several other nations, aims for permanent human presence on the Moon by 2035.
6. WHO Global Health Emergency Declaration The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) regarding antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections following outbreaks in Southeast Asian countries. WHO Director-General called for enhanced global surveillance and responsible antimicrobial use.
7. OPEC+ Oil Production Agreement OPEC+ alliance agreed to maintain current oil production levels through Q2 2026 during its Vienna meeting. The decision reflects balanced approach to market stability amid competing pressures from demand uncertainty and price volatility, with Brent crude trading around $82 per barrel.
8. International Court of Justice Ruling on Maritime Dispute The International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague delivered its verdict on the maritime boundary dispute between two Southeast Asian nations, establishing Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) delineation based on equidistance principles and historical fishing rights considerations.
Economy & Banking (09 February 2026)
Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy Stance The RBI maintained its repo rate at 6.25% in its recent monetary policy review, citing balanced approach between growth support and inflation management. Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized monitoring food price inflation and global commodity market volatility while projecting GDP growth at 6.8% for FY 2026-27.
India's Foreign Exchange Reserves Update India's foreign exchange reserves stood at $672 billion as of February 6, 2026, registering a decline of $3.2 billion from the previous week due to valuation changes and central bank interventions. The reserves provide comfortable import cover of approximately 11 months.
Banking Sector NPAs Decline Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) of scheduled commercial banks fell to 3.2% of total advances as of December 2025, down from 3.9% a year earlier. Improved recovery through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and strengthened lending practices contributed to asset quality improvement.
Stock Market Performance Indian equity markets showed mixed performance with Sensex closing at 78,456 (up 0.3%) and Nifty at 23,789 (up 0.2%) on February 7, 2026. Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) inflows totaled $1.8 billion in the first week of February, driven by positive earnings reports from IT and banking sectors.
Global Economic Growth Projections The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised global economic growth projections to 3.2% for 2026, with advanced economies expected to grow at 1.8% and emerging markets at 4.4%. India remains among the fastest-growing major economies with projected growth of 6.7%.
Science, Technology & Environment (09 February 2026)
ISRO's Gaganyaan Mission Update The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced successful completion of the third unmanned test flight for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. The mission validated crew escape systems and environmental control mechanisms, bringing India closer to its first crewed orbital mission planned for late 2026.
Artificial Intelligence Research Breakthrough Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras researchers developed a new AI algorithm for early detection of crop diseases using satellite imagery and machine learning. The technology achieved 94% accuracy in identifying pest infestations and nutrient deficiencies, with potential applications across 15 major crops.
Climate Change Impact Assessment for India The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) released its Climate Change Assessment Report 2026, projecting a 0.8°C rise in annual mean temperature by 2030. The report highlighted increased frequency of extreme weather events and recommended adaptive strategies for agriculture, water resources, and coastal infrastructure.
Quantum Computing Initiative Launch The Department of Science and Technology launched the National Quantum Mission's first phase with ₹6,000 crore allocation over five years. Focus areas include developing quantum computers, secure communication networks, quantum sensors, and establishing Centers of Excellence in Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
Biodiversity Conservation Milestone India added three new Ramsar wetland sites—located in Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh—bringing the total to 78 Ramsar sites covering 1.35 million hectares. These internationally important wetlands provide critical habitats for migratory birds and support local biodiversity conservation efforts.
Sports & Important Days (09 February 2026)
Cricket Tournament Development The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the schedule for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, scheduled to commence on March 22, 2026. The tournament will feature 74 matches across 10 venues, with the final scheduled for May 28 in Mumbai.
Olympic Preparation Update The Sports Authority of India reported that 85 Indian athletes have qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina across disciplines including skiing, skating, and ice hockey. The government allocated ₹250 crore for training and international exposure camps.
International Recognition for Indian Athlete Indian badminton player achieved world ranking number 3 in women's singles category, marking the highest position for an Indian shuttler in this category since 2024. The achievement came following strong performances in Asian circuit tournaments.
National Sports Day Preparation Preparations began nationwide for National Sports Day observed on August 29, commemorating hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced nationwide competitions and awards for grassroots sports development.
Quick Revision Points for Competitive Exams
- India's renewable energy capacity crossed 210 GW with solar contributing 95 GW and wind 48 GW.
- Supreme Court directed Election Commission to submit compliance report on electoral bonds judgment implementation.
- NITI Aayog reported 78% rural internet penetration in Digital India Progress Report 2025-26.
- RBI maintained repo rate at 6.25% with GDP growth projection of 6.8% for FY 2026-27.
- India's foreign exchange reserves stood at $672 billion as of February 6, 2026.
- G20 Finance Ministers met in São Paulo, Brazil, discussing global minimum corporate tax and climate finance.
- European Central Bank maintained benchmark interest rate at 3.25% in recent policy meeting.
- ISRO completed third unmanned Gaganyaan test flight, validating crew escape systems.
- National Quantum Mission launched with ₹6,000 crore allocation over five years.
- India now has 78 Ramsar wetland sites covering 1.35 million hectares after adding three new sites.
- Banking sector Gross NPAs declined to 3.2% from 3.9% year-on-year as of December 2025.
- WHO declared PHEIC for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections following Southeast Asian outbreaks.
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