Current Affairs - February 8, 2026 Current Affairs

Kotak Mahindra Bank achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first institution in India to issue a fully digital FPI licence. The entire process, from application to approval, was completed online using electronic signatures, without any physical paperwork. This was enabled by SEBI’s unified digital workflow, which allows seamless coordination among custodians and market intermediaries. The initiative simplifies onboarding for foreign investors, reduces time and compliance costs, and enhances transparency. By adopting global best practices in digital finance, this step strengthens India’s capital market infrastructure and supports the country’s broader push for ease of doing business and Digital India.

Kabak Yano, a 27-year-old mountaineer from Arunachal Pradesh, achieved a major milestone by successfully summiting Mount Aconcagua in Argentina. Standing at 22,831 feet, Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America and the Western Hemisphere, known for its extreme altitude, harsh winds, and freezing conditions. The ascent forms part of her ambitious Seven Summits expedition, which aims to climb the highest peak on each continent. Her accomplishment highlights exceptional endurance, mental strength, and technical skill, while also bringing national attention to Arunachal Pradesh’s growing presence in global adventure sports.

Indian Highways Management Company Limited entered into a strategic partnership with the National Forensic Sciences University to enhance cybersecurity and data protection across digital highway operations. The collaboration focuses on areas such as cyber forensics, digital evidence integrity, research, training, and consultancy. With highways increasingly dependent on technologies like Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling and advanced traffic management systems, safeguarding sensitive data has become critical. NFSU’s expertise in cyber investigation and forensic sciences will help strengthen resilience against cyber threats, ensure secure digital operations, and build institutional capacity for managing cyber incidents in national highway infrastructure.

The government of Assam approved a ₹50 crore grant to preserve the heritage of the Darrang kings of the Koch dynasty, reflecting a strong commitment to safeguarding indigenous history and culture. The initiative focuses on restoring royal sites, monuments, and culturally significant landmarks associated with the Koch rulers. Announced during Mahabir Chilarai Divas, the project also aims to honour the legacy of Mahabir Chilarai, one of Assam’s greatest military leaders. Beyond conservation, the effort seeks to develop the region into a major cultural tourism hub, linking historical preservation with economic and community development.

The Agni-III missile was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, located along the coast of Odisha. Conducted under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command, the launch was part of a routine training exercise aimed at validating operational readiness rather than developing new capabilities. The test confirmed the performance of key subsystems such as propulsion, guidance, and control. Such launches play a vital role in maintaining India’s credible minimum deterrence posture by ensuring that deployed missile systems remain reliable, responsive, and fully prepared for real-world operational conditions.

Yumnam Khemchand Singh was elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in Manipur, paving the way for the formation of a new state government. His selection comes at a critical time as President’s Rule, imposed after prolonged ethnic violence and political instability, is set to end. A senior BJP leader and two-time MLA from Singjamei, Singh has served as Speaker of the Manipur Assembly and as a cabinet minister. Seen as an experienced administrator with strong organisational backing, his elevation signals a political reset and an effort to restore stability, governance, and public confidence in the violence-affected state.

Andhra Pradesh is preparing to launch the ambitious Amaravati Quantum Valley project with the objective of positioning the state as a global centre for quantum research and innovation. The initiative focuses on key areas such as quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum-safe technologies, supported by collaborations with industry leaders like IBM and Tata Consultancy Services and prominent academic institutions. By creating specialised infrastructure, encouraging public–private partnerships, and nurturing skilled talent, the project aligns with India’s broader push toward emerging technologies and aims to strengthen national capabilities in strategic and future-oriented domains.

Operation Shastra was launched in New Delhi as a city-wide initiative by the Delhi Police to address the misuse of social media for intimidation, fear creation, and criminal signalling. The operation targeted individuals who posted images with weapons, used abusive language, or projected criminal dominance online. With the deployment of over 500 police teams and more than 2,000 personnel, thousands of social media profiles were scrutinised, leading to multiple FIRs and arrests. The initiative reflects a preventive policing approach that integrates cyber monitoring with conventional law enforcement to stop potential crimes before they escalate into real-world violence.

VOC Port, officially known as V.O. Chidambaranar Port at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, created history by becoming India’s first port to deploy an advanced anti-drone system. The system integrates radar and radio frequency technologies to provide 360-degree surveillance and real-time detection, tracking, and neutralisation of unauthorised drones. This initiative enhances the safety of port assets, personnel, and cargo while addressing emerging aerial threats. The deployment aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, positioning the port as a benchmark for technology-driven maritime security in India.

The 13th edition of the India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Military Exercise KHANJAR-XIII will be held at Misamari in the state of Assam from February 4 to 17, 2026. Misamari is a key military training location in Northeast India, offering diverse terrain suitable for advanced combat training. The exercise will involve elite Special Forces from both countries, focusing on counter-terrorism, urban warfare, and special operations under United Nations mandates. Hosting the exercise in Assam highlights India’s strategic emphasis on its eastern region and strengthens defence cooperation with Kyrgyzstan.

Rajasthan ranked first among India’s wool-producing states in 2026, producing about 16,013.50 thousand kilograms of wool, which accounts for nearly 47.53 per cent of the nation’s total output. The state’s arid climate and vast grasslands provide ideal conditions for large-scale sheep rearing. Indigenous breeds such as Marwari and Chokla are well suited to these conditions and mainly yield coarse wool used in carpets, rugs, and blankets. Due to its scale of production and regional specialization, Rajasthan forms the backbone of India’s wool industry and supports rural livelihoods across the state.

M Anitha, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) from the 2007 batch, has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet for appointment as Director in the Department of Defence. Her posting is under the Central Staffing Scheme, which enables experienced civil servants to serve in key positions across central ministries. She will join the Department of Defence on a lateral shift from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, where she was serving as Director. The appointment reflects the government’s approach of leveraging administrative expertise for strategic and policy-oriented roles.