Current Affairs 09 February 2026
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Amaravati Quantum Valley
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone for Amaravati Quantum Valley on February 7, 2026.
About the National Quantum Mission
- Budget Allocation: ₹6,000 crore
- Institutional Coverage: 43 institutions across 17 States and 2 Union Territories
- Four Thematic Hubs: Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Metrology, Quantum Materials and Devices
- Target: Develop quantum computers with up to 1,000 physical qubits within eight years
- Communication Network: Quantum Key Distribution across 2,000 kilometres
Key Features
- India’s First Integrated Quantum Ecosystem: Combining quantum computing hardware, software development, algorithm design and workforce training within a single campus
- Land Allocation: 50 acres in Uddandarayunipalem village, Thullur mandal
- India’s First 133-Qubit Quantum Computer: To be operational by December 2026 through collaborations with IBM, TCS, and L&T
- Job Creation: Expected to create approximately 88,000 jobs
- Training Target: 50,000 learners initially, eventually training 10 lakh youth in cutting-edge technologies
Andhra Pradesh Special – APPSC Relevance
Why This is Crucial for APPSC:
- Andhra Pradesh becoming a quantum technology hub under National Quantum Mission
- State-specific development initiative aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047
- Integration of central-state cooperation (double-engine model)
- Employment generation and skill development in AP
- Strategic positioning of Amaravati as global technology destination
📌 Did You Know?
The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, recognizing quantum technology’s potential to transform fields ranging from cryptography to medicine. Amaravati Quantum Valley’s foundation ceremony aligns perfectly with this global recognition, positioning India at the forefront of the quantum revolution.
India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook an official visit to Malaysia from February 7-8, 2026, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The visit marked significant progress in the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) established in August 2024.
11 Major MoUs/Agreements Signed
| S.No. | Agreement/MoU | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Audio-Visual Co-production Agreement | Cultural Cooperation |
| 2 | MoU on Disaster Management | Disaster Risk Reduction |
| 3 | MoU on Combating and Preventing Corruption | Good Governance |
| 4 | MoU on UN Peacekeeping Cooperation | Global Peace & Security |
| 5 | Exchange of Notes on Semiconductor Cooperation | Technology & Manufacturing |
| 6 | Framework Agreement on IBCA | Biodiversity Conservation |
| 7 | MoC on Social Security (ESIC-PERKESO) | Worker Protection |
| 8 | Exchange of Notes on TVET | Skill Development |
| 9 | Exchange of Notes on Security Cooperation | National Security |
| 10 | Exchange of Notes on Health and Medicine | Healthcare Cooperation |
| 11 | 10th Malaysia-India CEO Forum Report | Business Cooperation |
Key Announcements
- India’s first consulate to be opened in Malaysia
- Thiruvalluvar Centre: Dedicated centre at Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur
- Cross-Border Payments: Agreement between NIPL (NPCI International) and PayNet SDN BHD
Defence and Security Cooperation
- Harimau Shakti Exercise: 5th edition conducted in Rajasthan (December 5-18, 2025)
- ADMM-Plus Framework: India-Malaysia co-chairmanship of Counter-Terrorism Working Group (2024-2027)
- Naval Exercises: Samudra Laksamana, MILAN, ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME)
- Malaysia-India Security Dialogue: Platform for cooperation on security matters
Digital and Technology Cooperation
- Malaysia-India Digital Council (MIDC): Platform for fintech, e-governance, cybersecurity, AI, Digital Public Infrastructure
- Semiconductor Cooperation: IIT Madras Global with Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia; IESA with Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA)
- Renewable Energy: PETRONAS and Gentari’s involvement in India’s green hydrogen landscape; International Solar Alliance (ISA) cooperation
People-to-People Connections
- Nearly 3 million people of Indian origin in Malaysia (world’s second-largest Indian diaspora)
- Over 500 schools in Malaysia teaching in Indian languages
🚨 Previously Asked Question
The India-Malaysia relationship was elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in which year?
A. 2022
B. 2023
C. 2024
D. 2025
Answer: C. 2024
Explanation: The India-Malaysia bilateral relationship was elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in August 2024 during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to New Delhi. The partnership is themed around IMPACT (India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation) and covers cooperation in political engagement, defence, trade, digital economy, energy, agriculture, health, education, and culture.
A. 2022
B. 2023
C. 2024
D. 2025
Answer: C. 2024
Explanation: The India-Malaysia bilateral relationship was elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in August 2024 during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to New Delhi. The partnership is themed around IMPACT (India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation) and covers cooperation in political engagement, defence, trade, digital economy, energy, agriculture, health, education, and culture.
India–AI Impact Summit 2026: Seven Chakras Framework
The India–AI Impact Summit 2026 is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from February 16-20, 2026, marking the first-ever global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South. The summit is guided by three foundational pillars (Sutras) and organized through seven interconnected thematic areas (Chakras).
Three Sutras (Core Principles)
- People: Promoting human-centric AI that safeguards rights, enhances access to services, builds trust, and ensures equitable benefits
- Planet: Advancing environmentally sustainable AI through energy-efficient systems and climate action support
- Progress: Enabling inclusive economic and technological advancement through innovation and capacity building
Seven Chakras (Working Groups)
| Chakra | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Human Capital | Advancing equitable skilling and inclusive workforce transitions for AI-enabled future of work |
| Inclusion for Social Empowerment | Advancing AI systems that are inclusive by design, empowering diverse communities |
| Safe and Trusted AI | Building globally trusted AI systems anchored in transparency and accountability |
| Science | Harnessing AI to accelerate frontier science and foster scientific collaboration |
| Resilience, Innovation & Efficiency | Driving sustainable, resource-efficient AI systems strengthening climate resilience |
| Democratizing AI Resources | Promoting equitable access to foundational AI resources for inclusive innovation |
| AI for Economic Development & Social Good | Leveraging AI to enhance productivity, innovation, and inclusive development |
Key Participation
- Over 100 countries engaged through Working Groups
- 15-20 Heads of Government expected
- Over 50 international ministers
- More than 40 global and Indian CEOs
India’s AI Infrastructure
- IndiaAI Compute Portal: Access to over 38,000 GPUs and 1,050 TPUs at subsidized rates (under ₹100/hour vs global ₹200/hour)
- Sovereign AI Compute: GPU cluster with 3,000 next-generation GPUs
- IndiaAI Kosh (AIKosh): Over 7,400 datasets and 273 AI models across 20 sectors
- AI Data Labs Network: 570 labs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities for grassroots AI skills
- AIRAWAT: India’s premier AI supercomputer integrated with PARAM Siddhi-AI
- BHASHINI Platform: Supporting 36 text languages, 22 voice languages, 350+ AI language models
Global Investments in India’s AI
- Microsoft: ₹1.5 lakh crore for data centres and AI training
- Amazon: ₹2.9 lakh crore for cloud infrastructure by 2030
- Google: ₹1.25 lakh crore for 1 GW AI hub in Visakhapatnam
📌 APPSC Relevance
Topics Covered: Science & Technology (GS-III), Digital Economy (GS-III), International Relations (GS-II)
Key Points for Exam:
Key Points for Exam:
- India’s position as first Global South country hosting global AI summit
- Seven Chakras framework for AI governance
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and democratization of AI
- AI applications in agriculture, healthcare, education, governance
- AI for inclusive development and social empowerment
INS Sudarshini Concludes Lokayan 26 Port Call at Oman
The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini successfully concluded her first port call at Salalah, Oman, on February 5, 2026, as part of the ambitious ten-month trans-oceanic voyage Lokayan 26.
About INS Sudarshini
- Type: Sail Training Ship
- Design: Three-masted barque
- Purpose: Training naval personnel in ocean sailing and showcasing India’s maritime heritage
International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) Framework Agreement
During PM Modi’s visit to Malaysia, both countries signed the Framework Agreement on International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA), with Malaysia becoming a founding member of this conservation initiative.
About International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA)
- Launched: April 9, 2023, on International Big Cat Day
- Initiative by: India under Project Tiger
- Objective: Protect and conserve seven major big cat species worldwide
- Headquarters: Gujarat, India (to be established)
Seven Big Cat Species Covered
- Tiger
- Lion
- Leopard
- Snow Leopard
- Puma
- Jaguar
- Cheetah
India’s Conservation Success
- Tiger Population: India hosts over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population
- Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, now covers 53 tiger reserves
- Asiatic Lions: Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only habitat for Asiatic lions
- Cheetah Reintroduction: Project Cheetah initiated in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh
🚨 Previously Asked Question
Project Tiger was launched in India in which year?
A. 1970
B. 1972
C. 1973
D. 1975
Answer: C. 1973
Explanation: Project Tiger was launched on April 1, 1973, by the Government of India as a wildlife conservation movement to protect Bengal tigers in India. It was initiated in response to alarming decline in tiger population. The project started with 9 tiger reserves and has now expanded to 53 tiger reserves covering about 2.2% of India’s geographical area. India’s tiger conservation efforts have been so successful that the country now hosts over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population.
A. 1970
B. 1972
C. 1973
D. 1975
Answer: C. 1973
Explanation: Project Tiger was launched on April 1, 1973, by the Government of India as a wildlife conservation movement to protect Bengal tigers in India. It was initiated in response to alarming decline in tiger population. The project started with 9 tiger reserves and has now expanded to 53 tiger reserves covering about 2.2% of India’s geographical area. India’s tiger conservation efforts have been so successful that the country now hosts over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population.
Malaysia-India Digital Council (MIDC) Formation
The Leaders applauded the formalization of the Malaysia-India Digital Council (MIDC) during PM Modi’s Malaysia visit, recognizing its potential as a key platform to advance digital cooperation between both nations.
Objectives of MIDC
- Advance digital cooperation and foster innovation
- Explore collaborative projects in emerging technologies
- Strengthen bilateral digital engagement
- Support digital transformation agendas of both countries
ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
During the Malaysia visit, both leaders reaffirmed commitment to the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and appreciated Malaysia’s successful ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.
Key Frameworks
- ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP): Cooperation framework for peace, stability and prosperity
- India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): Seven pillars covering maritime security, ecology, resources, disaster management, science & technology, trade connectivity, and capacity building
India-ASEAN Relations
- Dialogue Partnership: Since 1992
- Strategic Partnership: Since 2012
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Since 2022
- Trade: ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) operational since 2010
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