1 Chhattisgarh: President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the Chhattisgarh Bastar Pandum Festival.
President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the Bastar Pandum Festival in Jagdalpur, the Bastar divisional headquarters of Chhattisgarh . Addressing the event, the President said that the people of Bastar live life as a celebration. She said that through the Bastar Pandum Festival, the country and the world get a glimpse of the rich tribal culture of the Bastar region. Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai were also present on the occasion. As part of the festival, divisional level competitions are being organized until February 9. During this period, more than 700 artists from 84 teams will present performances in twelve cultural genres. These include tribal dances, handicrafts, traditional tribal cuisine, and indigenous musical instruments.
2 Amravati to become India’s first quantum valley: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, stated that Amaravati will soon emerge as India’s first quantum valley . The Union Minister, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, laid the foundation stone for the Amaravati Quantum Valley Project in the state capital, Amaravati . The Amaravati Quantum Valley Project aims to create a holistic quantum ecosystem, bringing together research institutions, industry, startups, and skilled human resources. Its primary focus is quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum-safe technologies. A key feature of the Amaravati Quantum Valley Project is the numerous Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed with industries and academic institutions aimed at creating a robust quantum ecosystem. The event will also see the launch of the AQV logo and the launch of quantum initiatives by IBM and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
3 PM Modi arrives in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur on a two-day visit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Malaysia on Saturday for a two-day visit . He was warmly welcomed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport . Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the guiding principle of India-Malaysia relations is IMPACT , meaning India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation . Modi made these remarks while addressing the Indian diaspora at a community event , Selamat Datang Modi Ji, in Kuala Lumpur . Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim are participating in Selamat Datang Modi Ji, a community event in Kuala Lumpur. PM Modi will be on a two-day official visit to Malaysia on February 7-8. The visit follows the elevation of India-Malaysia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024. During the visit, key agreements are expected to be signed on trade, investment, defense and security cooperation, as well as a partnership in the semiconductor sector.
The United States has removed the additional 25% tariff imposed on India ‘s purchase of Russian oil . This decision was announced following the February 7, 2026 , trade agreement between India and the United States. This move eases the trade tensions that have persisted over the past few months and signals a fresh start in India-US economic relations. It also strengthens both countries’ commitment to energy cooperation, defense partnership, and tariff reduction. The additional 25% tariff was imposed by then-US President Donald Trump in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil during the Ukraine war. In addition to removing the additional 25% tariff, the trade agreement also includes a reduction in so-called reciprocal tariffs. This tariff on Indian products, which was previously 25% , will be reduced to 18% . This will significantly reduce the overall tariff level on Indian goods, which had reached nearly 50% at the end of last year. This will significantly strengthen India’s competitive position in the US market.
5 After Kerala, Goa launches India’s second comprehensive bird atlas
Goa has taken a significant step towards biodiversity conservation . On February 7, 2026 , the state released the Goa Bird Atlas , becoming the second state in India after Kerala to do so . The atlas was launched during a major bird festival, reflecting Goa’s growing focus on scientific documentation, citizen participation, and wildlife conservation. This initiative is expected to play a key role in long-term ecological monitoring and conservation planning. A bird atlas is a scientific document that maps the distribution and numbers of bird species through grid-based surveys. Goa’s bird atlas provides spatial data, making it possible to track changes in bird populations over time. Such atlases are crucial for understanding habitat conditions, the impacts of climate change, and the pressures of human activities. Goa’s ninth bird festival was held in Valpoi, with the theme ” Majestic Mhadei ,” focusing on the biodiversity of the Mhadei River basin .
6 VOC Port Authority becomes the first port in India to introduce anti-drone security system
India has taken a major step towards strengthening port and coastal security . The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has become the first port in the country to deploy an advanced anti-drone system . This initiative aims to ensure the safety of critical port infrastructure and operations in light of the growing security threats posed by drones. This initiative reflects India’s growing vigilance and preparedness towards maritime security, technology-based surveillance, and emerging aerial threats. The V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port’s anti-drone system utilizes integrated radio frequency (RF) and radar-based technologies, specifically designed for complex port environments. The system provides 360-degree omnidirectional coverage and has an operational range of up to 5 kilometers. It comprises a drone detector, drone detection radar, and man-pack jammer, which together form a quick-deployment and comprehensive security solution. This multi-layered technology ensures 24×7 monitoring of sensitive operational areas. The project agreement was signed between the Port Authority and Central Electronics Limited (CEL) , a Government of India enterprise operating under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology. The system is expected to be fully operational within three months.
7 Tripura Gramin Bank launched India’s first RRB co-branded RuPay credit card
On the historic occasion of its Golden Jubilee (50 years), Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) in collaboration with its sponsor bank Punjab National Bank (PNB) has achieved a significant milestone by launching India’s first Regional Rural Bank (RRB) co-branded RuPay Credit Card . This historic launch took place in Agartala, Tripura in February 2026, marking a milestone in India’s rural banking sector. This initiative demonstrates how traditional RRBs are evolving to meet the financial needs of rural and semi-urban communities in the digital age.
Spain has announced a nationwide ban on social media for children under the age of 16. With this decision, Spain becomes the first country in Europe and the second in the world after Australia to take such a step. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced this decision during his address to the World Government Summit in Dubai . The ban is expected to come into effect within about a week. This move is also considered significant because it reflects growing global concerns about child safety, mental health, and the regulation of social media in the digital age.
9 Assam government to preserve Darrang Raja’s legacy
On February 2, 2026, the Assam government announced a grant of ₹50 crore for the preservation and restoration of the heritage of the Darrang kings of the Koch dynasty . The announcement was made during the Mahavir Chilarai Day celebrations held in Darrang district . This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to protecting Assam’s rich historical heritage, honoring the contributions of indigenous rulers, and developing the heritage as a center of tourism and cultural pride. The Koch dynasty, which ruled the Darrang state, was one of the most powerful dynasties of medieval Assam. The Koch community emerged after the decline of the Pala dynasty in ancient Kamarupa. This kingdom was founded by Biswa Singha and reached its peak during the reign of Maharaja Naranarayan. Mahavir Chilarai, brother of Maharaja Naranarayan, is considered one of Assam’s greatest military heroes. He earned the title “Chilarai” for his swift and lightning-fast offensive style on the battlefield. He built a strong and well-organized army consisting of land and naval forces. Through his campaigns, the Koch kingdom’s influence extended to the Ahom, Kachari, Jaintia, Tripura, and Sylhet regions. The historic Gohain Kamal Ali Road is considered a symbol of his strategic foresight and administrative ability.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) elected Soraya Aghaei of Iran to its membership on February 4, 2026 , becoming not only the first female member from Iran but also the youngest IOC member at the time . Soraya Aghaei became the 107th member of the IOC by a vote of 95-2, making her only the third representative to be elected from Iran and the first since 2004. The IOC invites prospective members to join an elite body that includes former Olympic athletes, leaders of international sports bodies, members of royal families, former political leaders, diplomats, business leaders, and Oscar-winning actresses. Aghaei joins the global Olympic body at a time when it is headed by Kirsty Coventry, the first female president in its 132-year history. Women now comprise 45% of the IOC’s membership.
11 Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics are one of the world’s largest global sporting events. Officially known as ” Milano-Cortina 2026 ,” the Games will be held in Italy from February 6 to February 22, 2026. Milano-Cortina 2026 will be the first time two cities will jointly host the Winter Olympics, and the fourth time Italy will host the Winter Games. The Winter Olympics are held every four years under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Games feature sports played on ice and snow, such as skiing, skating, ice hockey, and snowboarding. Mascots : Tina and Milo , two storks named after the host cities (Tina for Cortina, Milo for Milano). Theme : ‘ Armonia ‘ (Harmony) The show is produced by Balich Wonder Studio and features performances by Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli and Laura Pausini.