TODAY NEWS HIGHLIGHT
➤ India won the SAFF U-19 Women’s Football Championship
➤ ICMR begins human trials for Kyasanur Forest Disease
➤ Students in this district of Himachal Pradesh will study with AI
➤ India designs world’s most advanced 2-nanometer chip
➤ India-Malaysia sign key agreements on trade and energy during PM Modi’s visit to Malaysia
➤ Courage, composure and a medal: Meghna Sajjanar at the Asian Championships
➤ 20-year wait over: South Africa launches indigenous FMD vaccine
➤ Safer Internet Day
1. India Wins SAFF U-19 Women’s Football Championship
On February 7, 2026, the Indian U-19 Women’s Football Team defeated Bangladesh 4–0 in the final of the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship at the Pokhara Arena Stadium in Nepal to win the title. This victory was also special because India had lost to Bangladesh in the round-robin stage, but in the final, the team made a remarkable comeback and completely dominated.
2. ICMR Begins Human Trials for Kyasanur Forest Disease
On February 7, 2026, the Union Ministry of Health announced that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated Phase I human clinical trials of an advanced indigenous vaccine developed for Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as ‘monkey fever’. This achievement is considered a significant scientific step towards combating region-specific infectious diseases in India.
3. Students in This District of Himachal Pradesh Will Learn ‘Padhai with AI’
On February 9, 2026, the Himachal Pradesh government launched an artificial intelligence-based digital education program called ‘Padhai with AI,’ which was launched by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu in Barthin, Bilaspur district. This initiative is considered a significant step towards making quality education accessible through technology at the district level.
4. India Designs World’s Most Advanced 2-Nanometer Chip
On February 7, 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav launched a 2-nanometer semiconductor chip developed by Qualcomm in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in India’s advanced semiconductor design capabilities. 2nm technology represents the cutting edge of semiconductor development, enabling higher transistor density, improved computing performance, and lower power consumption.
5. Key Agreements on Trade and Energy Between India and Malaysia During Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Malaysia
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuala Lumpur, India and Malaysia signed 11 key bilateral agreements aimed at further strengthening trade, technology, payment systems, and security cooperation between the two countries. Talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim provided new momentum to India-Malaysia relations amid global economic uncertainty.
6. Courage, Composure, and a Medal: Meghna Sajjanar at the Asian Championships
On February 8, 2026, Indian shooter Meghna Sajjanar created history by winning the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air rifle event at the 2026 Asian Shooting Championships. This achievement was especially special because she was eight months pregnant at the time, making it a remarkable achievement in Asian Games history.
7. 20-Year Wait Ends: South Africa Launches Indigenous FMD Vaccine
On February 7, 2026, South Africa launched its first indigenous foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine in nearly 20 years, developed and manufactured locally by the Agricultural Research Council. This move is considered a significant milestone towards strengthening livestock health security and reducing dependence on imported vaccines.
8. Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day is a global awareness day celebrated every year on the second Tuesday of February to promote safe, responsible, and positive use of the internet. The day specifically focuses on protecting children, youth, and vulnerable groups from online risks.
QUIZ – WITH EXPLANATION (EXACT)
1. Which team did India defeat in the final of the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship 2026?
A - Nepal
B - Sri Lanka
C - Bangladesh
D - Bhutan
On February 7, 2026, the Indian Under-19 women’s football team won the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship title by defeating Bangladesh 4–0 in the final at the Pokhara Stadium in Nepal. This victory marked a remarkable comeback after a round-robin defeat.
2. What type of disease is Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)?
A - Mosquito-borne
B - Water-borne
C - Tick-borne viral
D - Bacterial
On February 7, 2026, the ICMR initiated Phase I human clinical trials of an indigenously developed vaccine for Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever. This tick-borne disease affects several states in the Western Ghats region and poses a serious risk to forest personnel and rural populations.
3. Which state government launched the ‘Padhai with AI’ program?
A - Uttarakhand
B - Himachal Pradesh
C - Uttar Pradesh
D - Haryana
On February 9, 2026, the Himachal Pradesh government launched an artificial intelligence-based digital education program called ‘Padhai with AI’.
4. Who launched the 2-nanometer semiconductor chip?
A - Narendra Modi
B - Ashwini Vaishnav
C - Rajiv Chandrashekhar
D - Dharmendra Pradhan
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav launched the 2-nanometer semiconductor chip developed by Qualcomm in Bengaluru on February 7, 2026. This achievement demonstrates India’s advanced semiconductor design capabilities and its growing role in the global value chain.
5. How many bilateral agreements were signed between India and Malaysia during the recent visit?
A - 7
B - 9
C - 11
D - 13
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuala Lumpur, India and Malaysia signed 11 bilateral agreements, giving new impetus to trade, technology, digital payments, and security cooperation.
6. In which event did Meghna Sajjanar win a medal at the Asian Shooting Championships 2026?
A - 25m pistol
B - 50m rifle
C - 10m air rifle
D - Skeet shooting
On February 8, 2026, Indian shooter Meghna Sajjanar created history by winning the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air rifle event at the 2026 Asian Shooting Championships. Her performance, despite being eight months pregnant, exemplifies mental toughness, sports science-based training, and adequate medical support.
7. Which organization developed the FMD vaccine?
A - WHO
B - FAO
C - Agricultural Research Council
D - UNICEF
On February 7, 2026, South Africa launched its first indigenous foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine in nearly 20 years, developed by the Agricultural Research Council.
8. Safer Internet Day is most closely associated with which initiative in India?
A - Make in India
B - Startup India
C - Digital India and Cybersecurity
D - Skill India
Safer Internet Day is a global awareness day celebrated every year on the second Tuesday of February. It aims to promote safe, responsible, and positive use of the internet, especially for children, youth, and vulnerable groups.
ONE LINER (EXACT)
For which sectors is 2-nanometer chip technology particularly important? – AI, 5G/6G, and high-performance computing.
India won the SAFF U-19 Women’s Football Championship 2026 title by defeating which country? – Bangladesh by 4–0.
Where was the 2-nanometer semiconductor chip launched in India? – Bengaluru.
When is Safer Internet Day celebrated every year? – The second Tuesday of February.
What type of disease is Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)? – A tick-borne viral disease.
Where was the final of the SAFF U-19 Women’s Football Championship 2026 played? – Pokhara Rangashala Stadium, Nepal.
What is the main objective of the ‘Padhai with AI’ program? – To provide AI-based quality education to students preparing for competitive exams.
In which state was the ‘Padhai with AI’ digital education program launched? – Himachal Pradesh.
ICMR has started Phase I human trials of an indigenous vaccine for which disease? – Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) / Monkey Fever.
How many agreements were signed between India and Malaysia during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Malaysia? – 11 bilateral agreements.