Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 9th February 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest for UPSC & Competitive Exams | 9th February 2026

1. India Goes Green: Leading in Sustainable Design

India has achieved a significant milestone in environmental sustainability. Excluding the U.S., India now ranks second after China in the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) index. The rankings, which are a joint effort by the U.S. Green Building Council and Green Business Certification Inc., reflect India’s commitment to sustainable growth. With smarter operations and maintenance practices, the country is solidifying its role as a global leader in green architecture and infrastructure.


2. India Achieves In-Orbit Snooping: Azista Space Breakthrough

India has marked a groundbreaking achievement in space exploration. Azista Space has successfully demonstrated the country’s first-ever capability to image other satellites by capturing the International Space Station (ISS) in orbit. This technological leap not only showcases India’s space capabilities but also paves the way for more advanced satellite tracking and monitoring in the future.


3. India & Malaysia: Digital and Defense Pact

In a historic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signed a transformative Digital Council alliance. This pact, aimed at strengthening digital and defense ties, will connect the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) with Malaysia’s PayNet, boosting cross-border financial collaborations. Additionally, the alliance will focus on chip design and manufacturing, fortifying technological innovation. PM Modi also reaffirmed India’s firm stance on terrorism, emphasizing “no double standards and no compromise.” The leaders also launched the Thiruvalluvar Centre to enhance cultural ties between the two nations.


4. Electoral Roll Update in West Bengal

The Election Commission of India has announced that the Permanent Resident Certificate, a crucial document for proving state domicile for jobs and education, will be valid for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal. This move is expected to streamline the electoral process and ensure better inclusivity during the revision.


5. Japan’s Iron Lady Makes History

In Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made history by leading the Liberal Democratic Party to a sweeping victory in the 465-member House of Representatives. With over 310 seats secured, this supermajority gives the government the power to constitutionally override the Upper House, marking a significant political triumph for Takaichi and her party.


6. India’s New Route to Mount Kailash

India is in talks with China to open a third route to the sacred Mount Kailash, located in Tibet. The Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh is being considered as a new corridor for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This will supplement the existing Nathu La and Lipulekh routes, offering devotees enhanced access to one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the world.


7. Cardinal Poola Anthony Makes History

In a historic move for the Catholic community in India, Cardinal Poola Anthony has been elected as the first Dalit president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. This milestone not only represents progress in terms of social equity within the Church but also highlights India’s ongoing efforts to embrace inclusivity and diversity at all levels of leadership.


8. New Ant Species Discovered

In the rich biodiversity of Assam, a new species of ant, Polyrhachis garbhangaensis, has been discovered in the Garbhanga Reserve Forest. This rare spiny ant, belonging to the mucronata group, adds to India’s growing list of unique species and showcases the country’s diverse wildlife.


9. New Spider Species Found in Kolhapur

Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district is now home to a newly discovered species of trapdoor spider, Titanidiops kolhapurensis. This exciting find adds to India’s growing list of endemic species and underscores the importance of preserving natural habitats to support the country’s rich biodiversity.


10. World’s Longest Snake: A New Record

In a remarkable natural discovery, a 7.22-meter-long reticulated python found in the forests of Sulawesi, Indonesia, has been officially recognized as the world’s longest snake by the Guinness Book of World Records. This giant snake, recorded in 2026, has taken the crown from previous record holders, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation efforts.


11. Historic Boost for Andhra Pradesh: Kondaveedu Fort Development

The Union government has announced an ambitious development plan for the historic Kondaveedu Fort in Andhra Pradesh’s Palnadu district. This project aims to transform the fort into a global hub for medieval Telugu culture, engineering marvels, and tourism. By reviving this cultural landmark, the initiative will help preserve the region’s rich heritage and boost tourism.


12. INS Arnala: India’s First Shallow Water Hunter

India’s Navy has unveiled INS Arnala, a cutting-edge Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft. The vessel, which boasts over 80% indigenous content, is the first of its kind designed and built in India. Named after Maharashtra’s historic Arnala Fort, this state-of-the-art ship marks a significant step forward in India’s naval capabilities, enhancing the country’s defense posture in shallow waters.


Conclusion

From advancements in space technology and digital alliances to remarkable biodiversity discoveries and historic political wins, India continues to shape its future as a global leader in various sectors. These recent achievements not only bolster the country’s standing on the global stage but also pave the way for greater innovation and inclusivity in the years to come.