- Launched on Feb 6, 2026 by IIT Madras Research Park and Unicorn India Ventures. A ₹600‑crore fund (with ₹400‑crore greenshoe option) dedicated to deep‑tech and IP‑driven startups. Focus areas: semiconductors, defence, robotics, space, quantum, and climate tech.
.png "Current Affairs One -Liner : 8th & 9th February 2026")
- On 3 February 2026, the Ministry of Mines issued the Offshore Areas Mineral Rules, 2026 under the OAMDR Act. These rules target illegal offshore mining and transport, introducing real‑time vessel tracking, mandatory weighment at first discharge, and digital transit permits to ensure transparent mineral movement. Violations bring up to 5 years’ jail, fines of ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore plus ₹5 lakh/day, and cancellation of rights or equipment.
- On Feb 7, 2026, Goa released its first State‑level Bird Atlas at the 9th Bird Festival of Goa, becoming the second state after Kerala to do so. The atlas provides systematic, spatially mapped data on bird distribution across the state. It was launched alongside the book “Birds of Goa: Konkani Nomenclature – Olakh Suknayanchi.”
- The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched on 22 January 2015 at Panipat, Haryana, has now been recognised as a National Movement after completing 11 years in 2026. Its aim is to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR), prevent gender-biased sex-selective elimination, and promote the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.
- On 5 February 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) introduced a new Deep Tech category under Startup India. These ventures, like semiconductors, biotech, and AI, now get 20 years of recognition instead of 10. The turnover limit was raised from ₹200 crore to ₹300 crore. This policy supports long R&D cycles and boosts India’s innovation ecosystem.
- On Feb 8, 2026, Sanae Takaichi led the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a landslide victory in Japan’s snap general election. She became Japan’s first female Prime Minister, securing 316 of 465 seats in the Lower House — a supermajority. Her coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) controls 352 seats, enabling bold reforms.
- On 4 February 2026, Airbus inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Aerospace Studies at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara. The centre focuses on sustainable aviation fuel and advanced aerospace technologies. It promotes student‑led innovation and industry‑academia collaboration.
- On 3 February 2026 at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) signed an MoU with the PW Foundation. The aim is to provide free online coaching for competitive exams to 5,000 aspirants annually from SCs, OBCs, and PM CARES for Children beneficiaries. The program ensures inclusive access to quality education and equal opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
- On 5 February 2026, Jharkhand’s women’s para throwball team won the gold medal at the National Federation Cup in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. They defeated hosts Rajasthan 21–17 in the final after a disciplined campaign. The tournament ran from 3–5 February 2026, showcasing rising standards in para sports.
- On Feb 6, 2026, India successfully test‑fired the nuclear‑capable Agni‑3 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. The missile, with a range of over 3,000 km, validated all operational and technical parameters under the Strategic Forces Command.
- On February 6, 2026, the National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI launched the beta Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server on the eSankhyiki portal. The server makes official government data AI‑ready, enabling direct integration with AI tools without bulky downloads.
- On 7 February 2026, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla launched the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) at the Bihar Assembly, Patna, during its 105th Foundation Day celebrations. The initiative aims to make legislative processes paperless, giving members digital access to bills, notices, questions, and committee reports.
Questions:
Q.1 Goa became the second state after which state to release a State-level Bird Atlas?a) Tamil Nadu
b) Karnataka
c) Kerala
d) Maharashtra
Answer: b) Goa released its first Bird Atlas at the 9th Bird Festival of Goa. Kerala was the first state to publish such an atlas.
Q.2 The turnover threshold for startups under the new Deep Tech category has been increased to:
a) ₹200 crore
b) ₹250 crore
c) ₹350 crore
d) ₹300 crore
Answer: d) The turnover cap was raised from ₹200 crore to ₹300 crore.
