Daily Current Affairs- 9th February 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 9th February 2026

Himachal Pradesh Launches 'Padhai with AI' Digital Education Initiative

In the News: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu formally launched 'Padhai with AI', an artificial intelligence-based digital education initiative, at Barthin in Bilaspur district. The programme aims to provide technology-enabled quality learning resources primarily for students preparing for competitive examinations, marking a significant step towards integrating AI into public education delivery at the district level.

Key Points:

• Programme Launch: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched 'Padhai with AI' on February 5, 2026, at Barthin in Bilaspur district. The initiative represents Himachal Pradesh's commitment to modernizing the education system through innovation and technology integration.
• Target Beneficiaries: The platform is designed exclusively for students of Bilaspur district, with primary focus on those preparing for government and competitive examinations who often lack access to quality coaching facilities.
• AI-Based Features: The platform uses artificial intelligence tools to deliver structured learning content, exam-oriented study material, personalized support, performance tracking, and targeted guidance.
• Academic Counselling Support: Along with content delivery, the programme offers continuous academic counselling to help students understand subjects better and adopt effective preparation strategies. This support system guides learners through preparation strategies and subject understanding.
• Implementation Partnership: The programme has been implemented by the Bilaspur district administration with institutional support from NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation). Deputy Commissioner Bilaspur Rahul Kumar explained that the initiative delivers modern, technology-driven educational facilities to students.
• Government Officials Present: The launch event was attended by Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and senior officials, highlighting the collaborative approach between district authorities, the state government, and public sector organizations.

Dhami Launches Sharda River Corridor Project in Champawat

In the News: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami laid foundation stones and inaugurated development projects worth Rs 330 crore in Champawat district, emphasizing the transformative potential of the Sharda Riverfront project. The Chief Minister had initially launched the Sharda Corridor project in October 2025, and stated that the initiative would drive comprehensive development, create employment opportunities, and boost tourism in the region.

Key Points:

• Project Launch and Value: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami laid foundation stones and inaugurated projects worth Rs 330 crore in Champawat district on February 7, 2026. The Sharda Corridor project was originally launched in October 2025, with the recent event focusing on its implementation and associated development works.
• Development Radius and Impact: According to CM Dhami, upon completion, the entire area within a radius of approximately 200 kilometres from the project site will be fully developed. The project is envisioned to transform Champawat district by creating a new identity in tourism, faith-based tourism, and urban facilities.
• Cultural and Spiritual Significance: CM Dhami described Champawat as a land rich in faith, culture, and history, possessing spiritual consciousness with the power to guide life. He characterized Goddess Sharda as a symbol of knowledge, learning, and values, stating that developing her sacred ghats (riverbanks) is a matter of great fortune.
• Balancing Development and Heritage: The Chief Minister emphasized that Uttarakhand's identity will be strengthened only through a balance of development and cultural heritage preservation. He called upon all citizens to strengthen their resolve for public participation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.
• Special Connection to Tanakpur: CM Dhami mentioned feeling a special energy upon arriving in the land of Tanakpur, highlighting the spiritual and cultural importance of the region within Champawat district.

India–Seychelles

In the News: India and Seychelles strengthened their strategic partnership through two key engagements: an Indo-Seychelles Business Roundtable held in Mumbai on February 7, 2026, and a State Visit by Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie to India from February 5-10, 2026. During the visit, both nations announced the "SESEL" (Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages) Joint Vision and a Special Economic Package of USD 175 million to deepen cooperation in maritime trade, blue economy, and sustainable development under India's MAHASAGAR vision.

Key Points:

• Business Roundtable in Mumbai: The Indo-Seychelles Business Roundtable was held on February 7, 2026, attended by Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
• State Visit Significance: President Herminie's State Visit (February 5-10, 2026) came approximately 100 days after his inauguration and coincided with the 50th year of Seychelles' Independence and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.
• SESEL Joint Vision: The leaders announced a Joint Vision for "Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL)" to guide the partnership, emphasizing cooperation on national development priorities, security, prosperity, and people's well-being.
• MAHASAGAR Vision Framework: The partnership operates under India's MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which emphasizes economic cooperation, sustainability, and security in the Indian Ocean Region. Seychelles is recognized as an important pillar in this vision and a key maritime partner for India.
• Priority Cooperation Areas: Key sectors identified for collaboration include blue economy (fisheries, aquaculture, port development, marine infrastructure, ocean-based renewable energy, marine research), tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, financial services and fintech, education and skills development, and digital transformation.
• Hydrography Cooperation: Both nations agreed to intensify cooperation in hydrography to support Seychelles' blue economy growth. India will assist in establishing a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit (SHU), with the 3rd Joint Coordination Mechanism (JCM) on Hydrography scheduled for early 2026 in Seychelles.

Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches Qualcomm’s This Advanced Chip In Bengaluru

In the News: Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched Qualcomm's 2 nanometer (2 nm) semiconductor chip at the company's facility in Bengaluru. The launch marks a significant milestone in advanced semiconductor design and underscores India's growing role in global engineering operations and high-tech manufacturing, while highlighting the country's expanding semiconductor ecosystem.

Key Points:

• Chip Launch Details: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the Qualcomm 2 nm semiconductor chip in Bengaluru on February 7, 2026. During his keynote address, the minister expressed satisfaction with India's progress and stated that "the entire world is looking at us with hope because of the huge talent we have in our country. The next level of achievement will come from India."

• Historical Context: The minister noted that India's semiconductor journey dates back to the 1960s when Intel's origin, the Fairchild group, wanted to set up a semiconductor unit in India. However, the government of that period did not fully understand the importance of semiconductor chips, representing a missed opportunity.

• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 - First Focus: The government is launching ISM 2.0 with a different outlook from ISM 1.0. The first focus area will be design companies and startups who can design semiconductor products and take them to market, emphasizing innovation and commercialization capabilities.

• ISM 2.0 - Second Focus: The second focus area will be on developing the entire semiconductor ecosystem in India, including equipment manufacturers, chemical and gas manufacturers, and validation and testing facilities. This comprehensive approach aims to build end-to-end capabilities within the country.

• ISM 2.0 - Third Focus: The third focus area will be to deepen the talent base with higher capabilities. While the talent pipeline has been widened, the emphasis will now shift to partnering with universities to develop solutions in different sectors and enhance specialized skills.

• ISM 1.0 Achievements: ISM 1.0 focused on establishing the first few semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facilities, building the ecosystem infrastructure, and initiating the talent pipeline. These foundational objectives have been largely achieved, paving the way for the more ambitious ISM 2.0.

International Epilepsy Day 2026: Raising Awareness for Over 50 Million Affected

In the News: February 9 is being observed as International Epilepsy Day, a global awareness initiative aimed at improving understanding of epilepsy and supporting the rights of people living with this neurological condition. Led by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), the day focuses on breaking stigma, promoting inclusion, and driving global policy and community action for over 50 million people worldwide affected by epilepsy.

Key Points:

• Observance Date: International Epilepsy Day 2026 is observed on February 9, 2026 (Monday), as a worldwide awareness initiative dedicated to improving public understanding of epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal brain activity.
• Organizing Bodies: The day is led jointly by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), two global organizations working to advance epilepsy awareness, research, treatment, and advocacy worldwide.
• Global Impact: Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide, making it a significant public health concern. The condition can affect people of all ages and is treatable in many cases with timely diagnosis and appropriate medication.
• Policy Advocacy: It aligns with the World Health Organization's Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP), reinforcing the global mandate for meaningful systemic change.
• Epilepsy Pledge 2026 Launch: A major highlight of International Epilepsy Day 2026 is the launch of the Epilepsy Pledge, a new initiative that represents a transition from awareness to action.