February 9, 2026 - Current Affairs

Indian PM Visit to Malaysia

Context

India and Malaysia vowed to expand their ties in the high-priority sectors of trade and investment, defence, energy, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors.

Key Outcomes

The two sides inked a total of 11 agreements and documents to expand cooperation in a range of key areas.

Audio-Visual Co-production Agreement to boost cultural and media collaboration, and a MoU on Disaster Management Cooperation aimed at improving joint preparedness for emergencies.

Strengthening India’s Astronomy Infrastructure

Context

The Union Budget 2026–27 has allocated ₹13,416.20 crore to the Department of Space, signalling a renewed push towards deep-space exploration and astrophysics.

Key announcements in the Budget

Development of Advanced Telescope Infrastructure:

The government has prioritised the construction of the 30-metre National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT).

The National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) near Pangong Lake in Ladakh has received funding support.

Mental Health Crisis in India

Context

The Economic Survey 2025-26 flagged the alarming rise of digital addiction and screen-related mental health problems, particularly among children and adolescents.

About

The Budget announced measures to strengthen mental health infrastructure.

Key highlights include the proposed establishment of a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in north India and the upgrading of premier institutions in Ranchi and Tezpur to improve regional access.

India-Canada Security Cooperation

Context

National Security Adviser of India Ajit Doval held high-level talks with Canadian officials in Ottawa to strengthen security cooperation, streamline information sharing and rebuild institutional links after nearly two years of diplomatic strain.

Background

In 2023, Canada alleged the involvement of Indian officials in the killing of a Canadian citizen linked to Khalistan extremism.

India rejected the allegations as absurd and politically motivated leading to diplomatic expulsions, suspension of trade negotiations, and deterioration of bilateral engagement.

India’s Agroforestry Ambitions & Financing and Policy Hurdles

Context

Recently, the experts highlighted that India’s agroforestry continues to face serious challenges, especially in access to finance, policy implementation, and farmer awareness, during the first South Asian Agroforestry & Trees Outside Forests (AF-TOF) Congress.

South Asian Agroforestry & Trees Outside Forests (AF-TOF) Congress

It is referred to as the ‘Treescapes’ 2026 Congress.

It marked the first regional platform dedicated to advancing agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests (TOF) across South Asia.

The AYUSH Sector in India

In News

Recently, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a slew of resources for AYUSH in the 2026-27 Union Budget.

AYUSH Sector in India

AYUSH encompasses traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

It includes clinics, wellness centers, research, herbal products, education, and holistic health practices.

India's AYUSH sector is rapidly expanding, supported by increasing awareness, demand for natural therapies, and government initiatives to promote traditional medicine systems.

News In Short 09-02-2026

Context

Scientists have raised concerns over the Thwaites Glacier, which is nicknamed the "Doomsday Glacier," as it is melting at an unprecedented rate because of climate change fueled by human activities.

Thwaites Glacier (the Doomsday Glacier)

It is an outflow glacier of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS), flowing into the Amundsen Sea.

The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is one of the 16 climate tipping elements on the planet.

It is nicknamed ‘Doomsday Glacier’ due to its potential to cause major sea-level rise.