Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: February 09, 2026
Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources
Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.
Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)
- Agri-Self Reliance: Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan targets zero imports for fruits and flowers.
- India-US Trade: Piyush Goyal confirms a $500 billion purchase intent for US goods over 5 years.
- Healthcare Reform: MP Ajeet Gopchade moves a bill to regulate medical and diagnostic pricing.
- Industrial Boost: “Advantage Vidarbha 2026” concludes in Nagpur with ₹45,000 crore investment deals.
- Counter-Insurgency: 51 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division with AK-47s and SLRs.
- Welfare Hike: West Bengal increases Lakshmir Bhandar grant by ₹500 per month for women.
- Legal Scrutiny: Assam CM recommends an MHA probe into alleged espionage by opposition leaders.
- Cultural Heritage: Khajuraho Dance Festival 2026 announced with a new “Carnival” format.
- Pulse Mission: Centre sanctions ₹191 crore to Karnataka to boost pulse production.
- Trade Strategy: India’s exports to the US now face 18% tariffs, while competitors face up to 35%.
1. STATE AFFAIRS
West Bengal Increases Lakshmir Bhandar Monthly Grant by ₹500
Summary: The West Bengal government has officially implemented the ₹500 hike for its flagship women’s financial assistance scheme.
On February 8, 2026, the West Bengal government confirmed the rollout of an increased monthly grant under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, during the budget presentation, had proposed this ₹500 increment, which takes the total allocation for the scheme to ₹15,000 crore for the fiscal year. The scheme, launched in 2021, targets women aged 25–60 from economically weaker sections who are not in permanent government employment. This move aims to bolster women’s empowerment and financial independence across both rural and urban households. For competitive exams, it is crucial to note that beneficiaries must be residents of West Bengal and enrolled in the Swasthyasathi health scheme. The policy serves as a major case study for direct benefit transfer (DBT) models in state governance and social security frameworks.
Source: Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/lakshmir-bhandar-amount-increased-rs-500-west-bengal-eligibility-how-to-apply-10517885/
Advantage Vidarbha 2026 Concludes with ₹45,000 Crore Investment
Summary: The three-day industrial festival in Nagpur ended with massive investment commitments and global participation.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addressed the valedictory ceremony of the “Advantage Vidarbha 2026” industrial festival on February 8, 2026, in Nagpur. The event facilitated investment deals worth over ₹45,000 crore, aimed at transforming the 11 districts of the Vidarbha region into a global industrial hub. The expo featured 350 stalls, including 100 dedicated to MSMEs, and saw participation from trade representatives of 23 countries. Minister Gadkari emphasized that the focus is on creating a supportive ecosystem for innovation and balanced development across the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. For UPSC and State PSC aspirants, this development highlights the “Khasdar Industrial Festival” as a model for regional economic growth and decentralized industrialization. The festival successfully projected Vidarbha as a fast-emerging destination for international trade, particularly in the aviation and logistics sectors.
Source: Press Information Bureau – https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2225215
Assam Government Recommends MHA Probe into Alleged Espionage
Summary: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has sought a national-level investigation into alleged FCRA violations and foreign links of opposition leaders.
On February 8, 2026, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state government has recommended a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) probe into alleged connections between Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and foreign nationals. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Sarma alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) involving payments made to Elizabeth Colburn by Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. The CM claimed these links posed a threat to national security, citing a “confidential” 2013 visit to Pakistan. While the opposition has dismissed these claims as politically motivated, the recommendation for a national probe marks a significant escalation in the state’s internal security discourse. Aspirants should follow this for its relevance to FCRA regulations and the role of the MHA in investigating matters involving international financial transactions and national security.
Source: Telangana Today – https://telanganatoday.com/assam-cm-raises-espionage-claims-against-gaurav-gogoi
2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
India Targets Self-Reliance in Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers
Summary: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan outlines a roadmap to end imports of high-demand horticultural crops.
Addressing a review meeting at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) in Bengaluru on February 8, 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan declared that India aims to achieve complete self-reliance in horticulture. The Minister stated that India would no longer need to import fruits like avocado and dragon fruit as domestic production scales up. The government plans to establish 25 “seed villages” and provide an incentive of ₹10,000 per hectare for model demonstrations of high-quality seeds. Chouhan noted that current production levels are “historic,” but productivity per hectare needs improvement. This policy shift is vital for exams as it connects to the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative and the “Pulse Mission,” for which ₹191 crore was sanctioned to Karnataka. The focus on value addition and extending the shelf life of perishables like tomatoes and custard apples remains a priority.
Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-will-stop-importing-fruits-vegetables-flowers-union-minister-chouhan/article70607776.ece
National Medical Pricing Commission Bill Introduced in Parliament
Summary: A Private Member’s Bill seeks to establish an independent commission to regulate soaring healthcare and diagnostic costs.
MP Ajeet Gopchade introduced the “National Medical Pricing and Regulation Commission Bill, 2026” on February 8, 2026, to address high out-of-pocket medical expenses. The bill proposes an independent National Commission chaired by a retired Supreme Court Judge, with state-level counterparts led by retired High Court Judges. This commission would be empowered to fix and standardize charges for medical services, room rents, diagnostics, and implants across both public and private hospitals. The bill argues that non-transparent pricing violates the “Right to Life” under Article 21 of the Constitution. For competitive exams, this is a significant development in social sector legislation, highlighting the limitations of the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010. The proposed law would mandate all healthcare units to register and adhere to notified price benchmarks, with penalties for overcharging.
Source: Economic Times – https://m.economictimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/mp-ajeet-gopchade-moves-bill-to-regulate-medical-prices/articleshow/128082984.cms
Fifty-One Maoists Surrender in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar Division
Summary: A major blow to the insurgency as 51 cadres, including 20 women, lay down arms in Bijapur and Sukma.
In a significant success for the “Poona Margem” rehabilitation initiative, 51 Maoists surrendered before security forces in Chhattisgarh on February 8, 2026. The group, which included high-ranking cadres with a cumulative reward of ₹1.61 crore, surrendered in the Bijapur and Sukma districts. They handed over a cache of automatic weapons, including AK-47 rifles, SLRs, and barrel grenade launchers. Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P. stated that the surrenders reflect the success of the state’s rehabilitation policy, which provides immediate financial assistance of ₹50,000 to each individual. Since January 2024, nearly 888 Maoists have returned to the mainstream in Bijapur alone. This event is highly relevant for Internal Security papers, showcasing the effectiveness of a dual strategy involving tactical pressure and attractive surrender-cum-rehabilitation packages.
Source: The Indian Awaaz – https://theindianawaaz.com/51-maoists-surrender-in-chhattisgarhs-bastar-division/
3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India-US Trade Deal: Strategic Procurement of $500 Billion Planned
Summary: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirms India’s intent to purchase US energy, aviation, and tech products over five years.
On February 8, 2026, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal detailed the framework of the India-US bilateral trade pact. India intends to purchase goods worth $500 billion from the US over the next five years, focusing on the aviation sector (over $100 billion), LNG, crude oil, and technology products. Goyal emphasized that while Indian exports face an 18% tariff, they remain competitive as Chinese goods face 35% levies. He described the $500 billion figure as “conservative” for an economy aiming for $30 trillion by 2047. This development is a cornerstone for International Relations (IR) and Economy modules, illustrating a shift toward strategic bilateralism. The deal intentionally excludes items that could harm Indian farmers, ensuring domestic agricultural protection while securing high-tech and energy imports from the US.
Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-us-bilateral-trade-deal-agreement-goods-piyush-goyal-updates/article70607426.ece
India Negotiates Trade Pacts from “Position of Strength”
Summary: Minister Goyal highlights India’s $35 trillion future economy as the primary leverage in global trade negotiations.
During an interview on February 8, 2026, Piyush Goyal stated that India’s negotiation power in global trade has fundamentally shifted. He noted that India is no longer a passive participant but a dominant force offering a “delta of opportunity” as the economy grows from $4 trillion to $35 trillion by 2047. This stance was evident during the recent negotiations for the first phase of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US. The Minister highlighted that India’s growing domestic market and demand for high-end technology make it an indispensable partner for developed nations. For UPSC aspirants, this signifies a transition in India’s foreign policy—from traditional protectionism to “strategic openness.” The statement underscores the importance of the 2047 “Viksit Bharat” timeline in shaping current diplomatic and economic engagements.
Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-today-negotiating-trade-deals-from-a-position-of-strength-confidence-goyal/article70607012.ece
4. ECONOMY & FINANCE
Centre Sanctions ₹191 Crore for Pulse Mission in Karnataka
Summary: The Union government provides a financial boost to Karnataka to enhance pulse production and processing.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a sanction of ₹191 crore for Karnataka under the National Pulse Mission on February 8, 2026. Additionally, ₹25 lakh was allocated for the establishment of “daal mills” to promote value addition at the local level. The funding is intended to bridge the gap between demand and domestic supply, ensuring farmers get better prices through localized processing. This news is critical for understanding the “Blue Revolution” and “Yellow Revolution” equivalents in the pulses sector. Aspirants should note the focus on “seed villages” where farmers are encouraged to grow only high-quality seeds to improve the national average of per-hectare productivity. This intervention is a key component of the government’s strategy to stabilize food inflation by reducing dependency on imported pulses.
Source: TaxTMI – https://www.taxtmi.com/news?id=7055
5. SPORTS
(Note: No major national sports records or tournament finales occurred on Feb 8, 2026. Coverage focuses on major policy and upcoming event announcements.)
6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
Assam Becomes First State to Deploy AI-Driven Patient Monitoring
Summary: The Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) rolls out an AI platform for real-time patient care.
In a landmark tech-governance move, Assam has become the first Indian state to implement an AI-driven hospital model. On February 8, 2026, reports confirmed the successful rollout of the “Lord’s Mark AI” patient monitoring platform at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). This system uses advanced algorithms to monitor vitals and alert medical staff of emergencies in real-time, significantly reducing the response time in critical care units. This development is highly relevant for the “Science and Tech” and “Digital India” sections of competitive exams. It demonstrates the practical application of Artificial Intelligence in public health infrastructure. The project is expected to serve as a pilot for similar AI integrations across other state-run medical colleges in India, aiming to modernize patient management through predictive analytics.
Source: Economic Times – https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/topic/healthcare
7. OTHERS
Khajuraho Dance Festival 2026 to Introduce “Carnival” Format
Summary: The prestigious festival at the UNESCO site will now include daytime cultural activities to boost tourism.
The Madhya Pradesh government announced on February 8, 2026, that the 52nd edition of the Khajuraho Dance Festival, scheduled for February 20-26, 2026, will feature a new “Carnival” format. While the core of the festival remains classical Indian dance (Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, etc.) set against the UNESCO World Heritage temples, the new format introduces daytime craft displays, folk art workshops, and culinary showcases. This move is designed to expand public engagement beyond evening performances and promote “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For aspirants, this is a key update for Art and Culture, as Khajuraho remains a frequent topic in exams. The integration of a carnival format reflects the modern trend of “Cultural Tourism” where heritage sites are leveraged for broader community and economic participation.
Source: National Law Review – https://natlawreview.com/press-releases/rhythm-heritage-khajuraho-dance-festival-2026
QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (CORE RECALL POINTS)
1. National & State Governance
- Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Hike: West Bengal increases monthly grant by ₹500, total allocation ₹15,000 crore.
- Significance: Women empowerment schemes, DBT models, state social security frameworks.
- Advantage Vidarbha 2026: Industrial festival concludes with ₹45,000 crore investment commitments in Nagpur.
- Significance: Regional industrialization, decentralized economic development, MSME promotion.
- Assam MHA Probe Recommendation: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma seeks probe into alleged FCRA violations by opposition leaders.
- Significance: FCRA regulations, national security, role of MHA in financial investigations.
- National Medical Pricing Bill: MP Ajeet Gopchade introduces bill to regulate healthcare and diagnostic pricing.
- Significance: Article 21 (Right to Life), healthcare regulation, Clinical Establishments Act limitations.
- Maoist Surrender in Chhattisgarh: 51 cadres surrender in Bastar division with ₹1.61 crore cumulative reward.
- Significance: Internal security, Poona Margem rehabilitation policy, counter-insurgency strategies.
2. Economy & Finance
- Pulse Mission Karnataka Grant: Centre sanctions ₹191 crore for pulse production and ₹25 lakh for daal mills.
- Significance: Agricultural development, food security, reducing import dependency, seed villages initiative.
- India-US Trade Pact: $500 billion purchase commitment over 5 years (aviation $100 billion+, LNG, crude, tech).
- Significance: Strategic bilateralism, India’s tariff competitiveness (18% vs China’s 35%), Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Trade Negotiation Position: India negotiating from “position of strength” with $4 trillion to $35 trillion growth trajectory.
- Significance: Shift from protectionism to strategic openness, economic diplomacy.
3. International Relations & Defence
- India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement: Strategic procurement focused on aviation, energy, and technology sectors.
- Significance: Indo-US relations, agricultural protection clause, strategic partnerships.
- India’s Global Trade Power: Transition to dominant negotiating position based on future economic size.
- Significance: India’s role in global trade architecture, economic leverage in diplomacy.
4. Agriculture & Rural Development
- Horticulture Self-Reliance: India targets zero imports for fruits (avocado, dragon fruit), vegetables, flowers.
- Significance: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, 25 seed villages, ₹10,000/hectare incentive for quality seed demonstrations.
- Seed Villages Initiative: Focus on high-quality seed production to improve per-hectare productivity.
- Significance: Agricultural productivity enhancement, farmer income improvement.
5. Science, Technology & Environment
- AI in Healthcare – Assam: First state to deploy “Lord’s Mark AI” patient monitoring at GMCH.
- Significance: Digital India, AI in public health, predictive analytics in critical care.
6. Art, Culture & Heritage
- Khajuraho Dance Festival 2026: 52nd edition (Feb 20-26) introduces “Carnival” format with daytime activities.
- Significance: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Intangible Cultural Heritage, cultural tourism model.
Key Statistics to Remember
| Item | Number/Amount | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Lakshmir Bhandar increase | ₹500/month | West Bengal women’s scheme |
| Advantage Vidarbha investment | ₹45,000 crore | Nagpur industrial festival |
| Maoist surrenders | 51 cadres | Bastar division, Chhattisgarh |
| Cumulative reward on surrendered Maoists | ₹1.61 crore | Bijapur and Sukma districts |
| India-US trade commitment | $500 billion | 5-year purchase plan |
| Aviation sector procurement | $100 billion+ | From US over 5 years |
| Pulse Mission Karnataka grant | ₹191 crore | National Pulse Mission |
| Seed villages | 25 | Horticulture self-reliance plan |
| Incentive for seed demonstrations | ₹10,000/hectare | High-quality seed promotion |
| Khajuraho Dance Festival dates | Feb 20-26, 2026 | 52nd edition |
| Indian tariff on US goods | 18% | Vs 35% for Chinese goods |
| India’s economic target by 2047 | $35 trillion | Viksit Bharat vision |
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