The global landscape on February 7, 2026, is dominated by a mix of major international sporting events and critical geopolitical developments. For students of current affairs, the following events represent the most significant shifts in the last 24 hours:

1. Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Officially Underway

The XXV Olympic Winter Games officially began with a spectacular opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Stadium. Today marks the first full day of competition, with five medal events scheduled. Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt is the favorite in the men’s downhill alpine skiing at Bormio, while competitions in curling, figure skating, and ice hockey have also commenced. Italian authorities have implemented high-level security across Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo to manage the influx of athletes and spectators.

2. High-Stakes U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks in Muscat

Diplomatic focus has shifted to Muscat, Oman, where the United States and Iran have begun high-stakes nuclear negotiations. This meeting involves Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, with reports indicating that senior adviser Jared Kushner has joined the discussions. The talks aim to address the escalating nuclear standoff and regional tensions, following months of military posturing in the Middle East.

3. Formal Withdrawal from the New START Treaty

In a significant blow to global arms control, the United States and Russia have officially completed their withdrawal from the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty). The treaty, which was the last remaining major nuclear arms control agreement between the two superpowers, has now formally lapsed. This development raises concerns among international security experts regarding a potential new nuclear arms race and the lack of transparent monitoring of strategic arsenals.

4. India Secures Record Sixth U19 World Cup Title

In sports, the Indian U19 cricket team made history by clinching the U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 title in Harare, Zimbabwe. India defeated England by 100 runs in the final. The match was highlighted by a record-breaking performance from 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 175 runs off just 80 balls, becoming a central figure in youth cricket discussions globally.

5. Other Key Global Developments

• Costa Rica: Laura Fernández Delgado has been elected as the new President of Costa Rica, marking a new political chapter for the Central American nation.
• North Korea: Tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula after North Korea conducted a ballistic missile test over its eastern coast on February 6, prompting condemnations from Japan and South Korea.
• Pakistan: A counterterrorism operation in Balochistan concluded today, with the military reporting the neutralization of over 140 insurgents following a 40-hour standoff.

For competitive exams, students should focus on the venue of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the implications of the New START Treaty's end, and the key figures involved in the ongoing Oman diplomatic summit.