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February 09, 2026 February 09, 2026 - Current affairs for all the Exams: India-Malaysia Strategic Partnership and India-US Interim Trade Deal Headline National Developments

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Malaysia has resulted in a new Digital Council and defense pacts, while India and the United States have reached a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) to lower tariffs and boost bilateral trade.

The last 24 hours have been marked by significant diplomatic, economic, and sporting achievements for India. Below is a detailed summary of the most critical news events for competitive exam preparation.

1. India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a high-level two-day visit to Malaysia (February 7–8, 2026), where he held bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya. Key outcomes include:

  • Malaysia-India Digital Council (MIDC): The formalization of this council will advance cooperation in Fintech, Cybersecurity, AI, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

  • UPI Expansion: It was announced that India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will soon go live in Malaysia, facilitating easier cross-border transactions.

  • Defense and Security: Both nations pledged to strengthen maritime security and counter-terrorism efforts. Malaysia also conveyed its support for India’s Presidency of BRICS in 2026.

  • Social Security Agreement: A new pact was signed to protect the interests of Indian workers in Malaysia.

2. India-US Interim Trade Agreement (ITA)

India and the United States have reached a framework for an Interim Trade Agreement, seen as a precursor to a full-scale Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). This deal is expected to:

  • Reduce import duties on select goods, including textiles, apparel, leather, and machinery.

  • Provide tariff-free access to certain American products (like Harley-Davidson motorcycles) while protecting Indian agricultural interests.

  • Boost Indian stock markets, with analysts predicting a surge in export-oriented sectors.

3. Sports: India Wins 6th U19 World Cup Title

In a major boost to Indian cricket, the Under-19 Men’s team clinched their record sixth ICC U19 World Cup title by defeating England by 100 runs in the final held in Harare, Zimbabwe. Captain Ayush Mhatre and Player of the Match Vaibhav Suryavanshi were the standout performers.

4. National and State Updates

  • Digital Governance: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla launched the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in the Bihar Assembly, moving the state legislature toward a paperless system.

  • Environment: Goa has become the second state in India (after Kerala) to publish a comprehensive state-level Bird Atlas, inaugurated during the 9th Bird Festival of Goa.

  • Infrastructure: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually inaugurated two new bridges and flagged off the Asansol–Bokaro train service in West Bengal to enhance regional connectivity.

  • Diplomacy: PM Modi congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her victory in the Japanese elections, reaffirming the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Note for Students: Pay close attention to the terms "MIDC," "ITA," and "NeVA," as these are highly likely to appear in upcoming General Awareness and Economy sections of competitive exams.

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