Amaravati Quantum Valley
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) project on February 7, 2026. The aim of the project is to establish India’s first dedicated quantum computing hub. Located in Amaravati, this initiative focuses on quantum computing, communication, and security, featuring partnerships with IBM, TCS, and C-DOT to build a global deep-tech ecosystem.
Key Project Details and Objectives:
Launch Date & Location: The foundation stone ceremony is on February 7, 2026, in Amaravati.
Infrastructure & Partnerships: The project features 50 acres for the campus, intended to host a 133-qubit quantum computer and an IBM-TCS Quantum Innovation Centre.
Core Focus Areas: The AQV will develop quantum applications for healthcare, agriculture, and finance, and establish a Quantum Talent Hub.
Economic Impact: The project aims to attract significant investment, with a target of $1 billion by 2029 and the potential to create over 88,000 jobs.
Strategic Goal: The initiative aims to position Andhra Pradesh as a global center for quantum technology and support the National Quantum Mission.
The project will also include a specialized Quantum-Safe Application by QClairvoyance Quantum Labs and a Quantum Reference Facility by SRM University.
Alwar Achieves Historic 100% Insurance Coverage
In a landmark achievement for India’s financial inclusion goals, Alwar (Rajasthan) has become the first district in the country to achieve 100% insurance coverage. This milestone aligns with the “Insurance for All by 2047” roadmap, a joint initiative of the Government of India and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
Key Highlights:
- The Initiative: Part of the “Secure India–Insured India” vision to provide a social security net at the grassroots level.
- Implementation: Following door-to-door surveys, 1,367 previously uninsured individuals from nine villages (including Bhulla Ka Bas and Kalyanpura) were covered.
- Funding & Issuance: Premiums for eligible adults were funded by an NGO to remove financial barriers, with policies issued by the state-owned United India Insurance Company Ltd.
- Significance: This model promotes individual dignity and self-reliance, serving as a pilot for nationwide rural insurance penetration.
India Clinches Record 6th U19 World Cup Title
India’s Under-19 cricket team secured a historic sixth World Cup title by defeating England by 100 runs in the final at the Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe, on February 6, 2026. This victory extends India’s record as the most successful team in tournament history, with previous titles in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022.
Key Exam Facts:
- The Final Score: India posted 411/9 (50 overs), the highest-ever total in a U19 World Cup final. England was bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs.
- Player of the Match: 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a record-breaking 175 runs off 80 balls (including 15 sixes). This is the highest individual score in a U19 World Cup final, surpassing Unmukt Chand’s 111*.
- Captaincy: The Indian team was led by Ayush Mhatre, who scored a half-century (53) in the final.
- Bowling Star: RS Ambrish was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets for 56 runs.
- Tournament Record: India remained undefeated throughout the 16th edition of the tournament, hosted across Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- India’s U19 World Cup Winning Captains (2000–2026)
| Year | Captain | Defeated in Final | Venue |
| 2000 | Mohammad Kaif | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka |
| 2008 | Virat Kohli | South Africa | Malaysia |
| 2012 | Unmukt Chand | Australia | Australia |
| 2018 | Prithvi Shaw | Australia | New Zealand |
| 2022 | Yash Dhull | England | West Indies |
| 2026 | Ayush Mhatre | England | Zimbabwe/Namibia |
India has appeared in 10 finals, winning 6 (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022, 2026) and finishing as runners-up in 4 (2006, 2016, 2020, 2024).
Delhi Police Launches ‘Operation Shastra’ to Combat Digital Gun Culture
The Delhi Police has launched a specialized crackdown titled “Operation Shastra” to target individuals glorifying weapon culture and using abusive language on social media. The initiative aims to curb the “atmosphere of fear” created by users posting photos with firearms and engaging in online intimidation.
Key Facts for Competitive Exams:
- Objective: To identify and apprehend individuals sharing pictures with weapons and using provocative or abusive speech on social media platforms.
- Executing Authority: Delhi Police (Southern Range), led by Joint Commissioner SK Jain.
- Scale of Operation: The drive involved over 500 teams and more than 2,000 police personnel.
- Surveillance: The police monitored over 6,000 social media profiles to track offenders.
- Outcome: A total of 61 FIRs were registered, resulting in the apprehension of 83 accused individuals.
- Significance: The operation focuses on the intersection of the Arms Act and the IT Act to prevent the romanticization of gang culture and maintain public order in the national capital.
RCB Clinches Second WPL Title: Key Points for Competitive Exams
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their name in history by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final held at Vadodara, Gujarat. This victory marks RCB’s second WPL title, making them the most successful team alongside Mumbai Indians in the tournament’s history. Furthermore, RCB achieved a rare sporting feat by becoming the first franchise to hold both the IPL and WPL trophies simultaneously.
The final was defined by a record-breaking performance as RCB chased down a massive target of 204 runs, the highest successful run chase in a WPL final. Captain Smriti Mandhana led from the front with a blistering 87 off 41 balls, earning her the Player of the Match award. Her consistent form throughout the season also secured her the Orange Cap, making her the first Indian to lead the tournament’s run charts.
On the bowling front, Sophie Devine took home the Purple Cap with 17 wickets, while Delhi’s Nandni Sharma was named the Emerging Player of the Season. Despite reaching their fourth consecutive final, the Delhi Capitals finished as runners-up once again. For aspirants of SSC and Railways, these milestones—especially the venue, record chase, and award winners—are high-yield topics for the current affairs section.
Goa Becomes India’s Second State to Publish Comprehensive Bird Atlas
In a major boost to avian research and citizen science, Goa has officially become the second state in India—following Kerala—to publish a comprehensive state-level Bird Atlas. Released on February 7, 2026, during the ninth Bird Festival of Goa at Valpoi, the atlas provides a systematic, grid-based map of bird distribution across the state’s diverse habitats.
Key Highlights for Competitive Exams:
- First State: Kerala was the pioneer in publishing India’s first state-level bird atlas (2022).
- Festival Theme: The 2026 festival was themed “Majestic Mhadei,” focusing on the biodiversity of the Mhadei River basin.
- Local Engagement: A unique publication, “Olakh Suknayanchi,” was launched to document birds using local Konkani nomenclature, bridging the gap between scientific data and community knowledge.
- Conservation Tie-up: The Goa Forest Department signed an MoU with ResQ Charitable Trust for coordinated wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
This initiative aligns with global biodiversity assessment standards and serves as a vital baseline for tracking climate change impacts on Western Ghats avifauna. For aspirants, the focus on citizen science, the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, and the State-wise rankings are highly relevant for the environment and current affairs sections.