Daily Current Affairs: 09-02-2026 | Prelims Focus

Correct answer: C. Designing and testing high-thrust, reusable rocket engines for future launch vehicles.
Notes: As of February 9, 2026, ISRO’s ‘Project Agni-Vayu’ is a significant initiative focusing on next-generation propulsion technology. This ambitious project aims to indigenously develop and rigorously test advanced high-thrust, reusable rocket engines. The primary goal is to enhance India’s capabilities in space launch systems, making them more cost-effective and sustainable. By mastering reusable engine technology, ISRO seeks to drastically reduce the cost of access to space, enabling more frequent missions and paving the way for advanced crewed and uncrewed deep-space explorations. This development is crucial for India’s growing ambition in the global space arena, aligning with goals of self-reliance and technological leadership.

Correct answer: B. United Nations (UN)
Notes: On February 9, 2026, the United Nations (UN) formally adopted the ‘Global Framework for Digital Equity and Inclusion’. This landmark initiative seeks to bridge the widening digital divide across nations and communities, ensuring equitable access to digital technologies and resources for everyone. Beyond access, the framework also establishes crucial guidelines for the ethical development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), advocating for transparency, accountability, and human-centric design. Its adoption signifies a concerted global effort to harness the transformative potential of digital innovation responsibly, safeguarding human rights and promoting sustainable development in the digital age, emphasizing collaboration among member states.

Correct answer: C. Utilizing advanced genetic engineering to create climate-resilient coral species.
Notes: The ‘Coral Reef Revitalization Initiative’, gaining traction as of February 9, 2026, represents a cutting-edge approach to addressing the devastating impact of climate change on coral ecosystems. This initiative primarily focuses on leveraging advanced genetic engineering techniques to cultivate and propagate coral species that exhibit enhanced resilience to rising ocean temperatures and acidification. By selectively breeding and modifying corals to withstand harsher environmental conditions, scientists hope to accelerate the natural recovery of damaged reefs. This innovative strategy complements traditional conservation methods, offering a proactive solution to protect these vital marine habitats, which are crucial for biodiversity and coastal protection globally.

Correct answer: B. To centralize and coordinate national efforts against cyber threats to critical infrastructure.
Notes: As of February 9, 2026, India has taken a significant leap in national security by operationalizing its first dedicated ‘Cyber Defence Command Centre’ (CDCC). The primary objective of the CDCC is to centralize, monitor, and coordinate the nation’s response to escalating cyber threats, particularly those targeting critical infrastructure such as power grids, financial systems, and communication networks. It aims to integrate intelligence, detection, and rapid response mechanisms from various government agencies and private entities. This strategic move is crucial for enhancing India’s resilience against state-sponsored cyber-attacks and sophisticated criminal groups, safeguarding national data, and ensuring digital sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world.

Correct answer: B. Doubling farmers’ income by 2028 through technology adoption, market linkages, and crop diversification.
Notes: On February 9, 2026, the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare introduced ‘Sankalp Se Siddhi 2.0′, building upon the success of its predecessor. The primary focus of this enhanced scheme remains the ambitious target of doubling farmers’ income, now explicitly aiming for achievement by 2028. This new phase emphasizes accelerated adoption of modern agricultural technologies, strengthening direct market linkages for producers, and promoting widespread crop diversification to include high-value crops. It also includes provisions for improved credit access, agricultural infrastructure development, and skill enhancement programs, ensuring a holistic approach to uplift the socio-economic status of India’s farming community through sustainable and profitable practices.