Amaravati Quantum Valley project in Andhra Pradesh: foundation to be laid on February 7, 2026
The Andhra Pradesh government plans to launch the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) project on 7 February 2026, signaling a major step in the state’s quantum technology journey. The project aims to position Andhra Pradesh as a global hub for quantum research, innovation, talent development and industry collaboration. Construction will begin with a foundation stone ceremony at Amaravati, underscoring the state's intent to lead in next-generation technologies critical for national and economic security. AQV will build a comprehensive quantum ecosystem linking research institutions, industry players, startups and skilled professionals in quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum-safe technologies.
Foundation date: 7 February 2026.
Objective: position Andhra Pradesh as a global quantum hub.
Significance: strategic tech for national security and economy.
Airbus opens aerospace Centre of Excellence at GSV to advance sustainable aviation
Airbus inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for aerospace studies at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) on 6 February 2026, reinforcing long-term collaboration with India’s central university for transportation and logistics. The CoE focuses on sustainable aviation technologies, including research on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and student-led innovation. It aims to co-create a robust aerospace ecosystem in India, supporting indigenous R&D and human capital development. The center was inaugurated by Jürgen Westermeier, president and managing director of Airbus India and South Asia, alongside GSV officials. A key thrust is converting municipal solid waste (MSW) into SAF.
Inauguration date: 6 February 2026.
Location: Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV).
Focus: sustainable aviation, SAF research, student innovation.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 set across India and Sri Lanka; opening matches feature Pakistan vs Netherlands and India vs USA
ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026, the 10th edition, will be staged over 30 days from 7 February to 8 March. A total of 55 matches will be played at eight venues, five in India and three in Sri Lanka. The campaign opener features Pakistan against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will also start on the opening day, facing the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In T20 cricket, teams play 20 overs per side and matches finish in about three to four hours. The format rewards power hitting and momentum shifts within a few overs.
55 matches at eight venues (five in India, three in Sri Lanka).
Tournament dates: 7 February to 8 March 2026.
Opening match: Pakistan vs Netherlands in Colombo.
India’s campaign begins against the United States at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, led by Suryakumar Yadav.
T20 format specifics: 20 overs per side, roughly 3–4 hours per match.
Para Throwball Federation Cup 2026: Jharkhand women win gold
Jharkhand’s women’s team clinched gold in the Para Throwball National Federation Cup 2026 with a 21-17 victory over hosts Rajasthan in the final at Jhunjhunu. The tournament, held from 3 to 5 February, showcased high-quality competition and tactical discipline. In the men’s category, Andhra Pradesh won the title, Telangana were runners-up, and Haryana took bronze. Jharkhand finished fourth after a closely contested semifinal. The event highlighted para throwball talent and provided a platform for athletes with disabilities to demonstrate skill and teamwork.
Women’s gold: Jharkhand; final score 21-17 vs Rajasthan.
Rohit Rishi appointed as MD of IIFCL; takes charge on 5 February 2026
Rohit Rishi has become the Managing Director of the India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL), a government-owned entity providing long-term financial support for infrastructure projects. He took over on 5 February 2026, following a career spanning more than three decades in banking. Previously, Rishi served as Executive Director at the Bank of Maharashtra. IIFCL plays a crucial role in funding infrastructure schemes and project execution nationwide. His appointment is part of leadership transitions aimed at strengthening financial support for critical infrastructure and aligning lending strategies with national development goals.
New MD: Rohit Rishi; date of assuming charge: 5 February 2026.
Previous role: Executive Director, Bank of Maharashtra.
Organisation: India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL).
Focus: long-term infrastructure financing and project execution.
Tamil Nadu unveils Urban Greening Policy 2026 to boost climate resilience
On 6 February 2026, the Tamil Nadu government unveiled its first Urban Greening Policy, 2026, to integrate trees, urban forests, parks, wetlands and blue-green infrastructure into city planning. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin released the policy. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are required to maintain at least 15 percent of their total municipal area under green cover, prioritising native and climate-resilient tree species and ensuring equitable access to green spaces. The policy responds to rapid urbanisation, urban heat island effects, declining air quality and shrinking open spaces. Tamil Nadu’s urban population is projected to reach about 67 percent by 2031, increasing pressure on ecological systems in cities.
Policy name: Urban Greening Policy, 2026.
Mandatory 15% green cover in municipal areas.
Prioritisation of native and climate-resilient species.
Aims for equitable access to green spaces.
Context: urbanisation, heat islands, air quality, open spaces.
President Murmu to inaugurate Bastar Pandum-2026 in Jagdalpur
President Droupadi Murmu will arrive in Jagdalpur, Bastar district, Chhattisgarh, on 7 February 2026 for a one-day visit. She will inaugurate the Bastar Pandum Festival at Lalbagh Ground and address a programme. Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will accompany her at the inauguration. The Bastar Pandum Festival runs from 7 to 9 February, with divisional-level competitions. More than 700 artists from 84 teams will showcase performances across 12 disciplines, including tribal dances, handicrafts, traditional cuisine and indigenous musical instruments. Bastar Pandum celebrates tribal traditions and strengthens cultural ties for younger generations.
Date: 7 February 2026; venue: Lalbagh Ground, Jagdalpur.
Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai present at launch.
Festival runs 7–9 February with divisional competitions.
Over 700 artists from 84 teams across 12 disciplines.
Event highlights tribal culture and youth engagement.
Judiciary diversity: since 2014, 170 women judges appointed to High Courts; six to Supreme Court
Since 2014, 170 women judges have been appointed in India's High Courts, including 96 in the last five years and six in the Supreme Court. Appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts are governed by Articles 124, 217 and 224 of the Constitution, which do not provide caste or class reservations. Under the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), proposals for Supreme Court judges come from the Chief Justice of India, while proposals for High Court judges come from the Chief Justice of the respective High Court. The government has urged due consideration for candidates from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and women to enhance social diversity.
Total women judges appointed in High Courts since 2014: 170.
Women judges in last five years: 96; Supreme Court appointments: 6.