Daily Current Affairs Quiz: February 17, 2026

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new species of squat lobster named Leiogalathea samudragiri near Minicoy in the Lakshadweep archipelago. It was found at a depth of 360 metres below the sea surface. The discovery happened during a research cruise under India’s Deep Ocean Mission, also called the Samudrayaan program. It has smooth and continuous ridges on the top of its shell, unlike related species with broken ridges. Squat lobsters are marine crustaceans, related to hermit and porcelain crabs.

Notes:
Futala Lake, also called Telankhedi Lake, is a man-made lake in western Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is more than 200 years old and was built in the 18th century during the Bhonsle dynasty rule. It was created to supply water to nearby villages and farmlands. The lake spreads over about 60 acres and is one of the largest lakes in Nagpur. It is surrounded by forest on three sides and a landscaped beach on one side. Recently, it is facing problems due to untreated sewage and increasing pollution.

Notes:
The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Summit 2026 was held at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The summit took place on February 14-15, 2026, focusing on “Ensuring the sustainable availability of safe water and sanitation systems”. The Assembly is the highest decision-making body with heads of state and government. The Executive Council of foreign ministers handles policy matters. The African Union Commission implements decisions. The Peace and Security Council maintains peace and security.

Notes:
India ranked 75th in the latest Henley Passport Index by Henley and Partners, improving 10 places from 85th in 2025. Indian passport allows visa-free travel to 56 countries, one less than last year’s 57. India shares its rank with Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Madagascar, and Mauritania. The index ranks 199 passports and 227 destinations using data from International Air Transport Association. It reflects a country’s foreign policy strength and global standing. Singapore tops the list with visa-free access to 192 countries. Japan and South Korea rank second with 187 access. Maldives ranks 49th among neighbours, while Pakistan and Afghanistan are lowest ranked.

Notes:
Kerala became India’s first state to adopt a comprehensive Urban Policy for the next 25 years. The policy was announced in the 2023–24 State Budget and approved by the State Cabinet. Kerala Urban Policy Commission was formed in December 2023 and submitted its report in March 2025. A global conference in Kochi discussed the report and suggestions were included in the final policy. The Commission estimates 80 percent of Kerala will be urbanised by 2050. The policy promotes climate-smart cities, scientific planning, and decentralised governance. It focuses on reducing inequalities, ensuring social support, and improving urban amenities. It suggests Public Private People Partnership for future development.