Current Affairs Quiz - February 2026

Notes:
A rare blood-red aurora was recorded at the Indian Astronomical Observatory using an all-sky camera in Hanle, Ladakh. Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is located at about 4,500 metres altitude in the Changthang region of Ladakh. It lies within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and has Bortle-1 category skies, the darkest level. It was notified in December 2022 and is India’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. The reserve is managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics under the Department of Science and Technology. It aims to reduce light pollution and promote astro-tourism for local livelihoods.

Notes:
The Union Finance Minister announced Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana and Divyang Sahara Yojana for persons with disabilities in the Union Budget 2026–27. Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana aims to provide dignified livelihood opportunities through skill training. It offers industry-relevant and customised training for different Divyang groups. Divyang Sahara Yojana supports Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) to expand assistive device production. It promotes research, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence-based solutions.

Notes:
A rare snow leopard sighting by Project Himank highlights successful wildlife conservation along with infrastructure growth in the High Himalayas. Project Himank is a Border Roads Organization (BRO) initiative started in 1985 in the Ladakh region of India. Its main objective is to develop and maintain road communication in Ladakh’s high-altitude and harsh terrain. It ensures strategic connectivity near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Notes:
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) won First Prize at Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). Paradip Port Authority (PPA) was recognised for excellence in cleanliness, sustainability, and community participation. The achievement reflects commitment to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and inclusive development. Paradip Port Authority (PPA) implemented three pillars: Jan Bhagidari, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and Safai Mitra Suraksha.

Notes:
Election Commission of India (ECI) will host the National Conference of State Election Commissioners (SECs) on 24 February 2026. The conference will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi after a gap of more than 25 years. The last National SEC Conference was held in 1999. State Election Commissioners from all States and Union Territories will attend along with legal and technical experts. Chief Electoral Officers of all 36 States and Union Territories will also participate. The aim is to build coordination between Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Election Commissioners (SECs) in electoral processes and logistics.

Notes:
India joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) at an event held by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in New Delhi. BCIC is launched with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to support manufacturing and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It focuses on building Industry 4.0 skills and advanced manufacturing capabilities across BRICS nations. A Trust Fund Agreement was signed between DPIIT and UNIDO to formalise India’s participation. The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been named as India’s BCIC Centre.

Notes:
The United States has launched Project Vault, a $12-billion critical minerals stockpiling initiative. It was announced by Donald Trump. The project is a public–private programme. It aims to secure supplies of critical minerals and rare earth elements. These minerals are essential for defence, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. The initiative seeks to reduce US dependence on China. It also helps protect industries during global supply disruptions. Project Vault functions like the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It stabilises prices and strengthens national security.

Notes:
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary recorded over five lakh birds of about 200 species in the latest census, showing a 21% rise from 4.12 lakh birds in 2024. The increase is mainly due to no boating, reduced tourist movement, and very low noise pollution over the last two years. It is located around 64 kilometres west of Ahmedabad in Gujarat. “Nal Sarovar” means Tap Lake and it is a natural shallow lake with muddy lagoons and 36 small islets.

Notes:
Multiple major disasters in 2025 highlighted serious gaps in India’s disaster victim identification and management systems. In response, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) released India’s first comprehensive SOP for Mass Fatality Incidents (MFIs). The guidelines are titled “National Disaster Management Guidelines on Comprehensive Disaster Victim Identification and Management.” They aim to standardise procedures for identification, documentation, and dignified handling of victims during large-scale disasters.

Notes:
Indian teacher Rouble Nagi won the Global Teacher Prize 2026, receiving one million dollars at the World Government Summit in Dubai. The award, presented by GEMS Education in its tenth edition, was handed over by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. She was recognised for turning neglected walls into interactive educational murals teaching reading, writing, arithmetic, public health, and environmental awareness.