Current Affairs Quiz - February 2026

Notes:
A new orchid species named Diplocentrum papillosum was discovered in Kanthalloor, Marayoor, in the Idukki district of Kerala. It belongs to the Diplocentrum genus, which is found only in the southern part of the Western Ghats. The orchid grows on rocks and tree branches and has strong roots to survive high winds. The name papillosum refers to the papillose, or small bump-like, texture of its flowers. It has unbranched flower clusters with pink and white, fragrant, and eye-catching blooms.

Notes:
India’s first Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Advocate Training and Research Centre was inaugurated at Taloja, Navi Mumbai. The centre has been established by the Maharashtra and Goa Bar Council. It aims to strengthen the legal profession by bridging the gap between legal education and courtroom practice. The academy will focus on advocate training, legal research, and practical skill development. The initiative is seen as a landmark step for improving professional standards in law.

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:
Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day is observed every year on 2 February to spread awareness about rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting millions of people worldwide. The day was started in 2013 by the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation to educate the public and break myths. The organisation is now inactive, leading to limited global observance of the day. The awareness day highlights the need for early diagnosis and timely treatment. It promotes advocacy, support systems, and research for better care.

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The National Career Service (NCS) Portal is a digital platform providing career services such as job listings, job fairs, career counselling, vocational guidance, and skill development information. It is an initiative under the Ministry of Labour and Employment It aims to connect jobseekers and employers, offering decent employment opportunities and career development assistance. As of 20 January 2026, more than 2.23 crore jobseekers have been shortlisted. The portal offers online employability and digital skill enhancement programmes.

Notes:
Union Budget 2026–27 launched a new Khelo India Mission to transform India’s sports sector over the next decade. The focus areas are talent development, sports infrastructure creation, and manufacturing-led employment generation. Mission builds on the earlier Khelo India programme with a mission-mode approach to nurture talent and strengthen the sports ecosystem. ₹500 crore allocated for promotion of sports goods manufacturing, research, and innovation to boost domestic capability and global competitiveness. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ budget increased by ₹1,133 crore, from ₹3,346 crore to ₹4,479.88 crore, supporting athlete development, coaching, sports science, and infrastructure.

Notes:
The 6th Badminton Asia Team Championships began on 3 February 2026 in Qingdao, China, with men’s and women’s national teams from Asia. India’s women are defending their title without two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, who withdrew from the tournament. Women’s team is in Group Y with fourth seeds Thailand and Myanmar, featuring Tanvi Sharma, Unnati Hooda, Malvika Bansod, and doubles pair Treesa Jolly–Gayatri Gopichand. Men’s team is in Group C with fourth seeds Japan and Singapore, comprising Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, and doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy–Chirag Shetty.

Notes:
India and Bhutan discussed better commercial use of power from Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (1020 Megawatt) and early start of Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project (1200 Megawatt). Punatsangchhu-II is a 1020 Megawatt run-of-the-river hydropower project. It is located on the right bank of the Punatsangchhu River in Wangdue Phodrang district of Bhutan. The project is developed under an Inter-Governmental Agreement between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of India. Funding is provided by Government of India with 30 percent grant and 70 percent loan at 10 percent annual interest.

Notes:
Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) discovered a new flowering plant species named Dicliptera pakhalica. The discovery was made in Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary located in Warangal district of Telangana. The sanctuary is dominated by mixed deciduous forest vegetation. The area has rich plant diversity including bamboo and teak trees.

Notes:
National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Cooperation. National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) is implementing the Yuva Sahakar Scheme and Swayam Shakti Sahakar Scheme. Both schemes are fully funded and supported by NCDC. Yuva Sahakar Scheme aims to encourage newly formed cooperative societies with new and innovative ideas. It supports youth-led cooperatives to promote entrepreneurship and cooperative growth. Swayam Shakti Sahakar Scheme focuses on providing affordable and reliable financial services to the poor. Details were shared by Union Minister Shri Amit Shah in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.