Current Affairs Quiz - February 2026

Notes:
Bihar approved the first three grain ATM machines in Patna as a pilot project. Grain ATM, also called Annapurti, is an automated machine dispensing wheat or rice. The technology was developed by the World Food Programme in collaboration with the Food Corporation of India and state governments. Machines operate 24×7 and can be solar-powered. They use internet connectivity to access the Public Distribution System database and the profile of Below Poverty Line cardholders.

Notes:
India added two new wetlands to its Ramsar network ahead of World Wetlands Day. Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has freshwater marshes, woodlands, and grasslands, supporting high biodiversity. It is designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International. Chhari-Dhand Wetland in Kutch, Gujarat, is a seasonal saline wetland between Banni grasslands and salt flats.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh won the national award for Most Proactive State under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)–UDAN in the Non-Priority Area category. The award recognises states that are neither hill states nor in the North-East, highlighting UP’s aviation expansion under CM Yogi Adityanath. Air passenger numbers grew from 59.97 lakh in 2016 to 1.28 crore in 2024 and 1.55 crore in 2025. Air cargo volume increased from 5,895 metric tonnes in 2016 to 29,761 metric tonnes in 2025, a CAGR of 17.58% over nine years.

Notes:
World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February. It marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, on the Caspian Sea. The 2026 theme is “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage.” The theme emphasizes the role of indigenous and local knowledge in protecting wetlands. It highlights the importance of wetlands in preserving cultural identity and guiding conservation and management practices.

Notes:
The 39th India International Leather Fair was held on 1 February in Chennai as a three-day event. It showcased leather products, accessories, machinery, equipment, and latest innovations. The fair highlighted advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, additive manufacturing, data analytics, software, and augmented reality. It gained importance after the India–Europe Free Trade Agreement boosting leather trade and investment. India’s leather exports were about 4.83 billion US dollars last year. Tamil Nadu and Kerala contribute 38 percent of output and over 45 percent of exports.

Notes:
The 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026 was inaugurated on 31 January at Surajkund in Faridabad, Haryana. The Mela Sathi App was launched to improve visitor support and experience. The event highlighted artisans as custodians of traditional knowledge and key contributors to a sustainable and inclusive economy. The central theme is “Local to Global”, promoting traditional crafts on an international platform. Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya are the theme states, and Egypt is the partner nation.

Notes:
Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai reunited at the Australian Open to win the women’s doubles tennis title. The Belgian–Chinese pair defeated Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic 7-6(4), 6-4. This was their ninth Grand Slam doubles title together in just their seventh event as a pair. Mertens now has six Grand Slam titles, including three Australian Opens, while Zhang has three. Mertens secured her 40th week as World Number One in doubles. In mixed doubles, Olivia Gadecki and John Peers defended the Australian Open title, ending a 37-year gap.

Notes:
The 7th Para Archers National Championship 2026 was inaugurated at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala, Punjab. It is a national-level para sports event showcasing top talent in para archery. The championship is hosted by the Punjab Archery Association under the Archery Association of India. It is supported by the Sports Authority of India. The championship is being held from 30 January to 3 February 2026.

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 Finance Minister announced SHE-Mart to support women entrepreneurs through a new market platform. SHE stands for Self-help Entrepreneur, and these marts will be community-owned retail outlets. They will be set up within cluster-level federations using innovative and enhanced financing tools. The aim is to give women better market access, branding support, and stable income. It will strengthen grassroots institutions like Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The initiative builds on the success of the Lakhpati Didi programme.