Current Affairs Quiz - February 2026

Notes:
Home Minister Amit Shah launched India’s first Central Bank Digital Currency based Public Distribution System on 15 February 2026 at Mahatma Mandir in Gujarat. Gujarat has become the first state to transfer Public Distribution System subsidies using Central Bank Digital Currency authorised by the Reserve Bank of India. The digital system has been developed by Punjab National Bank to ensure transparency and leak-proof delivery. Beneficiaries will receive digital wallet tokens showing item name, quantity and price. Aadhaar authentication will enable access through QR codes on smartphones and OTP on feature phones. The pilot covers 26,333 families in Sabarmati zone of Ahmedabad, Surat, Anand and Valsad.

Notes:
Delhi Development Authority organised annual Palaash Flower Festival 2026 in New Delhi. The three day festival is being held simultaneously at Bansera Park, Ashok Vihar, Jasola and Narela for the first time. It features vibrant floral displays and themed gardens focused on biodiversity and environmental conservation. Organised since 2023, Palash Mahotsav promotes Delhi green heritage and community involvement. The festival strengthens public connection with nature and environmental awareness.

Notes:
Iran recently released dramatic footage of its Khorramshahr‑4 ballistic missile amid rising tensions with the United States of America (USA). The Khorramshahr‑4, also called the Kheibar missile, is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM). It is developed by the Iranian state-owned defence company Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO). The missile uses liquid fuel for propulsion. It has an operational range of around 2,000 kilometers. The missile travels faster than the speed of sound. It is considered one of Iran’s most powerful medium-range missiles.

Notes:
The sail training ship (STS) INS Tarangini arrived in Visakhapatnam for the International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN exercise starting February 18. INS Tarangini is the Indian Navy’s first sail training ship. It became the first Indian naval ship to circumnavigate the globe in 2003‑2004. Its primary role is to instill courage, camaraderie, and endurance in officer cadets starting a naval career. The ship provides hands-on training in sailing, setting and furling sails, watch-keeping, and sail manoeuvres.

Notes:
The remains of the luxury steamer Lac La Belle have been discovered at the bottom of Lake Michigan over 150 years after it sank in a storm. Lake Michigan is the third largest of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is the only Great Lake entirely within the United States. By surface area, it is the fourth largest freshwater lake and the fifth largest lake in the world. The lake connects to Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinac.

Notes:
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog launched AI-Preneurs of India, a coffee table book on 45 Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups. It was unveiled at the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This is the 7th edition of AIM’s Innovations For You series. Startups featured work in healthcare, education, sustainability, mobility, deep tech, and social impact. The book highlights purpose-driven, inclusive, and ethical AI innovation. It reflects support from Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) across India. The initiative positions India as a global contributor in responsible AI development.

Notes:
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy inaugurated the 23rd BioAsia 2026 international summit in Hyderabad. The two-day event is held at Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC). The theme for 2026 is “TechBio Unleashed – Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, and Revolutionary Changes in Life Sciences.” The summit highlights India’s rise as a global TechBio innovation hub. It features global scientists, industry leaders, and life sciences organisations.

Notes:
As of February 2026, the Uttar Pradesh government has officially declared 948 trees as “living heritage” trees, becoming the first state in India to formally institutionalize the protection of ancient trees. This initiative is part of a broader heritage tree conservation and adoption programme aimed at safeguarding trees that have silently witnessed generations of social and cultural change.

Notes:
Global Tourism Resilience Day is observed every year on February 17 to highlight the tourism sector’s resilience and adaptability. On 17 February 2023, the world observed the first Global Tourism Resilience Day, created by a United Nations resolution led by Jamaica, promoting tourism that “bounces forward.” Tourism resilience focuses on strong systems, diversification and crisis-readiness, not just tourist numbers or foreign exchange earnings. India treats tourism as national infrastructure—economic, ecological and cultural—to prevent collapse during crises. Dekho Apna Desh promotes domestic travel across regions and seasons, reducing dependence on international visitors.

Notes:
The 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme was held in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Around 200 tribal youth from Left Wing Extremism-affected districts of Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Maharashtra participated in the event. The week-long camp promotes national integration and cultural understanding.