Current Affairs Quiz - February 2026

Notes:
India ranked second globally outside the United States in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)–certified building space in 2025. The ranking was released by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). China ranked first outside the US with 26 million gross square meters (GSM), followed by India with 16 million GSM. The United States remains the global leader with over 50 million GSM of LEED-certified space. India showed strong growth in LEED Operations and Maintenance (O+M), highlighting focus on existing building performance.

Notes:
Global research and development (R&D) spending reached about 2.87 trillion US dollars in 2024, nearly 3 percent higher than the previous year. Since 2000, global R&D spending has almost tripled, as per World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) data. Asia accounted for around 45 percent of total global R&D expenditure in 2024. China became the world’s largest R&D spender with about 785.9 billion US dollars, closely followed by the United States. The United States spent about 781.8 billion US dollars but saw a decline in its global share. India ranked seventh globally with R&D spending of 75.73 billion US dollars, more than three times its level in 2000.

Notes:
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed every year on 11 February under the leadership of the United Nations (UN), with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) playing a key role. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2015 and first observed in 2016 to address low participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The 2026 theme is “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap,” focusing on action and implementation.

Notes:
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched Kaushal Rath with All India Society for Electronics and Computer Technology (AISECT). It is a mobile Artificial Intelligence (AI) awareness initiative under National AI Literacy Programme “Yuva AI for All.” It aims to democratise basic AI education in semi-urban and underserved areas. The mobile unit is a computer lab with internet, audio-visual tools and training modules. It will visit schools, colleges and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

Notes:
Tamil Nadu Government has decided to establish and maintain pet parks in Chennai and Coimbatore with private participation. The initiative aims to promote safe pet ownership and compassionate animal care. Private charitable organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and animal welfare groups with prior experience are invited to apply. Selected organisations will develop and maintain parks using their own funds. Facilities will include play equipment, green lawns, pet shops, training equipment and rule handbooks.

Notes:
Directorate General of Training (DGT) under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) implements Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). Training is offered in 169 trades through 14,688 ITIs and 32 NSTIs, with 14.70 lakh trainees enrolled in 2025–26. Curriculum is regularly updated with industry and State/Union Territory (UT) consultation. 31 New Age trades include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy and 3D printing. PM SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) will upgrade 1,000 ITIs with ₹60,000 crore support.

Notes:
Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar won gold in men’s 50 metre Rifle 3 Positions at Asian Shooting Championships 2026 in New Delhi with a world record score of 362.0. The event was held at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range and he successfully defended his title. India achieved a clean sweep as Niraj Kumar won silver with 361.8 and Akhil Sheoran secured bronze with 343.5. The Indian team of Aishwary, Niraj and Akhil also won team gold, while Japan and Kazakhstan took silver and bronze. In junior category, Adriyan Karmakar won gold with 353.2 score.

Notes:
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta approved the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme to support artisans of khadi, handloom, cottage industries and unorganised sector. The scheme will be implemented through Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board (DKVIB). In 2025–26, 3,728 beneficiaries will be trained with Rs 8.95 crore allocation, and Rs 57.50 crore is proposed for 2026–27 expansion. The first phase will focus on 18,000 tailors registered on the e-Shram portal. Beneficiaries must be 18 years or above, only one per family, with mandatory Aadhaar verification. Training will be for 12 days including Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), with stipend, meals and toolkits.

Notes:
Sekrenyi is a ten-day post-harvest festival celebrated in Nagaland. It is the major annual festival of the Angami Naga tribe and is primarily observed during the month of February. The festival focuses on cleansing, renewal and spiritual sanctification of individuals and community. Rituals begin with people bathing at village wells as a symbol of purity. Angami tribe is a major Naga tribe of Nagaland mainly living in Kohima region and known for rich cultural traditions.

Notes:
India ranks 3rd in Stanford University’s 2025 Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Vibrancy Ranking. Data infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and demography are identified as key drivers for AI adoption in India. According to the Stanford Global AI Index Report, AI skill penetration in India is 2.5 times higher than the global average across similar occupations. As per the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) AI Adoption Index, 87% of enterprises in India are actively using AI solutions. The government states that India is among the first group of AI-ready nations, progressing across applications, models, chips, infrastructure, and energy layers.