Current Affairs Quiz - February 2026

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new tiny crab species named Galathea balasubramaniani from coral reefs of Agatti in Lakshadweep Islands. It belongs to genus Galathea, a group of small reef-dwelling anomuran crabs called squat lobsters. These crabs look like tiny lobsters and hide in coral and rocky crevices. It measures only about 3 millimetres, making it one of the smallest reef crabs in the region. It plays a key ecological role by recycling organic matter and serving as food for fish and other marine life.

Notes:
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry facilitated export of 0.5 metric tonne of Geographical Indication tagged Salem Sago from Tamil Nadu to Canada. This was the first direct export by Geographical Indication Authorised User SAGOSERVE after receiving Geographical Indication tag in March 2023. Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of tapioca sago, also called sabudhana, and Salem is the hub of sago and starch industry.

Notes:
The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently directed the Field Director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve to submit a detailed report regarding recent tiger fatalities in the reserve and nearby areas. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is located in Madhya Pradesh and is spread across the Vindhya Hills. The topography of the reserve includes steep ridges, undulating forest landscapes, and open grassland meadows. The reserve is known for its historical and archaeological significance, featuring caves with Pali inscriptions and carvings depicting animals.

Notes:
The Andhra Pradesh High Court said tank bunds are part of water bodies and encroachment violates the Public Trust Doctrine. Public Trust Doctrine means the government is custodian of key natural resources for public benefit. It says important resources cannot become private property as they belong to the people. It began in Roman law and developed in English common law. It covers tidal waters, lakes, rivers, wetlands and ecosystems. The State acts as trustee in a fiduciary relationship with the public. Resources must be used for public purpose, not sold, and properly maintained. The Supreme Court of India has recognised it as part of Indian law.

Notes:
The nuclear-powered USS Gerald R. Ford lit up tracking systems while sailing fast toward the Strait of Gibraltar, a move defence experts say is unusual. The Strait of Gibraltar separates Europe from Africa and links the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. It lies at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, between Spain and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar in the north and Morocco plus Ceuta in the south. It is about 58 km long and only about 13 km wide at its narrowest. Its eastern end features the Pillars of Heracles, including the Rock of Gibraltar and Mount Hacho. Formed by tectonic plate movement, it is a vital and busy global waterway.

Notes:
The Indian Army’s Southern Command conducted Exercise Vajra Ghaat at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. The exercise focused on testing the K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery gun system in desert warfare conditions of the Thar Desert. It was spearheaded by the White Tiger Division. The objective is to validate refined Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for better survivability and operational effectiveness. The drill demonstrated swift deployment of heavy artillery in harsh terrain. K9 Vajra carried out high-intensity, precise fire missions.

Notes:
An Right to Information (RTI) activist filed an online petition to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking criminal, departmental and regulatory action over pollution of the Bhavani River. Bhavani River is a major tributary of the Cauvery River. It flows through Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is the second largest river of Tamil Nadu. It originates in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. It passes through Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, then re-enters Tamil Nadu. It merges with the Cauvery at Bhavani near Bhavani Sangameshwarar Temple.

Notes:
Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched indigenous Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccine at Central Research Institute, Kasauli in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. Vaccine supports vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in health sector. India is known as Pharmacy of the World. Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is world’s largest immunization programme. Central Research Institute will supply 5.5 million vaccine doses by April 2026 to strengthen immunization coverage.

Notes:
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare reviewed National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) in New Delhi. NAFED is apex organization of cooperative marketing of agricultural produce in India. It was established on 2 October 1958 to promote trade of agricultural and forest produce. It is registered under Multi State Cooperative Societies Act. It also handles distribution of agricultural inputs and inter-state, import and export trade. It works under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

Notes:
Ministry of Home Affairs launched India’s first National Counter-Terrorism Policy ‘PRAHAAR’. PRAHAAR means “strike” and follows zero-tolerance against terrorism. It addresses cross-border terrorism, drone attacks, cyber threats and organised terror networks. It rejects linking terrorism with any religion or ethnicity. It is built on seven pillars: prevention, swift response, capacity-building, human rights compliance, anti-radicalisation, global cooperation and societal resilience.