Current Affairs Quiz - February 2026

Notes:
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched a global AI-for-Energy mission at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi to accelerate clean energy adoption across its 120+ member countries. The AI-for-Energy mission is a strategic international initiative aimed at integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the clean energy infrastructure of developing and emerging economies. It leverages the India Energy Stack, a digital public infrastructure model, to modernize electricity grids and promote decentralized power systems.

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted a qualification-level load test of the Gaganyaan drogue parachute at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility in Chandigarh. This marks a major milestone in India’s human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. The drogue parachute is a key part of the Crew Module deceleration system. It deploys during atmospheric re-entry to stabilize the module and reduce speed before the main parachutes open. It was jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Notes:
Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir developed two early-maturing Shalimar Wheat varieties to strengthen the rice–wheat cropping system. Shalimar Wheat includes Shalimar Wheat-4, which matures by the last week of May, and Shalimar Wheat-3, which matures by the first week of June. These varieties are specially bred for Kashmir’s climate and are suitable for mid-altitude areas up to about 1,850 metres. Early maturity allows timely harvesting of wheat and smooth transplantation of paddy. They help maintain proper crop rotation without delays in rice cultivation. The varieties show resistance to yellow rust, a major fungal disease in the region.

Notes:
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India believes global challenges need cooperation and connected societies, as the first European Legal Gateway Office opened in New Delhi. The launch took place in the presence of Henna Virkkunen and representatives of European Union member states. It is the first such office by the European Union in a partner country. The office will guide Indian students, researchers and Information and Communication Technology professionals on work, study and mobility rules across 27 European Union countries. The pilot was announced at the 16th EU-India Summit by Ursula von der Leyen.

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new Cobra Lily species named Arisaema siahaense in Siaha District of Mizoram, Northeast India. It is an evergreen herb growing up to 1.08 metre (about 3.5 feet) tall. Cobra Lilies are known for spathe shaped like a cobra hood. This species has an exceptionally long spadix appendix up to 21 centimetre with brownish-green hair-like bristles. It grows from a rounded tuber, not creeping rootstock, and has exactly three leaf segments.

Notes:
Gentoo penguins became first bird species confirmed with H5 avian influenza in an Australian territory. It is closely related to Adélie penguin and Chinstrap penguin. It is found along Antarctic Peninsula, sub-Antarctic islands and Falkland Islands in Southern Hemisphere between 45° and 65° south latitude. It lives near shorelines for easy food access and nesting. It is fastest underwater swimmer among penguins. It is diurnal, social and breeds in colonies. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status is Least Concern.

Notes:
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated National Divyangjan Cricket Sports Festival 2026 in Bhopal. Theme is “Not Out @ 100” and 350 Divyang players from 25 states will play cricket continuously for 100 hours to create record. It is first event of its kind in the world with non-stop 100-hour cricket. Event is dedicated to birth centenary of social reformer Kushabhau Thakre. Festival will run day and night till 26 February. Divyang term reflects inner strength and willpower as highlighted by Prime Minister.

Notes:
Operations at 450 Mega Watt (MW) Stage 1 of Baglihar Hydropower Project were suspended after flooding in Jammu and Kashmir. Baglihar is a 900 MW run-of-the-river project on Chenab River in Ramban district. It has a concrete gravity dam and two stages of 450 MW each. Chenab River is largest tributary of Indus River. It originates from confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers in Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. In upper course it is called Chandrabhaga. It flows through Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Notes:
A recent study at Kole Wetlands recorded 12 species of pygmy grasshoppers. It is located in Kerala and is a Ramsar site since 2002. The name ‘Kole’ means “bumper crop” in Malayalam due to high productivity. It is one of the largest, most productive and threatened wetlands in Kerala. The area is low-lying with a narrow central strip and cultivated pockets. It faces seasonal saltwater ingression and monsoon submergence.

Notes:
The three-day International Conference ANVESH 2026 (Advanced Next Generation Vision for Emerging and Sustainable Healthy Foods) was organized at the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) in Kundli, Sonipat, Haryana. The conference focuses on emerging advancements in food processing, value addition, sustainable supply chains, export-oriented innovation, food safety, and building future-ready agri-food entrepreneurial ecosystems. Delegates from 25 countries are participating in ANVESH 2026, reflecting its international significance.