February 2026 Current Affairs for Competitive Exams with 100 Practice MCQs

Table of Contents

Introduction

February 2026 current affairs include important updates in government schemes, policies, economy, defence, science & technology, sports, awards, and international events. Key highlights are schemes like PM Surya Ghar Yojana and Lakhpati Didi Scheme, along with major events such as the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and the Munich Security Conference 2026. These topics are very important for competitive exams because they show recent developments in India and the world.

This article covers all important areas like appointments, rankings, important days, defence updates, summits, and inventions & discoveries in a simple and easy way. It also includes practice MCQs to help in quick revision. This makes it useful for exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PCS by focusing on important keywords and facts.

Note / Disclaimer:
This article on February 2026 current affairs is based on the latest available information as of now. Some details, especially appointments, rankings, policies, and ongoing events, may change over time due to new updates or government decisions. If you are reading this in the future, it is strongly recommended to recheck and verify the latest information from official sources.

For competitive exams, always make sure you are studying the most updated version of February 2026 current affairs, as even small changes in facts or names can affect your answers. Regular revision and cross-checking will help you stay accurate and exam-ready.

February 2026 current affairs

Government Schemes & Policies

1. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Purpose / Objective: To provide free electricity to households and reduce carbon emissions by promoting renewable energy.
Target Beneficiaries: 1 Crore (10 million) households across India.
Launched by: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Year of Launch: 2024.
Key Features: Focuses on rooftop solar installations to achieve 40 GW capacity. It includes the development of one “Model Solar Village” in every district.
Benefits Provided: Up to 300 units of free electricity monthly; maximum subsidy of ₹78,000 for systems above 3 kW.
Eligibility Criteria: Residential households with suitable rooftop space and valid electricity connections.
Important Components: Model Solar Village development.
Implementing Agency: Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) and State Nodal Agencies.
Recent Update (Feb 2026): Prime Minister Modi announced a milestone of 30 lakh households successfully adopting rooftop solar under the scheme as of February 23, 2026.

2. Lakhpati Didi Scheme

Purpose / Objective: To empower rural women by helping them achieve a sustainable annual income of at least ₹1 lakh.
Target Beneficiaries: Members of Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Launched by: Ministry of Rural Development.
Year of Launch: 2023.
Key Features: Skill development training in emerging sectors like drone operation, LED manufacturing, and solar repair.
Benefits Provided: Technical training, financial literacy, and market linkages to boost annual income.
Important Components: Includes the “Drone Didi” initiative.
Implementing Agency: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
Recent Update (Feb 2026): The Union Budget 2026–27 officially expanded the target to 6 crore women to become “Lakhpati Didis” by March 2029.

3. PM-JANMAN (PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan)

Purpose / Objective: To provide essential services and infrastructure to tribal communities to bridge the socio-economic gap.
Target Beneficiaries: 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 States and one UT.
Launched by: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (in collaboration with 9 other ministries).
Year of Launch: 2023.
Key Features: Focuses on 11 critical interventions, including housing, clean water, and digital connectivity.
Benefits Provided: Pucca houses, mobile tower connectivity, and improved road infrastructure.
Implementing Agency: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Nodal).
Recent Update (Feb 2026): As of early 2026, 2.50 lakh pucca houses have been completed, and 3,006 habitations have been covered with new mobile towers.

4. PM RAHAT Scheme

Purpose / Objective: To provide immediate medical protection and cashless treatment to road accident victims during the “Golden Hour.”
Target Beneficiaries: All victims of road accidents on National Highways and designated roads.
Launched by: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Year of Launch: 2026.
Key Features: Focuses on stabilization within the first 24–48 hours at designated trauma centers.
Benefits Provided: Cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for a maximum of 7 days.
Important Components: Uses digital platforms like eDAR and TMS 2.0 for seamless processing.
Recent Update (Feb 2026): Officially launched on February 13, 2026, to provide national-level trauma coverage.

5. White Revolution 2.0

Purpose / Objective: To empower the dairy sector by increasing milk procurement and improving the cooperative network.
Target Beneficiaries: Dairy farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Launched by: Ministry of Cooperation.
Year of Launch: 2026.
Key Features: Integration with Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to offer multipurpose services.
Benefits Provided: 50% increase in milk procurement targets over the next five years.
Important Components: Creation of 75,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS).
Recent Update (Feb 2026): The national launch took place in February 2026 to revitalize rural cooperative systems.

6. Vanjeevi Didi Initiative

Purpose / Objective: To involve local communities in forest conservation and wildlife protection.
Target Beneficiaries: Local village women living near protected forest areas.
Launched by: Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), Jharkhand.
Year of Launch: 2026.
Key Features: Trains women as “Forest Ambassadors” to monitor and prevent illegal poaching or logging.
Benefits Provided: A monthly incentive of ₹3,000.
Recent Update (Feb 2026): Launched on February 17, 2026, with an initial batch of 18 women from 17 villages.

7. Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Purpose / Objective: To provide legal clarity by repealing obsolete laws and consolidating modern labor practices.
Target Beneficiaries: Industrial workers and formal sector employees.
Launched by: Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Year of Launch: 2026 (Amendment).
Key Features: Mandatory health check-ups for workers over 40, “Equal Pay for Equal Work,” and mandatory appointment letters.
Recent Update (Feb 2026): Passed by the Rajya Sabha on February 12, 2026, explicitly repealing the Trade Unions Act 1926, Industrial Employment Act 1946, and Industrial Disputes Act 1947.

8. Mission PoWaR (Odisha)

Purpose / Objective: To provide basic infrastructure amenities to rural villages.
Target Beneficiaries: Residents of every revenue village in Odisha.
Launched by: Government of Odisha.
Year of Launch: 2026.
Key Features: Operates under the “Speed, Scale, and Standard” framework.
Benefits Provided: Power (Electricity), Drinking Water, and Roads.
Recent Update (Feb 2026): Highlighted in the February 2026 Odisha State Budget with a goal to cover all villages by 2026–27.

9. Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana

Purpose / Objective: To improve the health and educational status of girls and prevent female foeticide.
Target Beneficiaries: Girl children in Uttar Pradesh.
Launched by: Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Year of Launch: 2019 (Benefit enhanced in 2024/2026).
Benefits Provided: Total grant of ₹25,000 (increased from ₹15,000) paid in 6 installments.
Eligibility Criteria: Annual family income must be below ₹3 lakh.
Recent Update (Feb 2026): The UP government reinforced the disbursement of the newly enhanced ₹25,000 benefit across all six stages (birth to higher education).

Awards & Honours

1. Padma Awards 2026

Field/Category: Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science, Trade, Medicine, Literature, and Sports.
Given by: Government of India (Approved by the President).
Purpose of the Award: To recognize “distinguished work” and “exceptional service” in various fields of activities.
Eligibility Criteria: Any person without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex (excluding government servants except doctors/scientists).
First Awarded Year / History: Instituted in 1954.
Recent Winners (2026):
- Padma Vibhushan (5): Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous), V.S. Achuthanandan (Posthumous), Ms. N Rajam (Art), Shri K T Thomas (Public Affairs), and Shri P Narayanan (Literature).
- Padma Bhushan (13): Mammootty (Art), Alka Yagnik (Art), Vijay Amritraj (Sports), and Uday Kotak (Trade).
- Padma Shri (113): Rohit Sharma (Cricket), Harmanpreet Kaur (Cricket), Savita Punia (Hockey), and Vladimir Mestvirishvili (Posthumous – Wrestling Coach).
Country of Origin: India.
Frequency: Annual (Announced on Republic Day).
Prize Details: A Sanad (certificate) and a Medallion; no cash allowance.
Special Fact: Vladimir Mestvirishvili became the first foreign coach to be honored with a Padma Shri.
Recent Update: For 2026, a total of 131 awards were conferred, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri.

2. 68th Annual Grammy Awards

Field/Category: Music and Audio Arts.
Given by: The Recording Academy.
Purpose of the Award: To honor outstanding achievements in the music industry.
First Awarded Year / History: 1959.
Famous Winners (2026):
- Album of the Year: Bad Bunny for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.
- Record of the Year: Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA for luther.
- Song of the Year: Billie Eilish for WILDFLOWER.
- Indian Perspective: The Dalai Lama won for Best Spoken Word Album (Audiobook/Narration) for Meditations.
Country of Origin: United States.
Frequency: Annual.
Prize Details: A gold-plated gramophone trophy.
Special Fact: Often called one of the “Big Three” global entertainment awards alongside the Oscars and Emmys.

3. 60th Jnanpith Award (2025)

Field/Category: Literature.
Given by: Bharatiya Jnanpith.
Purpose of the Award: To recognize an author’s “outstanding contribution towards literature.”
Eligibility Criteria: Indian citizens writing in any of the 22 languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution or English.
First Awarded Year / History: 1961 (First recipient: G. Sankara Kurup).
Recent Winner (Feb 2026): Tamil poet and lyricist R. Vairamuthu (for the year 2025).
Country of Origin: India.
Frequency: Annual.
Prize Details: ₹11 lakh cash prize, a citation, and a bronze replica of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati).
Special Fact: India’s highest literary honor. R. Vairamuthu is the first Tamil writer to win primarily for poetry.

4. Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025

Field/Category: Literature (24 Indian languages).
Given by: Sahitya Akademi (India’s National Academy of Letters).
Purpose of the Award: To promote and recognize the best in Indian literature.
First Awarded Year / History: 1954.
Notable Recent Winners:
- English: Navtej Sarna for Crimson Spring (Novel).
- Hindi: Mamta Kalia for Jeete Jee Allahabad (Memoir).
- Sanskrit: Mahamahopadhyaya Sadhu Bhadreshdas for Prasthanacatustaye Brahmaghosah.
Country of Origin: India.
Frequency: Annual.
Prize Details: An engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and ₹1,00,000 cash.
Recent Update: The ceremony celebrating these winners took place in late February and March 2026.

5. Prime Minister’s Knesset Medal

Field/Category: International Diplomacy / Parliamentary Honor.
Given by: The Knesset (Israel’s Parliament).
Purpose of the Award: To recognize significant contributions to the State of Israel and the strengthening of bilateral ties.
Eligibility Criteria: Global leaders or organizations of high eminence.
First Awarded Year / History: Established in 2026.
Recent Winner: Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India).
Country of Origin: Israel.
Prize Details: A gold-plated bronze medal depicting the Knesset plenum and olive branches.
Special Fact: PM Modi is the first-ever recipient of this newly established medal.
Recent Update: Conferred on February 25, 2026, during his historic visit where he addressed the Israeli Parliament.

Important Days & Events

1. World Wetlands Day

Date: February 2
Theme of the Year (2026): “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.”
Purpose / Significance: To raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet.
Declared by: UNESCO (recognized by the United Nations).
First Observed Year / History: 1997 (Marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention signed on Feb 2, 1971).
National or International: International.
Related Organization: Ramsar Convention Secretariat.
Key Facts / Messages: Wetlands are known as the “Kidneys of the Earth” for their natural water filtration.
Recent Updates: As of early 2026, India has 98 Ramsar Sites, with Tamil Nadu hosting the highest number (20 sites) in the country.

2. World Pulses Day

Date: February 10
Theme of the Year (2026): “Pulses of the World: From Modesty to Excellence.”
Purpose / Significance: To recognize the importance of pulses (dried beans, lentils, peas) as a global food source and their role in sustainable food systems.
Declared by: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
First Observed Year / History: 2019.
National or International: International.
Related Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Key Facts / Messages: India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses.
Recent Updates: The 2026 focus remains on the “Aatmanirbhar” goal of achieving self-sufficiency in Masur (Lentils) and Tur (Arhar) by 2027.

3. Safer Internet Day

Date: February 10, 2026 (Observed on the second Tuesday of February).
Theme of the Year (2026): “AI Aware: Safe, Smart, and in Control.”
Purpose / Significance: To promote a safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially among children and young people.
Declared by: Insafe/INHOPE network (with EU support); widely adopted globally.
First Observed Year / History: 2004.
National or International: International.
Related Organization: In India, supported by the I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre).
Key Facts / Messages: Focuses on empowering youth with critical thinking skills to navigate AI-driven environments.
Recent Updates: In 2026, the Indian government conducted massive outreach regarding the prevention of “Digital Arrest” scams and the ethical use of Generative AI.

4. International Mother Language Day

Date: February 21
Theme of the Year (2026): “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education.”
Purpose / Significance: To promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
Declared by: UNESCO.
First Observed Year / History: 2000 (Originated from the 1952 Language Movement in Bangladesh).
National or International: International (Celebrated in India as ‘Matribhasha Diwas’).
Related Organization: UNESCO.
Key Facts / Messages: Aligns with Article 350A of the Indian Constitution, which mandates instruction in mother-tongue at the primary stage of education.
Recent Updates: Celebrations in 2026 focused heavily on aligning multilingual education with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

5. National Science Day

Date: February 28
Theme of the Year (2026): “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat.”
Purpose / Significance: To mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist Sir C.V. Raman.
Declared by: Government of India.
First Observed Year / History: 1987.
National or International: National.
Related Organization: Department of Science & Technology (DST) is the nodal agency.
Key Facts / Messages: Sir C.V. Raman won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for this discovery.
Recent Updates: The 2026 theme specifically emphasizes gender parity and the leadership of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to drive the vision of a developed India.

Important Appointments

1. Vinay Muralidhar Tonse

Position/Designation: MD & CEO-Designate (Assumed charge April 2026)
Organization/Country: Yes Bank, India
Type: Appointment
Date/Year: February 2026 (RBI Approval)
Predecessor/Successor: Succeeds Prashant Kumar
Tenure: Three years
First/Notable Facts: A veteran of the State Bank of India (SBI) cadre; previously served as MD of SBI (Retail Business & Operations) and CEO of SBI Mutual Fund.
Recent News: His leadership is expected to drive the next phase of growth for Yes Bank following its successful post-2020 stabilization.

2. Yumnam Khemchand Singh

Position/Designation: Chief Minister (13th CM of the state)
Organization/Country: Manipur, India
Type: Appointment
Date/Year: February 4, 2026
Predecessor/Successor: Appointment followed the revocation of President’s Rule.
First/Notable Facts: Former Speaker of the Manipur Assembly (2017–2022). His cabinet includes Nemcha Kipgen, the first woman and first person from the Kuki-Zo community to serve as Deputy CM in Manipur.
Recent News: The new government marks a significant transition toward political stability in the region after a period of central administration.

3. Uday Kotak

Position/Designation: Chairman
Organization/Country: GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City), India
Type: Appointment
Date/Year: February 13, 2026
Predecessor/Successor: Succeeds Dr. Hasmukh Adhia
First/Notable Facts: A billionaire banker and founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank; he was also honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2026.
Recent News: His appointment is strategically aimed at enhancing the global footprint of India’s first operational International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

4. R. Vijay Anandh

Position/Designation: MD & CEO
Organization/Country: City Union Bank (CUB), India
Type: Appointment (Effective May 1, 2026)
Date/Year: February 11, 2026 (RBI Approval)
Predecessor/Successor: Replaces N. Kamakodi
Tenure: Three years
First/Notable Facts: This was an internal promotion; Anandh previously served as the Executive Director at CUB and brings over 28 years of experience in Risk Management.
Recent News: He takes the helm following N. Kamakodi’s 15-year tenure, ensuring leadership continuity for the private sector lender.

5. Divakar Jayant

Position/Designation: Director General of Naval Armament (DGONA)
Organization/Country: Indian Navy / Ministry of Defence, India
Type: Appointment
Date/Year: February 2, 2026
Predecessor/Successor: Succeeds P. Upadhyay
First/Notable Facts: A 1991-batch officer of the Indian Naval Armament Service (INAS) and an IIT Delhi alumnus.
Recent News: As DGONA, he is responsible for the life-cycle management of the Navy’s lethal assets, including torpedoes and naval explosives, ensuring the operational readiness of the fleet.

Sports February 2026 Current Affairs

1. 2026 Winter Olympics (Milano Cortina)

Name of Event: XXV Olympic Winter Games
Winner & Runner-up: Norway topped the medal tally (41 total); USA finished second.
Venue/Host: Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Date: February 6 – 22, 2026.
Records / Achievements: Ski Mountaineering (Skimo) made its Olympic debut. France’s Emily Harrop and Thibault Anselmet won the first-ever Mixed Relay Gold.
Tournament Frequency: Every 4 years.
Recent Update: Norway continued its winter dominance, while Italy (host) secured a top-5 finish with 30 medals.

2. ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup

Name of Event: 2026 ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup
Winner & Runner-up: India (Winner) defeated England (Runner-up) by 100 runs.
Venue/Host: Zimbabwe and Namibia (Final at Harare Sports Club).
Date: January – February 2026 (Final on Feb 6).
Important Players: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (India) was named Player of the Tournament.
Governing Body: International Cricket Council (ICC).
Records / Achievements: India secured a record-extending 6th Under-19 World Cup title.

3. Asian Indoor Athletics Championships

Name of Event: 12th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships
Winner & Runner-up: China topped the tally; India finished 6th overall.
Venue/Host: Tianjin, China.
Date: February 2026.
Important Players: Tejaswin Shankar (Heptathlon).
Records / Achievements: Tejaswin Shankar won India’s only Gold with a New National Record of 5,993 points, shattering his previous best.
Tournament Frequency: Biennial (Every 2 years).

4. World Para Athletics Grand Prix

Name of Event: 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix
Winner & Runner-up: India finished 1st in the medal tally.
Venue/Host: New Delhi, India.
Date: February 2026.
Important Players: Preeti Pal (Double Gold in 100m & 200m T35 category).
Records / Achievements: India achieved a record haul of 208 medals (75 Gold, 69 Silver, 64 Bronze).
Recent Update: This event served as a critical qualifier for the upcoming World Championships.

5. Ranji Trophy (2025-26)

Name of Sport: Cricket (Domestic First-Class)
Winner & Runner-up: Mumbai (Winner) defeated Jammu & Kashmir (Runner-up).
Venue/Host: Final held at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Date: February 2026.
Records / Achievements: Mumbai secured their 43rd Ranji Trophy title. Jammu & Kashmir made history by reaching their first-ever final.
Tournament Frequency: Annual.

6. Davis Cup 2026 (World Group I)

Name of Event: Davis Cup Qualifiers
Winner & Runner-up: India (3) vs Switzerland (1).
Venue/Host: S.M. Krishna Stadium, Bengaluru, India.
Date: February 7–8, 2026.
Important Players: Sumit Nagal and N. Sriram Balaji.
Records / Achievements: This win advanced India to the World Group I, marking a significant comeback in team tennis.
Governing Body: International Tennis Federation (ITF).

7. Asian Shooting Championship (Rifle/Pistol)

Name of Event: Asian Shooting Championship 2026
Winner & Runner-up: India finished 1st in the medal tally.
Venue/Host: Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi.
Date: February 2026.
Important Players: Amanpreet Singh and Sift Kaur Samra.
Records / Achievements: India dominated with 94 medals (51 Gold), showcasing its continental supremacy in shooting sports.

8. Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026

Name of Event: WPL Season 4
Winner & Runner-up: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) (Winner).
Venue/Host: India (Multi-city).
Date: February 2026.
Records / Achievements: RCB became back-to-back champions, defending their title successfully.
Governing Body: BCCI.

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