Weekly Current Affairs (February 2026 – Week 3) – Exam Revision Notes
1) International Current Affairs
India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership
During French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India (17–19 February 2026) for the AI Impact Summit 2026, India and France elevated their bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.”
- India–France Year of Innovation 2026: Launched to boost innovation cooperation
- Defence Procurement: 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets
- Tata–Airbus H125 Helicopter: Final assembly line inaugurated at Vemagal, Karnataka
- National Centre of Excellence (NCoE): For Skilling in Aeronautics & Defence at NSTI, Kanpur (collaboration with France under PM-SETU scheme, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship)
Geneva to Host AI Impact Summit 2027
Switzerland’s President Guy Parmelin announced that the AI Impact Summit 2027 will be held in Geneva, Switzerland. The 2028 AI Impact Summit will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
2) National Current Affairs
First Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) of Northeast
The first emergency landing facility (ELF) of the Northeast was inaugurated on the Moran Bypass of National Highway 127 in Assam’s Dibrugarh.
An Emergency Landing Facility is an “alternative runway” designed on a national highway system.
Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu across the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam.
- Cost: ₹3,030 crore
- Named after: Kumar Bhaskar Varman, famous ruler of the ancient Kamrupa Kingdom from the seventh century
Country’s First Underwater Road-cum-Rail Tunnel in Assam
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Modi, approved construction of a 4-lane access-controlled greenfield corridor from Gohpur (NH-15) to Numaligarh (NH-715) in Assam.
- Cost: ₹18,662 crore
- Mode: EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction)
CBDC-Based Public Distribution System (PDS) Launched in Gujarat
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking a major step in digital transformation of food grain distribution.
Centenary Celebration of Ol Chiki Script
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script in New Delhi on February 16, 2026. Event organized by Ministry of Culture.
- Invented in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu
- Specifically developed for the Santhali language
Great Nicobar Island Mega-Infrastructure Project
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) cleared the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, considering its strategic, defence and national importance.
Project includes: Transshipment port, airport, power plant and township.
India’s First ‘Bee Corridors’ on National Highways
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched a first-of-its-kind ‘Bee Corridor’ initiative to promote pollinator conservation and ecological sustainability along National Highways.
First GI-Tagged Salem Sago Consignment Exported to Canada
APEDA facilitated the first direct export of GI-tagged Salem Sago from Tamil Nadu to Canada.
- Derived from tapioca roots
- Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of tapioca sago in India
- Salem is the hub of India’s sago and starch industry
MANAV Framework for AI
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, PM Narendra Modi presented India’s human-centric roadmap for artificial intelligence through the M.A.N.A.V. framework.
- M – Moral & Ethical Systems
- A – Accountable Governance
- N – National Sovereignty
- A – Accessible & Inclusive AI
- V – Valid & Legitimate Systems (Trust & Safety)
India positioned itself as a global leader in responsible AI, emphasizing that AI must advance human dignity, ethics, inclusivity and national sovereignty.
3) Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs
Andhra Pradesh Budget 2026–27
Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav presented the AP Budget 2026–27 with a total outlay of ₹3,32,205 crore, focusing on inclusive growth, welfare expansion, infrastructure and human capital development.
- Revenue Expenditure: ₹2,56,142 crore
- Capital Expenditure: ₹48,697 crore
- Highest Allocation: School Education – over ₹32,300 crore (largest share)
Agriculture Budget: Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu presented the Agriculture & Allied Sectors Budget 2026–27 with a total outlay of ₹53,753 crore.
Commemorative Postage Stamps on Puppets of India
Department of Posts released a set of 8 commemorative postage stamps on “Puppets of India” on 13 February 2026.
- Kathputli – Rajasthan
- Yakshagana Sutrada Gombeyatta – Karnataka
- Daanger Putul – West Bengal
- Kathi Kundhei – Odisha
- Benir Putul – West Bengal
- Pavakathakali – Kerala
- Ravanachhaya – Odisha
- Tolu Bommalatta – Andhra Pradesh
Tamsa River Rejuvenation under Namami Gange
The Tamsa River, an important tributary of the Ganga flowing through Ambedkar Nagar, Ayodhya, and Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh), has been successfully rejuvenated under the Namami Gange Programme through a community-led model.
₹100 Crore for ‘Mana Mitra’ WhatsApp Governance
The AP Government allocated ₹100 crore to the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) in the 2026–27 Budget for the expansion of ‘Mana Mitra’ WhatsApp Governance.
4) Economy Current Affairs
Urban Challenge Fund (UCF)
Union Cabinet approved the launch of the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with a Central assistance of ₹1 lakh crore to promote transformative urban infrastructure projects.
- Duration: FY 2025–26 to 2030–31 (extendable till 2033–34)
- Aim: Develop resilient, inclusive and climate-responsive cities
Hyderabad–Panaji Economic Corridor
The CCEA approved the widening of National Highway-167 from Gudebellur to Mahabubnagar in Telangana. This stretch is part of the Hyderabad–Panaji Economic Corridor.
- Total Cost: ₹3,175.08 crore
Creative Economy
India is positioning the creative economy including media & entertainment, AVGC-XR (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, Extended Reality), digital content, and live events as a major driver of economic growth, employment, and global influence.
- India’s Media & Entertainment sector valued at ₹2.5 trillion (2024)
- Projected to reach ₹3.06 trillion by 2027
Khelo India Mission Launched
Union Budget 2026–27 announced the launch of the Khelo India Mission, a long-term mission-mode framework aimed at transforming India’s sports ecosystem over the next decade.
- ₹4,479.88 crore – Highest-ever allocation for Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
- ₹924.35 crore – For the Khelo India programme
- ₹500 crore – Dedicated sports goods manufacturing initiative
5) Science & Technology
Bio-based Chemicals & Enzymes
Bio-based chemicals are industrial chemicals produced from biological feedstocks such as sugarcane, corn, starch, and biomass residues through fermentation or enzymatic processes.
Enzymes are biological catalysts used in industries like detergents, food processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and biomanufacturing. They help reduce energy consumption and emissions by operating at lower temperatures and pressures.
District Cooling System
District cooling is a centralised air-conditioning system that supplies chilled water from a single large plant to multiple buildings through insulated underground pipelines.
It functions like a public utility where buildings receive “cooling as a service” instead of installing individual cooling units.
Visakhapatnam–Bhogapuram Coastal Corridor (VBCC)
The proposed 55–60 km Visakhapatnam–Bhogapuram Coastal Corridor (VBCC) is a major infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity between Visakhapatnam and the upcoming Bhogapuram International Greenfield Airport.
- Airport expected operational by June 2026
VoicERA – Open-Source Voice AI Stack
Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) launched VoicERA, an open-source end-to-end Voice AI stack, at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Developed by: Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) under Digital India Corporation (DIC) in collaboration with EkStep Foundation, IIIT Bengaluru and AI4Bharat.
New Cathode Material for Zinc-Ion Batteries
Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, developed a novel cathode material that significantly improves the performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs).
6) Environment
Study on Indus and Ganga Basin
A recent study by researchers from IIT Gandhinagar reveals contrasting hydrological trends in India’s two major river basins.
- Indus Basin: Streamflow increased by 8% (1980-2021). Due to higher precipitation from western disturbances and monsoon variability
- Ganga Basin: Streamflow declined by 17% during the same period. Major cause: Excessive groundwater extraction for irrigation
7) Schemes
PM RAHAT Scheme
Government launched the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme to provide cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for 7 days following a road accident.
‘Bharat VISTAAR’ Scheme
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the AI-powered ‘Bharat VISTAAR’ Scheme (Phase 1) in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Aim: Provide technology-driven, real-time agricultural advisory services to farmers through mobile phones.
Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) at Nathanpur village in Cachar district, Assam (20 February 2026).
- Type: Central Sector Scheme
- Budget: ₹6,839 crore
- Period: Up to FY 2028–29
- Coverage: 15 States and 2 Union Territories
8) Summits & Conferences
Nvidia & OpenAI Partner with Indian Firms at AI Summit
- Yotta (Data centre infrastructure)
- Larsen & Toubro
- E2E networks
Leading Institutions:
- IIT Delhi
- IIM Ahmedabad
- AIIMS New Delhi
- Manipal Academy
- University of Petroleum & Energy
- Pearl Academy
Ed-tech Companies:
- PhysicsWallah
- upGrad
- HCL GUVI
Tata Group–OpenAI Strategic Partnership
The Tata Group and OpenAI announced a multi-dimensional strategic partnership during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
Key Highlight: OpenAI will become the first to use Tata’s HyperVault AI data infrastructure, which has an initial capacity of 100 MW, with a future expansion potential of 1 gigawatt (GW) — about 0.2% of India’s installed power capacity.
India Joins Pax Silica Coalition
India formally joined the Pax Silica coalition during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, marking a major step in strengthening strategic technology and semiconductor supply-chain cooperation with the United States.
- A coalition of trusted democratic nations
- Aims to secure the global “silicon stack”
- Covers: Critical minerals, Semiconductor fabrication (fabs), AI systems, Data-centre infrastructure
9) Awards and Honours
A.K. Ramanujan Prize for Translation
Two academic works from West Bengal Sipra Mukherjee and Mrinmoy Pramanick won the A.K. Ramanujan Prize for their English translation of Dalit poet Kalyani Thakur Charal’s selected works titled “I Belong to Nowhere.”
India Sets Guinness World Record for AI Responsibility Pledges
India created a Guinness World Record at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 for receiving the highest number of pledges for an AI responsibility campaign within 24 hours.
- Total Valid Pledges: 2,50,946 (between 16-17 Feb 2026)
- Initial Target: 5,000
- Campaign: Conducted under IndiaAI Mission in collaboration with Intel India
10) Books
The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book “The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru” authored by Dr. Shashi Tharoor.
11) Person in News
World Leaders
- Prime Minister of Croatia: Andrej Plenkovic
- Prime Minister of Bhutan: Tshering Tobgay
- Prime Minister of Kazakhstan: Olzhas Bektenov
- Prime Minister of Finland: Petteri Orpo
- President of Serbia: Aleksandar Vucic
- President of Estonia: Alar Karis
This is how toppers revise an entire year of current affairs using just a few pages.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Keyword / Fact |
|---|---|
| India-France Partnership | Special Global Strategic • Year of Innovation 2026 • 26 Rafale-Marine • Tata-Airbus H125 Vemagal Karnataka • NCoE NSTI Kanpur PM-SETU |
| AI Summit 2027-28 | 2027 Geneva Switzerland • 2028 UAE • Guy Parmelin announcement |
| First ELF Northeast | Moran Bypass NH-127 Dibrugarh Assam • Alternative runway on highway |
| Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu | Brahmaputra Guwahati • ₹3,030 cr • Kamrupa Kingdom 7th century ruler |
| Underwater Tunnel Assam | First road-cum-rail • Gohpur-Numaligarh • ₹18,662 cr • EPC mode • CCEA approved |
| CBDC-PDS Gujarat | Gandhinagar • Amit Shah launched • Digital food grain distribution • Central Bank Digital Currency |
| Ol Chiki Script | Centenary 100 years • 1925 Pandit Raghunath Murmu • Santhali language • Feb 16 Droupadi Murmu |
| Great Nicobar Project | ₹92,000 cr • NGT cleared • Transshipment port airport power plant township • Strategic defence importance |
| Bee Corridors | First-of-its-kind NHAI • National Highways • Pollinator conservation ecological sustainability |
| Salem Sago GI Export | First to Canada • APEDA • Tapioca roots • TN largest producer • Salem hub sago starch |
| MANAV Framework | 5 pillars AI • Moral Ethical • Accountable Governance • National Sovereignty • Accessible Inclusive • Valid Legitimate • PM Modi AI Summit |
| AP Budget 2026-27 | ₹3,32,205 cr total • Revenue ₹2,56,142cr Capital ₹48,697cr • School Education ₹32,300cr highest • Payyavula Keshav |
| AP Agriculture Budget | ₹53,753 cr • K Atchannaidu • Allied Sectors separate presentation |
| Puppets Stamps | 8 stamps Feb 13 • Tolu Bommalatta AP • Kathputli Rajasthan • Yakshagana Karnataka • Pavakathakali Kerala |
| Mana Mitra WhatsApp | ₹100 cr AP Budget • RTGS Real Time Governance Society • WhatsApp governance expansion |
| Urban Challenge Fund | ₹1 lakh cr • FY 2025-26 to 2030-31 extendable 2033-34 • Resilient inclusive climate-responsive cities |
| Hyderabad-Panaji Corridor | NH-167 Gudebellur-Mahabubnagar • ₹3,175.08 cr • Telangana • CCEA approved |
| Creative Economy | M&E ₹2.5 trillion 2024 • ₹3.06 trillion by 2027 • AVGC-XR Animation VFX Gaming Comics Extended Reality |
| Khelo India Mission | ₹4,479.88 cr highest Youth Sports • ₹924.35cr Khelo India • ₹500cr sports goods manufacturing • Long-term mission-mode |
| Bio-based Chemicals | Sugarcane corn starch biomass • Fermentation enzymatic • Enzymes biological catalysts lower temp pressure |
| District Cooling | Centralised AC system • Single plant multiple buildings • Underground pipelines • Cooling as service |
| VBCC Vizag-Bhogapuram | 55-60 km coastal corridor • Bhogapuram Airport June 2026 operational • Connectivity infrastructure |
| VoicERA | Open-source Voice AI stack • MeitY AI Summit • BHASHINI Division DIC • EkStep IIIT AI4Bharat |
| Zinc-Ion Batteries | Novel cathode material • CeNS Bengaluru • Aqueous zinc-ion batteries AZIBs improved performance |
| Indus Ganga Study | IIT Gandhinagar • Indus +8% streamflow western disturbances • Ganga -17% groundwater extraction 1980-2021 |
| PM RAHAT | Road Accident Victim Hospitalization Assured Treatment • ₹1.5 lakh cashless 7 days post-accident |
| Bharat VISTAAR | AI-powered Phase 1 Jaipur • Shivraj Singh Chouhan • Real-time agricultural advisory mobile phones |
| Vibrant Villages-II | ₹6,839 cr • FY 2028-29 • Nathanpur Cachar Assam • 15 States 2 UTs • Amit Shah Feb 20 • Central Sector |
| Nvidia OpenAI Partners | Nvidia: Yotta L&T E2E • OpenAI: IIT Delhi IIM Ahd AIIMS Manipal • PhysicsWallah upGrad HCL GUVI |
| Tata-OpenAI | HyperVault AI data 100 MW • 1 GW expansion 0.2% India power • First to use Tata infrastructure |
| Pax Silica Coalition | India joined AI Summit • Trusted democratic nations • Silicon stack minerals fabs AI data centres • US cooperation |
| AK Ramanujan Prize | Sipra Mukherjee Mrinmoy Pramanick West Bengal • Translation • Kalyani Thakur Charal I Belong to Nowhere |
| Guinness AI Pledges | 2,50,946 valid pledges 24 hrs • Feb 16-17 • IndiaAI Mission Intel India • Target 5,000 exceeded |
| Sree Narayana Guru Book | Sage who Reimagined Hinduism • Dr Shashi Tharoor author • CP Radhakrishnan released |
| World Leaders | Croatia Andrej Plenkovic • Bhutan Tshering Tobgay • Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov • Finland Petteri Orpo • Serbia Aleksandar Vucic • Estonia Alar Karis |
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