Weekly Current Affairs (February 2026 – Week 4) – Exam Revision Notes
1) International Current Affairs
India Participated as Observer in ‘Board of Peace for Gaza’
India participated as observer in the first meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza held in Washington D.C. India was represented by Namgya Khampa, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C.
- India reiterated consistent position supporting a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders
- Supported the Gaza Peace Plan initiative, efforts under UNSC Resolution 2803
U.S. Drops ALARA Principle from Radiation Safety
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) removed the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle from its radiation protection regulations. ALARA has long been the operational cornerstone of global radiation safety, aimed at keeping radiation exposure as low as possible while balancing cost, feasibility, and societal needs.
India–Brazil TKDL Access Agreement
India and Brazil signed an agreement on 21 February 2026 for Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) to access India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).
- Established in 2001 by CSIR and Ministry of AYUSH
- Prior-art database of Indian traditional knowledge
- Objective: Prevent biopiracy and wrongful patents on Indian traditional practices
UN Road Safety Financing Framework in Four Indian States
United Nations launched a road safety financing framework project in partnership with four Indian States – Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam. Implementation coordinated by UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in India.
Global Context: Project aligns with “Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030”, which aims to reduce global road deaths and injuries by at least 50% by 2030.
India-Israel Relations Elevated to Special Strategic Partnership
India and Israel upgraded their bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership.
- Multiple MoUs covering: AI, agriculture, geophysical exploration, fintech, cyber security, fisheries, education, labour mobility, cultural exchange
- UPI Cross-Border Remittances: Agreement to enable through UPI
- India–Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture
- Cyber Centre of Excellence in India
- Labour Mobility: Up to 50,000 Indian workers to be employed in Israel over next 5 years through regulated channels
- India-Israel Academic Cooperation Forum
- India-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group
2) National Current Affairs
Bela Gram – India’s First Net-Zero Panchayat
Bela Gram in Bhandara district, Maharashtra (Vidarbha region) recognized as India’s first net-zero panchayat, highlighting importance of local self-governments in climate action. Achievement showcased during Mumbai Climate Week 2026.
- Plantation of 90,000+ trees during weddings and festivals
- Transition from traditional smoky chulhas to LPG
- Installation of solar panels in homes, anganwadis and panchayat buildings
- Doorstep waste segregation
- Elimination of single-use plastics
New Delhi Declaration at AI Impact Summit 2026
AI Impact Summit 2026 (18–19 February 2026) concluded with adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact. Endorsed by 89 countries and international organisations, reflecting broad global consensus on using AI for economic growth, social good, and inclusive development.
Hoysala Era Temples
Hoysala-era temples and basadis in Karnataka’s Hassan, Mandya and Mysuru districts highlight architectural and cultural brilliance of Hoysala dynasty (11th–13th centuries).
- Built mainly with soapstone
- Star-shaped platforms, richly sculpted walls, finely turned pillars
- Trikuta/dvikuta/ekakuta shrine layouts
- Important Sites: Bucheshwara temple (Koravangala), Lakshminarasimha temple (Javagal), Lakshmidevi temple (Doddagaddavalli), Hulikere Kalyani stepwell (12th century water architecture)
Bust of C. Rajagopalachari Unveiled at Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) at Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 23, 2026.
- Rajaji was the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India (1948–1950)
- Bust installed, replacing the bust of Edwin Lutyens
PRAHAAR – India’s First National Counter-Terror Policy
Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released India’s first-ever national anti-terror policy titled “PRAHAAR”. Aims to create comprehensive strategy to prevent, detect and respond to terrorism.
- Terror threats exist across water, land and air
- Increasing risks from:
- Cyber-attacks by criminal hackers and hostile nation-states
- Drones and advanced technologies
- Dark web, encryption and crypto wallets for funding and communication
- Terror groups trying to use CBRNED materials (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive, Digital)
Cabinet Approves Renaming Kerala as Keralam
Union Cabinet (chaired by PM Modi) approved proposal to change the name of State “Kerala” to “Keralam” (February 24, 2026).
- Follows unanimous resolution by Kerala Legislative Assembly on June 24, 2024
- Name “Keralam” reflects Malayalam linguistic and cultural identity (states reorganised on linguistic basis in 1956)
- Constitutional Procedure (Article 3):
- President refers Bill to State Legislature for views
- After State’s opinion, Bill introduced in Parliament with President’s recommendation
- Parliament passes law to effect name change
Seva Sankalp Resolution
First Union Cabinet meeting held at new PMO ‘Seva Teerth’ on 24 February 2026 under PM’s chairmanship.
- Seva Teerth built at site of temporary British-era barracks, symbolizing transition from colonial legacy to New India’s governance model
- Cabinet adopted Seva Sankalp Resolution, reaffirming commitment to:
- Citizen-centric governance
- Constitutional values (justice, equality, dignity)
- Vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047
National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon, Buldhana district, Maharashtra on 25 February 2026. Felicitated six senior Vaidyas for outstanding contribution to AYUSH healthcare.
PMO Reviews Proposed CAFE-III Carbon Emission Norms
PMO held high-level meeting to review Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-III) norms for passenger vehicles, proposed to be implemented from 2027. Meeting involved Ministry of Power, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), and Ministry of Heavy Industries. No final decision taken yet.
SC Bans NCERT Class 8 Textbook Over Judiciary Content
Supreme Court ordered blanket ban and immediate seizure of all physical and digital copies of a Class 8 Social Science textbook published by NCERT (February 2026) for portraying the judiciary in a negative manner through selective references to “corruption”. Court emphasized that while legitimate criticism is permissible, any deliberate attempt to scandalise or undermine judiciary’s dignity may amount to criminal contempt.
3) Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs
AP Signs 7 MoUs at AI Summit
AP Government signed seven MoUs at India AI Impact Summit 2026 to strengthen quantum computing and AI infrastructure. Aim: Transform State into global Quantum–AI Hub through proposed Quantum Valley in Amaravati.
- UNICC – Establishment of Centre of Excellence in Quantum & AI
- IBM – Training 1 lakh youth in quantum, AI, and cybersecurity
- NIELIT – Setting up Quantum AI Deemed University
- BharatGen–NexGen–IBM consortium – Creation of state-level indigenous AI tech hub/stack
- Calibo AI – AI Academies & AI Sandboxes in 50 higher education institutions
- Vizer – Centre of Excellence in Amaravati
- IIT Madras – AI Tutor for school students
Bandar-i-Mubarak (Masulipatnam)
Masulipatnam (Machilipatnam) was referred to as ‘Bandar-i-Mubarak’ (Auspicious Port) in records of Golconda Sultanate during 17th century, highlighting its special economic and strategic importance as major maritime trade centre. After Mughal conquest of Golconda, the port lost its exclusive status and became one among many ports in vast Mughal Empire.
India’s First Quantum & AI University in Amaravati
National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), under Ministry of Electronics & IT, signed MoU with AP Government on 20 February 2026 at India AI Impact Summit to establish India’s first dedicated Quantum & AI University campus in Amaravati.
Amended BharatNet Programme for AP
Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), Department of Telecommunications, and AP Government for expedited rollout of Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP).
- Financial Support: ₹2,432 crore approved for AP
- Objective: Upgradation of 13,246 Gram Panchayats with future-ready broadband connectivity
- About ABP: Approved by Union Cabinet on 4 August 2023. Aims to provide future-ready broadband to all GPs & villages, strengthen last-mile connectivity & 4G saturation
- Total outlay: ₹1.39 lakh crore ($16.9 billion)
₹2,388 Crore Semiconductor OSAT Unit in Visakhapatnam
AP Cabinet approved ₹2,388-crore semiconductor project by Advanced System in Package Technologies Pvt. Ltd. at Tarluvada (Visakhapatnam district).
- Type: OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facility
- Jobs: Expected to create about 1,000 direct jobs
- Significance: First semiconductor manufacturing unit in AP cleared under India Semiconductor Mission framework
- Approved under A.P. Semiconductor and Display Fab Policy (4.0) 2024–29
- 1,000 MW AI Data Centre Cluster by Adani Infra in Visakhapatnam & Anakapalli
- 900 MW solar project in Kurnool (NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd.)
PM Lanka Boats Project
Ramakrishna Mission launched ‘PM Lanka Boats’ project to restore livelihoods of traditional fishing families in Godavari belt of AP whose boats and nets were damaged by Montha Cyclone.
- Support: 300 vulnerable fishing families
- Providing boats and fishing nets worth ₹2.10 crore
- First phase: Equipment valued at ₹70 lakh distributed to 100 fishermen
AP Assigned Lands (Prohibition of Transfers) Amendment Bill, 2026
AP Legislative Assembly passed the A.P. Assigned Lands (Prohibition of Transfers) (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Allows government to lease assigned lands on long-term basis for setting up renewable energy projects under A.P. Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024.
- Amends 1977 Act, which earlier prohibited transfer of assigned lands given to landless poor
- Policy targets 160 GW renewable energy capacity
- Aims to attract ₹10 lakh crore investments
- Aligned with India’s climate commitments
- Land can be leased to A.P. Rural Agriculture Power Limited (earlier A.P. Green Energy Corporation Ltd.) for solar and clean energy projects
Microbreweries to Promote Beach Tourism
AP Government amended A.P. Brewery Rules, 2006 to promote beach tourism by allowing microbreweries in notified tourism areas.
New Permissions: Earlier restricted to municipal corporation limits, microbreweries now permitted:
- Within 5-km belt from municipal corporation limits
- In designated tourism centres
- In three-star and above hotels anywhere in the State
4) Economy Current Affairs
Sandalwood Production
India, once world’s largest producer of sandalwood (Santalum album), has been overtaken by Australia, which now accounts for about 69% of global production, while India’s share has declined to nearly 20%.
- Restrictive forest laws
- Illegal harvesting (about 75% in Karnataka)
- Lack of research
- High security costs
- Long gestation period (15–20 years)
- Theft risks
Sandalwood remains highly valuable due to use in perfume industry, Ayurveda, attar production, and high essential oil content. Karnataka is largest Sandalwood producer in India.
MSP for Raw Jute (2026–27) Approved
CCEA (chaired by PM Modi) approved Minimum Support Price for raw jute for 2026–27 marketing season.
- MSP for TD-3 grade raw jute: ₹5,925 per quintal
- Procurement Mechanism: Jute Corporation of India (JCI) continues as Central Nodal Agency for Price Support Operations. Any losses incurred by JCI will be reimbursed by Central Government
CBDC-Based Food Subsidy Pilot in Puducherry
Government launched Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based food subsidy distribution pilot in UT of Puducherry on 26 February 2026. Implemented under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) to strengthen digital public infrastructure and transparent subsidy delivery.
Tokenised digital form of Indian rupee issued by RBI. Functions as programmable, secure, instant and traceable digital cash.
- Food subsidy credited as CBDC tokens directly into beneficiaries’ digital wallets
- Tokens can be used only to purchase entitled foodgrains at Fair Price Shops (FPS) → ensures purpose-bound utilisation
- Integrated with DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) ecosystem
Implementing Agencies: Government of Puducherry, RBI, PFMS (Public Financial Management System), Canara Bank (designated banking partner)
U.S. Imposes 126% Countervailing Duty on Indian Solar Imports
United States imposed 126% countervailing duty (CVD) on solar cell imports from India after preliminary investigation by U.S. Department of Commerce. Probe concluded that subsidised Indian solar exports were hurting U.S. domestic manufacturers and violated WTO subsidy norms. Similar duties also imposed on Indonesia and Laos.
- U.S. is largest export destination for Indian solar components
- India exported: $1 billion worth photovoltaics in FY 2022–23
- India exported: $1.94 billion in FY 2023–24
NSIC Upgraded to Schedule ‘A’ CPSE
National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC), under Ministry of MSME, upgraded from Schedule ‘B’ to Schedule ‘A’ category CPSE through government notification dated 26 February 2026. NSIC has been working for over seven decades for promotion and development of MSMEs in India.
Income Mobility in India (2014–2025)
Study using CMIE’s Consumer Pyramids Household Survey shows big changes in people’s income levels between 2014 and 2025.
- Families whose income went down increased from 14% in 2015 to 26.8% in 2025
- Families remaining in same income group reduced sharply
- Some families moved upward, but growth was slow and smaller than downward movement
- Economic insecurity is increasing
- Rural areas worst affected: Nearly 29% of rural households became poorer compared to 2014
- Social inequality still plays major role: SCs, OBCs and Muslims had fewer chances to move up
- Factors improving income growth: Better education, Living in urban areas, Lower inequality in district
New GDP Base Year 2022-23
MoSPI released new GDP/National Accounts series with base year shifted to 2022–23, replacing earlier 2011–12 base.
- Rebasing aims to capture structural changes, use new data sources, improve methods, deflation strategy, coverage, and accuracy
- MoSPI said 2022–23 chosen as “recent normal year” (post-COVID) with robust data availability across sectors
5) Science & Technology
Indigenously Manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine
India launched indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine at Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Vaccine included in Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which is world’s largest immunisation programme.
Proteins as Quantum Sensors Inside Living Cells
Scientists recently found that fluorescent proteins can be engineered to act as quantum sensors inside living cells.
- Proteins can detect magnetic fields and radio waves by using quantum behaviour of electrons
- Traditionally, quantum sensors made from solid materials like diamond, difficult to insert into cells
- Cells can naturally produce proteins using genetic instructions → sensors can be genetically encoded and precisely positioned inside body
- Enable nanoscale measurement of magnetic fields, temperature, electric fields, and chemical reactions inside living cells
Nationwide Free HPV Vaccination Programme for Girls
Union Health Ministry set to roll out nationwide free HPV vaccination programme targeting girls aged 14 years. Vaccination will be voluntary and free of cost, ensuring equitable access across all States and UTs.
Vaccine Used: India will use Gardasil (quadrivalent HPV vaccine), which protects against:
- HPV types 16 & 18 → cause cervical cancer
- HPV types 6 & 11 → cause other HPV-related conditions
6) Polity & Governance
Women’s Reservation Act, 2023
Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 (106th Constitutional Amendment) provides 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
- First Census conducted after 2026
- Delimitation based on that Census data
Since next Census is scheduled for 2027 and delimitation historically takes several years, implementation in 2029 general elections is not possible. Earliest likely implementation is around 2034 general election, unless fresh constitutional amendment delinks reservation from delimitation.
- Article 82: Provides for readjustment of constituencies (delimitation) after every Census
- Delimitation Commission redraws parliamentary and Assembly constituencies
- Act applies only to directly elected Houses (Lok Sabha & State Assemblies), not to Rajya Sabha or Legislative Councils
First Women’s Reservation Bill introduced on 12 September 1996 by H.D. Deve Gowda–led United Front government. Called Constitution (81st Amendment) Bill, 1996. Bill sent to Joint Parliamentary Committee headed by Geeta Mukherjee. In 2010, it cleared Rajya Sabha, but not Lok Sabha. Nearly 27 years later, in 2023 the bill was passed as 106th Constitutional Amendment (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam).
7) Defence
Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR 2026
16th edition of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR conducted at Special Forces Training School, Bakloh (Himachal Pradesh) from 24 February to 16 March 2026. Joint Special Forces exercise between India and United States aimed at enhancing military cooperation and interoperability.
Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN 2026
7th edition of Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN between Indian Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) began at Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia (Uttarakhand). Conducted from 24 February to 9 March 2026.
Vayu Shakti–2026 Exercise
President Droupadi Murmu witnessed ‘Vayu Shakti–2026’ exercise at Pokhran Firing Range in Rajasthan on 27 February 2026. Exercise showcased Indian Air Force’s capability to carry out swift and precise strikes in simulated wartime conditions through integrated operational scenario.
Commissioning of INS Anjadip
INS Anjadip, fourth vessel of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project, commissioned into Indian Navy on 27 February 2026 at Chennai Port. Ceremony presided over by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff.
- Named after an island off coast of Karwar
- Specifications: 77-metre, 1,400-ton warship
- Specially designed for anti-submarine operations in shallow coastal waters
8) Ranks & Reports
UNESCO Report: State of Education Report for India 2025 – “Bhasha Matters”
- Foundational literacy and numeracy
- Learning outcomes
- Confidence and retention
- Treats linguistic diversity as asset, not barrier
Recommendation: National Mission for Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education
9) Awards and Honours
79th BAFTA Awards – ‘Boong’ Creates History
‘Boong’ film created history at 79th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards. Boong, a Manipuri-language film directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, became first Indian film to win a BAFTA award. Won in Best Children and Family Film category.
79th British Academy Film Awards held in London at Royal Festival Hall. “One Battle After Another”, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, won 6 awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Best Supporting Actor (Sean Penn).
10) Person in News
Netherlands’s Youngest Prime Minister
Rob Jetten sworn in as youngest-ever and first openly gay Prime Minister of the Netherlands by King Willem-Alexander in The Hague.
11) Important Days
International Mother Language Day – 21 February
On occasion of International Mother Language Day (21 February), UNESCO emphasised importance of Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) for inclusive and quality learning in India.
Theme 2026: “Youth voices on multilingual education”
- India has 1,300+ mother tongues and 121 constitutionally recognised languages (Census 2011)
- Nearly 44% of children enter school with a language different from medium of instruction (NCERT, 2022)
This is how toppers revise an entire year of current affairs using just a few pages.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Keyword / Fact |
|---|---|
| Gaza Peace Board | India observer Washington DC • Namgya Khampa Deputy Chief • Pre-1967 borders Palestine • UNSC 2803 |
| ALARA Principle | US DOE removed • As Low As Reasonably Achievable • Radiation safety cornerstone dropped |
| India-Brazil TKDL | Feb 21 2026 agreement • Brazil INPI access • TKDL 2001 CSIR AYUSH • Prevent biopiracy wrongful patents |
| UN Road Safety | 4 states: Rajasthan Kerala TN Assam • Decade Action 2021-2030 • Reduce deaths injuries 50% by 2030 |
| India-Israel Partnership | Special Strategic • AI agriculture fintech cyber fisheries • UPI remittances • Innovation Centre Agri • Cyber CoE • 50,000 workers 5 years • Academic Forum Parliamentary Group |
| Bela Gram Net-Zero | India’s first • Bhandara Maharashtra Vidarbha • 90,000+ trees weddings festivals • LPG solar waste segregation single-use plastic • Mumbai Climate Week 2026 |
| AI Summit Declaration | New Delhi Declaration AI Impact • Feb 18-19 • 89 countries orgs endorsed • Economic growth social good inclusive development |
| Hoysala Temples | Hassan Mandya Mysuru Karnataka • 11th-13th century • Soapstone star platforms sculpted walls • Bucheshwara Lakshminarasimha Lakshmidevi Hulikere stepwell |
| Rajaji Bust | Rashtrapati Bhavan Feb 23 • C Rajagopalachari • First only Indian Governor-General 1948-1950 • Replaced Edwin Lutyens bust |
| PRAHAAR Policy | First national anti-terror • MHA comprehensive strategy • Water land air threats • Cyber drones dark web crypto • CBRNED materials Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive Digital |
| Kerala to Keralam | Cabinet approved Feb 24 • Assembly resolution June 24 2024 • Malayalam linguistic cultural identity 1956 reorganisation • Article 3 procedure President Bill Parliament |
| Seva Sankalp | First Cabinet Seva Teerth Feb 24 PM chair • British barracks site colonial to New India • Citizen-centric Constitutional values Viksit Bharat 2047 |
| National Arogya Fair | President inaugurated Feb 25 • Shegaon Buldhana Maharashtra • 6 senior Vaidyas felicitated AYUSH healthcare |
| CAFE-III Norms | PMO review high-level • Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency • 2027 proposed • Power BEE Heavy Industries • No final decision |
| SC NCERT Textbook | Class 8 Social Science Feb 2026 • Blanket ban seizure physical digital • Negative judiciary portrayal corruption selective • Scandalise undermine dignity criminal contempt |
| Women Reservation Act | 106th Amendment 2023 • 33% LS State Assemblies • Census 2027 Delimitation mandatory • 2029 not possible 2034 likely • Article 82 • First Bill Sept 12 1996 HD Deve Gowda • 2010 cleared RS not LS • 27 years later 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan |
🔗 Related Daily Current Affairs
Open any day for full explanations (weekly post is for revision).
🔗 Practice This Week Current Affairs Quiz
Practice Daily, Progress Surely.
