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Current Affairs February 2026
Complete Monthly Digest for UPSC · SSC · Banking · Defence · Railways & All Competitive Exams
💰 Union Budget 🇮🇳 National 🌍 International 🛡️ Defence 🏆 Awards 🔬 Science & AI ⚽ Sports 🌿 Environment
📖 Compiled from PIB · The Hindu · Indian Express · Economic Times · PRS India | Exam-relevant facts highlighted
⚡ February 2026 — At a Glance
Union Budget
Feb 1 | Nirmala's 9th | ₹53.5 lakh crore total outlay
MILAN 2026
13th Edition | 74 Nations | Visakhapatnam
Kerala Renamed
Cabinet approves "Keralam" — Feb 25
AI Summit
India AI Impact Summit 2026 | 88 countries sign New Delhi Declaration
Namo Bharat RRTS
82-km Delhi–Meerut corridor completed by PM Modi
Winter Olympics
Milano Cortina 2026 | USA women's hockey gold
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Union Budget 2026-27
MUST KNOW🌟 Key Budget Numbers — February 1, 2026
- Presented by: Nirmala Sitharaman — her 9th consecutive budget (record — longest serving FM)
- Total Outlay: ₹53.5 lakh crore | Net Tax Receipts: ₹28.7 lakh crore
- Fiscal Deficit: 4.3% of GDP (2026-27) | down from 4.4% (2025-26)
- Capital Expenditure: ₹12.2 lakh crore (up ~11.5%)
- Defence Allocation: ₹7,84,678 crore — highest ministry allocation (15% of total expenditure)
- Theme: "Yuva Shakti-driven Budget" | 3 Kartavyas — Growth, Aspiration, Inclusion
- Historic Note: First Union Budget presented on a Sunday
- New Income Tax Act 2025 to be implemented from April 1, 2026
Key Sectoral Announcements — Budget 2026-27
• India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 (ISM 2.0) launched — produce semiconductor equipment, develop full-stack Indian IP
• ECMS Outlay raised to ₹40,000 crore (Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme)
• Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu
• Container Manufacturing Scheme — ₹10,000 crore over 5 years
• MSME Growth Fund — ₹10,000 crore to revive 2,000 industry clusters
• Khelo India Mission launched to transform sports ecosystem over next decade
• Lakhpati Didi expanded — women to move from credit livelihoods to enterprise ownership
• Tax holiday until 2047 for foreign cloud & data service providers operating from India
• 16th Finance Commission (Chair: Dr. Arvind Panagariya) tabled — 41% vertical devolution retained
• ECMS Outlay raised to ₹40,000 crore (Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme)
• Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu
• Container Manufacturing Scheme — ₹10,000 crore over 5 years
• MSME Growth Fund — ₹10,000 crore to revive 2,000 industry clusters
• Khelo India Mission launched to transform sports ecosystem over next decade
• Lakhpati Didi expanded — women to move from credit livelihoods to enterprise ownership
• Tax holiday until 2047 for foreign cloud & data service providers operating from India
• 16th Finance Commission (Chair: Dr. Arvind Panagariya) tabled — 41% vertical devolution retained
UPSC SSC BANK
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National Affairs
HIGH PRIORITYKerala to be Renamed "Keralam" — Cabinet Approval Feb 25
The Union Cabinet on February 25 approved the proposal to officially rename the state of "Kerala" as "Keralam". This requires an amendment to the First Schedule of the Constitution under Article 3. Kerala had requested the change to use its original Malayalam name.
UPSC SSC BANK
Namo Bharat RRTS — 82-km Delhi–Meerut Corridor Completed
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the remaining sections of the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), completing the 82-km Delhi–Meerut corridor. The new stretches include the 5-km Sarai Kale Khan–New Ashok Nagar link (Delhi) and 21-km Meerut South–Modipuram section. The RRTS was also integrated with the Meerut Metro — India's first RRTS–Metro integration.
UPSC SSC RRB
PRAHAAR — India's First National Counter-Terrorism Policy
MHA released India's first national counter-terrorism policy titled "PRAHAAR" (meaning "Strike"). Its 7 pillars (acronym): Prevention, Response, Aggregating capacities, Human Rights, Attenuation of enabling conditions, Aligning global efforts, Recovery & Resilience.
UPSC SSC
India AI Impact Summit 2026 — New Delhi Declaration
88 countries — including USA, UK, China, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Switzerland — endorsed the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. IIT-M Prof. B. Ravindran was appointed to the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. India ranked 6th in the Global AI Brain Race Report 2026.
UPSC SSC BANK
India's First National Counter-Terrorism Policy | HPV Vaccination Drive
PM Narendra Modi launched a Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive in Ajmer, Rajasthan on February 28. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer in girls/women. Also: MeitY launched the "Blockchain India Challenge" on Feb 25 to boost digital governance.
UPSC SSC
Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) Established
India signed an agreement to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL), building an integrated, self-reliant container ecosystem. It aligns with Budget 2026-27's push to strengthen maritime logistics and reduce dependence on foreign container operators.
UPSC SSC
NSIC Upgraded to Schedule A CPSE | ESIC Turns 75
MoMSME upgraded National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) from Schedule B to Schedule A CPSE. Also: ESIC completed 75 years; Govt issued a ₹75 commemorative coin; ESIC–NHA MoU signed to integrate ESI with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.
BANK SSC
India Launches First Comprehensive Carbon Trading Programme
India announced the launch of its first comprehensive Carbon Trading Programme on February 25, aligning with India's Net Zero 2070 commitment and global climate goals.
UPSC BANK
Toll Booths Go Fully Digital — FASTag Mandatory from April 1
From April 1, 2026, all toll booths across India will go fully digital — cash payments phased out, FASTag mandatory. This is a major step in digitising India's road transport infrastructure.
SSC RRB
Sunetra Pawar — First Woman Deputy CM of Maharashtra
Sunetra Pawar, wife of late NCP leader Ajit Pawar, was appointed as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra — becoming the first woman DyCM since Maharashtra's formation 66 years ago. She is a Rajya Sabha MP. Oath administered by Governor Acharya Devvrat at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai.
UPSC SSC
SUJVIKA — AI-Driven Biotech Portal Launched | DBT@40
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched "SUJVIKA", India's AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal, on the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) (established 1986). Developed in collaboration with industry body ABLE.
UPSC SSC
India's First State Innovation Mission — Tripura
Dr. Jitendra Singh launched India's first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura at Hapania International Exhibition Centre, Agartala. Part of Atal Innovation Mission 2.0 under NITI Aayog. CM Manik Saha also launched 'T-NEST' (Tripura's 1st incubation hub) and one of India's first District Innovator Fellowships (DIF).
UPSC SSC
NSE IX Global Access — Indian Investors to Trade Overseas
NSE IX (National Stock Exchange International Exchange) launched "NSE IX Global Access" platform allowing Indian retail investors and NRIs to directly trade in equities, debt, and ETFs listed in the USA (with plans to expand to 30+ markets). Works under RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) — limit: USD 2,50,000/year.
BANK SSC
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Defence & Security
DEFENCE EXAMSExercise MILAN 2026 — 13th Edition | 74 Nations | Visakhapatnam
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 13th edition of Exercise MILAN 2026 on February 19 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh — the largest ever edition with 74 nations and 85 warships (including 19 foreign). INS Vikrant, 3 submarines, Visakhapatnam-class destroyers participated. Theme: "Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration". Organised by Eastern Naval Command. Reflects India's MAHASAGAR Vision.
DEFENCE UPSC
International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 — Visakhapatnam
The International Fleet Review 2026 was held concurrently with MILAN 2026 from February 15–25 in Visakhapatnam — India's 3rd IFR (after 2001 and 2016). INS Sumedha served as the Presidential Yacht. Also concurrent: Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs. Maiden participants: Germany, Philippines & UAE.
DEFENCE UPSC
President Murmu Flies 'Prachand' — India's Indigenous Combat Helicopter
President Droupadi Murmu made a historic sortie in the 'Prachand' Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) — India's first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter. This is a significant milestone for India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence.
DEFENCE UPSC
Ashwin Vaishnaw Launches Rail Tech Policy & e-RCT
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the Rail Tech Policy, a new Portal, and e-RCT (electronic Railway Coaching Ticket) system on February 27, marking a big reform push for Indian Railways' technology modernisation.
SSC RRB
India–Israel MoU for Defence Cooperation Signed
India and Israel signed an MoU to deepen defence cooperation in February 2026, strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership in areas of technology, intelligence, and joint military capabilities.
DEFENCE UPSC
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International Affairs
HIGH PRIORITYUS–India Trade Agreement — Trump Announces Feb 2
US President Trump announced a trade agreement with India on February 2, reducing US tariffs on Indian exports to 18% in exchange for India stopping purchases of Russian oil. This marked a major geopolitical and trade development.
UPSC BANK
Manipur CM Change — Yumnam Khemchand Singh Takes Oath Feb 4
Yumnam Khemchand Singh took oath as the Chief Minister of Manipur on February 4 after President's Rule ended in the state.
UPSC SSC
Sachin Tendulkar — UN Global Road Safety Champion
On February 24, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was designated a Global Champion for Road Safety by the UN. He participated in the UN-JCDecaux #MakeASafetyStatement campaign under UN Special Envoy Jean Todt. Campaign promotes wearing seat belts, helmets, speed limits, avoiding phone use while driving.
SSC BANK
FCI–WFP MoU — 2 Lakh MT Rice Supply Annually
Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed a landmark MoU with the World Food Programme (WFP) on February 20 to supply 2 lakh MT of rice annually. This enhances India's role as a global food security contributor.
UPSC BANK
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Economy, Banking & Finance
BANK EXAMSRBI Approves SBI MF to Acquire Stake in RBL Bank & Bandhan Bank
RBI approved SBI Mutual Fund (MF), a subsidiary of SBI, to acquire up to 9.99% of paid-up share capital/voting rights in both RBL Bank and Bandhan Bank.
BANK
Uday Kotak Appointed Chairman of GIFT City
The Gujarat government appointed Uday Kotak as Chairman of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Ltd (GIFT City), replacing Hasmukh Adhia.
BANK SSC
Nidhi Chhibber — Additional Charge as CEO, NITI Aayog
The ACC gave additional charge of CEO of NITI Aayog to IAS officer Nidhi Chhibber on February 24, 2026.
UPSC SSC
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Environment & Geography
NHAI's "Bee Corridors" — Pollinators Along National Highways
NHAI announced a pioneering initiative to develop Pollinator / "Bee Corridors" along National Highways — transitioning from ornamental roadside plantations to ecologically driven green corridors supporting honeybees and other pollinators.
UPSC SSC
NGT Approves ₹81,000 Crore Great Nicobar Project
National Green Tribunal (NGT) gave a nod to the ₹81,000 crore Great Nicobar Island Project with strict green rules. The mega infrastructure project includes a transshipment port, an international airport, a township, and a power plant.
UPSC
Fishing Cat — First Scientific Assessment | Kaziranga a Major Stronghold
The first scientific assessment of the Fishing Cat ("Prionailurus viverrinus") identified Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve as a major stronghold of this globally vulnerable species. Based on camera-trap images.
UPSC
Three Inland Waterway Projects — Brahmaputra, Dibrugarh
Three major inland waterways projects were opened on the Brahmaputra river in Dibrugarh, Assam on February 28, boosting northeast India's inland water transport connectivity.
UPSC SSC
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Sports
ALL EXAMSMilano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics — Italy
The 2026 Winter Olympics were held in Milano Cortina, Italy. Key highlights:
• USA Women's Hockey: Defeated Canada 2-1 (3-on-3 OT) to win gold
• Norway: Set Winter Olympics record — 17th gold (biathlon, by Johannes Dale-Skjevdal)
• Brazil: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won first-ever Winter Olympic medal for Brazil (Alpine skiing)
• USA Women's Hockey: Defeated Canada 2-1 (3-on-3 OT) to win gold
• Norway: Set Winter Olympics record — 17th gold (biathlon, by Johannes Dale-Skjevdal)
• Brazil: Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won first-ever Winter Olympic medal for Brazil (Alpine skiing)
SSC RRB
Harmanpreet Kaur — Most Capped Women's International Cricketer
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur became the most capped women's international cricketer during a T20I match against Australia in Canberra with 356 international matches — more than any other woman cricketer in any format in any country.
SSC BANK
Pankaj Advani Wins Liber Win Champions Cup 2026
Padma awardee & cueist Pankaj Advani won the inaugural Liber Win Champions Cup 2026 in Bengaluru, defeating Kamal Chawla 6-3 in the final. Advani was named Indian Brand Ambassador for Liber Win (Chinese billiards equipment brand).
SSC
Smriti Mandhana — BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025
Smriti Mandhana was awarded the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025 award, recognizing her outstanding contribution to women's cricket.
SSC
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Key Appointments — February 2026
| Person | Appointment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sunetra Pawar | Deputy CM, Maharashtra | 1st woman DyCM in Maharashtra's 66-year history; Rajya Sabha MP |
| Yumnam Khemchand Singh | Chief Minister, Manipur | Took oath Feb 4 after President's Rule ended |
| Nidhi Chhibber (IAS) | Additional CEO, NITI Aayog | Appointed Feb 24 by ACC |
| Kota Ravi | CMD, HAL | Succeeds Dr. D.K. Sunil; 3 decades of aviation experience |
| Uday Kotak | Chairman, GIFT City | Replaces Hasmukh Adhia |
| Rajan Bajaj | MD & CEO, Slice Small Finance Bank | Banking sector appointment |
| Prof. B. Ravindran (IIT-M) | UN International Scientific Panel on AI | Announced by UN SG Guterres at India AI Summit 2026 |
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Important Days — February 2026
SSC / BANK| Date | Day / Occasion | Key Fact / 2026 Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 1 | Indian Coast Guard Day & Union Budget Day | ICG formed 1977; Budget 2026-27 presented |
| Feb 2 | World Wetlands Day | Ramsar Convention signed 1971; India has 98 Ramsar sites |
| Feb 4 | World Cancer Day | Theme 2026: "United by Unique" | organised by UICC |
| Feb 6 | International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM | UN observance on female genital mutilation |
| Feb 10 | National Deworming Day | To eliminate soil-transmitted helminthiasis in children |
| Feb 11 | Int'l Day of Women & Girls in Science | UN observance; promotes gender equality in STEM |
| Feb 12 | National Productivity Day | National Productivity Council (NPC) founded 1958 |
| Feb 13 | Sarojini Naidu Birth Anniversary | 1st woman Governor of an Indian state (UP); "Nightingale of India" |
| Feb 20 | Arunachal Pradesh & Mizoram Foundation Day + World Day of Social Justice | Arunachal: became state 1987; Mizoram: became state 1987 |
| Feb 21 | International Mother Language Day | UNESCO observance; promotes multilingualism; 1952 Language Movement (Bangladesh) |
| Feb 24 | Central Excise Day | Marks Central Excise & Salt Act, 1944 |
| Feb 27 | World NGO Day | First celebrated Feb 27, 2014 in Helsinki, Finland |
| Feb 28 | National Science Day & Rare Disease Day | C.V. Raman discovered Raman Effect 1928; Rare Disease Day theme: "More than you can imagine" |
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Rapid Fire One-Liners — February 2026
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Booktime.in — Your Partner for Competitive Exam SuccessCompiled from PIB · The Hindu · Indian Express · Economic Times · PRS India · February 2026
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