Current Affairs Quiz - February 2026

Notes:
A new orchid species named Diplocentrum papillosum was discovered in Kanthalloor, Marayoor, in the Idukki district of Kerala. It belongs to the Diplocentrum genus, which is found only in the southern part of the Western Ghats. The orchid grows on rocks and tree branches and has strong roots to survive high winds. The name papillosum refers to the papillose, or small bump-like, texture of its flowers. It has unbranched flower clusters with pink and white, fragrant, and eye-catching blooms.

Notes:
India added two new wetlands to its Ramsar network ahead of World Wetlands Day. Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has freshwater marshes, woodlands, and grasslands, supporting high biodiversity. It is designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International. Chhari-Dhand Wetland in Kutch, Gujarat, is a seasonal saline wetland between Banni grasslands and salt flats.

Notes:
The 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2026 was inaugurated on 31 January at Surajkund in Faridabad, Haryana. The Mela Sathi App was launched to improve visitor support and experience. The event highlighted artisans as custodians of traditional knowledge and key contributors to a sustainable and inclusive economy. The central theme is “Local to Global”, promoting traditional crafts on an international platform. Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya are the theme states, and Egypt is the partner nation.

Notes:
The Union Finance Minister announced the Biopharma SHAKTI initiative in the Union Budget 2026–27 initiative to strengthen India’s biopharmaceutical sector. Biopharma SHAKTI stands for Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation. It aims to make India a global hub for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The initiative will support domestic production of biologics and biosimilars. It will build a biopharma-focused network with three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER).

Notes:
Gyan Bharatam is a flagship Ministry of Culture initiative announced in Union Budget 2025–26 to preserve India’s manuscript heritage. It aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by linking cultural preservation with human capital development. The Standing Finance Committee approved ₹491.66 crore for 2025–2031. The programme works on survey, conservation, digitisation, translation, research, and outreach. More than 7.5 lakh manuscripts have been digitised, with 1.29 lakh available on the Gyan Bharatam portal.

Notes:
Haryana Thunders won the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) 2026 title after defeating Delhi Dangal Warriors 5-4 in a thrilling final at Noida Indoor Stadium. Scores were tied 4-4 after eight bouts; the final women’s 62kg match decided the championship. Paris Olympic silver medallist Iryna Koliadenko secured technical superiority to clinch victory for Haryana Thunders.

Notes:
The first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under India’s Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) has been formed: National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, Tamil Nadu (NSHIP, TN). It is a 50:50 Joint Venture between VOC Port (GoI) and SIPCOT (State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu). The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will create a roadmap for the Thoothukudi Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster, access central funding, enable digital and technical infrastructure, and strengthen Centre–State–industry collaboration with global partners.

Notes:
Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) discovered a new flowering plant species named Dicliptera pakhalica. The discovery was made in Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary located in Warangal district of Telangana. The sanctuary is dominated by mixed deciduous forest vegetation. The area has rich plant diversity including bamboo and teak trees.

Notes:
The Rajasthan Forest and Environment Minister stated that villagers in Dholpur–Karauli Tiger Reserve will not be relocated without their consent. Dholpur–Karauli Tiger Reserve is located in eastern Rajasthan across Dholpur and Karauli districts. It shares ecological continuity with Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve towards the west. The reserve lies close to the Chambal River in the east, which acts as a natural boundary and water source. It was officially notified in 2023 as Rajasthan’s fifth tiger reserve.

Notes:
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment implements Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana (PM-DAKSH) as a Central Sector Scheme. It provides skill training to Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, De-notified Tribes and Safai Karamcharis. Training is conducted in National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) compliant courses aligned with local market demand. Training institutes must ensure at least 70 percent wage or self-employment outcomes.