This is comprehensive overview of important current affairs from February 2026, covering national developments, international events, sports, science, and policy updates. It is designed as a preparatory resource for competitive exams, highlighting key facts and data verified from authoritative sources.
Key Highlights and Insights
Ramsar Sites Added in India:
Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh (11th Ramsar site in UP)
Chhari Dhand Wetland in Kutch, Gujarat
Total Ramsar sites in India increased from 96 to 98.
Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2025:
India ranked 91st out of 182 countries with a score of 39/100.
Denmark topped the index, followed by Finland and Singapore.
Neighboring countries’ ranks: China (76), Sri Lanka (107), Pakistan (136), Bangladesh (150).
Published annually by Transparency International since 1995.
Political Updates:
Sumitra Pawar appointed Maharashtra’s first female Deputy Chief Minister in 2026.
Yumnam Khemchand Singh became Manipur’s Chief Minister after the end of President’s rule.
Tarik Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister, leader of BNP.
Sanayo Takaichi re-elected as Japan’s first female Prime Minister with a majority.
Anu Charn Virakul reappointed as Prime Minister of Thailand.
Sports Achievements:
Carlos Alcaraz won the 2026 Australian Open men’s singles title, defeating Novak Djokovic.
Elena Rybakina won the women’s singles title at the same tournament.
India won the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 (held in Zimbabwe and Namibia).
India’s women won the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship 2026 in Nepal.
Magus Carlsen won the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026.
Haryana Thunders won the Pro Wrestling League 2026 title.
Indian Army topped the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 medal tally.
India ranked 7th in the Asian Indoor Athletics Championship 2026 with 5 medals.
Important National Developments:
Adampur Airport renamed to Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport by PM Narendra Modi.
The 16th Finance Commission chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya was constituted; its recommendations valid from April 2026 to 2031.
Kerala became the first Indian state to declare tidal flooding a state-specific disaster and introduced a separate elderly budget.
VO Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu became India’s first major port to install an anti-drone system and received IGBC Platinum Rating for environmental standards.
PMO shifted from South Block to a new complex Seva Teerth for better administrative coordination.
India’s GDP and IIP new base year revised to 2022-23 (previously 2011-12).
Uday Kotak appointed as chairman of GIFT City, India’s first international financial services center.
India joined PaxSilica, a US-led strategic alliance securing AI, semiconductor, and critical mineral supply chains.
Science and Environment:
Indian scientist Veerbhadran Ramnathan awarded the Crafoord Prize 2026 for research on CFC gases and their impact on ozone depletion and global warming.
Tropical cyclone Gajani affected Madagascar severely, particularly the port city of Toamasina.
NATO launched the Arctic Sentri Mission to enhance security and surveillance in the Arctic region.
India’s only mud volcano is located on Baratang Island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands).
Social and Cultural:
National Women’s Day in India is observed on 13 February, commemorating Sarojini Naidu.
The 10th Missing Youth Festival was held in Demaji district, Assam, celebrating the Mising tribe’s culture.
100% insurance coverage achieved by Alwar district, Rajasthan, under a national initiative.
The Ol Chiki Script related to the Santali language celebrated its 100th anniversary; created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu.
Shashi Tharoor authored the book The Sage Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons, and Legacy of Shri Narayan Guru.
Key Infrastructure and Projects:
India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel will be built beneath the Brahmaputra River, connecting Gopur and Numaligarh in Assam, reducing travel from 6 hours to 20 minutes.
Galathia Bay is located in the Great Nicobar Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and is central to the Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project.
Shahpurkandi Dam is being constructed on the Ravi River at the Punjab-Jammu & Kashmir border, providing 206 MW hydropower and irrigation benefits.
International Relations and Events:
India hosted the first BRICS Sherpa meeting in New Delhi under its 2026 BRICS presidency.
PM Narendra Modi received the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, Israel’s highest parliamentary honor, marking the first time awarded to a global leader.
NATO launched Arctic Sentinel Mission amid growing strategic importance of Greenland and Arctic region.
Miscellaneous:
February 4 is World Cancer Day with the theme “United by Unique” (2025-27), promoting awareness and personalized care.
Spain imposed a national-level social media ban for children under 16 in February 2026, following Australia’s lead.
The National Pulse Self-Reliant Mission was launched in Madhya Pradesh to boost pulse production and self-reliance.
Vibrant Villages Program Phase II started from Nathanpur village, Assam, targeting development of border villages.
Timeline Selected Events (February 2026)
Date/Period
Event
4 February
World Cancer Day observed with theme “United by Unique”
6-22 February
Winter Olympics 2026 held in Milan and Cortina, Italy
16-20 February
India AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi
23 Feb – 15 Mar
Vajra Prahar joint military exercise (India-US) in Bucklo, Himachal Pradesh
February (general)
Addition of Ramsar sites, CPI 2025 release, political appointments, sports championships
Quantitative Data
Indicator
Data/Value
Notes
India’s Ramsar sites
98 total
Up from 96
CPI 2025 Rank & Score for India
91st, 39/100
Last year 96th, 38/100
Finance Commission Period
2026-2031
16th Finance Commission chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya
Government projected expenditure FY 2026-27
₹53.5 lakh crore
Fiscal deficit target 4.3% of GDP
Gujarat renewable energy capacity
42.58 GW
16.5% of India’s total capacity
Indian Army Medals at Khelo India Winter Games 2026
23 (9 Gold, 6 Silver, 8 Bronze)
Third consecutive time topping medal tally
Asian Indoor Athletics 2026 Medals
5 total (1 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze)
India ranked 7th
Pro Wrestling League 2026 Winner
Haryana Thunders
Defeated Delhi Dangal Warriors
Insurance Coverage in Alwar (Rajasthan)
100% coverage
First district in India
Key Terms and Definitions
Term
Definition
Ramsar Site
Wetlands designated of international importance under the Ramsar Convention
Corruption Perception Index (CPI)
Annual ranking by Transparency International measuring perceived public sector corruption
PaxSilica
US-led strategic alliance for securing AI, semiconductor, and critical mineral supply chains
Mud Volcano
Geological formation where mud, gas, and water erupt instead of lava
Ol Chiki Script
Phonetic script developed for the Santali language by Pandit Raghunath Murmu
Tidal Flooding (Sunny Day Flooding)
Flooding caused by rising sea levels, independent of rainfall
IGBC Platinum Rating
Highest environmental rating for green buildings in India
Key Points to Remember
February 2026 saw significant progress in environmental conservation with new Ramsar sites and renewable energy achievements.
India continued to strengthen its global position through sports victories, international diplomacy, and strategic partnerships.
Political milestones included historic appointments like Maharashtra’s first female deputy CM and leadership changes in neighboring countries.
Technological and infrastructure advancements were notable with the underwater tunnel project and AI summits.
Social initiatives targeted vulnerable groups and border area development, emphasizing inclusive growth.
Security cooperation expanded through joint military exercises and anti-drone installations.
