February 2026 Current Affairs
Comprehensive monthly digest for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway & all State PSC exams. Covers Budget, Science, Defence, International Affairs and more.
Budget Presented on February 1, 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament on February 1, 2026 — the first budget prepared at the newly inaugurated Kartavya Bhawan. The budget is guided by 3 Kartavyas: accelerating economic growth, fulfilling people's aspirations, and ensuring Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas.
- Total Expenditure: ₹53.5 lakh crore | Fiscal Deficit: 4.3% of GDP
- Nominal GDP Growth: Projected at 10% for FY 2026-27
- Capital Expenditure: Increased to ₹12.2 lakh crore (↑11.5% over revised estimates)
- Biopharma SHAKTI: ₹10,000 crore outlay over 5 years to make India a global biopharma hub
- India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 launched for full-stack domestic chip production
- New Income Tax Act 2025 to come into effect from April 1, 2026
- Overseas tour TCS reduced from 20% to 2% — big relief for travellers
- Defence: Highest allocation at ₹7,84,678 crore (15% of total budget)
- Renewable Energy: Allocation raised 30% to ₹32,914 crore; Carbon Capture gets ₹20,000 crore
- Khelo India Mission announced for 10-year sports development at grassroots level
Kerala to be Renamed 'Keralam'
On February 25, 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi approved renaming the state of 'Kerala' to 'Keralam'. This follows unanimous resolutions by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in August 2023 and June 2024. The process requires amendment under Article 3 of the Constitution, modifying the First Schedule (state names) and Fourth Schedule (Rajya Sabha seats). The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will be referred to the State Legislature before being introduced in Parliament.
MHA Releases PRAHAAR — India's First Counter-Terror Policy
In February 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released PRAHAAR — India's first publicly articulated National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy. The 8-page framework outlines a comprehensive and proactive approach to combat evolving terror threats. It details past anti-terror measures, existing mechanisms, and future plans to strengthen national security infrastructure.
2nd India-AI Impact Summit 2026
The 2nd India-AI Impact Summit 2026 commenced on February 16, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi. The five-day summit (Feb 16-20) was the first major AI event hosted in the Global South. It was organized by MeitY in collaboration with NASSCOM and NITI Aayog. The summit featured the India AI Impact Expo 2026.
SUJVIKA — AI-Powered Biotech Portal Launched
On February 24, 2026, Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh launched SUJVIKA — an AI-driven biotech product data portal — to mark the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). SUJVIKA stands for a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform. It was developed in collaboration with ABLE (Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises) and aims to create a comprehensive, searchable database of biotech products developed across India.
VOC Port Gets ₹1,500 Crore Upgradation
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over ₹1,500 crore at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. Key initiatives include the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum, upgraded rail-road connectivity, enhanced power infrastructure, and renewable energy integration. These align with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
FCI Signs MoU with WFP for Global Hunger Relief
In February 2026, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed an MoU with the World Food Programme (WFP) to supply 2 lakh Metric Tonnes of rice for global humanitarian operations. The MoU is valid for 5 years from February 17, 2026. The rice price is fixed at ₹2,800 per quintal until March 31, 2026, with annual price negotiation thereafter. Maximum 25% broken rice is permissible under humanitarian quality standards.
CBDC-Based Digital Food Currency Pilot in Puducherry
On February 26, 2026, the Government of India launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Digital Food Currency pilot for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under PMGKAY (Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana) in Puducherry. The pilot uses Retail CBDC as programmable tokens credited to beneficiaries' wallets for purpose-bound subsidy transfers — a first-of-its-kind digital food distribution system.
India's First State Innovation Mission Launched in Tripura
Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh formally launched India's 1st State Innovation Mission (SIM) at the Hapania International Exhibition Center, Agartala, Tripura. The SIM is part of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) 2.0 programme under NITI Aayog. Tripura also launched T-NEST (Tripura: Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Startups), the state's first incubation hub, and one of India's first District Innovator Fellowships (DIF).
India-Israel Elevated to 'Special Strategic Partnership'
PM Narendra Modi's 2026 visit to Israel resulted in the bilateral relationship being elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership, with 17 pacts signed. Key areas of cooperation include Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, critical minerals, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). India also announced the Villages of Excellence initiative to scale up Israel's agricultural technology to Indian farming clusters. India-Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992.
World Government Summit 2026 in Dubai
The World Government Summit 2026 was held in Dubai under the theme "Shaping Future Governments". The summit focused on innovation, sustainability, and technology in public policy, featuring over 445 sessions with 450+ global leaders including presidents, ministers, and experts.
39th India International Leather Fair — Chennai
The 39th India International Leather Fair was held on February 1, 2026 in Chennai as a three-day event. It showcased advanced technologies like AI, additive manufacturing, data analytics, and augmented reality. India's leather exports stood at approximately $4.83 billion. Tamil Nadu and Kerala together contribute 38% of output and over 45% of exports. The fair gained renewed importance after the India-Europe Free Trade Agreement.
E20 Petrol Mandated Nationwide from April 1, 2026
The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) mandated the sale of petrol with a maximum 20% ethanol blend (E20) and minimum RON 95 across all states and UTs from April 1, 2026. This aligns with India's Ethanol Blended Programme (EBP) to reduce crude oil imports and lower carbon emissions. Ethanol naturally has a high octane value of nearly 108 RON, making it ideal for engine protection.
GDP Base Year Revised to 2022-23
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released a new series of National Accounts Statistics (NAS) with 2022-23 as the base year, replacing the earlier 2011-12 base year. The revision ensures better reflection of India's current economic structure, improved sectoral representation, and more reliable policy formulation. India also plans to shift to the SNA 2025 international standard in its next revision.
RBI Approves SBI MF Stake in RBL Bank & Bandhan Bank
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved SBI Mutual Fund (MF), a subsidiary of State Bank of India, to acquire up to 9.99% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights in both RBL Bank and Bandhan Bank — subject to regulatory conditions.
| Date | Day / Observance | Theme 2026 / Key Fact | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1 | Indian Coast Guard Day | Founded in 1977; 49th Raising Day | National |
| Feb 4 | World Cancer Day | "United by Unique" — awareness & prevention | Global |
| Feb 4 | International Day of Human Fraternity | "Dialogue Over Division" (UN, est. 2020) | UN |
| Feb 27 | National Protein Day | 7th observance; launched 2020 via "Right to Protein" campaign | Health |
| Feb 28 | National Science Day | Commemorates discovery of Raman Effect (1928) by C.V. Raman | Science |
NSIC Upgraded to Schedule 'A' CPSE
The Ministry of MSME (MoMSME) upgraded the National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC) from Schedule 'B' to Schedule 'A' category Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). This upgrade reflects NSIC's operational efficiency, financial strength, and strategic importance in supporting India's MSME sector.
ESIC Begins 75th Foundation Year Celebrations
On February 24, 2026, the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) commenced its 75th Foundation Year (Platinum Jubilee) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. A ₹75 commemorative coin was issued by the Government of India. A coffee table book titled "ESIC@75" was also released. ESIC was established in 1952 under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
MSP of Raw Jute Fixed at ₹5,925 per Quintal
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Raw Jute (TD-3 grade, fair quality) at ₹5,925 per quintal for the 2026-27 marketing season — announced alongside the Kerala renaming approval on February 25, 2026.
🧠 Practice MCQ Quiz — February 2026
Test your knowledge of this month's current affairs. 10 questions, instant feedback, and detailed explanations.
The Union Budget 2026-27 was presented on February 1, 2026. It is historically significant as the first budget prepared at the newly inaugurated Kartavya Bhawan. The budget is guided by 3 Kartavyas (duties) and aims to accelerate India's growth toward Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released India's first publicly articulated national counter-terrorism policy and strategy titled PRAHAAR. This 8-page document outlines a comprehensive framework to address evolving terror threats, detailing past measures, existing mechanisms, and future plans.
Under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, Parliament may alter the name of a state. The process requires the President to refer the Bill (Kerala Alteration of Name Bill, 2026) to the State Legislature for its views before introduction in Parliament. It is passed by a simple majority in both Houses.
SUJVIKA was launched on February 24, 2026 to mark the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). It was developed in collaboration with ABLE (Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises) and serves as a comprehensive Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform for India's biotech sector.
The 2nd India-AI Impact Summit 2026 (Feb 16-20, 2026) at Bharat Mandapam was described as the first major Artificial Intelligence event hosted in the Global South. It was organized by MeitY in collaboration with NASSCOM and NITI Aayog, and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) under MoCAF&PD signed an MoU with WFP to supply 2 lakh Metric Tonnes (MT) of rice for global hunger relief operations. The MoU is valid for 5 years from February 17, 2026 with rice priced at ₹2,800 per quintal until March 2026.
PM Modi's 2026 visit to Israel saw bilateral ties elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership with 17 pacts signed. Cooperation covers AI, quantum tech, cybersecurity, critical minerals, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). India-Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992. PM Modi's first standalone visit to Israel was in 2017.
E20 refers to petrol blended with a maximum of 20% ethanol. Ethanol is a bio-fuel derived from sugarcane, maize, or grain. It naturally has a very high octane value (~108 RON), which improves engine knock resistance. Mandating E20 aligns with India's Ethanol Blended Programme (EBP) to reduce crude oil imports and carbon emissions.
India's 1st State Innovation Mission (SIM) was launched in Tripura at the Hapania International Exhibition Center, Agartala. It is part of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) 2.0 programme under NITI Aayog's State Support Mission. Tripura also launched T-NEST incubation hub and one of India's first District Innovator Fellowships (DIF).
The World Government Summit 2026 was held in Dubai under the theme "Shaping Future Governments". The summit focused on innovation, sustainability, and technology in public policy and featured over 445 sessions with more than 450 global leaders including presidents, ministers, and global experts.
- SSC CHSL Result 2025 – Tier 1 Cut Off, Marks & Tier 2 Date 10 April 2026 - March 19, 2026
- HVF Avadi Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 – 450 Posts | Apply Online - March 19, 2026
- March 2026 Week 1 Current Affairs - March 19, 2026