Question 1

Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana was launched by which state government?

Accepted Answer

Himachal Pradesh - Himachal Pradesh expanded Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana to support daughters of widows pursuing higher education within and outside the state. Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana was launched by Himachal Pradesh government. Scheme earlier covered children of widows, destitute or divorced women and disabled parents up to 18 years. Now eligible daughters can receive benefits up to 27 years of age. Financial aid of Rs 3,000 per month for 10 months for professional courses in government institutions outside state.

Question 2

Which country announced its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty) in February 2026?

Accepted Answer

Poland - Poland announced withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention to allow quick deployment of Anti-Personnel Landmines (APLs) along its eastern borders if needed. The Ottawa Convention, also called the Mine Ban Treaty, bans use, production, stockpiling and transfer of APLs. Member countries must destroy stockpiled APLs within 4 years and clear planted mines within 10 years. Extension of up to 10 years can be requested for mine destruction. Countries must submit annual reports on stockpiles, mine locations and destruction progress. The treaty came into force on 1 March 1999 and has unlimited duration.

Question 3

The Bhavani River, that was recently seen in news, is tributary of which river?

Accepted Answer

Cauvery - An Right to Information (RTI) activist filed an online petition to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking criminal, departmental and regulatory action over pollution of the Bhavani River. Bhavani River is a major tributary of the Cauvery River. It flows through Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is the second largest river of Tamil Nadu. It originates in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. It passes through Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, then re-enters Tamil Nadu. It merges with the Cauvery at Bhavani near Bhavani Sangameshwarar Temple.

Question 4

Where was the 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar conducted in India?

Accepted Answer

Himachal Pradesh - Indian Army and United States Army conducted 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar at Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. It is a joint Special Forces exercise between India and United States. The objective is to strengthen defence cooperation and improve interoperability and joint operational readiness. It promotes exchange of advanced Special Operations Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs). Year 2026 marks the 16th edition of this exercise. Training is conducted in realistic combat situations.

Question 5

A new Cobra Lily species named Arisaema Siahaense was recently discovered in which northeastern state?

Accepted Answer

Mizoram - Researchers discovered a new Cobra Lily species named Arisaema siahaense in Siaha District of Mizoram, Northeast India. It is an evergreen herb growing up to 1.08 metre (about 3.5 feet) tall. Cobra Lilies are known for spathe shaped like a cobra hood. This species has an exceptionally long spadix appendix up to 21 centimetre with brownish-green hair-like bristles. It grows from a rounded tuber, not creeping rootstock, and has exactly three leaf segments.

Question 6

Who has IndiGo appointed as the new Head of its Operations Control Centre (OCC)?

Accepted Answer

Rohit Rikhiye - IndiGo has appointed Captain Rohit Rikhye as the new Head of its Operations Control Centre (OCC), marking a key leadership change following the airline’s operational disruptions in December 2025. The reshuffle comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny and internal restructuring at India’s largest carrier by market share. Rikhye replaces Jason Herter, who is exiting the airline.

Question 7

Carl Grillmair, a distinguished American astrophysicist known for detecting water on a distant exoplanet, has died at the age of 67 after being fatally shot by who?

Accepted Answer

Freddy Snyder

Question 8

Which village in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district unanimously passed a Gram Sabha resolution on 5 February 2026 declaring itself a “caste-free” village under the motto “Aamchi jaat…manav”?

Accepted Answer

Soundala - The unanimous resolution, passed by the Gram Sabha on 5 February 2026, commits the community to rejecting caste-based distinctions and promoting equality under the motto “Aamchi jaat… manav” — meaning “my caste is humanity”. The move has drawn attention as a grassroots effort to redefine local identity around shared human values.

Question 9

Which state government is examining a proposal to restrict or ban mobile phone use among children below 16 years?

Accepted Answer

Karnataka - The Karnataka government is examining a proposal to restrict or ban mobile phone use among children below 16 years, citing concerns over digital addiction and exposure to harmful online content. The issue was raised in the State Assembly and at a meeting with university vice-chancellors, reflecting growing unease over the impact of social media and artificial intelligence on young users.

Question 10

Who laid the foundation stone for the new Davem–Sanvordem bridge project in Goa?

Accepted Answer

Pramod Sawant - Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant laid the foundation stone for the new Davem–Sanvordem bridge in Sattari taluka, marking a major infrastructure push aimed at improving connectivity in the region. The Rs 29.9 crore project is expected to replace the existing narrow single-lane bridge and significantly ease traffic movement for residents and commuters.

Question 11

Which city is set to host India’s first Quantum Valley?

Accepted Answer

Amaravati - Amaravati, the upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh, is set to host India’s first Quantum Valley, anchored by a proposed full-scale quantum computing facility from IBM. The initiative aligns with India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) and marks a major step in building next-generation computing infrastructure within the country.

Question 12

The Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR) that has launched the ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ initiative is in which State?

Accepted Answer

Jharkhand - It is a community-driven conservation programme aimed at empowering women to protect forests and wildlife. Rolled out by the south division of PTR, the project seeks to build grassroots awareness and strengthen local participation in safeguarding biodiversity.

Question 13

The Manipuri-language film ‘Boong’ won which award at the 2026 BAFTAs?

Accepted Answer

Best Children’s & Family Film - Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, the 2024 film secured the award ahead of major international contenders including ‘Zootopia 2’, ‘Lilo & Stitch’, and ‘Arco’. The category featured strong competition from high-profile Hollywood productions, making the win particularly notable.

Question 14

Vaishnavi Adkar became the first Indian woman since 2009 to reach the singles final of which category of tournament?

Accepted Answer

ITF W100 - Entering the tournament as a wildcard and ranked World No. 690, Adkar stunned higher-ranked opponents to reach the final. She eventually finished runner-up after losing 6-0, 6-1 to Belgium’s World No. 124 Hanne Vandewinkel.

Question 15

Which film emerged as the biggest winner at the 2026 EE BAFTA Awards with six honours?

Accepted Answer

One Battle After Another - ‘One Battle After Another’ won awards for Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography and Editing, along with a Supporting Actor prize for Sean Penn. Paul Thomas Anderson described the recognition as “overwhelming and wonderful” while accepting the directing honour.

Question 16

Who won the Best Actress award at the 2026 EE BAFTA Awards?

Accepted Answer

Jessie Buckley - With this win, Buckley became the first Irish performer to receive the Best Actress award at the BAFTAs. Her recognition reflects both critical acclaim and industry respect for her nuanced performance. The award was presented by actor Cillian Murphy, adding to the celebratory Irish presence at the event. Buckley’s achievement signals a broader recognition of Irish talent within the British film establishment.

Question 17

Who is set to become the youngest-ever Prime Minister of the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

Rob Jetten - The Netherlands is set to swear in its youngest-ever prime minister as 38-year-old Rob Jetten takes office in The Hague. Jetten will also become the country’s first openly gay prime minister, marking a historic moment in Dutch political history. The new government will be formally installed by King Willem-Alexander at the Huis Ten Bosch Palace.  Jetten’s rise follows a closely fought snap election in October, where his centrist party overturned the far-right Freedom Party (PVV) led by Geert Wilders. The result signals a shift in Dutch politics after months of uncertainty.

Question 18

What is the name of India’s first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy?

Accepted Answer

Prahaar - Released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the framework seeks to enhance prevention, coordination and response mechanisms across land, air and maritime domains. The policy comes amid rising concerns over cross-border terrorism, cyber warfare and the misuse of emerging technologies.  Prahaar is positioned as an integrated legal, technological and community-driven strategy to counter both traditional and non-traditional security risks.

India Current Affairs - 23.02.2026

2) Which country announced its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty) in February 2026?

3) The Bhavani River, that was recently seen in news, is tributary of which river?

4) Where was the 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar conducted in India?

5) A new Cobra Lily species named Arisaema Siahaense was recently discovered in which northeastern state?

6) Who has IndiGo appointed as the new Head of its Operations Control Centre (OCC)?

7) Carl Grillmair, a distinguished American astrophysicist known for detecting water on a distant exoplanet, has died at the age of 67 after being fatally shot by who?

8) Which village in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district unanimously passed a Gram Sabha resolution on 5 February 2026 declaring itself a “caste-free” village under the motto “Aamchi jaat…manav”?

9) Which state government is examining a proposal to restrict or ban mobile phone use among children below 16 years?

10) Who laid the foundation stone for the new Davem–Sanvordem bridge project in Goa?

11) Which city is set to host India’s first Quantum Valley?

12) The Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR) that has launched the ‘Vanjeevi Didi’ initiative is in which State?

13) The Manipuri-language film ‘Boong’ won which award at the 2026 BAFTAs?

14) Vaishnavi Adkar became the first Indian woman since 2009 to reach the singles final of which category of tournament?

15) Which film emerged as the biggest winner at the 2026 EE BAFTA Awards with six honours?

16) Who won the Best Actress award at the 2026 EE BAFTA Awards?

17) Who is set to become the youngest-ever Prime Minister of the Netherlands?

18) What is the name of India’s first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy?