Latest Current Affairs 26 February 2026-Daily GK with FAQs
1. India Launches First Compliance-Based Carbon Market (CCTS)
India is in the final phase of launching its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) — the country’s first compliance-based carbon market, marking a critical milestone in India’s Climate Action Framework.
Key Highlights
- Mandatory emission targets for industries
- Low emitters earn tradable carbon credits
- High emitters must purchase credits or pay penalties
- Aligns India with global carbon pricing mechanisms
- Supports India’s Net Zero 2070 goal
Why It Matters for Exams
- Environment + Economy linkage
- Global climate commitments
- Industrial regulation reform
2. RBI Greenfield Data Centre & Cybersecurity Institute – Bhubaneswar
The Reserve Bank of India has established its second major data center (after Navi Mumbai) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Core Objectives
- Secure handling of UPI, NEFT, RTGS data
- Cybersecurity training for banking professionals
- Business continuity & disaster recovery
- Strengthening India’s digital payment backbone
Exam Angle
- Financial infrastructure
- Digital economy
- Cyber security preparedness
3. Sachin Tendulkar Appointed UN Global Road Safety Champion
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been named UN Global Road Safety Champion.
Campaign Details
- Linked to UN’s #MakeASafetyStatement campaign
- Targets halving road accident deaths by 2030
- Covers 80 countries & 1,000 cities
Why Important
- Social sector + UN initiatives
- Celebrity diplomacy
- SDG-3 (Good Health & Well-Being)
4. President Inaugurates National Health Fair 2026 (AYUSH)
President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Health Fair 2026 in Shegaon, Maharashtra.
Key Takeaways
- Organized by Ministry of AYUSH
- Promotion of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy
- Encourages medicinal plant farming
- Message: “Arogyam Param Sukham”
5. First International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD 2026)
Delhi will host its first-ever International Film Festival from 25–31 March 2026.
Why It Matters
- Cultural diplomacy
- Creative economy
- Tourism & global branding of Delhi
6. Hexagon of Alliance: India–Israel Strategic Bloc
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu proposed the Hexagon of Alliance, finalized during Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel.
Focus Areas
- Counter-terror security framework
- Intelligence sharing
- AI & Quantum cooperation
- Economic & tech collaboration
7. Indian Army Test-Fires Strela-10 Missile
The Indian Army successfully test-fired Strela-10 VSHORADS at Pokhran.
Technical Highlights
- Infrared heat-seeking missile
- Range: 6–10 km
- BMP-based mobile platform
- Effective in desert terrain
8. Clean Energy Transition: IEEFA–Ember Report
A joint report by Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis and Ember evaluates state-wise clean energy progress.
State Leaders
- Uttar Pradesh: EV registrations
- Rajasthan: Solar power production
- Andhra Pradesh: Renewable + EV infrastructure
MOST-ASKED FAQs
Q1. What is India’s first compliance-based carbon market?
→ Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)
Q2. RBI’s second major data center is located where?
→ Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Q3. Who is UN Global Road Safety Champion from India?
→ Sachin Tendulkar
Q4. Where was National Health Fair 2026 held?
→ Shegaon, Buldhana district, Maharashtra
Q5. Strela-10 missile belongs to which category?
→ VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System)
Q6. Which state leads EV registrations in India?
→ Uttar Pradesh
PRACTICE QUIZ (MCQs)
1. CCTS is regulated under which framework?
A) Energy Conservation Act
B) Climate Action Framework ✅
C) Paris Agreement
D) NAPCC
2. Strela-10 missile uses which guidance system?
A) Radar
B) Laser
C) Infrared ✅
D) GPS
3. IEEFA headquarters is located in:
A) New York
B) Washington DC
C) Lakewood, Ohio ✅
D) San Francisco