Current Affairs 21/02/2026
1. What is the official theme of International Fleet Review 2026 organized by Indian Navy?
Answer : United through Oceans & Bridges of Friendship
The International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, organized by the Indian Navy, carries the official theme “United Through Oceans & Bridges of Friendship.” The theme reflects India’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, fostering goodwill among friendly nations, and promoting collective security across the world’s oceans.
International Fleet Reviews are significant naval events that bring together warships and delegations from multiple countries. They serve as a platform to showcase naval strength, technological capabilities, and operational readiness while reinforcing diplomatic ties. IFR 2026 is expected to witness participation from numerous partner navies, symbolizing mutual trust and collaborative engagement in maritime domains.
The theme emphasizes two core ideas. First, “United Through Oceans” highlights the shared responsibility of nations in ensuring maritime safety, freedom of navigation, and secure sea lanes for global trade. Second, “Bridges of Friendship” underlines the importance of naval diplomacy, joint exercises, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief cooperation.
For India, hosting IFR 2026 represents an opportunity to reaffirm its vision of regional and global maritime stability, aligned with its broader strategic initiatives for the Indo-Pacific region. The event also strengthens defense partnerships and enhances interoperability among participating navies.
In essence, International Fleet Review 2026 stands as a symbol of unity, cooperation, and enduring friendship among maritime nations, reinforcing the role of navies not just as instruments of defense, but also as ambassadors of peace and partnership.
2. The SATHEE educational portal developed by which institute to help students has received national recognition at the Al Impact Summit?
Answer : IIT Kanpur
The SATHEE (Self-Assessment, Test and Help for Entrance Exams) educational portal, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), has received national recognition at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 for its contribution to technology-driven learning and inclusive education.
SATHEE is an AI-enabled digital learning platform designed to support students preparing for competitive examinations such as JEE, NEET, and other national-level entrance tests. The portal provides free, high-quality educational content, including video lectures by IIT professors, mock tests, performance analytics, and adaptive learning tools. By integrating artificial intelligence, the platform offers personalized feedback, helping students identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, SATHEE aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural learners by making expert-level guidance accessible across the country. Its recognition at the summit underscores the growing role of AI in transforming India’s education ecosystem and promoting equitable access to academic resources.
The acknowledgment at a national platform reflects IIT Kanpur’s leadership in leveraging advanced technology for social impact and educational empowerment. SATHEE stands as a model initiative demonstrating how digital innovation can democratize quality education and support the aspirations of millions of students across India.
3. Which company has announced the America-India Connect initiative to build a direct subsea cable route between India and the US?
Answer : Google
The America–India Connect initiative, announced by Google, marks a significant step toward strengthening digital infrastructure between India and the United States. The initiative aims to establish a direct subsea cable route linking the two nations, enhancing high-speed data connectivity and network resilience.
Subsea cables form the backbone of global internet infrastructure, carrying the majority of international data traffic. By creating a direct cable connection between India and the United States, the project is expected to reduce latency, improve bandwidth capacity, and ensure greater reliability for businesses, cloud services, and digital platforms operating across both countries.
The initiative aligns with the growing demand for secure and scalable digital networks, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation. For India, one of the fastest-growing digital economies, the project will support expanding data centers, digital services, and technology-driven industries. For the United States, it strengthens strategic and economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
Google’s investment in subsea cable infrastructure reflects its broader commitment to building a robust and open internet ecosystem. The America–India Connect initiative is poised to play a crucial role in deepening technological collaboration and supporting the digital ambitions of both nations.
4. Who has won the gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 category at the Para Badminton World Championships?
Answer : Pramod Bhagat
Indian para-badminton star Pramod Bhagat clinched the gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 category at the BWF Para Badminton World Championships, reaffirming his dominance in international para-badminton.
Competing in the SL3 classification — designated for athletes with lower limb impairments competing in standing events — Bhagat delivered an exceptional performance throughout the tournament. Displaying tactical precision, agility, and remarkable court coverage, he secured the title with a commanding victory in the final. This triumph adds another prestigious accolade to his illustrious career.
Bhagat has long been one of India’s most accomplished para-badminton players, consistently performing at the highest level in global competitions. His achievements include multiple world championship titles and a Paralympic gold medal, making him a trailblazer in Indian para-sports. His latest world championship victory not only strengthens his legacy but also highlights India’s growing prominence in para-badminton on the global stage.
The win is a significant milestone for Indian sports, inspiring aspiring athletes and reinforcing the country’s commitment to supporting and promoting para-athletes at international platforms.
5. Who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year Awards 2025?
Answer : Anjali Bhagwat
The Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year Awards 2025 was conferred upon Anjali Bhagwat in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to Indian shooting and her lasting impact on women’s sports in India.
Anjali Bhagwat is widely regarded as one of India’s pioneering rifle shooters. During her illustrious career, she achieved numerous international accolades, including multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games and strong performances at World Championships and the Olympic Games. Her consistent excellence placed India firmly on the global shooting map during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Beyond her competitive achievements, Bhagwat has played a crucial role in inspiring a new generation of women athletes. Her dedication, discipline, and trailblazing success helped popularize shooting as a professional sport in India and encouraged greater participation of women in precision sports.
The Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledges not only her medal-winning performances but also her enduring influence on Indian sports. The honor celebrates her legacy as a role model, mentor, and pioneer who contributed significantly to the growth and recognition of shooting in India.
6. In which state is Kuno National Park, which was recently in the news, located?
Answer : Madhya Pradesh
Kuno National Park, located in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, has recently been in the spotlight due to its central role in India’s ambitious wildlife conservation initiatives, particularly the cheetah reintroduction project.
Spread over approximately 750 square kilometers, Kuno National Park was originally established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1981 and later upgraded to a national park in 2018. The park features dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems, providing a rich and diverse habitat for a wide range of species. It is home to animals such as leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears, chital, sambar, and numerous bird species.
Kuno gained international attention when it was selected as the site for reintroducing cheetahs to India after the species was declared extinct in the country in 1952. The project aims to restore ecological balance and revive India’s lost big cat heritage. The park was chosen due to its suitable habitat, adequate prey base, and extensive conservation planning.
The renewed focus on Kuno National Park underscores Madhya Pradesh’s prominent role in wildlife conservation. Often referred to as the “Tiger State of India,” Madhya Pradesh continues to lead in biodiversity protection and habitat management, with Kuno emerging as a symbol of India’s evolving conservation vision.
7. To which country has the first consignment of Gl-tagged Salem Sago from Tamil Nadu been exported?
Answer : Canada
The first consignment of GI-tagged Salem Sago from Tamil Nadu has been exported to Canada, marking a significant milestone for India’s agricultural exports and regional specialty products.
Salem Sago, produced primarily in and around the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, is derived from tapioca (cassava) and is widely used in food preparations such as puddings, snacks, and fasting dishes. The product received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in recognition of its unique processing methods, quality, and long-standing association with the region. The GI status ensures authenticity, protects the product’s identity, and enhances its market value both domestically and internationally.
The export of the first consignment to Canada reflects growing global demand for traditional Indian food products and highlights the potential of GI-tagged commodities in international markets. It also provides economic benefits to local farmers, processors, and small-scale industries engaged in sago production.
This development aligns with India’s broader strategy to promote value-added agricultural exports and strengthen the global presence of region-specific products. The successful export of Salem Sago demonstrates how GI certification can enhance brand recognition, ensure quality assurance, and open new avenues for rural economic growth.