TODAY NEWS HIGHLIGHT
➤ RBI imposes compounding charges of ₹18.76 lakh on One 97 Communications for FEMA violations
➤ IOC elects Iran's first female member – a historic moment in Olympic governance
➤ India's first LNG-powered passenger train launched in Ahmedabad
➤ Elon Musk becomes the first person in the world with a net worth of $800 billion
➤ Plastindia 2026 to begin in New Delhi
➤ Russia launches ‘Khabarovsk’ nuclear submarine, capable of carrying Poseidon underwater drone
➤ Spain becomes the first European country to ban social media for children under 16
➤ Amit Shah launches Bharat Taxi, India's first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform
1. RBI Imposes ₹18.76 Lakh Compounding Fee on One97 Communications for FEMA Violations
In February 2026, the Reserve Bank of India imposed a compounding fee of ₹18.76 lakh on One97 Communications Limited, the parent entity of Paytm's related services, for violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. The action was taken in connection with irregularities in foreign investment transactions related to one of the company's subsidiaries, which occurred between March 2016 and June 2017.
2. IOC Elects Iran's First Female Member — A Historic Moment in Olympic Governance
In a significant and historic development in global sports governance, the International Olympic Committee has elected its first female member from Iran. Iranian badminton player Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha was elected on February 4, 2026, during the 145th IOC Session held in Milan, Italy. With this election, she became Iran's first female representative in the history of the IOC and also the youngest member of the IOC at the time.
3. India's First LNG-Powered Passenger Train Launched in Ahmedabad
Indian Railways has taken a significant step towards green and environmentally friendly transportation by commencing operations of India's first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train. This train was flagged off from Sabarmati Railway Station in Gujarat. DEMU, or Diesel Electric Multiple Unit trains, are typically used for short-distance and suburban passenger services, with each rake having its own power system.
4. Elon Musk Becomes the World's First Person with a Net Worth of $800 Billion
In February 2026, Elon Musk became the first person in the world to amass a net worth exceeding $800 billion, a groundbreaking achievement in the history of global wealth rankings. This event underscores the extraordinary financial power concentrated in the hands of a single entrepreneur in the modern era.
5. PLASTINDIA 2026 to Begin in New Delhi
PLASTINDIA 2026, one of the world's largest and most influential plastics exhibitions, is being held from February 5 to 10, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This event clearly demonstrates India's growing role in global manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability. PLASTINDIA is an international exhibition showcasing plastic processing, advanced machinery, raw materials, and sustainable solutions.
6. Russia Launches ‘Khabarovsk’ Nuclear Submarine, Capable of Carrying Poseidon Underwater Drones
Russia formally launched its latest nuclear-powered submarine, the Khabarovsk, at the Sevmash shipyard on November 1, 2025. This submarine is specifically designed to carry and operate the nuclear-capable Poseidon underwater drone. The Khabarovsk is part of Russia's next-generation underwater systems program and significantly strengthens Russia's naval nuclear deterrence capabilities.
7. Spain Becomes the First European Country to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16
Spain has announced a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, becoming the first country in Europe and the second in the world after Australia to take such a strict measure. The decision was announced by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during the World Government Summit in Dubai and is expected to be implemented within a week.
8. Amit Shah Launches Bharat Taxi, India's First Cooperative-Based Ride-Hailing Platform
On February 5, 2026, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, the country's first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform. This initiative is considered a significant step towards providing inclusive and citizen-centric transportation solutions in line with the vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi.”
QUIZ – WITH EXPLANATION (EXACT)
1. How much compounding fee did the RBI impose on One97 Communications Limited?
A - ₹4.28 lakh
B - ₹10 crore
C - ₹18.76 lakh
D - ₹33 crore
In February 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a compounding fee of ₹18.76 lakh on One97 Communications Limited for a violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).
2. In which organization has Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha been selected?
A - FIFA
B - International Olympic Committee
C - Olympic Council of Asia
D - World Badminton Federation
In February 2026, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) elected Iranian badminton player Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha as its first female member from Iran. She was elected as the 107th member of the IOC with a vote of 95–2 during the 145th IOC Session held in Milan, Italy.
3. India's first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train has been launched by whom?
A - State Government
B - Private Company
C - Indian Railways
D - Metro Rail Corporation
Indian Railways has commenced the operation of India's first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train from Sabarmati Railway Station in Gujarat.
4. What historic achievement did Elon Musk accomplish in February 2026?
A - Became the world's youngest billionaire
B - Crossed the $500 billion net worth mark
C - Became the first person with a net worth exceeding $800 billion
D - Won the Nobel Prize
In February 2026, Elon Musk became the first person in the world to have a net worth exceeding US$800 billion.
5. Where is PLASTINDIA 2026 being held?
A - Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
B - Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
C - Mumbai Expo Centre
D - India International Convention Centre
PLASTINDIA 2026 is being held from February 5th to 10th, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
6. Khabarovsk is a nuclear-powered submarine of which country?
A - China
B - USA
C - Russia
D - France
Russia launched its latest nuclear-powered submarine, Khabarovsk, designed to operate the nuclear-capable Poseidon underwater drone.
7. Which is the first European country to impose a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16 years of age?
A - France
B - Germany
C - Spain
D - Italy
Spain has announced a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16 years of age.
8. Who launched Bharat Taxi?
A - Prime Minister Narendra Modi
B - Nitin Gadkari
C - Amit Shah
D - Piyush Goyal
On February 5, 2026, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
ONE LINER (EXACT)
What does compounding under FEMA mean? – Voluntary settlement of the case by admitting the violation and paying the prescribed fee.
In which city was the IOC session held where Soraya Aghaei was elected? – Milan, Italy
Which underwater drone is Russia's ‘Khabarovsk’ nuclear submarine capable of carrying? – Poseidon
Approximately what percentage of diesel is replaced by LNG in the LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU train? – Approximately 40 percent
From which station was India's first LNG-diesel dual-fuel DEMU passenger train launched? – Sabarmati Railway Station, Gujarat
Where is PLASTINDIA 2026 being held? – Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Which country became the first in Europe to ban social media for children under 16 years of age? – Spain
Who became the world's first person with a net worth exceeding $800 billion in February 2026? – Elon Musk
Who was elected as the first Iranian woman member of the IOC in February 2026? – Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha
How much compounding fee did the RBI impose on One 97 Communications Limited in February 2026 for a FEMA violation? – ₹18.76 lakh