February 2026 opened with the Union Budget 2026–27 and the 16th Finance Commission report, followed by the India–US interim trade framework, a new CPI series and the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

In this compilation: 29 major items, grouped by GS theme · 10-question quiz at the end.

Timeline: key events of February 2026

Places in news, February 2026

Polity & Governance

1. 16th Finance Commission report tabled

• The Commission, chaired by Arvind Panagariya, covers the award period 2026–31.
• It was tabled in Parliament with the Union Budget.
• It keeps states' share at 41% and changes the horizontal formula.

Why it matters for UPSC: Article 280 and devolution criteria are core GS2/GS3 topics.

Syllabus: GS2 – Fiscal federalism

2. Notice to remove the Lok Sabha Speaker

• Over 100 MPs reportedly signed a notice to remove Speaker Om Birla, citing partisan conduct.
• Article 94(c) lets the House remove its Speaker by a resolution backed by a majority of all its then-members; 14 days' notice is needed first.
• The Speaker cannot preside while such a resolution is under consideration.

Why it matters for UPSC: Speaker's office and neutrality.

Syllabus: GS2 – Parliament

3. Ad hoc judges for the Allahabad High Court

• The SC Collegium approved retired judges as ad hoc judges.
• Article 224A allows retired judges to sit in High Courts.
• The step targets huge case backlogs.

Why it matters for UPSC: Judicial pendency solutions.

Syllabus: GS2 – Judiciary