India and Israel Sign 16 MoUs to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

During Prime Minister Narendra ModiтАЩs state visit to Israel on 25тАУ26 February 2026, India and Israel elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership and signed 16 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across diverse sectors. This marks a significant expansion of cooperation between the two nations.


Key Areas of Collaboration

SectorDetails of MoUs
Artificial Intelligence & CybersecurityJoint research, innovation hubs, and cybersecurity frameworks to protect digital infrastructure.
AgricultureTechnology transfer for water-efficient farming, precision agriculture, and desert farming techniques.
Fintech & Digital PaymentsUPI linkage pact enabling smoother cross-border transactions and financial cooperation.
Education & ResearchExchange programs, joint academic research, and scholarships to strengthen knowledge partnerships.
Defense & TechnologyAgreements on co-development and manufacturing of advanced weapons systems through technology transfer.
Trade & CommerceSteps toward finalizing a bilateral trade deal, enhancing market access and investment opportunities.
Maritime Heritage & InnovationCollaboration on maritime archaeology, heritage preservation, and innovation-driven projects.

Strategic Significance

  • Defense Cooperation: Joint development of weapons and technology transfer strengthens IndiaтАЩs defense modernization.
  • Economic Growth: The trade deal and fintech collaboration open new avenues for bilateral commerce.
  • Innovation Partnership: AI, cybersecurity, and education MoUs highlight a shared vision of technological leadership.
  • Agricultural Sustainability: IsraelтАЩs expertise in desert farming and water management will support IndiaтАЩs food security goals.

India and IsraelтАЩs latest agreements reflect a deepening partnership rooted in innovation, security, and shared prosperity. This builds on earlier milestonesтАФModiтАЩs 2017 visit to Israel and NetanyahuтАЩs 2018 visit to IndiaтАФwhich laid the foundation for todayтАЩs expanded cooperation.

Current Affairs MCQs : 26 february 2026

Q. PM Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address which of the following during his state visit to Israel in February 2026?
рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдореЗрдВ рдЗрдЬрд╝рд░рд╛рдЗрд▓ рдХреА рдЕрдкрдиреА рд░рд╛рдЬрдХреАрдп рдпрд╛рддреНрд░рд╛ рдХреЗ рджреМрд░рд╛рди рдкреНрд░рдзрд╛рдирдордВрддреНрд░реА рдирд░реЗрдВрджреНрд░ рдореЛрджреА рдирд┐рдореНрдирд▓рд┐рдЦрд┐рдд рдореЗрдВ рд╕реЗ рдХрд┐рд╕реЗ рд╕рдВрдмреЛрдзрд┐рдд рдХрд░рдиреЗ рд╡рд╛рд▓реЗ рдкрд╣рд▓реЗ рднрд╛рд░рддреАрдп рдкреНрд░рдзрд╛рдирдордВрддреНрд░реА рдмрдиреЗ?

A. Israeli Supreme Court / рдЗрдЬрд╝рд░рд╛рдЗрд▓реА рд╕реБрдкреНрд░реАрдо рдХреЛрд░реНрдЯ
B. Yad Vashem / рдпрд╛рдж рд╡рд╛рд╢реЗрдо
C. Knesset / рдХрдиреЗрд╕реНрд╕реЗрдЯ
D. Tel Aviv University / рддреЗрд▓ рдЕрд╡реАрд╡ рд╡рд┐рд╢реНрд╡рд╡рд┐рджреНрдпрд╛рд▓рдп

Show Answer
тЬЕ Answer: C. Knesset / рдХрдиреЗрд╕реНрд╕реЗрдЯ

Prime Minister Narendra ModiтАЩs state visit to Israel on 25тАУ26 February 2026 marked a major step in strengthening the IndiaтАУIsrael Special Strategic Partnership. His historic address to the Knesset made him the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament.

рдкреНрд░рдзрд╛рдирдордВрддреНрд░реА рдирд░реЗрдВрджреНрд░ рдореЛрджреА рдХреА 25тАУ26 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ рдЗрдЬрд╝рд░рд╛рдЗрд▓ рдХреА рд░рд╛рдЬрдХреАрдп рдпрд╛рддреНрд░рд╛ рднрд╛рд░рддтАУрдЗрдЬрд╝рд░рд╛рдЗрд▓ рд╡рд┐рд╢реЗрд╖ рд░рдгрдиреАрддрд┐рдХ рд╕рд╛рдЭреЗрджрд╛рд░реА рдХреЛ рдордЬрдмреВрдд рдХрд░рдиреЗ рдХреА рджрд┐рд╢рд╛ рдореЗрдВ рдПрдХ рдорд╣рддреНрд╡рдкреВрд░реНрдг рдХрджрдо рдереАред рдХрдиреЗрд╕реНрд╕реЗрдЯ (рдЗрдЬрд╝рд░рд╛рдЗрд▓реА рд╕рдВрд╕рдж) рдореЗрдВ рдЙрдирдХрд╛ рдРрддрд┐рд╣рд╛рд╕рд┐рдХ рд╕рдВрдмреЛрдзрди рдЙрдиреНрд╣реЗрдВ рдРрд╕рд╛ рдХрд░рдиреЗ рд╡рд╛рд▓реЗ рдкрд╣рд▓реЗ рднрд╛рд░рддреАрдп рдкреНрд░рдзрд╛рдирдордВрддреНрд░реА рдмрдирд╛рддрд╛ рд╣реИред


Q. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) was recognised by Guinness World Records in February 2026 for:
рдиреЗрд╢рдирд▓ рдмреЛрд░реНрдб рдСрдл рдПрдЧреНрдЬрд╛рдорд┐рдиреЗрд╢рдВрд╕ рдЗрди рдореЗрдбрд┐рдХрд▓ рд╕рд╛рдЗрдВрд╕реЗрдЬрд╝ (NBEMS) рдХреЛ рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдореЗрдВ рдЧрд┐рдиреАрдЬ рд╡рд░реНрд▓реНрдб рд░рд┐рдХреЙрд░реНрдбреНрд╕ рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рдХрд┐рд╕ рдЙрдкрд▓рдмреНрдзрд┐ рдХреЗ рд▓рд┐рдП рдорд╛рдиреНрдпрддрд╛ рджреА рдЧрдИ?

A. Conducting the largest medical entrance examination
рд╕рдмрд╕реЗ рдмрдбрд╝реА рдореЗрдбрд┐рдХрд▓ рдкреНрд░рд╡реЗрд╢ рдкрд░реАрдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдЖрдпреЛрдЬрд┐рдд рдХрд░рдиреЗ рдХреЗ рд▓рд┐рдП
B. Publishing the highest number of medical research papers
рд╕рд░реНрд╡рд╛рдзрд┐рдХ рдореЗрдбрд┐рдХрд▓ рд╢реЛрдз рдкрддреНрд░ рдкреНрд░рдХрд╛рд╢рд┐рдд рдХрд░рдиреЗ рдХреЗ рд▓рд┐рдП
C. Most viewers of an Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare lesson live stream on YouTube
рдпреВрдЯреНрдпреВрдм рдкрд░ тАЬрдЖрд░реНрдЯрд┐рдлрд┐рд╢рд┐рдпрд▓ рдЗрдВрдЯреЗрд▓рд┐рдЬреЗрдВрд╕ рдЗрди рд╣реЗрд▓реНрдердХреЗрдпрд░тАЭ рдкрд╛рда рдХреЗ рд▓рд╛рдЗрд╡ рд╕реНрдЯреНрд░реАрдо рдХреЗ рд╕рд░реНрд╡рд╛рдзрд┐рдХ рджрд░реНрд╢рдХреЛрдВ рдХреЗ рд▓рд┐рдП
D. Launching IndiaтАЩs first AI-based hospital
рднрд╛рд░рдд рдХрд╛ рдкрд╣рд▓рд╛ AI-рдЖрдзрд╛рд░рд┐рдд рдЕрд╕реНрдкрддрд╛рд▓ рд╢реБрд░реВ рдХрд░рдиреЗ рдХреЗ рд▓рд┐рдП

Show Answer
тЬЕ Answer: C. Most viewers of an Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare lesson live stream on YouTube

On 25 February 2026, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), an autonomous body under the Union Health Ministry, achieved a historic milestone by being officially recognised by Guinness World Records for hosting the most-viewed тАЬArtificial Intelligence in HealthcareтАЭ lesson live stream on YouTube.

25 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ, рдХреЗрдВрджреНрд░реАрдп рд╕реНрд╡рд╛рд╕реНрдереНрдп рдордВрддреНрд░рд╛рд▓рдп рдХреЗ рдЕрдзреАрди рдПрдХ рд╕реНрд╡рд╛рдпрддреНрдд рдирд┐рдХрд╛рдп NBEMS рдХреЛ тАЬрдЖрд░реНрдЯрд┐рдлрд┐рд╢рд┐рдпрд▓ рдЗрдВрдЯреЗрд▓рд┐рдЬреЗрдВрд╕ рдЗрди рд╣реЗрд▓реНрдердХреЗрдпрд░тАЭ рд╡рд┐рд╖рдп рдкрд░ рдпреВрдЯреНрдпреВрдм рд▓рд╛рдЗрд╡ рд╕реНрдЯреНрд░реАрдо рдХреЗ рд╕рд░реНрд╡рд╛рдзрд┐рдХ рджрд░реНрд╢рдХреЛрдВ рдХреЗ рд▓рд┐рдП рдЧрд┐рдиреАрдЬ рд╡рд░реНрд▓реНрдб рд░рд┐рдХреЙрд░реНрдбреНрд╕ рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рдЖрдзрд┐рдХрд╛рд░рд┐рдХ рдорд╛рдиреНрдпрддрд╛ рдкреНрд░рджрд╛рди рдХреА рдЧрдИред

Q. What is the name of the IndiaтАУUS Joint Special Forces Exercise, whose 16th edition was conducted from 24 February to 16 March 2026 at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh (Himachal Pradesh)?
рднрд╛рд░рддтАУрдЕрдореЗрд░рд┐рдХрд╛ рд╕рдВрдпреБрдХреНрдд рд╡рд┐рд╢реЗрд╖ рдмрд▓ рдЕрднреНрдпрд╛рд╕ рдХрд╛ рдирд╛рдо рдХреНрдпрд╛ рд╣реИ, рдЬрд┐рд╕рдХрд╛ 16рд╡рд╛рдБ рд╕рдВрд╕реНрдХрд░рдг 24 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА рд╕реЗ 16 рдорд╛рд░реНрдЪ 2026 рддрдХ рд╕реНрдкреЗрд╢рд▓ рдлреЛрд░реНрд╕реЗрдЬ рдЯреНрд░реЗрдирд┐рдВрдЧ рд╕реНрдХреВрд▓, рдмрдХрд▓реЛрд╣ (рд╣рд┐рдорд╛рдЪрд▓ рдкреНрд░рджреЗрд╢) рдореЗрдВ рдЖрдпреЛрдЬрд┐рдд рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЧрдпрд╛?

A. Yudh Abhyas / рдпреБрджреНрдз рдЕрднреНрдпрд╛рд╕
B. Malabar / рдорд╛рд▓рд╛рдмрд╛рд░
C. Vajra Prahar / рд╡рдЬреНрд░ рдкреНрд░рд╣рд╛рд░
D. Tiger Triumph / рдЯрд╛рдЗрдЧрд░ рдЯреНрд░рд╛рдпрдореНрдл

Show Answer
тЬЕ Answer: C. Vajra Prahar / рд╡рдЬреНрд░ рдкреНрд░рд╣рд╛рд░

The 16th edition of the IndiaтАУUS Joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar was conducted from 24 February to 16 March 2026 at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, coordination, and joint operational capabilities between the special forces of India and the United States.

рднрд╛рд░рддтАУрдЕрдореЗрд░рд┐рдХрд╛ рд╕рдВрдпреБрдХреНрдд рд╡рд┐рд╢реЗрд╖ рдмрд▓ рдЕрднреНрдпрд╛рд╕ тАЬрд╡рдЬреНрд░ рдкреНрд░рд╣рд╛рд░тАЭ рдХрд╛ 16рд╡рд╛рдБ рд╕рдВрд╕реНрдХрд░рдг 24 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА рд╕реЗ 16 рдорд╛рд░реНрдЪ 2026 рддрдХ рд╣рд┐рдорд╛рдЪрд▓ рдкреНрд░рджреЗрд╢ рдХреЗ рдмрдХрд▓реЛрд╣ рд╕реНрдерд┐рдд рд╕реНрдкреЗрд╢рд▓ рдлреЛрд░реНрд╕реЗрдЬ рдЯреНрд░реЗрдирд┐рдВрдЧ рд╕реНрдХреВрд▓ рдореЗрдВ рдЖрдпреЛрдЬрд┐рдд рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЧрдпрд╛ред рдЗрд╕ рдЕрднреНрдпрд╛рд╕ рдХрд╛ рдЙрджреНрджреЗрд╢реНрдп рднрд╛рд░рдд рдФрд░ рдЕрдореЗрд░рд┐рдХрд╛ рдХреА рд╡рд┐рд╢реЗрд╖ рдмрд▓реЛрдВ рдХреЗ рдмреАрдЪ рд╕рдордиреНрд╡рдп, рдЖрдкрд╕реА рдХрд╛рд░реНрдпрдХреНрд╖рдорддрд╛ (interoperability) рдФрд░ рд╕рдВрдпреБрдХреНрдд рдЕрднрд┐рдпрд╛рди рдХреНрд╖рдорддрд╛ рдХреЛ рдордЬрдмреВрдд рдХрд░рдирд╛ рд╣реИред

IndiaтАУUS Joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar (16th Edition)

The 16th edition of the IndiaтАУUS Joint Special Forces Exercise тАЬVajra PraharтАЭ held from 24 February to 16 March at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.

The bilateral exercise aims to enhance interoperability, cooperation, and joint operational capabilities between the Special Forces of India and the United States. The Indian Army will be represented by 45 Special Forces personnel, while the United States will field 12 soldiers from the Green Berets. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted in November 2024 at the Orchard Combat Training Centre, Idaho (USA).

The exercise focuses on the exchange of special operations tactics, techniques, and procedures, with training specifically designed for Special Forces operations in mountainous terrain. Key activities include intensive physical conditioning, joint mission planning, and tactical drills under simulated operational conditions.

Overall, Exercise Vajra Prahar is expected to strengthen professional camaraderie, mutual trust, and operational synergy, further reinforcing the growing defence partnership between India and the United States.

NBEMS Sets Guinness World Record in AI-Based Medical Education

On 25 February 2026, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), an autonomous body under the Union Health Ministry, achieved a historic milestone by being officially recognised by Guinness World Records for hosting the most-viewed Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare lesson live stream on YouTube.

The record was achieved through a nationwide online training programme on AI in Healthcare, specially designed for registered medical practitioners across India. The initiative highlighted NBEMSтАЩs effective use of digital platforms to deliver large-scale, technology-driven medical education.

NBEMS President Dr Abhijat Sheth described the recognition as a testament to IndiaтАЩs leadership in digital innovation in medical education. He reaffirmed NBEMSтАЩs commitment to competency-based learning and to launching future initiatives aimed at improving the quality of healthcare delivery across the country.

PM Narendra ModiтАЩs State Visit to Israel (25тАУ26 February 2026)

Prime Minister Narendra ModiтАЩs state visit to Israel on 25тАУ26 February 2026 marked a major step in strengthening the IndiaтАУIsrael Special Strategic Partnership, coming nine years after his historic 2017 visit. The trip took place amid a sensitive geopolitical situation in West Asia and focused on security, technology, and economic cooperation.

A key highlight was PM ModiтАЩs historic address to the Knesset, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. In his speech, he strongly condemned the October 7, 2023 terror attacks and reiterated IndiaтАЩs zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. He was later honored with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the highest parliamentary honor of Israel.

The visit gave major impetus to defence and high-technology collaboration, including discussions on integrating Israeli systems with IndiaтАЩs Sudarshan Chakra air defence shield and cooperation on the Iron Beam laser-based defence platform. Economically, both sides pushed forward negotiations on a proposed IndiaтАУIsrael Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with bilateral trade standing at USD 3.62 billion (FY 2024тАУ25).

Several MoUs were exchanged, covering cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, investment, water management, and agriculture, including expansion of Centres of Excellence in India. On the regional front, discussions covered IsraelтАЩs proposed тАЬHexagonтАЭ alliance framework, IndiaтАЩs support for the Gaza Peace Initiative, and the strategic importance of the IndiaтАУMiddle EastтАУEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Current Affairs MCQs : 25 february 2026

Q. In February 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal to rename the State of Kerala as:
рдкреНрд░рд╢реНрди: рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдореЗрдВ рдХреЗрдВрджреНрд░реАрдп рдордВрддреНрд░рд┐рдордВрдбрд▓ рдиреЗ рдХрд┐рд╕ рдирд╛рдо рд╕реЗ рдХреЗрд░рд▓ рд░рд╛рдЬреНрдп рдХрд╛ рдирд╛рдо рдмрджрд▓рдиреЗ рдХреЗ рдкреНрд░рд╕реНрддрд╛рд╡ рдХреЛ рдордВрдЬреВрд░реА рджреА?

A. Keral
B. Keralam
C. Kerala Pradesh
D. Malabar

Show Answer
тЬЕ Answer: B. Keralam / рдХреЗрд░рд▓рдо

Explanation (English):
On 24 February 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal to rename the State of Kerala as Keralam, restoring its original Malayalam name. The decision followed a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in June 2024.

рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛ (Hindi):
24 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ рдХреЗрдВрджреНрд░реАрдп рдордВрддреНрд░рд┐рдордВрдбрд▓ рдиреЗ Kerala рд░рд╛рдЬреНрдп рдХрд╛ рдирд╛рдо рдмрджрд▓рдХрд░ рдХреЗрд░рд▓рдо (Keralam) рдХрд░рдиреЗ рдХреЗ рдкреНрд░рд╕реНрддрд╛рд╡ рдХреЛ рдордВрдЬреВрд░реА рджреАред рдпрд╣ рдирд┐рд░реНрдгрдп рдЬреВрди 2024 рдореЗрдВ Kerala Legislative Assembly рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рдкрд╛рд░рд┐рдд рд╕рд░реНрд╡рд╕рдореНрдордд рдкреНрд░рд╕реНрддрд╛рд╡ рдХреЗ рдмрд╛рдж рд▓рд┐рдпрд╛ рдЧрдпрд╛ред

Q. The 7th edition of the Joint Military Exercise тАЬDHARMA GUARDIANтАЭ, from 24 February 2026 to 9 March 2026, is held between India and which country?
рдкреНрд░рд╢реНрди: рд╕рдВрдпреБрдХреНрдд рд╕реИрдиреНрдп рдЕрднреНрдпрд╛рд╕ тАЬрдзрд░реНрдо рдЧрд╛рд░реНрдЬрд┐рдпрдитАЭ рдХрд╛ 7рд╡рд╛рдБ рд╕рдВрд╕реНрдХрд░рдг (24 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рд╕реЗ 9 рдорд╛рд░реНрдЪ 2026) рднрд╛рд░рдд рдФрд░ рдХрд┐рд╕ рджреЗрд╢ рдХреЗ рдмреАрдЪ рдЖрдпреЛрдЬрд┐рдд рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛ рд░рд╣рд╛ рд╣реИ?

A. Australia / рдСрд╕реНрдЯреНрд░реЗрд▓рд┐рдпрд╛
B. United States / рд╕рдВрдпреБрдХреНрдд рд░рд╛рдЬреНрдп рдЕрдореЗрд░рд┐рдХрд╛
C. Japan / рдЬрд╛рдкрд╛рди
D. France / рдлреНрд░рд╛рдВрд╕

Show Answer
тЬЕ Answer: C. Japan / рдЬрд╛рдкрд╛рди

Explanation (English):
The 7th edition of the IndiaтАУJapan Joint Military Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN commenced on 24 February 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. The exercise is conducted between the armies of India and Japan and will continue until 9 March 2026. It aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen defence cooperation between the two nations.

рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛ (Hindi):
рднрд╛рд░рддтАУрдЬрд╛рдкрд╛рди рд╕рдВрдпреБрдХреНрдд рд╕реИрдиреНрдп рдЕрднреНрдпрд╛рд╕ рдзрд░реНрдо рдЧрд╛рд░реНрдЬрд┐рдпрди рдХрд╛ 7рд╡рд╛рдБ рд╕рдВрд╕реНрдХрд░рдг 24 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ рдЙрддреНрддрд░рд╛рдЦрдВрдб рдХреЗ рдЪреМрдмрдЯрд┐рдпрд╛ рд╕реНрдерд┐рдд рдлреЙрд░реЗрди рдЯреНрд░реЗрдирд┐рдВрдЧ рдиреЛрдб рдореЗрдВ рд╢реБрд░реВ рд╣реБрдЖред рдпрд╣ рдЕрднреНрдпрд╛рд╕ India рдФрд░ Japan рдХреА рд╕реЗрдирд╛рдУрдВ рдХреЗ рдмреАрдЪ рдЖрдпреЛрдЬрд┐рдд рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛ рд░рд╣рд╛ рд╣реИ рдФрд░ 9 рдорд╛рд░реНрдЪ 2026 рддрдХ рдЪрд▓реЗрдЧрд╛ред рдЗрд╕рдХрд╛ рдЙрджреНрджреЗрд╢реНрдп рджреЛрдиреЛрдВ рджреЗрд╢реЛрдВ рдХреЗ рдмреАрдЪ рд╕реИрдиреНрдп рд╕рд╣рдпреЛрдЧ рдФрд░ рд╕рдордиреНрд╡рдп рдХреЛ рдордЬрдмреВрдд рдХрд░рдирд╛ рд╣реИред

7th Edition of Joint Military Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN

The 7th edition of the annual IndiaтАУJapan Joint Military Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN commenced on 24 February 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. The exercise will continue until 9 March 2026, marking another milestone in the growing defence partnership between the two nations.

Key Highlights

  • Participants:
    • Indian Army: Ladakh Scouts regiment.
    • Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF): 32nd Infantry Regiment.
    • Each side has contributed a 120-member contingent.
  • Objectives:
    • Enhance interoperability between the two forces.
    • Strengthen military collaboration for joint operations in semi-urban and urban environments.
    • Focus on counter-terrorism drills, urban warfare tactics, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) grid development, heliborne missions, and cordon-and-search operations.
  • Significance:
    • Conducted alternately in India and Japan, DHARMA GUARDIAN is a pillar of defence cooperation.
    • Reinforces the special strategic and global partnership between India and Japan.
    • Contributes to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Union Cabinet Clears Proposal to Rename Kerala as Keralam

The Union Cabinet on 24 February 2026 approved the proposal to rename the State of Kerala as Keralam, restoring its original Malayalam name. The move follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in June 2024, seeking to align the stateтАЩs official name with its linguistic and cultural identity. Under Article 3 of the Constitution, the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will be referred to the state assembly before being introduced in Parliament.

The renaming is aimed at ensuring linguistic authenticity, acknowledging the historical usage of тАЬKeralamтАЭ in inscriptions and literature, and strengthening the stateтАЩs cultural identity. The proposal enjoys cross-party political support and long-standing public backing, though its timing ahead of the 2026 state elections adds political relevance.

Once approved by Parliament, the change will require administrative updates to official records and documents. Symbolically, it reflects IndiaтАЩs broader effort to restore indigenous place names and preserve cultural heritage.

Current Affairs MCQs : 24 february 2026

Q. Which Manipuri film won the BAFTA Award for Best ChildrenтАЩs & Family Film in 2026?
2026 рдореЗрдВ BAFTA рдЕрд╡реЙрд░реНрдб (Best ChildrenтАЩs & Family Film) рдХрд┐рд╕ рдордгрд┐рдкреБрд░реА рдлрд┐рд▓реНрдо рдиреЗ рдЬреАрддрд╛?

A. Arco
B. Zootropolis 2
C. Boong
D. Lilo and Stitch

Show Answer
Answer: C. Boong

The Manipuri film Boong, produced by Farhan AkhtarтАЩs Excel Entertainment, won the BAFTA Award for Best ChildrenтАЩs & Family Film in London on 22 February 2026. It was directed by debutant Lakshmipriya Devi.

рдордгрд┐рдкреБрд░реА рдлрд┐рд▓реНрдо Boong, рдЬрд┐рд╕реЗ Farhan Akhtar рдХреА Excel Entertainment рдиреЗ рдкреНрд░реЛрдбреНрдпреВрд╕ рдХрд┐рдпрд╛, рдиреЗ 22 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ рд▓рдВрджрди рдореЗрдВ BAFTA рдЕрд╡реЙрд░реНрдб (Best ChildrenтАЩs & Family Film) рдЬреАрддрд╛ред рдЗрд╕рдХрд╛ рдирд┐рд░реНрджреЗрд╢рди рд▓рдХреНрд╖реНрдореАрдкреНрд░рд┐рдпрд╛ рджреЗрд╡реА рдиреЗ рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ред


Q. Which film dominated the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) in 2026 by winning six awards including Best Film?
2026 рдореЗрдВ 79рд╡реЗрдВ British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) рдореЗрдВ рдХрд┐рд╕ рдлрд┐рд▓реНрдо рдиреЗ Best Film рд╕рд╣рд┐рдд рдЫрд╣ рдкреБрд░рд╕реНрдХрд╛рд░ рдЬреАрддрдХрд░ рджрдмрджрдмрд╛ рдмрдирд╛рдпрд╛?

A. Hamnet
B. Sinners
C. Frankenstein
D. One Battle After Another

Show Answer
Answer: D. One Battle After Another

At the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), the action thriller One Battle After Another dominated the ceremony, winning six awards including Best Film. Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director and also received awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography, dedicating his award to late producer and assistant director Brit Adam Somner.

79рд╡реЗрдВ British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) рдореЗрдВ рдПрдХреНрд╢рди рдереНрд░рд┐рд▓рд░ One Battle After Another рдиреЗ рдЫрд╣ рдкреБрд░рд╕реНрдХрд╛рд░ рдЬреАрддрдХрд░ рд╕рдорд╛рд░реЛрд╣ рдореЗрдВ рджрдмрджрдмрд╛ рдмрдирд╛рдпрд╛ред Paul Thomas Anderson рдиреЗ Best Director рд╕рд╣рд┐рдд рдХрдИ рдкреБрд░рд╕реНрдХрд╛рд░ рдЬреАрддреЗ рдФрд░ рдЕрдкрдирд╛ рд╕рдореНрдорд╛рди рджрд┐рд╡рдВрдЧрдд рдирд┐рд░реНрдорд╛рддрд╛ рдПрд╡рдВ рд╕рд╣рд╛рдпрдХ рдирд┐рд░реНрджреЗрд╢рдХ рдмреНрд░рд┐рдЯ рдПрдбрдо рд╕реЛрдореНрдирд░ рдХреЛ рд╕рдорд░реНрдкрд┐рдд рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ред


Q. Which of the following is a key objective of IndiaтАЩs PRAHAAR Counter-Terrorism Strategy (2026)?
рднрд╛рд░рдд рдХреА PRAHAAR Counter-Terrorism Strategy (2026) рдХрд╛ рдкреНрд░рдореБрдЦ рдЙрджреНрджреЗрд╢реНрдп рдХреНрдпрд╛ рд╣реИ?

A. Linking terrorism with religious ideology
B. Legalising selective militant movements
C. Denying terrorists access to funds, weapons and safe havens
D. Reducing international cooperation

Show Answer
Answer: C. Denying terrorists access to funds, weapons and safe havens

On 23 February 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs unveiled IndiaтАЩs new national counter-terrorism policy titled PRAHAAR. The strategy provides a comprehensive and proactive framework to prevent, deter, and respond to evolving terrorist threats while upholding human rights and the rule of law.

23 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ Ministry of Home Affairs рдиреЗ рднрд╛рд░рдд рдХреА рдирдИ рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░реАрдп рдЖрддрдВрдХрд╡рд╛рдж-рд░реЛрдзреА рдиреАрддрд┐ PRAHAAR рдЬрд╛рд░реА рдХреАред рдЗрд╕рдХрд╛ рдореБрдЦреНрдп рдЙрджреНрджреЗрд╢реНрдп рдЖрддрдВрдХрд┐рдпреЛрдВ рдХреЛ рдзрди, рд╣рдерд┐рдпрд╛рд░ рдФрд░ рд╕реБрд░рдХреНрд╖рд┐рдд рдард┐рдХрд╛рдиреЛрдВ рддрдХ рдкрд╣реБрдБрдЪ рд╕реЗ рд╡рдВрдЪрд┐рдд рдХрд░рдирд╛ рд╣реИ, рд╕рд╛рде рд╣реА рдорд╛рдирд╡рд╛рдзрд┐рдХрд╛рд░реЛрдВ рдФрд░ рдХрд╛рдиреВрди рдХреЗ рд╢рд╛рд╕рди рдХреЛ рдмрдирд╛рдП рд░рдЦрдирд╛ рд╣реИред

PRAHAAR Counter-Terrorism Strategy 2026: IndiaтАЩs New National Policy

On 23 February 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled IndiaтАЩs new national counter-terrorism policy and strategy, titled PRAHAAR. The policy provides a comprehensive and proactive framework to prevent, deter and respond to evolving terrorist threats, while firmly upholding human rights and the rule of law.

PRAHAAR is an acronym that represents a multi-dimensional approach:

  • P тАУ Prevention of terror attacks to protect Indian citizens and interests
  • R тАУ Swift and proportionate Responses to threats
  • A тАУ Aggregating internal capacities through a whole-of-government approach
  • H тАУ Human rights and Rule of Law-based processes
  • A тАУ Attenuating conditions enabling terrorism, including radicalisation
  • A тАУ Aligning international efforts to counter terrorism
  • R тАУ Recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach

The Ministry reiterated IndiaтАЩs zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and stressed that there can be no justification for violence under any circumstances. The strategy aims to criminalise all terrorist acts and deny terrorists, their financiers and supporters access to funds, weapons and safe havens.

India will continue to work with the international community to counter terrorism, including addressing the misuse of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for terror activities. The policy also highlights investments in advanced technology and private sector partnerships to tackle future threats. Importantly, PRAHAAR rejects any attempt to link terrorism with religion, ethnicity, nationality or civilisation, while emphasising support for victims of terrorism.

BAFTA Awards 2026: Manipuri Film Boong Wins Best ChildrenтАЩs & Family Film

The Manipuri film Boong, produced by Farhan AkhtarтАЩs Excel Entertainment, won the BAFTA Award for Best ChildrenтАЩs & Family Film in London on 22 February 2026. Directed by debutant Lakshmipriya Devi, the film stood out among international contenders including Lilo and Stitch, Arco and Zootropolis 2. In her acceptance speech, Devi made an emotional appeal for peace. She received the award from Paddington Bear, the lead character of Paddington The Musical, and was joined on stage by producers Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, and assistant director Rahul Sharda. The film stars Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam.

At the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), the action thriller One Battle After Another dominated the ceremony, winning six awards, including Best Film. Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director, along with awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography, dedicating his directing honour to late producer and assistant director Brit Adam Somner. The film also earned Supporting Actor for Sean Penn and entered the Oscars as a strong contender with 14 BAFTA and 13 Oscar nominations.

The vampire saga Sinners and gothic horror Frankenstein won three awards each. Ryan Coogler received Best Original Screenplay for Sinners, while Wunmi Mosaku won Supporting Actress. Jessie Buckley was named Best Actress for Hamnet, which also won Best British Film, and Robert Aramayo claimed Best Actor for I Swear.

The star-studded ceremony, held at LondonтАЩs Royal Festival Hall, was attended by leading Hollywood and British stars, including Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. Bollywood star Alia Bhatt appeared as a celebrity guest presenter, awarding Best Film Not in the English Language to the Nordic drama Sentimental Value.

Book Release: Atal Bihari Vajpayee тАУ The Eternal Statesman

On February 21, 2026, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan released the coffee table book Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The book has been authored by Vijay Goel, senior BJP leader and former Union minister.


Key Highlights of the Event

  • Dignitaries Present: Governors of Bihar, Rajasthan, and Haryana, along with senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, and Union ministers including Ashwini Vaishnaw and Kiren Rijiju.
  • Vice-PresidentтАЩs Remarks: He described the release as both an honour and an emotional moment, calling Vajpayee тАЬone of IndiaтАЩs tallest leadersтАЭ. He emphasized that the book is not just a collection of photographs but a celebration of VajpayeeтАЩs life, poetry, oratory, and statesmanship.
  • AuthorтАЩs Perspective: Vijay Goel highlighted his decades-long association with Vajpayee, sharing rare photographs and personal recollections that trace VajpayeeтАЩs journey from a poet and parliamentarian to a Prime Minister who shaped IndiaтАЩs destiny.
  • Themes Covered:
    • VajpayeeтАЩs role in Pokhran nuclear tests
    • His push for infrastructure development
    • His vision of democracy, unity, and inclusivity
    • His legacy as a poet-prime minister whose words inspired generations

Significance of the Book

  • Serves as a visual and narrative tribute to Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
  • Offers insights into his personal and political journey, blending rare photographs with anecdotes.
  • Reinforces VajpayeeтАЩs image as a statesman, visionary, and unifying leader whose ideals continue to guide India.

Current Affairs MCQs : 23 february 2026

Q. IndiaтАЩs first Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), which was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2026, connects which of the following cities?
рднрд╛рд░рдд рдХреА рдкрд╣рд▓реА рдирдореЛ рднрд╛рд░рдд рд░реАрдЬрдирд▓ рд░реИрдкрд┐рдб рдЯреНрд░рд╛рдВрдЬрд┐рдЯ рд╕рд┐рд╕реНрдЯрдо (RRTS), рдЬрд┐рд╕реЗ рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдореЗрдВ рдкреНрд░рдзрд╛рдирдордВрддреНрд░реА рдирд░реЗрдВрджреНрд░ рдореЛрджреА рдиреЗ рд╣рд░реА рдЭрдВрдбреА рджрд┐рдЦрд╛рдИ, рдирд┐рдореНрдирд▓рд┐рдЦрд┐рдд рдореЗрдВ рд╕реЗ рдХрд┐рди рд╢рд╣рд░реЛрдВ рдХреЛ рдЬреЛрдбрд╝рддреА рд╣реИ?

A. Delhi тАУ Panipat / рджрд┐рд▓реНрд▓реА тАУ рдкрд╛рдиреАрдкрдд
B. Delhi тАУ Meerut / рджрд┐рд▓реНрд▓реА тАУ рдореЗрд░рда
C. Delhi тАУ Alwar / рджрд┐рд▓реНрд▓реА тАУ рдЕрд▓рд╡рд░
D. Delhi тАУ Sonipat / рджрд┐рд▓реНрд▓реА тАУ рд╕реЛрдиреАрдкрдд

Show Answer
тЬЕ Correct Answer: B. Delhi тАУ Meerut / рджрд┐рд▓реНрд▓реА тАУ рдореЗрд░рда

Explanation (English):
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated IndiaтАЩs first Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor on 22 February 2026. The corridor connects Delhi and Meerut, significantly reducing travel time and improving high-speed regional connectivity under the Namo Bharat project.

рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛ (Hindi):
рдкреНрд░рдзрд╛рдирдордВрддреНрд░реА Narendra Modi рдиреЗ 22 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ рднрд╛рд░рдд рдХреА рдкрд╣рд▓реА рдирдореЛ рднрд╛рд░рдд RRTS рдХреЙрд░рд┐рдбреЛрд░ рдХрд╛ рдЙрджреНрдШрд╛рдЯрди рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ред рдпрд╣ рдХреЙрд░рд┐рдбреЛрд░ Delhi рдФрд░ Meerut рдХреЛ рдЬреЛрдбрд╝рддрд╛ рд╣реИ, рдЬрд┐рд╕рд╕реЗ рдпрд╛рддреНрд░рд╛ рд╕рдордп рдХрдо рд╣реБрдЖ рд╣реИ рдФрд░ рдХреНрд╖реЗрддреНрд░реАрдп рдХрдиреЗрдХреНрдЯрд┐рд╡рд┐рдЯреА рдореЗрдВ рддреЗрдЬреА рдЖрдИ рд╣реИред

Q. Who is the author of the book Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman released in February 2026?
рдкреНрд░рд╢реНрди: рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдореЗрдВ рдЬрд╛рд░реА рдХреА рдЧрдИ рдкреБрд╕реНрддрдХ тАЬAtal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal StatesmanтАЭ рдХреЗ рд▓реЗрдЦрдХ рдХреМрди рд╣реИрдВ?

A) Murli Manohar Joshi / рдореБрд░рд▓реА рдордиреЛрд╣рд░ рдЬреЛрд╢реА
B) Vijay Goel / рд╡рд┐рдЬрдп рдЧреЛрдпрд▓
C) Arun Jaitley / рдЕрд░реБрдг рдЬреЗрдЯрд▓реА
D) C.P. Radhakrishnan / рд╕реА.рдкреА. рд░рд╛рдзрд╛рдХреГрд╖реНрдгрди


Show Answer

Answer: B) Vijay Goel / рд╡рд┐рдЬрдп рдЧреЛрдпрд▓

Explanation (English):
The coffee table book Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman has been authored by Vijay Goel, a senior BJP leader and former Union Minister. It was released on February 21, 2026, by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The book highlights the life, leadership, and contributions of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛ (Hindi):
рдХреЙрдлреА рдЯреЗрдмрд▓ рдкреБрд╕реНрддрдХ Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman рдХреЗ рд▓реЗрдЦрдХ Vijay Goel рд╣реИрдВ, рдЬреЛ рдПрдХ рд╡рд░рд┐рд╖реНрда рднрд╛рдЬрдкрд╛ рдиреЗрддрд╛ рдФрд░ рдкреВрд░реНрд╡ рдХреЗрдВрджреНрд░реАрдп рдордВрддреНрд░реА рд╣реИрдВред рдпрд╣ рдкреБрд╕реНрддрдХ 21 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ рднрд╛рд░рдд рдХреЗ рдЙрдкрд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░рдкрддрд┐ C. P. Radhakrishnan рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рдирдИ рджрд┐рд▓реНрд▓реА рд╕реНрдерд┐рдд Dr. Ambedkar International Centre рдореЗрдВ рдЬрд╛рд░реА рдХреА рдЧрдИред рдпрд╣ рдкреБрд╕реНрддрдХ рдкреВрд░реНрд╡ рдкреНрд░рдзрд╛рдирдордВрддреНрд░реА Atal Bihari Vajpayee рдХреЗ рдЬреАрд╡рди, рдиреЗрддреГрддреНрд╡ рдФрд░ рдпреЛрдЧрджрд╛рди рдкрд░ рдкреНрд░рдХрд╛рд╢ рдбрд╛рд▓рддреА рд╣реИред

PM Modi Flags Off IndiaтАЩs First Namo Bharat RRTS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated IndiaтАЩs first Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) on February 22, 2026, dedicating the DelhiтАУMeerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the nation. The launch took place at Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat Station in Meerut, where he also flagged off the Meerut Metro services.


Key Highlights

  • Corridor Length: 82 km, connecting Delhi to Meerut.
  • Stations: 16 stations including Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar, and Meerut.
  • Speed: Designed for 180 km/h, making it IndiaтАЩs fastest metro and RRTS.
  • Travel Time: Reduces DelhiтАУMeerut journey to less than 1 hour.
  • Cost: Developed at an estimated тВ╣30,000 crore.
  • Development Boost: PM Modi also inaugurated projects worth тВ╣12,930 crore in Meerut.

Significance

  • Urban Connectivity: Seamless travel between Delhi NCR and Meerut, easing congestion and improving daily commutes.
  • Economic Impact: Expected to boost trade, education, and employment opportunities in the region.
  • Sustainability: Promotes eco-friendly, high-speed public transport, reducing reliance on private vehicles.
  • Symbol of Modernization: Marks a new era of world-class infrastructure in India, aligning with the vision of a тАЬDeveloped Bharat.тАЭ

Current Affairs MCQs : 21 february 2026

Q. World Day of Social Justice is observed on which date?
рд╡рд┐рд╢реНрд╡ рд╕рд╛рдорд╛рдЬрд┐рдХ рдиреНрдпрд╛рдп рджрд┐рд╡рд╕ рдХрд┐рд╕ рддрд┐рдерд┐ рдХреЛ рдордирд╛рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛рддрд╛ рд╣реИ?

A. 10 December
B. 15 January
C. 20 February
D. 1 May

Show Answer
тЬЕ Correct Answer: C. 20 February

Explanation (English):
World Day of Social Justice is observed every year on 20 February to promote equality, fairness, and dignity for all people. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations to raise awareness about social issues such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, gender inequality, and lack of access to education and justice.

рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛ (рд╣рд┐рдВрджреА):
рд╡рд┐рд╢реНрд╡ рд╕рд╛рдорд╛рдЬрд┐рдХ рдиреНрдпрд╛рдп рджрд┐рд╡рд╕ рдкреНрд░рддреНрдпреЗрдХ рд╡рд░реНрд╖ 20 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА рдХреЛ рдордирд╛рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛рддрд╛ рд╣реИред рдЗрд╕ рджрд┐рд╡рд╕ рдХреА рдШреЛрд╖рдгрд╛ рд╕рдВрдпреБрдХреНрдд рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░ рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рдХреА рдЧрдИ рдереАред рдЗрд╕рдХрд╛ рдЙрджреНрджреЗрд╢реНрдп рд╕рдорд╛рдирддрд╛, рдиреНрдпрд╛рдп рдФрд░ рдЧрд░рд┐рдорд╛ рдХреЛ рдмрдврд╝рд╛рд╡рд╛ рджреЗрдирд╛ рддрдерд╛ рдЧрд░реАрдмреА, рдмреЗрд░реЛрдЬрдЧрд╛рд░реА, рд╕рд╛рдорд╛рдЬрд┐рдХ рдмрд╣рд┐рд╖реНрдХрд╛рд░, рд▓реИрдВрдЧрд┐рдХ рдЕрд╕рдорд╛рдирддрд╛ рдФрд░ рд╢рд┐рдХреНрд╖рд╛ рд╡ рдиреНрдпрд╛рдп рддрдХ рдкрд╣реБрдВрдЪ рдХреА рдХрдореА рдЬреИрд╕реА рд╕рдорд╕реНрдпрд╛рдУрдВ рдХреЗ рдкреНрд░рддрд┐ рдЬрд╛рдЧрд░реВрдХрддрд╛ рдмрдврд╝рд╛рдирд╛ рд╣реИред


Q. From which date has the Government proposed to discontinue cash payments at all National Highway toll plazas?
рд╕рд░рдХрд╛рд░ рдиреЗ рд╕рднреА рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░реАрдп рд░рд╛рдЬрдорд╛рд░реНрдЧ рдЯреЛрд▓ рдкреНрд▓рд╛рдЬрд╝рд╛ рдкрд░ рдирдХрдж рднреБрдЧрддрд╛рди рдХрдм рд╕реЗ рдмрдВрдж рдХрд░рдиреЗ рдХрд╛ рдкреНрд░рд╕реНрддрд╛рд╡ рджрд┐рдпрд╛ рд╣реИ?

A. 1 January 2026
B. 1 April 2026
C. 1 July 2026
D. 31 March 2027

Show Answer
тЬЕ Correct Answer: B. 1 April 2026

Explanation (English):
The Government has proposed to discontinue cash payments at all National Highway toll plazas from 1 April 2026, shifting towards a fully digital toll collection system. According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), toll charges will be collected only through digital modes such as FASTag and UPI to ensure faster, transparent, and hassle-free transactions.

рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛ (рд╣рд┐рдВрджреА):
рд╕рд░рдХрд╛рд░ рдиреЗ 1 рдЕрдкреНрд░реИрд▓ 2026 рд╕реЗ рд╕рднреА рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░реАрдп рд░рд╛рдЬрдорд╛рд░реНрдЧ рдЯреЛрд▓ рдкреНрд▓рд╛рдЬрд╝рд╛ рдкрд░ рдирдХрдж рднреБрдЧрддрд╛рди рдмрдВрдж рдХрд░рдиреЗ рдХрд╛ рдкреНрд░рд╕реНрддрд╛рд╡ рд░рдЦрд╛ рд╣реИред рднрд╛рд░рддреАрдп рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░реАрдп рд░рд╛рдЬрдорд╛рд░реНрдЧ рдкреНрд░рд╛рдзрд┐рдХрд░рдг (NHAI) рдХреЗ рдЕрдиреБрд╕рд╛рд░, рдЯреЛрд▓ рд╢реБрд▓реНрдХ рдХреЗрд╡рд▓ рдбрд┐рдЬрд┐рдЯрд▓ рдорд╛рдзреНрдпрдо рдЬреИрд╕реЗ FASTag рдФрд░ UPI рдХреЗ рдЬрд░рд┐рдП рд▓рд┐рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛рдПрдЧрд╛, рдЬрд┐рд╕рд╕реЗ рддреЗрдЬ, рдкрд╛рд░рджрд░реНрд╢реА рдФрд░ рд╕реБрд╡рд┐рдзрд╛рдЬрдирдХ рднреБрдЧрддрд╛рди рд╕реБрдирд┐рд╢реНрдЪрд┐рдд рд╣реЛ рд╕рдХреЗред

Cashless Toll Collection from April 2026: NHAI to End Cash Payments at National Highway Toll Plazas from April 2026

The Government has proposed to end cash payments at all National Highway toll plazas from 1 April 2026, moving towards a fully digital tolling system. As per the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), toll charges will be collected only through digital modes such as FASTag and UPI.

This initiative aims to improve operational efficiency, increase lane throughput, reduce traffic congestion, and ensure greater transparency and uniformity in toll collection. The transition is expected to enhance traffic management and commuter convenience at over 1,150 toll plazas across National Highways and Expressways, leading to a smoother and faster travel experience.

World Day of Social Justice : 20 February

World Day of Social Justice is observed every year on 20 February to promote equality, fairness, and dignity for all. The day highlights the need to address issues like poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, gender inequality, and lack of access to education and justice.

The United Nations emphasizes social justice as a foundation for peace, sustainable development, and human rights. Governments, organizations, and civil society use this day to raise awareness and encourage policies that ensure equal opportunities and inclusive growth.

By promoting social justice, societies can create a world where no one is left behind and everyone gets a fair chance to live with respect and opportunity.

Current Affairs MCQs : 20 february 2026

Q. What is the primary function of the drogue parachute in the Gaganyaan mission?
рдЧрдЧрдирдпрд╛рди рдорд┐рд╢рди рдореЗрдВ рдбреНрд░реЛрдЧ рдкреИрд░рд╛рд╢реВрдЯ рдХрд╛ рдореБрдЦреНрдп рдХрд╛рд░реНрдп рдХреНрдпрд╛ рд╣реИ?

A. To provide thrust during launch /рд▓реЙрдиреНрдЪ рдХреЗ рджреМрд░рд╛рди рдереНрд░рд╕реНрдЯ рдкреНрд░рджрд╛рди рдХрд░рдирд╛
B. To stabilize and decelerate the crew module before main parachute deployment/ рдореБрдЦреНрдп рдкреИрд░рд╛рд╢реВрдЯ рдХреЗ рдЦреБрд▓рдиреЗ рд╕реЗ рдкрд╣рд▓реЗ рдХреНрд░реВ рдореЙрдбреНрдпреВрд▓ рдХреЛ рд╕реНрдерд┐рд░ рдФрд░ рдзреАрдорд╛ рдХрд░рдирд╛
C. To assist in orbital maneuvering/ рдХрдХреНрд╖реАрдп рд╕рдВрдЪрд╛рд▓рди рдореЗрдВ рд╕рд╣рд╛рдпрддрд╛ рдХрд░рдирд╛
D. To protect astronauts from radiation during re-entry/ рдкреБрдирдГ рдкреНрд░рд╡реЗрд╢ рдХреЗ рджреМрд░рд╛рди рдЕрдВрддрд░рд┐рдХреНрд╖ рдпрд╛рддреНрд░рд┐рдпреЛрдВ рдХреЛ рд╡рд┐рдХрд┐рд░рдг рд╕реЗ рдмрдЪрд╛рдирд╛

Show Answer
тЬЕ Answer / рдЙрддреНрддрд░: B. To stabilize and decelerate the crew module before main parachute deployment
рдореБрдЦреНрдп рдкреИрд░рд╛рд╢реВрдЯ рдХреЗ рдЦреБрд▓рдиреЗ рд╕реЗ рдкрд╣рд▓реЗ рдХреНрд░реВ рдореЙрдбреНрдпреВрд▓ рдХреЛ рд╕реНрдерд┐рд░ рдФрд░ рдзреАрдорд╛ рдХрд░рдирд╛

Explanation / рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛:
The drogue parachute is a smaller parachute deployed first during re-entry in the Gaganyaan mission. It slows down and stabilizes the crew module, creating suitable conditions for the safe deployment of the larger main parachutes.
рдбреНрд░реЛрдЧ рдкреИрд░рд╛рд╢реВрдЯ рдПрдХ рдЫреЛрдЯрд╛ рдкреИрд░рд╛рд╢реВрдЯ рд╣реЛрддрд╛ рд╣реИ рдЬреЛ Gaganyaan рдорд┐рд╢рди рдХреЗ рдкреБрдирдГ рдкреНрд░рд╡реЗрд╢ рдХреЗ рджреМрд░рд╛рди рд╕рдмрд╕реЗ рдкрд╣рд▓реЗ рдЦреЛрд▓рд╛ рдЬрд╛рддрд╛ рд╣реИред рдпрд╣ рдХреНрд░реВ рдореЙрдбреНрдпреВрд▓ рдХреА рдЧрддрд┐ рдХрдо рдХрд░рддрд╛ рд╣реИ рдФрд░ рдЙрд╕реЗ рд╕реНрдерд┐рд░ рдмрдирд╛рддрд╛ рд╣реИ, рдЬрд┐рд╕рд╕реЗ рдореБрдЦреНрдп рдкреИрд░рд╛рд╢реВрдЯ рд╕реБрд░рдХреНрд╖рд┐рдд рд░реВрдк рд╕реЗ рдЦреБрд▓ рд╕рдХреЗрдВред


Q. What was the central focus of the LeadersтАЩ Declaration adopted at the India AI Impact Summit 2026?
рдЗрдВрдбрд┐рдпрд╛ рдПрдЖрдИ рдЗрдореНрдкреИрдХреНрдЯ рд╕рдорд┐рдЯ 2026 рдореЗрдВ рдЕрдкрдирд╛рдП рдЧрдП рд▓реАрдбрд░реНрд╕тАЩ рдбрд┐рдХреНрд▓реЗрд░реЗрд╢рди рдХрд╛ рдореБрдЦреНрдп рдлреЛрдХрд╕ рдХреНрдпрд╛ рдерд╛?

A. Expanding military applications of AI / рдПрдЖрдИ рдХреЗ рд╕реИрдиреНрдп рдЙрдкрдпреЛрдЧреЛрдВ рдХрд╛ рд╡рд┐рд╕реНрддрд╛рд░
B. Promoting responsible and ethical AI development with global cooperation / рд╡реИрд╢реНрд╡рд┐рдХ рд╕рд╣рдпреЛрдЧ рдХреЗ рд╕рд╛рде рдЬрд┐рдореНрдореЗрджрд╛рд░ рдФрд░ рдиреИрддрд┐рдХ рдПрдЖрдИ рд╡рд┐рдХрд╛рд╕ рдХреЛ рдмрдврд╝рд╛рд╡рд╛ рджреЗрдирд╛
C. Restricting AI research to developed nations / рдПрдЖрдИ рдЕрдиреБрд╕рдВрдзрд╛рди рдХреЛ рд╡рд┐рдХрд╕рд┐рдд рджреЗрд╢реЛрдВ рддрдХ рд╕реАрдорд┐рдд рдХрд░рдирд╛
D. Establishing AI solely for industrial automation / рдПрдЖрдИ рдХреЛ рдХреЗрд╡рд▓ рдФрджреНрдпреЛрдЧрд┐рдХ рд╕реНрд╡рдЪрд╛рд▓рди рддрдХ рд╕реАрдорд┐рдд рдХрд░рдирд╛

Show Answer
тЬЕ Answer / рдЙрддреНрддрд░: B. Promoting responsible and ethical AI development with global cooperation
рд╡реИрд╢реНрд╡рд┐рдХ рд╕рд╣рдпреЛрдЧ рдХреЗ рд╕рд╛рде рдЬрд┐рдореНрдореЗрджрд╛рд░ рдФрд░ рдиреИрддрд┐рдХ рдПрдЖрдИ рд╡рд┐рдХрд╛рд╕ рдХреЛ рдмрдврд╝рд╛рд╡рд╛ рджреЗрдирд╛

Explanation / рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛:
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, adopted the LeadersтАЩ Declaration on February 20, 2026. The declaration emphasized global AI governance, responsible innovation, ethical standards, and inclusive international collaboration.
India AI Impact Summit 2026, рдЬреЛ Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi рдореЗрдВ рдЖрдпреЛрдЬрд┐рдд рд╣реБрдЖ, рдореЗрдВ 20 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ рд▓реАрдбрд░реНрд╕тАЩ рдбрд┐рдХреНрд▓реЗрд░реЗрд╢рди рдЕрдкрдирд╛рдпрд╛ рдЧрдпрд╛ред рдЗрд╕ рдШреЛрд╖рдгрд╛ рдореЗрдВ рд╡реИрд╢реНрд╡рд┐рдХ рдПрдЖрдИ рд╢рд╛рд╕рди, рдЬрд┐рдореНрдореЗрджрд╛рд░ рдирд╡рд╛рдЪрд╛рд░, рдиреИрддрд┐рдХ рдорд╛рдирдХреЛрдВ рдФрд░ рд╕рдорд╛рд╡реЗрд╢реА рдЕрдВрддрд░рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░реАрдп рд╕рд╣рдпреЛрдЧ рдкрд░ рдЬреЛрд░ рджрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЧрдпрд╛ред


Q. Who authored the book The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru?
рдкреБрд╕реНрддрдХ The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru рдХреЗ рд▓реЗрдЦрдХ рдХреМрди рд╣реИрдВ?

A. C.P. Radhakrishnan
B. Dr. Shashi Tharoor
C. Dr. K. Radhakrishnan
D. Swami Vivekananda

Show Answer

тЬЕ Answer / рдЙрддреНрддрд░: B. Dr. Shashi Tharoor
рдбреЙ. рд╢рд╢рд┐ рдерд░реВрд░

Explanation / рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛:
The book was authored by Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor. It was formally released by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan at the India International Centre on February 19, 2026. The book highlights the life, teachings, and legacy of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
рдпрд╣ рдкреБрд╕реНрддрдХ рд╕рд╛рдВрд╕рдж Shashi Tharoor рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд▓рд┐рдЦреА рдЧрдИ рд╣реИред рдЗрд╕рдХрд╛ рдФрдкрдЪрд╛рд░рд┐рдХ рд╡рд┐рдореЛрдЪрди рдЙрдкрд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░рдкрддрд┐ C. P. Radhakrishnan рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ India International Centre рдореЗрдВ 19 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЧрдпрд╛ред рдпрд╣ рдкреБрд╕реНрддрдХ рд╕рдорд╛рдЬ рд╕реБрдзрд╛рд░рдХ Sree Narayana Guru рдХреЗ рдЬреАрд╡рди, рд╢рд┐рдХреНрд╖рд╛рдУрдВ рдФрд░ рд╡рд┐рд░рд╛рд╕рдд рдкрд░ рдкреНрд░рдХрд╛рд╢ рдбрд╛рд▓рддреА рд╣реИред

Book Release тАУ The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism by Dr. Shashi Tharoor

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan formally released the latest book authored by Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor, titled тАЬThe Sage who Reimagined Hinduism: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Sree Narayana Guru.тАЭ The launch ceremony was held on February 19, 2026 at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi.

About the Book

  • The biography chronicles the life and teachings of Sree Narayana Guru, the 19th-century social reformer and spiritual leader from Kerala.
  • It highlights GuruтАЩs fight against caste discrimination and his vision of social equality, encapsulated in his famous message: тАЬOne caste, one religion, one God for mankind.тАЭ
  • Dr. Tharoor positions Narayana Guru as a thinker who reshaped Hinduism into a more inclusive and egalitarian faith, making his legacy relevant for contemporary India.

Key Highlights from the Release

  • Vice President Radhakrishnan praised the book as a bridge between generations, ensuring GuruтАЩs philosophy reaches a global audience.
  • He noted that contributions of reformers like Narayana Guru have often been underrepresented in international academic discourse, and this work helps fill that gap.
  • The book was first unveiled at Sivagiri Mutt, the hermitage founded by Narayana Guru, before its formal release in New Delhi.

India AI Impact Summit 2026 Adopts LeadersтАЩ Declaration

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, reached a landmark moment on February 20, 2026 with the formal adoption of the LeadersтАЩ Declaration. The declaration outlines a collective vision for global AI governance, responsible innovation, and inclusive collaboration.

Key Highlights

  • The LeadersтАЩ Declaration affirms commitments to:
    • Strengthening multilateral cooperation on AI.
    • Promoting responsible and ethical AI development.
    • Ensuring inclusive access to AI benefits, especially for developing nations.
    • Advancing global competitiveness and shared prosperity through AI.
  • The declaration was adopted during high-level GPAI (Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence) Council meetings, where member countries reviewed progress and set priorities for the future.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the summit earlier, emphasized IndiaтАЩs vision of AI as a tool for democratization, empowerment, and inclusion, particularly for the Global South.
  • The summit witnessed participation from over 500 AI leaders, including 100+ CEOs and founders, 150 academicians and researchers, and nearly 400 chief technologists from across the world.

Global Context

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is anchored in the principles of People, Planet, and Progress, reflecting IndiaтАЩs approach to AI cooperation. Leaders from multiple countries, including Brazil, France, Finland, Bhutan, and Estonia, joined discussions on shaping the future of AI for humanity.

DRDO Successfully Tests Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute

IndiaтАЩs human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, achieved a significant milestone with the successful qualification-level load test of its drogue parachute system. The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh on 18 February 2026.

Key Highlights

  • The drogue parachute is a critical component of the crew moduleтАЩs deceleration system, designed to stabilize and slow down the spacecraft before the deployment of the main parachutes.
  • The qualification-level load test validated the parachuteтАЩs strength, reliability, and performance under extreme aerodynamic conditions.
  • The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the RTRS facility is a specialized dynamic test center extensively used for high-speed aerodynamic and ballistic evaluations.
  • The successful trial demonstrates IndiaтАЩs growing expertise in designing and manufacturing high-strength ribbon parachutes, a technology crucial for astronaut safety during re-entry and landing.
  • The test was jointly overseen by teams from DRDO and ISRO, marking another step forward in ensuring the safety and success of IndiaтАЩs first human spaceflight mission.

Current Affairs MCQs : 17 february 2026

Q. Exercise MILAN 2026 is the 13th edition of the Indian NavyтАЩs flagship multilateral naval exercise, held from 18тАУ25 February 2026 at which location?
рдЕрднреНрдпрд╛рд╕ MILAN 2026 рднрд╛рд░рддреАрдп рдиреМрд╕реЗрдирд╛ рдХрд╛ 13рд╡рд╛рдВ рдкреНрд░рдореБрдЦ рдмрд╣реБрдкрдХреНрд╖реАрдп рдиреМрд╕реИрдирд┐рдХ рдЕрднреНрдпрд╛рд╕ рд╣реИ, рдЬреЛ 18тАУ25 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рддрдХ рдХрд┐рд╕ рд╕реНрдерд╛рди рдкрд░ рдЖрдпреЛрдЬрд┐рдд рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЧрдпрд╛?

A. Kochi and Arabian Sea / рдХреЛрдЪреНрдЪрд┐ рдФрд░ рдЕрд░рдм рд╕рд╛рдЧрд░
B. Mumbai and Arabian Sea / рдореБрдВрдмрдИ рдФрд░ рдЕрд░рдм рд╕рд╛рдЧрд░
C. Visakhapatnam and Bay of Bengal / рд╡рд┐рд╢рд╛рдЦрд╛рдкрддреНрддрдирдо рдФрд░ рдмрдВрдЧрд╛рд▓ рдХреА рдЦрд╛рдбрд╝реА
D. Chennai and Indian Ocean / рдЪреЗрдиреНрдирдИ рдФрд░ рд╣рд┐рдВрдж рдорд╣рд╛рд╕рд╛рдЧрд░

Show Answer
тЬЕ Correct Answer: C. Visakhapatnam and Bay of Bengal
тЬЕ рд╕рд╣реА рдЙрддреНрддрд░: C. рд╡рд┐рд╢рд╛рдЦрд╛рдкрддреНрддрдирдо рдФрд░ рдмрдВрдЧрд╛рд▓ рдХреА рдЦрд╛рдбрд╝реА

Explanation (English):
Exercise MILAN 2026 was conducted at Visakhapatnam and in the Bay of Bengal from 18тАУ25 February 2026. It is one of the largest multilateral naval exercises hosted by the Indian Navy, with participation from dozens of countries.

рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛ (Hindi):
рдЕрднреНрдпрд╛рд╕ MILAN 2026 рдХрд╛ рдЖрдпреЛрдЬрди 18тАУ25 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рддрдХ рд╡рд┐рд╢рд╛рдЦрд╛рдкрддреНрддрдирдо рдФрд░ рдмрдВрдЧрд╛рд▓ рдХреА рдЦрд╛рдбрд╝реА рдореЗрдВ рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЧрдпрд╛ред рдпрд╣ рднрд╛рд░рддреАрдп рдиреМрд╕реЗрдирд╛ рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рдЖрдпреЛрдЬрд┐рдд рд╕рдмрд╕реЗ рдмрдбрд╝реЗ рдмрд╣реБрдкрдХреНрд╖реАрдп рдиреМрд╕реИрдирд┐рдХ рдЕрднреНрдпрд╛рд╕реЛрдВ рдореЗрдВ рд╕реЗ рдПрдХ рд╣реИ, рдЬрд┐рд╕рдореЗрдВ рдХрдИ рджреЗрд╢реЛрдВ рдХреА рднрд╛рдЧреАрджрд╛рд░реА рд╣реЛрддреА рд╣реИред


Q. Global Tourism Resilience Day is observed annually on which date?
рдЧреНрд▓реЛрдмрд▓ рдЯреВрд░рд┐рдЬреНрдо рд░реЗрдЬрд┐рд▓рд┐рдПрдВрд╕ рдбреЗ рдкреНрд░рддрд┐рд╡рд░реНрд╖ рдХрд┐рд╕ рддрд┐рдерд┐ рдХреЛ рдордирд╛рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛рддрд╛ рд╣реИ?

A. 15 January / 15 рдЬрдирд╡рд░реА
B. 17 February / 17 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА
C. 21 March / 21 рдорд╛рд░реНрдЪ
D. 5 June / 5 рдЬреВрди

Show Answer
тЬЕ Correct Answer: B. 17 February
тЬЕ рд╕рд╣реА рдЙрддреНрддрд░: B. 17 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА

Explanation (English):
Global Tourism Resilience Day is observed every year on 17 February. It was established by the United Nations to emphasize strengthening the tourism sector against global crises such as pandemics, natural disasters, and climate change.

рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛ (Hindi):
рдЧреНрд▓реЛрдмрд▓ рдЯреВрд░рд┐рдЬреНрдо рд░реЗрдЬрд┐рд▓рд┐рдПрдВрд╕ рдбреЗ рд╣рд░ рд╡рд░реНрд╖ 17 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА рдХреЛ рдордирд╛рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛рддрд╛ рд╣реИред рдЗрд╕реЗ рд╕рдВрдпреБрдХреНрдд рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░ (United Nations) рджреНрд╡рд╛рд░рд╛ рд╕реНрдерд╛рдкрд┐рдд рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЧрдпрд╛, рддрд╛рдХрд┐ рдкрд░реНрдпрдЯрди рдХреНрд╖реЗрддреНрд░ рдХреЛ рдорд╣рд╛рдорд╛рд░реА, рдкреНрд░рд╛рдХреГрддрд┐рдХ рдЖрдкрджрд╛рдУрдВ рдФрд░ рдЬрд▓рд╡рд╛рдпреБ рдкрд░рд┐рд╡рд░реНрддрди рдЬреИрд╕реА рдЪреБрдиреМрддрд┐рдпреЛрдВ рдХреЗ рдкреНрд░рддрд┐ рдЕрдзрд┐рдХ рд╕рд╢рдХреНрдд рдмрдирд╛рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛ рд╕рдХреЗред

Global Tourism Resilience Day – February 17

Global Tourism Resilience Day is observed annually on February 17. It was established to highlight the importance of building a tourism sector that can withstand crises such as pandemics, natural disasters, economic shocks, and climate change. The day serves as a global call to action for governments, businesses, and travelers to prioritize sustainable and adaptable tourism practices.


ЁЯУЦ Background & Significance

  • Origins: The initiative was spearheaded by the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), with strong support from the United Nations and international tourism bodies.
  • Purpose: To strengthen tourismтАЩs ability to recover quickly from disruptions while continuing to foster economic growth, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability.
  • Global Impact: Tourism is a major source of income, employment, and foreign exchange for many countries, especially developing nations and small island states. Resilient tourism ensures these economies remain stable even during crises.

Exercise MILAN 2026: Indian NavyтАЩs Multilateral Naval Exercise from 18тАУ25 February

Exercise MILAN 2026 is the 13th edition of the Indian NavyтАЩs flagship multilateral naval exercise, scheduled from 18тАУ25 February 2026 at Visakhapatnam and the Bay of Bengal. With invitations to 135+ countries and participation from over 70 navies, it is one of the largest naval gatherings in the world.

The exercise aims to strengthen naval diplomacy, enhance interoperability through multi-domain operations, and promote the sharing of best practices in maritime security and disaster response, while highlighting IndiaтАЩs MAHASAGAR vision of collective maritime cooperation.

Key highlights include the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, the MILAN Naval Exercise, and the IONS Conclave of Chiefs, making Visakhapatnam a major global naval hub. The MILAN Village adds a cultural dimension, blending professional engagement with cultural diplomacy.

Strategically, MILAN 2026 reinforces IndiaтАЩs role as a key Indo-Pacific maritime power, strengthens regional and global naval partnerships, and demonstrates collective preparedness against emerging maritime threats.

AI Impact Summit 2026: Key Highlights, Objectives and Global Significance

The AI Impact Summit 2026 is a landmark global event being hosted in New Delhi, India, from February 16тАУ20, 2026, at the Bharat Mandapam. It marks a strategic shift from тАЬactionтАЭ to тАЬimpact,тАЭ focusing on how artificial intelligence can drive inclusive development, sustainability, and equitable progress worldwide.

ЁЯФС Core Objectives

  • Inclusive Human Development тАУ Ensuring AI benefits reach diverse communities across the globe.
  • Environmental Sustainability тАУ Leveraging AI for climate solutions and ecological protection.
  • Equitable Progress тАУ Bridging the global AI divide through multilateral cooperation.
  • Policy & Governance тАУ Establishing frameworks for responsible AI deployment.

ЁЯМН Global Participation

  • Attended by Heads of State, Ministers, CEOs, and international organizations.
  • Key figures include Sundar Pichai (Google) and Bill Gates, alongside other global tech leaders.
  • Delegations from 13 countries (including UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Russia, Italy).

ЁЯУЕ Structure of the Summit

  • Day 1 (Feb 16): Inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Feb 17тАУ20: Open sessions, panels, and the AI Impact Expo showcasing innovations.
  • Over 700 sessions covering AI in healthcare, education, governance, ethics, and industry.

PM RAHAT Scheme: Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims

On 15 February 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the launch of the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) Scheme. Under this scheme, every eligible road accident victim on any type of road will receive cashless medical treatment up to тВ╣1.5 lakh for a maximum period of seven days from the date of the accident.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that the scheme reflects the governmentтАЩs commitment to saving lives by ensuring immediate medical assistance after road accidents. Hospital expenses will be reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.

Launched from Seva Teerth, New Delhi, PM RAHAT represents a citizen-first and compassionate governance approach. The initiative is significant as India records a high number of road accident fatalities each year, many of which are preventable. Studies show that nearly 50% of road accident deaths can be avoided if victims receive hospital care within the golden hour.

Current Affairs MCQs : 16 february 2026

Q. What is the main focus of the AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi, India, from February 16тАУ20?
AI Impact Summit 2026 рдХрд╛ рдореБрдЦреНрдп рдЙрджреНрджреЗрд╢реНрдп рдХреНрдпрд╛ рд╣реИ, рдЬреЛ 16тАУ20 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рддрдХ рдирдИ рджрд┐рд▓реНрд▓реА, рднрд╛рд░рдд рдореЗрдВ рдЖрдпреЛрдЬрд┐рдд рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛ рд░рд╣рд╛ рд╣реИ?

a) Promoting AI startups and funding / AI рд╕реНрдЯрд╛рд░реНрдЯрдЕрдкреНрд╕ рдФрд░ рдлрдВрдбрд┐рдВрдЧ рдХреЛ рдмрдврд╝рд╛рд╡рд╛ рджреЗрдирд╛
b) Shifting from AI research to AI impact for inclusive and sustainable development / AI рдЕрдиреБрд╕рдВрдзрд╛рди рд╕реЗ рдЖрдЧреЗ рдмрдврд╝рдХрд░ рд╕рдорд╛рд╡реЗрд╢реА рдФрд░ рд╕рддрдд рд╡рд┐рдХрд╛рд╕ рдХреЗ рд▓рд┐рдП AI рдХреЗ рдкреНрд░рднрд╛рд╡ рдкрд░ рдзреНрдпрд╛рди рдХреЗрдВрджреНрд░рд┐рдд рдХрд░рдирд╛
c) Launching new AI hardware technologies / рдирдИ AI рд╣рд╛рд░реНрдбрд╡реЗрдпрд░ рддрдХрдиреАрдХреЛрдВ рдХреА рд╢реБрд░реБрдЖрдд рдХрд░рдирд╛
d) Discussing national security applications of AI / AI рдХреЗ рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░реАрдп рд╕реБрд░рдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдЕрдиреБрдкреНрд░рдпреЛрдЧреЛрдВ рдкрд░ рдЪрд░реНрдЪрд╛ рдХрд░рдирд╛

Show Answer
тЬЕ Correct Answer: b) Shifting from AI research to AI impact for inclusive and sustainable development
рд╕рд╣реА рдЙрддреНрддрд░: b) AI рдЕрдиреБрд╕рдВрдзрд╛рди рд╕реЗ рдЖрдЧреЗ рдмрдврд╝рдХрд░ рд╕рдорд╛рд╡реЗрд╢реА рдФрд░ рд╕рддрдд рд╡рд┐рдХрд╛рд╕ рдХреЗ рд▓рд┐рдП AI рдХреЗ рдкреНрд░рднрд╛рд╡ рдкрд░ рдзреНрдпрд╛рди рдХреЗрдВрджреНрд░рд┐рдд рдХрд░рдирд╛

Explanation (English):
The AI Impact Summit 2026 is a landmark global event hosted in New Delhi from February 16тАУ20, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam. The summit focuses on transitioning from AI research discussions to real-world AI impact, especially for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛ (Hindi):
AI Impact Summit 2026 рдПрдХ рд╡реИрд╢реНрд╡рд┐рдХ рд╕реНрддрд░ рдХрд╛ рдорд╣рддреНрд╡рдкреВрд░реНрдг рдХрд╛рд░реНрдпрдХреНрд░рдо рд╣реИ, рдЬреЛ 16тАУ20 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рддрдХ рдирдИ рджрд┐рд▓реНрд▓реА рдореЗрдВ рднрд╛рд░рдд рдордВрдбрдкрдо рдореЗрдВ рдЖрдпреЛрдЬрд┐рдд рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛ рд░рд╣рд╛ рд╣реИред рдЗрд╕ рд╕рдореНрдореЗрд▓рди рдХрд╛ рдореБрдЦреНрдп рдЙрджреНрджреЗрд╢реНрдп AI рдЕрдиреБрд╕рдВрдзрд╛рди рд╕реЗ рдЖрдЧреЗ рдмрдврд╝рдХрд░ рдЙрд╕рдХреЗ рд╡рд╛рд╕реНрддрд╡рд┐рдХ рдкреНрд░рднрд╛рд╡ рдкрд░ рдзреНрдпрд╛рди рджреЗрдирд╛ рд╣реИ, рддрд╛рдХрд┐ рд╕рдорд╛рд╡реЗрд╢реА рдФрд░ рд╕рддрдд рд╡рд┐рдХрд╛рд╕ рдХреЛ рдмрдврд╝рд╛рд╡рд╛ рдорд┐рд▓ рд╕рдХреЗред


Q. Under the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) Scheme, which of the following statements is correct?
PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) рдпреЛрдЬрдирд╛ рдХреЗ рдЕрдВрддрд░реНрдЧрдд рдирд┐рдореНрди рдореЗрдВ рд╕реЗ рдХреМрди рд╕рд╛ рдХрдерди рд╕рд╣реА рд╣реИ?

a) It provides cashless treatment up to тВ╣1 lakh, reimbursed through the National Health Mission Fund / рдпрд╣ тВ╣1 рд▓рд╛рдЦ рддрдХ рдХреИрд╢рд▓реЗрд╕ рдЙрдкрдЪрд╛рд░ рдкреНрд░рджрд╛рди рдХрд░рддрд╛ рд╣реИ, рдЬрд┐рд╕рдХрд╛ рднреБрдЧрддрд╛рди National Health Mission Fund рд╕реЗ рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛рддрд╛ рд╣реИ
b) It provides cashless treatment up to тВ╣1.5 lakh, reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund / рдпрд╣ тВ╣1.5 рд▓рд╛рдЦ рддрдХ рдХреИрд╢рд▓реЗрд╕ рдЙрдкрдЪрд╛рд░ рдкреНрд░рджрд╛рди рдХрд░рддрд╛ рд╣реИ, рдЬрд┐рд╕рдХрд╛ рднреБрдЧрддрд╛рди Motor Vehicle Accident Fund рд╕реЗ рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛рддрд╛ рд╣реИ
c) It provides cashless treatment up to тВ╣2 lakh, reimbursed through the PM Jan Arogya Fund / рдпрд╣ тВ╣2 рд▓рд╛рдЦ рддрдХ рдХреИрд╢рд▓реЗрд╕ рдЙрдкрдЪрд╛рд░ рдкреНрд░рджрд╛рди рдХрд░рддрд╛ рд╣реИ, рдЬрд┐рд╕рдХрд╛ рднреБрдЧрддрд╛рди PM Jan Arogya Fund рд╕реЗ рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛рддрд╛ рд╣реИ
d) It provides cashless treatment up to тВ╣50,000, reimbursed through the Road Safety Development Fund / рдпрд╣ тВ╣50,000 рддрдХ рдХреИрд╢рд▓реЗрд╕ рдЙрдкрдЪрд╛рд░ рдкреНрд░рджрд╛рди рдХрд░рддрд╛ рд╣реИ, рдЬрд┐рд╕рдХрд╛ рднреБрдЧрддрд╛рди Road Safety Development Fund рд╕реЗ рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛рддрд╛ рд╣реИ

Show Answer
тЬЕ Correct Answer: b) It provides cashless treatment up to тВ╣1.5 lakh, reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund
рд╕рд╣реА рдЙрддреНрддрд░: b) рдпрд╣ тВ╣1.5 рд▓рд╛рдЦ рддрдХ рдХреИрд╢рд▓реЗрд╕ рдЙрдкрдЪрд╛рд░ рдкреНрд░рджрд╛рди рдХрд░рддрд╛ рд╣реИ, рдЬрд┐рд╕рдХрд╛ рднреБрдЧрддрд╛рди Motor Vehicle Accident Fund рд╕реЗ рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛рддрд╛ рд╣реИ

Explanation (English):
On 15 February 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the launch of the PM RAHAT Scheme. Under this scheme, eligible road accident victims receive cashless medical treatment up to тВ╣1.5 lakh for a maximum of seven days from the date of the accident. The cost is reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.

рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛ (Hindi):
15 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ рдкреНрд░рдзрд╛рдирдордВрддреНрд░реА рдирд░реЗрдВрджреНрд░ рдореЛрджреА рдиреЗ PM RAHAT рдпреЛрдЬрдирд╛ рдХреЛ рдордВрдЬреВрд░реА рджреАред рдЗрд╕ рдпреЛрдЬрдирд╛ рдХреЗ рддрд╣рдд рдкрд╛рддреНрд░ рд╕рдбрд╝рдХ рджреБрд░реНрдШрдЯрдирд╛ рдкреАрдбрд╝рд┐рддреЛрдВ рдХреЛ рджреБрд░реНрдШрдЯрдирд╛ рдХреА рддрд┐рдерд┐ рд╕реЗ рдЕрдзрд┐рдХрддрдо рд╕рд╛рдд рджрд┐рдиреЛрдВ рддрдХ тВ╣1.5 рд▓рд╛рдЦ рддрдХ рдХрд╛ рдХреИрд╢рд▓реЗрд╕ рдЙрдкрдЪрд╛рд░ рдкреНрд░рджрд╛рди рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛рдПрдЧрд╛ред рдЗрд╕рдХрд╛ рднреБрдЧрддрд╛рди Motor Vehicle Accident Fund рдХреЗ рдорд╛рдзреНрдпрдо рд╕реЗ рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ рдЬрд╛рдПрдЧрд╛ред

Current Affairs MCQs : 14 february 2026

Q. Who is the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which secured victory in the 2026 Bangladesh general election?
2026 рдХреЗ рдмрд╛рдВрдЧреНрд▓рд╛рджреЗрд╢ рдЖрдо рдЪреБрдирд╛рд╡ рдореЗрдВ рдЬреАрдд рд╣рд╛рд╕рд┐рд▓ рдХрд░рдиреЗ рд╡рд╛рд▓реА рдмрд╛рдВрдЧреНрд▓рд╛рджреЗрд╢ рдиреЗрд╢рдирд▓рд┐рд╕реНрдЯ рдкрд╛рд░реНрдЯреА (BNP) рдХреЗ рдиреЗрддрд╛ рдХреМрди рд╣реИрдВ?

A) Sheikh Hasina / рд╢реЗрдЦ рд╣рд╕реАрдирд╛
B) Khaleda Zia / рдЦрд╛рд▓рд┐рджрд╛ рдЬрд┐рдпрд╛
C) Tarique Rahman / рддрд╛рд░рд┐рдХ рд░рд╣рдорд╛рди
D) Shamim Osman / рд╢рдореАрдо рдЙрд╕реНрдорд╛рди

Show Answer
тЬЕ Correct Answer: C) Tarique Rahman / рддрд╛рд░рд┐рдХ рд░рд╣рдорд╛рди

Explanation :

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is currently led by Tarique Rahman, who serves as its Acting Chairman. He has been guiding the partyтАЩs political strategy and organizational activities. Under his leadership, BNP secured victory in the 2026 Bangladesh general election.

рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛ :

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) рдХреЗ рд╡рд░реНрддрдорд╛рди рдиреЗрддрд╛ Tarique Rahman рд╣реИрдВ, рдЬреЛ рдкрд╛рд░реНрдЯреА рдХреЗ рдХрд╛рд░реНрдпрд╡рд╛рд╣рдХ рдЕрдзреНрдпрдХреНрд╖ (Acting Chairman) рдХреЗ рд░реВрдк рдореЗрдВ рдХрд╛рд░реНрдп рдХрд░ рд░рд╣реЗ рд╣реИрдВред рдЙрдирдХреЗ рдиреЗрддреГрддреНрд╡ рдореЗрдВ BNP рдиреЗ 2026 рдХреЗ рдЖрдо рдЪреБрдирд╛рд╡ рдореЗрдВ рдЬреАрдд рд╣рд╛рд╕рд┐рд▓ рдХреАред



Q. The inauguration of Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2 on 13th February 2026 marked a historic shift because Seva Teerth became the new official address of which institution?
13 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ рд╕реЗрд╡рд╛ рддреАрд░реНрде рдФрд░ рдХрд░реНрддрд╡реНрдп рднрд╡рди 1 рдПрд╡рдВ 2 рдХреЗ рдЙрджреНрдШрд╛рдЯрди рдХреЗ рд╕рд╛рде рдПрдХ рдРрддрд┐рд╣рд╛рд╕рд┐рдХ рдмрджрд▓рд╛рд╡ рд╣реБрдЖ, рдХреНрдпреЛрдВрдХрд┐ рд╕реЗрд╡рд╛ рддреАрд░реНрде рдХрд┐рд╕ рд╕рдВрд╕реНрдерд╛ рдХрд╛ рдирдпрд╛ рдЖрдзрд┐рдХрд╛рд░рд┐рдХ рдкрддрд╛ рдмрдирд╛?

A) National Security Council Secretariat / рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░реАрдп рд╕реБрд░рдХреНрд╖рд╛ рдкрд░рд┐рд╖рдж рд╕рдЪрд┐рд╡рд╛рд▓рдп
B) Cabinet Secretariat / рдХреИрдмрд┐рдиреЗрдЯ рд╕рдЪрд┐рд╡рд╛рд▓рдп
C) Prime Minister’s Office / рдкреНрд░рдзрд╛рдирдордВрддреНрд░реА рдХрд╛рд░реНрдпрд╛рд▓рдп
D) Ministry of Finance / рд╡рд┐рддреНрдд рдордВрддреНрд░рд╛рд▓рдп

Show Answer
тЬЕ Correct Answer: C) Prime Minister’s Office / рдкреНрд░рдзрд╛рдирдордВрддреНрд░реА рдХрд╛рд░реНрдпрд╛рд▓рдп

Explanation :

On 13th February 2026, Narendra Modi inaugurated Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2. Seva Teerth became the new official address of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), shifting it from the historic South Block for the first time since Independence. The complex also houses the National Security Council Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretariat, symbolizing integrated and citizen-centric governance.

рд╡реНрдпрд╛рдЦреНрдпрд╛ :

13 рдлрд░рд╡рд░реА 2026 рдХреЛ Narendra Modi рдиреЗ рд╕реЗрд╡рд╛ рддреАрд░реНрде рдФрд░ рдХрд░реНрддрд╡реНрдп рднрд╡рди 1 рдПрд╡рдВ 2 рдХрд╛ рдЙрджреНрдШрд╛рдЯрди рдХрд┐рдпрд╛ред рд╕реЗрд╡рд╛ рддреАрд░реНрде рдЕрдм Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) рдХрд╛ рдирдпрд╛ рдЖрдзрд┐рдХрд╛рд░рд┐рдХ рдкрддрд╛ рдмрди рдЧрдпрд╛, рдЬреЛ рд╕реНрд╡рддрдВрддреНрд░рддрд╛ рдХреЗ рдмрд╛рдж рдкрд╣рд▓реА рдмрд╛рд░ рдРрддрд┐рд╣рд╛рд╕рд┐рдХ South Block рд╕реЗ рд╕реНрдерд╛рдирд╛рдВрддрд░рд┐рдд рд╣реБрдЖред рдЗрд╕ рдкрд░рд┐рд╕рд░ рдореЗрдВ National Security Council Secretariat рдФрд░ Cabinet Secretariat рднреА рд╕реНрдерд┐рдд рд╣реИрдВ, рдЬреЛ рд╕рдордиреНрд╡рд┐рдд рдФрд░ рдирд╛рдЧрд░рд┐рдХ-рдХреЗрдВрджреНрд░рд┐рдд рд╢рд╛рд╕рди рдХрд╛ рдкреНрд░рддреАрдХ рд╣реИред


Inauguration of Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2

The inauguration of Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2 on 13th February 2026 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic milestone in IndiaтАЩs governance and administrative architecture.


ЁЯПЫ Significance of Seva Teerth

  • New Prime MinisterтАЩs Office (PMO): Seva Teerth is now the official address of the PMO, moving from the colonial-era South Block for the first time since Independence.
  • Integrated Governance Hub: It also houses the National Security Council Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretariat, bringing key decision-making bodies under one roof.
  • Symbolism: The name Seva Teerth reflects the spirit of service (Seva) as the soul of India. The walls bear the motto тАЬNagriko Devo BhavaтАЭ (Citizens akin to God), emphasizing citizen-centric governance.

ЁЯПв Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2

  • These two buildings accommodate several crucial ministries, including Finance, Defence, Health & Family Welfare, and Education.
  • Designed to replace fragmented, ageing infrastructure, they ensure efficiency, accessibility, and modern facilities for governance.
  • The name Kartavya (duty) highlights the responsibility of public service and national progress.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Secures Victory in 2026 General Election

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has secured a decisive victory in the countryтАЩs 2026 general elections, marking a historic political shift after nearly two decades out of power.

Key Highlights

  • Majority Secured: BNP won 200+ seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad (parliament), giving it a clear majority to form the government independently.
  • Leadership: Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, returned to Bangladesh in December 2025 after 17 years of self-exile in London. He is expected to be sworn in as Prime Minister.
  • Historic Context: This was the first election since the 2024 student-led uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina. The BNPтАЩs victory represents a major realignment in Bangladeshi politics.
  • WomenтАЩs Representation: Out of 78 women candidates, 7 won seats, with 6 belonging to BNP, highlighting the partyтАЩs growing inclusivity.
  • International Reactions: Leaders from neighboring countries, including IndiaтАЩs Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulated Tarique Rahman, signaling regional interest in BangladeshтАЩs new political chapter.

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