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Daily Current Affairs
20 February, 2026
1. Pax Silica initiative primarily focuses on which of the following?
A. Global food security
B. Maritime security cooperation
C. Securing supply chains in advanced technologies
D. Climate finance mechanisms
E. Space exploration collaboration
Answer: C. Securing supply chains in advanced technologies
Explanation: Pax Silica is a US-led multilateral framework aimed at securing and diversifying supply chains in advanced technologies such as semiconductors, AI and critical minerals, reducing dependence on geopolitically sensitive sources.
2. India’s participation in Pax Silica is most directly linked to strengthening which domestic ambition?
A. Agricultural exports
B. Semiconductor manufacturing capacity
C. Textile production
D. Tourism development
E. Defence pension reforms
Answer: B. Semiconductor manufacturing capacity
Explanation: By joining Pax Silica, India seeks integration into trusted global tech networks, which supports its semiconductor manufacturing ambitions and supply chain resilience.
3. The India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce was launched under which framework?
A. Act East Policy
B. International Solar Alliance
C. Vision 2035
D. Make in India 2.0
E. National Green Hydrogen Mission
Answer: C. Vision 2035
Explanation: The India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce was launched under Vision 2035 to accelerate offshore wind energy development through bilateral cooperation.
4. The Privileges Committee of the Lok Sabha consists of how many members?
A. 10
B. 12
C. 15
D. 18
E. 20
Answer: C. 15
Explanation: The Privileges Committee in the Lok Sabha consists of 15 members nominated by the Speaker. It examines cases of breach of privilege or contempt of the House.
5. Article 105 of the Constitution of India deals with:
A. Powers of the President
B. Emergency provisions
C. Powers and privileges of Parliament
D. Distribution of legislative subjects
E. Election of Vice-President
Answer: C. Powers and privileges of Parliament
Explanation: Article 105 provides for the powers, privileges and immunities of Parliament and its members. Article 194 provides similar provisions for State Legislatures.
6. The AI Impact Startup Book launched by MeitY aims primarily to:
A. Regulate AI usage
B. Provide AI coding training
C. Map and scale India’s AI startup ecosystem
D. Restrict foreign AI companies
E. Establish data localization laws
Answer: C. Map and scale India’s AI startup ecosystem
Explanation: The AI Impact Startup Book is a comprehensive compendium of AI solutions developed by Indian startups, aimed at enabling large-scale deployment and positioning India as a global AI use-case capital.
7. VoicERA, launched on BHASHINI infrastructure, is best described as:
A. A cybersecurity firewall system
B. A satellite communication platform
C. An open-source multilingual Voice AI stack
D. A blockchain-based voting system
E. A fintech payment gateway
Answer: C. An open-source multilingual Voice AI stack
Explanation: VoicERA is an open-source Voice AI execution stack built on BHASHINI to enable multilingual speech-based digital services in governance and public services.
8. BioAsia 2026 was held in which city?
A. Bengaluru
B. Mumbai
C. New Delhi
D. Hyderabad
E. Chennai
Answer: D. Hyderabad
Explanation: The 23rd edition of BioAsia 2026 was held in Hyderabad, Telangana, known as the “Vaccine Capital of the World” and a major biotechnology hub.
9. Under RBI’s draft norms, rupee Non-Deliverable Derivative Contracts (NDDCs) are:
A. Physically settled in foreign currency
B. Cash-settled without physical exchange of currency
C. Available only for residents
D. Restricted to equity markets
E. Prohibited in IFSC
Answer: B. Cash-settled without physical exchange of currency
Explanation: NDDCs are derivative contracts settled in cash without actual delivery of the underlying currency. RBI’s draft norms aim to expand such trading, especially through GIFT City IFSC.
10. UPI Autopay allows users to:
A. Make one-time cash withdrawals
B. Transfer funds internationally
C. Set up automatic recurring payments through mandates
D. Trade in government securities
E. Block UPI transactions permanently
Answer: C. Set up automatic recurring payments through mandates
Explanation: UPI Autopay, launched by NPCI in 2020, enables automatic recurring payments such as subscriptions and EMIs through pre-approved mandates. RBI has asked for its review due to rising consumer complaints.
