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Daily Current Affairs
21 February, 2026
1. The M.A.N.A.V. vision presented at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 primarily focuses on:
A. Military use of Artificial Intelligence
B. Profit-driven AI development
C. Human-centric and ethical AI governance
D. Complete automation of governance
E. Replacing human labour with AI
Answer: C. Human-centric and ethical AI governance
Explanation: M.A.N.A.V. (PM Narendra Modi’s Human-Centric AI Odyssey) emphasizes ethical, inclusive, transparent and accountable AI development with human values at its core.
2. The Drogue Parachute tested for the Gaganyaan mission is primarily used to:
A. Launch the spacecraft
B. Increase rocket speed
C. Stabilise and slow down the crew module during re-entry
D. Provide oxygen to astronauts
E. Deploy satellites in orbit
Answer: C. Stabilise and slow down the crew module during re-entry
Explanation: The Drogue Parachute is part of the Crew Module deceleration system. It stabilises the module and reduces velocity during atmospheric re-entry before the main parachutes deploy.
3. The SANKALP Scheme was launched by which ministry?
A. Ministry of Labour and Employment
B. Ministry of Education
C. Ministry of Rural Development
D. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
E. Ministry of MSME
Answer: D. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Explanation: SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion) was launched in 2018 to strengthen short-term skill training and improve industry linkage.
4. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established under which Article of the Constitution?
A. Article 324
B. Article 338
C. Article 338A
D. Article 340
E. Article 356
Answer: C. Article 338A
Explanation: NCST is a constitutional body established under Article 338A through the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 to protect and promote the rights of Scheduled Tribes.
5. Bela Gram, recognised as India’s first net-zero panchayat, is located in:
A. Gujarat
B. Maharashtra
C. Rajasthan
D. Karnataka
E. Tamil Nadu
Answer: B. Maharashtra
Explanation: Bela Gram in Maharashtra achieved net-zero status through tree plantation, solar energy adoption, LPG usage, and waste management practices.
6. Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II) aims to develop villages located along:
A. Coastal areas only
B. Desert regions
C. International land borders (excluding northern borders under VVP-I)
D. Tribal districts only
E. Metro city outskirts
Answer: C. International land borders (excluding northern borders under VVP-I)
Explanation: VVP-II is a Central Sector Scheme designed to develop villages along international land borders such as Indo-Bangladesh, Indo-Nepal, Indo-Myanmar, Indo-Bhutan and Indo-Pakistan (excluding northern borders already covered under VVP-I).
7. The proposed SMS-less UPI signup system aims to replace SMS-based verification with:
A. Email OTP verification
B. Aadhaar biometric scanning
C. Silent telecom-based authentication and backend device binding
D. Manual bank approval
E. QR code activation only
Answer: C. Silent telecom-based authentication and backend device binding
Explanation: NPCI plans to introduce SMS-less UPI onboarding using telecom network-based authentication and tokenised backend verification to improve security and user experience.
8. The Swasthya Pension Scheme launched by ICICI Prudential operates under which regulatory framework?
A. SEBI innovation cell
B. RBI pilot framework
C. PFRDA regulatory sandbox
D. NABARD innovation platform
E. IRDAI testing window
Answer: C. PFRDA regulatory sandbox
Explanation: The Swasthya Pension Scheme was introduced under the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) regulatory sandbox to test innovative pension products combining retirement and healthcare needs.
9. Shalimar Wheat-3 (SW-3), developed for Kashmir, is particularly noted for:
A. Saltwater tolerance
B. Late maturity
C. High resistance to drought only
D. Biofortification with higher iron and zinc content
E. Genetically modified traits
Answer: D. Biofortification with higher iron and zinc content
Explanation: SW-3 is an early-maturing variety resistant to yellow rust and biofortified with higher iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and about 12% protein, making it nutritionally superior.
10. Salem Sago (Javvarisi), recently exported to Canada, is primarily made from:
A. Wheat starch
B. Rice flour
C. Tapioca (cassava) roots
D. Maize starch
E. Barley extract
Answer: C. Tapioca (cassava) roots
Explanation: Salem Sago is a starch-based product made from tapioca roots. It received a GI tag in 2023 and is largely produced in Salem district of Tamil Nadu.
