Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
đź“š Whether it’s about exams, career advice, or daily doubts, don’t hesitate—ask away!
đź’ˇ Daily Current Affairs for UPSC Quiz | Daily Quiz for UPSC
đź’ˇ Your Learning Partner Is Just a Click Away!
👉 Click here to Ask Your Question Now and get clear, reliable answers from experts.
Daily Current Affairs
24 February, 2026
1. With reference to PRAHAAR, India’s first national counter-terrorism doctrine, consider the following statements:
- It emphasises a proactive, intelligence-driven approach.
- It is issued by the Ministry of Defence.
- It includes recovery and rehabilitation as part of its framework.
- It focuses only on conventional terrorism and ignores cyber threats.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. 2 and 4 only
E. 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: A. 1 and 3 only
Explanation: PRAHAAR is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, not Defence. It promotes a proactive, intelligence-driven approach and includes recovery as one of its seven pillars. It also addresses emerging threats like cyber networks and drones.
2. The Amending Protocol to the India–France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention provides which of the following changes?
- Full taxing rights on capital gains to the source country.
- Removal of the Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) clause.
- Uniform 10% dividend tax in all cases.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1 and 3 only
E. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 1 and 2 only
Explanation: The amended protocol grants full taxing rights on capital gains to the source country and removes the MFN clause. Dividend taxation is now 5% (for ≥10% shareholding) and 15% otherwise, not a uniform 10%.
3. The temples of Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura, recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, belong to which dynasty?
A. Chola
B. Vijayanagara
C. Hoysala
D. Pallava
E. Rashtrakuta
Answer: C. Hoysala
Explanation: The temples at Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura were built under the Hoysala dynasty (11th–13th century CE) and are known for intricate star-shaped architecture and sculptural excellence.
4. The New Delhi Declaration (2026) on Artificial Intelligence primarily aims to:
A. Establish a binding global AI regulatory authority
B. Promote military applications of AI
C. Bridge the global AI divide through inclusive access
D. Restrict AI exports from developed nations
E. Replace national AI policies with a global code
Answer: C. Bridge the global AI divide through inclusive access
Explanation: The New Delhi Declaration is a non-binding framework focused on inclusive, responsible AI development and reducing inequality in access to computing, data and AI technologies.
5. With reference to the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP 2.0), consider the following statements:
- It involves permanent transfer of ownership of public assets to private players.
- It focuses mainly on brownfield infrastructure assets.
- It aims to mobilise resources without increasing fiscal deficit.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1 only
E. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation: NMP 2.0 monetises brownfield assets through leasing while ownership remains with the government. It helps mobilise funds for infrastructure without increasing direct budgetary spending.
6. In asset monetisation under NMP 2.0, which of the following best describes the model adopted?
A. Complete privatisation of public enterprises
B. Disinvestment through stock markets
C. Leasing operational rights for a fixed period while retaining ownership
D. Foreign direct investment in greenfield projects only
E. Public distribution of assets
Answer: C. Leasing operational rights for a fixed period while retaining ownership
Explanation: Asset monetisation involves granting operational rights to private entities for a fixed concession period while ownership remains with the government.
7. The automatic settlement of low-balance inoperative EPF accounts will be implemented by which organisation?
A. RBI
B. SEBI
C. NABARD
D. EPFO
E. PFRDA
Answer: D. EPFO
Explanation: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will implement automatic settlement of inoperative EPF accounts with balances up to ₹1,000, credited directly to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
8. An EPF account becomes inoperative after:
A. No contribution for 12 months
B. Member resigns from employment
C. Member turns 58 and does not withdraw the balance
D. Three years of inactivity
E. Employer closes the establishment
Answer: C. Member turns 58 and does not withdraw the balance
Explanation: After the 2016 amendment, an EPF account becomes inoperative only after the member attains 58 years and fails to withdraw the balance. Mere inactivity does not make it inoperative.
9. Total Applied Toxicity (TAT) is used to measure:
A. Quantity of pesticide exported
B. Economic profitability of pesticide use
C. Environmental harm considering quantity and toxicity
D. Human consumption levels of pesticides
E. Fertiliser efficiency
Answer: C. Environmental harm considering quantity and toxicity
Explanation: TAT measures ecological impact by combining pesticide quantity, chemical toxicity and exposure risk to non-target organisms, making it a better indicator than simple usage data.
10. Which of the following factors contribute to rising pesticide toxicity in India?
- Expansion of intensive farming systems
- Adoption of integrated pest management at large scale
- Increased use of high-potency pesticides
- Pest resistance requiring stronger chemicals
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1 and 4 only
E. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: C. 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation: Rising toxicity is driven by intensive agriculture, high-potency chemicals and pest resistance. Large-scale adoption of integrated pest management would reduce toxicity, not increase it.
