Daily Current Affairs Quiz21 February, 2026 National Affairs 1. M.A.N.A.V. Vision for Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence Source: PIB Context: About M.A.N.A.V. Vision Objectives Five Pillars of M.A.N.A.V. 2. Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute Successfully Tested Source: News on Air Context: India achieved a major milestone in its human spaceflight programme as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a qualification-level load test of the Drogue Parachute for the Gaganyaan mission. What is the Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute? Developed and Tested By 3. Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion ( SANKALP Scheme) Source: TH Context: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has criticised the government for slow and weak implementation of the SANKALP scheme. The committee reviewed a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit report highlighting delays and financial underutilisation. About SANKALP Scheme 4. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) — 23rd Foundation Day Source: PIB Context: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) celebrated its 23rd Foundation Day in New Delhi. The occasion highlighted its role in protecting tribal rights and promoting inclusive development. About National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Establishment Composition 5. Bela Gram — India’s First Net-Zero Panchayat Source: TH Why in News? Bela Gram, India’s first net-zero panchayat, was highlighted at Mumbai Climate Week 2026 as a model of grassroots climate action led by local governance. Key Highlights: Measures Taken to Achieve Net Zero How a Village Becomes Net Zero A village can achieve net zero by: 6. Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II) Source: PIB Context: What is VVP-II? Launch and Duration Background Objectives Key Features Banking/Finance 1. SMS-Less UPI Signup Likely to be Introduced by 2026–27 Source: BS Context: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is working on a new system that may allow users to sign up for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) without sending SMS for verification. The new system may be implemented within the next 12–18 months, subject to technical feasibility and testing. Present System (Device Binding) Proposed Change Reasons for the Change 2. ICICI Launches Swasthya Pension Scheme Combining Retirement and Health Needs Source: TOI Context: ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management Company has launched the Swasthya Pension Scheme. The scheme has been introduced under the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) regulatory sandbox framework. Objective of the Scheme Key Features Regulatory Aspect Agriculture 1. Shalimar Wheat Varieties Developed for Kashmir Source: TH Context: Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) have developed two new early-maturing wheat varieties to support the rice–wheat cropping system in Kashmir. What is Shalimar Wheat? New Varieties Key Features 2. Salem Sago (Javvarisi) Exported to Canada Source: PIB Context: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first direct export consignment of GI-tagged Salem Sago from Tamil Nadu to Canada. The export marks a significant milestone for producer-led exports of traditional Indian food products. About Salem Sago (Javvarisi) Origin and Production Geographical Indication (GI) Status Facts To Remember 1. Bengali author Shankar passes away in Kolkata at 92 Veteran Bengali author Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay, popularly known as Shankar, passed away on Friday at the age of 92. 2. Indian Navy Hosts IFR 2026, MILAN 2026 & IONS Conclave at Visakhapatnam Exercise MILAN 2026, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was conducted from 19–25 February in the Bay of Bengal with the theme “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration.” IFR 2026 was held on 18 February under the theme “United through Oceans,” presided over by President Droupadi Murmu. 3. Amit Shah Launches Vibrant Villages Programme–II in Assam Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) at Nathanpur village in Cachar district, Assam, to boost border development and security. The scheme has an outlay of ₹6,839 crore till FY29 and will cover 1,954 border villages across 15 states and 2 UTs, focusing on basic services, livelihoods, and strategic border infrastructure aligned with Viksit Bharat@2047. 4. Ministry of Power Sets Oversight Panels for PFC–REC Merger The Ministry of Power constituted a high-level committee and a Working Group to oversee the proposed merger of Power Finance Corporation and REC Limited. The panel will monitor progress, resolve policy issues, and ensure integration of personnel, pay scales, and service conditions. 5. Mizoram Inaugurates Lengtekai ‘Faith Bridge’ over Tlawng River Mizoram CM Lalduhoma inaugurated the 100-metre Lengtekai Bridge over the Tlawng River in Aizawl, built at a cost of ₹43.83 crore with funding from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The bridge enhances connectivity between Aizawl, Lengpui Airport, and Mamit district, replacing old Bailey structures and improving transport safety. 6. UP Govt & IOCL Sign MoU for International Cricket Stadium in Gorakhpur The Government of Uttar Pradesh signed an MoU with Indian Oil Corporation Limited to build a ₹339 crore international cricket stadium in Gorakhpur with a seating capacity of 30,000. The project will be funded through CSR contributions from IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL and is expected to be completed by December 2027. 7. India–Israel Sign MoU on Defence Industrial Cooperation India and Israel signed an MoU in Tel Aviv to deepen defence industrial collaboration through joint seminars, technology sharing, co-development, and industrial partnerships. The agreement was facilitated by SIBAT and SIDM, focusing on strengthening interoperability and defence manufacturing under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026. 8. GIFT City & AJNIFM Sign MoU for FinTech and Finance Talent GIFT City signed an MoU with the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management to build talent in international finance and FinTech. The partnership includes PG programmes, research collaboration, and industry immersion aligned with India’s IFSC ecosystem. 9. Tata Group Partners OpenAI for India’s First Large-Scale AI Data Centre The Tata Group partnered with OpenAI to establish an AI-ready data centre under the Stargate initiative. TCS HyperVault will begin with 100 MW capacity scalable to 1 GW, supported by green energy and AI-optimised hardware, with plans to deploy ChatGPT Enterprise across Tata operations. 10. DRDO Conducts Drogue Parachute Test for Gaganyaan The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted a qualification-level load test of the drogue parachute

Daily Current Affairs Quiz20 February, 2026 International Affairs 1. India to Join US-Led Pax Silica Initiative Source: TH What is the news? India is set to join the United States-led Pax Silica initiative, a multilateral framework aimed at building secure and resilient supply chains in advanced technologies such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and critical minerals. The announcement is expected on the sidelines of an international summit. What is Pax Silica? Pax Silica is a strategic technology partnership led by the United States that seeks to: It covers the full value chain — from mineral extraction and processing to chip fabrication, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure. Why India’s Participation Matters National Affairs 1. India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce Source: TOI Context: India and the United Kingdom have launched the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce under Vision 2035 to strengthen bilateral cooperation and accelerate development of offshore wind energy in India. What is the India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce? Objectives 2. Privileges Committee Source: TNIE Context: The Privileges Committee and the Ethics Committee have reportedly not been constituted in the Lok Sabha for nearly two years, raising concerns about oversight and enforcement of parliamentary privileges. What is the Privileges Committee? The Privileges Committee is a specialised parliamentary committee that examines cases of breach of privilege or contempt of the House. It functions as a quasi-judicial body to safeguard the special rights and immunities of the legislature and its members. Its purpose is to ensure that Parliament and legislators can perform their duties without obstruction, intimidation or undue interference. Historical Origin Constitutional Provisions Composition Main Functions 3. MeitY Launches AI Impact Startup Book at India AI Impact Summit 2026 Source: PIB Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the AI Impact Startup Book at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The publication is a comprehensive study of India’s artificial intelligence and deep-tech startup ecosystem. What is the AI Impact Startup Book? It is described as the first comprehensive compendium of AI solutions in India. Purpose and Objectives 4. VoicERA Launched on BHASHINI National Infrastructure Source: News on AIr Context: VoicERA, an open-source end-to-end Voice AI stack, was launched at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on the BHASHINI National Language Infrastructure. What is VoicERA? VoicERA is an open-source Voice AI execution stack that serves as a national deployment layer for multilingual speech and conversational AI systems.It enables large-scale voice-based digital services across sectors such as governance, public services and innovation. Institutional Framework Objectives 5. 23rd Edition of BioAsia 2026 Held in Hyderabad Source: News on Air Context: The 23rd edition of BioAsia 2026, Asia’s leading life sciences and health-tech forum, was held in Hyderabad, Telangana on 17–18 February 2026. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Telangana, A. Revanth Reddy, at the HITEX Exhibition Centre. About BioAsia 2026 Theme“TechBio Unleashed – AI, Automation and the Biology Revolution.” OrganiserGovernment of Telangana. Hyderabad is the permanent host city. Significance of Hyderabad Key Significance of the Summit Banking/Finance 1. Draft RBI Norms on INR Derivatives May Boost Bank Presence in GIFT City Source: BS What is the news? Draft norms issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on rupee non-deliverable derivative contracts (NDDCs) are expected to encourage banks to expand operations in GIFT City’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). Background Key Provisions in the Draft Framework Facts 2. RBI Asks NPCI to Review UPI Autopay Over Debit Concerns Source: Mint What is the news? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to review UPI Autopay after a rise in complaints about involuntary recurring payment mandates and difficulty in cancelling them. Background What is UPI Autopay? UPI Autopay is a feature of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) that allows users to set up automatic recurring payments through pre-approved mandates. Once authorised, payments are deducted automatically at scheduled intervals without requiring manual approval each time. It was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2020. Facts To Remember 1. EPFO Likely to Link with Government Databases to Boost Compliance The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is planning to integrate its database with multiple central ministries and state governments to strengthen compliance monitoring and improve implementation of employment-linked schemes. 2. FCI Signs MoU with WFP for Global Hunger Relief In February 2026, the Food Corporation of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution signed an MoU with the World Food Programme to supply rice for global humanitarian operations. FCI will provide 2 lakh MT rice (up to 25% broken), with the agreement valid for 5 years from 17 February 2026 and current price fixed at ₹2,800 per quintal till March 31, 2026. 3. IICA Forms High-Level Ease of Doing Business Panel On 18 February 2026, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs set up a high-level Advisory Group on Ease of Doing Business chaired by Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh to modernise compliance under the Companies Act, 2013. The School of Business Environment will act as Secretariat and IICA also signed an MoU with MCA for a study on “Re-envisioning Ease of Doing Business for Viksit Bharat 2047”. 4. CMA CGM Signs USD 360 Million Deal with Cochin Shipyard France-based CMA CGM signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited to build six LNG-fuelled feeder container vessels worth USD 360 million. The vessels will be constructed in Kochi, marking the first ‘Made in India’ container ship order by a global shipping major. 5. GEAPP Launches ‘India Grids of the Future Accelerator’ The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet launched a USD 25 million accelerator during Mumbai Climate Week 2026 to modernise power distribution and support renewable integration. The initiative aims to support at least 15 DISCOMs and impact nearly 300 million people through digitalisation, DER integration, democratisation and grid innovation. 6. India–UK Offshore Wind Task Force under Vision 2035 India and the United Kingdom launched the Offshore Wind Task Force during the 4th India–UK Energy Dialogue to accelerate offshore wind deployment. Gujarat and