Daily Current Affairs Quiz
20 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:
- Secure global supply chains in advanced and emerging technologies.
- Reduce dependence on concentrated or geopolitically sensitive sources.
- Promote trusted production networks among partner countries.
- Coordinate investment, trade and technology standards across the innovation ecosystem.
It covers the full value chain — from mineral extraction and processing to chip fabrication, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure.
Why India’s Participation Matters
- Strengthening India’s semiconductor ambitions
- India is seeking to build domestic chip manufacturing capacity. Participation may enable access to technology partnerships, investment and supply chain integration.
- Integration into trusted global tech networks
- Membership positions India within a coalition of countries coordinating technology standards, production and trade in critical sectors.
- Deepening India–US strategic partnership
- The initiative reflects expanding cooperation beyond defence into high-technology and economic security domains.
- Enhancing supply chain resilience
- Diversifying production locations reduces vulnerability to disruptions in critical inputs such as chips, rare earths and battery materials.
- Positioning India in techno-geopolitical competition
- Control over advanced technologies is becoming central to global power dynamics. Participation gives India a role in shaping future technology governance.
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?
- A bilateral cooperation platform launched under the Fourth India–UK Energy Dialogue.
- Designed to support development of India’s offshore wind sector by combining UK technical expertise with India’s market scale.
- Brings together policymakers, industry stakeholders and technical experts from both countries.
Objectives
- Accelerate deployment of offshore wind energy through structured India–UK collaboration.
- Develop a comprehensive offshore wind ecosystem including policy, infrastructure and financing frameworks.
- Strengthen long-term energy security and industrial competitiveness under Vision 2035.
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
- Based on British parliamentary traditions.
- Originally evolved to protect the House of Commons from interference by the monarch.
- Adopted in India as part of parliamentary practice.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 105 — Powers, privileges and immunities of Parliament and its members.
- Article 194 — Powers, privileges and immunities of State Legislatures and their members.
Composition
- Lok Sabha: 15 members nominated by the Speaker.
- Rajya Sabha: 10 members nominated by the Chairman.
- State Legislatures: Usually 9–15 members (varies by state).
Main Functions
- Examine breach of privilege cases
Investigates matters referred by the House or presiding officer. - Collect evidence
Can summon individuals, record statements and call for documents. - Determine breach or contempt
Assesses whether actions have insulted, obstructed or undermined the House or its members. - Recommend action to the House
Possible recommendations include:- Admonition or reprimand
- Suspension or expulsion (if member involved)
- Imprisonment for the duration of the session (rare)
- Acceptance of apology and closure of the matter
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?
- A consolidated repository of AI solutions developed by Indian startups.
- Provides insights into sectoral trends, technologies and global expansion of AI enterprises.
- Designed to help governments and institutions evaluate and scale AI solutions for large-scale deployment.
It is described as the first comprehensive compendium of AI solutions in India.
Purpose and Objectives
- Map the scale and diversity of India’s AI and deep-tech ecosystem.
- Identify high-impact AI solutions that can be deployed in public systems.
- Enable ministries, states and institutions to assess maturity and performance of AI applications.
- Support transition from pilot projects to population-scale implementation.
- Help position India as a global “use-case capital” for AI.
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
- Launched by: Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), Digital India Corporation, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)
- Developed with: EkStep Foundation, COSS, IIIT Bengaluru and AI4Bharat
- Platform: Built on BHASHINI — India’s national language technology infrastructure
Objectives
- Enable citizens to access digital and government services through natural speech in Indian languages.
- Build a common multilingual Voice AI platform for large-scale deployment.
- Reduce vendor dependence through open standards and interoperability.
- Provide secure and scalable infrastructure for government, research and innovation.
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.”
Organiser
Government of Telangana. Hyderabad is the permanent host city.
Significance of Hyderabad
- Known globally as the “Vaccine Capital of the World.”
- Contributes about one-third of global vaccine production.
- Emerging hub for biotechnology, TechBio and advanced healthcare innovation.
Key Significance of the Summit
- Showcases convergence of biology with AI and automation (TechBio).
- Strengthens India’s global role in biotechnology and health innovation.
- Promotes investment, research collaboration and startup development.
- Reinforces Telangana’s position as a global life sciences hub.
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
- Non-deliverable derivatives are cash-settled contracts widely used offshore to hedge or speculate on currencies like the Indian rupee.
- India has been promoting GIFT City as a global financial hub through regulatory incentives.
- Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I banks are key participants in forex markets.
Key Provisions in the Draft Framework
- Permission to trade rupee NDDCs
- AD banks may undertake NDDCs with other ADs and overseas entities, including IFSC Banking Units (IBUs) and Offshore Banking Units (OBUs).
- Contracts may be cash-settled in rupees or foreign currency.
- Eligibility linked to having an operating IBU.
- Indirect push to GIFT City
- Access to offshore trading platforms for NDDCs is restricted to banks with an operating IBU.
- This is expected to incentivise banks to establish or deepen presence in the IFSC.
- Trading on offshore electronic trading platforms (ETPs)
- AD banks may undertake forex and interest rate derivative trades on offshore ETPs.
- Platforms must be located in Financial Action Task Force (FATF) member jurisdictions and regulated by global standard-setting bodies.
- Rupee trades allowed only with non-residents.
- Transaction data must be publicly disseminated.
- Expanded purposes for OTC derivative transactions
- Includes market-making and proprietary trading.
- Allows entry into non-deliverable contracts with non-bank entities.
- Deployment of surplus foreign currency funds
- Overnight placements and reverse repos against overseas sovereign debt.
- Investment in short-term overseas money market or sovereign debt instruments.
- Lending under Foreign Exchange Management regulations.
- Investment of FCNR (Bank) funds in long-term overseas sovereign debt subject to conditions.
Facts
- NDDC: Non-deliverable derivative contract settled in cash without physical currency exchange.
- AD Category-I Bank: RBI-authorised bank permitted to deal in foreign exchange.
- IFSC (GIFT City): India’s international financial centre in Gujarat.
- FATF: Global body combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
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
- UPI Autopay was launched in 2020 to enable recurring payments such as subscriptions, utility bills, insurance premiums and EMIs.
- Complaints increased toward the end of 2025, including involuntary mandates, unclear consent and cancellation issues.
- Reports to cybercrime authorities triggered regulatory attention.
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 Tamil Nadu were identified as priority zones, with ₹7,453 crore Viability Gap Funding allocated to support early-stage offshore wind projects.
7. IIT Madras Launches AI Innovation Centre in Dubai
The IIT Madras Global Research Foundation established its first Applied AI Innovation Centre at Dubai CommerCity, UAE, to support AI startups and product innovation. The centre will focus on IP creation, industry partnerships and scaling AI solutions under India–UAE cooperation frameworks like CEPA.
8. India–Nepal Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement on Criminal Matters
India and Nepal signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement in Kathmandu to strengthen judicial cooperation and tackle transnational crimes such as terrorism, money laundering, trafficking and cybercrime. The agreement enables information sharing, coordinated investigations and designation of central authorities for legal assistance requests.
9. ASK Asset & Wealth Management Gets SEBI Approval for MF Business
Securities and Exchange Board of India approved ASK Asset & Wealth Management to operate as a mutual fund investment manager, making it the 52nd fund house in India. The license allows expansion into diverse investment products including equity, hybrid and fixed income schemes.
10. Axis Bank Partners with IndiGo for Co-branded Credit Cards
Axis Bank partnered with IndiGo to launch IndiGo Axis Bank and IndiGo Axis Bank Premium credit cards offering travel rewards through the BluChip loyalty programme. The cards provide lounge access, UPI rewards and travel-focused lifestyle benefits.
11. TVS SCS Signs MoU with ALA Group for A&D Supply Chains
TVS Supply Chain Solutions signed an MoU with Italy-based ALA Group to develop integrated aerospace and defence supply chain solutions in India. The partnership will focus on production support, MRO logistics, digital inventory management and defence-grade logistics services.
12. International Epilepsy Day 2026
International Epilepsy Day is observed on the second Monday of February to raise awareness about epilepsy and reduce stigma. It is jointly organised by the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy, with purple as the global awareness symbol.
13. International Asperger’s Day 2026
International Asperger’s Day is observed annually on 18 February to raise awareness about Asperger’s Syndrome, a condition under Autism Spectrum Disorder. The day marks the birth anniversary of Hans Asperger and promotes better understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions.
14. Tamil Nadu Interim Budget FY27
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented a ₹2.55 lakh crore interim budget for FY27 with major allocations to education, urban development, rural development and health. The budget estimates a revenue deficit of ₹48,696 crore and a 7.3% rise in expenditure over RE 2025-26.
15. Madhya Pradesh Budget FY27
MP Finance Minister Jagdish Devda presented a ₹4.38 lakh crore budget based on the GYANII framework focusing on welfare, youth, farmers, women and infrastructure. Over ₹1.15 lakh crore was allocated for agriculture and 2026 was declared as Kisan Kalyan Year.
16. Delhi Launches ‘Bhu-Aadhaar’ under ULPIN
The Delhi Government launched ‘Bhu-Aadhaar’ to assign a unique 14-digit ID to every land parcel under the ULPIN system. The initiative uses drone surveys, geo-tagging and digital mapping under the DILRMP and SVAMITVA scheme to enhance transparency in land records.
