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17 February 2026 Current Affairs MCQ

1️⃣ The BRICS Sherpas Meeting held in New Delhi is primarily associated with:

A) Military cooperation
B) Summit agenda formulation
C) Trade negotiations only
D) Cultural exchanges

Answer: B) Summit agenda formulation

Explanation:
Sherpas play a crucial diplomatic role by shaping summit priorities, negotiating frameworks, and drafting outcome documents. They are not directly linked to defence or cultural programmes.


2️⃣ The amendment to the IT Rules (2026) mainly focuses on strengthening:

A) Telecom licensing
B) Cryptocurrency regulation
C) Intermediary accountability
D) Data localisation mandates

Answer: C) Intermediary accountability

Explanation:
The IT Rules govern obligations of digital intermediaries such as social media platforms. Amendments typically address misinformation, compliance mechanisms, grievance redressal, and due diligence norms.


3️⃣ The National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) is primarily intended for:

A) Deep ocean mapping
B) Solar physics research
C) Satellite navigation
D) Weather forecasting

Answer: B) Solar physics research

Explanation:
NLST is designed to study solar dynamics, magnetic fields, and space weather phenomena. It strengthens India's capabilities in astrophysics and heliophysics.


4️⃣ The ban on pangolin hunting by USLP reflects which governance model?

A) Centralised environmental regulation
B) Judicial activism
C) Community-led conservation
D) International treaty enforcement

Answer: C) Community-led conservation

Explanation:
The decision by a tribal apex body highlights grassroots biodiversity governance, where local communities regulate wildlife protection within their jurisdiction.


5️⃣ India becoming the second-largest smartphone installed base implies:

A) Decline in digital economy
B) Expansion of mobile-driven services
C) Reduction in internet penetration
D) Decrease in fintech adoption

Answer: B) Expansion of mobile-driven services

Explanation:
Higher smartphone penetration accelerates fintech, e-governance, digital payments, e-commerce, and platform economy growth.


6️⃣ The Delhi CM Skill Development Scheme primarily targets:

A) IT professionals
B) Defence personnel
C) Traditional artisans
D) Banking employees

Answer: C) Traditional artisans

Explanation:
The scheme supports khadi, handloom, and cottage sector workers, promoting livelihood sustainability and informal sector modernisation.


7️⃣ The Seva Teerth initiative is best associated with:

A) Religious tourism
B) Administrative reforms
C) Defence training
D) Digital payments

Answer: B) Administrative reforms

Explanation:
The programme reflects governance modernisation, institutional capacity enhancement, and public service delivery improvement.


8️⃣ The Sthree Suraksha Scheme launched by Kerala primarily relates to:

A) Digital literacy
B) Women’s safety & welfare
C) Industrial policy
D) Banking inclusion

Answer: B) Women’s safety & welfare

Explanation:
The scheme addresses gender-sensitive governance through social protection, safety mechanisms, and welfare measures.


9️⃣ The DFS report on RuPay & BHIM-UPI incentives evaluates:

A) Tax collection efficiency
B) Digital payment adoption
C) Foreign exchange reserves
D) Inflation targeting

Answer: B) Digital payment adoption

Explanation:
RuPay & BHIM-UPI incentives aim to strengthen India’s cashless economy, transaction digitisation, and financial behaviour transformation.


🔟 The Rafale acquisition approved by DAC primarily strengthens:

A) Naval dominance
B) Air power capability
C) Space exploration
D) Cyber warfare

Answer: B) Air power capability

Explanation:
Rafale jets enhance combat readiness, multi-role strike capacity, and strategic deterrence under defence modernisation.


1️⃣1️⃣ The Agneevasthraa MoU with the Indian Army relates to:

A) Missile propulsion systems
B) Advanced composite materials
C) Naval radar systems
D) AI warfare

Answer: B) Advanced composite materials

Explanation:
Carbon fabrics & composites are critical for lightweight armour, stealth applications, aerospace components, and modern defence systems.


1️⃣2️⃣ The Columbia–IIT Bombay AI Centre focuses on:

A) Healthcare innovation
B) AI in manufacturing
C) Space propulsion
D) Agricultural automation

Answer: B) AI in manufacturing

Explanation:
Industry 4.0 integrates AI, automation, robotics, predictive analytics, and smart production systems.


1️⃣3️⃣ The Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award is associated with:

A) Space research
B) Defence technology
C) Medical humanitarian work
D) Environmental conservation

Answer: C) Medical humanitarian work

Explanation:
Award recognises contributions to accessible healthcare & humanitarian medical services.


1️⃣4️⃣ David J. Farber is best known for contributions to:

A) Nuclear physics
B) Internet development
C) Space missions
D) Artificial Intelligence

Answer: B) Internet development

Explanation:
He is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in internet architecture and digital communication evolution.

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