Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Who announced the New Delhi Frontier AI Impact Commitments at the opening of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on 19 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Ashwini Vaishnaw
Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the commitments at the opening ceremony.
While announcing the New Delhi Frontier AI Impact Commitments, Ashwini Vaishnaw described India's approach across five layers of the AI stack. Which of these is NOT one of them?
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Correct answer: A — Regulation
The five layers named were applications, models, compute, talent and energy. Regulation was not one of them.
After the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which country took the initiative to host the next AI summit, to be followed by the UAE?
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Correct answer: B — Switzerland
PM Modi welcomed Switzerland's initiative to host the next AI Summit, to be followed by the UAE.
During PM Modi's meeting with Swiss President Guy Parmelin on 19 February 2026, the leaders welcomed the implementation of which trade agreement?
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Correct answer: D — India–EFTA TEPA
They welcomed the momentum from implementation of the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA); Switzerland is a key EFTA member.
Consider the following statements about PM Modi's meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi on 19 February 2026: 1. The leaders noted that 18 February 2026 marked four years since the India–UAE CEPA was signed. 2. A term sheet among C-DAC, G42 and MBZUAI for a supercomputer cluster in India was finalised. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the MEA/PIB release on the Crown Prince's visit.
Who is the Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, as of its 23rd Foundation Day on 19 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Antar Singh Arya
NCST Chairperson Antar Singh Arya attended the 23rd Foundation Day along with Members Nirupam Chakma and Dr. Asha Lakra.
Under which Article of the Constitution is the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes constituted?
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Correct answer: D — Article 338A
NCST is constituted under Article 338A. Article 338 covers the NCSC, Article 338B the NCBC, and Article 340 commissions on backward classes.
Consider the following statements about the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes: 1. It was created by the Constitution (Eighty-ninth Amendment) Act, 2003, which split the combined National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. 2. It is a statutory body set up under an Act of Parliament, not a constitutional body. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. NCST is a constitutional body under Article 338A, inserted by the 89th Amendment Act, 2003; it came into existence on 19 February 2004.
The investigation into the Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) crash at Baramati on 28 January 2026 is being conducted in line with which ICAO Annex?
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Correct answer: C — Annex 13
The AAIB probe follows the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025 and the SARPs in ICAO Annex 13, which covers aircraft accident and incident investigation.
Shashi Tharoor's book 'The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism', released on 19 February 2026, is about which social reformer?
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Correct answer: D — Sree Narayana Guru
The book covers the life, lessons and legacy of Sree Narayana Guru, whose message was 'One Caste, One Religion, One God for humankind'.
Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon, who died on 19 February 2026, represented which Lok Sabha constituency?
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Correct answer: A — Shillong
Syngkon was the Lok Sabha MP from Shillong, Meghalaya, elected in 2024 on a Voice of the People Party ticket.
President Droupadi Murmu received Alar Karis, on his first visit to India as President, on 19 February 2026. Which country does he lead?
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Correct answer: A — Estonia
Alar Karis is the President of the Republic of Estonia.
On 19 February 2026, PM Modi paid tribute to which historical figure on his Jayanti, calling him a 'champion of Swarajya'?
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Correct answer: B — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The PM paid homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti, calling him a champion of Swarajya.
Off which city was the International Fleet Review 2026 held on 18 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Visakhapatnam
President Droupadi Murmu reviewed IFR 2026 off Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 18 February 2026.
What was the theme of the International Fleet Review 2026?
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Correct answer: D — United Through Oceans
The President noted that the spirit of togetherness is captured in the review's theme, 'United Through Oceans'.
Which ship served as the Presidential Yacht at the International Fleet Review 2026?
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Correct answer: B — INS Sumedha
President Murmu reviewed the fleet from INS Sumedha, an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel, which flew the President's Standard.
Consider the following statements about International Fleet Reviews hosted by India: 1. IFR 2026 was the third International Fleet Review hosted by India. 2. The earlier two International Fleet Reviews hosted by India were both held at Visakhapatnam. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. IFR 2026 was the third hosted by India; the earlier editions were at Mumbai (2001) and Visakhapatnam (2016).
Which cheetah gave birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park, as announced on 18 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Gamini
Gamini, a South African cheetah and a second-time mother, gave birth to three cubs.
After the birth of Gamini's three cubs in February 2026, what was India's total cheetah population?
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Correct answer: C — 38
The total cheetah population reached 38, with 27 surviving India-born cubs.
Consider the following statements about Project Cheetah: 1. It involved the world's first inter-continental translocation of a large carnivore, with 20 cheetahs brought from Namibia and South Africa in 2022-23. 2. The first eight cheetahs were released into Kuno by the Prime Minister on 17 September 2022. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Under the MoU signed on 18 February 2026, how much rice will the Food Corporation of India supply to the World Food Programme?
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Correct answer: C — 2,00,000 metric tonnes
FCI will supply 200,000 metric tonnes of rice (up to 25% broken) to WFP.
Consider the following statements about the FCI–WFP rice MoU of February 2026: 1. It is valid for five years from the date of signing and may be extended by mutual consent. 2. The price is fixed for the entire five-year period. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The price is to be agreed annually; the current price is ₹2,800 per quintal up to 31 March 2026.
How many Rajya Sabha seats were covered by the biennial elections announced by the Election Commission on 18 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 37
The ECI announced biennial elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats from 10 states, with polling on 16 March 2026.
In the Rajya Sabha biennial elections of March 2026, which state had the largest number of seats falling vacant?
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Correct answer: D — Maharashtra
Maharashtra had seven seats, followed by Tamil Nadu (six) and West Bengal and Bihar (five each).
Consider the following statements about the Rajya Sabha: 1. Under Article 83(1) of the Constitution, one-third of its members retire on the expiration of every second year. 2. In Rajya Sabha elections, electors may mark preferences with any pen of their choice. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Article 83(1) makes the Rajya Sabha a permanent House with one-third of members retiring every second year. The ECI directs that only the integrated violet sketch pen provided by the Returning Officer be used.
Andrej Plenković, who met PM Modi on 18 February 2026 on what was the first-ever visit to India by a Prime Minister of his country, is the Prime Minister of:
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Correct answer: D — Croatia
Andrej Plenković is the Prime Minister of Croatia; his 18–21 February 2026 visit was the first ever by a Croatian PM to India.
At their meeting on 18 February 2026, PM Modi and Finnish PM Petteri Orpo looked forward to meeting again at which forum later in the year?
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Correct answer: A — 3rd India–Nordic Summit
The leaders looked forward to enhancing engagement, including meeting again at the 3rd India–Nordic Summit later in the year.
Where was the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) inaugurated on 18 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — AIIMS New Delhi
J. P. Nadda and Emmanuel Macron inaugurated IF-CAIH at AIIMS, New Delhi.
The Indo-French Centre for AI in Health was set up under a joint MoU between AIIMS New Delhi and which French institutions?
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Correct answer: C — Sorbonne University and Paris Brain Institute
IF-CAIH was established under a joint MoU between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University and the Paris Brain Institute.
Under the contract signed on 18 February 2026, Cochin Shipyard Limited will build six LNG-fuelled container vessels for which shipping company?
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Correct answer: A — CMA CGM
French shipping major CMA CGM signed the contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited for six 1,700 TEU LNG-fuelled feeder container vessels.
Consider the following statements about the CMA CGM–Cochin Shipyard contract of February 2026: 1. The vessels will be 1,700 TEU LNG-fuelled feeder container ships. 2. The vessels will be registered under the French flag. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The six vessels will be built in Kochi and registered under the Indian flag.
At which facility did DRDO conduct the qualification level load test of the Gaganyaan drogue parachute on 18 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Rail Track Rocket Sled facility, TBRL Chandigarh
The test was conducted at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of DRDO's Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh.
Consider the following statements about the Gaganyaan drogue parachute test of 18 February 2026: 1. It simulated loads higher than the maximum flight loads. 2. It was carried out with the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The test simulated qualification level loads higher than maximum flight loads and involved VSSC (ISRO) and ADRDE (DRDO) alongside TBRL.
India and Spain are marking 2026 as a Dual Year of which themes?
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Correct answer: B — Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence
2026 is the India–Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations.
During their talks on 18 February 2026, PM Modi and Pedro Sánchez welcomed progress in the Tata–Airbus Final Assembly Line for which aircraft at Vadodara?
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Correct answer: C — C-295 transport aircraft
The leaders welcomed progress in the Tata–Airbus C-295 transport aircraft Final Assembly Line at Vadodara, which they jointly inaugurated in October 2024.
Amit Shah addressed the 152nd birth anniversary celebrations of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur on 18 February 2026 in which district of West Bengal?
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Correct answer: B — Nadia
The celebrations were held in Nadia, West Bengal, home to Mayapur, where ISKCON is developing a spiritual centre.
VoicERA, launched at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on 18 February 2026, is:
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Correct answer: C — An open-source end-to-end voice AI stack on BHASHINI
VoicERA is an open-source, end-to-end voice AI stack deployed on the BHASHINI National Language Infrastructure by the Digital India BHASHINI Division.
Since when had GRAP Stage-II been in force in Delhi-NCR before CAQM revoked it on 18 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 19 October 2025
Stage-II of GRAP had been invoked on 19 October 2025, when Delhi's average AQI began rising.
The Guinness World Record announced by India on 18 February 2026 at the India AI Impact Summit was for:
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Correct answer: A — Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours
India received 250,946 valid pledges in 24 hours over 16–17 February under the IndiaAI Mission campaign with Intel India.
The India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce, launched on 18 February 2026, was constituted under which framework?
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Correct answer: D — Vision 2035 and the Fourth Energy Dialogue
Pralhad Joshi said the taskforce was constituted under Vision 2035 and the Fourth Energy Dialogue.
To what level did India and France elevate their relations on 17 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Special Global Strategic Partnership
PM Modi and President Macron agreed to elevate relations to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'.
In which city did PM Modi and President Macron jointly inaugurate the 2026 India–France Year of Innovation?
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Correct answer: B — Mumbai
The Year of Innovation was inaugurated in Mumbai on 17 February 2026.
Which new mechanism did India and France establish on 17 February 2026 to review the elevated partnership?
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Correct answer: D — An annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue
The leaders established an annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue to review bilateral cooperation and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
Consider the following statements about President Macron's February 2026 visit to India: 1. It was his fourth visit to India. 2. He invited PM Modi to the G7 Summit to be hosted by France in 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the India–France Joint Statement of 17 February 2026.
Consider the following statements about India–France relations: 1. The India–France Strategic Partnership marked its 25th anniversary in 2023. 2. The Horizon 2047 Roadmap was adopted to mark the 25th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Joint Statement notes that the two countries celebrated 25 years of the Strategic Partnership in 2023 and adopted the Horizon 2047 Roadmap on that occasion.
Which organisation announced on 17 February 2026 that it will develop 'Bee Corridors' along National Highways?
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Correct answer: A — National Highways Authority of India
NHAI announced the first-of-its-kind pollinator or Bee Corridors initiative along National Highways.
Consider the following statements about NHAI's Bee Corridors: 1. Plant species will be chosen for staggered flowering so that nectar and pollen are available through the year. 2. Dead wood and hollow trunks will be removed from the corridors. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. NHAI said flowering weeds, dead wood and hollow trunks, which benefit pollinators, will be retained.
Who represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on 17 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Om Birla
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented India and handed over PM Modi's letter inviting Rahman to visit India.
Tarique Rahman, who was sworn in on 17 February 2026, became the Prime Minister of which country?
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Correct answer: D — Bangladesh
Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister of Bangladesh in Dhaka on 17 February 2026.
Where will the India–France National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics and Defence, announced on 17 February 2026, be set up?
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Correct answer: A — NSTI Kanpur
The NCoE will be at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Kanpur, under PM-SETU.
PM-SETU, the scheme under which the Kanpur aeronautics skilling centre is being set up, stands for:
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Correct answer: B — Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs
PM-SETU is the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Which helpline number can farmers dial to use the Bharat-VISTAAR service launched on 17 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 155261
Farmers can dial 155261 to ask questions and get answers, including mandi prices.
Bharat-VISTAAR Phase 1 was launched on 17 February 2026 in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Jaipur
Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Bharat-VISTAAR Phase 1 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in the presence of CM Bhajanlal Sharma.
Consider the following statements about Bharat-VISTAAR: 1. Its full form is Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources, and it was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. 2. It is envisaged as a multilingual AI tool that integrates the AgriStack portals and the ICAR package on agricultural practices. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Budget 2026-27 summary and the Ministry of Agriculture's launch release.
Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran signed an MoU on 17 February 2026 for a joint venture to manufacture which missiles in India?
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Correct answer: D — Hammer
BEL and Safran Electronics and Defence signed an MoU on a joint venture to manufacture Hammer missiles in India.
Consider the following statements about the 6th India–France Annual Defence Dialogue held on 17 February 2026: 1. It was held in Bengaluru. 2. The bilateral defence cooperation agreement was renewed for another 10 years. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The dialogue was co-chaired in Bengaluru and the defence cooperation agreement was renewed for 10 years.
Where is the Tata Advanced Systems final assembly line for the Airbus H125 helicopter, inaugurated on 17 February 2026, located?
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Correct answer: A — Vemagal, Karnataka
The H125 final assembly line is at Vemagal, Karnataka. Vadodara hosts the C-295 final assembly line.
The H125, whose final assembly line was inaugurated in India on 17 February 2026, is a:
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Correct answer: B — Light utility helicopter
The Airbus H125 is a light utility helicopter.
Consider the following statements about the H125 final assembly line inaugurated on 17 February 2026: 1. It was inaugurated virtually from Mumbai by PM Modi and President Macron. 2. It is the first Tata–Airbus manufacturing collaboration in India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The H125 line follows the earlier Tata–Airbus collaboration to manufacture the C-295 transport aircraft in India.
In the health AI initiatives launched by J. P. Nadda on 17 February 2026, what does SAHI stand for?
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Correct answer: B — Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India
SAHI stands for Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India.
BODH, launched by the Health Ministry on 17 February 2026, is a:
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Correct answer: C — Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI
BODH is the Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI.