World Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Which ICMR institute will host the 2027 edition of SANVAD, ICMR's conclave for doctoral scholars?
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Correct answer: B — ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad
After the first edition at ICMR–NIMR, New Delhi (19–21 February 2026), the 2027 edition will be hosted by ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded on 20 February 2026 at which venue?
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
The Summit concluded at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, where Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw summarised its outcomes.
Which guiding principle underpins the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact adopted at the India AI Impact Summit 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya
The Declaration is guided by the principle 'Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya' (welfare for all, happiness for all).
According to PIB, how many countries and international organisations had endorsed the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact as of 21 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 88
PIB's 24 February release said 88 had endorsed it as on 21 February 2026; three more (Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Guatemala) took the total to 91.
At the close of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, AI infrastructure-related investment pledges were said to have crossed what figure?
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Correct answer: B — $250 billion
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said infrastructure-related investment pledges crossed $250 billion, alongside about $20 billion in deep-tech venture commitments.
Consider the following statements about the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact: 1. It is structured around seven pillars, called 'Chakras'. 2. The Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI and the Trusted AI Commons were among the deliverables announced with it. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Declaration rests on seven pillars (Chakras), and deliverables included the Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI, the Global AI Impact Commons and the Trusted AI Commons.
Where did Amit Shah launch the Vibrant Villages Programme-II on 20 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Nathanpur, Assam
VVP-II was launched at Nathanpur village in Cachar district, Assam.
How many villages are covered under the Vibrant Villages Programme-II?
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Correct answer: B — 1,954
VVP-II covers 1,954 villages in 334 blocks abutting international land borders.
Consider the following statements about the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II): 1. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with costs shared between the Centre and the states. 2. It covers villages along the northern border with China in addition to other land borders. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. VVP-II is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% Centre funding, and it excludes the northern border, which is covered by VVP-I.
From which navy did India take over the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) on 20 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Royal Thai Navy
The Indian Navy assumed IONS chairmanship from the Royal Thai Navy at the 9th Conclave of Chiefs in Visakhapatnam.
At the 9th IONS Conclave of Chiefs in February 2026, which country was admitted as an Observer?
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Correct answer: A — Philippines
The Philippines was included as an Observer, while Oman joined the IONS Working Group on HADR.
Consider the following statements about the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): 1. India held the inaugural IONS chairmanship from 2008 to 2010. 2. The 9th Conclave of Chiefs in 2026 was held at Kochi. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. India was the first Chair (2008–2010); the 9th Conclave of Chiefs was held at Visakhapatnam on 20 February 2026.
Where was the Access Pass for fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone launched on 20 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Veraval, Gujarat
Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the EEZ Access Pass at KCC Ground, Veraval, Gujarat.
Through which online portal is the EEZ fishing Access Pass issued free of cost?
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Correct answer: B — ReALCRaft
Access Passes are issued free via the ReALCRaft online portal.
Consider the following statements about fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): 1. The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025 were notified under the Maritime Zones Act of 1976. 2. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep together account for about 49% of India's EEZ. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Rules were notified on 4 November 2025 under the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, EEZ and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976, and A&N plus Lakshadweep make up 49% of India's EEZ.
Where will NIELIT set up India's first dedicated Quantum and AI university campus under an MoU signed on 20 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Amaravati
NIELIT signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government to set up the campus in Amaravati.
NIELIT, which signed the Quantum and AI campus MoU with Andhra Pradesh in February 2026, functions under which ministry?
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
NIELIT is under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
India formally joined which coalition with the United States on 20 February 2026 to secure the 'silicon stack'?
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Correct answer: D — Pax Silica
India formally joined the Pax Silica coalition on the fifth day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
The Pax Silica coalition that India joined in February 2026 aims mainly to:
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Correct answer: A — Secure supply chains from critical minerals and chip fabrication to AI infrastructure among trusted nations
Pax Silica seeks to secure the 'silicon stack' — critical minerals, semiconductor fabrication, AI systems and deployment infrastructure — reduce over-concentration and prevent economic coercion.
With the launch of seven interventions on 20 February 2026, how many of the 11 proposed interventions under the Export Promotion Mission became operational?
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Correct answer: C — 10
Three interventions were already running; with seven more launched, 10 of the 11 proposed interventions under EPM are operational.
Under the Export Promotion Mission, what does the LIFT intervention launched on 20 February 2026 provide?
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Correct answer: D — Partial reimbursement of freight costs for exporters in low export-intensity districts
LIFT (Logistics Interventions for Freight & Transport) reimburses up to 30% of eligible freight expenditure for exporters in low export-intensity districts, capped at ₹20 lakh per IEC a year.
Consider the following statements about the Export Promotion Mission (EPM): 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2025 with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31. 2. Niryat Disha is its financial sub-scheme covering interest subvention and credit guarantees. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Niryat Protsahan is the financial sub-scheme; Niryat Disha covers non-financial enablers such as compliance, branding, logistics and trade intelligence.
In February 2026, DGCI&S revised the base year of India's Merchandise Trade Indices to which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2022-23
The base year was revised from FY 2012-13 to FY 2022-23 (2022-23 = 100).
Vungzagin Valte, who died on 20 February 2026, was a BJP MLA from which state?
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Correct answer: D — Manipur
Vungzagin Valte was a BJP MLA from Manipur, injured during the May 2023 ethnic violence.
During PM Modi's meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka on 20 February 2026, the leaders welcomed the success of the exposition of which holy relics in Sri Lanka?
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Correct answer: A — Devnimori relics
The leaders welcomed the success of the recently concluded exposition of the Holy Devnimori relics in Sri Lanka.
CAQM's Statutory Direction No. 97 of 20 February 2026 takes note of the Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025. From when do these Rules come into force?
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Correct answer: B — 1 April 2026
The Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025 come into force from 1 April 2026.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on 19 February 2026 at which venue?
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Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
The PM inaugurated the Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
In the M.A.N.A.V. vision for AI outlined by PM Modi on 19 February 2026, what does the letter 'N' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — National Sovereignty
M.A.N.A.V. stands for Moral and Ethical Systems, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, Accessible and Inclusive, and Valid and Legitimate.
Which of the following was NOT among PM Modi's three suggestions for ethical AI at the Leaders' Plenary of the India AI Impact Summit 2026?
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Correct answer: A — A global tax on AI compute
The three suggestions were a trusted global data framework, transparent 'glass box' safety rules, and embedding human values in AI. A tax on compute was not proposed.
Consider the following statements about the inauguration of the India AI Impact Summit 2026: 1. PM Modi said AI must be democratised and become a tool for inclusion, particularly for the Global South. 2. The Summit drew representation from over 100 countries. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PM's inaugural address on 19 February 2026.
In the M.A.N.A.V. vision for AI, the letter 'V' stands for:
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Correct answer: B — Valid and Legitimate
'V' stands for Valid and Legitimate; the full vision is Moral and Ethical Systems, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, Accessible and Inclusive, Valid and Legitimate.
A BSIP-led study announced in February 2026 reconstructed a 300-million-year-old Gondwanan ecosystem using fossils from a coal mine in which basin?
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Correct answer: A — North Karanpura Basin
The evidence came from the Ashoka Coal Mine in Jharkhand's North Karanpura Basin.
The Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, which led the Jharkhand coal-mine fossil study, is an autonomous institute under which department?
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Correct answer: B — Department of Science and Technology
BSIP is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
How many countries took part in Exercise MILAN 2026, inaugurated at Visakhapatnam on 19 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 74
Navy chiefs and delegations from 74 countries took part, making it the largest MILAN to date.
What was the theme of Exercise MILAN 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration
MILAN 2026 was held under the theme 'Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration'.
Consider the following statements about Exercise MILAN: 1. It began in 1995 at Port Blair (now Sri Vijaya Puram). 2. The 2026 edition concluded with a closing ceremony aboard INS Vikrant. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Defence Minister recalled MILAN's start in 1995 at Sri Vijaya Puram (then Port Blair), and the 2026 edition closed aboard INS Vikrant on 25 February.
Researchers at CeNS Bengaluru reported a new cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries in February 2026. What is the material?
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Correct answer: D — 1T-phase molybdenum disulfide (1T-MoS₂)
The team synthesised sulfur-vacancy-induced 1T-phase molybdenum disulfide (1T-MoS₂) nanoflakes as the cathode.
Consider the following statements about aqueous zinc-ion batteries: 1. They use water-based electrolytes. 2. In the CeNS study, zinc metal was used directly as the anode. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries use water-based electrolytes, and zinc metal is used directly as the anode.
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.