Daily Current Affairs 17 February 2026: Best For Competitive Exams
Daily Current Affairs 17 February 2026: Best For Competitive Exams
| Category | Integrated Scheme / Source | Core Function within Bharat-VISTAAR |
| Income Support | PM-KISAN | Tracks installment status, KYC updates, and direct benefit transfers. |
| Risk Management | PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) | Assists in crop insurance enrollment, premium calculation, and claim status checks. |
| Soil Health | Soil Health Card (SHC) | Provides farm-specific nutrient data to recommend optimal fertilizer usage. |
| Credit Access | Kisan Credit Card (KCC) | Facilitates digital applications and information on institutional credit limits. |
| Infrastructure | Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) | Offers information on financing for post-harvest management and community assets. |
| Irrigation | PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) | Guides on “Per Drop More Crop” incentives and micro-irrigation subsidies. |
| Mechanization | Sub-Mission on Agri. Mechanization | Assists in checking eligibility for subsidies on tractors and farm machinery. |
| Price Support | PM-AASHA | Provides real-time data on MSP and government procurement centers. |
| Market Data | AgMarkNet | Delivers live mandi prices from across India to help in selling decisions. |
| Weather/Pests | IMD & NPSS | Integrates weather alerts and the National Pest Surveillance System for early warnings. |
In Short: Daily Current Affairs 17 February 2026
- International Relations: India and France elevate ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”; PM Modi and President Macron inaugurate a major helicopter assembly line in Karnataka.
- Technology & AI: The India AI Impact Summit 2026 enters its second day in New Delhi, focusing on the three “Sutras”: People, Planet, and Progress.
- Agriculture: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches “Bharat-VISTAAR,” an AI-powered digital public infrastructure (DPI) for farmers.
- Urban Development: Cabinet approves the ₹1 Lakh Crore Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) to drive market-led urban transformation.
- Sports: Cricket star Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025.
- Exam Relevance: High priority for UPSC (Polity, IR, S&T), SSC (Schemes, Awards), and Banking (Financial inclusion, Urban funds).
Polity & Governance
Bharat-VISTAAR: AI Digital Companion for Farmers
Why in News:
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the first phase of Bharat-VISTAAR in Jaipur on 17 February 2026.
Key Points:
- Definition: It is a single digital gateway for farmers, functioning as an AI-powered integrated digital system.
- Access: Designed as a “Voice-First AI,” allowing farmers with simple feature phones to access information via telephony (Dial 155261).
- Services: Provides real-time data on weather forecasts, market prices (Mandis), pest alerts, and government schemes in local languages (starting with Hindi and English, expanding to 11).
- Integration: Connects AgriStack, ICAR, IMD, and various state systems into a “plug-and-play” model.
Static GK Linkage:
- Governance: This project follows the National Policy for Farmers and the Digital Agriculture Mission. It represents a shift toward Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the primary sector.
Exam Relevance: UPSC | State PSC | SSC | Banking
Economy & Finance
Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) Approval
Why in News:
The Union Cabinet recently cleared the Urban Challenge Fund with a total Central Assistance (CA) of ₹1 lakh crore.
Key Points:
- Investment Goal: Aims to catalyze a total investment of ₹4 lakh crore over the next five years.
- Funding Model: The CA covers only 25% of project costs; cities must raise a minimum of 50% from market sources (Municipal bonds, PPPs).
- Objectives: Focuses on resilient, productive, and climate-responsive cities through competitive selection (challenge mode).
Static GK Linkage:
- Economy: This scheme aligns with the 15th Finance Commission recommendations to strengthen the creditworthiness of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and promote fiscal autonomy under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act.
Exam Relevance: UPSC | Banking | State PSC
International Relations
India–France Special Global Strategic Partnership
Why in News:
On 17 February 2026, PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron elevated bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” during talks in Mumbai.
Key Points:
- Helicopter Assembly Line: The leaders virtually inaugurated the H-125 final assembly line at Vemagal, Karnataka, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus.
- Aviation First: The H-125 will be the first helicopter capable of flying as high as Mt. Everest and will be exported from India.
- Year of Innovation: Both nations launched the “India-France Year of Innovation 2026” to connect startups in clean energy and space.
Static GK Linkage:
- History: The Strategic Partnership with France was established in 1998, making it one of India’s oldest.
- Defence: France is a key supplier of Rafale jets and Scorpene-class submarines (Project 75).
Exam Relevance: UPSC | State PSC | Defence
Science & Technology
India AI Impact Summit 2026
Why in News:
The second day of the summit in New Delhi featured the release of Knowledge Compendiums and the “AI by HER” Global Impact Challenge.
Key Points:
- Vision: PM Modi described AI as a “civilizational inflection point” for Viksit Bharat 2047.
- AI ka UPI: Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw proposed a unified interface (AI ka UPI) to democratize AI access.
- Themes: Discussions revolved around the “Seven Chakras”: Human Capital, Inclusion, Trust, Resilience, Science, Resources, and Social Good.
Static GK Linkage:
- Science: This summit reinforces India’s role in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), where it chairs the council.
Exam Relevance: UPSC | SSC | Railways
Sports
BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025
Why in News:
Opener and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was honored with the prestigious award on 16 February 2026.
Key Points:
- Achievement: Recognized for her role in India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup title and leading RCB to their second WPL title.
- Record: Mandhana scored 1,703 international runs in 2025, the highest ever by a woman in a single calendar year.
- Legacy: Veteran shooter Anjali Bhagwat received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the same event.
Static GK Linkage:
- Sports: Mandhana is a recipient of the Arjuna Award (2018) and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2025).
Exam Relevance: SSC | Railways | Banking
STEP 1: CATEGORY & SUB-TOPIC IDENTIFICATION
Based on today’s news (17 February 2026), the following key sub-topics have been identified:
- POLITY & GOVERNANCE
- New Digital Infrastructure: Launch of “Bharat-VISTAAR” (AI-powered farmer companion).
- Governance Initiatives: Announcement of “AI ka UPI” for trusted AI solutions.
- Parliamentary Diplomacy: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla representing India at Bangladesh PM’s oath ceremony.
- ECONOMY & FINANCE
- Cabinet Approvals: Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (₹10,000 crore) and Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) (₹1 lakh crore).
- Banking: Reports on Record Currency Circulation despite digital push.
- Energy Infrastructure: India’s total installed capacity reaches 521 GW (Non-fossil fuel surpasses fossil for the first time).
- INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- India–France Relations: Establishment of “Special Global Strategic Partnership”; 21 agreements exchanged.
- Diplomatic Visits: French President Emmanuel Macron and Estonian President Alar Karis in India.
- India–Bangladesh: Tarique Rahman takes charge as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
- SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
- AI & Digital Public Infrastructure: India AI Impact Summit 2026 (New Delhi); launch of SAHI and BODH initiatives.
- Space & Research: Vayyu Research Centre (IIT Madras & Finnish Meteorological Institute).
- ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
- Conservation: Great Nicobar Mega Project receives NGT green signal.
- Climate Research: IIT Madras launches center for atmospheric and climate studies.
- DEFENCE & SECURITY
- Bilateral Defence: India–France Annual Defence Dialogue; joint development of aero-engines and critical minerals.
- Military Exercises: Exercise MILAN 2026 kicks off in Visakhapatnam.
- SPORTS
- Cricket: Smriti Mandhana wins BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025; Rashid Khan hits 700 T20 wickets.
- Records: Paras Dogra (J&K) enters elite Ranji Trophy club.
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS 17 FEBRUARY 2026 (MCQs)
Q1. With reference to the “Bharat-VISTAAR” initiative launched on 17 February 2026, consider the following statements:
- It is an AI-powered Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) designed as a single gateway for farmers.
- The platform operates on a “Voice-First AI” model to assist feature phone users through telephony.
- It integrates data from AgMarkNet, IMD, and the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: – Statement 1 is correct: Bharat-VISTAAR is a farmer-centric AI companion launched by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Jaipur.
- Statement 2 is correct: It uses Voice-First AI to bridge the digital divide for farmers without smartphones.
- Statement 3 is correct: It acts as a “plug-and-play” model integrating weather (IMD), market prices (AgMarkNet), and pest management (NPSS).
STATIC LINKAGE: This is a part of the Digital Agriculture Mission aimed at achieving the objectives of the National Policy for Farmers.
Q2. The Union Cabinet recently approved the “Urban Challenge Fund (UCF)” with a ₹1 lakh crore outlay. What is the unique funding feature of this scheme?
A) 100% funding by the Central Government as a grant.
B) Mandatory 50% funding mobilization from market sources like municipal bonds and PPPs.
C) Funding is provided only to Aspirational Districts.
D) It replaces the Finance Commission’s grants for local bodies.
Answer: B
Explanation: – The UCF is a reform-linked fund where Central Assistance covers 25%, while cities must mobilize at least 50% from market sources (bonds, PPPs, bank loans) to encourage fiscal autonomy.
STATIC LINKAGE: This aligns with the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission to improve the financial health and creditworthiness of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Q3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron recently established a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” (17 February 2026). In which city did the leaders virtually inaugurate the H-125 helicopter assembly line?
A) Mumbai, Maharashtra
B) Vemagal, Karnataka
C) Hyderabad, Telangana
D) Vadodara, Gujarat
Answer: B
Explanation: – Both leaders virtually inaugurated the H-125 helicopter final assembly line at Vemagal, Karnataka, set up by Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus.
STATIC LINKAGE: This is a milestone under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020‘s Strategic Partnership (SP) model to promote indigenous manufacturing.
Q4. Who represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on 17 February 2026?
A) S. Jaishankar
B) Om Birla
C) Rajnath Singh
D) Droupadi Murmu
Answer: B
Explanation: – Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was designated to represent India at the oath-taking ceremony in Dhaka, signaling parliamentary diplomacy.
STATIC LINKAGE: Parliamentary diplomacy is a subset of Soft Power, where the presiding officers of legislatures engage in international relations to strengthen bilateral ties.
Q5. With reference to the “India AI Impact Summit 2026,” Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the creation of an “AI ka UPI” platform. What is the primary purpose of this platform?
A) To facilitate digital payments for AI subscriptions.
B) To provide a trusted, unified interface for developers and citizens to access AI solutions.
C) To regulate the export of AI chips from India.
D) To replace the existing Aadhaar-based authentication.
Answer: B
Explanation: – The “AI ka UPI” (formally known as the Unified AI Interface) aims to democratize AI by providing a common, trusted layer for developers and users, similar to how UPI transformed payments.
STATIC LINKAGE: This is a core pillar of the IndiaAI Mission, which follows the principle of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
Q6. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently gave a “green signal” to the Great Nicobar Mega Project (17 February 2026). Which of the following is NOT a component of this mega project?
A) International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT)
B) Green Field International Airport
C) Gas and Solar-based Power Plant
D) World’s largest Marine National Park
Answer: D
Explanation: – The Great Nicobar project includes an ICTT, a Greenfield International Airport, a Power Plant, and a Township. It does not include a new Marine National Park; rather, it has faced criticism for impacting the existing Galathea Bay.
STATIC LINKAGE: Great Nicobar is home to the Shompen (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group – PVTG) and the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
Q7. “Vayyu Research Centre,” inaugurated in February 2026, is a collaboration between which Indian institution and the Finnish Meteorological Institute?
A) IIT Bombay
B) IIT Madras
C) IISc Bangalore
D) IIT Delhi
Answer: B
Explanation: – IIT Madras collaborated with the Finnish Meteorological Institute to launch the Vayyu Research Centre, focusing on atmospheric and climate research.
STATIC LINKAGE: This supports the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) by enhancing local expertise in climate modeling.
Q8. As of February 2026, India’s installed energy capacity reached 521 GW. Which of the following statements is historically significant regarding this data?
A) Hydro power became the largest source of energy.
B) Non-fossil fuel capacity surpassed fossil fuel capacity for the first time.
C) Nuclear energy reached 10% of the total mix.
D) All thermal plants were successfully retired.
Answer: B
Explanation: – For the first time, India’s non-fossil fuel capacity (271.9 GW) surpassed fossil fuel capacity, contributing roughly 52% of the total installed capacity.
STATIC LINKAGE: This fulfills one of India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement (reaching 50% non-fossil capacity before 2030).
Q9. Paras Dogra, who was in the news on 17 February 2026, achieved a historic feat in which tournament?
A) ICC T20 World Cup
B) Ranji Trophy
C) Santosh Trophy
D) Pro Kabaddi League
Answer: B
Explanation: – Paras Dogra, the J&K captain, reached a historic milestone (9,000+ runs) in the Ranji Trophy, becoming one of the most prolific run-getters in the tournament’s history.
STATIC LINKAGE: The Ranji Trophy is India’s premier first-class cricket championship, named after Ranjitsinhji, the first Indian to play international cricket.
Q10. The “Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0” (FoF 2.0), approved in February 2026, is managed by which institution?
A) SEBI
B) SIDBI
C) NITI Aayog
D) RBI
Answer: B
Explanation: – Like the original version, the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) 2.0 is managed by SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India). It does not invest directly in startups but in SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
STATIC LINKAGE: SIDBI was established in 1990 under an Act of Parliament as the principal financial institution for the MSME sector.
Q11. Smriti Mandhana was named the “BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year” for 2025 on 17 February 2026. Who won the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the same ceremony?
A) Anjali Bhagwat
B) P.T. Usha
C) Mithali Raj
D) Karnam Malleswari
Answer: A
Explanation: – While Smriti Mandhana won the top honor, veteran shooter Anjali Bhagwat was conferred with the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Indian shooting.
STATIC LINKAGE: Anjali Bhagwat was a world number one in 10m Air Rifle and is a recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna).
Q12. What is the design capacity per fiber pair for the new East-West digital corridor (submarine cable) connecting UAE, India, and Singapore?
A) 10 Tbps
B) 18 Tbps
C) 50 Tbps
D) 100 Tbps
Answer: B
Explanation: – The new submarine cable system features 16 fiber pairs, each with a minimum design capacity of 18 Terabits per second (Tbps).
STATIC LINKAGE: Submarine cables are the backbone of the global internet, carrying over 95% of international data traffic.
Q13. The “SAHI” and “BODH” initiatives, launched at the India AI Summit on 17 February 2026, are primarily related to which sector?
A) Space exploration
B) Public Health and Nutrition
C) Financial Inclusion
D) Border Security
Answer: B
Explanation: – SAHI and BODH are national AI initiatives for Public Health, launched by the Union Health Minister to use AI in diagnostics and healthcare delivery.
STATIC LINKAGE: These initiatives support the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
Q14. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar interacted with “Sherpas” in New Delhi (February 2026) for the first meeting of which multilateral group under India’s chairship?
A) G20
B) BRICS
C) SCO
D) BIMSTEC
Answer: B
Explanation: – India is the Chair of BRICS for 2026. The first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas was held in New Delhi to discuss priorities for the 2026 summit.
STATIC LINKAGE: BRICS recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE (BRICS+).
Q15. According to the latest report by the Ministry of Finance (17 February 2026), which payment method has seen a significant socio-economic impact through the government’s incentive scheme?
A) Credit Cards
B) RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI (P2M)
C) Cryptocurrency
D) Foreign Currency Notes
Answer: B
Explanation: – The report titled “Socio-Economic Impact Analysis of Incentive Scheme for Promotion of RuPay Debit Card and low-value BHIM-UPI Transactions (P2M)” was released at the Chintan Shivir 2026.
STATIC LINKAGE: This incentive scheme aims to promote the usage of indigenous payment systems and reduce the cost of digital transactions for small merchants.
Q16. The “MILAN Village” was recently inaugurated in which city to host participants of the Exercise MILAN 2026?
A) Kochi
B) Visakhapatnam
C) Port Blair
D) Goa
Answer: B
Explanation: – The MILAN Village was inaugurated at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam to support the 2026 edition of the biennial multilateral naval exercise.
STATIC LINKAGE: Exercise MILAN started in 1995 with only four foreign navies; it has now grown into a major international event under India’s SAGAR initiative.
Q17. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at which venue in New Delhi?
A) Vigyan Bhavan
B) Bharat Mandapam
C) Yashobhoomi
D) Indira Gandhi Arena
Answer: B
Explanation: – The summit took place at Bharat Mandapam (IECC complex), the same venue that hosted the G20 Summit in 2023.
STATIC LINKAGE: Bharat Mandapam is India’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.
Q18. Rashid Khan, who became the first bowler to take 700 T20 wickets on 17 February 2026, plays for which national team?
A) Pakistan
B) Afghanistan
C) West Indies
D) Bangladesh
Answer: B
Explanation: – Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan created history by becoming the first bowler to reach the 700-wicket mark in T20 cricket during his stint in global leagues/T20 World Cup.
STATIC LINKAGE: Rashid Khan is widely considered the pioneer of modern leg-spin in the shortest format.
Q19. The “Seva Teerth” and “Kartavya Bhavans” were in the news today as the new locations for:
A) All State Legislative Assemblies.
B) Key Central Ministries shifting from North and South Blocks.
C) New diplomatic residential colonies.
D) National War Memorial expansion.
Answer: B
Explanation: – The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to shift key ministries from the colonial-era North and South Blocks to the newly built Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavans as part of the Central Vista redevelopment.
STATIC LINKAGE: The North and South Blocks were designed by Herbert Baker (not Edwin Lutyens alone) on Raisina Hill.
Q20. “Ol Chiki” script, which was mentioned in PIB releases today (17 February 2026), is associated with which language?
A) Gondi
B) Santali
C) Bodo
D) Maithili
Answer: B
Explanation: – Ol Chiki is the official script of the Santali language. It was featured in the news context of cultural preservation and AI-enabled language models at the AI summit.
STATIC LINKAGE: Santali is one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
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