Daily Current Affairs MCQs 19 February 2026: Best For Competitive Exams
Daily Current Affairs MCQs 19 February 2026: Best For Competitive Exams
Q1. On 19 February 2026, the first meeting of the ‘Board of Peace’ was held in Washington. This board is a primary initiative of which world leader?
A) Emmanuel Macron
B) Donald Trump
C) Antonio Guterres
D) Narendra Modi
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: On 19 February 2026, US President Donald Trump chaired the inaugural meeting of the ‘Board of Peace’. He pledged $10 billion to the board, framing it as an alternative or oversight body for the United Nations to ensure global stability and conflict resolution.
- Exam Relevance: New global governance structures and their impact on existing international organizations like the UN are high-priority topics for IR.
- Static GK Linkage: The United Nations (UN) was established on 24 October 1945. Its primary judicial organ is the International Court of Justice (ICJ) located in The Hague, Netherlands.
Q2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi on 19 February 2026. What is the name of the Crown Prince?
A) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
B) Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
C) Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
D) Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, visited New Delhi on 18-19 February 2026 to participate in the India AI Impact Summit and discuss the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Exam Relevance: High-level bilateral visits between India and West Asian partners are crucial for energy security and trade-related questions.
- Static GK Linkage: The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed on 18 February 2022, significantly reducing tariffs on over 90% of goods traded between the two nations.
Q3. Which nation’s Prime Minister was reappointed to office on 19 February 2026, outlining a policy focus on regional security and economic resilience?
A) Japan
B) South Korea
C) Thailand
|D) Bangladesh
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: Sanae Takaichi was reappointed as the Prime Minister of Japan on 19 February 2026. Her continuation signifies stability in Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) strategy.
- Exam Relevance: Appointments of heads of state in “Quad” member countries are frequently asked in banking and SSC exams.
- Static GK Linkage: The Diet is the bicameral legislature of Japan. It consists of the House of Representatives (Lower House) and the House of Councillors (Upper House).
Q4. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially notified Rajya Sabha elections for vacant seats across 10 states. On which date are these elections scheduled to be held?
A) 28 February 2026
B) 10 March 2026
C) 16 March 2026
D) 01 April 2026
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: The ECI notified the schedule on 19 February 2026 for Rajya Sabha elections to be held on 16 March 2026. This involves vacancies arising from the retirement of members in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar.
- Exam Relevance: Election schedules and the constitutional process of the Upper House are staple polity questions.
- Static GK Linkage: Under Article 80 of the Indian Constitution, the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha is 250, of which 12 are nominated by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social service.
Q5. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on ‘Simultaneous Elections’ is considering a ‘bar’ on which legislative tool if only one year of a government’s term remains?
A) Adjournment Motion
B) No-Confidence Motion
C) Censure Motion
D) Privilege Motion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: On 19 February 2026, JPC Chairperson P.P. Chaudhary stated that the committee is weighing a provision to bar No-Confidence Motions during the final year of a government’s term to ensure the success of the ‘One Nation One Election’ model.
- Exam Relevance: Constitutional amendments and parliamentary reforms are critical for UPSC and State PSC exams.
- Static GK Linkage: A No-Confidence Motion can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha (not Rajya Sabha). It requires the support of at least 50 members to be admitted.
Q6. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a regulatory update on 19 February 2026, mandating the use of ‘UTI’ for all Over-the-Counter (OTC) derivative deals by 2027. What does ‘UTI’ stand for in this context?
A) Unified Trade Index
B) Universal Transaction Identifier
C) Unique Transaction Identifier
D) Union Trust of India
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: The RBI announced on 19 February 2026 that Unique Transaction Identifiers (UTI) will be mandatory for all OTC derivative transactions to improve transparency and tracking in financial markets.
- Exam Relevance: Technical banking terms and RBI circulars are essential for Banking (IBPS/SBI) and RBI Grade B exams.
- Static GK Linkage: Derivatives are financial contracts whose value is derived from an underlying asset (e.g., stocks, bonds, commodities). The four main types are Forwards, Futures, Options, and Swaps.
Q7. Which Indian state presented a ₹4.08 lakh crore budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 on 19 February 2026?
A) Maharashtra
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Gujarat
D) Karnataka
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: The Gujarat government presented its ₹4.08 lakh crore budget on 19 February 2026, marking a 10.2% increase from the previous year, with a heavy focus on green energy and semiconductor hubs.
- Exam Relevance: State-specific budgets of major economies like Gujarat are relevant for both State PSCs and general economic awareness.
- Static GK Linkage: According to Article 202 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor shall cause to be laid before the House the “Annual Financial Statement” (Budget) of the State.
Q8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’ in New Delhi. During the event, he unveiled which vision for human-centric AI?
A) B.H.A.R.A.T. Vision
B) M.A.N.A.V. Vision
C) A.I. S.E.V.A. Vision
D) S.A.K.S.H.A.M. Vision
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: On 19 February 2026, PM Modi unveiled the M.A.N.A.V. Vision (Human-centric AI) at the India AI Impact Summit, emphasizing that technology must remain under human control and serve societal welfare.
- Exam Relevance: Government initiatives in deep-tech and AI are major themes for Science & Tech sections.
- Static GK Linkage: The IndiaAI Mission was approved with a budget outlay of over ₹10,000 crore to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem, including the establishment of an AI Supercomputing Capacity.
Q9. The Government of India introduced the “Seven Sutras” of AI Governance on 19 February 2026. Which of the following is NOT one of these principles?
A) Trust is the Foundation
B) People First
C) Profits over Privacy
D) Accountability
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: The first comprehensive AI Governance Framework was launched on 19 February 2026. Its seven “Sutras” include: Trust, People First, Innovation over Restraint, Fairness, Accountability, Understandable by Design, and Safety.
- Exam Relevance: Understanding policy frameworks is essential for analytical questions in UPSC Mains and Prelims.
- Static GK Linkage: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is the nodal ministry for implementing the National Program on AI.
Q10. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched the “Bee Corridors” initiative on 19 February 2026. What is the primary purpose of this project?
A) To produce honey for export along highways
B) To protect highway commuters from bee attacks
C) To plant pollinator-friendly vegetation to support biodiversity
D) To use bees as sensors for detecting air pollution levels
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: Launched on 19 February 2026, the ‘Bee Corridors’ initiative aims to transform highway embankments into habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies by planting specific nectar-rich flora.
- Exam Relevance: Innovative ecological initiatives by government bodies are common in environment-related questions.
- Static GK Linkage: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was set up under the NHAI Act, 1988. It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Q11. To counter foreign terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir, the CRPF has established 43 temporary operating bases up to which altitude mark, as reported on 19 February 2026?
A) 3,000 feet
B) 6,000 feet
C) 10,000 feet
D) 15,000 feet
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: As part of a new strategy to flush out terrorists from the upper reaches, the CRPF confirmed on 19 February 2026 that it has established 43 bases at altitudes between 3,000 and 6,000 feet.
- Exam Relevance: Internal security strategies and paramilitary roles are vital for Defence and UPSC exams.
- Static GK Linkage: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is India’s largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF). It was originally raised as the Crown Representative’s Police on 27 July 1939.
Q12. Which team scripted history on 19 February 2026 by reaching its maiden Ranji Trophy final?
A) Vidarbha
B) Jammu and Kashmir
C) Kerala
D) Tripura
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: On 19 February 2026, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) secured a historic victory to enter the Ranji Trophy final for the first time since the tournament’s inception.
- Exam Relevance: Landmarks in domestic sports are frequently asked in SSC, Railways, and State exams.
- Static GK Linkage: The Ranji Trophy is India’s premier first-class cricket tournament, named after KS Ranjitsinhji (the first Indian to play international cricket). It was first played in 1934-35.
Q13. Archaeologists identified 30 ancient rock-cut royal tombs in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings on 19 February 2026. Which international body manages this World Heritage site?
A) ICOMOS
B) UNESCO
C) UNICEF
D) World Monuments Fund
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: On 19 February 2026, reports emerged of new discoveries in the Valley of the Kings, an Egyptian site famously protected under the UNESCO World Heritage list.
- Exam Relevance: International heritage and archaeological discoveries are part of the Art & Culture/Geography syllabus.
- Static GK Linkage: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is headquartered in Paris, France. It was founded in 1945.
Q14. Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) launched a new digital service on 19 February 2026. What is the name of this portal?
A) IOB-Instant Sahay
B) Online Death Claim Settlement Portal
C) IOB-Digital Jeevan
D) Automated Pensioner Portal
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: On 19 February 2026, Indian Overseas Bank launched an Online Death Claim Settlement Portal to simplify and speed up the process for nominees and legal heirs of deceased account holders.
- Exam Relevance: Banking sector digital initiatives are high-frequency questions in IBPS/SBI exams.
- Static GK Linkage: Indian Overseas Bank is a major public sector bank headquartered in Chennai. It was founded in 1937 by M. Ct. M. Chidambaram Chettyar.
Q15. On 19 February 2026, the Mizoram Health Minister informed the Assembly that over 11.54 lakh beneficiaries have registered under which scheme?
A) Mizoram Ayushman Plus
B) Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS)
C) Zoram Health Mission
D) North East Health Sanchay
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: On 19 February 2026, the Mizoram government reported that MUHCS, which provides up to ₹5 lakh annual coverage, has reached near-total saturation of the state’s population.
- Exam Relevance: Success stories of state-level health schemes are important for welfare-related questions.
- Static GK Linkage: Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on 20 February 1987 following the 53rd Constitutional Amendment Act.
Q16. The Ministry of Culture celebrated the centenary of which indigenous script in New Delhi on 19 February 2026?
A) Meetei Mayek
B) Ol Chiki
C) Warang Citi
D) Tirhuta
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: The centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script (used for the Santhali language) concluded on 19 February 2026. The script was created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925.
- Exam Relevance: Tribal heritage and linguistic diversity are key areas for UPSC and State PSC exams.
- Static GK Linkage: The Santhali language was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution by the 92nd Amendment Act, 2003.
Q17. Which city was announced on 19 February 2026 as the host for the G20 Summit in December 2026?
A) Miami
B) New York
C) Los Angeles
D) Washington D.C.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: The US Treasury Department confirmed on 19 February 2026 that the G20 Summit 2026 will be hosted in Miami from 14-15 December 2026.
- Exam Relevance: Venues of major multilateral summits (G20, G7, BRICS) are essential for all competitive exams.
- Static GK Linkage: The G20 (Group of Twenty) does not have a permanent secretariat. The presidency rotates annually among its members based on a Troika system.
Q18. The holy month of Ramzan (Ramadan) officially began in India on 19 February 2026. Which calendar is used to determine Islamic months?
A) Gregorian Calendar
B) Hijri Calendar
C) Saka Calendar
D) Julian Calendar
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: Following the sighting of the crescent moon on 18 February, the month of Ramzan began in India on 19 February 2026.
- Exam Relevance: Cultural festivals and their traditional calendars are part of general awareness.
- Static GK Linkage: The Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days. It began in 622 AD (the year of the Migration/Hijra of Prophet Muhammad).
Q19. India defeated which country by 17 runs in a T20 World Cup match on 19 February 2026?
A) Pakistan
B) Netherlands
C) Canada
D) UAE
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: In the ongoing T20 World Cup, India secured a 17-run victory over the Netherlands on 19 February 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
- Exam Relevance: Match results and venues of ICC tournaments are standard sports questions.
- Static GK Linkage: The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is currently the largest cricket stadium in the world by seating capacity.
Q20. Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) announced the discovery of a new species of ‘Diplura’ on 19 February 2026. In which region was it found?
A) Western Ghats
B) Eastern Himalayas
C) Andaman Islands
D) Thar Desert
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Current Affairs Context: ZSI scientists identified a new species of Diplura (primitive wingless insects) in the Eastern Himalayas on 19 February 2026, highlighting the region’s rich endemic biodiversity.
- Exam Relevance: New species discoveries in India’s biodiversity hotspots are significant for Environment sections.
- Static GK Linkage: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established in 1916 and is headquartered in Kolkata. It works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
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