Daily Current Affairs MCQs 16 February 2026
Date: 16 February 2026
Role: Senior Current Affairs Analyst & Subject Matter Expert
Target Exams: UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence
Daily Current Affairs MCQs 16 February 2026
CATEGORY & SUB-TOPIC
Based on today’s news (16 February 2026), the following key sub-topics have been identified:
- POLITY & GOVERNANCE
- New Schemes: Launch of “PM RAHAT” (Cashless treatment for road accident victims).
- Urban Governance: Approval of the ₹1 Lakh Crore Urban Challenge Fund.
- Local Governance: Seva Teerth complex unveiled (Motto: Nagrik Devo Bhava).
- ECONOMY & FINANCE
- Corporate CSR: CSR Conclave in New Delhi; leveraging PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (DDKY).
- Appointments: Uday Kotak appointed Chairman of GIFT City.
- State Budgets: Rajasthan Budget 2026–27 (Outlay: ₹6.11 lakh crore).
- INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- Summits: India–AI Impact Summit 2026 (New Delhi); Munich Security Conference 2026 (EAM Jaishankar’s meetings).
- Bilateral: India–Greece Strategic Partnership; India–UAE Economic Corridor.
- Global Elections: Mia Mottley (Barbados) historic third term.
- SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
- AI: National Biobank for Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs); 7 “Chakras” of AI Impact Summit.
- Research: Conclave on AI for Science at IIT Bombay.
- ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
- Wildlife: Rare sighting of Black Panther and Leopard at Bhadra Tiger Reserve.
- Conservation: Sangtam Resolution for Pangolin protection (Nagaland).
- Pollution: Global report on “Global Water Bankruptcy”.
- DEFENCE & SECURITY
- Exercises: Exercise Vayushakti-26 (Pokhran, Rajasthan).
- Indigenization: Operation Sindoor as a milestone for Aatmanirbharta.
- Policy: National Aero Engine Mission (Cooperation with France/UK).
- CULTURE & SOCIETY
- Tourism: Scaling religious tourism under PRASHAD Scheme.
- SPORTS
- Medals: India’s 94-medal haul at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026.
- Awards: Padma Awards 2026 (Vijay Amritraj, Rohit Sharma, etc.).
Daily Current Affairs MCQs 16 February 2026
Q1. With reference to the “PM RAHAT” scheme launched on 16 February 2026, consider the following statements:
- It aims to provide nationwide cashless trauma care specifically for road accident victims.
- The scheme guarantees cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for a period of 7 days.
- It focuses on institutionalizing the ‘Golden Hour’ treatment.Which of the statements given above are correct?A) 1 and 2 onlyB) 2 and 3 onlyC) 1 and 3 onlyD) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D Explanation: – Statement 1 and 2 are correct: PM RAHAT (Relief and Assistance for Health and Trauma) was launched on Feb 16, 2026, to provide cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for 7 days to road accident victims.
- Statement 3 is correct: It institutionalizes ‘Golden Hour’ treatment to reduce road fatalities.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Under Article 21, the Right to Life includes the right to timely emergency medical care (Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity v. State of West Bengal).
Q2. The “Urban Challenge Fund,” approved by the Cabinet on 16 February 2026, is primarily designed to:
A) Provide unconditional grants to all 4,200+ cities in India.
B) Drive market-led urban transformation through reform-linked, competitive selection.
C) Fund the construction of new capital cities for smaller states.
D) Replace the existing Smart Cities Mission entirely.
Answer: B Explanation: – The ₹1 Lakh Crore Urban Challenge Fund is a competitive, reform-linked fund. It discourages entitlement-based transfers and rewards cities based on KPIs and milestones.
- STATIC LINKAGE: This aligns with the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, which envisions empowered and fiscally autonomous Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Q3. The India-AI Impact Summit 2026, inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, is anchored on which three foundational pillars (Sutras)?
A) Innovation, Inclusion, Infrastructure
B) People, Planet, Progress
C) Data, Delivery, Democracy
D) Security, Stability, Sovereignty
Answer: B Explanation: – The summit (Feb 16–20, 2026) is the first major global AI gathering in the Global South, centered on People, Planet, and Progress.
- STATIC LINKAGE: This aligns with India’s “AI for All” strategy (NITI Aayog) and the Digital India mission.
Q4. Recently, a rare sighting of a Black Panther and a Leopard together was reported in which Tiger Reserve?
A) Bandipur Tiger Reserve
B) Bhadra Tiger Reserve
C) Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
D) Periyar Tiger Reserve
Answer: B Explanation: – A rare co-sighting of a Black Panther (melanistic leopard) and a normal Leopard was reported at Bhadra Tiger Reserve in Karnataka on Feb 16, 2026.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Bhadra Tiger Reserve is located in the Western Ghats (a biodiversity hotspot) and is famous for the Bhadra River flowing through it.
Q5. Regarding the “Sangtam Resolution” mentioned in today’s news, which animal’s protection is it primarily aimed at boosting in Nagaland?
A) Hornbill
B) Mithun
C) Pangolin
D) Amur Falcon
Answer: C Explanation: – The Sangtam Resolution, discussed on Feb 16, 2026, is a community-led conservation effort in Nagaland aimed at protecting the Pangolin.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Pangolins are the only scaled mammals. The Chinese Pangolin is ‘Critically Endangered’ and the Indian Pangolin is ‘Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.
Q6. Who among the following has been appointed as the Chairman of the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) on 16 February 2026?
A) Hasmukh Adhia
B) Uday Kotak
C) Shaktikanta Das
D) Madhabi Puri Buch
Answer: B Explanation: – Industrialist Uday Kotak was appointed Chairman of GIFT City, replacing Hasmukh Adhia, via a Gujarat Government resolution dated Feb 13, 2026 (effective Feb 16).
- STATIC LINKAGE: GIFT City is India’s first operational smart city and hosts the country’s only International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
Q7. “Exercise Vayushakti-26,” scheduled for late February 2026, is a major fire-power demonstration of the Indian Air Force conducted at which location?
A) Chandipur, Odisha
B) Pokhran, Rajasthan
C) Hindon, Uttar Pradesh
D) Leh, Ladakh
Answer: B Explanation: – The IAF will conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan on 27 February 2026.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Vayushakti is a triennial exercise demonstrating the IAF’s offensive and defensive capabilities.
Q8. The Government of India recently compiled the first government-supported national biobank for which group of rare diseases?
A) Sickle Cell Anaemia
B) Thalassemia
C) Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs)
D) Hemophilia
Answer: C Explanation: – On Feb 16, 2026, researchers announced the first government-supported national biobank for Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs), a group of about 50 rare inherited metabolic disorders.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Rare diseases in India are governed under the National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021, which provides financial support for treatment.
Q9. With reference to the “PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (DDKY)” discussed at a CSR conclave today, consider the following:
- It was launched on October 11, 2025.
- It aims to improve agricultural productivity and crop diversification in 100 districts.
- It is inspired by the Aspirational Districts Programme.Which of the statements given above are correct?A) 1 and 2 onlyB) 2 and 3 onlyC) 1 and 3 onlyD) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D Explanation: – DDKY was launched on Oct 11, 2025 (Jayaprakash Narayan’s birth anniversary) to cover 100 districts for 6 years, focusing on agricultural convergence.
- STATIC LINKAGE: It operates on the principle of Cooperative Federalism and convergence of existing central schemes.
Q10. “Operation Sindoor,” which was highlighted by the Raksha Mantri on 16 February 2026, is significant because:
A) It was India’s first successful mission to the Moon’s South Pole.
B) It demonstrated India’s Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) using indigenous communication and surveillance systems during a live operation.
C) It was a massive evacuation mission from conflict-hit West Asia.
D) It was a maritime exercise with the Hellenic Navy.
Answer: B Explanation: – Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh cited Operation Sindoor (a recent military achievement) as proof of India’s growing indigenous defence capability.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Aatmanirbharta in defence is driven by the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, emphasizing ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’.
Q11. Mia Mottley has recently (February 2026) secured a historic third term as the Prime Minister of which country?
A) Jamaica
B) Barbados
C) Guyana
D) Bahamas
Answer: B Explanation: – Mia Mottley secured a third term in Barbados. She is a prominent voice for climate finance for developing nations (Bridgetown Initiative).
- STATIC LINKAGE: Barbados became a Republic in 2021, removing the British monarch as its head of state.
Q12. The Wular Barrage Project, recently in the news on 16 February 2026, is located on which river?
A) Chenab
B) Ravi
C) Jhelum
D) Indus
Answer: C Explanation: – The Wular Barrage (also known as the Tulbul Navigation Project) is located at the mouth of Wular Lake on the Jhelum river.
- STATIC LINKAGE: The project is a point of contention between India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960.
Q13. In the context of the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, the guiding themes for multilateral action are referred to as the “Seven Chakras”. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
A) Human Capital
B) Social Good
C) Military Dominance
D) Trust
Answer: C Explanation: – The Seven Chakras are: Human Capital, Inclusion, Trust, Resilience, Science, Resources, and Social Good.
- STATIC LINKAGE: These themes align with the GPAI (Global Partnership on AI) principles of responsible AI development.
Q14. The “National Aero Engine Mission,” discussed by the Defence Minister during his visit to GTRE Bengaluru on 16 February 2026, involves collaboration with which two countries?
A) Russia and Israel
B) USA and Japan
C) France and United Kingdom
D) Germany and Brazil
Answer: C Explanation: – India is initiating joint studies for aero engine development with France and the UK under this mission.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Aero engine technology is considered the “holy grail” of aeronautics, and India aims for self-reliance via the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE).
Q15. On 16 February 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his counterparts at the Munich Security Conference. Munich is located in which country?
A) Austria
B) Germany
C) Switzerland
D) Belgium
Answer: B Explanation: – The Munich Security Conference (MSC) is an annual conference on international security policy held in Munich, Germany since 1963.
- STATIC LINKAGE: The EAM emphasized “Strategic Autonomy” and the need for UN reforms (UN@80 agenda) at the 2026 conference.
Q16. The total outlay of the Rajasthan Budget 2026–27, presented recently, is approximately:
A) ₹4.50 lakh crore
B) ₹6.11 lakh crore
C) ₹7.50 lakh crore
D) ₹8.25 lakh crore
Answer: B Explanation: – The Rajasthan Budget 2026–27 was presented with a total outlay of approximately ₹6.11 lakh crore.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Under Article 202, the Governor shall cause to be laid before the House the Annual Financial Statement (Budget).
Q17. India won a total of how many medals at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026, which concluded recently?
A) 84
B) 94
C) 104
D) 114
Answer: B Explanation: – India finished the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 with a dominant tally of 94 medals.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Shooting is one of India’s most successful sports at the Olympic level (e.g., Rajyavardhan Rathore, Abhinav Bindra).
Q18. Two new species of “Army Ants” were discovered on 16 February 2026 in which mountain range of Andhra Pradesh?
A) Western Ghats
B) Aravalli Range
C) Eastern Ghats
D) Nallamala Hills
Answer: C Explanation: – Researchers reported the discovery of two new army ant species from the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh.
- STATIC LINKAGE: The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous range of mountains eroded and vivisected by the four major rivers of peninsular India (Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, Kaveri).
Q19. With reference to the “PRASHAD Scheme” mentioned in today’s editorial analysis, what does the ‘H’ in PRASHAD stand for?
A) Health
B) Heritage
C) Habitat
D) Holistic
Answer: B Explanation: – PRASHAD stands for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014-15, it focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India.
Q20. The “Jan Vishwas Act, 2023,” in news on 16 February 2026 regarding environmental penalties, is significant because it:
A) Bans all plastic exports.
B) Decriminalizes minor environmental offenses while maintaining financial penalties.
C) Increases the prison term for wildlife poaching to life imprisonment.
D) Nationalizes all private forests in India.
Answer: B Explanation: – The Act aims at ‘Ease of Doing Business’ by decriminalizing minor offenses and shifting to a penalty-based regime.
- STATIC LINKAGE: This marks a shift from criminal law to administrative law for regulatory compliance.
Q21. “Seva Teerth,” a new complex unveiled by the Prime Minister on 16 February 2026, features which of the following mottos?
A) Satyameva Jayate
B) Seva Parmo Dharma
C) Nagrik Devo Bhava
D) Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah
Answer: C Explanation: – The Seva Teerth complex was unveiled with the motto “Nagrik Devo Bhava” (The Citizen is God), emphasizing citizen-centric governance.
- STATIC LINKAGE: This aligns with the “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” philosophy.
Q22. In the context of the India–UAE Economic Corridor (IMEC), the non-oil trade between the two nations reached which milestone recently?
A) $45 billion
B) $65 billion
C) $100 billion
D) $120 billion
Answer: B Explanation: – India–UAE non-oil trade reached $65 billion, a 20% surge, indicating deep economic integration beyond energy.
- STATIC LINKAGE: The CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) signed in 2022 is the primary driver of this growth.
Q23. “Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs),” for which a national biobank was launched today, are primarily:
A) Contagious viral infections.
B) Rare genetic metabolic disorders.
C) Nutritional deficiency diseases.
D) Water-borne bacterial diseases.
Answer: B Explanation: – LSDs are rare genetic disorders where the body lacks enzymes to break down certain substances, leading to cellular damage.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Treatment often involves high-cost Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT).
Q24. The “National Digital Tourism Mission (NDTM),” discussed in today’s news for ranking high on search results, is an initiative of which Ministry?
A) Ministry of Electronics and IT
B) Ministry of Culture
C) Ministry of Tourism
D) Ministry of Civil Aviation
Answer: C Explanation: – NDTM aims to bridge the information gap among tourism stakeholders through a digital ecosystem.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Tourism contributes significantly to India’s GDP (~5.8%) and foreign exchange earnings.
Q25. Vijay Amritraj, who was conferred with the Padma Bhushan in 2026 (as per today’s awards review), is associated with which sport?
A) Cricket
B) Hockey
C) Tennis
D) Chess
Answer: C Explanation: – Vijay Amritraj is a tennis legend and the only sportsperson to receive the Padma Bhushan in the 2026 list.
- STATIC LINKAGE: He was a part of the Indian team that reached the Davis Cup finals in 1974 and 1987.
Q26. Which state recently announced a ₹5,000 aid for 1.31 crore women beneficiaries under a welfare scheme (mentioned in today’s sociopolitical briefs)?
A) Karnataka
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Kerala
D) Telangana
Answer: B Explanation: – The Tamil Nadu CM announced this aid for women beneficiaries, reflecting a trend of direct benefit transfers (DBT) to women.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Such schemes are often categorized as Social Safety Nets in welfare economics.
Q27. According to the UN report “Global Water Bankruptcy” (discussed on 16 Feb 2026), what percentage of global CO2 emissions is generated by urban areas?
A) 40%
B) 55%
C) 70%
D) 85%
Answer: C Explanation: – The report highlights that urban areas generate over 70% of global CO2 emissions, making green urban planning critical.
- STATIC LINKAGE: The SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) targets reducing the environmental impact of cities.
Q28. The “Miyawaki Method,” mentioned in the ecology updates today, is a technique used for:
A) Deep-sea mining.
B) Creating dense, native forests in small urban spaces.
C) Hybrid rice cultivation.
D) Monitoring seismic activity in the Himalayas.
Answer: B Explanation: – Developed by Akira Miyawaki, this method involves planting native species close together to create multi-layered urban forests.
- STATIC LINKAGE: It is a key tool for urban heat island mitigation and carbon sequestration.
Q29. “Operation Sindoor,” mentioned by the PM in a recent interview (reviewed on 16 Feb), was primarily:
A) A surgical strike on terror camps.
B) A disaster relief operation during the 2025 floods.
C) A specialized military operation proving indigenous tech in live combat.
D) A border fencing project in the Thar desert.
Answer: C Explanation: – The operation showcased indigenous communication and surveillance systems in action, boosting the morale of the armed forces.
- STATIC LINKAGE: This supports the goal of 25% private sector R&D in the defence budget.
Q30. The “Astra” and “BrahMos-NG” missiles, which will be integrated into the newly approved Rafale MRFA jets, represent which category of weapons?
A) Surface-to-Air and Anti-Tank.
B) Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air and Next-Gen Supersonic Cruise.
C) Short-range Ballistic and Anti-Ship.
D) Underwater Torpedoes.
Answer: B Explanation: – Astra is an indigenous BVRAAM (Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile), and BrahMos-NG is a lighter, sleeker version of the supersonic cruise missile.
- STATIC LINKAGE: Integration of indigenous weapons on foreign platforms is a key part of India’s Strategic Partnership Model.
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