Daily Current Affairs MCQs 18 February 2026: Best For Competitive Exams
Daily Current Affairs MCQs 18 February 2026: Best For Competitive Exams
CATEGORY & SUB-TOPIC IDENTIFICATION
Based on today’s news (18 February 2026), the following key sub-topics have been identified:
- POLITY & GOVERNANCE
- AI Governance: India AI Impact Summit 2026 (Day 3 outcomes); Extension of AI Expo.
- Education Policy: India-Spain cooperation on university campuses under NEP 2020.
- ECONOMY & FINANCE
- Economic Outlook: Commerce Minister’s statement on India adding $26 trillion to the global economy by 2047.
- Indices: Launch of ‘Perpetual Capital Hurun India Impact 50, 2026’ list.
- Trade Agreements: India-Finland discussions on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
- INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- Strategic Partnerships: Elevation of India-France ties to “Special Global Strategic Partnership”.
- Bilateral Visits: Visits by Spanish President Pedro Sánchez and Finnish PM Petteri Orpo.
- Multilateral: India’s role in the “International Fleet Review 2026”.
- SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
- Innovation: Launch of “India-France Year of Innovation 2026”.
- Space: TRISHNA Mission (India-France joint satellite).
- AI Research: New climate tech collaboration by Google in India.
- ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
- Marine Biodiversity: BBNJ Treaty (High Seas Treaty) implementation discussions.
- Climate Tech: Google’s new climate tech collaboration.
- DEFENCE & SECURITY
- Naval Exercises: Kickoff of International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 and Exercise MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam.
- Naval Assets: Participation of Sail Training Ship INS Tarangini; INS Vikrant.
- Defence Deals: India-France contract for 26 Rafale-Marine jets.
- SPORTS
- Cricket (Domestic): Jammu & Kashmir reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy final.
- Cricket (International): ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (Super 8 qualifications).
- AWARDS & APPOINTMENTS
- Rankings: Hindustan Unilever (HUL) topping the Hurun India Impact 50 sustainability rankings.
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS MCQs 18 FEBRUARY 2026
Q1. On February 18, 2026, India and France elevated their bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership”. Which of the following is NOT a key pillar of this new framework?
A) Joint development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
B) Launch of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026
C) Establishment of a joint military base in the Reunion Island
D) Cooperation on the TRISHNA space mission
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Option C is incorrect: While India and France have strong logistics support agreements (LEMOA/logistics exchange), there is no announcement of a joint military base on Reunion Island.
- Context: The partnership focuses on Defence (Rafale-M), Space (TRISHNA), Civil Nuclear energy (SMRs), and AI.
- Static Linkage: The TRISHNA mission (Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment) is a joint ISRO-CNES mission to monitor surface temperature and water management.
Q2. The “International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026” commenced on February 18, 2026, in which Indian city?
A) Mumbai
B) Kochi
C) Visakhapatnam
D) Chennai
Answer: C
Explanation:
- The International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 and Exercise MILAN 2026 began in Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command.
- Static Linkage: An International Fleet Review is a ceremonial inspection of naval ships by the Head of State (President of India), showcasing maritime prowess and international cooperation.
Q3. Which Indian state cricket team created history on February 18, 2026, by reaching the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in 66 years?
A) Vidarbha
B) Jammu & Kashmir
C) Saurashtra
D) Himachal Pradesh
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Jammu & Kashmir defeated Bengal by 6 wickets to reach their first-ever Ranji Trophy final.
- Static Linkage: The Ranji Trophy is India’s premier first-class cricket championship, named after Ranjitsinhji, the first Indian cricketer who played for England. It was launched in 1934.
Q4. During the bilateral meeting on February 18, 2026, India and Spain emphasized cooperation under the “India-Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and AI”. Who is the current President of the Government of Spain visiting India?
A) Emmanuel Macron
B) Pedro Sánchez
C) Olaf Scholz
D) Giorgia Meloni
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Government of Spain, is on an official visit to India to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026.
- Static Linkage: Spain recently decided to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), a mechanism launched by PM Modi in 2019 to ensure the safety and security of the maritime domain.
Q5. The “SHANTI Act, 2025”, praised by France during the February 18 talks, is related to which sector in India?
A) Space Privatization
B) Nuclear Energy Reforms
C) Artificial Intelligence Regulation
D) Deep Ocean Mining
Answer: B
Explanation:
- France lauded India’s reforms allowing private investment in the nuclear sector, specifically referring to the SHANTI Act (Small Scale Nuclear Technology & Investment Act, 2025).
- Static Linkage: Under India’s Atomic Energy Act, 1962, private players were historically restricted from operating nuclear plants. The new reforms aim to boost India’s target of 100 GW nuclear power by 2047.
Q6. Which company topped the ‘Perpetual Capital Hurun India Impact 50, 2026’ list released on February 18, 2026, for its sustainability practices?
A) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
B) ITC Limited
C) Hindustan Unilever (HUL)
D) Reliance Industries
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Hindustan Unilever (HUL) topped the sustainability rankings in the newly launched Hurun India Impact 50 list.
- Static Linkage: This list ranks companies based on their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on environmental and social governance (ESG).
Q7. On the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026, PM Modi met the Prime Minister of Finland, Petteri Orpo. Which specific future technology collaboration was discussed?
A) Hyperloop connectivity
B) 6G and Quantum Computing
C) Deep Sea Mining
D) Geothermal Energy
Answer: B
Explanation:
- The leaders called for greater technology collaboration, specifically in the co-development of 6G and Quantum Computing.
- Static Linkage: Bharat 6G Mission envisages India to be a frontline contributor in 6G design and development by 2030.
Q8. The “TRISHNA” mission, highlighted during the India-France talks on February 18, 2026, is primarily designed to monitor:
A) Enemy submarine movements
B) Surface temperature and water stress
C) Space debris
D) Asteroid mining potential
Answer: B
Explanation:
- TRISHNA (Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment) is an Indo-French joint satellite mission.
- Its primary goal is to monitor land surface temperature and water stress to aid in climate monitoring and agriculture.
- Static Linkage: It is a collaboration between ISRO and CNES (French Space Agency).
Q9. INS Tarangini, which arrived in Visakhapatnam for the International Fleet Review on February 18, 2026, holds the distinction of being:
A) India’s first nuclear-powered submarine
B) India’s first Sail Training Ship (STS)
C) India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier
D) India’s first amphibious warship
Answer: B
Explanation:
- INS Tarangini is the Indian Navy’s first Sail Training Ship (STS).
- It was commissioned in 1997 and is famous for becoming the first Indian naval ship to circumnavigate the globe in 2003–04.
- Static Linkage: Sail training ships are used to build character, courage, and seamanship skills in naval cadets before they move to modern warships.
Q10. With reference to the “Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)”, which European nation announced its decision to join it during the diplomatic visits on February 18, 2026?
A) Finland
B) Spain
C) Norway
D) Portugal
Answer: B
Explanation:
- During President Pedro Sánchez’s visit, Spain announced its decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
- Static Linkage: IPOI was launched by PM Modi at the East Asia Summit in 2019. It has seven pillars, including Maritime Security, Maritime Ecology, and Disaster Risk Reduction.
Q11. The “India-France Innovation Network” launched on February 18, 2026, aims to connect startups primarily in which two sectors?
A) Textile and Handicrafts
B) Clean Energy and Space/AI
C) Tourism and Hospitality
D) Agriculture and Dairy
Answer: B
Explanation:
- The network aims to foster collaboration between Indian and French startups, specifically in Clean Energy, Space, and Artificial Intelligence.
- Static Linkage: This aligns with the “Horizon 2047” roadmap adopted by both countries to celebrate 50 years of their strategic partnership in 2047.
Q12. According to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s statement on February 18, 2026, India is projected to contribute how much to the global economy by 2047?
A) USD 10 Trillion
B) USD 26 Trillion
C) USD 35 Trillion
D) USD 50 Trillion
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Piyush Goyal stated that India is set to contribute an unprecedented USD 26 trillion to the global economy between now and 2047 (the centenary of India’s independence).
- Static Linkage: This projection is based on India’s demographic dividend and sustained GDP growth rates, aiming for the status of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Q13. The “BBNJ Treaty,” welcomed by India and France in their joint statement, refers to:
A) Ban on Ballistic Nuclear Jets
B) Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction
C) Bilateral Border Network Joint-venture
D) Bay of Bengal Naval Joint-exercise
Answer: B
Explanation:
- The BBNJ Treaty stands for the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.
- Often called the “High Seas Treaty”, it aims to protect the ocean outside exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
- Static Linkage: It was adopted under the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) framework.
Q14. In the context of the T20 World Cup 2026 news from today, which player smashed his maiden T20 International century to help Pakistan qualify for the Super 8s?
A) Babar Azam
B) Sahibzada Farhan
C) Mohammad Rizwan
D) Shaheen Afridi
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Sahibzada Farhan scored his maiden T20I century (100* off 58 balls) against Namibia, securing Pakistan’s spot in the Super 8 stage.
- Static Linkage: A T20 International century is a rare feat; the highest individual score in T20Is is held by Aaron Finch (172).
Q15. The “Global AI Impact Summit 2026” is currently being hosted at which venue in New Delhi?
A) Vigyan Bhawan
B) Bharat Mandapam
C) Yashobhoomi
D) Hyderabad House
Answer: B
Explanation:
- The summit is being held at Bharat Mandapam (IECC Complex) in New Delhi.
- Due to overwhelming response, the AI Expo at the summit has been extended by one day (till Feb 21).
- Static Linkage: Bharat Mandapam was the venue for the historic G20 Summit in 2023.
Q16. Which Indian state is hosting the “Exercise MILAN 2026”?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Odisha
Answer: C
Explanation:
- Exercise MILAN is being hosted in Visakhapatnam, which is in Andhra Pradesh.
- Static Linkage: MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise started by the Indian Navy in 1995 at the Andaman and Nicobar Command. It shifted to Visakhapatnam in later editions for larger participation.
Q17. The “Unitree Go2” robot controversy at the AI Summit involved a robot dog manufactured in which country?
A) Japan
B) South Korea
C) China
D) USA
Answer: C
Explanation:
- An Indian university faced backlash for presenting a Chinese-made (Unitree Robotics) robot dog as its own indigenous creation at the AI Summit.
- Static Linkage: This highlights the importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and ethical standards in R&D.
Q18. Google announced a new “Climate Tech Collaboration” in India on February 18, 2026. This initiative primarily leverages which technology?
A) Blockchain
B) Artificial Intelligence (AI)
C) 5G Networks
D) Nanotechnology
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Google announced a partnership to accelerate discovery in India through AI-powered science, specifically focusing on climate tech and agricultural resilience.
- Static Linkage: AI in climate change helps in precision weather modelling, optimizing energy grids, and developing new materials for carbon capture.
Q19. Who is the Prime Minister of Bhutan that met PM Modi on the sidelines of the AI Summit on February 18, 2026?
A) Lotay Tshering
B) Tshering Tobgay
C) Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
D) Sonam Tobgye
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Tshering Tobgay is the current Prime Minister of Bhutan.
- Static Linkage: Bhutan is a key partner in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. India assists Bhutan significantly in hydropower projects (e.g., Punatsangchhu, Mangdechhu).
Q20. The “Research Symposium on AI” held on February 18, 2026, had which institute as its knowledge partner?
A) IIT Bombay
B) IISc Bangalore
C) IIIT Hyderabad
D) IIT Delhi
Answer: C
Explanation:
- IIIT Hyderabad served as the knowledge partner for the Research Symposium on AI held at Bharat Mandapam.
- Static Linkage: IIIT Hyderabad is renowned for its research in computer science and AI, housing India’s first research center on Language Technologies.
Q21. Which global organization highlighted “Innovation and Creative Futures” at the World Crafts Forum, as reported on February 18, 2026?
A) World Bank
B) UNESCO
C) UNICEF
D) WTO
Answer: B
Explanation:
- UNESCO joined policymakers at the Second World Crafts Forum in Kuwait to spotlight responsible innovation in crafts.
- Static Linkage: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is headquartered in Paris, France. It maintains the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Q22. The “Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations” began its 2026 session on February 18. The UN Charter was signed in which year?
A) 1944
B) 1945
C) 1948
D) 1950
Answer: B
Explanation:
- The Special Committee session is held annually. The UN Charter was signed on 26 June 1945 in San Francisco.
- Static Linkage: The Charter is the foundational treaty of the UN. India was a founding member of the UN.
Q23. In the “India-France Joint Statement” released today, both countries agreed to cooperate on “AMRs”. What does AMR stand for in this nuclear energy context?
A) Advanced Missile Regimes
B) Advanced Modular Reactors
C) Automated Maritime Radars
D) Anti-Microbial Resistance
Answer: B
Explanation:
- In the context of civil nuclear cooperation, AMR stands for Advanced Modular Reactors.
- These are next-generation nuclear reactors that are smaller and more flexible than conventional ones.
- Note: AMR also stands for Anti-Microbial Resistance in health, but the context here is nuclear energy.
Q24. Which country recently seized three oil tankers off the Mumbai coast linked to US sanctions on Iran?
A) USA
B) France
C) India
D) Saudi Arabia
Answer: C
Explanation:
- India seized three oil tankers off the Mumbai coast that were linked to US sanctions on Iran.
- Static Linkage: This reflects India’s strategic balancing act and adherence to international maritime monitoring, despite its energy ties with various nations.
Q25. The “Third India-France Strategic Space Dialogue” is scheduled to be held in which year, as agreed in the joint statement?
A) 2026
B) 2027
C) 2028
D) 2030
Answer: A
Explanation:
- The leaders agreed to hold the Third India-France Strategic Space Dialogue in 2026.
- Static Linkage: Space dialogues are high-level mechanisms to discuss strategic security aspects of the outer space domain.
Q26. Which major pharmaceutical company is considering India as a global manufacturing hub for its weight-loss drug, as reported on February 18, 2026?
A) Pfizer
B) Eli Lilly
C) Moderna
D) AstraZeneca
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Pharma giant Eli Lilly is eyeing India as a major export hub for its weight-loss drugs (like Zepbound).
- Static Linkage: India is known as the “Pharmacy of the World” due to its large-scale production of generic medicines and vaccines.
Q27. The “PariSanté Campus” mentioned in the India-France health cooperation is a hub for:
A) Ayurvedic Research
B) Digital Health and AI
C) Marine Biology
D) Space Medicine
Answer: B
Explanation:
- The cooperation involves PariSanté Campus (France) and India’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP).
- PariSanté Campus is a centre for digital health and AI in healthcare.
Q28. “Namaste France 2028” will be organized to mark how many years of the India-France Strategic Partnership?
A) 25 Years
B) 30 Years
C) 50 Years
D) 75 Years
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Namaste France 2028 will mark 30 years of the strategic partnership (established in 1998).
- Static Linkage: The festival celebrates Indian culture in France.
Q29. Which Indian PSU stock was recommended as a “top pick” by technical analysts on February 18, 2026, due to a “confluence support zone”?
A) BHEL
B) Coal India
C) ONGC
D) NTPC
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Coal India was recommended as a top buy due to technical indicators like support near the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement.
- Static Linkage: Coal India Limited (CIL) is a Maharatna PSU and the single largest coal producer in the world.
Q30. The “United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3)” mentioned in the India-France joint statement was held in which city in 2025?
A) Lisbon
B) Nice
C) New York
D) New Delhi
Answer: B
Explanation:
- Both leaders welcomed the success of the UNOC-3 held in Nice, France, in June 2025.
- Static Linkage: UNOC aims to mobilize global action for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources (SDG 14).
Final Step: Would you like a Mains-oriented analytical note on the strategic implications of the “India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership” for your next study session?
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