Daily Current Affairs MCQs 20 February 2026: Best For Competitive Exams
Daily Current Affairs MCQs 20 February 2026: Best For Competitive Exams
CATEGORY & SUB-TOPICS
Based on news verified for 20 February 2026, the following key sub-topics have been identified:
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- India-USA Strategy: Formal signing of the Pax Silica Declaration (Resilient supply chains).
- India-EU Partnership: Launch of the European Legal Gateway Office in New Delhi.
- Strategic Visits: U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo’s visit concludes.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / AI
- India AI Impact Summit (Day 5/6): Signing of the Delhi Declaration on AI; Unveiling of M.A.N.A.V. Vision.
- Health-Tech: Launch of the SAHI (Safe and Accountable Healthcare AI) framework.
- Quantum Computing: Andhra Pradesh Govt signs 7 MoUs for Quantum and AI infrastructure.
ECONOMY & FINANCE
- Macroeconomic Indicators: HSBC Survey shows India’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 57.5 in February.
- International Trade: IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva’s remarks on India’s digital push.
- Food Security: FCI and WFP MoU for global hunger relief (2 lakh MT rice).
DEFENCE & SECURITY
- Maritime Security: Commissioning of INS Aridhaman (S4) – India’s 3rd nuclear ballistic submarine.
- Naval Exercises: Commencement of Exercise MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam (74 nations).
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
- Climate Change: Launch of the South Asia Climate-Health Desk to address extreme heat.
- Compliance: CPCB updates on industrial environmental compliance requirements.
CULTURE & SOCIETY
- Social Justice: Observance of World Day of Social Justice (20 February).
- Script Centenary: Conclusion of the Ol Chiki script centenary celebrations.
SPORTS
- T20 World Cup 2026: Super 8 stage schedule and India’s unbeaten group-stage run.
Daily Current Affairs MCQs 20 February 2026: Best For Competitive Exams
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
Q1. India formally joined the US-led strategic alliance ‘Pax Silica’ on 20 February 2026. What is the primary objective of this coalition?
A) To establish a common digital currency for Indo-Pacific nations.
B) To build resilient and secure supply chains for critical minerals and AI.
C) To create a maritime defense shield in the South China Sea.
D) To regulate the cross-border movement of ICT professionals.
Answer: B
Explanation: On 20 February 2026, India joined Pax Silica, a coalition of “free nations” including the US, Japan, and UK. It aims to ensure that the “commanding heights” of technology—specifically semiconductors and AI—remain in the hands of democratic societies to prevent surveillance-state dominance.
- Static Linkage: The Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) is a similar US-led initiative that India joined in 2023 to accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable critical energy mineral supply chains.
Q2. With reference to the ‘European Legal Gateway Office’ launched in New Delhi on 20 February 2026, consider the following statements:
- It is a judicial body established to settle trade disputes between India and the EU.
- It aims to connect European companies with India’s ICT talent base and facilitate professional mobility.
- It was first announced during the 16th EU-India Summit by President Ursula von der Leyen.
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: B
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as it is a facilitation office, not a judicial court. Statement 2 and 3 are correct. The office serves as a bridge for talent mobility and professional exchange between the EU and India.
- Static Linkage: India and the EU are currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and have already operationalized the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & AI
Q3. The ‘Delhi Declaration on AI’, which secured over 70 signatories on 20 February 2026, emphasizes which of the following core principles?
A) Mandatory government control over all foundational AI models.
B) AI’s promise is best realized only when its benefits are shared by humanity.
C) A total ban on AI applications in military and defense sectors.
D) Prioritizing corporate profits over individual data privacy.
Answer: B
Explanation: The Delhi Declaration was the crown jewel of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. It focuses on the “democratization of AI,” ensuring that the Global South has access to AI computing power and that the technology serves “Welfare for all, Happiness of all.”
- Static Linkage: India is the Chair of the GPAI (Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence) for 2023-2024, an international initiative to support responsible and human-centric development of AI.
Q4. The ‘SAHI’ framework, launched by the Indian government on 20 February 2026, is specifically designed for which sector?
A) Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
B) Healthcare
C) Higher Education
D) Space Exploration
Answer: B
Explanation: SAHI (Safe and Accountable Healthcare AI) framework provides guidelines for the ethical and clinical validation of AI in medical diagnosis and screening. It was launched alongside the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health.
- Static Linkage: The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM), now Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), aims to develop the backbone necessary to support the integrated digital health infrastructure of the country.
POLITY & GOVERNANCE
Q5. The ‘M.A.N.A.V. Vision’ unveiled by the Prime Minister on 20 February 2026 primarily advocates for:
A) Universal Basic Income through AI-driven automation.
B) Human-centric AI where technology remains a servant to human values.
C) Replacement of manual bureaucracy with autonomous AI agents.
D) Mandatory AI literacy for all Indian citizens by 2030.
Answer: B
Explanation: M.A.N.A.V. stands for a vision where AI is developed with “Humanity in the Loop.” It emphasizes that AI should not replace human agency but enhance it while adhering to ethics and sustainability.
- Static Linkage: The DPSP (Directive Principles of State Policy) under Article 38 mandates the State to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order in which justice—social, economic, and political—shall inform all institutions.
Q6. Which Indian state government signed 7 MoUs on 20 February 2026 to create infrastructure for Quantum Computing and AI sectors?
A) Telangana
B) Karnataka
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: C
Explanation: The Andhra Pradesh government signed these MoUs to establish “Quantum Hubs” and AI skill centers, aiming to make the state a leader in emerging technologies.
- Static Linkage: The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2023 with a budget of ₹6,003 crore to seed, nurture, and scale up R&D in Quantum Technology.
ECONOMY & FINANCE
Q7. According to the HSBC Flash PMI survey released on 20 February 2026, India’s manufacturing activity rose to what level in February?
A) 52.4
B) 55.4
C) 57.5
D) 59.3
Answer: C
Explanation: The manufacturing PMI rose to 57.5 from 55.4 in January, driven by robust domestic orders and the impact of lowered US tariffs on Indian goods.
- Static Linkage: A PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) reading above 50 indicates expansion, while below 50 indicates contraction. It is a leading indicator of economic health.
Q8. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed an MoU with the World Food Programme (WFP) on 20 February 2026. What is the duration of this partnership?
A) 2 years
B) 3 years
C) 5 years
D) 10 years
Answer: C
Explanation: The 5-year MoU involves FCI supplying 2 lakh metric tonnes of rice to the WFP for global humanitarian operations, reinforcing India’s role as the “Pharmacy and Food Bowl of the World.”
- Static Linkage: The World Food Programme (headquartered in Rome) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger.
DEFENCE & SECURITY
Q9. With the anticipated commissioning of ‘INS Aridhaman’ reported on 20 February 2026, India will achieve a significant milestone in which category of naval vessels?
A) Aircraft Carriers
B) SSBNs (Nuclear-powered Ballistic Missile Submarines)
C) Stealth Destroyers
D) Deep Sea Research Vessels
Answer: B
Explanation: INS Aridhaman (S4) is India’s third Arihant-class SSBN. Its commissioning completes the “Triple SSBN” milestone, significantly strengthening India’s nuclear triad and “No First Use” policy deterrence.
- Static Linkage: India’s nuclear triad consists of the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land (Agni missiles), air (Rafale/Mirage), and sea (Arihant-class submarines).
Q10. The 74-nation naval exercise ‘MILAN 2026’ commenced on 20 February 2026. In which city is the harbor phase of this exercise being held?
A) Kochi
B) Mumbai
C) Visakhapatnam
D) Port Blair
Answer: C
Explanation: Exercise MILAN 2026 is the largest multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy. It brings together 74 nations to foster maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Static Linkage: Visakhapatnam is the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Indian Navy.
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Q11. The ‘South Asia Climate-Health Desk’ was launched on 20 February 2026 to specifically address which climate-related threat?
A) Flash Floods
B) Extreme Heat
C) Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
D) Cyclone Intensification
Answer: B
Explanation: A partnership between the WHO, WMO, and IMD, the desk aims to connect climate science with health actions to mitigate the impact of extreme heat, which causes over 200,000 deaths annually in South Asia.
- Static Linkage: The IMD (India Meteorological Department) functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It was established in 1875.
CULTURE & SPORTS
Q12. The ‘Ol Chiki’ script, which saw the conclusion of its centenary celebrations on 20 February 2026, belongs to which tribal community?
A) Gond
B) Santhal
C) Bhil
D) Munda
Answer: B
Explanation: The Ol Chiki script was created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925 for the Santhali language. The celebrations highlighted the preservation of indigenous linguistic heritage.
- Static Linkage: Santhali is one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Q13. On 20 February 2026, which cricketer’s form was defended by coach Morne Morkel despite three consecutive ducks in the T20 World Cup?
A) Yashasvi Jaiswal
B) Abhishek Sharma
C) Shubman Gill
D) Rinku Singh
Answer: B
Explanation: Opener Abhishek Sharma faced criticism after a string of poor scores, but the team management reaffirmed their backing as India entered the Super 8 stage.
- Static Linkage: The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
SECTION: SUMMARY OF ONE-LINER APPOINTMENTS/AWARDS
Q14. Who was appointed as the Additional Director (Domestic Division) of CONCOR effective from 1 March 2026?
A) H.S. Bajwa
B) Sanjay Swarup
C) V. Vidhyavathi
D) Manoj Singh
Answer: A
Explanation: H.S. Bajwa has been appointed to this key role in the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR).
- Static Linkage: CONCOR is a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways.
Q15. Which Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) won two top honors at the ET Human Capital Awards 2026 for HR Excellence on 20 February 2026?
A) ONGC
B) BHEL
C) NTPC
D) SAIL
Answer: C
Explanation: NTPC Ltd was recognized for its excellence in employee engagement and learning strategies.
- Static Linkage: NTPC is India’s largest power utility and a Maharatna company.
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