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17 February 2026 Current Affairs MCQ

1️⃣ The BRICS Sherpas Meeting held in New Delhi is primarily associated with:

A) Military cooperation
B) Summit agenda formulation
C) Trade negotiations only
D) Cultural exchanges

Answer: B) Summit agenda formulation

Explanation:
Sherpas play a crucial diplomatic role by shaping summit priorities, negotiating frameworks, and drafting outcome documents. They are not directly linked to defence or cultural programmes.


2️⃣ The amendment to the IT Rules (2026) mainly focuses on strengthening:

A) Telecom licensing
B) Cryptocurrency regulation
C) Intermediary accountability
D) Data localisation mandates

Answer: C) Intermediary accountability

Explanation:
The IT Rules govern obligations of digital intermediaries such as social media platforms. Amendments typically address misinformation, compliance mechanisms, grievance redressal, and due diligence norms.


3️⃣ The National Large Solar Telescope (NLST) is primarily intended for:

A) Deep ocean mapping
B) Solar physics research
C) Satellite navigation
D) Weather forecasting

Answer: B) Solar physics research

Explanation:
NLST is designed to study solar dynamics, magnetic fields, and space weather phenomena. It strengthens India's capabilities in astrophysics and heliophysics.


4️⃣ The ban on pangolin hunting by USLP reflects which governance model?

A) Centralised environmental regulation
B) Judicial activism
C) Community-led conservation
D) International treaty enforcement

Answer: C) Community-led conservation

Explanation:
The decision by a tribal apex body highlights grassroots biodiversity governance, where local communities regulate wildlife protection within their jurisdiction.


5️⃣ India becoming the second-largest smartphone installed base implies:

A) Decline in digital economy
B) Expansion of mobile-driven services
C) Reduction in internet penetration
D) Decrease in fintech adoption

Answer: B) Expansion of mobile-driven services

Explanation:
Higher smartphone penetration accelerates fintech, e-governance, digital payments, e-commerce, and platform economy growth.


6️⃣ The Delhi CM Skill Development Scheme primarily targets:

A) IT professionals
B) Defence personnel
C) Traditional artisans
D) Banking employees

Answer: C) Traditional artisans

Explanation:
The scheme supports khadi, handloom, and cottage sector workers, promoting livelihood sustainability and informal sector modernisation.


7️⃣ The Seva Teerth initiative is best associated with:

A) Religious tourism
B) Administrative reforms
C) Defence training
D) Digital payments

Answer: B) Administrative reforms

Explanation:
The programme reflects governance modernisation, institutional capacity enhancement, and public service delivery improvement.


8️⃣ The Sthree Suraksha Scheme

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