Current Affairs in Gujarati 14th October 2026 : Current GK
On 14 Oct 2026
Current Affairs 17th February 2026 : Daily GK Update in English
1. On February 17, 2026, what rare astronomical event began, known as the 'Ring of Fire'?
A) Total lunar eclipse
B) Annular solar eclipse
C) Partial solar eclipse
D) Supermoon
Answer: B
Explanation: February 17, 2026, marked the first solar eclipse of the year—an annular solar eclipse (Ring of Fire)—visible as a full ring over Antarctica and partially in southern South America, southern Africa, etc. It is part of a rare series of six solar eclipses over the next few years.
2. In February 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with how much central assistance?
A) Rs 50,000 crore
B) Rs 1 lakh crore
C) Rs 2 lakh crore
D) Rs 10,000 crore
Answer: B
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with Rs 1 lakh crore in central assistance to transform urban infrastructure financing in India.
3. Which initiative's Fund of Funds 2.0 (FoF 2.0) with a Rs 10,000 crore corpus was approved by the Cabinet in February 2026?
A) Make in India
B) Startup India
C) Digital India
D) Skill India
Answer: B
Explanation: Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (FoF 2.0) was approved with Rs 10,000 crore to strengthen India's startup ecosystem under the 2016 Startup India initiative.
4. On February 15, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched India's first CBDC-based PDS in which state?
A) Assam
B) Gujarat
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Maharashtra
Answer: B
Explanation: The first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based transparent Public Distribution System (PDS) was launched in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
5. On February 14, 2026, PM Narendra Modi visited Assam and inaugurated projects worth over how much?
A) Rs 3,000 crore
B) Rs 5,450 crore
C) Rs 10,000 crore
D) Rs 18,000 crore
Answer: B
Explanation: PM Modi inaugurated transformative development projects exceeding Rs 5,450 crore during his day-long visit to Assam.
6. In February 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved railway expansion projects worth approximately how much?
A) Rs 5,000 crore
B) Rs 18,509 crore
C) Rs 25,000 crore
D) Rs 1 lakh crore
Answer: B
Explanation: Three railway expansion projects worth about Rs 18,509 crore were approved by the CCEA on February 14, 2026.
7. Which country's forces ended a major counterterrorism operation in Balochistan in early February 2026, killing 145 BLA insurgents?
A) India
B) Afghanistan
C) Pakistan
D) Iran
Answer: C
Explanation: Pakistani military and Balochistan Police ended a 40-hour operation resulting in 145 Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) deaths, plus civilian and security losses.
8. In the Russo-Ukrainian war, a Russian drone strike in Dnipro, Ukraine, in early February 2026 killed at least how many mineworkers?
A) 7
B) 10
C) 15
D) 20
Answer: C
Explanation: A drone strike hit a minibus transporting mineworkers, killing at least 15 and injuring seven.
9. In February 2026, which initiative focused on bio-based chemicals under DBT?
A) BioE3 policy
B) Green Hydrogen
C) Nano Mission
D) Space Policy
Answer: A
Explanation: BioE3 policy prioritized bio-based chemicals and enzymes.
10. In February 2026, which country launched a €1 billion loan program to rebuild after Storm Kristin?
A) Spain
B) Portugal
C) France
D) Italy
Answer: B
Explanation: Portugal launched aid packages including a €1 billion loan for storm-damaged factories amid extended calamity in 60 municipalities.
11. An adult male tiger named 'Explorer' was reintroduced into Papikonda National Park in February 2026 under Operation Stripes in which state?
A) Telangana
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Chhattisgarh
D) Odisha
Answer: B
Explanation: The tiger was reintroduced in the Godavari landscape of Papikonda National Park, Andhra Pradesh.
12. In February 2026, which fund was approved to bolster urban infrastructure financing?
A) Startup Fund
B) Urban Challenge Fund (UCF)
C) Rural Infrastructure Fund
D) Green Energy Fund
Answer: B
Explanation: The UCF aims to transform urban infrastructure financing with Rs 1 lakh crore central assistance.
13. Which launch under MeitY in February 2026 promoted AI literacy?
A) Digital India AI
B) Yuva AI for All (Kaushal Rath)
C) AI for Youth
D) National AI Mission
Answer: B
Explanation: Kaushal Rath was launched under the National AI Literacy programme “Yuva AI for All.”
14. In February 2026, India hosted or was linked to discussions on which sector with UAE (e.g., corridor growth)?
A) Defence
B) AI and digital infrastructure
C) Space
D) Agriculture
Answer: B
Explanation: The UAE-India corridor focused on AI, data centres, digital infrastructure, and growth alignment.
15. Which major infrastructure project under Brahmaputra was highlighted in February 2026 approvals?
A) Bridge
B) Underwater road-cum-rail tunnel
C) Dam
D) Airport
Answer: B
Explanation: India's first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra in Assam was approved at ~Rs 18,662 crore.
16. In February 2026, which policy area saw focus on 'Orange Economy' in current affairs discussions?
A) Agriculture
B) Creative industries
C) Mining
D) Fisheries
Answer: B
Explanation: The Orange Economy (creative industries/AVGC) gained spotlight with budget projections for professionals and content labs.
17. Which refurbished item regulation was discussed under MoHFW in February 2026?
A) Vehicles
B) Medical devices
C) Electronics
D) Furniture
Answer: B
Explanation: Guidelines for regulating refurbished medical devices were in focus.
18. In February 2026, which AI-related summit or initiative was hosted by India?
A) Global AI Summit
B) AI Impact Summit 2026
C) AI for Good
D) National AI Expo
Answer: B
Explanation: The fourth AI Impact Summit 2026 was held in New Delhi from February 16-20.
19. Which launch supported farmers with crop info in multiple languages in February 2026?
A) Kisan App
B) Bharat-VISTAAR
C) Agri AI
D) Farmer Portal
Answer: B
Explanation: Bharat-VISTAAR went live to offer crop support in farmers' languages.
20. In February 2026, which country was named 'Country of the Year' at BIOFACH organic fair?
A) Germany
B) India
C) USA
D) Brazil
Answer: B
Explanation: India received the title at BIOFACH 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany.
21. Which defence deal for 114 Rafale jets was approved by DAC in February 2026?
A) Rs 1 lakh crore
B) Rs 3.25 lakh crore
C) Rs 50,000 crore
D) Rs 2 lakh crore
Answer: B
Explanation: DAC approved Rs 3.25 lakh crore (~USD 40 billion) for additional 114 Rafale jets from France.
22. French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting India starting February 17, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During this visit (February 17–19), the leaders are expected to review progress in the India-France strategic partnership, with key discussions likely covering which of the following areas?
A) Space exploration only
B) Defence, technology, and bilateral ties advancement
C) Agriculture reforms exclusively
D) Cultural exchanges alone
Answer: B
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anticipation for French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India from February 17 to 19, 2026. The engagements aim to advance bilateral relations to new heights and review progress in the comprehensive India-France strategic partnership.
23. Which ongoing war saw Ukraine recapture ~201 sq km in a week in February 2026?
A) Israel-Hamas
B) Russo-Ukrainian
C) Sudan conflict
D) Yemen
Answer: B
Explanation: Ukraine regained territory amid Russian Starlink issues, per ISW analysis.
24. In February 2026, US-Iran talks occurred indirectly in which city?
A) Vienna
B) Geneva
C) Doha
D) Oman
Answer: B
Explanation: Second round of high-stakes nuclear talks held in Geneva.
25. Which volcano's eruption or activity was noted in current affairs around February 2026?
A) Etna
B) Piton de la Fournaise
C) Kilauea
D) Stromboli
Answer: B
Explanation: Piton de la Fournaise on Réunion Island was highlighted.