This is the current affairs of 19 February 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
1. While expanding their bilateral Strategic Partnership, India and France gave it which of the following new name?
a. Special Strategic Partnership
b. Special Global Strategic Partnership
c. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
d. None of the above
Answer: b. Special Global Strategic Partnership
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held an important meeting in Mumbai in February 2026.
– During this, both countries elevated their bilateral (India–France) relationship to the level of a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.”
– This means the relationship has been taken to a deeper and higher level than before.
– The partnership is not limited to India and France alone but extends to global stability, security, technology, defense production, energy, and health sectors.
– Both countries support shared interests and a rules-based global order.
– However, similar levels of agreements already exist with countries like the USA, Russia, and Japan.
What was earlier?
– India and France began their Strategic Partnership in 1998.
– Notably, after the Pokhran nuclear tests, France was among the few countries that continued dialogue with India.
– The partnership mainly focused on defense cooperation (Rafale, Scorpene submarine), nuclear energy (such as the Jaitapur project), space cooperation, and counter-terrorism.
What has changed now?
– In February 2026, the relationship was elevated to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.”
– This means cooperation will no longer remain limited to bilateral ties but will expand to the global level (Indo-Pacific, Africa, multipolar world, supply chains, technology, AI, etc.).
– The word “Special” indicates that France places India among its priority strategic partners.
– However, real impact will be visible when defense co-production increases, technology transfer happens, and trade/investment grows substantially. Steps have been initiated in this direction.
Strategic Partnerships with Other Countries
– USA: Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
– Russia: Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership
– Japan: Special Strategic and Global Partnership
– Australia: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
– Germany: Strategic Partnership
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2. How many agreements were signed between the two countries at the India-France bilateral meeting (held in Mumbai in February 2026)?
a. 10
b. 15
c. 20
d. 21
Answer: d. 21
21 Agreements: Sector-wise
Political
1) Upgrading India-France relations to the level of “Special Global Strategic Partnership”
2) Establishment of an annual Foreign Ministers’ dialogue for regular review of the advanced partnership and Horizon 2047 roadmap implementation
Technology and Innovation
3) India-France Innovation Year 2026
4) Launch of the India-France Innovation Network
Defense and Security
5) Inauguration of the final assembly line of H125 helicopter at Vemagal, Karnataka (Airbus and Tata Advanced Limited collaboration)
6) Renewal of the Defense Cooperation Agreement
7) Joint venture between BEL and Safran for production of HAMMER missiles in India
8) Reciprocal deployment of officers in Indian Army and French Army establishments
Critical and Emerging Technologies (including Defense)
9) Formation of Joint Advanced Technology Development Group
10) Cooperation in critical minerals and metals
11) Letter of Intent between DST and CNRS for establishing a Centre on Advanced Materials
Economy, Startups, Science & Technology, Health, Renewable Energy, and Skill Development
12) Amendment to the Double Taxation Agreement
13) Letter of Intent between T-Hub and Nord France for strategic cooperation in startup ecosystem, innovation, and technology
14) Scientific Collaboration MoU between DST and CNRS
15) Establishment of Indo-French Center for Digital Science and Technology
16) Launch of India-France Center for AI in Healthcare at AIIMS (Delhi)
17) Letter of Intent between DBT and ANRS for cooperation in infectious diseases and global health research
18) Establishment of Indo-French Center on Metabolic Health Science
19) Letter of Intent for National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics
20) Renewable Energy cooperation (Green Hydrogen, Solar, and Nuclear cooperation)
21) Letter of Intent between Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications (India) and La Poste, France
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3. PM Modi and French President Macron inaugurated the assembly line of which helicopter in India, which is capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest?
a. H125 Helicopter
b. Robinson R22/R44
c. Dhruv (HAL Dhruv)
d. AH-64E
Answer: a. H125 Helicopter
– The final assembly line of the H125 helicopter has been established at Vemagal, Karnataka.
– It was inaugurated virtually in February 2026 by PM Modi and President Macron from Mumbai.
– It is a joint venture between Airbus (Europe) and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), India.
– H125 helicopters will be manufactured here.
– The first “Made in India” H125 helicopter is expected to fly by early 2027.
Features and Uses of H125 Helicopter
– H125 is a light utility helicopter manufactured by Airbus Helicopters (France).
– It is one of the world’s most popular single-engine helicopters, especially for high-altitude operations.
– It will be used for civilian missions, tourism, emergency services, and disaster management.
Can it really fly “above Everest”?
– In 2005, an H125 helicopter landed on the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 meters), setting a world record.
– This means it can not only fly over but has also demonstrated the capability to land at extreme altitudes (under special conditions with expert piloting).
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4. Who has been chosen as the BBC Indian Sports Woman of the Year 2025?
a. Smriti Mandhana
b. Harmanpreet Kaur
c. Shafali Verma
d. Deepti Sharma
Answer: a. Smriti Mandhana
– Star Indian batter Smriti Mandhana received the award on 16 February 2026 in New Delhi.
– She played a crucial role in India’s historic victory in the 2025 Women’s World Cup.
– Additionally, 20-year-old Indian chess star Divya Deshmukh received the Emerging Player of the Year award for winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup.
– Winners were selected by a prestigious jury including Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Other Major Award Winners
– Para-Sportswoman of the Year: Preeti Pal – Two bronze medals at Paris Paralympics 2024 (Athletics)
– Lifetime Achievement Award: Anjali Bhagwat – First Indian woman shooter to reach an Olympic final
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5. Sanae Takaichi became the Prime Minister of which country for the second time?
a. Israel
b. Malaysia
c. China
d. Japan
Answer: d. Japan
– Japan’s lower house formally reappointed Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister on 18 February 2026.
– The 64-year-old Takaichi became Japan’s first woman Prime Minister in October 2025.
– In the snap lower house elections held on 8 February 2026, her ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and coalition partners secured a two-thirds majority in the 465-seat House of Representatives.
– She entered politics in 1993 as an independent candidate.
– Later, she joined the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
– She was considered a protégé of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
– She has served as Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications.
– She has also worked as a television personality, author, and commentator.
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6. Who was awarded the C. Subramaniam Award?
a. Kishan Gopal
b. Mallepalli Lakshmaiah
c. Dharmdev Paswan
d. Rukaiya Begum
Answer: b. Mallepalli Lakshmaiah
– On 16 February 2026 in New Delhi, the National Foundation for India (NFI) awarded this honor to Mallepalli Lakshmaiah, Chairman of the Centre for Dalit Studies (CDS).
– He is a public intellectual, writer, and social activist who has worked for decades on issues affecting Dalit and Adivasi communities.
C. Subramaniam Award
– The award is given in memory of former Agriculture Minister of India and Bharat Ratna awardee C. Subramaniam.
– He is regarded as a chief architect of the Green Revolution.
– It honors grassroots community leaders and volunteers bringing social change in India.
– It is awarded by the National Foundation for India (NFI).
– It includes a cash prize of ₹100,000 and a memento.
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7. Praveena Deshpande died on 17 February 2026. What was she known for?
a. Actress
b. Writer
c. Model
d. Anchor
Answer: a. Actress
– The Cine & Television Artists Association (CINTAA) paid tribute upon her demise.
– She was battling cancer.
– She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2019.
– She remained in isolation for 17 days during a bone marrow transplant.
– She played Shalini Chowdhury in Salman Khan’s superhit film Ready.
– She also worked in films like Ek Villain, Gabbar Is Back, and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran.
– She appeared in a cameo role in Emraan Hashmi’s web series “Taskari: The Smugglers Web.”
– She also worked in the short film “Thanks Mom.”
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8. In which country has the United Nations described the deaths of 6000 people in an attack by Rapid Support Forces as possible crimes against humanity?
a. Libya
b. Sudan
c. Egypt
d. Ethiopia
Answer: b. Sudan (The violence occurred in October 2025)
The violence took place in October 2025.
– In Sudan’s Darfur region, the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed 6000 people in an attack.
– The UN Human Rights Office released an investigation report on the matter.
– According to the UN report: Around 4,400 people were killed inside the city. About 1,600 were killed while fleeing. The actual number may be higher.
Nature of Violence (According to UN)
– Mass killings of civilians and extrajudicial executions
– Sexual violence and gang rape of women and girls
– Kidnapping, torture, and unlawful detention
– Ethnic targeting, especially against non-Arab communities
UN Statement
– These incidents may amount to war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity.
– Accountability for those responsible has been demanded.
RSF
– RSF is a powerful and controversial paramilitary group in Sudan, evolved mainly from former Janjaweed fighters in Darfur.
– Formed in 2013, it was initially created by the government to fight rebel groups and protect borders but is now engaged in a power struggle against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
Current Power Situation in Sudan
– Power is not fully in the hands of any one side; two major military forces are fighting each other.
– The conflict has turned into a civil war lasting over two years.
– RSF leader is Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).
Sudan
Capital: Khartoum
President: Omar al-Bashir
Prime Minister: Kamil Idris
Population: 50 million (February 2026)
Currency: Sudanese Pound
Language: Sudanese Arabic
Neighboring Countries: Egypt, Libya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Chad, Central African Republic
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9. On the highway of which North Eastern State did the Prime Minister inaugurate the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) service and land there by plane?
a. Sikkim
b. Arunachal Pradesh
c. Assam
d. Manipur
Answer: c. Assam
– The Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) was inaugurated on 14 February 2026 at Moran Bypass in Dibrugarh district, Assam, in the presence of PM Modi.
– It will help in emergency landings and take-offs of military and civilian aircraft.
– PM Modi landed there in a special Indian Air Force aircraft.
– The highway strip is now part of the Air Force network.
– He landed in a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
Emergency Landing Facility (ELF)
– ELF provides an alternative runway during war or emergency situations.
– A strip is developed on a highway for fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters.
– It can handle fighter aircraft up to 40 tons and transport aircraft with maximum take-off weight of 74 tons.
– 28 ELFs are planned across the country.
– Apart from Assam, five such facilities exist in India.
– It is strategically important as Assam is close to the China border.
Highway ELFs in India
– Moran Bypass, Dibrugarh (Assam)
– Barmer, Rajasthan (NH-925A)
– Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Uttar Pradesh
– Purvanchal Expressway, Uttar Pradesh
– Balasore, Odisha (NH-16)
– Nellore, Andhra Pradesh (NH-16)
Assam
Capital: Dispur
Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya
Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
Population: 31.1 million (2011)
Language: Assamese
Neighboring States: Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, West Bengal
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10. When is International Child Cancer Day celebrated?
a. 12 February
b. 13 February
c. 14 February
d. 15 February
Answer: d. 15 February
– It was first observed in 2002 by Childhood Cancer International.
– The most common types of childhood cancer include leukemia, brain cancer, lymphoma, and solid tumors such as neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, and bone tumors.
Note: Every year, World Cancer Day is observed on 4 February.
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