1. With reference to the ‘Board of Peace’ announced in early 2026, consider the following statements:
1. It is a formal treaty-based international organization established under a United Nations General Assembly resolution.
2. The initiative specifically targets post-conflict stabilization and infrastructure reconstruction in Gaza.
3. It operates as an invitation-only platform under a framework proposed by the United States.
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
2. With reference to the ‘Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0’ (FoF 2.0), consider the following statements:
1. It is a direct investment vehicle where the government identifies and funds individual startups.
2. It specifically targets ‘Deep Tech’ and ‘Advanced Manufacturing’ sectors.
3. The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) acts as the operating agency for the fund.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 2 only
3. With reference to the ‘Henley Passport Index 2026’, consider the following statements:
1. It is a global ranking of passports published by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
2. The index methodology assigns equal weightage (1 point) to both visa-free access and visa-on-arrival status.
3. India improved from 85th rank in 2025 to 75th rank in 2026.
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
4. With reference to the ‘Herath’ festival, consider the following statements:
1. It is the local name for Mahashivaratri celebrated primarily by the Kashmiri Pandit community.
2. Unlike the pan-Indian tradition of vegetarianism during this festival, traditional Kashmiri observance involves the preparation of meat and fish dishes.
3. The exchange of soaked walnuts between neighbors is a distinctive social practice associated with this festival.
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
5. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), consider the following statements:
1. It is a Central Sector Scheme where the premium subsidy for North-Eastern states is shared in a 90:10 ratio between the Centre and the State.
2. The scheme is mandatory for loanee farmers and optional for non-loanee farmers.
3. Post-harvest losses and localized calamities are covered under the scheme, but losses due to wild animal attacks are specifically excluded.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
6. Which of the following best describes bio-based chemicals?
(a) Chemicals extracted directly from minerals
(b) Chemicals produced using biological feedstocks through fermentation
(c) Petrochemicals modified using catalysts
(d) Synthetic chemicals made without biological inputs
7. With reference to the creation of a new All India Service, consider the following statements:
1. Article 312 of the Constitution of India empowers the Rajya Sabha to authorise Parliament to create a new All India Service in the national interest.
2. The resolution under Article 312 must be passed by a majority of the total membership of the Rajya Sabha.
3. After such a resolution is passed, Parliament must enact a law to formally create the new All India Service.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
8. With reference to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), consider the following countries:
1. Saudi Arabia
2. Oman
3. Qatar
4. Kuwait
Which of the above countries share a land border with the UAE?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
9. With reference to the ‘Startup India Scheme’, consider the following statements:
1. It was launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
2. One of its primary objectives is to transform India into a nation of job creators rather than job seekers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(d) Both 1 and 2
(c) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
10. Taman Port, recently seen in the news, is located in which of the following countries?
(a) Russia
(b) Iran
(c) Turkey
(d) Ukraine
ANSWERS for Daily Current Affairs Prelims Practice (16-02-2026):
1. Answer: (b)
2. Answer: (c)
3. Answer: (b)
4. Answer: (d)
5. Answer: (a)
6. Answer: (b)
7. Answer: (a)
8. Answer: (a)
9. Answer: (c)
10. Answer: (a)
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