CURRENT AFFAIRS 19 February, 2026

CURRENT AFFAIRS 19 February, 2026

1. INDIA ATTENDS BOARD OF PEACE MEET AS OBSERVER –

• India has reinforced its traditional stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict by participating as an ‘observer’ in the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington D.C., while maintaining its commitment to a Two-State solution.
• Board of Peace: Established by the US as a potential rival to the United Nations, the Board includes 27 nations (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Argentina) and focuses on the redevelopment of the Gaza Strip with a USD 10 billion U.S. commitment.
• India attended the meeting, specifically identifying as an observer rather than a full member of the Board of Peace.
• Alignment with Global Initiatives: India’s participation aligns with its support for the Gaza Peace Plan and UNSC Resolution 2803, reflecting a desire to remain engaged in West Asian stability.
• After an initial delay, India signed a joint statement with over 100 entities criticizing Israel’s expansion of settlements in the West Bank, labeling them a violation of international law.
• Two-State Solution: India reiterated support for a “sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine based on 1967 borders,” living side-by-side with Israel.
• Diplomatic Balancing Act: These moves highlight India’s “de-hyphenated” yet principled approach to the India-Arab League relations and Israeli ties.

2. RANVIR SACHDEVA BECOMES YOUNGEST SPEAKER AT AI SUMMIT –

• Eight-year-old coder Ranvir Sachdeva emerged as a standout figure at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, becoming the youngest speaker to address the high-profile gathering at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Surrounded by global technology leaders and policymakers, Ranvir described himself as a technologist and presented his ideas on linking ancient Indian philosophies with modern Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• His keynote focused on India’s approach to AI development and how it differs from other nations. He also shared his own use case of an Indian AI model and discussed efforts to promote AI literacy and contribute to economic growth.

Engagement with Global Tech Leaders

• Ranvir’s presence at the summit led to interactions with some of the most influential figures in the technology sector. He met Google CEO Sundar Pichai and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during the event.
• Previously, he interacted with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva. In 2024, he also met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, reflecting his growing international recognition.

3. INDIA JOINS PAX SILICA ALLIANCE WITH US –

• India formally entered the US-led Pax Silica strategic alliance after signing the Pax Silica Declaration in the presence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg. The move marks a significant step in deepening bilateral cooperation in critical minerals, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).
• US envoy Sergio Gor described India’s entry as “strategic and essential”, asserting that the coalition will shape the 21st century economic and technological order. The alliance, launched in December 2025, seeks to secure global AI and semiconductor supply chains and reduce dependence on non-aligned nations.

Focus on AI and Semiconductor Ecosystem

• The Pax Silica Declaration aims to create a secure, resilient and innovation-driven ecosystem spanning raw materials to advanced technological infrastructure. It recognises reliable supply chains as indispensable for mutual economic security.
• India’s participation strengthens the coalition with its vast engineering talent and expanding semiconductor manufacturing ambitions. Ten semiconductor plants are reportedly in various stages of development in India, with the first commercial production expected soon.

4. BIHAR DECLARED NAXAL-FREE AFTER FINAL SURRENDER –

• Bihar has been officially declared free of Naxal activities following the surrender of the last armed Maoist, Suresh Koda, in Munger district. The development marks a significant milestone in the State’s long struggle against Left Wing Extremism. Authorities confirmed that no armed Naxalite squad is currently active in any of the previously affected districts.
• The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Munger range, Rakesh Kumar, stated that all 23 districts once impacted by Naxalism are now free from organised armed presence.

End of Armed Maoist Presence

• The surrender of Suresh Koda symbolises the end of active armed Maoist operations in Bihar. According to the District Magistrate of Munger, Nikhil Dhanraj Nippanikar, the surrendered cadre will receive benefits under the Central Government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.
• The policy provides financial assistance, vocational training and support for reintegration into mainstream society. Family members of the surrendered Maoist expressed relief, highlighting the human dimension of the transition from conflict to peace.

5. INS ARIDHAMAN TO BOOST INDIA’S SEA-BASED NUCLEAR DETERRENT –

• India is set to strengthen its sea-based nuclear deterrent with the commissioning of INS Aridhaman, the third indigenous Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). The submarine, designated S4, is expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy by April-May after completing final stages of sea trials.
• Once commissioned, it will mark a significant milestone in India’s quest for credible and continuous at-sea nuclear deterrence.

Advanced Capabilities of INS Aridhaman

• Built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam, INS Aridhaman displaces around 7,000 tonnes, making it larger than its predecessors INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, which are 6,000-tonne platforms.
• The submarine will be armed with 24 K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 750 km and eight longer-range K-4 SLBMs capable of striking targets up to 3,500 km away. Powered by an 83 MW pressurised water reactor, it features improved acoustic damping through anechoic tiles to reduce detectability.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.  The Election Commission recently announced biennial elections for Rajya Sabha seats. How many members of the Rajya Sabha are nominated by the President of India ?

1. a) 10
2. b) 12
3. c) 15
4. d) 20

Q2.  Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, recently in the news due to tiger fatalities, is located in which state ?

1. a) Maharashtra
2. b) Rajasthan
3. c) Chhattisgarh
4. d) Madhya Pradesh

Q3.  Recently, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister launched India’s first cooperative-based taxi service. What is the name of this initiative ?

1. a) National Taxi Mission
2. b) Bharat Taxi
3. c) Sahakar Cab Service
4. d) Cooperative Mobility Scheme

Q4.  With reference to India’s first ‘Bee Corridors’, consider the following statements:

1. They are being developed along National Highways by the National Highways Authority of India.
2. They focus on ornamental plantations to beautify highways.
3. They aim to integrate biodiversity conservation with infrastructure development.

         Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 2 only
3. c) 1 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation-

• Statement 1 – Correct: The initiative has been announced by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
• Statement 2 – Incorrect: The corridors prioritize native, nectar-rich species, not ornamental.
• Statement 3 – Correct: It represents a shift toward ecological and climate-sensitive highway planning, integrating biodiversity conservation.

Q5.  Country                                Fifth-Generation Fighter

1. United States F-22, F-35
2. China J-20
3. Russia Su-57
4. France Rafale

         Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 1,3 and 4 only
3. c) 1, 2 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation-

• Pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correct. The United States (F-22, F-35), China (J-20), and Russia (Su-57) are recognized developers of fifth-generation stealth fighters. The French Rafale is a 4.5-generation fighter, not a fifth-generation aircraft, making pair 4 incorrect.

Answer Key