Daily Current Affairs February 18

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February 18 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs February 18

1. The Losar Festival 2026 marks the beginning of which Tibetan zodiac year?
A) Water Dragon Year
B) Earth Tiger Year
C) Fire Horse Year
D) Wood Monkey Year
E) Metal Ox Year
Answer: C) Fire Horse Year

Event and Location:

• Event: Celebration of Losar Festival 2026 marking the Tibetan New Year.
• Location: McLeod Ganj Himachal Pradesh India.
• Date: 18–20 February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Tibetan exile community celebrated Losar Festival 2026 in McLeod Ganj with traditional rituals, monastery prayers, preparation of khapse, cultural gatherings, and the presence of the Dalai Lama to mark the beginning of the Fire Horse Year.
• Objectives: The festival aims to mark the Tibetan New Year, promote spiritual renewal, preserve Tibetan cultural identity, pray for peace and prosperity, and seek blessings for the long life of the Dalai Lama and harmony worldwide.

Important Terms Explained:

• Losar Festival: The Tibetan New Year celebration observed by Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhist communities, featuring prayers, rituals, traditional food, and cultural performances.
• Fire Horse Year: A zodiac year in the Tibetan lunar calendar that occurs once in 60 years and symbolizes strength, passion, energy, and transformation.
• Khapse: A traditional Tibetan deep-fried sweet dish prepared during Losar and other festive occasions.
• Tibetan Lunar Calendar: A lunisolar calendar used in Tibet for determining religious festivals and zodiac cycles.

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs February 18

2. Tejaswin Shankar won the gold medal in which event at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2026?
A) Decathlon
B) High Jump
C) Long Jump
D) Men’s Heptathlon
E) 400 metres
Answer: D) Men’s Heptathlon

Event and Location:

• Event: Tejaswin Shankar wins gold in men’s heptathlon at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2026.
• Location: Tianjin China.
• Date: February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Tejaswin Shankar secured the gold medal in the men’s heptathlon with 5,993 points at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2026, setting a new national indoor record and contributing to India’s overall medal tally of five medals, finishing sixth in the standings.
• Objectives: The achievement aims to strengthen India’s presence in multi-event athletics, enhance international competitiveness, and provide athletes exposure in continental competitions ahead of global events such as the World Indoor Championships and Olympics.

Important Terms Explained:

• Men’s Heptathlon: A multi-event indoor athletics competition consisting of seven track and field disciplines conducted over two days, testing speed, strength, endurance, and technique.
• Asian Indoor Athletics Championships: A continental indoor track and field competition organized by Asian Athletics, featuring events such as sprinting, jumping, throwing, and combined events.
• National Indoor Record: The highest officially recorded performance achieved by an athlete from a country in an indoor event under recognized competition conditions.

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3. Who is currently the leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup 2026?
A) Lungi Ngidi
B) Michael Leask
C) Romario Shepherd
D) Shadley van Schalkwyk
E) Blessing Muzarabani
Answer: D) Shadley van Schalkwyk

Event and Location:

• Event: Update on highest wicket-takers in T20 World Cup 2026.
• Location: India and Sri Lanka.
• Date: February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is tracking leading wicket-takers as bowlers compete for the highest wicket tally, with Shadley van Schalkwyk of the USA topping the list with 13 wickets in four matches.
• Objectives: The tournament aims to determine the world champion in the T20 format while highlighting outstanding bowling performances, adapting to varied pitch conditions, and recognizing key contributors shaping match outcomes.

Important Terms Explained:

• T20 World Cup: An international cricket championship organized by the International Cricket Council featuring national teams competing in the Twenty20 format.
• Highest Wicket-Taker: The bowler who takes the most wickets during a tournament, often recognized as a leading performer.
• Best Bowling Figures: The best individual bowling performance in a match measured by wickets taken and runs conceded, such as Romario Shepherd’s 5/20 spell.
• All-Rounder: A cricketer who contributes effectively with both batting and bowling.

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Obituary – Daily Current Affairs February 18

4. Veteran actress Pravina Deshpande passed away due to which disease?
A) Breast cancer
B) Multiple myeloma
C) Lung cancer
D) Leukemia
E) Brain tumor
Answer: B) Multiple myeloma

Event and Location:

• Event: Demise of veteran actress Pravina Deshpande.
• Location: Mumbai Maharashtra.
• Date: 17 February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Actress Pravina Deshpande passed away at the age of 60 in Mumbai after battling multiple myeloma since 2019, and her final rites were performed in Andheri on the same day.
• Objectives: The news marks the loss of a respected theatre, television, and film artist whose contributions spanned Marathi and Hindi cinema, highlighting awareness about multiple myeloma and its long-term health impact.

Important Terms Explained:

• Multiple Myeloma: A type of blood cancer that forms in plasma cells, which are white blood cells responsible for producing antibodies, and affects the bone marrow and immune system.
• Plasma Cells: A category of white blood cells that produce antibodies to help the body fight infections.
• Bone Marrow: The soft tissue inside bones where blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, are produced.

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs February 18

5. Indian Overseas Bank’s Online Death Claim Settlement Portal provides a simplified process without third-party surety for claims up to which amount?
A) ₹5 lakh
B) ₹10 lakh
C) ₹15 lakh
D) ₹20 lakh
E) ₹25 lakh
Answer: C) ₹15 lakh

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Online Death Claim Settlement Portal by Indian Overseas Bank.
• Location: India.
• Date: 18 February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Indian Overseas Bank launched a fully digital Online Death Claim Settlement Portal enabling online submission of claimant details, uploading of documents, entry of deceased account information, real-time status tracking, and settlement of claims within a strict 15-day timeline, with no third-party surety required for claims up to ₹15 lakh.
• Objectives: The initiative aims to simplify the claim settlement process, reduce procedural burden on grieving families, enhance transparency and accountability, promote digital banking access, and strengthen customer trust through a compassionate and time-bound service mechanism.

Important Terms Explained:

• Indian Overseas Bank (IOB): A public sector bank in India providing retail, corporate, and digital banking services, known for expanding customer-centric digital initiatives.
• Online Death Claim Settlement Portal: A secure digital platform that allows legal heirs or claimants to initiate, submit, and track death claim settlements online without repeated branch visits.
• Liferay Digital Experience Platform (DXP): An enterprise-grade digital platform used to develop modern, user-friendly, and personalized corporate websites with enhanced accessibility and navigation.
• Digital Transformation: The integration of digital technology into banking services to improve efficiency, transparency, customer experience, and operational accountability.

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6. The Reserve Bank of India invited public comments on the Draft Directions on Foreign Exchange Dealings of Authorised Persons until which date?
A) February 28 2026
B) March 05 2026
C) March 10 2026
D) March 15 2026
E) March 31 2026
Answer: C) March 10 2026

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of Draft Directions on Foreign Exchange Dealings of Authorised Persons and announcement of major regulatory reforms by RBI.
• Location: India.
• Date: 18 February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Reserve Bank of India released draft directions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999 to rationalise foreign exchange regulations, provide greater flexibility to Authorised Dealers, improve risk management practices, and align foreign exchange trading rules with global standards, while also announcing reforms across regulations, payments systems, financial inclusion, financial markets, and capacity building.
• Objectives: The reforms aim to enhance financial market resilience, strengthen customer protection, promote digital payment security, expand financial inclusion, improve corporate bond market depth, and reduce compliance burden for low-risk NBFCs through a transparent consultation-based regulatory approach.

Important Terms Explained:

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI): India’s central bank responsible for monetary policy, regulation of banks and NBFCs, financial stability, and oversight of payment systems.
• Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999: The legal framework governing foreign exchange transactions and external payments in India, under which Authorised Dealers operate.
• Authorised Dealers (ADs): Banks and standalone primary dealers authorised by RBI to deal in foreign exchange transactions.
• Voluntary Retention Route (VRR): A framework allowing Foreign Portfolio Investors to invest in Indian debt markets with greater operational flexibility subject to minimum retention requirements.
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Investment vehicles that own and manage income-generating real estate assets and distribute earnings to investors.
• Mission SAKSHAM: A capacity-building initiative for the Urban Cooperative Bank sector aimed at certification and skill development of approximately 1.40 lakh participants.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC): A credit scheme providing short-term loans to farmers for agricultural and allied activities.

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs February 18

7. Airtel Money has been granted a Certificate of Registration by RBI to operate under which category?
A) Deposit Taking NBFC
B) Small Finance Bank
C) Type II Non Deposit NBFC
D) Payment Bank
E) Cooperative Bank
Answer: C) Type II Non Deposit NBFC

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI grants Certificate of Registration to Airtel Money as a Type II Non-Deposit NBFC.
• Location: India.
• Date: 18 February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Reserve Bank of India granted a Certificate of Registration to Airtel Money, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, allowing it to operate as a Type II Non-Deposit Non-Banking Financial Company under the RBI regulatory framework, subject to compliance norms and mandatory regulatory disclaimers.
• Objectives: The approval aims to enable Airtel Money to expand its regulated financial services portfolio, strengthen fintech operations, promote digital financial inclusion, and ensure adherence to RBI’s supervisory and compliance standards without permitting public deposit acceptance.

Important Terms Explained:

• Type II Non-Deposit NBFC: A category of Non-Banking Financial Company that cannot accept public deposits but can engage in lending and other financial activities under RBI supervision and compliance norms.
• Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC): A financial institution registered under the Companies Act that provides loans, credit facilities, and other financial services but does not hold a banking license.
• Certificate of Registration (CoR): An authorization issued by RBI under the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934 permitting a company to commence or carry on NBFC business.
• RBI Regulatory Disclaimer: A mandatory clarification stating that RBI does not guarantee the financial soundness of the company, validate its statements, or assume responsibility for its liabilities.

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8. Adani Ports signed a Memorandum of Understanding with which European port to strengthen India–EU trade via the IMEC corridor?
A) Port of Rotterdam
B) Port of Hamburg
C) Port of Antwerp
D) Port of Marseille Fos
E) Port of Barcelona
Answer: D) Port of Marseille Fos

Event and Location:

• Event: Signing of MoU between Adani Ports and Marseille Fos to strengthen India–EU trade via IMEC corridor.
• Location: India and France.
• Date: February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of Marseille Fos to enhance trade facilitation, promote port innovation, advance energy transition initiatives, and propose the formation of an IMEC Ports Club for coordinated operations across the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor.
• Objectives: The agreement aims to improve India–EU connectivity, strengthen multimodal logistics integration, enhance supply chain resilience, reduce transit times, promote sustainable port operations, and establish a competitive Eurasian trade route under the IMEC framework.

Important Terms Explained:

• Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ): India’s largest commercial port operator managing major ports such as Mundra and Hazira, playing a key role in global maritime trade connectivity.
• Port of Marseille Fos: France’s largest port and a major Mediterranean gateway integrating sea, rail, river, and road networks with nearly 70 million tonnes of cargo capacity.
• India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): A proposed strategic trade corridor connecting India with Europe through the Middle East to enhance connectivity, trade efficiency, and supply chain resilience.
• IMEC Ports Club: A proposed coordination mechanism among major ports along the IMEC corridor to improve operational alignment, infrastructure planning, and sustainable logistics.
• Energy Transition in Ports: The shift toward green fuels, low-carbon logistics, and sustainable maritime infrastructure to reduce environmental impact.

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9. The Gender Budget allocation in the Union Budget 2026–27 increased to which amount?
A) ₹4.49 lakh crore
B) ₹4.75 lakh crore
C) ₹5.01 lakh crore
D) ₹5.50 lakh crore
E) ₹6.00 lakh crore
Answer: C) ₹5.01 lakh crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Increase in Gender Budget allocation in Union Budget 2026–27.
• Location: India.
• Date: February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Union Government increased the Gender Budget allocation to ₹5.01 lakh crore in the Union Budget 2026–27, marking an 11.55 percent rise from the previous year, and expanded reporting to 53 Ministries and Departments along with five Union Territories.
• Objectives: The allocation aims to strengthen women and girls’ welfare, promote gender-inclusive growth, enhance women’s economic participation and safety, reduce gender disparities in health and education, and align public expenditure with Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.

Important Terms Explained:

• Gender Budgeting: A policy tool introduced in 2005–06 that identifies and tracks government expenditure benefiting women and girls within existing schemes to promote gender equality.
• Gender Budget Statement: A statement presented annually as part of the Union Budget that outlines allocations for women-centric and gender-responsive schemes across ministries.
• Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality): A United Nations goal aimed at achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls by eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal participation in economic and social life.

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs February 18

10. With reference to the India–France Joint Statement 2026, which of the following correctly describes the recent upgrade in bilateral relations?
A) Comprehensive Economic Partnership
B) Strategic Defence Alliance
C) Special Global Strategic Partnership
D) Indo Pacific Security Pact
E) Nuclear Cooperation Treaty
Answer: C) Special Global Strategic Partnership

Event and Location:

• Event: Elevation of India–France bilateral ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
• Location: India.
• Date: 17–19 February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: India and France agreed to elevate their ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, reviewed cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, launched the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, strengthened defence cooperation including Rafale-Marine procurement and submarine collaboration, expanded artificial intelligence and nuclear energy cooperation, and institutionalized an Annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue.
• Objectives: The objective is to deepen long-term strategic cooperation, promote a stable rules-based global order, enhance defence co-development and technological collaboration, support climate and clean energy transitions, strengthen Indo-Pacific coordination, and expand trade and people-to-people exchanges.

Important Terms Explained:

• Special Global Strategic Partnership: An upgraded diplomatic framework between India and France reflecting deeper institutional cooperation across defence, technology, climate, Indo-Pacific security, and multilateral governance.
• Horizon 2047 Roadmap: A long-term bilateral cooperation blueprint adopted in 2023 during the 25th anniversary of the India–France Strategic Partnership, aligning collaboration with India’s centenary of independence in 2047.
• Rafale-Marine Fighter Jets: A naval variant of the Rafale aircraft procured by India, with a contract signed for 26 jets to strengthen carrier-based maritime air power.
• Kalvari-Class (Scorpene) Submarine Program: A submarine construction programme based on French Scorpene design under India–France defence collaboration, with the sixth submarine delivered in January 2025.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): A global solar energy initiative launched in 2015 by India and France to promote solar deployment worldwide.
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): An international initiative launched by India in 2019 to promote climate-resilient infrastructure systems globally.

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11. The H125 helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) inaugurated in February 2026 has been set up at which location?
A) Vadodara Gujarat
B) Vemagal Karnataka
C) Nagpur Maharashtra
D) Hosur Tamil Nadu
E) Hyderabad Telangana
Answer: B) Vemagal Karnataka

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of the H125 helicopter Final Assembly Line under the India–France Special Global Strategic Partnership.
• Location: Vemagal Industrial Area Kolar Karnataka.
• Date: 17 February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated India’s first private-sector helicopter manufacturing facility, establishing the H125 helicopter Final Assembly Line through a joint venture between Airbus and Tata Group, with initial production of 10 helicopters annually and plans for scaling up production for domestic and export markets.
• Objectives: The project aims to strengthen India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission in aerospace manufacturing, enhance defence and industrial cooperation with France, create skilled employment, boost indigenous component manufacturing, and position India as a global hub for high-altitude helicopter production and exports.

Important Terms Explained:

• H125 Helicopter: A globally recognized single-engine light utility helicopter known for its “hot and high” performance and record landing on Mount Everest, used for civil, tourism, emergency services, disaster response, and proposed military variant H125M production.
• Final Assembly Line (FAL): The manufacturing stage where major aircraft components are assembled, tested, and certified before delivery, marking high-value aerospace production capability.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: A Government of India initiative promoting self-reliance through domestic manufacturing, innovation, and reduced import dependence across strategic sectors including defence and aerospace.
• C295 Aircraft Program: A military transport aircraft manufacturing project under India–France defence cooperation, where 40 out of 56 aircraft are being manufactured in India with significant domestic sourcing.
• Special Global Strategic Partnership: An upgraded bilateral framework between India and France covering defence, technology, innovation, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and industrial collaboration.

Tabular Summary:

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12. The India–France Year of Innovation 2026 was launched during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in which month?
A) January 2026
B) February 2026
C) March 2026
D) April 2026
E) May 2026
Answer: B) February 2026

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of India–France Year of Innovation 2026 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron.
• Location: India.
• Date: 17–19 February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron launched the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 to institutionalise collaboration between start-ups, researchers, and technology leaders, while expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, defence production, digital infrastructure, and Indo-Pacific strategy under the India–France Strategic Partnership 1998.
• Objectives: The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral innovation ecosystems, promote ethical and human-centric AI governance, enhance defence industrial collaboration including Rafale fighter jet production, deepen Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation, and reinforce multilateral alignment amid shifting global geopolitics.

Important Terms Explained:

• India–France Year of Innovation 2026: A bilateral initiative launched to promote cooperation in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, digital public infrastructure, start-up ecosystems, and joint research programs.
• India–France Strategic Partnership 1998: A long-standing bilateral framework established in 1998 covering defence, nuclear energy, space cooperation, climate action, and Indo-Pacific security.
• Rafale Fighter Jets: Multi-role combat aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation, with India operating 36 jets, ordering 26 naval variants, and approving procurement of 114 additional aircraft.
• AI Impact Summit: A bilateral platform focusing on safe, ethical, and human-centric artificial intelligence governance and cooperation in digital technologies.
• Indo-Pacific Strategy: A regional cooperation framework aimed at ensuring maritime security, supply chain resilience, multilateralism, and strategic autonomy in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs February 18

13. Under the BeeCorridors initiative of NHAI, what percentage of the 40 lakh trees planned for plantation in 2026–27 will be bee-friendly species?
A) 40 percent
B) 50 percent
C) 60 percent
D) 70 percent
E) 80 percent
Answer: C) 60 percent

Event and Location:

• Event: Announcement of BeeCorridors initiative along National Highways for pollinator conservation.
• Location: Across National Highways in India.
• Date: 17 February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The National Highways Authority of India announced the development of BeeCorridors along National Highways, under which around 40 lakh trees will be planted in 2026–27, with nearly 60 percent consisting of nectar- and pollen-rich bee-friendly species planted in systematic clusters to ensure year-round nectar availability.
• Objectives: The initiative aims to support pollinator conservation, restore ecological balance, enhance biodiversity, improve agricultural productivity through better pollination, and integrate sustainable environmental practices into highway infrastructure development.

Important Terms Explained:

• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI): An autonomous agency under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways in India.
• BeeCorridors: Dedicated plantation corridors along highways consisting of nectar- and pollen-rich native species designed to support honeybees and other pollinators by ensuring continuous food supply.
• Pollinator Conservation: Environmental strategies aimed at protecting and enhancing populations of pollinating species such as honeybees, which are essential for crop production and ecosystem sustainability.
• Ecological Infrastructure: Infrastructure development that integrates environmental sustainability measures, such as biodiversity protection and climate resilience, into construction and planning activities.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs February 18

14. The Great Nicobar Project includes which of the following major infrastructure components?
A) Bullet train corridor
B) International Container Transshipment Terminal
C) Nuclear submarine base
D) Inland waterway terminal
E) Offshore oil refinery
Answer: B) International Container Transshipment Terminal

Event and Location:

• Event: NGT approval of the ₹81,000 crore Great Nicobar Project with strict environmental safeguards.
• Location: Great Nicobar Island Andaman and Nicobar Islands India.
• Date: 16 February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The National Green Tribunal upheld the Environmental Clearance granted in November 2022 for the Great Nicobar Project, dismissed fresh pleas challenging coastal and environmental approvals, and directed strict compliance with legally binding safeguards including coral relocation, shoreline protection, and wildlife conservation measures.
• Objectives: The project aims to transform Great Nicobar Island into a strategic and economic hub under Maritime Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, enhance India’s Indo-Pacific security, reduce dependence on foreign transshipment ports, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and balance national interest with ecological and tribal protection.

Important Terms Explained:

• National Green Tribunal (NGT): A statutory environmental tribunal established under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 to handle cases related to environmental protection and conservation of forests and natural resources.
• Environmental Clearance (EC): A mandatory approval granted to infrastructure projects after assessing environmental impact and ensuring compliance with prescribed safeguards.
• International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT): A port facility designed to transfer containers between mother vessels and feeder ships, reducing dependence on foreign ports for cargo transshipment.
• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): Indigenous communities identified by the Government of India as socially and economically vulnerable, requiring special protection and welfare measures.
• Forest Rights Act 2006: A law recognizing the rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers over land and resources.
• Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Notification 2019: Regulations governing development activities in coastal areas of islands to ensure environmental protection and sustainable use.

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15. The 1,750 MW Demwe Lower Hydel Project is located on which river in Arunachal Pradesh?
A) Siang River
B) Subansiri River
C) Lohit River
D) Dibang River
E) Kameng River
Answer: C) Lohit River

Event and Location:

• Event: Extension of environmental clearance for the 1,750 MW Demwe Lower Hydel Project till 2037.
• Location: Lohit Basin Arunachal Pradesh India.
• Date: January 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Expert Appraisal Committee under the Ministry of Environment approved an 11-year extension of the Environmental Clearance granted in 2010 for the Demwe Lower Hydel Project, applying the 2025 Office Memorandum that treats litigation time as a zero period for calculating clearance validity.
• Objectives: The extension aims to facilitate completion of the 1,750 MW hydel project after prolonged litigation before the National Green Tribunal and National Company Law Tribunal, while addressing energy generation needs and maintaining compliance with environmental and wildlife regulations.

Important Terms Explained:

• Environmental Clearance (EC): A statutory approval granted to infrastructure and industrial projects after environmental impact assessment to ensure compliance with ecological safeguards.
• Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC): A committee under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change that evaluates environmental impact assessments and recommends approval or rejection of projects.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT): A statutory environmental body established under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 to adjudicate cases related to environmental protection and forest conservation.
• National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): A statutory body that reviews and approves projects impacting wildlife habitats and protected areas.
• Zero Period Rule: A provision introduced through a 2025 Office Memorandum allowing time lost due to litigation to be excluded while calculating the validity of environmental clearance.

Tabular Summary:

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16. The first-ever Mumbai Climate Week was inaugurated at which venue?
A) Yashwantrao Chavan Centre
B) Jio World Convention Centre
C) Nehru Centre Worli
D) Bombay Exhibition Centre
E) NSCI Dome
Answer: B) Jio World Convention Centre

Event and Location:

• Event: Inauguration of the first Mumbai Climate Week by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
• Location: Jio World Convention Centre Bandra Mumbai Maharashtra.
• Date: February 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Government of Maharashtra in partnership with Project Mumbai and supported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation organized the first Mumbai Climate Week as a three-day conclave to promote actionable climate solutions, renewable energy expansion, urban resilience strategies, and inclusive climate transition pathways.
• Objectives: The event aims to shift climate discussions toward practical implementation, address Global South challenges, promote solar adoption under the PM Kusum Scheme, strengthen agricultural energy security, and advance Maharashtra’s green transition targets toward 2030.

Important Terms Explained:

• Mumbai Climate Week: A multi-stakeholder climate conclave bringing together policymakers, experts, and community leaders to focus on actionable climate strategies and sustainable urban development.
• PM Kusum Scheme: A central government scheme promoting solar pumps and grid-connected renewable energy solutions for farmers to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Renewable Energy Transition: The shift from fossil fuel-based energy systems to sustainable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
• Global South: A term referring to developing and emerging economies, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, facing unique climate vulnerabilities and development challenges.

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Over All Review

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