Welcome to Daily Current Affairs for 20 February 2026. In this article, you will get the most important national and international current affairs with short explanations. Additionally, you will find exam-important one-liners and MCQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways and State government exams.
1. NHAI Launches ‘Bee Corridors’ on Highways 
National Highways Authority of India has announced the development of pollinator or “Bee Corridors” along National Highways. Instead of ornamental plants, highways will now have nectar-rich species. This move supports honeybees and biodiversity. Moreover, it strengthens ecological balance and sustainable infrastructure. The initiative aligns with India’s green development goals and climate commitments.
2. Bihar Declared Naxal-Free
Bihar has officially become free from Naxal activities after the surrender of last Maoist Suresh Koda in Munger. The state government confirmed restoration of peace in affected districts. Consequently, development projects will now accelerate in former conflict zones. This marks a major achievement in internal security management.
3. BEL Signs MoU with SASMOS HET
Bharat Electronics Limited signed a strategic MoU with SASMOS HET Technologies Ltd., Bengaluru. The partnership focuses on advanced defence electronics and aerospace systems. Furthermore, it supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. This collaboration will enhance indigenous manufacturing and reduce defence imports.
India–France Elevate Strategic Partnership 
India and France upgraded ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.” They set a target of 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030. Additionally, France announced visa-free airport transit for Indians. Both countries also expanded cooperation in defence, climate action, and technology sectors.
5. India Signs 5-Year Pact with WFP 
India signed a five-year agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme. Under the pact, India will supply rice for global hunger relief. Therefore, this move strengthens India’s humanitarian diplomacy. It also enhances India’s global food security role.
6. India Gifts High-Speed Ferry to Maldives
India gifted the first high-speed ferry to Maldives under HICDP Phase III. The ferry launched Raajje Transport Link services in Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls. Consequently, it improves maritime connectivity and boosts local livelihoods. The project reinforces India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
7. 6th National Rafting Championship Begins
National Rafting Championship titled “The Ultimate River Battle” began at Shibnote in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir. The event showcases top rafting talent nationwide. Moreover, it promotes adventure tourism in the Union Territory. This initiative supports regional economic growth.
8. Gender Budget Allocation Rises in Union Budget 2026-27
Nirmala Sitharaman announced ₹5.01 lakh crore allocation for Gender Budget 2026-27. This marks an 11.55% rise from last year. The share increased to 9.37% of the total Budget. Hence, the government strengthens focus on women empowerment and welfare schemes.
✅ 10 One-Liner Current Affairs
- National Highways Authority of India launched ‘Bee Corridors’ along National Highways to promote pollinator conservation.
- Bihar was declared Naxal-free after the surrender of the last Maoist, Suresh Koda.
- Bharat Electronics Limited signed an MoU with SASMOS HET Technologies to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing.
- India and France elevated ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership.”
- India set a target of 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030 under the new bilateral framework.
- India signed a five-year rice supply agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme.
- India gifted its first high-speed ferry to Maldives under HICDP Phase III.
- The 6th National Rafting Championship began at Shibnote in Jammu and Kashmir.
- The Gender Budget allocation for 2026-27 increased to ₹5.01 lakh crore.
- The share of Gender Budget in Union Budget 2026-27 rose to 9.37%.
📝 MCQs with Explanations
1. NHAI’s ‘Bee Corridors’ initiative aims to promote:
A) Road safety
B) Pollinator conservation
C) Tourism development
D) Digital highways
✅ Answer: B) Pollinator conservation
Explanation: NHAI introduced Bee Corridors to plant nectar-rich species along highways to support honeybees and biodiversity.
2. Which state was declared Naxal-free in February 2026?
A) Jharkhand
B) Odisha
C) Bihar
D) Chhattisgarh
✅ Answer: C) Bihar
Explanation: Bihar achieved this milestone after the surrender of the last Maoist, Suresh Koda.
3. BEL signed an MoU with which company to enhance defence technology?
A) HAL
B) DRDO
C) SASMOS HET Technologies
D) ISRO
✅ Answer: C) SASMOS HET Technologies
Explanation: BEL partnered with SASMOS HET to boost indigenous defence electronics and aerospace systems.
4. India elevated ties to “Special Global Strategic Partnership” with:
A) USA
B) France
C) Japan
D) Germany
✅ Answer: B) France
Explanation: India and France upgraded bilateral relations and expanded cooperation in defence, climate, and education.
5. What is the target number of Indian students in France by 2030?
A) 10,000
B) 20,000
C) 25,000
D) 30,000
✅ Answer: D) 30,000
Explanation: India and France set a goal of increasing Indian students to 30,000 by 2030.
6. India signed a five-year food grain agreement with:
A) FAO
B) IMF
C) World Bank
D) WFP
✅ Answer: D) WFP
Explanation: India will supply rice under a five-year pact with the UN World Food Programme for global hunger relief.
7. Under which policy does India’s Maldives ferry project align?
A) Act East Policy
B) Neighbourhood First Policy
C) Look West Policy
D) SAGAR Doctrine
✅ Answer: B) Neighbourhood First Policy
Explanation: The ferry project strengthens India-Maldives ties under the Neighbourhood First framework.
8. The 6th National Rafting Championship was held in:
A) Himachal Pradesh
B) Uttarakhand
C) Jammu and Kashmir
D) Sikkim
✅ Answer: C) Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation: The event began at Shibnote in Doda district to promote adventure tourism.
9. The Gender Budget allocation for 2026-27 is:
A) ₹4.49 lakh crore
B) ₹5.01 lakh crore
C) ₹3.75 lakh crore
D) ₹6.25 lakh crore
✅ Answer: B) ₹5.01 lakh crore
Explanation: The allocation increased by 11.55% compared to the previous financial year.
10. The share of Gender Budget in Union Budget 2026-27 is:
A) 8.86%
B) 7.50%
C) 9.37%
D) 10.5%
✅ Answer: C) 9.37%
Explanation: The share rose from 8.86% to 9.37%, reflecting increased focus on women empowerment.
FAQ – Daily Current Affairs 20 February 2026
Q1. Which exams require daily current affairs preparation?
UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence and State PSC exams require daily current affairs preparation.
Q2. How can I revise current affairs quickly?
You should revise one-liners daily and practice MCQs regularly for better retention.
Q3. Is this current affairs useful for UPSC prelims?
Yes, it is useful for UPSC prelims as it includes national, international, economy, schemes and sports updates.
✅ Conclusion
Daily Current Affairs 20 February 2026 provides important news updates with exam-focused revision points and MCQs. Keep visiting our website daily for the latest updates and PDF notes.Images are not actual its only for imaginarily purpose.