Daily Current Affairs: 17-02-2026 | Prelims Focus

Correct answer: C. A multinational collaboration aimed at establishing unified standards for quantum entanglement distribution and secure key generation.
Notes: Project QubitSphere is a significant international undertaking reflecting the growing maturity and strategic importance of quantum computing. Launched with participation from major economies and leading scientific institutions, its primary goal is to address the interoperability challenges inherent in early quantum networks. By developing unified protocols for quantum entanglement distribution and secure key generation, the initiative seeks to pave the way for a more robust and interconnected global quantum internet. This standardization is crucial for fostering secure communication, enabling distributed quantum computing applications, and accelerating the real-world deployment of quantum technologies, moving them beyond experimental phases into practical, scalable infrastructure. It signifies a collective effort to secure future digital communications.

Correct answer: B. Developing sustainable marine resource management and promoting ocean-based economic growth in the region.
Notes: The Indo-Pacific Blue Economy Summit 2026, hosted by India, marked a pivotal moment for regional cooperation on maritime issues. The summit brought together leaders and experts from across the Indo-Pacific to strategize on sustainable utilization of ocean resources. Key discussions revolved around fostering economic growth through responsible fishing, marine tourism, renewable ocean energy, and biotechnology, while simultaneously safeguarding marine ecosystems. India’s leadership in convening this summit underscores its commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, emphasizing collaborative approaches to address climate change impacts on oceans, enhance marine biodiversity conservation, and promote equitable prosperity among coastal communities in the region.

Correct answer: A. Widespread adoption of drone-based seed dispersal using AI-optimized planting patterns.
Notes: The Global Forest Restoration Initiative (GFRI) celebrating its Phase I success highlights the impact of combining ecological science with cutting-edge technology. The widespread adoption of drone-based seed dispersal, guided by AI-optimized planting patterns, proved instrumental. This innovation allowed for efficient and rapid reforestation of vast, often inaccessible degraded lands. AI algorithms analyzed soil composition, topography, and climate data to select the most suitable native seed species and optimal planting locations, significantly increasing seedling survival rates compared to traditional methods. This technological leap has not only accelerated restoration efforts but also minimized human intervention in fragile ecosystems, making the GFRI a model for future large-scale environmental conservation projects worldwide, tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.

Correct answer: B. To integrate Artificial Intelligence tools and digital literacy programs into rural agricultural practices and local governance.
Notes: Bharat AI Gram is a visionary initiative by the Indian government aimed at bridging the digital divide and leveraging emerging technologies for rural empowerment. The scheme focuses on integrating Artificial Intelligence tools directly into the daily lives of rural communities. This includes deploying AI-driven solutions for precision agriculture, such as crop yield prediction, pest detection, and water management optimization. Additionally, it aims to enhance local governance through AI-powered citizen services and provide extensive digital literacy training to equip villagers with the skills needed to utilize these technologies effectively. Bharat AI Gram underscores India’s commitment to inclusive technological growth, ensuring that the benefits of AI reach even the remotest corners of the nation.

Correct answer: B. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with severe insulin resistance.
Notes: The groundbreaking Personalized Gene-Editing Therapy developed by AIIMS researchers marks a significant advancement in medical science, particularly for managing chronic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with severe insulin resistance. This innovative approach moves beyond symptomatic treatment, targeting the underlying genetic predispositions that contribute to the disease’s progression. By precisely editing specific genes implicated in insulin signaling and glucose metabolism, the therapy aims to restore the body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar, potentially offering a curative or long-term remission solution. This personalized medicine strategy leverages individual genetic profiles to tailor treatments, promising a revolution in how chronic, lifestyle-related diseases are addressed globally, offering hope for millions.