Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for February 18, 2026.
This comprehensive compilation covers all important events across national politics,
international relations, science & technology, economy, sports, and more.
Sourced from The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and other reputed media.
Perfect for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A, and Group 4 exam preparation.

📌 Read in Tamil: தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்

🏛️ National Politics & Government

1. PM Narendra Modi Approves Launch of ‘PM RAHAT Scheme’ for Road Accident Victims

• What happened: PM Narendra Modi Approves Launch of ‘PM RAHAT Scheme’ for Road Accident VictimsIn February 2026, Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modiapproved the launch of the ‘Pradhan Mantri(PM) RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) scheme’,to provide immediate, life-saving medical care to road accident victims across India, from his newly inaugurated office Seva Teerth, New Delhi (Delhi). About PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) scheme:Purpose:The scheme focuses on delivering cashless treatment up toRs 1.5 lakh per victimfor 7 days from the date of accident.Integration:This new scheme is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System(ERSS) 112 helplineensures victims reach hospitals within the Golden Hour.Implementation:.
• Key points: He also approved doubling theLakhpati Didistarget to 6 crore and increasing theAgriculture Infrastructure Fundoutlay from Rs 1 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore.; Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH):Policy oversight and integration via Electronic Detailed Accident Report(eDAR) platform.; National Health Authority (NHA):Claims processing through Transaction Management System(TMS 2.0).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. CCEA Approved Rs 11,000 Crore Highway Projects in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana

• What happened: CCEA Approved Rs 11,000 Crore Highway Projects in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and TelanganaIn February 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modiapproved a series of Highway projects worthmore than Rs 11,000 crorein 3 states namely, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana. Key Approvals:Upgradation of NH-160A in Maharashtra:It includes therehabilitation and upgradation of the Ghoti-Trimbak (Mokhada)-Jawhar-Manor-Palghar section of NH-160A in Maharashtra.4-lanning of Key NH-56 Stretches in Gujarat:The upgradation of NH-56 will be done at a cost ofRs 4,583.64 croreunder the Hybrid Annuity Mode(HAM).Widening of NH-167 to 4-Lanes in Telangana:It includesthe widening of the 80.01 km-long NH-167 stretch from Gudebellur to Mahbubnagar to 4-lane standards in Telangana.
• Key points: The CCEA also approved the construction of India’s 1st underwater twin tube road-cum-rail tunnel project with estimated Cost of Rs 18,662 crore under Brahmaputra river in Assam.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

3. International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 Held in Bengaluru, Karnataka

• What happened: International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 Held in Bengaluru, KarnatakaThe International Conference on Dam Safety 2026(ICDS 2026)was held from February 13 to 14, 2026, at the J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka), under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and III.Highlights of ICDS 2026:Inauguration:The conference was inaugurated by Chief Minister (CM) of Karnataka Siddaramaiah and presided over by Dr.
• Key details: K. Shivakumar, Deputy CM (Dy CM) of Karnataka.Organizers:The conference was organized by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS); Water Resources Department, Government of Karnataka; Central Water Commission (CWC), IISc Bengaluru, and the World Bank.Key Initiatives Launched:DAMCHAT, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based knowledge platform and Jal Shakti Data Management Platform.Alignment:The initiatives align with Government of India (GoI)’s dam safety norms such as theImplementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

4. Union Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Mountain Fire Control Radar & BEL’s AI Policy

• What happened: Union Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Mountain Fire Control Radar & BEL’s AI PolicyOn February 16, 2026, Union MinisterRajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence(MoD),inaugurated aMissile Integration Facility,flagging off Akash 3rd & 4th Regiment Combat Systems, unveiling the Mountain Fire Control Radar and Bharat Electronics Limited(BEL)’sArtificial Intelligence(AI) Policyat BEL in Bengaluru, Karnataka. About Mountain Fire Control Radar:It is a new radar system designed to operate effectively in mountainous and high-altitude environments, which are traditionally challenging for surveillance and tracking systems.About BEL’s AI Policy:It is a formal AI policy introduced by BEL to integrate AI across defence products, platforms, and development processes.
• Key details: It focuses on embedding AI into real-time decision-making systems, supporting autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms, and enhancing data analytics, threat prediction, and early-warning tools.AboutCoE-AI:CoE-AI will serve as a dedicated hub for Research and Development (R&D) in AI technologies, collaboration between BEL, start-ups, academia, and industry partners, and prototyping and field-testing of AI-driven systems.
• Key points: He also remotely inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for AI(CoE-AI)in Pune, Maharashtra.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

5. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Addresses Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 in New Delhi; Launches Bodhan AI CoE

• What happened: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Addresses Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 in New Delhi; Launches Bodhan AI CoEUnion MinisterDharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE), addressed theBharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026at Bharat Mandapam,New Delhi(Delhi), held from 12–13 February 2026.Highlights:Focus:The Conclave focused on advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), AI platforms, emerging technologies, skills, and higher education.Bharat EduAI Stack:The conclave marks theinitiation of the Bharat EduAI Stack,an open and interoperable architecture designed to build, integrate, and scale AI-powered learning solutions throughout India’s education ecosystem.Launch:During the event, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the Bodhan AI CoE, marking a step towards integrating AI in India’s education ecosystem.MoUs & Partnerships:During the session, several key launches and collaborations were announced to strengthen AI integration in education. PresidentDroupadiMurmu Inaugurates All-India Conference and Launches ‘Karmayogafor Empowered Bharat’ CampaignOn February 13, 2026, Droupadi Murmu, President of India, inaugurated an All-India Conference organised by theBrahma Kumarisand launched a nationwide campaign titled‘Karmayogafor Empowered Bharat.’ AboutKarmayoga for Empowered Bharat:Objective:A value-based national movement that encourages citizens to integrate spiritual and ethical principles into everyday actions and public life to support India’s overall development journey.Philosophy:Rooted in Karmayoga, it promotes selfless duty, integrity, compassion, non-violence, and service, drawing inspiration from Rajayoga teachings of the Brahma Kumaris.
• Key details: DoPReleases 8 Commemorative Postage Stamps titled ‘Puppets of India’In February 2026, Department of Posts(DoP),(also known as India Post), under the Ministry of Communications, released a set of8 Commemorative Postage Stampstitled‘Puppets of India’at the Indian Habitat Centre in New Delhi, Delhi. About Commemorative Postage Stamp:Overview:The commemorative stamp set showcases eight traditional puppetry forms from different regions of India, with each unique art form featured on an individual stamp.Features:It includes, Denomination:The stamp bears a face value ofRs.5.Design:The stamps, along with the First Day Cover (FDC), Brochure, Miniature Sheet, Sheetlets, and Special Cancellation, were designed by designerSankha Samanta.
• Key points: Launch of Uttar Pradesh(UP) based Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow AI Programme and IIM Ranchi, Jharkhand Initiative – Teaching with AI.; Institutional collaborations involving IIM Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir(J&K) and Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Bangkok, Thailand.; The event also marked the commencement of the silver jubilee celebrations of the Om Shanti Retreat Centre in Gurugram, Haryana.; The stamps were released by Vandita Kaul, Secretary of DoP, in the presence of artists and cultural experts.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

6. NITI Aayog’s Vice Chairman Released 6th Edition of TWQ for Q2FY26

• What happened: NITI Aayog’s Vice Chairman Released 6th Edition of TWQ for Q2FY26In February 2026,Suman Bery,Vice-Chairman(VC) of the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) released the6thedition of‘Trade Watch Quarterly (TWQ)-Thematic Analysis: Electronics Trade’for the 2nd Quarter(Q2: July to September)of Financial Year 2025-26(FY26)in New Delhi, Delhi. Key Highlights of Report:Focus Areas:The edition examines electronics exports, international demand patterns, tariff structures, and global value chain participation.Electronics Sector Dominance:India’s electronics exports reached USD 42.1B in 2024 (5x growth since 2016), emerging as 2nd largest category after gems/jewellery.India’s E-commerce Sector:The report highlighted that India is now among the top 6 e-commerce markets in the world, with the electronics sector accounting nearly 50% of online retail.
• Key points: The report provides a comprehensive data-driven assessment of global and domestic trade trends.; The report further projected that e-commerce exports could contribute 20-30% of India’s merchandise exports by 2030, supported by ongoing enhancements in logistics efficiency, regulatory facilitation, among others.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

7. Merchandise Exports and Imports:

• What happened: Merchandise Exports and Imports:The report showed that Indian merchandise exports registered 8.5% year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth, outpacing import growth in both merchandise and services.Services Sector:Drove trade performance with USD102B exports (+8.7%) and USD 48B surplus. ICG DGParameshSivamaniInauguratedWaterjetProduction & Testing Facility in GoaIn February 2026,ParameshSivamani,Director General(DG)of Indian Coast Guard(ICG)inaugurated the india’s first Waterjet Production & Testing Facility of M/s Marine Jet Power(MJP)in Goa.
• Key details: About New Facility:Significance:The new facility will bolster India’s domestic supply chain, enable indigenous testing of waterjet systems and emerge as a regional hub catering to South Asia and adjoining regions.
• Key points: The newly inaugurated facility has been developed under a Manufacturing and Transfer of Technology(ToT) framework,making India the world’s3rdcountry after the United States of America (USA) and South Korea to host such a facility.; It is also expected to generate employment, support the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem and improve technology absorption in the country.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

8. Current MJP Capacity:

• What happened: Current MJP Capacity:At present, ICG operatesover 100MJP water propulsion systems onboard its vessels, with 42 additional systems for ships under construction.Other Key Highlight:During the visit, DG ICG reviewed the progress of06indigenously developed Air Cushion Vehicles (with approximately 50% of local content) at Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd.
• Key details: The 1st vessel is expected to be delivered inMay 2026.About MJP:MJP, a Sweden-based design and manufacturing firm specialising in waterjet propulsion systems for high-speed naval, coast guard, and commercial vessels, opened its first production and testing facility in India.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

9. TN Government SignsMoUsworth Rs.5,980 Crores in Semiconductor & Aerospace SectorsIn February 2026, G

• What happened: TN Government SignsMoUsworth Rs.5,980 Crores in Semiconductor & Aerospace SectorsIn February 2026, Government of Tamil Nadu(TN)signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) worthRs.5,980 crores(USD 59.8 million), aimed at strengthening TN’s position in high-technology manufacturing. KeyMoUsSigned:Semiconductor & Precision Manufacturing Project:MinebeaMitsumi (Japan), through its Indian subsidiary NMB Minebea India Private Limited signed an MoU worthRs.1,980 croresto set up a semiconductor and electronics manufacturing facility in Tiruvallur, TN.Aerospace &DefenceManufacturing Cluster:Aequs Group, Bengaluru (Karnataka), signed an MoU worthRs.4,000 croresto develop an aerospace and defence manufacturing cluster at the Small Industries Development Corporation (SIDCO)-ShoolagiriIndustrial Parkat Shoolagiri in Krishnagiri, TN.
• Key details: Alignment:The initiatives align with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of semiconductor self-reliance, defence indigenisation, and advanced manufacturing growth. *******.
• Key points: The MoUs were signed in the presence of Chief Minister (CM) of TNM.K. Stalinat an event held in Chennai, TN.; The facility will produce aerospace components such as aircraft engine parts, gearboxes, and precision-engineered products.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

10. Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today)

• What happened: Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

11. Current Affairs 18 February 2026

• What happened: Current Affairs 18 February 2026PM Narendra Modi Approves Launch of ‘PM RAHAT Scheme’ for Road Accident VictimsCCEA Approved Rs 11,000 Crore Highway Projects in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and TelanganaInternational Conference on Dam Safety 2026 Held in Bengaluru, KarnatakaUnion Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Mountain Fire Control Radar & BEL’s AI PolicyUnion Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Addresses Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 in New Delhi; Launches Bodhan AI CoEPresident Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates All-India Conference and Launches ‘Karmayoga for Empowered Bharat’ CampaignDoP Releases 8 Commemorative Postage Stamps titled ‘Puppets of India’NITI Aayog’s Vice Chairman Released 6th Edition of TWQ for Q2FY26ICG DG Paramesh Sivamani Inaugurated Waterjet Production & Testing Facility in GoaRBI Approves In-Solutions Global to Operate as Payment AggregatorSmriti Mandhana Named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025RBI Approves Bain Capital’s Acquisition of Up to 41.66% Stake in Manappuram FinanceIndia Tops Medal Tally with 94 Medals at Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 in DelhiMagnus Carlsen Wins Inaugural FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship in GermanyOscar-Winning Actor Robert Duvall Passes AwayGlobal Tourism Resilience Day 2026 – February 17TN Government Signs MoUs worth Rs.5,980 Crores in Semiconductor & Aerospace SectorsAspirant:Does Affairscloud covers all the Current affairs topics related to examinations?Affairscloud:We Guaranteed All the Important topics related to examination are covered in Our Daily CA content and Daily CA Quizzes.Aspirant:Why is there a delayal in news?Affairscloud:As some of the major news sites doesn’t provide the required data on the exact day, we take extra time for important data to be presented to the aspirants on the examination basis to ensure nothing is missed.Example:In ‘Important Days’ topics the International Organisations publish their reports and Rankings in the evenings, to make sure every data is covered, we delay the topics to the next day.Candidates appearing for Competitive Exams. Kindly Share the General Awareness questions,which asked in their respective exams to“[email protected]”Dear Aspirants,We would like to inform you that, startingJanuary 2025,all Current Affairs Hindi Contentwill be accessible only through theCareersCloud app and CareersCloud.in website.
• Key details: Make sure to download the app or visit the website to continue accessing the content seamlessly.Thank you for your understanding and continued support! AffairsCloud Recommends Oliveboard Mock TestIBPS RRB Officer – Free Mock TestIBPS RRB Assistant – Free Mock TestSBI Clerk – Free Mock TestSBI PO – Free Mock TestIBPS Clerk – Free Mock TestRBI Grade B – Free Mock Test AffairsCloud Ebook – Support Us to GrowDownload Current Affairs APPWe are Hiring: Subject Matter Expert (English/Reasoning/Aptitude) – Freelancer/Full Time Govt Jobs by CategoryBank Jobs 2026- Various VacanciesGovernment Jobs 2026- Various VacanciesRailway Jobs 2026- Various VacanciesSSC Recruitment 2026- Various VacanciesSarkari Result 2026 Bank Jobs NotificationNIACL AO Recruitment 2024 – 170 Vacancies | Check Eligibility & Vacancy NowIOB Apprentice Recruitment 2024 – 550 Posts | Apply NowUnion Bank of India Apprentice Recruitment 2024 – 500 Posts | Apply NowIBPS SO 2024 Online Registration Last Date Extended – Check NowIBPS PO 2024 Online Registration Last Date Extended – Check Now.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

💰 Economy & Banking

12. RBI Approves In-Solutions Global to Operate as Payment Aggregator

• What happened: RBI Approves In-Solutions Global to Operate as Payment AggregatorOn February 16, 2026, Reserve Bank of India(RBI)granted regulatory authorization to In-Solutions Global(ISG)to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) in three categories, including Online Payments(PA-O),Physical or Offline Payments(PA-P), and Cross-Border Payments(PA-CB).About Regulatory Authorization to ISG:Framework:The authorization was granted under the RBI Master Directions on the Regulation of Payment Aggregators for 2025-26.Payment Facilitation:With all three licenses, ISG joins a select set of non-banks fintech players permitted to facilitate unified payments stack across domestic online, physical, and global transactions.Single Onboarding:With this move, ISG can provide a unified onboarding and settlement platform, enabling it to onboard merchants, collect payments, and settle funds on their behalf, thereby simplifying multi-channel digital payment processing for businesses, banks, and marketplaces.Other Full PA License Holders:Airpay Payment Services and Pine Labs are among the select organisations in India that have received full RBI PA approval.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

13. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

• What happened: AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS SmritiMandhanaNamed BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025In February 2026, the6th editionof the British Broadcasting Corporation(BBC) Indian Sportswoman of the Year (ISWOTY) Awards 2025was held in New Delhi, Delhi recognising the outstanding achievements of Indian sportswomen across various disciplines.
• Key points: Star cricketerSmritiMandhanawas honoured with theBBC ISWOTY 2025for playing a key role in India’s 2025 International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s World Cup triumph with 434 runs as vice-captain and for captaining Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

14. Other Significant Awards from the Ceremony:

• What happened: Other Significant Awards from the Ceremony:BBCEmerging Player of the Year 2025:Divya Deshmukh was awarded the BBC Emerging Player of the Year 2025 in recognition of her landmark Women’s World Cup triumph.BBCPara-Sportswoman of the Year 2025:Preethi Palwas recognised as the BBC Para-Sportswoman of the Year 2025 for her outstanding Paralympic performance.BBCLifetime Achievement Award 2025:Anjali Bhagwat was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 in recognition of her trailblazing contributions to Indian shooting.About British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC):Director-General (DG) – Timothy Douglas DavieHeadquarters– London, United Kingdom (UK)Established– 1922.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

15. ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

• What happened: ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

16. RBI Approves Bain Capital’s Acquisition of Up to 41.66% Stake in

• What happened: RBI Approves Bain Capital’s Acquisition of Up to 41.66% Stake inManappuramFinanceOn February 14, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India(RBI)granted final approval toBain Capital, LP, to acquire joint control and up to41.66% stakeinManappuramFinance Limited, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).Investment Overview:Agreement Terms:In March 2025, Bain Capital signed agreements to investRs 4,385 crorefor an 18% fully diluted stake at Rs 236 per share, with its final holding expected to range between18% and 41.7%depending on open-offer acceptance.Promoter Holding:On a fully diluted basis, the existing promoters will retain a28.9% stakein the company.AboutManappuramFinance:It is an NBFC specialising in gold-backed loans with an approximate loan book of Rs 315 billion, primarily focused on the expanding gold loan segment in India.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

🏏 Sports

17. India Tops Medal Tally with 94 Medals at Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 in Delhi

• What happened: India Tops Medal Tally with 94 Medals at Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026 in DelhiIndiatopped the medal table for the second consecutive year with a remarkable haul of94 medals, comprising51 gold, 23 silver, and 20 bronzeacross senior and junior events at the17thedition of theAsian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026,held from February 2 to 14, 2026 at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi (Delhi).
• Key details: About Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026:Organisers:The championship, organized by the National Rifle Association of India(NRAI)under the supervision of the Asian Shooting Confederation(ASC).Participants:Featured over 300 athletes from 20 countries.Events:Competitions were held in senior and junior categories, covering individual and team events in rifle and pistol disciplines, including Olympic and non-Olympic events such as 10 metre(m) Air Rifle, 10m Air Pistol, 25m Pistol, and 50m Rifle 3 Positions. MagnusCarlsenWins Inaugural FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship in GermanyNorwegian Grandmaster (GM)MagnusCarlsenwon the the first-ever International Chess Federation orFédération Internationale des Échecs(FIDE) Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026held inWeissenhaus, Germanyfrom 13–15 February 2026, by defeating United States of America (USA) GMFabianoCaruanain the final with a score of 2.5–1.5. About FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026:Organiser:FIDE and Freestyle Chess Operations GmbHPrize Fund:The total prize fund wasUSD 300,000,with Magnus Carlsen receiving USD 100,000 for first place, Fabiano Caruana receiving USD 60,000 for second place, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov receiving USD 40,000 for third place.Qualification:The top three finishers Carlsen, Caruana, and Abdusattorov directly qualified for the2027 Freestyle World Championship.Other Highlights:Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan) secured third place by defeating Vincent Keymer (Germany) 2.5–1.5.
• Key points: Kazakhstansecured the position of second rank with 26 medals (3 Gold, 16 Silver, 7 Bronze), whileUzbekistanfinished as the third with 4 medals (3 Gold, 1 Silver).; This victory marks Magnus Carlsen’s21st world titleacross various formats (Classical, Rapid, Blitz, and Freestyle/Chess960), further consolidating his position as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.; Vincent Keymer (Germany) finished fourth after losing to Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan) 1.5–2.5 and earned USD 30,000.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of sportspersons.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

18. Oscar-Winning Actor Robert Duvall Passes Away

• What happened: Oscar-Winning Actor Robert Duvall Passes AwayIn February 2026, legendary American actorRobert Selden Duvall,best known for his iconic roles in the Godfather and Apocalypse Now, passed away at the age of95in Middleburg, Virginia, the United States of America (USA). About Rober Duvall:Profile:He was a legendary American actor and filmmaker, regarded as one of the finest performers in Hollywood history, with a career spanning over six decades.Breakthrough Role:In 1962, he got his 1st film role as the mysterious Boo Radley in the adaptation of‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.Notable Work:Network (1976), The Great Santini (1979), The Eagle Has Landed (1976), The Natural (1984), among others.7-time Oscar Nominee:During his 60 years-long career in the film industry, he was nominated7-timefor Oscars (Academy Awards).
• Key details: Other Nominations:He also received a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), and Primetime Emmy Awards.Awards/Accolades:He also won 4 Golden Globe award and was awarded a National Medal of Arts in 2004.
• Key points: He was born on January 05, 1931 in San Diego, California, the USA.; In 1983, he won the Award in the ‘Best Actor’ category for his performance in Tender Mercies.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

19. Global Tourism Resilience Day 2026 – February 17

• What happened: Global Tourism Resilience Day 2026 – February 17The United Nations(UN’s)Global Tourism Resilience Day (GTRD)is observed annually onFebruary 17to underline the need for a resilient tourism sector, highlighting its vulnerability to crises and the importance of preparedness and adaptability. Background:Declaration: On February 6, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/77/269, officially declaring February 17 as GTRD.First Observance:The inaugural GTRD was observed onFebruary 17, 2023.International Year:In February 2024, the UNGA decided to proclaim 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.2026 Event:The 4thGTRD Conference and Expois being held from February 16–18, 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi(Kenya),bringing together global tourism leaders to discuss key challenges facing the sector.
• Key points: February 17, 2026 marks thethirdobservance of GTRD.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

📝 Practice Questions (MCQs)

Test your knowledge with these questions based on today’s current affairs:

Q1. Which of the following is related to: PM Narendra Modi Approves Launch of ‘PM RAHAT Scheme’ for Road Accident Victims?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q2. Which of the following is related to: CCEA Approved Rs 11,000 Crore Highway Projects in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q3. Which of the following is related to: International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 Held in Bengaluru, Karnataka?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q4. Which of the following is related to: Union Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Mountain Fire Control Radar & BEL’s AI Policy?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q5. Which of the following is related to: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Addresses Bharat Bodhan AI Conclave 2026 in New Delhi; Launches Bodhan AI CoE?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details