Daily Current Affairs 18th February 2026

Q.1. How long does the Ministry of Home Affairs’ required version of Vande Mataram officially last at important functions?
Ans:- 3 min 10 sec
Q.2. Which state has chosen the Balaghat district to serve as the pilot district for the cooperative sector’s World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan?
Ans:- Madhya Pradesh
Q.3. Which nation hosted the Indian Air Force’s first overseas air exercise in 2026 close to the strategically significant Strait of Malacca?
Ans:- Thailand
Q.4. Which nation has taken over as the 2026 chair of the Kimberley Process?
Ans:- India
Q.5. As reported to the Rajya Sabha, what is the current doctor-to-population ratio in India that is higher than the WHO standard?
Ans:- 1:811
Q.6. What proportion of India’s agricultural exports to the US currently have zero tariff access, per the SBI report?
Ans:- 75%
Q.7. Who has successfully completed an 8-day lunar habitat simulation in Dholavira, Kutch, to become the youngest male analog astronaut in India?
Ans:- Aditya Pandya
Q.8. When will the 68th Foundation Day of the National Productivity Council be observed in 2026?
Ans:- February 12
Q.9. How much does India spend on research and development (R&D) globally, as reported by the World Intellectual Property Organization?
Ans:- 7th
Q.10. In which city was the first “Musical Road” in India opened, playing “Jai Ho” as cars drive by?
Ans:- Mumbai
Q.11. Phase 2 of the 72-hour “Operation Prahar” was initiated by which state police to step up their efforts against wanted criminals and gangsters?
Ans:- Punjab