Weekly Current Affairs: 9th February to 15th February 2026 with solutions

- Statement 1 is correct. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has indeed resulted in the removal of approximately 6.5 crore voters across various states in India. This has been a point of controversy due to allegations of misuse and potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. While Form 7 is used to object to the inclusion of names in electoral rolls, it is governed by the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, not the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, is foundational for the electoral roll process but does not specifically govern the use of Form 7.

- Statement 3 is correct. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are indeed mandated to carry out physical verifications when Form 7 applications are filed. However, there are significant concerns about the effectiveness of these verifications, especially given the constraints of time and resources, which have led to allegations of systematic deletions without proper checks.

Thus, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C: 1 and 3 Only the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct. The SHANTI Act indeed opens the nuclear power sector to private companies, marking a significant policy shift from the previous framework where only government entities were allowed to operate nuclear power plants.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The SHANTI Act removes the operator's right of recourse against suppliers, meaning that the liability in the event of a nuclear incident is channeled entirely to the operator, and suppliers are indemnified from such claims. This was a major change from the provisions under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010, which allowed operators to seek recourse from suppliers under certain conditions.

Statement 3 is correct. The SHANTI Act establishes a liability cap, with a total maximum liability of approximately Rs. 3,900 crore for nuclear accidents. This includes different caps for small and large plants, specifically between Rs. 100 crore and Rs. 3,000 crore.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only, as Statements 1 and 3 are correct, while Statement 2 is incorrect.

- Statement 1 is correct. A wet dress rehearsal involves loading cryogenic fuels like liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the rocket’s tanks. This is done to simulate actual launch conditions, including the extreme temperatures and pressures that the rocket will experience. These conditions help identify potential issues such as leaks or material stress.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The primary objective of a wet dress rehearsal is not to test the communication systems; rather, it is to identify potential issues that may arise under extreme cryogenic conditions, such as leaks in seals or connections between the rocket and ground equipment. While communication systems are important, they are typically tested during other phases and not the main focus of a wet dress rehearsal.

- Statement 3 is correct. Wet dress rehearsals are generally the final practice runs conducted before the actual launch. They are crucial for ensuring that all systems function correctly under the conditions they will face during a real launch.

Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3, making Option C the right answer.

- Statement 1: Incorrect. The Sawalkot Hydroelectric Project is located on the Chenab River, not the Jhelum River. This makes the first statement incorrect.

- Statement 2: Correct. The Sawalkot project is indeed designed as a run-of-the-river scheme with a capacity of 1,856 megawatts. This involves using the river's natural flow with minimal storage, which is consistent with the project's design parameters.

- Statement 3: Correct. The Chenab River is classified as a 'Western River' under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. This classification has significant implications for water sharing and project development between India and Pakistan.

Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option D the correct answer. The solution aligns with the provided answer choice, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

1. SHANTI Act - Allows private companies to operate nuclear power plants. - This pair is correctly matched. The SHANTI Act indeed allows private entities to enter the nuclear power sector, marking a major shift from previous government control.

2. Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010 - Removed the operator's right of recourse against suppliers. - This pair is incorrectly matched. The CLNDA, 2010, actually included a provision for the operator's right of recourse against suppliers, which the SHANTI Act subsequently removed.

3. India's Aviation Sector - Faces a shortage of trained pilots. - This pair is correctly matched. The aviation sector in India is experiencing a critical shortage of trained pilots, which impacts operational reliability and growth.

4. Market Concentration in Aviation - Two airline groups control nearly 90% of passenger traffic. - This pair is correctly matched. The domestic aviation market in India is highly concentrated, with two airline groups controlling a significant portion of the passenger traffic, impacting national connectivity and competition.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

The primary objective of a wet dress rehearsal in rocket launches is to simulate launch conditions to ensure that all systems function correctly under extreme cryogenic conditions. This practice run involves loading cryogenic fuel into the rocket's tanks to identify potential issues that may arise during the actual launch. By conducting this rehearsal, engineers can detect and address any seal leaks, material stress, or other issues that might occur when the rocket is fueled up for launch.

1. Geloina erosa - Mangrove Clam: Correctly matched. Geloina erosa, also referred to as Polymesoda erosa, is indeed known as the mangrove clam. It is a burrowing bivalve found in intertidal mangrove ecosystems.

2. Polymesoda erosa - Mud Clam: Incorrectly matched. Polymesoda erosa is another name for Geloina erosa and refers to the mangrove clam, not specifically a "mud clam." The key point here is that both names refer to the same species related to mangrove ecosystems.

3. Mission SAKSHAM - Capacity building for Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks: Correctly matched. Mission SAKSHAM is indeed a capacity-building and certification framework for Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs), aiming to enhance their capabilities through training programs.

4. REITs - Investment in Renewable Energy Assets: Incorrectly matched. REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) focus on income-generating commercial real estate assets, such as offices and shopping malls, not specifically on renewable energy assets. Renewable energy assets are generally under the purview of InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts).

Thus, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched, making the correct answer "Option B: Only two pairs."

Statement-I is correct as per the information provided in the text. The SHANTI Act indeed allows private companies to operate nuclear power plants in India. Statement-II is also correct, stating that India's aviation sector is under scrutiny due to operational disruptions and safety incidents. However, the two statements are unrelated and do not explain each other. The SHANTI Act and India's aviation sector issues are distinct topics with no direct correlation, making option (b) the correct answer.

1. Coal's Contribution in Electricity Generation: 74% - This pair is correctly matched. Coal currently accounts for approximately 74% of electricity generation in India, as noted in the provided content.

2. Nuclear Capacity Projection by 2070 under NZS: 295-320 GW - This pair is correctly matched. The nuclear capacity expansion is projected to reach 295-320 GW by 2070 under the Net Zero Scenario.

3. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Projection by 2070: 500 GW - This pair is incorrectly matched. The projection for BESS by 2070 is up to 3,000 GW, not 500 GW.

4. Role of Green Energy Corridor (GEC): Enhances transmission infrastructure for renewable energy - This pair is correctly matched. The GEC aims to improve transmission infrastructure for the efficient evacuation of renewable energy.

Pairs 1, 2, and 4 are correctly matched, whereas pair 3 is not. Hence, the correct answer is Option C: Only three pairs.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) primarily generate revenue through rental income, which is obtained from leasing out properties such as offices, shopping malls, and other commercial real estate assets. This regular rental income is a key source of revenue for REITs, providing investors with a steady stream of income.

1. Statement 1: This statement is incorrect. The mangrove clam, Geloina erosa, inhabits muddy, brackish, and nearly freshwater areas within mangrove swamps, not primarily freshwater areas. They are adapted to a range of salinity levels typical of intertidal mangrove ecosystems, which includes both brackish and freshwater conditions.

2. Statement 2: This statement is correct. The mangrove clam plays a crucial ecological role in stabilizing sediments and supporting mangrove ecosystems. Its filter-feeding behavior helps recycle nutrients, which is vital for the health of mangrove ecosystems.

3. Statement 3: This statement is correct. The mangrove clam faces threats from indiscriminate harvesting, habitat degradation, pollution, and coastal development. These activities lead to the decline of wild stocks, particularly along the east coast of India and in island regions.

Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D: 2 and 3 Only.

India's foreign policy is characterized by multi-alignment, which involves balancing relationships with multiple powers. This strategy allows India to diversify its partnerships and maintain strategic autonomy in a rapidly changing global geopolitical landscape. Multi-alignment enables India to engage with various countries on different fronts, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in its foreign relations.

1. Panchsheel Agreement: Incorrectly matched. The Panchsheel Agreement was signed between India and China in 1954, not between India and Malaysia. It outlined five principles of peaceful coexistence and was related to India's acknowledgment of Tibet as part of China.

2. Line of Actual Control (LAC): Correctly matched. The Line of Actual Control is indeed perceived by India to be approximately 3,488 km long, while China estimates it to be around 2,000 km. This reflects the differing perceptions of the boundary's length due to territorial disputes.

3. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): Correctly matched. The CPEC does pass through territory that India claims as its own, specifically Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which is a contentious issue in India-China-Pakistan relations.

4. Special Representatives (SR) Mechanism: Incorrectly matched. The Special Representatives Mechanism is established between India and China to address the boundary issue, not for trade relations with Malaysia.

Thus, only two pairs (2 and 3) are correctly matched.

The 1954 Panchsheel Agreement between India and China outlined five key principles, which are mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, equality and cooperation for mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence. These principles aimed to foster trade and amicable relations between the two nations, serving as the foundation for bilateral ties.

The SHANTI Act in India has notably opened up the nuclear power sector to private companies, marking a significant shift from the previous exclusive government control. This change aims to bring in more investment and potentially reshape the future of nuclear energy in the country.

1. Form 7: This is incorrectly matched. Form 7 is not used to add new voters to the electoral roll; it is used to object to the inclusion of a person's name in the electoral roll based on criteria such as death, duplication, or ineligibility.

2. Special Intensive Revision (SIR): This is incorrectly matched. SIR is a specific, comprehensive effort by the Election Commission of India to update electoral rolls, particularly focusing on large scale verification and correction, rather than routine, unfocused updates.

3. AI-Generated Content Labelling: This is correctly matched. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has mandated the labelling of AI-generated content as per the revised Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021.

4. Articles 25 and 26: This is incorrectly matched. Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution relate to freedom of religion and religious practices, not the electoral process. These articles ensure the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion, and the freedom to manage religious affairs.

Only the third pair is correctly matched.

1. Trade Volume - Correct. The bilateral trade between India and Malaysia reached US$ 19.86 billion in 2024-25, as mentioned in the provided material.

2. Defence Cooperation - Correct. Defence cooperation includes joint exercises and intelligence sharing, which is a part of the strategic enhancement of their bilateral relationship.

3. Diaspora - Incorrect. The Indian diaspora in Malaysia numbers over 2 million, not 3 million, according to the details provided.

4. Local Currency Trade - Correct. Both nations have agreed to promote trade settlements in local currencies to minimize transaction costs and reduce reliance on third-party currencies.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

- Statement 1 is correct. India and Malaysia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. This indicates a significant enhancement of bilateral ties, focusing on strategic areas such as trade, defence, and cultural exchange.

- Statement 2 is correct. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kuala Lumpur in February 2026, India and Malaysia indeed signed 11 agreements covering various sectors such as defence, semiconductors, and healthcare. This highlights the ongoing commitment to deepen economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. While Malaysia is one of India's major trading partners within ASEAN, it is not the largest. As of the latest trade data, other ASEAN countries also maintain significant trade relationships with India, making the claim that Malaysia is the largest inaccurate.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as only these statements accurately reflect the details of India-Malaysia relations as per the context provided.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Current Policy Scenario (CPS) indeed projects that India's share of renewable energy in electricity generation is expected to rise significantly, potentially exceeding 80% by 2070. This projection aligns with the long-term goal of transitioning away from coal-dominated power to more sustainable energy sources.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Net Zero Scenario (NZS) outlines a significant increase in nuclear energy capacity, from 8.18 GW in 2025 to a potential 295-320 GW by 2070. This expansion is considered crucial for providing a stable base-load power supply alongside renewable sources.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The transition to a renewable-dominated electricity mix in India is not expected to be smooth and faces various challenges, including issues with grid stability, storage expansion, transmission infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles. Significant efforts are required to address these challenges, such as scaling up storage technologies and modernizing grid infrastructure.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only, as statements 1 and 2 are accurate, while statement 3 is not.

Form 7 in the electoral process of India serves the purpose of allowing individuals to object to the inclusion of specific names in the electoral roll. This form provides a mechanism for citizens to raise concerns regarding the eligibility or accuracy of entries in the electoral roll. By submitting Form 7, individuals can challenge the inclusion of a person's name based on criteria like death, duplication, or ineligibility. This process plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the electoral rolls, ensuring that eligible voters are appropriately listed for voting in democratic elections.

The challenges in the utilization of renewable energy sources like solar and wind in India primarily stem from their intermittency and weather-dependence. Unlike conventional sources like coal and nuclear, solar and wind energy generation is dependent on weather conditions, leading to fluctuations in output and posing challenges for grid stability and reliability. This intermittency factor necessitates the development of robust storage solutions and grid infrastructure to ensure a smooth integration of renewable energy into the existing power system.

1. Dulhasti Project : Located in Ramban

- Incorrect. The Dulhasti Project is located in Kishtwar, not Ramban.

2. Baglihar Project : Capacity of 890 MW

- Correct. The Baglihar Project indeed has a capacity of 890 MW.

3. Salal Project : Located in Reasi

- Correct. The Salal Project is located in Reasi.

4. Sawalkot Project : Capacity of 2,000 MW

- Incorrect. The Sawalkot Project has a capacity of 1,856 MW, not 2,000 MW.

The correctly matched pairs are 2 and 3. Thus, there are two pairs that are correctly matched.

1. Wet Dress Rehearsal - This is correctly matched. A wet dress rehearsal is indeed the final practice run before a high-stakes rocket launch that involves loading cryogenic fuel such as liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. Its purpose is to identify potential issues under extreme cryogenic conditions.

2. Dry Dress Rehearsal - This is incorrectly matched. A dry dress rehearsal does not involve the use of cryogenic fuel. Instead, it involves practicing the countdown and essential operations without cryogenic propellants, focusing on vehicle system checks, communications, and decision-making processes.

3. Individual Taxpayer Base - This is correctly matched. The individual taxpayer base in India has more than doubled from 3.26 crore in AY2013-14 to nearly 7.26 crore in AY2024-25, reflecting significant growth over the past decade.

4. Cost of Tax Collection - This is incorrectly matched. The cost of tax collection has not increased; it has decreased from 0.61% of gross direct tax collections in FY2000-01 to 0.41% in FY2024-25, indicating improved efficiency in revenue mobilization.

Thus, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

- Statement 1 is correct. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Malaysia was indeed aimed at recalibrating India-Malaysia relations, focusing on counter-terrorism cooperation and enhancing economic ties through various agreements.

- Statement 2 is correct. The Panchsheel Agreement, signed in 1954 between India and China, was based on five principles of peaceful coexistence, which India believed resolved the border issues. However, differing interpretations have persisted over the years.

- Statement 3 is correct. Recent developments in India-China relations have seen positive moves such as troop disengagement in eastern Ladakh and the resumption of direct flights, indicating efforts towards de-escalating tensions.

All three statements accurately reflect the given context regarding India’s diplomatic relations with Malaysia and China. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.

Statement-I correctly highlights the significance of Indian PM Modi's visit to Malaysia in emphasizing the priority of bilateral relations and addressing past discomfort. Statement-II accurately reflects the reset in ties focusing on economic cooperation and temporarily setting aside contentious matters for future discussions. While both statements are individually correct, Statement-II does not directly explain or elaborate on Statement-I; hence, option (b) is the most appropriate choice.