SSC Stenographer Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
How many Rajya Sabha seats were covered by the biennial elections announced by the Election Commission on 18 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 37
The ECI announced biennial elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats from 10 states, with polling on 16 March 2026.
In the Rajya Sabha biennial elections of March 2026, which state had the largest number of seats falling vacant?
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Correct answer: D — Maharashtra
Maharashtra had seven seats, followed by Tamil Nadu (six) and West Bengal and Bihar (five each).
Consider the following statements about the Rajya Sabha: 1. Under Article 83(1) of the Constitution, one-third of its members retire on the expiration of every second year. 2. In Rajya Sabha elections, electors may mark preferences with any pen of their choice. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Article 83(1) makes the Rajya Sabha a permanent House with one-third of members retiring every second year. The ECI directs that only the integrated violet sketch pen provided by the Returning Officer be used.
Which organisation announced on 17 February 2026 that it will develop 'Bee Corridors' along National Highways?
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Correct answer: A — National Highways Authority of India
NHAI announced the first-of-its-kind pollinator or Bee Corridors initiative along National Highways.
Consider the following statements about NHAI's Bee Corridors: 1. Plant species will be chosen for staggered flowering so that nectar and pollen are available through the year. 2. Dead wood and hollow trunks will be removed from the corridors. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. NHAI said flowering weeds, dead wood and hollow trunks, which benefit pollinators, will be retained.
Who represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on 17 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Om Birla
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented India and handed over PM Modi's letter inviting Rahman to visit India.
Tarique Rahman, who was sworn in on 17 February 2026, became the Prime Minister of which country?
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Correct answer: D — Bangladesh
Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister of Bangladesh in Dhaka on 17 February 2026.
What were India's estimated total exports (goods and services) in April–January 2025-26, as released on 16 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — US$ 720.76 billion
Total exports in April–January 2025-26 were an estimated US$ 720.76 billion, up 6.15% from US$ 679.02 billion.
Consider the following statements about India's trade data released on 16 February 2026: 1. Merchandise exports in April–January 2025-26 grew faster than total (goods and services) exports. 2. In January 2026, India's total imports exceeded its total exports. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Merchandise exports grew 2.20% against 6.15% for total exports. In January 2026, total imports (US$ 90.83 billion) exceeded total exports (US$ 80.45 billion).
Which merchandise export category grew 10.37% to US$ 10.40 billion in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Engineering goods
Engineering goods exports rose 10.37% from US$ 9.42 billion in January 2025 to US$ 10.40 billion in January 2026.
By what margin did India beat Pakistan in their T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo on 15 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 61 runs
India made 175/7 and bowled Pakistan out for 114 to win by 61 runs.
Who was the Player of the Match in the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match on 15 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan scored 77 off 40 balls and was named Player of the Match.
At which stadium was the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match played on 15 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
The Group A match was played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Sant Sevalal Maharaj, whose birth anniversary is observed on 15 February, is revered as a spiritual leader of which community?
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Correct answer: D — Banjara
Sant Sevalal Maharaj is revered as a spiritual leader of the Banjara community.
Which birth anniversary of Sant Sevalal Maharaj was observed on 15 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 287th
15 February 2026 marked the 287th birth anniversary of Sant Sevalal Maharaj.
On Sevalal Jayanti 2026, the Telangana Chief Minister announced a grand shrine for Sant Sevalal Maharaj in which forest area?
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Correct answer: A — Nallamala forest
CM Revanth Reddy announced the shrine in the Nallamala forest, Achampet area, where 20 acres have been allocated.
How much did the National Biodiversity Authority release under Access and Benefit Sharing to BMCs in 24 districts, as announced on 15 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹10.40 lakh
The NBA released ₹10.40 lakh to BMCs across 24 districts. ₹145 crore is the cumulative ABS disbursement.
In the ABS release announced on 15 February 2026, a dairy farmer from which state received a benefit share for providing the Murrah buffalo breed?
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Correct answer: D — Haryana
A farmer holding a dairy farm in Haryana received an ABS amount for providing the Murrah buffalo breed.
Consider the following statements about the National Biodiversity Authority: 1. It is established under Section 8 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. 2. Its head office is in New Delhi. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Under Section 8(3) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the NBA's head office is at Chennai.
How much power generation capacity did India add in 2025-26 up to 31 January 2026, as reported on 15 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 52,537 MW
A record 52,537 MW was added, against the previous record of 34,054 MW in 2024-25.
Which source accounted for the largest share of the renewable capacity added in 2025-26 up to 31 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Solar
Of 39,657 MW of renewable capacity added, 34,955 MW was solar and 4,613 MW wind.
Consider the following statements about India's installed power capacity as on 31 January 2026: 1. Non-fossil fuel capacity exceeded fossil fuel-based capacity. 2. Total installed capacity crossed 5,00,000 MW. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Non-fossil capacity was 2,71,969.33 MW against 2,48,541.62 MW fossil, and the total was 5,20,510.95 MW.
With which country's Foreign Minister did S. Jaishankar share the session 'Navigating Uncertainty' at the Munich Security Conference on 14 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Germany
Jaishankar spoke with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in 'Navigating Uncertainty: India and Germany in a World in Disarray'.
Which edition of the Munich Security Conference was held from 13 to 15 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 62nd
The 62nd Munich Security Conference was held from 13 to 15 February 2026.
Under the PM RAHAT scheme approved on 13 February 2026, accident victims will get cashless treatment of up to:
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Correct answer: B — ₹1.5 lakh
PM RAHAT provides cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh to accident victims.
To what number was the Lakhpati Didi target raised on 13 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 6 crore
The target was doubled to 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by March 2029.
The loan target of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund was raised on 13 February 2026 to:
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Correct answer: D — ₹2 lakh crore
The AIF loan target was doubled from ₹1 lakh crore to ₹2 lakh crore.
What is the corpus of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 approved by the PM on 13 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹10,000 crore
Startup India FoF 2.0 has a corpus of ₹10,000 crore, aimed at deep tech, early-stage ideas and advanced manufacturing.
Consider the following statements about Startup India as on 31 December 2025: 1. DPIIT had recognised over 2.07 lakh entities as startups. 2. Funds supported under the Fund of Funds for Startups had invested over ₹25,000 crore in 1,371 startups. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: 2,07,135 startups were recognised, and AIFs supported under FFS had invested ₹25,547.98 crore in 1,371 startups.
What is the total Central Assistance under the Urban Challenge Fund approved by the Cabinet in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹1 lakh crore
The Central Assistance is ₹1 lakh crore; it is expected to unlock total investment of ₹4 lakh crore.
Under the Urban Challenge Fund, Central Assistance covers what share of project cost, subject to a minimum share being raised from the market?
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Correct answer: A — 25% CA; at least 50% from market
Central Assistance covers 25% of the project cost, subject to at least 50% being raised from the market.
Consider the following statements about the Urban Challenge Fund: 1. It gives effect to proposals announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, including Cities as Growth Hubs. 2. Its Credit Repayment Guarantee Scheme offers a central guarantee of up to ₹7 crore or 70% of a first-time loan, whichever is lower. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The UCF implements the Budget 2025-26 vision on Cities as Growth Hubs, Creative Redevelopment and Water and Sanitation, and the ₹5,000 crore guarantee scheme covers up to ₹7 crore or 70% of a first loan.
Which party, led by Tarique Rahman, won the Bangladesh parliamentary election whose results were declared on 13 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Bangladesh Nationalist Party
The BNP-led alliance under Tarique Rahman won a two-thirds majority.
How many seats did the BNP-led alliance win in the February 2026 Bangladesh election?
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Correct answer: C — 212
The BNP-led alliance won 212 seats, a two-thirds majority; the Jamaat-led alliance won 77.
Who headed Bangladesh's interim government as Chief Adviser at the time of the February 2026 election?
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Correct answer: B — Muhammad Yunus
Power was to pass from the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Consider the following statements: 1. Tarique Rahman is the son of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. 2. The February 2026 election was the first in Bangladesh since the 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina's government. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Rahman is the son of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, and this was the first election since the 2024 student-led uprising.
How much wheat did the Government of India approve for export on 13 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 25 LMT
The government approved 25 LMT of wheat exports, plus an additional 5 LMT of wheat products.
Consider the following statements about the sugar export decision of 13 February 2026: 1. An additional 5 LMT of sugar exports was allowed for the 2025-26 season. 2. Mills must export at least 70% of their allocated quantity by 30 June 2026 to get the additional quota. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The extra 5 LMT is on top of 15 LMT allowed in November 2025, for mills exporting at least 70% of their allocation by 30 June 2026.
What was the theme of World Radio Day 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Radio and Artificial Intelligence
UNESCO's theme for World Radio Day 2026 was 'Radio and Artificial Intelligence'.
World Radio Day is observed on 13 February because on that date in 1946:
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Correct answer: A — United Nations Radio was established
13 February is the anniversary of the creation of United Nations Radio in 1946.
Consider the following statements about World Radio Day: 1. It was proclaimed by UNESCO's General Conference at its 36th session in 2011. 2. It was adopted as a UN international day by the UN General Assembly in 2012. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. UNESCO proclaimed it in 2011 at its 36th General Conference, and the 67th session of the UN General Assembly adopted it in 2012.
What was India's all-India CPI inflation for January 2026 in the first release on base 2024=100?
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Correct answer: C — 2.75%
Year-on-year CPI inflation for January 2026 was 2.75% (provisional) on the new base.
In the first CPI release on base 2024=100, food inflation (CFPI) for January 2026 was:
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Correct answer: B — 2.13%
All-India CFPI inflation was 2.13%; rural 1.96% and urban 2.44%.
How many divisions does the new CPI (2024=100) use, in line with COICOP 2018, in place of the earlier 6 groups?
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Correct answer: C — 12
The new series has 12 divisions in place of 6 groups, following COICOP 2018.
Consider the following statements about the item basket of the new CPI (2024=100): 1. Online media/streaming services and rural housing have been added. 2. Radio and tape recorders have been removed. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Streaming services, rural housing, pen drives and exercise equipment were added; radio, tape recorders, VCR/DVD players and second-hand clothing were removed.
What was the total value of proposals cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council on 12 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — About ₹3.60 lakh crore
The DAC accorded AoN to proposals worth about ₹3.60 lakh crore.
Which aircraft was cleared as the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) for the IAF by the DAC on 12 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Rafale
The DAC cleared MRFA (Rafale) for the IAF, most of which will be manufactured in India.
Which aircraft did the DAC clear for the Indian Navy on 12 February 2026 for long-range anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance?
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Correct answer: D — P8I
AoN was cleared for P8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the Navy.
Consider the following statements about the DAC decisions of 12 February 2026: 1. The Defence Acquisition Council is chaired by the Raksha Mantri. 2. 'Vibhav', cleared for the Army, is an air defence missile system. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The DAC is chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh. Vibhav is an anti-tank mine, to be laid as an obstacle against enemy mechanised forces.
What penalty did the CCI impose on Intel Corporation on 12 February 2026 over its India-specific warranty policy?
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Correct answer: B — ₹27.38 crore
The CCI imposed a penalty of ₹27.38 crore on Intel.
Intel was penalised by the CCI for contravening Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002. What does Section 4 deal with?
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Correct answer: C — Abuse of dominant position
Section 4 prohibits abuse of dominant position. Section 3 covers anti-competitive agreements and Sections 5–6 cover combinations.
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, remembered by PM Modi on 12 February 2026, founded which organisation?
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Correct answer: B — Arya Samaj
Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj.
In which year did Dayanand Saraswati found the Arya Samaj?
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Correct answer: C — 1875
He founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 to counter the social inequities of the time.
On 11 February 2026, the Indian Navy assumed command of which Combined Task Force of the Combined Maritime Forces for the first time?
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Correct answer: B — CTF 154
The Indian Navy took over CTF 154, the CMF's training and capacity-building task force, at Manama on 11 February 2026.
Where is the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Forces, where the CTF 154 change of command was held?
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Correct answer: B — Manama, Bahrain
The change of command ceremony took place at CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain.
Who took over as Commander CTF 154 from the outgoing Italian Navy commander on 11 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Commodore Milind M. Mokashi
Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Shaurya Chakra, took over; Vice Admiral Renshaw presided and Vice Admiral Sobti attended.
Consider the following about the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF): 1. CTF 151 is the CMF task force dedicated to counter-piracy. 2. CTF 154, the training task force, was established in May 2023. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: CTF 151 handles counter-piracy, and CTF 154 was established in May 2023 for multinational training.
Consider the following about CTF 154: 1. Its training pillars include Law of the Sea and Maritime Domain Awareness. 2. The CMF, under which it operates, has 32 member nations. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The five pillars include Law of the Sea and Maritime Domain Awareness; the CMF has 47 member nations, not 32.
How much financial support did the National Biodiversity Authority extend to State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils for FY 2025–26?
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Correct answer: C — ₹6.09 crore
NBA extended ₹6.09 crore to SBBs and UTBCs based on proposals for FY 2025–26.
Under which section of the Biological Diversity Act do local bodies constitute Biodiversity Management Committees?
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Correct answer: D — Section 41
BMCs are constituted by local bodies under Section 41 and maintain People's Biodiversity Registers.
Consider the following about the Biological Diversity Act, 2002: 1. It received the President's assent on 5 February 2003. 2. Its provisions on Access and Benefit Sharing came into force on 1 October 2003. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Act got assent on 5 February 2003; administrative provisions came into force on 1 October 2003, while the Access and Benefit Sharing provisions came into force on 1 July 2004.
Which principle of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya did the Vice-President say holds enduring relevance for the world, in his tribute on 11 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Integral Humanism
The Vice-President said Upadhyaya's principle of Integral Humanism continues to hold enduring relevance for the entire world.
Tributes were paid to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on 11 February 2026. What does this date mark?
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Correct answer: B — His death anniversary
The Prime Minister and Vice-President paid tributes on his death anniversary (punyatithi), 11 February.
Who chaired the 11 February 2026 meeting to prepare the roadmap for Financial Inclusion 2.0?
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Correct answer: A — Secretary, Department of Financial Services
M. Nagaraju, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, chaired the meeting in New Delhi.
By which year does the Financial Inclusion 2.0 discussion aim to achieve insurance and pension for all citizens?
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Correct answer: D — 2047
One of the key areas is achieving the goal of insurance and pension for all citizens by 2047.
What was India's Labour Force Participation Rate (15 years and above) in October–December 2025, as per the PLFS quarterly bulletin released on 10 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 55.8%
Overall LFPR rose to 55.8% from 55.1% in July–September 2025.
Female LFPR (15 years and above) in October–December 2025 rose to:
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Correct answer: B — 34.9%
Female LFPR rose to 34.9% from 33.7%, driven by rural female LFPR rising to 39.4%.
Consider the following about the PLFS quarterly bulletin for October–December 2025: 1. The urban unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above fell to 6.7%. 2. It is the first quarterly bulletin to give estimates for rural areas. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Urban unemployment fell to 6.7% from 6.9%. The April–June 2025 bulletin was the first with rural and urban estimates; October–December 2025 is the third.
The annual Mass Drug Administration campaign against lymphatic filariasis launched on 10 February 2026 covers how many endemic states?
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Correct answer: B — 12
The campaign covers 719 blocks in 124 districts of 12 states.
From February 2026, India's lymphatic filariasis programme replaced which earlier practice with a single annual MDA campaign?
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Correct answer: D — Biannual rounds on 10 February and 10 August
The unified annual MDA campaign replaces the earlier biannual rounds held on 10 February and 10 August.
Consider the following about lymphatic filariasis (LF) in India: 1. LF is transmitted by the female Culex mosquito. 2. India's target for eliminating LF as a public health problem is 2030, the same as the SDG target. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. India aims to eliminate LF by 2027, ahead of the global SDG target of 2030.
In which city was BIOFACH 2026, where India was 'Country of the Year', inaugurated on 10 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Nuremberg
BIOFACH 2026, the world's leading organic trade fair, opened in Nuremberg, Germany.
Which body organised India's participation at BIOFACH 2026, and which regulation did the Commerce Secretary highlight there?
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Correct answer: D — APEDA; National Programme for Organic Production
APEDA organised India's participation; the Commerce Secretary highlighted amendments to the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
The theme of MeitY's Safer Internet Day 2026 campaign, 'Smart Tech, Safe Choices', focused on the safe and responsible use of:
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Correct answer: A — Artificial Intelligence
The theme was 'Smart Tech, Safe Choices – Exploring the Safe and Responsible Use of AI'.
Under which MeitY initiative was the Safer Internet Day 2026 campaign organised?
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Correct answer: B — Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA)
The campaign was organised under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) initiative and reached 9.78 crore citizens.
What is the size of the Special Economic Package India announced for Seychelles on 9 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — USD 175 million
India announced a Special Economic Package of USD 175 million for Seychelles.
The India–Seychelles Joint Vision announced on 9 February 2026 is abbreviated as:
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Correct answer: D — SESEL
It is the Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL).
President Herminie's State Visit to India in February 2026 coincided with which anniversary of India–Seychelles diplomatic relations?
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Correct answer: C — 50th
The visit coincided with the 50th year of Seychelles' independence and of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Consider the following about the Special Economic Package India announced for Seychelles in February 2026: 1. It includes a USD 125 million Rupee-denominated Line of Credit. 2. It includes USD 50 million in grant assistance. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the USD 175 million package combines a USD 125 million Rupee-denominated Line of Credit and USD 50 million in grants.
Consider the following outcomes of the India–Seychelles talks of 9 February 2026: 1. Seychelles agreed to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). 2. India agreed to set up an Indian naval base on Seychelles' Assumption Island. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Seychelles agreed to join CDRI and to set up a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit with Indian help; no naval base was announced.
What was the gross NPA ratio of scheduled commercial banks for domestic operations at the end of September 2025, as stated on 9 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 2.15%
The SCB gross NPA ratio was a historic low of 2.15%; PSBs were at 2.50%, private banks 1.73% and foreign banks 0.80%.
In which year did the RBI initiate the Asset Quality Review that the Finance Ministry credited for the fall in gross NPAs?
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Correct answer: C — 2015
The RBI began the Asset Quality Review in 2015, followed by the government's 4R strategy.
For how much did NHAI accept Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust's offer for five National Highway assets, as announced on 9 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹9,500 crore
NHAI accepted RIIT's offer of ₹9,500 crore for five sections spanning over 260 km.
Which of the following highway sections is NOT among the five assets won by Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust in February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Lucknow–Kanpur
The five assets are Gorhar–Barwa Adda (Jharkhand), Chilakaluripet–Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Chennai Bypass and Chennai–Tada (Tamil Nadu) and Neelmangla–Tumkur (Karnataka).
Which service was brought within the definition of 'ex-servicemen' under the re-employment rules amended in February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Military Nursing Service
Rule 2(c)(i) now explicitly includes the Military Nursing Service alongside the Regular Army, Navy and Air Force.
Consider the following about the Ex-servicemen (Re-employment in Central Civil Services and Posts) Amendment Rules, 2026: 1. They were notified under Article 309 of the Constitution. 2. Ex-servicemen get 20% reservation in Group 'C' and 10% in Group 'D' central government posts. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The rules were notified under Article 309; the reservation is 10% in Group 'C' and 20% in Group 'D' posts, not the other way round.