UKPSC Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
After the 6th CSMC meeting on 23 February 2026, the total number of houses sanctioned under PMAY-Urban 2.0 rose to over:
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Correct answer: C — 13.61 lakh
With 2,87,618 new houses, total sanctions under PMAY-U 2.0 rose to over 13.61 lakh.
What share of houses under PMAY-Urban 2.0 is allotted to women, according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 96%
The Ministry said 96% of houses under PMAY-U 2.0 are allotted to women.
Under the India–France Amending Protocol of February 2026, the single 10% tax rate on dividends is replaced by:
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Correct answer: A — 5% for holders of at least 10% of capital and 15% for others
The Protocol replaces the single 10% rate with 5% for those holding at least 10% of capital and 15% in all other cases.
In which year was the original India–France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention signed?
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Correct answer: B — 1992
The India–France DTAC was signed on 29 September 1992.
Consider the following statements about the India–France Amending Protocol announced in February 2026: 1. It deletes the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause from the Protocol to the DTAC. 2. It gives taxing rights on capital gains from the sale of shares to the country where the shareholder is resident. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Protocol deletes the MFN clause and gives full capital-gains taxing rights to the country where the company (not the shareholder) is resident.
With how many countries did Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla constitute Parliamentary Friendship Groups in the first phase announced in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — More than 60
The Speaker constituted Parliamentary Friendship Groups with more than 60 countries in the first phase.
The Parliamentary Friendship Groups constituted in February 2026 build on which earlier initiative, according to the Lok Sabha Secretariat?
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Correct answer: A — The multi-party outreach after Operation Sindoor
The Secretariat said the step builds on the Prime Minister's post-Operation Sindoor multi-party outreach.
Which authority imposed a ₹15 lakh penalty on a coaching institute for misleading UPSC result advertisements in February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Central Consumer Protection Authority
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed the ₹15 lakh penalty on Vajirao & Reddy Institute.
Which country's Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, called on Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on 23 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Guyana
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is the Vice-President of Guyana; he called on the Vice-President of India at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.
In the 131st Mann Ki Baat (22 February 2026), the Prime Minister paid homage to Alin Sherin Abraham, from which State, whose parents donated her organs?
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Correct answer: B — Kerala
The PM paid homage to Alin Sherin Abraham from Kerala; her parents Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John donated her organs.
Which episode of Mann Ki Baat was broadcast on 22 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 131st
The 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat was broadcast on 22 February 2026.
About how many organ transplants were performed in India in 2025, according to the Health Ministry?
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Correct answer: C — 20,000
Transplants rose from under 5,000 in 2013 to nearly 20,000 in 2025.
In which type of transplant does India lead the world, performing more than any other country, according to the Health Ministry in February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Hand transplants
The Ministry said India performs a greater number of hand transplants than any other country.
Consider the following statements about organ donation in India, as reported by the Health Ministry in February 2026: 1. About 18% of transplants are performed with organs from deceased donors. 2. More than 4.8 lakh citizens have pledged organs through an Aadhaar-based verification system since September 2023. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. About 18% of transplants use deceased-donor organs, and over 4.8 lakh citizens have pledged via the Aadhaar-based system since 17 September 2023.
The campaign 'Badhna Hai Toh Yahan Judna Hai', launched in February 2026 with Amitabh Bachchan, promotes which platform?
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Correct answer: A — Skill India Digital Hub
The campaign promotes the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), which has over 1.5 crore registered candidates.
The 62nd edition of 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' on 22 February 2026 was organised with which organisation?
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Correct answer: B — ESIC
The 62nd edition was organised with the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) at over 1,000 locations.
On 22 February 2026, PM Narendra Modi replied on X to which leader, saying he looked forward to talks during his upcoming visit?
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Correct answer: D — Benjamin Netanyahu
PM Modi replied to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and said he looked forward to discussions during his upcoming Israel visit.
India signed an MoU on postal sector cooperation with which country during its President's State Visit in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Brazil
India and Brazil signed the postal MoU during President Lula da Silva's State Visit to India.
In which city was the 30th Divya Kala Mela inaugurated on 22 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Dehradun
The 30th Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated at Rangers Ground, Dehradun, by Uttarakhand Governor Gurmit Singh.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held talks with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 21 February 2026. Which country is described by India as its largest trading partner in Latin America?
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Correct answer: D — Brazil
PM Modi's press statement on 21 February 2026 said Brazil is India's largest trading partner in Latin America.
During the Modi–Lula talks of 21 February 2026, India and Brazil committed to take bilateral trade beyond what level over the next five years?
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Correct answer: D — $20 billion
PM Modi said both countries are committed to taking bilateral trade beyond twenty billion dollars over the next five years.
Consider the following statements about the India–Brazil talks of 21 February 2026: 1. India is working towards a Centre of Excellence for Digital Public Infrastructure in Brazil. 2. The leaders backed expansion of the India–MERCOSUR trade agreement. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Modi said India is working towards a DPI Centre of Excellence in Brazil and that expansion of the India–MERCOSUR agreement will strengthen economic ties.
President Droupadi Murmu hosted Brazilian President Lula at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 21 February 2026 and congratulated him on Brazil hosting which two summits in 2025?
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Correct answer: B — BRICS and COP-30
The President congratulated Lula on the successful hosting of the BRICS Summit and the COP-30 Summit in Brazil in 2025.
India's CDSCO exchanged an MoU on pharmaceutical and medical product regulation with which Brazilian agency on 21 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ANVISA
The MoU was exchanged between India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA).
Consider the following statements about the India–Brazil steel-sector MoU of 21 February 2026: 1. It was signed by India's Ministry of Steel with Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy. 2. PIB put India's current steelmaking capacity at 300 million tonnes. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB put India's current steelmaking capacity at 218 million tonnes, not 300.
India and Brazil exchanged an access agreement for India's Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) on 21 February 2026. Which Indian body signed it?
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Correct answer: D — CSIR
The agreement was between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India and the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), Brazil.
With Brazil's INPI joining in February 2026, how many patent offices worldwide have access to India's TKDL database?
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Correct answer: B — Eighteen
PIB said that with the inclusion of INPI, Brazil, the number of patent offices worldwide with access to the TKDL rises to eighteen.
Consider the following statements about the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL): 1. It was established in 2001 through a collaboration between CSIR and the Ministry of AYUSH. 2. It is available in five international languages, and patent offices get access through non-disclosure agreements. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. TKDL was set up in 2001 by CSIR and the Ministry of AYUSH; it is available in English, German, French, Japanese and Spanish, with access under non-disclosure agreements.
India formally joined which coalition with the United States on 20 February 2026 to secure the 'silicon stack'?
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Correct answer: D — Pax Silica
India formally joined the Pax Silica coalition on the fifth day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
The Pax Silica coalition that India joined in February 2026 aims mainly to:
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Correct answer: A — Secure supply chains from critical minerals and chip fabrication to AI infrastructure among trusted nations
Pax Silica seeks to secure the 'silicon stack' — critical minerals, semiconductor fabrication, AI systems and deployment infrastructure — reduce over-concentration and prevent economic coercion.
In February 2026, DGCI&S revised the base year of India's Merchandise Trade Indices to which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2022-23
The base year was revised from FY 2012-13 to FY 2022-23 (2022-23 = 100).
Under the MoU signed on 18 February 2026, how much rice will the Food Corporation of India supply to the World Food Programme?
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Correct answer: C — 2,00,000 metric tonnes
FCI will supply 200,000 metric tonnes of rice (up to 25% broken) to WFP.
Consider the following statements about the FCI–WFP rice MoU of February 2026: 1. It is valid for five years from the date of signing and may be extended by mutual consent. 2. The price is fixed for the entire five-year period. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The price is to be agreed annually; the current price is ₹2,800 per quintal up to 31 March 2026.
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.
The India–UK Offshore Wind Taskforce, launched on 18 February 2026, was constituted under which framework?
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Correct answer: D — Vision 2035 and the Fourth Energy Dialogue
Pralhad Joshi said the taskforce was constituted under Vision 2035 and the Fourth Energy Dialogue.
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.
As per the monthly PLFS released on 16 February 2026, what was the labour force participation rate for persons aged 15 and above in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 55.9%
LFPR (15+) was 55.9% in January 2026, against 56.1% in December 2025. 35.1% was female LFPR and 53.1% the WPR.
What was India's WPI-based annual inflation rate (provisional) for January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 1.81%
WPI inflation was 1.81% (provisional) in January 2026, up from 0.83% in December 2025.
The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, under which the CCPA penalised Snapdeal in February 2026, became mandatory from:
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Correct answer: B — 1 January 2021
The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 became mandatory on 1 January 2021.
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.