UKPSC Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Up to which generation of Indian-origin people living in Malaysia was OCI Card eligibility extended, as noted on 8 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Sixth
Diaspora leaders thanked PM Modi for extending the OCI Card up to the sixth generation of Indian-origin people living in Malaysia.
By how much was the Indian Scholarships Trust Fund (ISTF) for Malaysian Indian students replenished, as mentioned during PM Modi's February 2026 visit?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — RM 3 million
The ISTF was replenished with 3 million Malaysian Ringgit for the benefit of Malaysian Indian students.
Dato' Jeyaraj Raja Rao, whom PM Modi met in Malaysia on 8 February 2026, is a veteran of the Balak Sena of:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army)
He is a veteran of the Balak Sena of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army).
The World Defence Show 2026, where India set up its first-ever pavilion, was held in:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Riyadh
WDS 2026 was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 8–9 February 2026.
Who inaugurated the first-ever India Pavilion at the World Defence Show 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Sanjay Seth
Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth led the delegation and inaugurated the India Pavilion.
How many Mandatory Biometric Updates for schoolchildren had UIDAI's school drive completed, as announced on 8 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Over 1 crore
UIDAI crossed the milestone of over one crore MBUs for children in about 83,000 schools.
Integration of UIDAI with which platform let schools see which children were due for a Mandatory Biometric Update?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — UDISE+
The drive began in September 2025 after UIDAI's technological integration with the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+).
Consider the following about Aadhaar Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBUs) for children: 1. Fingerprints and iris are not captured when a child below five years enrols for Aadhaar. 2. MBU charges for children aged 7–15 were waived permanently from 1 October 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The waiver for the 7–15 age group runs for one year from 1 October 2025, not permanently.
Under the India–US framework for an Interim Trade Agreement announced on 7 February 2026, what reciprocal tariff will the US apply on originating goods of India?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 18%
The US will apply a reciprocal tariff rate of 18% on originating goods of India.
How much in US goods does India intend to purchase over the next five years under the India–US framework of February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — USD 500 billion
India intends to purchase USD 500 billion of US energy products, aircraft and parts, precious metals, technology products and coking coal over the next five years.
The broader India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations, reaffirmed by the February 2026 framework, were launched on:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 13 February 2025
The BTA negotiations were launched by President Trump and PM Modi on 13 February 2025.
Consider the following about the India–US framework for an Interim Trade Agreement (February 2026): 1. India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods. 2. Once the Interim Agreement is concluded, the US will remove the reciprocal tariff on goods such as generic pharmaceuticals, gems and diamonds, and aircraft parts. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the joint statement.
Consider the following about the India–US joint statement of February 2026: 1. India will receive a preferential tariff-rate quota for automotive parts. 2. India agreed to eliminate all tariffs on US dairy products. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The farm products listed for tariff cuts include DDGs, red sorghum, tree nuts, fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits; dairy is not among them.
Until which date could stakeholders send feedback on the draft Income-tax Rules, 2026 released on 7 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 22 February 2026
The draft rules and forms were kept in the public domain for 15 days, up to 22 February 2026.
How many rules does the draft Income-tax Rules, 2026 contain, compared with 511 in the Income-tax Rules, 1962?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 333
The draft has 333 rules and 190 forms, against 511 rules and 399 forms in the 1962 Rules.
Consider the following about the Income-tax Act, 2025 and its draft rules: 1. The Act comes into force on 1 April 2026. 2. The draft rules reduce the number of forms from 399 to 190. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Act, which received assent in August 2025, comes into force on 1 April 2026, and the draft rules cut forms from 399 to 190.
PM Modi's visit to Malaysia on 7–8 February 2026 was his ___ visit to Malaysia since 2015.
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Third
PMO said this is the third visit of the Prime Minister to Malaysia since 2015.
In his address in Kuala Lumpur on 7 February 2026, PM Modi described Malaysia's Indian-origin community as the world's:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Second-largest
He said Malaysia has the second-largest Indian-origin community in the world.
The Indian Cultural Centre in Malaysia has been named after:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
PM Modi said the Indian Cultural Centre in Malaysia was renamed after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in honour of Malaysian Indians who joined the INA.
Which team did India beat in the final of the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup on 6 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — England
India beat England by 100 runs in the final.
Where was the final of the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 played?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe
The final was played at Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe.
With the February 2026 triumph, how many Under-19 World Cup titles has India won?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Six
It was India's record-extending sixth Under-19 World Cup title.
Consider the following about the U19 World Cup 2026 final: 1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was Player of the Match for his 175 off 80 balls. 2. India were captained by Ayush Mhatre. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Sooryavanshi scored 175 off 80 balls and Mhatre, who made 53, captained the World Cup-winning side.
Consider the following about the U19 World Cup 2026 final: 1. India scored 411 for 9 batting first. 2. England lost by 50 runs. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. England were bowled out for 311 and lost by 100 runs.
How many Central Observers did the ECI brief on 5–6 February 2026 for the forthcoming Assembly elections?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1,444
1,444 officers attended: 714 General, 233 Police and 497 Expenditure Observers.
Consider the following: 1. Article 324 of the Constitution vests the superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission. 2. The Central Observers briefed in February 2026 were for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The fifth state was West Bengal, not Karnataka.
About what share of total car transactions on the National Highway network were made through the FASTag Annual Pass, as reported on 6 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 28%
Around 28% of total car transactions on the NH network are now carried out through the Annual Pass.
Which region accounted for the largest share of FASTag Annual Pass transactions, as per data released on 6 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Chandigarh
Chandigarh led with 14% of all Annual Pass transactions, followed by Tamil Nadu (12.3%) and Delhi (11.5%).
The NSO's MCP server launched on 6 February 2026 is for which national portal for official statistics?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — eSankhyiki
The beta MCP server was launched for eSankhyiki, the national portal for official statistics.
How many data products did the beta version of NSO's MCP server include at launch on 6 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Seven
The beta covered seven data products: PLFS, CPI, ASI, IIP, NAS, WPI and Environmental Statistics.
The XV FC grants of over ₹1,133 crore announced on 6 February 2026 went to panchayats in which three states?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Telangana
The grants were released to Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Telangana.
Consider the following about the Finance Commission under Article 280 of the Constitution: 1. It consists of a Chairman and four other members appointed by the President. 2. It recommends measures to augment a state's Consolidated Fund to supplement the resources of panchayats, based on the State Finance Commission's recommendations. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Article 280(1) provides for a Chairman and four other members, and Article 280(3)(bb) covers measures to supplement panchayat resources.
What record monthly production of P&K fertilisers (DAP and NPKs) did India achieve in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 15.76 LMT
Domestic P&K production reached a record 15.76 lakh metric tonnes in January 2026.
Where did INS Sudarshini make the first port call of her Lokayan 26 voyage, concluded on 5 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Salalah, Oman
INS Sudarshini concluded her first port call of Lokayan 26 at Salalah, Oman, on 5 February 2026.
Consider the following about INS Sudarshini's port call at Salalah: 1. More than 600 visitors, including schoolchildren, toured the ship. 2. Royal Navy of Oman officers were given a guided tour of the ship. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Defence release.
Where were the Terms of Reference for the India–GCC Free Trade Agreement signed on 5 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
The ToR were signed at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
According to the Commerce Ministry, the combined GDP of the GCC countries (about US$ 2.3 trillion) ranks where globally?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 9th
The ministry said the GCC's US$ 2.3 trillion GDP at current prices ranks 9th globally.
How many vacancies did UPSC announce for the Civil Services Examination 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 933
The 2026 notification carries 933 Civil Services vacancies; the Indian Forest Service has 80.
Which three cities were added as UPSC Civil Services Mains examination centres for 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bhubaneswar, Srinagar, Imphal
Mains centres rose from 24 to 27 with Bhubaneswar, Srinagar and Imphal; Meerut, Kanpur and Bhubaneswar were added for Prelims.
Consider the following about the Union Public Service Commission under Article 316 of the Constitution: 1. The Chairman and other members of the Union Commission are appointed by the President. 2. A member of the Union Commission holds office for six years or until attaining the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. For the Union Commission the age limit in Article 316(2) is 65 years; 62 years applies to State Commissions.
The digital portal launched by the National Biodiversity Authority in February 2026 issues Certificates of Origin for what?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Cultivated medicinal plants
The portal issues Certificates of Origin to those seeking Access and Benefit Sharing exemptions for cultivated medicinal plants.
Consider the following about the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023: 1. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 25 July 2023 and by the Rajya Sabha on 1 August 2023. 2. The rules providing for electronic Certificates of Origin were notified before the Act was passed. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Environment Ministry notified the Biological Diversity Rules in 2024 and 2025, after the 2023 amendment.
Under the revised startup recognition framework announced on 5 February 2026, what is the new turnover limit for a startup?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹200 crore
The turnover limit for startup recognition was raised from ₹100 crore to ₹200 crore.
What age limit from incorporation applies to the new 'Deep Tech Startup' category?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 20 years
For Deep Tech Startups the age limit was extended from 10 to 20 years, with a turnover limit of ₹300 crore.
Consider the following about the revised startup recognition framework (February 2026): 1. Multi-State Cooperative Societies registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 are now eligible for startup recognition. 2. The turnover limit for a Deep Tech Startup is ₹200 crore, the same as for other startups. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Deep Tech Startups have a higher turnover limit of ₹300 crore; ₹200 crore applies to other startups.
Consider the following about the withdrawal of the wheat stock limit order on 5 February 2026: 1. The withdrawn order was dated 27 May 2025. 2. After withdrawal, wheat stockists no longer need to declare their stock on the food stock portal. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. All wheat-stocking entities must still declare their stock every Friday on foodstock.dfpd.gov.in.
What is India's rank in the Network Readiness Index 2025, released on 4 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 45th
India rose four places, from 49th in 2024 to 45th in NRI 2025.
Which institution prepares the Network Readiness Index?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Portulans Institute, Washington DC
The NRI 2025 report was prepared by the Portulans Institute, an independent non-profit research institute based in Washington DC.
In NRI 2025, India's score improved to what value out of 100?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 54.43
India's score rose from 53.63 in 2024 to 54.43 in 2025.
Consider the following about the Network Readiness Index 2025: 1. It covers 127 economies on four pillars — Technology, People, Governance and Impact — using 53 indicators. 2. India ranked 1st among lower-middle-income countries. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. India ranked 2nd in the lower-middle-income group.
Which body launched its first open call under the RDI Fund on 4 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Technology Development Board
The Technology Development Board (TDB) launched its first open call under ANRF's RDI Fund.
TDB's first RDI call offers up to what share of project funding for TRL-4+ technologies?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 50%
The call offers up to 50% project funding for technologies at TRL-4 and above.
Consider the following about the RDI Fund: 1. TDB and BIRAC were approved as its first second-level fund managers. 2. TDB's first call offers collateral-free loans at about 2–4% interest with tenures of up to 15 years. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. TDB and BIRAC were approved as the first second-level fund managers in January 2026, and the first TDB call offers collateral-free loans at 2–4% for up to 15 years.
Who inaugurated the exposition of the Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha in Colombo on 4 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated the exposition with the Gujarat Governor and Deputy Chief Minister.
Who led the Indian delegation that accompanied the Devnimori relics to Sri Lanka in February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat
The delegation was led by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
NMDC's first coal mine, inaugurated in January 2026, is Tokisud North in which state?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Jharkhand
NMDC said its first coal mine, Tokisud North, is in Jharkhand.
Where was the fourth India–Tanzania Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting held on 2–3 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Zanzibar
The 4th JDCC was held in Zanzibar; the 3rd had been held in Goa in November 2024.
At the 4th India–Tanzania JDCC, the two sides agreed to start cooperation between which services, complementing existing Navy and Army ties?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Air Forces
Both sides agreed to initiate cooperation between their Air Forces, complementing the existing Navy and Army cooperation.
The MoU signed on 3 February 2026 relates to the establishment of which entity?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bharat Container Shipping Line
The MoU was for establishing the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL).
The BCSL MoU aligns with which scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026-27?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme
The Shipping Ministry said the MoU aligns with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS).
Consider the following about the MoUs signed on 3 February 2026: 1. The Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) is a signatory to the BCSL MoU. 2. The Outer Harbour project being financed is at Kandla (Deendayal Port). Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The ₹15,000-crore Outer Harbour project is at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin.
What is the capacity of the Punatsangchhu-I hydroelectric project in Bhutan, whose early commissioning India and Bhutan discussed on 3 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1,200 MW
Punatsangchhu-I is 1,200 MW; Punatsangchhu-II is 1,020 MW.
Up to which year did India and Bhutan assess cross-border transmission links in their February 2026 talks?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 2040
The two sides assessed cross-border transmission links till 2040.
Consider the following, as stated by the Power Ministry in February 2026: 1. India–Bhutan hydropower cooperation began in 1961. 2. India and Bhutan signed an agreement on hydroelectric power cooperation in 2006. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Power Ministry release.
The evidence-based guidelines released by the Health Minister on 3 February 2026 relate to which cancer?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Lung cancer
J.P. Nadda released the 'Lung Cancer Treatment and Palliation: Evidence-Based Guidelines'.
How many evidence-based recommendations do the lung cancer guidelines released in February 2026 contain?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 15
The guidelines contain 15 evidence-based recommendations on treatment and palliative care.
Consider the following about the lung cancer guidelines released in February 2026: 1. They were developed by the Department of Health Research and the Directorate General of Health Services with partner institutions. 2. They were released at Nirman Bhawan on World Cancer Day itself. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The guidelines were released at Kartavya Bhavan on 3 February 2026, the eve of World Cancer Day.
What were SAIL's record cumulative sales for April–January FY 2025-26, announced on 3 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 16.6 million tonnes
SAIL sold 16.6 MT in April–January FY26, up 16% from 14.3 MT a year earlier.
Under which scheme are the six sports infrastructure projects whose foundation stones were laid on 3 February 2026 being implemented?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Khelo India Scheme
The six projects, costing ₹82 crore, are under the Khelo India Scheme with SAI support.
Under the Baggage Rules, 2026 notified on 2 February 2026, what is the general duty-free allowance for a resident passenger?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹75,000
Residents, tourists of Indian origin and foreigners with a non-tourist visa get a ₹75,000 duty-free allowance.
What duty-free allowance do the Baggage Rules, 2026 give a tourist of foreign origin?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹25,000
Tourists of foreign origin get ₹25,000; crew members get ₹2,500.
Under the weight-based jewellery allowance in the Baggage Rules, 2026, how much duty-free jewellery can an eligible female passenger bring?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Up to 40 grams
Eligible female passengers may bring up to 40 g and others up to 20 g; the old value caps were removed.
Under the Baggage Rules, 2026, what is the transfer-of-residence cap for a person returning after more than two years abroad?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹7.5 lakh
The caps are ₹1.5 lakh (up to 12 months), ₹3 lakh (1–2 years) and ₹7.5 lakh (above 2 years).
Consider the following about the Baggage Rules, 2026: 1. Duty-free import of one laptop by passengers above 18 years has been incorporated into the Rules. 2. Passengers arriving by land borders are entitled to the same ₹75,000 general allowance as air passengers. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Passengers arriving by land borders do not get any general duty-free allowance.
On 2 February 2026, President Trump announced that the US reciprocal tariff on Indian goods would be cut to 18% from what level?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 25%
Trump said the reciprocal tariff would fall from 25% to 18%.
The separate additional 25% US tariff on Indian goods, which the White House said on 2 February 2026 would be dropped, had been imposed over what?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — India's purchases of Russian oil
The additional 25% tariff was imposed in August 2025 over India's purchases of Russian oil.
According to CNN, President Trump said on 2 February 2026 that India would replace its Russian crude imports with oil from which countries?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — The United States and Venezuela
CNN reported Trump said Modi agreed to replace Russian crude with oil from Venezuela and the United States.
Consider the following about the US tariff announcement of 2 February 2026: 1. With the additional 25% tariff also dropped, the combined US tariff on Indian goods falls from 50% to 18%. 2. PM Modi's post on X confirmed that India would stop buying Russian oil. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Modi's X post thanked Trump for the 18% tariff but did not mention Russian oil.