UPPSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
With which Japanese agency did NITI Aayog sign the Record of Discussions for Phase II of SDG cooperation in Aspirational Districts and Blocks on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — JICA
NITI Aayog signed the Record of Discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Consider the following statements: 1. The Aspirational Districts Programme was launched in January 2018 to transform 112 districts. 2. The Aspirational Blocks Programme was launched in January 2023 covering 500 blocks. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. NITI Aayog states ADP was launched in January 2018 for 112 districts; PIB states ABP was launched on 7 January 2023 with 500 blocks from 329 districts.
Where was the 7th Joint Committee meeting under the India–Japan CEPA held on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Tokyo
The 7th Joint Committee meeting under the India–Japan CEPA was held in Tokyo on 2 March 2026.
Who co-chaired the 7th India–Japan CEPA Joint Committee meeting from the Indian side?
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Correct answer: D — Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal co-chaired the meeting with the Senior Deputy Minister of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Consider the following statements about the India–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: 1. It was signed on 16 February 2011. 2. It entered into force on 1 August 2011. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The India–Japan CEPA was signed on 16 February 2011 and came into force on 1 August 2011, according to the Department of Commerce.
Who signed the Terms of Reference for the India–Canada CEPA on behalf of India on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal signed the ToR with Canada's Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu.
What bilateral trade target by 2030 did India and Canada set while launching CEPA negotiations?
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Correct answer: D — US$50 billion
PM Modi said the goal is to take bilateral trade to US$50 billion by 2030.
According to the Commerce Ministry, what was India–Canada bilateral trade in FY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: A — US$8.66 billion
Bilateral trade was US$8.66 billion in 2024-25, with exports of US$4.22 billion and imports of US$4.44 billion (DGCI&S).
How many hours of mandatory On-the-Job Training or Group Project must ITI trainees under the Craftsmen Training Scheme complete, as per DGT guidelines of 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 150 hours
DGT made 150 hours of OJT or Group Project mandatory for ITI trainees under the Craftsmen Training Scheme.
Which leader, who is both Crown Prince and Prime Minister of his country, did PM Modi speak with on 2 March 2026 about the West Asia situation?
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Correct answer: C — Mohammed bin Salman
PM Modi held discussions with Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
Which logo was unveiled at the Bureau of Energy Efficiency's Foundation Day on 1 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — BEE@25
Power Minister Manohar Lal unveiled the BEE@25 logo to mark the Bureau's 25th year.
By how much has India reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP from 2005 levels, as stated at BEE's 25th Foundation Day?
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Correct answer: C — 36%
Manohar Lal said India has reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP by 36% from 2005 levels.
Consider the following statements about the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE): 1. It was set up on 1 March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. 2. It is a statutory body under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. BEE was set up on 1 March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, and is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power.
Which body, chaired by the Prime Minister, met on 1 March 2026 to review the evolving situation in West Asia?
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Correct answer: B — Cabinet Committee on Security
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, met on the evening of 1 March 2026.
With which Gulf leader did PM Modi speak on 1 March 2026, condemning attacks on his country?
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Correct answer: D — UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
On 1 March 2026 Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and condemned the attacks on the UAE.
Janaushadhi Saptah 2026, which began on 1 March 2026, leads up to which edition of Janaushadhi Diwas on 7 March?
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Correct answer: C — 8th
The Saptah leads up to the 8th Janaushadhi Diwas on 7 March 2026.
Consider the following statements about Janaushadhi Saptah 2026: 1. The health camps are organised by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. 2. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. PMBJP was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers), and PMBI, under that Department, is its implementing agency — not the Health Ministry.
Which Indian Navy sail training ship arrived at Alexandria, Egypt, on 1 March 2026 during the Lokayan-26 expedition?
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Correct answer: D — INS Sudarshini
INS Sudarshini arrived at Alexandria on 1 March 2026 during Lokayan-26.
Through which canal did INS Sudarshini transit northbound before reaching Alexandria on 1 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Suez Canal
The ship made a northbound transit of the 193-km Suez Canal after departing Safaga.
Which body introduced the deferred customs duty payment facility for Eligible Manufacturer Importers on 1 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — CBIC
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced the facility.
For what period will the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) deferred duty facility be in force?
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Correct answer: B — 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2028
The EMI facility is available from 1 April 2026 and remains in force until 31 March 2028.
Consider the following statements about the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) Scheme: 1. Duty under the scheme is paid monthly as prescribed in the Deferred Payment of Import Duty Rules, 2016. 2. Only entities already holding AEO-T3 status are eligible to apply. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Existing AEO-T1 entities, including MSMEs, can also apply if they meet the criteria; EMIs are expected to progress to AEO-T2 or AEO-T3 during the scheme.
Which two countries launched air strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — United States and Israel
The United States and Israel launched the strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026.
Iran's Supreme Leader killed in the strikes of 28 February 2026 had held the post since which year?
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Correct answer: B — 1989
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had led Iran since 1989, according to Reuters.
Where had US–Iran nuclear talks been held two days before the strikes of 28 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Geneva
The strikes came two days after US–Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, ended without a breakthrough.
Consider the following statements about India's response on 28 February 2026: 1. The Civil Aviation Ministry reviewed preparedness with AAI, DGCA, airlines and airport operators. 2. Indian airlines were directed to suspend all international flights indefinitely. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Airlines were told to monitor NOTAMs and reroute or divert flights where needed, not to suspend all international flights.
What was the theme of National Science Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat
DST announced 'Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat' as the theme for National Science Day 2026.
Consider the following statements about National Science Day: 1. It marks the discovery of the Raman Effect by C.V. Raman in 1928. 2. C.V. Raman received the Nobel Prize in Physics for this discovery in 1930. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. National Science Day commemorates the 1928 discovery of the Raman Effect, for which Raman won the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Which institute's study led the Centre to temporarily discontinue rice fortification in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — IIT Kharagpur
The Government assigned IIT Kharagpur a study on the shelf life of fortified rice kernels and fortified rice under actual storage conditions.
Which of the following was cited as the main problem with fortified rice in the February 2026 decision?
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Correct answer: A — Micronutrient loss and shorter shelf life during prolonged storage
The study found fortified rice kernels and fortified rice lose micronutrients and shelf life during prolonged storage and handling, while rice stays in storage for two to three years.
Under the February 2026 decision on rice fortification, which of the following is correct?
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Correct answer: B — States/UTs may supply either fortified or non-fortified rice as a transitional measure
Entitlements are not reduced and PDS, ICDS and Mid-Day Meal are unaffected; States/UTs get flexibility to supply fortified or non-fortified rice.
Consider the following statements about India's rice fortification initiative: 1. It was announced by the Prime Minister in his Independence Day address on 15 August 2021. 2. Universal coverage of fortified rice in all government schemes was achieved by March 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (October 2024) says the initiative followed the PM's 75th Independence Day address, the CCEA approved a phased rollout in April 2022, and universal coverage was achieved by March 2024.
What is the base year of the new GDP series released by MoSPI on 27 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 2022-23
The new series uses base year 2022-23, replacing the 2011-12 series.
What real GDP growth rate for 2025-26 was estimated in the Second Advance Estimates released on 27 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 7.6%
Real GDP growth for 2025-26 is estimated at 7.6%, against 7.1% in 2024-25; 8.6% is the nominal growth.
According to the new series, India's real GDP grew by how much in Q3 (October–December) of 2025-26?
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Correct answer: C — 7.8%
Real GDP grew 7.8% in Q3 of 2025-26; 8.9% was the nominal growth in that quarter.
Which of the following data sources is NOT mentioned by PIB among the new sources integrated in the 2022-23 GDP series?
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Correct answer: B — Census 2011
PIB lists ASUSE, PLFS, GST and PFMS as new, improved data sources in the revised series.
Consider the following statements about the new GDP series released in February 2026: 1. 2022-23 was chosen as base year because it is a recent normal year after the COVID-19 disruptions, with robust data across sectors. 2. In an annual revision, unlike a base year revision, the conceptual framework and data sources are changed. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. MoSPI says annual revisions only use updated data without changing the conceptual framework or adding new data sources; base year revisions change methodology, data sources and coverage.
Who launched the Government Bank Dashboard and the Government Bank Manual on 27 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Controller General of Accounts
Controller General of Accounts T.C.A. Kalyani launched both initiatives in New Delhi.
Which hydroelectric project in Bhutan, under construction with India's partnership, was reviewed by the Indian Water Resources Secretary in February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Punatsangchhu-I
The Secretary reviewed the under-construction Punatsangchhu-I and the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II projects.
Which Indian Navy sail training ship arrived at Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, on 27 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — INS Tarangini
INS Tarangini arrived at Trincomalee Harbour on a training visit after the International Fleet Review 2026.
Where was the 6th India–UK Home Affairs Dialogue held on 27 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — New Delhi
The 6th India–UK Home Affairs Dialogue was held in New Delhi.
To what level were India–Israel ties elevated during PM Modi's visit to Israel in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity
The two Prime Ministers elevated ties to 'A Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation & Prosperity'.
Under an outcome of PM Modi's February 2026 Israel visit, NPCI International signed an MoU with which Israeli entity to enable UPI-based remittances?
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Correct answer: A — MASAV
NPCI International (NIPL) signed an MoU with MASAV, Israel, to enable cross-border remittances via UPI; MASHAV partnered ICAR on agriculture.
An MoU signed during PM Modi's February 2026 Israel visit supports the National Maritime Heritage Complex at which place?
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Correct answer: B — Lothal
One MoU is for development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.
What quota for Indian workers in Israel was announced during PM Modi's February 2026 visit?
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Correct answer: C — Up to 50,000 over 5 years
The announcements included a quota of up to 50,000 Indian workers over the next 5 years.
Consider the following statements based on the India–Israel Joint Statement of 26 February 2026: 1. Narendra Modi first visited Israel as Prime Minister in 2017, and Benjamin Netanyahu visited India in 2018. 2. The India–Israel Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation was signed during the February 2026 visit. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The joint statement welcomed the Defence Cooperation MoU signed earlier, on 4 November 2025.
Which country mediated the US–Iran nuclear talks held in Geneva on 26 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Oman
The indirect talks were mediated by Oman; Switzerland was the host.
Where were technical-level US–Iran discussions scheduled after the Geneva talks of 26 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Vienna
Oman's Foreign Minister said technical-level discussions would take place the next week in Vienna.
What horizontal reservation do ex-Agniveers get in Level-1 posts of Indian Railways, as stated in February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 10%
Ex-Agniveers get 10% in Level-1 and 5% in Level-2 and above; ex-servicemen get 20% and 10%.
How many posts were reserved for ex-servicemen in railway vacancy notifications of 2024 and 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 14,788
A total of 14,788 posts (6,485 in Level-1 and 8,303 in Level-2 and above) were reserved for ex-servicemen.
Where was the first round of India–Israel FTA negotiations held in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — New Delhi
The first round was held in New Delhi from 23 to 26 February 2026.
When were the Terms of Reference for the India–Israel FTA signed?
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Correct answer: A — November 2025
The Terms of Reference were signed in November 2025.
According to the Commerce Ministry, India–Israel bilateral merchandise trade in 2024-25 was approximately:
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Correct answer: B — USD 3.62 billion
Bilateral merchandise trade stood at about USD 3.62 billion in FY 2024-25.
Which CPSE under the Ministry of MSME was upgraded from Schedule 'B' to Schedule 'A' on 26 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — NSIC
The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) was upgraded to a Schedule 'A' CPSE.
In which city was the 4th India–Kenya Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting held in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Nairobi
The 4th JDCC was held in Nairobi from 24 to 26 February 2026.
On 25 February 2026, Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address which body?
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Correct answer: A — Israel's Knesset
Modi addressed a Special Plenary of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem — the first Indian PM to do so.
Which honour was conferred on PM Modi after his address to the Knesset in February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Medal of the Knesset
Speaker Amir Ohana bestowed the 'Medal of the Knesset' on PM Modi after the address.
Who was the Speaker of the Knesset who received PM Modi on 25 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Amir Ohana
Speaker Amir Ohana received PM Modi; Yair Lapid spoke as Leader of the Opposition.
Consider the following statements about PM Modi's Knesset address of 25 February 2026: 1. He called for deeper India–Israel interaction in the IMEC and I2U2 frameworks. 2. He compared India's 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' with the Israeli principle of 'Tikkun Olam', meaning 'healing the world'. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PMO release on the address.
Which organisation hosts the World Sustainable Development Summit, whose silver jubilee edition opened in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — TERI
WSDS is The Energy and Resources Institute's (TERI's) summit; 2026 was its silver jubilee edition.
The Him-CONNECT platform launched in February 2026 aims to scale up research supported under which mission?
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Correct answer: A — National Mission on Himalayan Studies
Him-CONNECT is meant to turn research supported under MoEFCC's National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) into scalable solutions.
Which of the following is NOT among the key species named in the India–Nepal biodiversity MoU of February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Asiatic lion
The MoU names elephant, Gangetic dolphin, rhinoceros, snow leopard, tiger and vultures; the Asiatic lion is not listed.
Where was the India–Nepal MoU on forests, wildlife and climate change signed on 25 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — New Delhi
The signing ceremony took place in New Delhi in the presence of Bhupender Yadav and Madhav Prasad Chaulagain.
Which substrate did IASST scientists use to produce a biosurfactant with Lactobacillus plantarum JBC5, as reported in February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Ghee
The scientists used ghee as a new lipid-rich substrate for the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum JBC5.
The RAJMARG PRAVESH portal, revamped in February 2026, is used for:
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Correct answer: A — NOCs for access and utilities along National Highways
RAJMARG PRAVESH is MoRTH's portal for No Objection Certificates for access and utilities along National Highways.
SITAC, announced by the IndiaAI Mission in February 2026, is an AI and technology corridor between India and which country?
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Correct answer: B — Sweden
SITAC stands for the Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor, with Business Sweden.