UPSC EPFO / APFC Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
Which body set a Guinness World Record in February 2026 for the most viewers of an AI in Healthcare lesson live stream on YouTube?
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Correct answer: D — NBEMS
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) set the record, with a peak of 17,999 concurrent viewers.
Who signed the Joint Statement on the India–GCC FTA with Piyush Goyal on 24 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
The Joint Statement was signed by Piyush Goyal and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in New Delhi.
When were the Terms of Reference for the India–GCC FTA signed?
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Correct answer: B — 5 February 2026
The Terms of Reference were signed on 5 February 2026; the Joint Statement launching negotiations followed on 24 February.
What was India's total trade with the GCC in FY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: D — USD 178.56 billion
India–GCC trade was USD 178.56 billion in FY 2024-25 (exports USD 56.87 billion and imports USD 121.68 billion).
Consider the following statements about India–GCC trade in FY 2024-25: 1. The GCC accounted for about 15.42% of India's global trade, making it India's largest trading partner bloc. 2. India ran a trade surplus with the GCC. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. India's imports (USD 121.68 billion) far exceeded its exports (USD 56.87 billion), so India ran a deficit.
What MSP was fixed for raw jute (TD-3 grade) for the 2026-27 season?
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Correct answer: A — ₹5,925 per quintal
The CCEA fixed the MSP of raw jute (TD-3) at ₹5,925 per quintal, ₹275 more than in 2025-26.
Which agency acts as the Central Government's nodal agency for price support operations for raw jute?
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Correct answer: B — Jute Corporation of India
The Jute Corporation of India continues as the nodal agency, with losses fully reimbursed by the Centre.
Consider the following statements about the raw jute MSP for 2026-27: 1. It ensures a return of 61.8% over the all-India weighted average cost of production. 2. The principle of fixing MSP at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production was announced in the Union Budget 2018-19. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the CCEA decision of 24 February 2026.
The National Round Table Conference of the ECI and State Election Commissioners held on 24 February 2026 took place after a gap of how many years?
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Correct answer: C — 27 years
The SECs noted that the conference was held after a gap of 27 years; it is now to be held annually.
Which document was adopted by the ECI and State Election Commissioners at the round table on 24 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — National Declaration 2026
The SECs adopted the National Declaration 2026, affirming that pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of democracy.
Consider the following statements about State Election Commissions: 1. Under Articles 243K and 243ZA, they superintend the preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections to Panchayats and Municipalities. 2. The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Chief Election Commissioner of India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Under Article 243K, the State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor and can be removed only like a High Court judge.
Under the Labour Codes, as highlighted at ESIC's 75th year launch in February 2026, free annual health check-ups through ESIC are provided for workers aged:
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Correct answer: C — 40 years and above
Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the provision for free annual health check-ups through ESIC for workers aged 40 and above.
Under which provision did the DoT seek TRAI's recommendations on the IMT spectrum auction released in February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997
DoT sought the recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997.
SUJVIKA, launched on the Department of Biotechnology's 40th Foundation Day in February 2026, is:
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Correct answer: B — An AI-driven biotech product (import) data portal
SUJVIKA is an AI-driven trade statistics platform presenting authenticated biotechnology product import data.
What is the estimated aggregate monetisation potential of the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 launched in February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹16.72 lakh crore
NMP 2.0 estimates an aggregate monetisation potential of ₹16.72 lakh crore over FY 2026–FY 2030.
Which body developed the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 in consultation with infrastructure line ministries?
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Correct answer: B — NITI Aayog
NMP 2.0 was developed by NITI Aayog in consultation with infrastructure line ministries.
NMP 2.0 covers asset monetisation over which period?
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Correct answer: D — FY 2026 to FY 2030
NMP 2.0 covers the five-year period from FY 2026 to FY 2030.
Consider the following statements about the National Monetisation Pipeline: 1. NMP 2.0 is based on the mandate for the 'Asset Monetisation Plan 2025-30' announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. 2. NMP 1.0 had a target of ₹6 lakh crore over four years, of which nearly 90% was met. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. NMP 2.0 follows the Budget 2025-26 mandate for the Asset Monetisation Plan 2025-30, and the Finance Minister said NMP 1.0 met nearly 90% of its ₹6 lakh crore four-year target.
On 23 February 2026, the Embassy of India in Tehran advised Indian nationals in Iran to:
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Correct answer: D — Leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights
The advisory asked Indians in Iran to leave by available means of transport, including commercial flights.
The Indian Embassy's 23 February 2026 advisory on Iran continued an advisory first issued by the Government of India on:
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Correct answer: A — 5 January 2026
The advisory was in continuation of the Government of India's advisory of 5 January 2026, and it reiterated the 14 January advisory.
Hardeep Singh Gill and Karm Singh Karma took charge in February 2026 as Members of which body?
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Correct answer: B — National Commission for Safai Karamcharis
Both assumed charge as Members of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis on 23 February 2026.
Up to what date has the tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis been extended?
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Correct answer: C — 31 March 2028
The Cabinet approved on 7 February 2025 extending the NCSK's tenure for three years beyond 31.03.2025, i.e. up to 31 March 2028.
Consider the following statements about the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK): 1. It was first constituted as a statutory body under an Act of Parliament passed in 1993. 2. It currently functions as a statutory body with the powers of a civil court. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The NCSK was set up in 1994 under the NCSK Act, 1993, but since the Act lapsed on 29 February 2004 it has been a non-statutory body without civil-court powers.