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.
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.
In the BPaL regimen for drug-resistant TB, found cost-effective by an ICMR study in February 2026, 'P' stands for:
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Correct answer: D — Pretomanid
BPaL is bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid; BPaLM adds moxifloxacin.
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.
The CEO of which company, Tufan Erginbilgic, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 11 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic met the Prime Minister, who welcomed the company's plans to scale up in India.
The UN theme for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026 brings together AI, social science, STEM and which other field?
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Correct answer: D — Finance
The 2026 theme is 'Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls'.
Which of the following were added to the definition of 'family' for allotment of government accommodation to Service Officers on 11 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Parents, dependent siblings and legally adopted children
The revised definition adds parents, dependent siblings and legally adopted children to spouse and dependent children/step-children.
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.
With which stock exchange did the Department of Posts sign an MoU on 10 February 2026 to distribute mutual funds through post offices?
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Correct answer: C — National Stock Exchange (NSE)
The Department of Posts signed the MoU with the National Stock Exchange of India to use its mutual fund platform.
During the India–Seychelles defence talks in New Delhi on 10 February 2026, both sides welcomed which upcoming joint military exercise?
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Correct answer: B — LAMITYE-2026
Both sides welcomed the upcoming joint military exercise LAMITYE-2026 between the Indian Defence Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces.
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.
India–Malaysia relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2024
The India–Malaysia Joint Statement of 8 February 2026 recalls that ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.
During PM Modi's visit in February 2026, Malaysia completed its accession to which India-led alliance?
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Correct answer: D — International Big Cat Alliance
Malaysia signed the Framework Agreement on the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), completing all procedures for accession.
Where did PM Modi and PM Anwar Ibrahim hold their delegation-level talks on 8 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Seri Perdana, Putrajaya
After a ceremonial welcome at the Perdana Putra complex, the talks were held at Seri Perdana, Anwar Ibrahim's official residence in Putrajaya.
Consider the following outcomes of PM Modi's visit to Malaysia in February 2026: 1. NPCI International (NIPL) and PayNet signed an agreement on cross-border payments. 2. ESIC and Malaysia's PERKESO signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on social security for Indian citizens insured in Malaysia. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Both documents appear in the official list of outcomes of the visit.
Consider the following about India–Malaysia ties as stated during the February 2026 visit: 1. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1957. 2. The new Thiruvalluvar Centre will be set up at the University of Cyberjaya. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Thiruvalluvar Centre will be at Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur; the University of Cyberjaya signed an academic MoU with the Institute of Training and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA).
Which party, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, won a two-thirds majority in Japan's House of Representatives election on 8 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Liberal Democratic Party
Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won a two-thirds majority on its own.
How many seats does Japan's House of Representatives have, as contested on 8 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 465
All 465 seats of the House of Representatives, the lower house of the National Diet, were contested.
Consider the following about Japan's House of Representatives election of 8 February 2026: 1. The ruling LDP's coalition partner was the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin). 2. The election was held on its regular due date at the end of the house's full term. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. It was a snap election, not one held at the end of the full term; the LDP's partner was the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin).