40 Important Questions for UPSC, SSC, Banking & All Competitive Exams

Q1. Who presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament, and on which date?

A) Nirmala Sitharaman, February 1, 2026
B) Piyush Goyal, January 31, 2026
C) Nirmala Sitharaman, February 2, 2026
D) Arun Jaitley, February 1, 2026

✅ Answer: A) Nirmala Sitharaman, February 1, 2026

📝 Explanation: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, 2026 in Parliament. The budget was themed around “Viksit Bharat” and focused on inclusive growth, manufacturing, energy security, and reducing import dependence.

Q2. The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed dedicated Rare Earth Corridors for processing and manufacturing in which group of states?

A) UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat
B) Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
C) Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Goa
D) MP, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha

✅ Answer: B) Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu

📝 Explanation: The Union Budget 2026-27 announced the establishment of dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to promote mining, processing, research, and manufacturing of rare earth materials — critical for EVs and advanced technology.

Q3. The Union Budget 2026-27 announced “Biopharma SHAKTI” with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over five years. What is its primary goal?

A) To develop new vaccines against pandemics
B) To position India as a global hub for biologics and biosimilars manufacturing
C) To create a network of AYUSH hospitals nationwide
D) To fund medical research in IIMs and IITs

✅ Answer: B) To position India as a global hub for biologics and biosimilars manufacturing

📝 Explanation: Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology, and Innovation) was proposed in Budget 2026-27 with a ₹10,000 crore outlay over five years to enable domestic production of biologics and biosimilars and boost India’s biopharma sector globally.

Q4. Which major technology programme was launched under Union Budget 2026-27 to strengthen India’s semiconductor equipment manufacturing and supply chain?

A) India Chip Mission 3.0
B) Silicon India Programme
C) Semiconductor Mission 2.0 (ISM 2.0)
D) VLSI Development Yojana

✅ Answer: C) Semiconductor Mission 2.0 (ISM 2.0)

📝 Explanation: The Budget 2026-27 announced the launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 (ISM 2.0) to strengthen semiconductor equipment manufacturing, materials, full-stack Indian IP, and supply-chain resilience — advancing India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat goals in critical technology.

Q5. The Union Budget 2026-27 proposed a ₹10,000 crore “SME Growth Fund.” Which sector does this fund primarily support?

A) Agriculture cooperatives
B) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
C) Startup ecosystem in Tier-1 cities
D) Defence manufacturing

✅ Answer: B) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

📝 Explanation: The Budget 2026-27 announced a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund along with an additional ₹2,000 crore boost to the Self-Reliant India Fund, both focused on strengthening and scaling up the MSME sector — the backbone of India’s economy and employment.

Q6. Under Budget 2026-27, how much was allocated for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) over five years?

A) ₹10,000 crore
B) ₹15,000 crore
C) ₹20,000 crore
D) ₹25,000 crore

✅ Answer: C) ₹20,000 crore

📝 Explanation: The Union Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹20,000 crore over five years for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), reflecting India’s commitment to clean energy transition and its Net Zero emissions target by 2070.

Q7. The Union Cabinet approved a proposal in February 2026 to rename which Indian state?

A) Orissa to Odisha
B) Kerala to Keralam
C) Uttarakhand to Uttaranchal
D) Meghalaya to Meghalayam

✅ Answer: B) Kerala to Keralam

📝 Explanation: On February 25, 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal to rename the State of “Kerala” to “Keralam” in Malayalam, which is its name in the official state language. The Kerala Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution for this change in June 2024. The Bill will be introduced in Parliament after the President’s recommendation.

Q8. Who took oath as the new Chief Minister of Manipur on February 4, 2026, after President’s Rule ended in the state?

A) N. Biren Singh
B) Yumnam Khemchand Singh
C) Th. Biswajit Singh
D) Okram Ibobi Singh

✅ Answer: B) Yumnam Khemchand Singh

📝 Explanation: Yumnam Khemchand Singh took oath as the Chief Minister of Manipur on February 4, 2026, after President’s Rule ended in the state. He is a senior BJP leader from Manipur and was sworn in along with his council of ministers.

Q9. India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) was inaugurated by PM Modi in February 2026. Which corridor was dedicated to the nation?

A) Delhi–Gurugram Corridor
B) Delhi–Meerut Corridor
C) Delhi–Faridabad Corridor
D) Mumbai–Pune RRTS

✅ Answer: B) Delhi–Meerut Corridor

📝 Explanation: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first Namo Bharat RRTS and dedicated the Delhi–Meerut Corridor to the nation on February 22, 2026. It is India’s first system where rapid rail and metro run on the same track and station, enabling seamless urban and inter-city connectivity.

Q10. India’s first State Innovation Mission (SIM) was formally launched in February 2026 in which state?

A) Assam
B) Sikkim
C) Tripura
D) Meghalaya

✅ Answer: C) Tripura

📝 Explanation: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh formally launched India’s first State Innovation Mission (SIM) at the Hapania International Exhibition Center in Agartala, Tripura in February 2026. It is part of the Atal Innovation Mission 2.0 programme led by NITI Aayog to build robust innovation ecosystems across states.

Q11. The UGC flagged how many fake universities across India as of February 2026?

A) 20
B) 25
C) 28
D) 32

✅ Answer: D) 32

📝 Explanation: The University Grants Commission (UGC) declared 32 institutions across India as fake universities in February 2026, warning that their degrees are invalid for jobs and higher education. Under the UGC Act, only recognised or deemed universities can legally award degrees.

Q12. The Ministry of Culture signed an MoU with which industry body in February 2026 to strengthen India’s Cultural and Creative Economy (CCE)?

A) CII
B) ASSOCHAM
C) FICCI
D) PHD Chamber of Commerce

✅ Answer: C) FICCI

📝 Explanation: In February 2026, the Ministry of Culture signed an MoU with FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) to develop a comprehensive national strategy for India’s Cultural and Creative Economy (CCE), aiming to commercialise and globalise India’s rich cultural heritage.

Q13. The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was held at which venue in New Delhi?

A) Vigyan Bhawan
B) Yashobhoomi Convention Centre
C) Bharat Mandapam
D) Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

✅ Answer: C) Bharat Mandapam

📝 Explanation: The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was held from February 16–21, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organised by MeitY, it was the fourth in a series of global AI summits and was billed as the first high-level AI gathering held in the Global South.

Q14. The India AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded with the adoption of which declaration, endorsed by 89 countries?

A) Mumbai Declaration on AI Ethics
B) New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact
C) Bharat AI Charter
D) Global South AI Framework

✅ Answer: B) New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact

📝 Explanation: The India AI Impact Summit concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, endorsed by 89 countries and international organizations. Unlike Western summits focused on existential AI risk, this declaration prioritised AI as a tool for developmental outcomes, guided by the principle of “Welfare and Happiness for All.”

Q15. At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Adani Group announced an investment of how much for building AI data centres in India using renewable energy by 2035?

A) $50 billion
B) $75 billion
C) $100 billion
D) $150 billion

✅ Answer: C) $100 billion

📝 Explanation: At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the Adani Group announced a $100 billion investment to build AI data centres powered by renewable energy in India by 2035. This was expected to attract an additional $150 billion in related industries including server manufacturing and sovereign cloud platforms.

Q16. MeitY launched the ‘Blockchain India Challenge’ in February 2026 to boost which area?

A) Digital currency adoption
B) Digital governance
C) Cryptocurrency regulation
D) Cybersecurity infrastructure

✅ Answer: B) Digital governance

📝 Explanation: In February 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the ‘Blockchain India Challenge’ to promote the use of blockchain technology in digital governance, improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government services.

Q17. President Murmu flew India’s indigenous combat helicopter ‘Prachand’ in February 2026. ‘Prachand’ (LCH) was developed by which organisation?

A) DRDO
B) HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)
C) BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited)
D) ISRO

✅ Answer: B) HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)

📝 Explanation: On February 27, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu flew the indigenous combat helicopter ‘Prachand’ (Light Combat Helicopter / LCH), marking a historic moment. The ‘Prachand’ was developed by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and is India’s first indigenous multi-role combat helicopter, capable of operating in extreme altitude conditions.

Q18. India’s first-ever National Counter-Terrorism Policy titled ‘PRAHAAR’ was unveiled in February 2026 by which Ministry?

A) Ministry of External Affairs
B) Ministry of Defence
C) Ministry of Home Affairs
D) Ministry of Law and Justice

✅ Answer: C) Ministry of Home Affairs

📝 Explanation: On February 23, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled PRAHAAR — India’s first-ever comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy. It marks India’s transition from a reactive security stance to a proactive, intelligence-guided framework with a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.

Q19. PRAHAAR is an acronym. What does the letter ‘P’ in PRAHAAR stand for?

A) Policing
B) Prevention of terror attacks
C) Protection of borders
D) Prosecution of terrorists

✅ Answer: B) Prevention of terror attacks

📝 Explanation: In the PRAHAAR acronym, P = Prevention of terror attacks, R = Responses (swift and proportionate), A = Aggregating internal capacities, H = Human Rights and Rule of Law, A = Attenuating conditions enabling terrorism, A = Aligning international efforts, R = Recovery and Resilience.

Q20. Exercise ‘Vajra Prahar 2026’ is a joint military drill between India and which country?

A) France
B) Russia
C) United States of America
D) Israel

✅ Answer: C) United States of America

📝 Explanation: Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026 (16th edition) is a joint Special Forces exercise between the Indian Army and the United States Army (including elite Green Berets), held at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh from February 23 to March 15, 2026. It focuses on counter-terror capabilities and interoperability.

Q21. The Indian Air Force conducted ‘Exercise Vayushakti-26’ to showcase its combat capabilities at which location?

A) Hindon Air Base
B) Pokhran
C) Suryalanka
D) Kalaikunda

✅ Answer: B) Pokhran

📝 Explanation: The Indian Air Force conducted Exercise Vayushakti-26 at Pokhran, Rajasthan in February 2026. The exercise showcased the IAF’s advanced fighter, transport, and helicopter combat capabilities, demonstrating integrated air operations and precision strike abilities.

Q22. The Indian Coast Guard celebrated its 50th Raising Day on which date in February 2026?

A) February 1, 2026
B) February 4, 2026
C) February 10, 2026
D) February 15, 2026

✅ Answer: A) February 1, 2026

📝 Explanation: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrated its 50th Raising Day on February 1, 2026. The ICG was established by the Coast Guard Act, 1978, on February 1, 1977. It has grown from 7 platforms in 1977 to 155 ships and 80 aircraft, and aims to reach 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2030.

Q23. In February 2026, the US announced a trade agreement with India that reduces US tariffs on Indian exports to what percentage?

A) 10%
B) 12%
C) 15%
D) 18%

✅ Answer: D) 18%

📝 Explanation: On February 2, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced a trade agreement with India reducing US tariffs on Indian exports to 18%, in exchange for India stopping purchases of Russian oil. This marked a significant diplomatic and economic development for India-US bilateral trade relations.

Q24. In February 2026, NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) launched the ‘Global Access’ platform. What does this platform allow?

A) Foreign investors to buy Indian government bonds
B) Indian retail investors and NRIs to directly trade in overseas markets
C) Indian startups to list on the NYSE
D) SEBI to regulate global crypto exchanges

✅ Answer: B) Indian retail investors and NRIs to directly trade in overseas markets

📝 Explanation: NSE IX launched the ‘NSE IX Global Access’ platform in February 2026, enabling Indian retail investors and NRIs to directly trade in equities, debt, and ETFs in overseas markets. In the initial phase, it provides access to US-listed stocks, with plans to expand to 30+ international markets, operating under RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

Q25. RBI approved SBI Mutual Fund to acquire up to what percentage stake in RBL Bank in February 2026?

A) 4.99%
B) 7.5%
C) 9.99%
D) 14.99%

✅ Answer: C) 9.99%

📝 Explanation: In February 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved SBI Mutual Fund (MF), a subsidiary of State Bank of India, to acquire up to 9.99% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights in RBL Bank. RBI also approved a similar stake in Bandhan Bank for SBI MF.

Q26. In February 2026, the ESIC observed its 75th Foundation Day. A ₹75 commemorative coin was issued to mark the occasion. What does ESIC stand for?

A) Employment Security and Insurance Corporation
B) Employees’ State Insurance Corporation
C) Economic Support and Investment Council
D) Employees’ Security and Income Commission

✅ Answer: B) Employees’ State Insurance Corporation

📝 Explanation: ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation) celebrated its 75th Foundation Day in February 2026. The Government of India issued a ₹75 commemorative coin to mark the occasion. ESIC was established in 1952 and provides social security benefits to workers in the organised sector.

Q27. India announced it would launch its first comprehensive Carbon Trading Programme in February 2026. This initiative aligns with India’s target to achieve Net Zero emissions by which year?

A) 2047
B) 2060
C) 2070
D) 2075

✅ Answer: C) 2070

📝 Explanation: India’s first comprehensive Carbon Trading Programme announced in February 2026 aligns with India’s Net Zero emissions target by 2070, as committed at COP26 in Glasgow. The carbon market mechanism will allow industries to trade carbon credits, incentivising emission reductions.

Q28. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was hosted jointly by which two countries?

A) India and Pakistan
B) India and Sri Lanka
C) India and Bangladesh
D) India and UAE

✅ Answer: B) India and Sri Lanka

📝 Explanation: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, running from February 7 to March 8, 2026. The tournament featured 20 teams and was a landmark event for cricket in South Asia.

Q29. ‘Wings India 2026’ was held in which city in February 2026?

A) Bengaluru
B) Mumbai
C) Hyderabad
D) New Delhi

✅ Answer: C) Hyderabad

📝 Explanation: Wings India 2026, India’s premier civil aviation exhibition, was held in Hyderabad in February 2026. At this event, IOCL signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Akasa Air for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply — a major step toward sustainable air travel in India.

Q30. Which state won the ‘Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem’ award at Wings India 2026?

A) Gujarat
B) Telangana
C) Uttarakhand
D) Maharashtra

✅ Answer: C) Uttarakhand

📝 Explanation: Uttarakhand won the ‘Best State for Promotion of Aviation Ecosystem’ award at Wings India 2026 held in Hyderabad. This recognises the state’s efforts in expanding its airport infrastructure, regional connectivity, and aviation-related policies.

Q31. The Crafoord Prize 2026 for contributions to climate science was awarded to which Indian-American scientist?

A) Raghunath Mashelkar
B) Veerabhadran Ramanathan
C) Sunita Narain
D) Kailasavadivoo Sivan

✅ Answer: B) Veerabhadran Ramanathan

📝 Explanation: Veerabhadran Ramanathan, an Indian-American atmospheric scientist, was awarded the Crafoord Prize 2026 for his groundbreaking contributions to climate science. He is renowned for his research on greenhouse gases, aerosols, and global warming — often considered an alternative to the Nobel Prize in earth sciences.

Q32. Which ancient civilization’s 1,400-year-old tomb was discovered in San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca, Mexico in February 2026?

A) Mayan
B) Aztec
C) Zapotec
D) Olmec

✅ Answer: C) Zapotec

📝 Explanation: Archaeologists discovered a 1,400-year-old Zapotec tomb at San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca, Mexico in February 2026. The Zapotec civilization was one of the earliest complex societies in Mesoamerica, and this discovery provides new insights into their funerary practices and social organisation.

Q33. India set to launch its first comprehensive Carbon Trading Programme in February 2026. Which international climate agreement is the foundation for such carbon markets?

A) Kyoto Protocol
B) Paris Agreement
C) Montreal Protocol
D) Stockholm Convention

✅ Answer: B) Paris Agreement

📝 Explanation: India’s Carbon Trading Programme is aligned with the Paris Agreement (2015), which under Article 6 allows countries to use carbon markets to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). India’s carbon market aims to drive emission reductions across industries while supporting the Net Zero 2070 goal.

Q34. IAS Officer Nidhi Chhibber was given additional charge as CEO of which apex policy institution in February 2026?

A) Planning Commission
B) NITI Aayog
C) Finance Commission
D) Economic Advisory Council

✅ Answer: B) NITI Aayog

📝 Explanation: On February 24, 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) gave the additional charge of CEO of NITI Aayog to IAS Officer Nidhi Chhibber. NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is the Government’s premier policy think-tank, replacing the erstwhile Planning Commission in 2015.

Q35. World Radio Day, observed annually on February 13, had which theme for 2026?

A) “Radio for Peace and Democracy”
B) “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice”
C) “Radio in the Digital Age”
D) “Connecting Communities through Radio”

✅ Answer: B) “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice”

📝 Explanation: World Radio Day 2026, observed on February 13, had the theme “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice.” The day commemorates the establishment of United Nations Radio in 1946 and highlights the enduring relevance of radio in the age of AI and digital technology.

Q36. World Day of Social Justice is observed every year on which date in February?

A) February 14
B) February 18
C) February 20
D) February 28

✅ Answer: C) February 20

📝 Explanation: World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20 to promote inclusion, reduce inequality, and expand access to opportunities for all marginalised groups. The 2026 theme was “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice.” February 20 also marks the Foundation Days of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

Q37. National Science Day is celebrated on February 28 every year. It commemorates the discovery of which scientific phenomenon?

A) Discovery of DNA double helix
B) Discovery of the neutron
C) Discovery of the Raman Effect
D) Discovery of X-Rays

✅ Answer: C) Discovery of the Raman Effect

📝 Explanation: National Science Day is observed on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928. For this discovery, he won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. The day promotes scientific thinking and awareness among students and citizens.

Q38. Rare Disease Day 2026 was observed on February 28. What was the 2026 theme of Rare Disease Day?

A) “Diseases don’t define us”
B) “More than you can imagine: the realities behind rare diseases”
C) “Share your colours for rare disease awareness”
D) “Living with a rare disease: Research and Hope”

✅ Answer: B) “More than you can imagine: the realities behind rare diseases”

📝 Explanation: Rare Disease Day 2026, observed on February 28, had the theme “More than you can imagine: the realities behind rare diseases.” It marks the 19th edition of this global awareness event, launched in 2008 by the European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS).

Q39. World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2 each year. It marks the adoption of which important environmental convention?

A) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
B) CITES Convention
C) Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
D) Stockholm Convention

✅ Answer: C) Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

📝 Explanation: World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2 to mark the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran in 1971 (came into force in 1975). The Ramsar Convention now has 172 contracting parties and works to conserve and sustainably use wetlands worldwide.

Q40. PM Modi launched a Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive in February 2026 from which city?

A) New Delhi
B) Varanasi
C) Ajmer
D) Jaipur

✅ Answer: C) Ajmer

📝 Explanation: On February 28, 2026, PM Narendra Modi launched a nationwide HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccination Drive from Ajmer, Rajasthan. HPV vaccination is critical for preventing cervical cancer, which is the second-most common cancer among Indian women. The drive targets adolescent girls across the country.